=Ontario= (Picton).—The Picton branch of the C. L. S. C. held its second
meeting for 1883-84 on the evening of November 19. We start on the new
year with an increased membership of twelve, and also with a greater
degree of enthusiasm in the prosecution of our studies. Our membership
now reaches thirty-nine, representing the classes of ’84, ’85, ’86, ’87.
The program for the evening’s entertainment consisted of selections
bearing on the life and character of Martin Luther; two papers, one on
art, condensed from THE CHAUTAUQUAN, the other on the lives of Philip
and Alexander; an interesting and animated conversation on the works of
Oliver Wendell Holmes, and quotations from the same, which were given
by most of the members; the quotations in the November number of THE
CHAUTAUQUAN on Grecian history, singing of selections from Chautauqua
songs, and a solo by one of our members, which closed a very interesting
and instructive entertainment.
* * * * *
=Maine= (Calais).—When the news of the C. L. S. C. movement, and the
advantages it offered for home study reached Calais, it was hailed
with delight by three teachers, who enrolled themselves as members of
the class of ’83. These kept up the work till last year, when they
were joined by seven members of the class of ’86. During the winter
and spring we held informal meetings monthly at the houses of the
members. We received so much benefit from these that, in September, we
met and organized a Local Circle. Our officers consist of a president,
vice-president, secretary and treasurer, with an executive committee of
three, whose duty it is to prepare programs for the meetings. We hold our
meetings fortnightly in the parlor of the Congregational Church, which
a good friend rented for us. We now number about thirty members, and a
good deal of enthusiasm is shown in the work. Our programs consist of the
questions in THE CHAUTAUQUAN, readings from some of the authors studied,
papers on important events and persons considered, etc.
* * * * *
=Vermont= (West Brattleboro).—The Pansy branch of the C. L. S. C. was
organized on the evening of September 13, with officers consisting of
president, secretary and executive committee, chosen for three months. By
commencing thus early we were enabled to have the books on hand, and be
in complete working order by October 1. We began with twelve names, and
have since increased the list, until we now have enrolled sixteen regular
and eleven local members, all of class ’87, and who have entered upon the
Course with an earnest purpose to do their best to cultivate “the gift”
that is in them. We have as yet settled upon no definite plan for our
weekly meetings, but have been experimenting to find what exercises were
best fitted to our needs and capacities. We have had at different times
reading from THE CHAUTAUQUAN, essays, one minute oral reports on subjects
previously assigned, quotation exercises, question boxes, etc. Bryant’s
memorial day was also appropriately observed. We always close with
the song so familiar and dear to all who have heard it in the Hall of
Philosophy, “Day is Dying in the West,” followed by prayer. November 21
was a “red letter day” in our annals, because it was then our privilege
to listen to a lecture by Dr. Vincent. The members of both our local
circles, numbering about seventy-five persons, sat in a body in the hall,
and the “salute” was given heartily. After the lecture the Doctor was so
kind as to improvise an informal reception, and give us a short address
concerning our C. L. S. C. work, together with the pleasure of a personal
meeting with him, and we parted feeling grateful for the renewed courage
and ardor with which we shall continue the year’s reading, and for the
increased opportunities for culture that have been made possible to us by
the founder of the C. L. S. C.
* * * * *
=Massachusetts= (Lowell).—On the evening of September 26, 1883, about
twenty persons met in the vestry of the Eliot Church and formed a local
circle. Some have left, while others have joined. We have now thirteen
local members and ten regular members. We adopted the “Proposed plan for
a Local Circle,” given in the Chautauqua Text-book No. 2, with slight
changes. Our meetings are held on Monday evenings, every two weeks. They
are very interesting and profitable. There are four other local circles
in Lowell, and we intend to hold union meetings on the memorial days.
* * * * *
=Massachusetts= (West Haverhill).—About twenty from this vicinity were
privileged to attend the Assembly at Framingham, Mass. Of course we came
home all aglow with enthusiasm for the C. L. S. C. Early in October we
held a public meeting, thus adding some new names to our list. We now
have a membership of twenty-five. Our meetings are well attended and
interesting. We start out on this year of work with fresh courage and
hope, and with strong faith in the C. L. S. C. as a means of blessing to
all who engage in its work.
* * * * *
=Massachusetts= (New Bedford).—The pastor of the Allen Street M. E.
Church of this city suggested the formation of a local circle to a few
young people of his parish last fall. He proposed that a meeting should
be held in the vestry of the church every two weeks for a review of study
and for mutual benefit. He called an organization meeting on the first
of October, and when the evening was over there were thirty-three names
enrolled. He presented a constitution which was adopted. A president,
secretary, treasurer and committee of instruction were elected. This
committee of instruction consists of the officers and three ladies. One
of these persons, with any two members of the circle whom he or she may
select, arranges the program for each meeting. We have had four regular
meetings, each of which has been attended by from forty to sixty
persons—members of the Circle and their friends. Each evening we have
had original papers on topics suggested by the study, tests, suitable
poems, songs, etc. We have now forty-two members, ranging in years from
fourteen to fifty. It was a little undecided at first what we should
call ourselves, but it seemed like such an earnest band of workers,
some one suggested we should be the “Philomaths.” We all praise the
Chautauqua movement for the precious advantages it offers to all “lovers
of learning.”
* * * * *
=Connecticut= (Westville).—Our circle was formed in January, 1883.
Although we had lost three months’ study, the year’s work was finished
before July. We review all our reading in our meetings, held once in
two weeks, the members taking turns in conducting the reviews, and
dividing an evening’s work between three or four. We started with seven,
all regular members, and now number fourteen, ten of whom are regular
members. We enjoy our Chautauqua meetings very much, and as none of us
like to miss them, we have a good attendance.
* * * * *
=New York= (Brooklyn).—We have lately organized a circle in the midst
of this great city, which is the outcome of many informal meetings of
resident members of the class of 1887. The proposition to form ourselves
into an organized branch of the grand Chautauqua Circle was received with
uproarious applause, and the manner in which every member lent his aid
in arranging the details, bespoke the individual enthusiasm in the work.
The program for our next meeting is as follows: Opening exercises; essay,
“The Persian Wars;” remarks by the president on collateral themes; essay,
“The Establishment of the Athenian Democracy;” speech by the treasurer
upon subjects of his own choice; questions and answers; essay, “The Age
of Pericles;” concluding exercises, which are very entertaining.
* * * * *
=New York= (Mount Kisco).—The Mount Kisco C. L. S. C. was organized
in October, 1882. We meet in the rooms of the Lyceum, bi-monthly. The
circle is made up of ten members, all enthusiastic, ardent workers in the
field of science and literature. We recite, in concert, the answers to
the questions in THE CHAUTAUQUAN, the leader reading the questions. The
readings for the last two weeks are then discussed. We try to make our
meetings quite informal, believing that restraint will thus be avoided.
Our officers consist of a president, vice-president and secretary.
* * * * *
=New York= (Greenwich).—Our class of ’86 have semi-monthly meetings.
During October and November we used the questions in THE CHAUTAUQUAN. One
of our members gave the geography of Greek History from a large map, and
others read from American Authors, Demosthenes’ Orations, etc.
* * * * *
=New York= (Newark Valley).—On October 17 we organized a local circle of
the C. L. S. C., and though our regular members number but twelve, yet
we have some very interesting and instructive meetings; upon the whole
a very enthusiastic club. Our plan is briefly this: We meet once in two
weeks, and after a Chautauqua song, and prayer, have two or three essays
and recitations; then general class exercises in Greek History, or the
current subject, a question box, and free criticisms.
* * * * *
=Pennsylvania= (Canonsburg).—Although Canonsburg had what we would call
a flourishing circle last year, we gave it no christening. We had a
membership of twenty-five. We purchased the Geological Charts, which were
a great help to the imagination in filling up the incredible proportions
of those monsters of past ages. While we were studying astronomy we had
the pleasure and profit of hearing a lecture on “The planet Jupiter,” by
Professor McAdam, of Washington College. After the lecture the Professor
kindly joined the class in the yard, and spent an hour in tracing the
constellations. The examination papers were promptly answered. The year
closed with an ice cream supper, when we spent the evening socially, and
sang many of the Chautauqua songs. September 19 we organized for another
year’s work with fifteen members. One of our members on going to Alabama
organized a circle there. Others who have left us are still reading. We
open our meetings with Scripture readings and roll call, at which each
member responds by a motto. We use the questions in THE CHAUTAUQUAN, and
recite the Required Reading by topic. We play the Chautauqua Games, and
we would say to all circles, “Get games.” At the close of each meeting a
few minutes are allowed for criticisms, in which all take part.
* * * * *
=Pennsylvania= (Ridley Park).—At the call of a few of our literary loving
people last spring, a preliminary meeting relative to the establishment
of a local circle was held at the Ridley Park Seminary, and at least
forty people assembled to hear the explanation of the principles embodied
in the Chautauqua Literary and Scientific Circle, as given by Mr. Wm.
Curtis Taylor, a gentleman to whom our people are much indebted for
their present literary inspiration. At a second meeting held a week
or two following, a permanent organization was effected and officers
elected. This circle, while it centers at Ridley Park, is not exclusively
confined to this place, but extends a halo as it were around a circuit
of probably ten miles. We are even represented in Philadelphia and
Wilmington, Delaware. Holding our meetings but once a month, and having
our membership so thoroughly scattered, we have found it a good plan to
establish what we term sub-circles, which hold their meetings about once
a week. These are presided over by chairmen appointed by our president,
and comprise at this time three sub-circles—Ridley Park, Sharon Hill,
and Philadelphia. At our last meeting, November 6, to each of these
was assigned some question for consideration, upon which one of their
members is expected to write an essay, and the sub-circle itself be
prepared to answer any questions propounded by the other sub-circles on
its particular subject. For example, the Ridley Park sub-circle which has
been assigned the subjects of History and Art, will be prepared to answer
whatever questions may be asked by the members of the other circles.
* * * * *
=New Jersey= (Newark).—At a meeting held October 8, a local circle was
organized, called the “Central,” composed of about thirty members. The
meetings are held fortnightly, the exercises being varied from time
to time. In part they consist of essays and reading of short extracts
from the best authors, varied by discussions as to the best methods of
pursuing the appointed studies. An executive committee of five, appointed
by the president, holding the office for one year, determine the nature
of the exercises and make the necessary appointments. There are at least
four local circles in the city.
* * * * *
=District of Columbia= (Washington).—At the earliest moment “Union”
C. L. S. C. reorganized for their third year of study. Nearly every
member was present, and there were a number of new recruits. One of
the circle gave a graphic description of a visit to Chautauqua, of
its surroundings and methods of work, thus creating an enthusiasm and
a determination among the members to do thorough work and win their
diplomas by honest endeavor. When they come to Chautauqua, as they will
in 1885, they wish to feel that they can justly and proudly march through
the Arches—true Chautauquans. The circle meets every Thursday evening
at the residence of one of the members, and the exercises are opened by
singing the Chautauqua songs as found in the _Assembly Herald_, with
organ accompaniment, after which the subject of the lesson is discussed
in a conversational way, by questions and answers and by essays by the
members. As all are working members and realize that application is
profitable, our meetings seldom lack in interest.
* * * * *
=Maryland= (Baltimore).—The “Eutaw” branch of the C. L. S. C. held its
November meeting in the cheerful parlors of the church parsonage, Rev. H.
R. Naylor, D.D., and family as hosts. The exercises opened with singing
and prayer. The president of the branch, after a few explanatory remarks,
stated that the occasion was especially significant and interesting
in that Miss Bessie G. Thomson, a member of our circle, had completed
the required course of Reading, and had received her diploma to that
effect, and would deliver before the Circle a valedictory address. After
the address our president favored the circle with a conversazione upon
the value of an education, abounding in apt quotations and valuable
suggestions. This was followed by Bryant memorial readings. The very
pleasant entertainment closed by a display of pictures of travel by one
of our number who has recently returned from Europe.
* * * * *
=Ohio= (Athens).—Our local circle held its first meeting this year, on
October 1, with twenty members present. The leaven is working gradually,
and each year we are able to record a number of new members, as well as
an increased enthusiasm among the older ones. “The Irrepressibles” are
well represented, but this term might, with propriety, be applied to
all our members, as they have fairly won it by indefatigable zeal and
industry. We have lost two of our members during the last year; one has
removed to another part of the state, the other has gone to join the
school above. Mrs. Alice S. Sloane was a member of the class of ’84, and,
although an invalid at the time of taking the course, never ceased to
keep up her reading until within a few months of her death. Her interest
in the work was remarkable in one so afflicted, and whenever opportunity
offered itself, she urged upon others the importance of accepting the
advantages offered in this course.
* * * * *
=Ohio= (St. Mary’s).—Our C. L. S. C. was organized the first week in
October, 1882. We commenced with seven members, but one of whom had been
at Chautauqua during the summer. One was a graduate of the class that
year. At the close of the year we numbered fourteen. Attendance good.
In alphabetical order each one takes charge of the exercises for the
afternoon, asks the questions in THE CHAUTAUQUAN, and calls upon each
member for a view of the topic assigned them in the Required Reading,
these topics having been given out at the previous meeting. We keep the
Memorial Days, and must say our members are quite enthusiastic in the
work. We have had no lectures, etc., as yet, but hope to some time in the
future.
* * * * *
=Indiana= (Brazil).—We have organized a C. L. S. C. at this place with
about twenty members, and the prospect is that several more will unite
with us. There is an unusual degree of interest manifested. We call our
circle the “Philomathean.” This is the first circle ever organized here,
though a few of the members have been reading for two and three years.
* * * * *
=Illinois= (Carlinville).—We have an enthusiastic local C. L. S. Circle
at this place of fifteen members, five of whom belong to the general
Circle, and to the class of ’84. We elect president, vice-president and
secretary every two months; critic and question committees serve for one
month. The latter furnish questions requiring verbal answers, or papers,
as case may be. At roll call each responds with items of news quotations,
or something of interest, short. Bryant’s Day roll call was responded to
by a quotation from his writings by each. On Luther’s memorial day each
one had something to say of him. We derive much profit and pleasure from
every part of the course, and think it most admirably arranged.
* * * * *
=Illinois= (Rushville).—The “Vincent” branch of the C. L. S. C. meets
semi-monthly, and we are happy to say that our interest is unabated. This
is our second year, and although we have lost several members by removal,
and two have taken up a collegiate course, we still have an enthusiastic
membership of fifteen. We have a president, vice-president, secretary
and treasurer. Our order of exercises varies. At our last meeting we had
read Dr. Talmage’s lecture on “Happy Homes,” delivered at Chautauqua.
Some of our members took the _Daily Herald_ during the Assembly, and we
have laid in store many good lectures which will be read at the circle
during the winter. We advise all members to take the _Herald_ another
year if they want to enjoy what is next best to going to Chautauqua—that
is, hearing all about it. The items from other local circles are read
with great interest.
* * * * *
=Illinois= (Yorkville).—The local circle of our town was reorganized
this year with thirty members. The officers consist of a president and
secretary, both of whom hold office for a period of one month. The
president appoints a teacher for each branch of study, and critics on
language and pronunciation are appointed for each meeting. Every one
feels a deep interest in the work.
* * * * *
=Michigan= (Decatur).—For two winters some ladies of our town have had
a class for the study of history, the members thinking they could not
take the time necessary for the Chautauqua course. The meetings were
pleasant and instructive, but during the past summer one and another of
the class, and some not belonging to it, determined to take the C. L.
S. C. readings. Accordingly a “Pansy” circle was organized October 1.
Various reasons prevented our meeting again for nearly three weeks, but
since that time we have had regular weekly meetings. They are not weakly,
however, for with most of the circle the readings have been studies.
Our president, who by the way is a member of the class of ’84, and has
studied alone for three years, tells us that we do more studying than any
circle she has known. We have ten members and two “local members,” and
hope for additions to our number. We think the “Chautauqua Idea” a grand
one. May it run the wide world through.
* * * * *
=Wisconsin= (Milwaukee).—The “Delta” circle, of this city, reorganized
October 2. Last year we numbered but sixteen, and this year we have
enrolled over thirty, of whom twenty-five are regular members of the
C. L. S. C. Our officers consist of a president, vice-president and
secretary, elected annually; also a referee, elected monthly, who
is expected to be able to settle doubtful questions in regard to
pronunciation, etc. Meetings are held once a week at the homes of the
members. We follow the outline of studies published in THE CHAUTAUQUAN.
Our exercises consist generally of a review of the week’s reading,
conducted by a leader who is appointed two weeks in advance, and who
assigns topics, allowing one week for preparation. We try to make our
meetings as informal and conversational as possible. It is at the
pleasure of the leader to vary the exercises as much as he chooses. Our
last evening was devoted to political economy, the leader having arranged
for a discussion on “Free Trade versus Protection,” in which six members
participated. The interest in the circle is constantly increasing.
* * * * *
=Wisconsin= (Elkhorn).—At the close of last June the local circle at
Elkhorn seemed at its lowest ebb. Owing to removals, sickness, and other
reasons, only two remained out of the six who started in January, 1882,
who were able to attend the regular meetings, and when one of them
removed in September to Milwaukee, the remaining member almost forgot
our class motto, “Never be discouraged,” for among her acquaintances
there was apparently but little interest in the C. L. S. C., and she
seemed doomed to plod on alone. In October, without any _great_ effort
on the part of any one, there sprang into being a full-fledged local
circle of nine members. This circle had been in existence under the name
of the “Elkhorn Mutual Improvement Society,” for two years, and some
good work had been done in English History and Literature, but now an
inspiration seized the members to take up the C. L. S. C. studies, and
the society was reorganized without a change of name, and retaining the
old constitution nearly intact, into a C. L. S. C. local circle. Some of
the members entered upon the studies with misgivings, lest they should
not be able to do the work, but so far the work has been easier than was
anticipated, and the circle, as a whole, is doing it enthusiastically
and thoroughly. The main cause of this renewal of interest in the C.
L. S. C. may be fairly traced, I think, to the influence of the Monona
Lake Sunday-school Assembly, whose sessions at Madison last August were
attended by two members of the “Mutual Improvement Society.”
* * * * *
=Wisconsin= (Milwaukee).—The C. L. S. C. is booming here. The “Bay View”
local circle recently organized by Rev. B. F. Sanford has thirty members,
and has live meetings. This one and one on the south side are part of the
result of Dr. Vincent’s late visit.
* * * * *
=Iowa= (Muscatine).—The local paper of Muscatine says: There is probably
no town of its size where so much genuine literary taste abounds in
society, as in Muscatine. Last evening, the third Chautauqua circle
was organized with a membership of twenty-five, and the other two are
flourishing like green bay trees. It will be said by the cynic that these
organizations lack true _cultus_ and real literary taste, the cultivated
man and woman having little occasion to put themselves under an arbitrary
discipline to compel the prosecution of their reading or study, and
feeling little sympathy for a movement that violates the sacred privacy
between author and reader, and refusing to submit their literary tastes
to the procrustean exercise of any man’s dictation. We have heard these
things said against the Chautauqua system, but if a tree is to be known
by its fruits, there can be but one opinion of an organization that is
rearing so many youth of our land of both sexes in the cultivation of
their mental powers and graces, informing them in history, philosophy
and art, bringing them betimes to the streams of pure literature, and
accomplishing them so thoroughly in their wide range of study as to make
them authorities everywhere by reason of the universality and accuracy of
their attainments. It is thus that we find the advanced Chautauquans whom
we have the honor to meet, and so are they impressing themselves upon the
whole country.
* * * * *
=Dakota= (Yankton).—Our circle of ten or twelve members has had an
existence of something more than a year. Our meetings, held once in two
weeks, are intensely interesting and instructive, and each member seems
enthusiastic in appreciation of the work. The interest has been such
that one of our most difficult problems has been how to condense the
discussion of the various points of interest in our studies, in order to
close at a reasonable hour.
* * * * *
=Dakota= (Faulkton).—The former president of the C. L. S. C. work in
Muscatine (Iowa) has removed to Dakota. The following notice from the
Faulkton (Dakota) _Herald_ proves that Chautauqua has not been forgotten:
Last Friday evening a goodly number assembled at the residence of Major
J. A. Pickler to discuss the advisability of forming a Chautauqua circle
in Faulkton, and all appeared to be highly interested in having a society
here. After some few remarks the Chautauqua circle was organized with
Mrs. J. A. Pickler, president.
* * * * *
=Kansas= (Leavenworth).—This is our second year. We organized in March,
and although five months behind, we succeeded in completing the first
year’s work; but were thereby compelled to double the lessons and omit
the observance of the Memorial Days, and the following of the admirable
plan laid down in THE CHAUTAUQUAN; but are now marching ahead with the
class of ’86, and find the enthusiasm somewhat increased. Our meetings
are conducted on the conversational plan, being led by one of the best
instructors, a former Professor in our public schools. We find it
more interesting to assign portions of the lesson to each member for
discussion. We appoint a critic at each meeting, and at the close of
the lesson he brings his criticisms before the circle. On Memorial Days
we briefly discuss the life of our character, and give our individual
opinions in regard to his characteristics, and each member gives a
selection or quotation from one of his works. This is the fourth year for
one of our members, who, before the organization of the circle, pursued
the course alone.
* * * * *
=Nebraska= (Omaha).—Early in September a temporary organization of the
C. L. S. C. was effected in our city, and the objects and requirements
of the course were explained by an old Chautauquan. Shortly after,
Dr. Vincent visited us, and by special request addressed the would-be
Chautauquans, arousing the intelligent enthusiasm of a large number
of listeners. A meeting was called at an early date, at which time
the circle was permanently organized, officers elected, constitution
and by-laws adopted, books ordered, and the “Omaha” C. L. S. C. was
ready for work. By the help of several old Chautauquans the ’87s are
greatly encouraged. The entire membership are highly pleased with
the course of study, and are determined to complete the course. The
program committee is appointed monthly, thereby affording great variety
in the order of exercises. Thus far in our work we have profitably
used individual recitations, concert drills, essays, conversations,
round-tables, readings, addresses, spelling matches, etc. So great has
been the interest shown, that notwithstanding regular meetings are held
semi-monthly, extra meetings have been demanded. The committee aims to
secure thorough and systematic reviews at each meeting of all subjects
studied, and are meeting with admirable success in this attempt. The
Chautauqua University is gaining power and popularity in the “Gate City,”
and other circles are being organized in our midst.
* * * * *
=California= (Vallejo).—The circle of the Chautauqua University formed
in this town is progressing finely. Meetings are held regularly, and the
studies of the previous week are profitably and thoroughly discussed.
From the nature of the work, and the interest manifested in the same,
there is every assurance that our circle, which now numbers seven, will
increase. Did the people but know the advantages, the real, genuine
benefits to be derived through the C. L. S. C., I have no hesitancy in
saying that we would not only have the above number of members, but that
number of circles in the town.