On the evening of the 28th of December, 1881, a little
company of eight ladies and five gentlemen assembled
at the home of Dr. Huston, Pendleton, Indiana, for the
purpose of more fully discussing the Chautauqua Idea,
and if possible to organize a branch of the great
Chautauqua Literary and Scientific Circle. Three months
behind in the year’s studies, the outlook was not as
encouraging as could have been wished, but finding one
of the class mottoes to be “Never be discouraged,”
it was unanimously agreed that we organize. Teachers
were also chosen for the principal studies, and it
was thought best that they should present the lessons
to the class in the form of questions. This method
was generally observed throughout the year, with the
exception of some lectures on geology. At each session
two of the members were appointed to write papers
for the following week, on some subject pertaining
to the lessons. Longfellow’s birthday was the only
memorial observed. Besides the usual exercises of the
evening a short sketch of the life of the poet was
read, followed by the reading of two of his poems. Our
weekly meetings were well kept up, and much interest
manifested in the studies until the first of May, when
owing to summer heat, and many calls on the time of the
different members, it was thought best to meet once a
month, each member being given a portion of the studies
to be brought forward at the next session. This plan
was found to be a good one for the summer months, and
was continued until the beginning of the new year’s
studies, when the weekly meetings were again resumed,
and the meetings were spent in much the same manner as
the first year with the exception of the evening of the
thirtieth of November, when a complete change was made
in the program, by having a C. L. S. C. thanksgiving
supper and a general good time at the residence of Mr.
and Mrs. Whitney. Since that time our circle has lost
several of its members either from sickness or change
of residence, but we hope ere the beginning of another
year to be fully reinforced and ready to continue the
good work.