The banquet passed off most pleasantly.
At a recent meeting of the “Evergreen” circle, of GREENVILLE, S. C., the
circle expressed in a series of fitting resolutions the sorrow of the
members at the death of Mr. Richard Grant White, and their appreciation
of the value of his recent work for THE CHAUTAUQUAN.
A letter from PETERSBURG, VIRGINIA: “We organized our circle last
October, but it was almost January before we got fairly started. We
follow closely the work laid out in THE CHAUTAUQUAN, occasionally having
a public meeting. Our observance of the Longfellow and Shakspere days was
as creditable as any literary exercises ever presented in our vicinity.
Our desire for books has been so much increased by the C. L. S. C. that
we have resolved to establish a library for the reading element of our
city, and we have begun by the purchase of a few works as a nucleus.”
ORANGE CITY, FLORIDA, has the beginning of, we hope, a large circle, in
six readers who are taking the C. L. S. C. with their general reading.
They use the questions and answers and make the general news of the week
a feature of every program. The “Orange City” circle is looking forward
to an assembly some day at Mount Dora.
OHIO comes in with a letter too good to lose: “I discover in your May
number that a Kansas member of the C. L. S. C. class of ’85 says he is
the oldest of that class and was born (1815) in the year of the great
battle of Waterloo. I hope he will persevere and enjoy the exercises
until he reaches the age of at least three of the ‘Irrepressibles of
’84,’ two of whom are 75 years of age and one 84. The last is still
reading for another seal and hopes to be at Chautauqua in August. Hope
the member from Kansas will press on in the work he has begun, for
there are great possibilities before him which can only be attained by
perseverance. He will retain his mental faculties fresh and vigorous as
in youth. Press on, good brother, and you will reap your reward here and
hereafter.”——The C. L. S. C. of CINCINNATI and vicinity held their _Sixth
Annual Reunion_ on May 5th in the parlors of the First Presbyterian
Church. A goodly number were present from “Alpha” circle, “Cumminsville,”
“Christie,” “Mt. Auburn,” “Cheviot,” “Grace M. P.,” “Third Presbyterian,”
“Emanuel,” “Covington,” “Newport,” “Madisonville” and “Walnut Hills.”
The program consisted of an address of welcome by J. G. O’Connell, Esq.;
prayer by Rev. S. N. Spahr, followed by music, readings, and recitations.
The room was brilliantly decorated with mottoes and class emblems, and
a profusion of choice and fragrant flowers. From the chandeliers were
suspended the class dates, ’85, ’86, ’87, and ’88, and the letters S. H.
G. and under these were grouped merry companies, who took part in the
collation, which was not the least enjoyable feature of the program. The
quarterly vesper service was held on Special Sunday, May 9th, at Grace
M. P. Church. It was ably conducted by Mr. E. F. Layman, President of
“Grace” circle. Rev. S. N. Spahr gave a very excellent address to the
members upon knowledge rightly directed.——The “Young Men’s” circle of
CINCINNATI has been doing good work this year. The circle is composed
of companion workers in church and Sabbath school, and the bounds of
union have been strengthened by the united study of the “Word and Works
of God.” The Chautauqua studies were taken up by them with an earnest
desire to better fit themselves for successful work. Their faith and
courage has been severely tried by the death of one of their active,
earnest members, Mr. George E. Wilcox—a sorrow which they are struggling
to make a blessing.——The class of ’88 has a live section at MORROW, the
“Irving.” There are over thirty regular attendants in the band and their
fortnightly meetings are conducted like college recitations, a pastor
being the instructor. May the “Irvings” prosper and multiply.
A friend writes from NORWAY, MICHIGAN: “We wish to be recognized by our
fellow-workers as a prosperous circle, although a small one, and we are
very glad we have joined them.” The “Norway” has made a splendid record
in its year’s existence, having met every week since last October. It
need not fear a lack of cordial welcome here.——“Thornapple” circle, of
NASHVILLE, boasts a history very similar to that of the “Norway.” It
was first organized a year ago, and its membership is ten. The members
are all workers, and kindly report themselves highly pleased with the
Chautauqua Idea.——A letter full of the Chautauqua characteristics comes
from DECATUR: “Our ‘Pansy’ circle of twenty-five members have held
regular meetings since October. We are enthusiastic, and have done
genuine work. But it has not all been work. We have had a ‘question
match’ upon Greek History and Mythology, the winner of the contest
receiving as a prize an original poem. On Founder’s day the question
box was on ‘What has Chautauqua done for me?’ On Longfellow’s memorial
the circle visited a neighboring class, spending a merry evening. But
the red-letter day of the year was April 23d, when a dinner party was
tendered the members and their husbands by one of the circle. It was
generally pronounced the most enjoyable affair the town had had in many
a day and served as a good advertisement of what the C. L. S. C. does
for its members. Few of our guests knew how much we had done or could
do.”——An unusually good joint meeting took place at FLINT in honor of
Shakspere. Two circles of the C. L. S. C. and one of the Spare Minute
Course united. We like one thing on the program particularly. After
taking up in essays Shakspere’s Character, Home Life and Contemporaries,
the essays were all studies of one play—“Macbeth;” thus the plot of
“Macbeth” was outlined, then followed “Macbeth’s Character,” “Lady
Macbeth,” “Who was Duncan?” “Witches and Ghosts,” and “Moral of Macbeth.”
This is a much more satisfactory method than several disjointed readings
or studies. The evening was closed by conversation and readings,
conducted by an able Shaksperean scholar, Hon. E. H. Thompson.
Shakspere himself would, we wager, have been nothing loath to have taken
part in the celebration given in his memory at GOSHEN, INDIANA; for
“Kitchen Science” illustrated took up the first part of the evening, and
the supper, we are told, was not confined to the articles on which THE
CHAUTAUQUAN has tried to instruct its readers this past year. In the
evening, after these gastronomic exercises were finished, a literary
program was carried out.——Here is a circle “of the first magnitude.” Read
its record. “The FRANKLIN C. L. S. C. of INDIANA has increased during the
past three years from a membership of twelve to forty-five. We have never
failed in having our regular meetings every two weeks since we first
organized. During the past winter the circle managed the lecture course
of our city, and as one of the results cleared nearly $100. Chancellor
Vincent was one of the lecturers, and the members of our circle were
delighted to meet him after hearing ‘That Boy.’”——The C. L. S. C. at
LIMA, representing classes ’85, ’86, ’87 and ’88, is one of the brightest
and most wide-awake circles in the State. The circle was organized
three years ago, and now has a pleasantly furnished room with piano,
library, etc.; meets every Friday evening, and observes all memorial
days.——SHAWNEE MOUND has a Chautauqua class of twenty-three members. We
are pleased to notice that the circle passed, at a recent meeting, a
resolution of respect in memory of Richard Grant White, expressing their
sorrow at the loss which American scholarship, and in particular the
C. L. S. C. have sustained.——We are pained to record the death of Mr.
Hermon St. John, at SALEM, on May 1st. The Chautauqua work loses in him a
faithful friend.
It has been remarked in these columns already that “Alpha” of QUINCY,
ILLINOIS, is famous for its novelties. Their latest sensation was the
very practical illustration of a subject given before the circle by the
secretary. This gentleman is a native of Hibernia, and so was chosen for
a paper on dynamite. When called upon to perform he produced a package
of the explosive, much to the consternation of the members.——There died
at RUSHVILLE, on April 18th, the oldest member, without doubt, of the
C. L. S. C. in the world, Mr. Van Rensalaer Wells. Three years ago his
daughter began reading to him the books of the course. He took a lively
interest in these readings, and finally joined the class of ’86. Had he
lived it was his intention to have visited Chautauqua at the graduation
of his class.——A good woman from CHICAGO writes: “I went about from house
to house among my friends, and finally succeeded in inducing three young
persons, all earning their own living, to begin the readings with me.…
We sit around a table socially, and discuss freely our literary repast.…
I forgot to say that I am a very busy woman, the mother of three boys.
My best reading is often done after nine at night, when the little eyes
are closed in sleep.”——The announcement of a new C. L. S. C. arrival
is made from OREGON, where the “Ganymede” of twenty members appeared
in October last. Busy people, but they feel that they can not afford
to miss the Saturday evening meeting. The meetings are to be continued
through the summer for the purpose of review.——Another Illinois addition
made to the C. L. S. C. last fall was at SAVOY, where a club of eighteen
was gathered. Notwithstanding the very severe weather and deep snow,
and the fact that the circle members are farmers, living far apart, the
sessions are full and wide-awake. A very good plan has been tried by
the circle in chemistry, the blackboard being used for exercises. Every
circle ought to have a blackboard.——The history of the class at BUCKLEY
began in 1882, when six members met in informal meetings for discussion.
In 1884 it was thought wise to organize formally. Since that time the
circle has been making a decided impression upon the community. Two
public meetings have been given, which have attracted general attention.
At the last, the closing session of the year, thoughtful remembrance was
made of the president by the gift of a beautiful chair.——A band of nine
join the ranks from WARREN. It is only of late the class has found a
name. It is “Meridian,” from the fact that the town is situated on one
of the meridians. The circle has been following THE CHAUTAUQUAN in its
plan of work, using the published programs, with slight variation.——“It
takes three to make a circle,” writes a lady from FARINA, “and we are
three; one ‘Invincible,’ one ‘Pansy,’ and one ‘Plymouth Rock.’ We are
scattered as to time, but are united in interest, in enthusiasm, and
in determination. Our circle was organized in November, 1881, only a
dot—myself—but though alone, and unsuccessful in securing readers,
and hindered in every way from doing the best of work, there was a
satisfaction in doing the readings that nothing had ever brought into my
life. What we shall accomplish as a circle, the future will reveal, but
there is no ‘giving up’ to any of us.”——A Chautauqua circle of MOLINE,
not yet a year old, and a Shaksperean circle, under the same direction
as the former, have been coöperating the past season in a series of
parlor meetings of great interest. In January it was a dinner party; on
Founder’s day a literary performance with brief essays on Chautauqua
subjects; and on Shakspere day a decidedly new thing—a Shaksperean
quotation contest. No one was allowed to give a quotation that had been
given by another, and the successful competitor took the prize on his
ninety-fifth quotation.——We are in receipt of the Longfellow program of
the “Oakland” circle, of CHICAGO; an excellent and varied list of numbers
it is. The “Oakland” is a wide-awake circle.
From MARKESAN, WISCONSIN, the secretary of “Climax” circle writes: “We
are still in a flourishing condition. Although some who were with us last
year have gone to new homes, we have new members to make up those we have
lost. There are no very young students in the class, but one has to wear
two pairs of spectacles to see. We have observed most of the memorial
days, and found the programs in THE CHAUTAUQUAN very useful.”——What one
zealous reader did is told in a note from DARLINGTON: “Last year myself
and daughter read the course alone. Before the beginning of the present
year I put a short article explaining the C. L. S. C. scheme into our
local paper, and called a meeting of all those who would like to take the
course. The result is that we now have a circle of thirteen. There will
probably be an increase next year.”
A beautiful souvenir of the Longfellow celebration of the “Vincent”
circle at MILWAUKEE, MINN., has reached our table. The memorial was a
perfect success, and with justice the members felt very proud of it. The
“Vincent” is another circle sprung from the faithfulness of a single
reader, a lady who in 1883 began the course, and in 1884 had gathered a
circle of twenty-two about her, each one of whom responds promptly and
faithfully to all calls for class work.——The “Quintette” of “Plymouth
Rocks” at DULUTH have been doing the regular work since October, in
informal meetings led by the different members in turn. They expect soon
to change their name to suit an enlarged membership.——The “Gleaners,”
of ZUMBROTA, with a goodly number of their friends were treated to an
interesting program of exercises on Shakspere day. The “Gleaners” are
a power in their community, and have, they say, “enough enthusiasm to
fill up an evening without refreshments.”——At HASTINGS a circle began
life in October with sixteen regular members, besides several local
members. The class has had a sad break in its ranks by the death of Miss
Kate Stebbins, a bright young woman who had undertaken the C. L. S. C.
studies.——ST. PAUL bids fair to become exactly what its Chautauquans are
aiming to make it, a great C. L. S. C. center. To this end a “Central”
circle has been formed in the city, composed of six circles, the
“Wakouta,” “Itasca,” “Dayton’s Bluff,” “Plymouth,” “Canadian American,”
and “Pioneer,” and numbering in all over an hundred members. The
“Central” circle celebrated Longfellow’s day by a very enjoyable program,
and is trying to make arrangements for other joint entertainments. The
St. Paul friends are proud of having two of their number prominent at
Lake de Funiak, Mrs. Emily Huntington Miller, one of the founders of
the “Pioneer” circle, and Dr. L. G. Smith, pastor of the First M. E.
Church.——The home of the Minnesota Summer Assembly, WASECA, is the center
of a stirring circle of twenty members. The increase in the circle is
largely due to the efforts of the Rev. A. H. Gillet and his colaborers at
the Assembly, which met at this lake for the first time last year. The
“North Star,” of Waseca, offers a very attractive plan of work.
The IOWA friends come in as strong as ever. WINTERSET reports a new
circle of twenty-five members, with a weekly program published in the
local paper, and growing zeal.——DUNLAP reports another which is in its
second year, and which numbers twenty-three. An especially good program
was arranged by these friends recently. A number of their members
visited New Orleans the past winter, and an evening of sketches of
Exposition sights was arranged.——“Sunny Side Straight Line,” of HAMBURG,
is composed of two school ma’ams. They meet whenever and wherever it is
convenient; after five p. m., before eight a. m., at the gate or in the
kitchen. Pleased with the course, they are looking forward to joining
the “Pansies” at Chautauqua in 1887.——The AFTON circle had the pleasure
of celebrating its first memorial day on April 23d. They succeeded so
admirably that Addison day was observed as well. The Afton circle pays a
kind tribute to the work: “We are glad the Chautauqua Idea struck us, but
sorry it failed to reach us sooner. It has been of untold benefit to us,
opening to our view new fields of thought, and arousing new resolutions
for the future.”——At BLANCHARD the “Pansy” class gave an entertainment
not long ago for the benefit of their work. An elocutionist was secured
and after the performance the C. L. S. C. and its aims were presented to
the audience. The circle realized a nice little sum from their venture,
which they propose to turn into maps, charts and the like for their room.
An excellent idea.——Kindly mention we must make, also, of the DECORAH
circle. Like all Iowa circles, it “grows.” The secretary writes: “We
began last year with quite a small number, but have kept adding to our
numbers until there are eighteen now who are reading the course. Our
circle is composed entirely of ladies, the most of whom have work that
takes up the greater part of their time. We have very pleasant meetings
and derive much pleasure and profit from them.”——WASHINGTON, IOWA, has a
circle of thirty members. It has been holding weekly meetings for over
two years. At the close of last year this circle held a picnic with
the Fairfield circle, and this year they have distinguished themselves
by an elaborate Longfellow entertainment. “Miles Standish” was read
and illustrated by tableaux. The Washingtonians certainly displayed
extraordinary artistic ability in arranging one, at least, of these
tableaux. They wanted “Priscilla” led in on her “Snow-white Bull,” but
how to manage the “palfrey” was a question. Here is how they did it: A
long narrow table was padded, the legs wrapped, a head with suitable
horns constructed, and the whole thing finally wrapped with white
cotton-flannel. “Necessity is the mother of invention.”——A beautiful
memorial comes from one of the members of the circle at HUMBOLDT. “My
mother, aged eighty-one years, died March 4th. She was the first one in
this county to become interested in the C. L. S. C. She made her eldest
grandson a member, bought the books for the first year’s course, and
read them first, marking whatever she wished him to notice. At our class
meetings she always selected from the Bible the chapter to be read at
the opening exercises.… A grand helper has left us.”——At KEOSAUQUA a
circle was organized as long ago as ’82. Of the original eight members
only three are left, but the circle has more than held its own, now
numbering twelve or more members. They are fortunate in having as a
leader a teacher of unusual ability.——At TABOR a circle was organized
last September, which, with a goodly membership of interested members,
is doing excellent work. A Professor from Tabor College has helped this
circle much by performing for them chemical experiments.
The Chautauqua work has lost one of its strongest members in COOPERSTOWN,
DAKOTA, this year, in the sad death of Mrs. H. G. Pickett, who
accidentally shot herself in her husband’s bank in that town. She was an
ardent admirer of the Chautauqua work, and her life a true exposition of
the truths that the C. L. S. C. is striving to bring into the practical
every-day life of its members.——A spirited Shakspere anniversary was
celebrated at FAULKTON. The parlors where the circle met were filled to
overflowing with delighted guests, and full exercises of tragedy, song
and jest were carried out.
The “Kate F. Kimball” circle, of MINNEAPOLIS, KANSAS, started on its
career in October last with a membership of thirteen. Their plan is
simple and practical—a sure way of introducing conversation. Each member
is required to prepare five questions on the readings, which are given
to the circle, and which are then discussed. This method would serve a
good purpose in the _conversazione_.——The _Kansas City Journal_ suggests
that Tuesday night in that city ought to be called Chautauqua night, as
nearly a dozen circles meet there on that evening.——The “Clytie,” of
ARKANSAS CITY has had a severe trial of its loyalty this year. Malarial
fever has broken their ranks so that they have been able to hold but a
few meetings. It does not dampen their ardor though, and they express
all honor and gratitude to Superintendent and Counselors for their wise
help. The “Clytie” joins another Kansas circle in protesting against
the name “Plymouth Rocks.” This is the “Greenwood,” of EUREKA, which
declares, “We can not become reconciled to it.” The “Greenwood” does not,
however, allow its pleasure in the reading to be spoiled by the class
name, for it writes: “Chautauqua gives us a broad departure from our
daily cares and ruts which is very refreshing, and we trust it will be of
benefit to us.”——Here is a five-year-old Kansas town, EVEREST, of five
hundred inhabitants, with a circle of sixteen members. Here is certainly
a chance, with such a start, to grow up with the country.——Greetings
to the class of ’86, and to all Chautauquans, come from the circle at
LEAVENWORTH. This circle has ten members. Its chief circle interest is
the question box, which frequently leads to a lively discussion. They are
favored in having secured an excellent leader, the Rev. J. A. Monteith.
Several of this class are reading the White Seal course.
There are in NEBRASKA nineteen circles of the C. L. S. C. A strong
effort is being made to secure at the Assembly at CRETE, in July,
a full attendance of representatives from all these organizations.
Accept a word of advice from THE CHAUTAUQUAN. Go to Crete if you can
get there. It will pay you in more than double measure to take part in
the exercises of C. L. S. C. day. Of the nineteen circles of Nebraska,
the one at LINCOLN takes the lead, we believe, in numbers. It has
reached forty-seven, with an average attendance of about forty. In
recognition of the literary character of the circle the Superintendent
of Public Instruction in Lincoln has kindly opened a room in the new
State House to the circle. The Lincoln circle, as befits its location
at the capital of the State, is taking active measures to make the C.
L. S. C. day at Crete a success. Already they have attracted public
attention by a unique Shaksperean festival, at which a number of guests
were entertained.——Another of the nineteen is at FALLS CITY, an ’88
offspring. The circle has seventeen members. An executive committee of
three appoints instructors for the review of each meeting, following
the plan in THE CHAUTAUQUAN. The class observed Longfellow day with
appropriate exercises. Our Falls City friends have chosen a name with a
meaning—“Misselts”—“I will surmount all difficulties.” Not an easy name
to take, by any means, but the “Misselts” is made up of school teachers
mainly, and what can they not do?——An addition to the Nebraska circles
is made at HOLDREGE. It came about in this way, writes a friend: “I left
my home circle in Indiana in December last and started out to ‘try my
fortune in the far West.’ I first stopped at Odell, Nebraska, and tried
to introduce the ‘Chautauqua Idea’ there. I found it was already being
talked of, and by the efficient efforts of a gentleman interested in the
movement, a grand, earnest circle was organized. In February I came to
Holdrege, the ‘Magic City,’ as it is called, naturally expecting every
one to be interested in the C. L. S. C. I had almost decided to give up
the course, because I was so busy, when I met a teacher of the town—a
‘Pansy.’ We have formed a circle, and next year instead of having the
smallest number possible, expect to compare favorably with any in the
State.”——BLAIR has a circle of twenty-two members this year. A small
circle has been at work in the town for two years, but this year its
membership has increased in remarkable proportions. Blair is situated
within sight of the Missouri River, and from this noble stream the circle
calls itself the “‘Souri.” Occasional parlor meetings for invited friends
are enlarging the work rapidly in Blair.
Already we have given our readers hints of the noble way in which
Professor Spring has been representing Chautauqua at NEW ORLEANS. His
last public exploit was the Shaksperean Anniversary. From a local paper
we learn of the success of the undertaking: “The thirty-first birthday of
the Stratford-on-Avon bard was celebrated last evening at the Exposition.
The ceremonies were gotten up almost entirely by Prof. Edward A. Spring,
director of the Chautauqua classes in sculpture. It was hoped that Judge
Braughn and other local gentlemen learned in Shaksperean lore would have
been present, but a heavy storm prevented. The ceremonies, however,
were very successful, though briefer than had been intended. They were
presided over by ex-Governor Hoyt, from far-away Wyoming, chief of the
jury on education, who made a brief but eloquent oration in commencing
the proceedings. He dwelt on the incomparable greatness of Shakspere
and the immense influence his writings have had on the many millions of
people speaking the English tongue, and showed how, as the centuries roll
on and as the English speaking peoples grow and multiply, the luster
that attaches to his name must grow brighter and brighter. Following
Governor Hoyt, Professor Spring made a neat little speech, setting forth
the benefits accruing to those connected with the great educational
institutions with which he was connected, and how appropriate it was for
the Chautauquans to include in the fifteen great events they commemorate,
the birth of Shakspere. Mr. Spring then introduced Mrs. Florence Anderson
Clark, of Bonham, Texas, a member of the C. L. S. C., who closed the
evening by reading an original poem on Shakspere.”
From the far western frontier of TEXAS, at ALBANY, comes this letter:
“Three of us associated ourselves together the first of October to read
the Required Readings of the C. L. S. C. In January we were joined by two
more. Our method of study has been to have each member originate twenty
questions, to present at each weekly meeting to the members, who on the
following week take them up to answer and discuss. The circle has been
quietly but seriously working. The benefit of having a certain course of
reading has already been felt, and we believe that many others will be
influenced to join us the next year.”
COLORADO is represented by a circle of seventeen at DELTA, a growing
young town blessed with many people of culture and refinement. The circle
belongs to the ranks of the ’88s, and is proceeding with the vigor
characteristic of the class. They luckily can introduce good music as a
part of each evening’s program. By the secretary of the Delta circle a
word of experience is added: “After pursuing the course of study nearly
four years, I can add my testimony as to its great inspiration to all who
are systematically keeping it up.”
CARSON, NEVADA, has the “Sierra Nevada” circle of twenty-five ’88s, a
vigorous young life that, in spite of delays in getting books, and the
discouragements in starting, is getting along famously. The spread of the
C. L. S. C. in the West depends very largely upon the organized circle.
The “Sierra Nevadas” have a summer work of bringing in recruits, as well
as of making up back lessons.
The flags are flying from the “Green” circle, of PORTLAND, OREGON, and
“we are getting along splendidly,” is their watchword. They write that
they are growing more and more enthusiastic, and that the circle is
becoming “a joy and a feast of good things” to them all. “Green” circle
had a brilliant Longfellow celebration last winter. The feature of it
was a Longfellow picture gallery, representing the principal heroes and
heroines. A good idea to remember when we come around to February 27,
1886.
The remarkable Floral Festival held in SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA, on May
5th, in honor of Mrs. M. E. Crocker, to whom that city owes so much for
her munificent charities and endowments, was participated in by two of
the local circles of that city. The “Sacramento” circle sent an elegant
tribute to the festival. On a bust about three feet high, decorated
with flowers and bearing the letters C. L. S. C., was erected a gateway
with gates ajar; within was an open book. The “Vincent” circle sent one
equally unique—a pyramid of flowers surmounted with a flower-wreathed
pole, from which was suspended a banner of flowers.
The “Alma” circle of SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA, consists of seventeen members
of the class of ’87. Longfellow’s day was a very pleasant occasion with
them. The president tells us: “The good effects of the reading are
already to be seen among our numbers; a desire for good and profitable
reading being manifested more and more as we pursue the course.”——The
Chautauquans of SAN JOSÉ had a very interesting meeting in celebration
of the “Bard of Avon.” A most excellent program was rendered. One of the
leading features was a very able critical review of “As You Like It,”
read by a lady of the circle.