Letter-writing, that is genuine letter-writing, where one fills a
half-dozen sheets with happy thoughts, spicy comments and fresh ideas
has become, if not a lost art, at least an old-fashioned accomplishment.
We lose much, both of culture and pleasure, when we neglect our letters.
Animated, interested, breezy letter-writing produces almost the same
feeling of sympathy and good fellowship as a face-to-face visit, and
no means of social intercourse quicker brings into activity our best
mental gifts. We fancy that among the many good works of the C. L. S.
C. must be included as one of the first, the incentive which it has
given to letter-writing in its “Correspondence Circle.” It may surprise
some of our readers to know that already this circle numbers several
hundred members. Our first report from a local circle of correspondents
comes from =Jersey City, N. J.=, and is very suggestive of what may be
done. The secretary writes: “Our little circle thinks it time to claim
a place in the family. We are septangular, perfect in number if in no
other respect. We can not strictly be called ‘local,’ as our angles are
far reaching. Three of our members live on Staten Island, one at Spring
Valley, one at Tappan, one in New York City, and one in Jersey City. Our
communication is maintained by correspondence. We commenced our reading
in October, 1882, and for one year plodded along without the help to
be gained from association. Then it was agreed to carry on the work of
a circle by correspondence. This plan has been in successful operation
for six months, and it has proved of great benefit and interest to us
all. The object of the circle is to awaken a more active interest in and
incite to a more thorough study of the course of readings prescribed by
the C. L. S C., therefore it is resolved: First, that on the first day
of every month each member shall prepare a list of questions (containing
not less than ten nor more than twenty) on the prescribed readings of
the preceding month, and forward as many copies of the list as there are
members in the circle to the secretary, who shall distribute them to the
members. These questions must be answered and returned to the secretary
within two weeks of the time of reception, after which the collection of
answered questions must be passed from one member to another throughout
the entire circle. Second—The questions must be such as will admit of
answers which can be written on two lines of common note paper. We are
seven busy people, our president is an active business man, three of our
members are teachers, and we have all to use the corners of time to
keep up with our studies. The preparation and answering of our lists of
questions and answers adds greatly to our labor, but we all agree that
_it pays_. We are all loyal Chautauquans. Please count us in.”
The wonderful class of ’87 is doing a great deal of enthusiastic work,
if one is to judge from the throngs of reports that come to us. We have
never had as many new circles to report as we have this month, and at no
time have the reports been more enthusiastic and suggestive. =Biddeford,
Me.=, starts the list with a circle of nearly fifty. They have a capital
idea in their “German evening,” in which the history, literature and
music of the “Fatherland” was honored by carefully selected exercises.
Very similar to this must have been the “Tour through Germany” which the
=Knoxville, Tenn.=, circle took one evening not long ago. They had a
delightful time, as their letter shows: “One member conducted the party
from Knoxville to New York, across the ocean to Bremen, and then to
Frankfort. Another member took us to a German hotel, then sightseeing in
Frankfort, and to a German home, where our hostess kindly showed us over
her house and explained many of their customs. This member of the circle
was also our guide on all our journeys, and pointed out many of the
peculiarities of the customs and people, and called our attention to many
amusing incidents. Other members of the circle described the principal
cities which we visited, government buildings, art galleries, pictures,
etc. Altogether, the evening we spent in Germany was one of the most
delightful of the year.”
From the hill town of =East Barrington, N. H.=, a friend sends a most
interesting account of the founding of their circle. “This is a scattered
farming community,” she writes, “containing an unusual number—for its
population—of people desirous of more intellectual advantages than have
heretofore been within their reach. We are too far from the cities to
derive much benefit from lectures, libraries, etc., and are not rich
enough to have them at home. Chautauqua offers just what we need. My
oldest son is a member of the class of 1886. The other children are
‘picking up’ a great deal, and will join as soon as they are old enough.
I did not join with him—for I feared with my many cares I should not find
the requisite time; but I can not let the books alone, and have kept
step with him so far. He read alone the first year. Every one to whom
he recommended the course—and that was every acquaintance—shook their
heads doubtfully. ‘Greek, Russian History, Geology? O, no! we are not
“up” to that.’ I did not like that. I knew better, and procured a copy
of ‘Hall in the Grove’ and sent it on its mission. Result—a C. L. S. C.
organized January 1, 1884. Four regular members, and a number of local
ones, which increased with every meeting, and who all announced their
determination to ‘begin squarely next October.’ Many of our members are
in my Bible class, and I can see the fruits of their reading every week.
At home I see it every day. I would not have dared to report our little
band as a circle, were it not for the notice in the March number of THE
CHAUTAUQUAN—‘If there are but two members associated in study, report as
a circle.’ You may judge of our enthusiasm when I say that some members
drive four miles in a New Hampshire winter to attend the meetings.” It
takes a great deal of pluck, as well as enthusiasm, for people to brave
New Hampshire winters, but no more, perhaps, than the little circle at
=North Weymouth, Mass.=, has to exercise in carrying out all the work of
a full-grown circle while numbering but _two_. In spite of numbers they
meet on Monday evening of each week, and look forward with great deal of
pleasure to those meetings. They generally question each other on the
studies of the previous week, and sometimes read essays on what has been
studied. On the memorial nights they invite in some of their friends,
varying the order of exercises, and doing their best to entertain. What a
lesson to some of us who adjourn if the leader is absent, and who enforce
but one parliamentary rule—that of requiring a quorum to have a meeting!
From =Brighton=, =Beverly=, =Melrose= and =Shirley=, =Mass.=, we hear
of new classes. At =Roxbury= a circle of twenty-three was organized
in November last. One of their members declares that he never enjoyed
anything more. Twelve busy people form the “Pansy” Circle, of =Chelsea=,
the second circle of that city, organized last October. They write that
they are obliged to plan a great deal to find time to accomplish their
readings, but that they are so interested that they do not often fail.
The “Raymond Circle” formed on January 1st, and composed of eighteen
members, is the third class now in active operation at Lynn. _Eight_ new
circles from =Massachusetts= in one report!
At =Greenwich, Conn.=, the members of the class of ’87 have organized the
“Sappho Circle.”
=Babylon, R. I.=, has a circle of over thirty, which has been in
operation since last October. It is said that a dozen circles were formed
in =Providence, R. I.=, last fall; if this be true they have not all
reported, although we have three reports of new organizations before
us: The “Clio Circle” numbering forty-two, the “Whittier Circle” of
thirteen, and the “Milton Circle” with twenty-two members. These circles
all mention as one of their greatest social pleasures, the interchange of
courtesies by the circles on Memorial Days. On Longfellow’s Day, “Milton
Circle” entertained their C. L. S. C. friends in the city.
To the already goodly list of =New York= circles we have six new ones to
add from the following towns: =Bath=, =Cicero=, =Manchester=, =Pultney=,
=West Galway=, and =Gouverneur=. The circle at Bath has a membership of
thirty, a full corps of officers, and a prepared program, which they
find both pleasant and profitable. At Cicero the circle was not formed
until January 1, but the reading has been so enjoyable that they have
done double work to “catch up.” The circle of fourteen at Manchester
have honored themselves by giving their class the name of the “Mary
A. Lathbury Circle.” Miss Lathbury’s birthplace and early home was
Manchester. At Gouverneur the circle has increased to thirty-eight
members since its organization, and they seem particularly interested.
The work has been done so willingly that the secretary writes: “It has
been pleasant to note how ready the members are to respond when called
upon to prepare articles for the society, and what thorough work they
are willing to do, though they are all busy people.” In the report
of their Longfellow memorial we were pleased to notice that they had
a paper on “Longfellow’s prose-writings,” a subject which was almost
entirely neglected in most of the programs. There are many fine things in
Longfellow’s prose. An evening spent with the poet is hardly complete if
it neglects “Outre-Mer,” “Hyperion,” and “Kavanagh.” The experience of
the Gouverneur circle is that of many others when it writes: “One of the
chief benefits which we derive from our meetings is that which comes from
knowing each other better. Our circle is made up of people who would not
often be called together by other interests, so that beside the benefit
that comes from the reading and study, we have each added to our list of
friends many whom we can not lose.”
The secretary writes from the circle of fifteen at =Tunkhannock, Pa.=:
“I can say, not boastingly, but confidently, that but few, if any,
circles are more wide awake or thorough in the course;” while from =West
Middlesex=, of the same state, they send word that they are trying by
careful study to hail their fellow students from the top round of the
ladder.
A vigorous, growing circle exists at =Reading, Pa.= In March they held
a public meeting which did much to extend public interest in the C. L.
S. C. They prepared an excellent program, taking care to select subjects
which would show the scope of the Chautauqua work, and presented it so
entertainingly that many were aroused to interest in the work.
From =Corry, Pa.=, the “Omega” is reported, and from =Troy Center=, of
the same state, a member of the new circle organized there in January,
1884, writes of the influence of their reading: “Though we are country
people we find both enjoyment and improvement in our reading. The meager
knowledge of the farmer has widened into that of their more fortunate
brethren. I doubt if some of the hopes, inspirations and longings that
have been kindled by this winter’s studies will be satisfied by the old
ways of spending the few leisure moments that come to us.”
=Lancaster, Pa.=, organized a circle in December, the first in the city,
and so called “No. 1.”
The Asbury C. L. S. C. in =Wilmington, Del.=, numbering about twenty-five
members, was organized September last. They write: “Our meetings, held
semi-monthly, are exceedingly interesting, being conducted on the
conversational plan, affording us an opportunity of hearing the opinions
and ideas of the different members, giving us new thoughts, as well as
impressing what we have read more indelibly upon our memories; we also
have questions prepared by different members on some particular branch of
our studies.”
We are always glad to hear of new circles in the South. This month we
have an excellent item from =Richmond, Va.= A circle was formed there
last November with a membership of six, and it has steadily increased,
until they now have a membership of thirty, which comprises nearly all
of the male teachers in the city and three of the principals. They have
given two public entertainments, both of which met with marked success.
At =Media, Ohio=, there is a C. L. S. C. “Olive Branch” of ten members,
which so arranges its programs that each member has something to do at
each meeting—a most excellent plan to insure interest and attention. At
=Springboro, Ohio=, is another new circle of four members, but so zealous
that in spite of numbers they have observed all the “Days.” =Saint Paris,
Ohio=, reports a class of fourteen, organized in October last, most of
whom, they write, are reading the White Seal Course in addition to their
regular work. At =Franklin, Ohio=, is a quartette of readers, brought
together by one lady’s visit last summer to the Monteagle Assembly, and
she now writes of their circle: “We meet once a week. Read and talk, and
query and give information most informally, and always have delightful
times. We have decided that outside of our Chautauqua work we are the
four _busiest people in town_, yet we find time to do our work. Not so
thoroughly as we would like, but in such a way as to derive much benefit
from it.”
At both =Franklin= and =Crawfordsville, Ind.=, there are new circles,
each numbering twenty-eight members. The circle at =Marion= (a beautiful
town of about 5,000 inhabitants in central =Indiana=), is the result of
the efforts of a few ladies who, after much thought, and many misgivings,
started out one afternoon to try and interest the ladies of their town
in the good work. The time was surely just right for such an enterprise,
for they met with a success beyond their most sanguine expectations.
Fortunately they succeeded in enlisting many of their friends, who were
ladies of influence, and now have a flourishing organization known as
the “Marion C. C.” They have a membership of twenty-three, an average
attendance of about twenty, and all so deeply interested, that they write
that there is not one but anticipates the four years’ course.
=Preston=, =Carbondale= and =Tuscola=, towns of Illinois, have each
formed new circles this year. The Tuscola circle rejoices in a member
who, having traveled through Europe, delights them by picturing St.
Peter’s, St. Paul’s, the Appian Way, the Coliseum, Westminster Abbey, and
many other places of historic interest.
A new circle which was formed last October at =Kalamazoo, Mich.=,
reports a very promising outlook in the growth of the work there; while
the circle at =Erie, Mich.=, organized in the fall, and now numbering
twenty-eight members, says: “We have every reason to hope for a large
addition to our membership in October next.” Perhaps the secret is to be
found in the interest they are taking in their work, for they write: “We
congratulate ourselves on the pleasure afforded us by our studies, and on
the improvement from month to month in the work of individual members.”
We like that sort of interest in the C. L. S. C. which leads members
to do everything in their power to follow the methods outlined by the
leaders. It is such interest that makes the Circle grow—a case to the
point comes from =Winfield, Mich.=, from a member, who writes: “I have
secured a student to join in the studies of the C. L. S. C. for the class
of ’87, and so am able to report as a circle from this place, though only
two of us.” Too often “only two of us” is made an excuse for not joining
the Plainfield office.
“We are doing very thorough work, not only reading, but studying,” writes
the secretary of the =Litchfield, Mich.=, circle. =Howell, Mich.=, has
a circle of thirty-five ’87s. They had the privilege of welcoming the
president of the class of ’87, the Rev. Frank Russell, on the 20th of
February last, on the evening of which day he delivered his popular
lecture on the “Man Invisible,” there under the auspices of their local
circle. They took occasion to celebrate his coming with a reunion of the
Chautauqua circles of the county. A most excellent idea, and one that
evidently did both the fortunate hosts and guests much good, for they
declare that they feel sure that all present were encouraged to press on
to help swell the “Pansy” class of ’87 to 20,000.
The “Flour City,” =Minneapolis, Minn.=, circle, commenced work the first
of November. “Our number,” they write, “does not exceed twenty. We meet
every Monday night for two hours, even when the thermometer has been on
its way from twenty-five to thirty-five below zero. There is a great
deal of pressure upon our lives in this thriving city, and we have not
attempted to follow out attractive lines of study suggested, but have
followed the course carefully, varying our exercises from time to time.
We get up maps and charts, and exhibit pictures of places that we study
about. Recently we spent the evening with the German authors from whose
pens extracts have appeared. Each member present had a character, and all
were well prepared. It proved one of our most delightful evenings.”
A “Chautauqua Triangle” meets weekly at =Grinnell, Iowa=. From =Brighton,
Iowa=, a class of nine is reported, and from =Ackley=, of the same
state, a lady writes: “Our circle of about a dozen members has just
been organized, what it lacks in numbers being made up in enthusiasm.
We are to meet weekly. We have considerable variety among our members,
some being college graduates, and others wishing they were; some being
C. L. S. C. graduates, and others hoping to become such in ’86 or ’87,
and still others, knowing that they can not pass through the ‘beautiful
golden gate’ before ’88. For the sake of such we unite in reading the
‘Bryant Course’ for the rest of this C. L. S. C. year, the old C. L. S.
C.ists taking that work in addition to the regular reading, on which all
will enter in the fall.”
A little company of readers have formed a new circle at =Davenport,
Iowa=. The interest in the C. L. S. C. course is increasing constantly,
there being now over fifty persons who are taking the whole or parts of
the course.
Our friends at =Corydon, Iowa=, have been experiencing the effects of
being too social. Their club of fifteen was organized last fall. Their
meetings were always pleasant, but as they had no plan in their work
they often found themselves unwittingly off the topic. Fortunately they
discovered their mistake, and voted to reform. They write: “The two most
profitable meetings we have yet had, were the two since ‘the change.’ Now
we think we have the ‘Chautauqua Idea.’”
=Kansas= sends word of two new clubs; one at =Elk Falls=, of nine
members, and another at =Andover=, of seven.
From =New Market, Platt County, Mo.=, we have received the program of
the exercises held on Longfellow’s Day by the circle of four there.
The teachers of the Natchez union schools, at =Natchez, Missouri=, were
formed into a circle in December.
In Southern =Dakota=, at =Bijou Hills=, the circle of ’87 has been
holding weekly meetings all winter, and writes that notwithstanding the
limited advantages on the frontier they are not discouraged, but live in
hopes of having a larger circle next year.
In January there was formed a circle at =McGregor, Texas=. Two of
the members are of the class of ’82, and until recently lived in New
York state, having spent nine happy summers at Chautauqua. One of the
beautiful things about Chautauqua is that you can carry it with you—even
as far as Texas, and that, as these two friends have done, you can impart
its strength and inspiration to others.
The first report which THE CHAUTAUQUAN has received from =Wyoming
Territory= comes from =Cheyenne=, where, in February, a circle was
organized consisting of eight active members, who pledged themselves to
complete the four years’ course of study. With true Western vim they
write: “Although small in numbers, we are earnest in purpose, and are
determined to be in the front ranks among the classes of 1887.”
=Canon City, Col.=, has organized a circle of ten busy housekeepers, who,
though they have long been away from the discipline of the school room,
yet find that it becomes continually easier to master the readings.
=Linden, California=, has a class of seven regular members, with a few
“socials.”
There is a great deal of genuine, healthy, social life in the C. L.
S. C., and a great many pleasant plans followed by different circles,
which can not fail to be suggestive to others. The “Alpha” circle, of
=Lewiston, Maine=, closed the year of 1882-3 with a social at the home
of one of the members. While making merry over cake and ice cream, the
writing of a book by the circle, each member contributing one chapter,
was proposed. The idea was at once accepted by all. The plan of the book,
subject, etc., was decided upon, two of the members volunteering to
write a poem. The first meeting of the circle this Chautauqua year was a
lakeside picnic, at which the party added to the usual picnic sports the
election of officers for this year, and the reading of the first chapter
of their book. We hope that book will be finished and reported. They are
not alone in their “Chautauqua picnic.” The =Galesburg, Ill.= circle kept
alive their enthusiasm last summer by holding one in the vacation, to
which all Chautauquans of the city were invited, whether graduates or not.
Perhaps the chief social event in the C. L. S. C. world so far this
year has been the Alumni banquet held by the classes of ’82 and ’83, in
=Boston=, on February 23d, in honor of Dr. Vincent, and Dr. Hurlbut. The
_Boston Journal_ gave a full account of the event, and from it we quote:
“The ladies and gentlemen who by virtue of their diplomas became members
of the ‘Hall in the Grove’—so the _menu_ announced—were presided over for
the day by Rev. O. S. Baketel. Prof. W. F. Sherwin acted as toastmaster,
and never did a more humorous or genial master call for responses. He
wanted a short, pleasant, instructive, amusing, cheerful, delightful,
jocose, scientific speech from every one, and thought that five or six
minutes’ speaking would surely not take ten minutes’ time. The class
representatives called upon endeavored to follow out this request, the
first one, Rev. George Benedict, of Hanson class, of ’87, condensing
his short, pleasant, etc., oration to half a dozen words uttered in
one minute. As soon as the toastmaster realized that ’87’s speech was
disposed of, he called upon him ‘who had been under the snow so long,’
Rev. B. P. Snow, of Biddeford, Me., class of ’86, and Mr. Snow described
in glowing colors the work of the C. L. S. C. in popularizing culture for
older people, declaring that it was not a college of universal smatter,
but one of real work and progress. Rev. J. E. Fullerton, of Hopkinton,
who responded for the class of ’85, spoke of the Chautauqua movement as
Christian, popular, progressive and peculiarly American. For the classes
of ’84 and ’83, Rev. W. N. Richardson, of East Saugus, and Rev. Alexander
Dight, of Holliston, respectively, responded. Each speaker had naturally
spoken in immeasurably high terms of the ability and wisdom of his own
particular class, but it remained for the final class representative,
Rev. Dr. J. L. Hurlbut, of ’82, to put the climax on humorous mock
modesty and class exaltation by eulogizing the first graduating class
of the Circle to the very highest skies, declaring that it possessed so
much knowledge that there was scarcely enough left to go around among
the other classes, and, moreover, it had laid the foundation of the
great people’s college. A few hearty words laudatory of the founder of
the Chautauqua movement, Dr. Vincent, and then the speaker announced
that henceforth that day, February 23d, the anniversary of the birthday
of the beloved Superintendent of Instruction, was to be recognized and
celebrated as ‘Founder’s Day.’ When the applause which greeted this
announcement had subsided, toastmaster Sherwin bade the assembly ‘do just
as I do,’ and then taught them the ‘Chautauqua salute’ with variations,
consisting of fifteen waves of the handkerchief in front and above the
head. Dr. Vincent arose after this salute, and having expressed his
appreciation and thanks, spoke to his pupils on the distinctive character
of the C. L. S. C. ‘A short dialogue,’ announced toastmaster Sherwin,
‘will now be given,’ and in accordance with this instruction Rev. Mr.
Full, of South Framingham, recited his prepared part, which closed with
a presentation to the Superintendent of two valuable sets of books, the
works of Hawthorne and Oliver Wendell Holmes, as a slight token of the
admiration of the alumni. The second part of the dialogue came from
Dr. Vincent, who, although entirely unprepared and taken completely by
surprise, yet acknowledged in graceful terms the gift of his friends.
A final prayer, and then the alumni of C. L. S. C. separated for their
homes.”
The class of ’82 has set an excellent example to all succeeding classes
by the way in which they have kept up their “class feeling”—especially
has the New England Branch been faithful in paying allegiance to their
Alma Mater, and in holding fast to the class bonds. Last August, at
Framingham, they held a very pleasant reunion. The president of the N. E.
branch of class of ’86, Mr. Pike, presided. Speeches were made by many
gentlemen, well-known workers in the C. L. S. C. Songs were sung and a
class poem read. A delightful affair in every respect, and one that they
should try to repeat each summer.
We do not often find new Memorial Days being added to the list, but the
“Merrimac” C. L. S. C. of =Newburyport, Mass.=, has added one. “Although
Whittier’s birthday is not a ‘Memorial,’ yet we felt we must observe
it, as he belongs almost to us, living just across ‘Our River,’ which
he has enshrined in verse, and from which we receive our title.” This
class is enjoying some excellent “helps” in their work. Quite recently a
gentleman, well fitted for the work, kindly favored them with an address
on Biology, supplementing his words with microscopic views. They have
now, in prospectus, a whole evening with the microscope, through the
courtesy of an educated German resident, and also hope from him a “Talk”
on his nation’s customs and ceremonies.
From the list of special occasions we must not omit the entertainment
which the circle of =Hampshire, Ill.=, held at the close of their last
year of study. They had a Chautauqua banquet, each member having the
privilege of inviting one guest. A very interesting literary program was
prepared by the members, consisting of essays, recitations and music,
followed by toasts. All present declared the evening delightful. The
circle has increased this year from twelve to twenty-three.
Not many lectures have been reported as yet. Under the auspices of the C.
L. S. C. of =Nashville, Tenn.=, Dr. J. H. Worman, the well known German
professor in the C. S. L., lectured March 3rd, at the Nashville College
for Young Ladies, on “Modern Art.” The society is to be congratulated on
securing so able a speaker as Prof. Worman. At =Milwaukee, Wis.=, the
six circles, Alpha, Beta, Grand Avenue, Delta, Iota, and Bay View, had a
delightful entertainment the 29th of March, when President Farrar, of the
Milwaukee College, devoted an hour and a half to “Views of Architecture”
from the earliest Egyptians down to the present time, given with the fine
stereopticon which he uses every week in the Ladies’ Art Class of over
two hundred members.
The old circles seem to be doing splendid work. =Richford, N. Y.=,
reports a steadily increasing interest and determination. A member of
the “Harlem” Circle, =New York City=, describes in an entertaining
letter their method of quizzing. It is good. The quizzing forms a
regular feature of the program, and is limited to fifteen minutes. It is
conducted by some one previously appointed. After that any member may
question the quizzer for a few minutes longer. Our correspondent has been
doing some useful C. L. S. C. work. He sent one of his old copies of THE
CHAUTAUQUAN home, and the people there were so much pleased with its
plan, that they are planning for some similar organization in their midst.
At =Ithaca, N. Y.=, the circle is fortunate enough to be in reach
of Cornell University and its professors. They are improving their
opportunities, too, having recently had lectures on “Architecture” and
“Political Economy.”
We like the ring of the report from =South Lansing, N. J.= It is worth
while to belong to a circle of two if it can be as pleasant as this
one: “In number we are but two (sisters)—the only C. L. S. C. in this
place. The duties of the usual officers of circles are borne by either
member, as opportunity seems to favor. Examinations, reviews, exercises
in pronunciation and definition are held at the most unconscionable hours
by a self-constituted leader. Suddenly a member, inspired by some new
reading, or a suggested thought, resolves into an animated question box;
or perhaps, presumes to criticise some notable book. In this systemless
manner we conduct our unadjourned meeting, and though our method, or
rather, lack of method, may not be commendable to other circles, it
certainly helps to meet the exigencies of ours. As we take leave of the
regular course—for we are ’84s—we would join our voices to the chorus of
Chautauqua enthusiasts.”
=Naples, N. Y.=, has a circle of twelve, of the class of ’86, the fruit
of the zealous work of one lady. This same friend was instrumental in
arousing interest in the reading at =West Bloomfield=, where now there is
a class of thirty. She accomplished this, she writes, while visiting the
town, by introducing the C. L. S. C. into every tea party she attended
while there.
A two-year-old club exists at =New Wilmington, Pa.=, from which we have
never before heard. There are twenty-four members. “As a rule,” writes
the secretary, “our members are teachers and business men and women
who have little spare time, but that little is enthusiastically and
profitably employed. We are fortunate in possessing several members who
are graduates of Westminster and other colleges. The studies are made
interesting by a thorough recitation in each study. Obscure points are
brought out and discussed freely and searchingly. The exercises are
spiced by essays on, and recitations from favorite authors and subjects.
Also by question box, debates, and music.”
The pleasant circle at =Hillsboro, O.=, is enjoying the reading and doing
very thorough work.
There are two excellent features in the report received from the society
at =South Toledo, O.= The members hand in a list of words to the vice
president to be corrected—including mispronounced words, or those
about whose pronunciation they are undecided, and they are at once
corrected—the discussion over points doing much toward fixing the correct
forms in their minds. Their city, on the banks of the Maumee River,
historical ground, with old Fort Miami and Meigs standing sentinel
over their respective charges, South Toledo and Perrysburg, and these
enterprising students have wisely made the most of their location. They
write: “In connection with our reading of Canadian and American History,
in which the greatest interest was taken, ‘we dived down deep’ into the
subject, had the history of this memorable spot written by our secretary,
who gave an account of the battle of Fallen Timbers in 1794, fought
between General Wayne, accompanied by General Scott and their forces,
and Indians under command of Blue Jacket and Little Turtle, with their
Canadian allies. The points of interest mentioned being so familiar
to us; also gave the history of the settlement of Maumee (now South
Toledo), with the progress of the place, and difficulties encountered,
mentioning old pioneers, interesting events, etc. A newspaper sketch of
a celebration held here in 1840 in honor of ‘Old Tippecanoe’ was read by
our vice president. On this occasion we had an informal meeting, inviting
guests to participate in our pleasure.”
The Alpha and Beta circles of =Quincy, Ill.=, are doing enthusiastic
work. On Longfellow’s day they joined their forces, carrying out an
appropriate program.
An effort to increase the membership has resulted in nearly doubling
the numbers at =Petersburg, Ill.= The circle is in its second year, and
rejoices in a wide awake president, who does his best to make this circle
a success, and to extend its influence.
=Nashville, Tenn.=, boasts a live circle of thirty-seven members and
many friends under the auspices of the Y. M. C. A. Recently at their
regular session in the parlors of the Association they executed a
series of exercises which were as thoroughly produced as they were
appreciatively listened to. Roman literature was the theme of the hour,
and most luminous lights were glanced at in essays short, concise and
pointed. Fifteen essays were read, and reports were read on facts, on
pronunciation of names, and on general pronunciation.
We have already heard good things of the C. L. S. C. at =Niles, Mich.=
There are some zealous members in the circle, one of whom, a teacher,
has been utilizing her reading very successfully in her school room.
Hawthorne’s biographical stories have been adopted for the Friday
reading, and each pupil is expected to reproduce orally, if called upon,
the whole sketch. The reading has been found very attractive to the
pupils.
At =Sheboygan, Wis.=, the circle still flourishes. They have been having
delightful evenings this year over their studies. The secretary writes:
“At our last meeting we had for our lesson the first half of French
History in THE CHAUTAUQUAN and the first part of the Latin Preparatory
Course in English. One of the ladies furnished a paper on the ‘Siege of
Calais,’ and another gave a talk upon the ‘Massacre of St. Bartholomew.’
One of our members who spent last year abroad brought a most excellent
map of Rome and many fine photographs of the Coliseum, the Pantheon, and
other places of interest, which helped us greatly in our study of the
seven-hilled city. We spent several delightful evenings upon Political
Economy, one of the gentlemen who has given much study to the subject
acting as leader.”
At =Faribault, Minn.=, they are dividing their time between Art and
American Literature. Though there are many letters before us still
untouched, we must close the box, taking just a glance from a letter
lately received from far away =Honolulu=, in which a lady writes: “After
enjoying five months’ reading with Dr. Wythe’s circle, of Oakland,
California, I found I had become quite a Chautauqua enthusiast. So after
moving here I sought out a few to start a circle. I succeeded in finding
four willing to try, and so we begun; we have now doubled in numbers,
but have not succeeded in finding a permanent leader, but for all our
drawbacks we enjoy it _immensely_, and intend to keep on, hoping some one
will come to the rescue.”