In preparing copy for the local circle columns we would caution
secretaries not to omit the name of state and town. This has been done,
and several valuable reports are on our table, stateless. We can not use
them, and will be censured for not doing so. Please bear this in mind
when you send your report.
* * * * *
The letter which we publish in the Editor’s Outlook this month deserves
careful attention. It is valuable for new plans, but more for the spirit
of ingenuity and push which it suggests.
* * * * *
The number of new circles formed this year is astonishing. The reports
are all strong and enterprising. From Shelburn, Vermont, the secretary
writes:
“About the first of November fourteen persons in this place formed
themselves into a literary circle and adopted the Chautauqua course
of study. Our method in our circle is simple and effective. We read
selections from the week’s work, and then converse familiarly upon what
we have read, thus giving the entire circle the benefit of each member’s
information upon the subject under consideration. By most of us the
course was undertaken with hesitation, for we feared that we should not
be able to do the work marked out for us, yet we have been encouraged
at every step of our progress. We have found the C. L. S. C. no hard
task-master, but a helpful friend.”
* * * * *
Massachusetts reports three new circles this month. One was organized in
Braintree, in October, 1883, consisting of eight regular members; others
attend, and they hope to enroll a number as local members. The circle
meets once in three weeks. The order of exercises varies, two being
appointed at each meeting to give the lesson and reading for the next
meeting. Seven are members of the class of 1887, one of class of 1884.
* * * * *
A circle, numbering twelve registered Chautauquans, and some twenty local
members, has been organised in the factory town of North Brookfield,
Mass. The circle starts off with splendid prospects of success, and the
only fear is to find rooms to accommodate the meetings as they grow in
size.
From Westfield, same state, we learn that the number of the readers
in the C. L. S. C. course has been increased each year at the return
of members from the Framingham Assembly, but that they have never had
a local circle until last fall. The first regular meeting was held
September 17, 1883. The circle numbers eighteen, composed of members of
three different classes; the original five intend to graduate the coming
summer. There is a good regular attendance.
* * * * *
At Canaan, Connecticut, a local circle was organized early in October
last, with a membership of fifteen, which has since increased to about
forty. It is doing good work, not only in promoting habits of thorough,
systematic reading, but in cultivating a better social feeling. An
executive committee arranges a program for each meeting in advance,
assigning to certain members the most important topics found in the
readings. The question box adds much to the interest of the meetings.
Connecticut also boasts another new circle, at Goshen, of which a member
writes: “A local circle was organized here the last week in September
with a membership of sixteen. We meet once a week at the houses of the
members, and have a large average attendance, considering the situation
of our hill town, some of us living as much as four miles apart. The
program varies according to the taste and inclination of the presiding
officer. A favorite way seems to be to choose sides. The leader of each
side asking questions which are prepared beforehand for the opposite side
to answer.”
* * * * *
“We have organized in our village (Hannibal, N. Y.) a local circle of
the class of ’87, consisting of sixteen regular and ten local members.
We hold our meetings weekly, and a lively interest is manifested by all.
On our roll we have two clergymen, two teachers, and some college and
seminary graduates; although we are as yet freshmen in the course, we all
expect to do good solid work and honestly earn our diplomas.”
At Orchard Park, N. Y., there is another new circle. The “Iota Class”
of the C. L. S. C. organized last October. “We have twelve interested
and enthusiastic members, three having joined since our organization. We
meet once in two weeks, at each meeting a committee being appointed to
prepare the program of exercises for the second ensuing meeting. By this
arrangement our program can be announced two weeks ahead, thus giving
ample time for preparation. By appointing a new committee each time we
find that it varies our entertainment, nearly every meeting introducing
something new. The following is the program for December 29: Opening
exercises, responsive service; song No. 12; secretary’s report; paper,
American poets; class drill on American Literature; brief oral account
of America’s greatest statesman; song No. 13; paper, comparative lives
of Wolfe and Montcalm; selected questions to be answered by class;
selections from Bret Harte; brief oral account of the present condition
of Greece; question drawer; report of orthoepist; closing exercises.”
* * * * *
A new circle organized at Bethlehem, Pa., numbers ten, and reports
enthusiastic meetings. Their plan of “quizzes” is especially good. The
secretary writes: “In our circle the first half hour is devoted to a quiz
in history, the president appointing a new conductor at each meeting. The
second half hour is spent in reading from American authors. The president
selects the pieces and appoints the readers. We use the third half hour
for a quiz in some branch connected with the course. After this we
spend the remainder of the evening in an informal way, talking over our
studies, and examining pictures of celebrated statuary, which the members
bring from different sources. We have been meeting every two weeks, but
all enjoy the meetings so much, and find them such a help that we have
decided to meet every week. Interest in the C. L. S. C. is spreading, and
I have no doubt that next year there will be several circles organized.”
* * * * *
From Ohio three new societies send us greetings. At Painesville a circle
was formed in November. They write—“We number only five, but we are
enthusiastic readers, and have received much benefit from the work. We
all belong to the class of ’87, excepting one member, who has read one
year, and with whom our circle originated.”
At Sabina, a circle was organized on September 28, through the
instrumentality of an energetic lady who had studied a year alone. It
consists of nine members, six of whom are gentlemen, and three ladies.
All are regular members of the C. L. S. C. Much interest was manifested,
the books were ordered at once, and the reading has progressed finely,
all being delighted with the plan. The circle has since been christened
“The Philomathean C. L. S. C.” The query box is made use of, and work
assigned at each meeting, and a general discussion opened on the readings
of the previous interval. They send best wishes to the C. L. S. C.
From Columbus the secretary writes: “We have a growing circle here
under the distinctive name of the “Central C. L. S. C. of Columbus.” We
began in October with a membership of fourteen, and now number twenty.
Our meetings are rendered interesting and profitable by papers on the
subjects of the month, interspersed with discussions and music.”
* * * * *
At Ottawa, Illinois, a local circle was organized in October last with
seventeen members, seven regular and ten local. They follow the course
of study laid out in THE CHAUTAUQUAN, and the reading for the week is
discussed, generally some one being appointed to question the class, and
occasionally an essay or address is read. A great deal of interest is
felt, and all are working very enthusiastically.
From Galena, Illinois, the secretary sends an account of a new circle,
and gives some very interesting reminiscences: “We have been much
interested in the C. L. S. C. for some time, and some of our members are
quite advanced in the course; but it was not until October, 1883, that we
organized ourselves into a tributary circle. Our meetings are controlled
and carried out according to a constitution ratified by the circle. We
endeavor to be as parliamentary as possible. We Galena people think
that of all others we should be the truest and best Chautauquans. Long
years ago, before some of us were old enough to remember, Dr. Vincent
was pastor of the M. E. Church of our city. He organized and carried
on while here what he called a ‘Palestine Class,’ though there was no
‘Palestine Park’ in connection with it. At the end of this course each
successful candidate was presented with a diploma and medal. At present
there are three of the original Palestine members in our circle, and if
we enter their homes they are pleased to show us the familiar face of
our ‘Princely Pericles’ hanging in some safe nook. So, you see, we feel
as though we had a right to Chautauqua and its benefits. We number about
twenty-two members, and have also one member in St. Louis and one in
England. The circle has radiated so far at present, who shall say where
the C. L. S. C. contagion will end?”
* * * * *
From Nashville, Tennessee, the secretary of the “Nashville Local Circle,”
a new organization of about twenty members, writes: “Our members have
taken a deep interest, from the very beginning in the work, and most
of us are fully up with the required readings, beside having read
several books in connection with those required. We hold our meetings
every alternate Monday night in the Y. M. C. A. parlors. Our exercises
are always entertaining and instructive, consisting of songs, essays,
lectures, readings, questions, etc. Milton’s memorial day was observed
in a very appropriate manner. The ‘East Side Circle’ joined with us by
invitation of Prof. Hurst. The exercises were opened with a Chautauqua
song and prayer. A short but very interesting sketch of Milton’s life and
character was read by Mr. E. C. Wells, and a fine selection from Milton
was read by Miss E. C. Whitehurst; the exercises were concluded with the
‘vesper service.’ We have adopted the motto of the ’87’s—‘Neglect not the
gift that is in thee.’ Nashville already has three circles, and the grand
‘Chautauqua Idea’ is fast spreading throughout the Sunny South.”
* * * * *
=Iowa= (Lyons).—We organized a circle last October of fifteen members. Of
our number nine have become members of the C. L. S. C., and are reading
the full course. We have not an elaborate program, but try to take up a
few things as thoroughly as possible.
* * * * *
=Iowa= (Marshalltown).—Our plan of organizing our circle, was first a
press notice, then individual effort. Our first meeting found twelve
persons anxious to commence the study. The second meeting there were
as many more joined our forces. We have divided our circle, one party
meeting in the afternoon, the other in the evening, all under one leader.
It is probable that by the close of the year we shall have a very large
and intelligent circle.
* * * * *
=Iowa= (Shenandoah).—Our circle was organized in October, 1883. It is
composed of busy people.
“To business that we love, we rise betime,
And go to it with delight.”
All are very desirous of doing good work, and are in real earnest as to
the success of our circle. All members are freshmen but one, who is a
sophomore. All are bound for a battle of four years.
* * * * *
The last of the new circles reported this month is from Louisburg,
Kansas. They say: “We are a little band of ten readers. We organized in
October for the purpose of studying the required course of the class of
’89. We feel that the study is a great benefit to us, and recommend it to
all.”
* * * * *
The circle at New Gloucester, Maine, has recently closed a lecture
course which proved successful beyond expectation. The circle has been
flourishing in fine style this year, and the meetings have been of a
high literary order. Essays on various subjects have been willingly
contributed, while much entertainment and profit has been derived from
passing round to the whole company written questions to be immediately
answered.
* * * * *
The circle organized at Rockville, Massachusetts, in 1882, is still in
fine condition. They meet weekly, and the program consists in answering
the questions in THE CHAUTAUQUAN, abstracts from required reading,
readings and conversations. In October the circle enjoyed a day at
Diamond Hill, R. I., gathering geological specimens.
The local paper of Hudson, Massachusetts, says: Our local circle is
doing excellent work. Here is the program of next meeting: 1st, Review
of “Ten Reasons why we should know the great outlines of Grecian History
and Literature.” 2d, Crayon map of Greece, drawn and explained. 3d,
Conversation on “The Art of Healing” as known to the Greeks. 4th,
Essay, “The Age of Pericles.” 5th, Conversation; some “Similitudes and
Contrasts” in Greek and American Literature. 6th, One Hundred Questions
on Biology, class. This means quiet, little by little, but constant and
steady work to extend the realm of personal knowledge.
* * * * *
The secretary of the Centerville, Rhode Island, local circle gives the
following account of how they made Political Economy interesting: “At
the last meeting of the circle a member who formerly gave much time to
the study of political science, delivered an informal lecture, in the
conversational vein, upon that subject, using the blackboard freely and
presenting a synopsis of the topics discussed in Mr. Steele’s articles.
The treatment of the subject differed considerably from that of Mr.
Steele. This talk was followed by a general discussion, participated in
by most of the members, during which questions suggested by the lecture
were propounded, answered by the member having the subject in charge, and
further discussed by the members. By this means the subject of Political
Economy, usually considered so uninteresting, was pronounced by all to be
the most entertaining thus far considered.”
* * * * *
We want to commend the following model program of exercises to the
attention of all circles. It comes from the splendid society at Troy,
New York, and was the program for January 3d: 1. German History—Early
Data of German History; Who were the Franks; Give an Account of Clovis;
The Achievements of Charlemagne; Character of Charlemagne. 2. Political
Economy—Uses of Political Economy; Define Production; Define Consumption;
Exchange and its Necessity; Banks; Protection and its Arguments; Free
Trade—its Arguments. 3. Physical Science—Air; Circulation of Water on
Land; Rivers; Glaciers. 4. Monthly Events—December. 5. Round Table. 6.
Conversazione—William Cullen Bryant.
What testimony could be more inspiring than this from Shushan, N. Y.:
“Most of our members are hardworking people, with but little time for
study, but they all unite in saying that every meeting is better than the
last.”
New York State sends us so much and so good reports that we are
embarrassed to find room for them all sometimes. We have a trio of
remarkably strong reports here which we give in full.
* * * * *
=New York= (Glen Falls).—We think we are now numerically strong enough
and combine enough enthusiasm to deserve a good sized corner in an issue
of THE CHAUTAUQUAN. Our Circle, in which we all take pardonable pride, is
on a very solid footing, and each succeeding meeting shows an improvement
on the one before. The pioneer member was Mrs. Charlotte W. Craig, to
whose zeal in pursuing the readings single-handed among us can truthfully
be attributed the successful start. In 1880 four ladies commenced the
reading independently, and things ran along in this lonesome manner until
last year a circle of thirteen was formed, with meetings every two weeks,
held in the afternoon. This was a strong nucleus, and ever and anon
during the winter and spring of 1883 their work was noticed in reports of
their meetings and memorial days which appeared in the local newspapers.
At the commencement of the year, 1883-84, in October last, a large number
were enrolled as new members. Our circle now is full half a hundred
strong, and the meetings which are held at private residences every
alternate Tuesday evening are truly enjoyable. The mode of conducting
them is very much like that of other circles, and needs no detailed
description. Beside the work laid out in THE CHAUTAUQUAN a committee
is appointed four weeks prior to each meeting to provide a program of
exercises, and as there is a good natured strife as to who shall excel
in the attractiveness and excellence of the program furnished, the
meetings never lack interest. A question box is quite well utilized, and
we also have an appointed critic. We have no glee club as yet, but a
movement in that direction has been made. The constraint which of course
characterized the first meeting of the new circle is fast wearing away,
and each meeting is looked forward to by all with increasing interest.
Our membership comprehends part of the best society of the village, and
is given a more solid aspect by a representation of one Dartmouth and two
Wesleyan graduates, who are very well pleased with their new connection.
From the start we have found the local newspaper a valuable and efficient
help.
* * * * *
=New York= (Brooklyn).—The “New York Avenue Circle” holds its meetings in
the Chapel of the New York Avenue M. E. Church in Brooklyn. The circle
is not connected with the church, and owes its place of meeting to the
courtesy of the trustees. There are at present (December) ninety-one
members, who come from all parts of the city—one member from New York.
They represent about fifteen different churches, of the principal
denominations. The members are both old and young gentlemen and ladies;
parents and their grown sons and daughters, business men, mothers of
young children, and young people just from school. Beside the members
there is a large transient attendance. This is the second year in the
history of the circle, and has begun with increased interest. Many
have expressed themselves as very grateful for the C. L. S. C. in the
personal advantage it has been to them. The meetings are fortnightly, on
Thursday evenings. There is an able committee of instruction who usually
undertake the reviews. Others are sometimes called upon, and frequently
the leader assigns essays to selected members. Especially has this been
the case with the review of American Literature, when the various authors
were distributed through the class for three-minute essays. The music
committee provide solos or duets, both vocal and instrumental. The songs
from the “Chautauqua Song Book” are used at the opening of the meetings.
Occasional lectures have been given; as for instance, last year one on
the spectroscope, and two on astronomy. One meeting was devoted to China,
when essays on the literature, manners and customs, Confucianism, and the
missionary work were read. Another evening was devoted to Scandinavia.
There were essays, as on the Chinese evening, and songs, all of which
were of Scandinavian composition, one being sung in Swedish. Extra social
evenings have been found necessary, in order that the members of so large
a circle may become acquainted. The interest continues, and good work is
done.
* * * * *
=New York= (Cortland).—We, the Alpha C. L. S. C., of Cortland, N. Y.,
feel ourselves honored in belonging to an organization that is doing such
a noble work as is the C. L. S. C. We organized as a circle October,
1882, and have tried to accomplish faithfully the work in the course thus
far. We number about twenty members, most of whom are housekeepers, with
a sprinkling of clerks, bookkeepers and teachers. We elect our officers
twice a year, and have in addition to a president, vice president and
secretary, a committee on instruction appointed from month to month,
whose duty it is to lay out the work; also a committee on pronunciation.
Our circle meets weekly, and in brief, this is our usual program: 1. An
hour spent reading aloud from one of the required books by alternate
members. 2. Questions from THE CHAUTAUQUAN, covering subject-matter read
during the evening. 3. A short review in the form of five questions on
each of four subjects passed over in our last year’s work. 4. An oral
examination on the Required Reading in THE CHAUTAUQUAN, alternating
subjects from week to week. 5. A personation by some member giving
first, obscure data, after which more prominent features concerning the
life, character and works of the character presented. Circle decide on
character. 6. Query box. This is with us quite an important part of the
program, as topics are discussed of quite a practical nature, as well as
the topics of the day.
* * * * *
Pleasantville, Pennsylvania, a beautiful little village of perhaps
six hundred inhabitants, writes us: “We have two circles; one of the
graduates, and one composed of those who have not yet had the honor to
finish the regular C. L. S. C. course. The classes are composed entirely
of ladies—some unusually bright ones and we generally get along very
well.”
* * * * *
=Pennsylvania= (West Philadelphia).—We call ourselves the Quaker City
Circle of the C. L. S. C. We have nineteen members. We select parts of
the Required Readings each month, and certain members (usually three)
are appointed to ask questions, or to write essays for the following
meeting. We have had a very enjoyable essay on “Art,” with engravings of
the notable works of Grecian and Roman Art and Ruins, from one of our
members—also two evenings with the microscope. Our greatest trouble is
the evening is so short that we can not get all in.
* * * * *
Among the Society Notes of the _Evening Star_, Washington, D. C., we find
the following: “The ‘Chautauqua Idea’ seems to have taken a firm hold
on Washington, and has evidently come to stay. It affords pleasure and
means of profit to hundreds who might but for its influence ever remain
in want of literary or scientific culture. Of the many circles in the
city none are more prosperous than Union Circle, the pioneer organization
of the kind in the District, it being now in its third year. Its last
weekly gathering, Thursday evening, was one of unusual interest to the
members, who had arranged a surprise for their worthy president, Mr. E.
S. Wescott. An elegant silver water pitcher, appropriately inscribed, had
preceded the members to Mr. Wescott’s pleasant home, where the meetings
of the circle are held, and while it was a surprise to the host and his
estimable wife, they nevertheless took care not to be outdone entirely.
When the members arrived, instead of the usual Chautauqua literary and
scientific studies, an entertainment of a different kind was substituted,
the program consisting of music and recitations, and short speeches. The
program ended, Mrs. Wescott invited the circle to repair to the dining
room, where was spread a most inviting feast. This time it was the
members of the circle who experienced a surprise, but they fell to with
a will, and satisfied the host that their lines had fallen in pleasant
places. Each guest was presented with a souvenir of the event, and went
home feeling that the ‘Chautauqua Idea’ is a good thing in more ways than
one.”
* * * * *
The following list of officers in the circle at Saybrook, Ohio, strikes
us as particularly good. They are president, vice president, and
secretary, elected annually; also a leader, critic, and question-answerer
appointed each month, and certainly the following device is both novel
and good: “We pride ourselves on possessing something which is very
unique as well as useful. It is a _C. L. S. C. lantern_, made of wood,
in the shape of a Gothic roofed house. It contains a lamp whose rays
illuminate the letters C. L. S. C., tastefully curved across the front.
We put it in a conspicuous place, by the street door, where it serves the
double purpose of guiding our members to the right place, and shows to
passers-by that our little town has a C. L. S. C., which is _alive_, and
letting its light shine.”
* * * * *
The year 1884-85 has opened auspiciously for the Cincinnati, Ohio,
circles. On November 4, Dr. Vincent was with them, and held a vesper
service at St. Paul M. E. Church, and there was used for the first
time, the new and beautifully arranged “C. L. S. C. Vesper Service.” On
November 15, the circles held a Fall reunion at the Third Presbyterian
Church, at which they were favored with the presence of the general
Secretary of the C. L. S. C. On December 20, a Round-Table was held
by the Cincinnati circles at Christie Chapel, Col. John A. Johnson,
president of Christie Circle presiding. The following topics were
discussed: 1. The advantage of the C. L. S. C. Course of Reading. 2. The
advantages of a local circle. 3. How to conduct a local circle. 4. How to
advance the C. L. S. C. interests in Cincinnati. The greatest freedom of
expression was desired in the discussion and each of the topics elicited
numerous responses. On the first Sabbath of the New Year (January 6)
the circles held a union vesper service at Christie. The service was
conducted by Rev. A. H. Gillett, who gave many touching incidents of his
own personal experience in the C. L. S. C. work which had come to him
in his varied travels from the lakes to the gulf. His words of advice
and encouragement will long be remembered. Rev. B. F. Dimmick, pastor of
Christie Chapel, gave an excellent address.
* * * * *
=Ohio= (Freedom).—A local circle was organized here in September. There
are at present about twenty members, of whom thirteen belong to the
general Circle. We meet every two weeks at the houses of the members,
our meetings opening with a verse of song, and prayer. Our president
questions the members upon the lesson read during the two weeks, and
several persons have been assigned topics upon which to write essays. We
enjoy our meetings very much.
* * * * *
=Ohio= (New London).—The first year of a local organization of the C. L.
S. C. in our village ended in June. Our membership was about twenty-five.
Our mode of conducting the meetings was, no doubt, similar to that of
most other circles, following the course laid down for each week in
THE CHAUTAUQUAN, and having essays and informal talks upon subjects in
connection with the Required Reading. The order of exercises for each
meeting was arranged by the committee of instruction at the previous
meeting. Our circle gradually increased in numbers, and from the
increasing interest in the movement we confidently expect our numbers
will be doubled this year.
* * * * *
=Ohio= (Ravenna).—The “Royal” Circle of Ravenna is one of four within
the limits of our miniature city. It is named in honor of its senior
member, Colonel Royal Taylor, who has passed his eighty-second milestone
in the journey of life. This circle was organized with but few members,
in 1880. With the additions since made it now numbers twelve, whose
average ages are fifty-two years. We meet every Friday evening, elect a
chairman who serves two weeks, each member in turn being eligible to the
position. Both the Text-Books and the questions in THE CHAUTAUQUAN are
memorized. We have an occasional essay and such appropriate reading as is
selected by a committee appointed for that purpose. Although many of our
harmonious, working little band are past the meridian of life, they are
punctual at the meetings, diligent and thorough in their lessons, enjoy
the exercises, and always have a grand good social time.
* * * * *
=Ohio= (Berlin Heights).—The “Philomathean” Circle has been organized
and meets each Tuesday evening. We vary the method of conducting our
meetings; sometimes (and we find it very interesting) we have question
slips, place them in the center of the table, each one draws a question,
and then answers it. The greatest interest is manifested, and although
our number is small, we expect quite an increase next year. We expect
to spend a part of each evening in preparing the work of the White Seal
Course.
* * * * *
This is the second year of the existence of the C. L. S. C. in the Wall
Street Methodist Episcopal Church of Jeffersonville, Indiana. Last year
it had to contend with many obstacles, which are now removed, but ended
the year with success. Two of its members graduated, having read three
years at Indianapolis. One of these graduates was Mrs. Mary Curtiss, 72
years of age. She is again enrolled as a candidate for White Seal. The
circle this year consists of thirty-three active and forty-five local
members. Some of the local members are reading all the books as fully as
the active. In the circle are four who have graduated in the Chautauqua
course. Having acquired a taste for reading, they read on, to gratify
their own tastes, and to encourage others to read. The circle meets
twice a month. Its meetings are publicly announced from the pulpit,
and everybody is invited to be present. When assembled, the subjects
for reading the past two weeks are made the subject of review. The
leader, the pastor of the church in this case, commences questioning the
circle, who respond in concert or singly, as they remember. When other
histories have been consulted new matter is presented by the leader or
any other person. The blackboard, charts and maps are largely employed
in illustrating and fixing the subject in the mind. The members of the
circle are urged to ask questions on the subjects of review, and express
their opinions. Short papers are also read by members of the circle on
such parts of the reading as may be assigned them. By these means every
part of the readings are carefully reviewed. Some of those who commenced
the course last year have dropped out this year; a few from necessity,
others because they thought the work hard.
* * * * *
A member writing from Logansport, Indiana, says: We have quite an
interesting local circle organized here, numbering about twenty-five
active members, and five who have already graduated but still continue
active in the work, which I take to be a true characteristic of a
Chautauquan. Our circle meets at private houses every two weeks. The
officers make out a program of work two weeks ahead, which is to
occupy the next meeting. We have taken up the work as laid out in THE
CHAUTAUQUAN, devoting half the evening to American Literature, and the
other half to History of Greece, each member speaking either orally
on the topic assigned, or reading what _they_ have written or been
appointed to select and read from some of the leading authors that
have been mentioned in our course of reading. Our program October 30
was as follows: American Literature—(1) “What are its excellences and
defects;” (2) “Growth since 1809;” (3) “The First Book;” (4) “Irving’s
place in American Literature;” (5) “How Novelists of our day differ from
Cooper;” (6) Reading—Bryant’s “Ode to a Water Fowl.” Greek History—(1)
“Civil Government—Greece;” (2) “Greek Religions;” (3) “Greek Battles in
History;” (4) “Different Athenians and Spartans;” (5) “Greek Gods;” (6)
“Customs of the Greeks.”
* * * * *
=Indiana= (Fort Wayne).—The local circle of this city is of four years’
growth. We number this year about twenty-five members. Among these we
have one graduate of ’82, and two “irrepressibles” of the glorious class
of ’84. Since our first organization we have tried numerous experiments;
circles of all sizes, and all sorts of programs. We had in our circle one
year forty-five members. This failed. Too many different elements. The
next year we divided into several small circles of about six or eight
each. These frequently met to celebrate a memorial day, or listen to a
lecture. This year we have considered our circle a model organization,
and feel we are competent to judge, after so varied an experience. We
have had no regular programs. Our leader questions us as he would a
class, allowing us to have our books, from which to answer. A few of
us have always observed most faithfully the five o’clock hour Sabbath
afternoon. This we find very helpful, and would recommend it to others.
At our last local circle the subject was “Vegetable Biology.” The members
were seated about a long table on which were three fine microscopes
to illustrate the lesson. Questions and the freest conversation were
allowed. The most interesting object examined was that showing the
movements of the bioplasm in the cells of a plant. This was considered a
rare sight, as so few plants show these movements clearly. Our specimen
was the common water weed, _Anacharis_. It had been secured with great
difficulty, but was well worth all the effort expended.
* * * * *
=Illinois= (Charleston).—On October 1, 1882, a class of the C. L. S. C.
was organized here, consisting of nine members. The lessons were gone
over carefully and conscientiously, and during vacation Geology was
reviewed with the aid of the charts. So earnest was the first year’s
class in the work, and so evangelizing was their spirit, that the class
of this, the second year, has forty-one members. To accommodate the
members, the class was divided, and part now meet in the afternoon,
and part in the evening. Each division has its own officers. We call
ourselves one class, however, and those who choose may attend both
meetings. The attendance is good, and the interest great. Neither cold,
heat, nor the “raging elements” affects our attendance, nor abates our
zeal. Some of the members meet informally and socially every week,
and the lessons are read over, more careful attention being paid the
pronunciation and meaning of words. At each meeting we select some poet,
from whose writings a short quotation must be selected, and recited by
each member at the following meeting. Our question box is also a feature
of great interest. Members all have the privilege of writing out a
question on any subject pertaining to literature, science or art, and
these questions are collected and read. They are answered immediately
if it can be done, if not they are reserved for further investigation.
The influence exerted by the C. L. S. C. is becoming visible outside of
its regular members, and we are sure that here, as well as elsewhere,
wherever there is a class of the C. L. S. C., more scientific,
historical, and classical books will be bought this year than ever before.
* * * * *
The Vincent Local Circle, of Lafayette, Indiana, was organized in 1881.
It numbers fifty-six members, twenty-two of whom have undertaken the four
years’ course. It is a live, wide awake circle, the most enthusiastic
member being a lady seventy-five years of age, who visited Chautauqua
last summer, and by her descriptions of the work there, has succeeded
in enthusing all. They have organized a lecture course consisting of
lectures and musical entertainments. The course was opened on December 5,
by an able lecture on “Ultimate America,” by Joseph Cook.
* * * * *
=Michigan= (Albion).—An event of unusual importance was the meeting
of the Alpha C. L. S. C. of this city, January 11, 1883, it being a
farewell to their beloved ex-president, Miss Mary C. Robinson, who has
been recently elected by the Northwestern Branch of the W. F. M. S. of
the M. E. Church as missionary to China. It was an occasion long to be
remembered by those who were so fortunate as to be included in the list
of invitations. Miss Robinson held for a year the position as president
of our circle, and during that time won all hearts by the faithful and
persistent effort in its behalf. During the evening a most tempting
collation was served, after which an entertaining program was carried out.
* * * * *
A friend writes from Harlan, Iowa: “Our circle is growing in interest,
and makes many of us feel that the good old college days have returned.
We have several A. M.’s in our circle, and as the rust begins to rub off
we begin to appreciate the magnitude of the blessing that this will be to
the young who are deprived of college advantages.”
* * * * *
=Iowa= (Manchester).—Our circle was reorganized in September. It numbers
fifty, beside a class of young people who take the history only. We
are divided into three classes. We held our first memorial November
3, Bryant’s day. Between eighty and ninety people were present at the
exercises, which consisted of an address on Bryant and selections from
his works, interspersed with music. The exercises were short, followed by
a social which all seemed to enjoy.
* * * * *
The circle numbering twenty, at Independence, Iowa, reports a very
interesting time with German History and Literature. The secretary
writes: One evening was confined to the articles on “German History” and
“German Literature” in THE CHAUTAUQUAN for November. The first thing on
the program was quotations from some of the writers mentioned in the
article on “German Literature.” Then followed written questions on the
“German History,” and discussion. Then two essays were read, one on
“Heinrich Heine,” another on “Goethe.”
* * * * *
The S. H. G. and the C. L. S. C. of Osceola, Iowa, united in celebrating
Milton’s day, on the eve of December 10. The first named society has ten
members, the latter twenty-one. Each member had the privilege of inviting
three friends, so that about one hundred and twenty in all assembled. The
president of the C. L. S. C. presided, and a fine program was rendered.
The guests were all in sympathy with the Chautauqua movement. Some of the
circle, who are members of the S. H. G., scarcely know how life would go
without the inspiring influences of the Circle. They have no thought of
giving it up either this year, next year, nor the one after that.
* * * * *
=Dakota= (Sioux Falls).—Our circle at this place numbers but twelve.
We thought best to have a small number first year. Next year we shall
make an effort to enlarge our number to fifty or seventy-five. We doubt
whether you have in the East a more enthusiastic circle. We all enjoy
the readings much, and the best people in our city are becoming much
interested in C. L. S. C.
* * * * *
The first local circle which we have known to “ring out the old year,
ring in the new,” is that at Omaha, Nebraska. From the local paper
we learn that the meeting was one of unusual importance. Special
preparations were made, as this was the closing meeting of the year,
and coming as it did on the last evening of the year. The attendance
was exceptionally large. The literary exercises were of a very high
order, and were much appreciated by the large and fashionable audience
assembled. An elegant banquet was served after the exercises, and speech
making followed. In response to the toast “The Chautauqua Club,” a
gentleman said that a little while ago he, himself, did not know what
Chautauqua meant. It was a dim, indefinable something. He had been told
that the meaning of the word in the Indian language is “a foggy place,”
and it was a dim, distant, foggy place away off, but how real it came to
him now! It meant intellectual study, literature, science and art. It
had done more, it had led him into a new life.
* * * * *
A little over one year ago a young lady of Ossawatomie, Kansas, returned
from a visit to New York, brim full of enthusiasm for the C. L. S.
C., having imbibed the “Chautauqua Idea” at the summer Assembly. She
at once went to work and in a short time a local circle of twelve
members was organized. About mid-winter the circle gave a supper to its
friends—a very enjoyable affair. Again, later in the season, a literary
entertainment, given to procure funds with which to buy a telescope,
met with fair success. This year all hands took hold of the work with
renewed vigor, and the old members were encouraged by an addition of
seven new members to the circle. The weekly meetings are conducted on
the conversational plan, with now and then a C. L. S. C. song. They are,
withal, a very enthusiastic body of Chautauquans.
* * * * *
=Missouri= (Maryville).—This is the third year of our local circle at
Maryville. We have eight regular members enrolled. Others here are
reading the course, but do not meet with us for review. We have varied
the method of conducting our readings as often as practicable, so as to
make them interesting as well as instructive in character. This has been
done sometimes by adding questions to be answered, writing short essays,
or biographical sketches, and introducing the Chautauqua games. Then
again a change was made in the number of officers and teachers, or manner
of opening or closing the meetings.
* * * * *
There is a circle of over forty persons at Butte City, Montana. The
secretary writes: “The interest is good, in fact beyond our expectation.
The C. L. S. C. is the right organization for us western people who are
all busy and can only take spare moments for study. We have developed
no new plan of instruction. We meet every week. An instructor in each
important branch prepares at a week’s notice a ‘quiz,’ which is given
to the class for about one half hour. Essays are read upon the most
important topics connected with the lessons. Readings from choice
literature, music, etc., embraces the remainder of our enjoyable
evenings.”
* * * * *
We have received memorials of the death of two members of the C. L. S.
C. One from Brooklyn, as a minute adopted at the local circle: “The New
York Arc C. L. S. C. learn with sorrow of the death of one of its most
esteemed members. Mrs. Anna C. Fredericks died on Sunday, December 30,
1883. She was one of those who were enrolled as members of the circle
at its organization, for she was already a Chautauquan student, and had
then so nearly completed the prescribed studies that she graduated last
summer. Such was her enthusiastic love of our methods of study, and
attachment to this circle, that the winning of her degree did not detach
her from this association, and she continued, with apparently increased
zeal, to attend these meetings until prevented by her late short, though
fatal, illness. But this was only one manifestation of a life which was
characterized with earnest religious devotion and a loving spirit which
endeared her to all who were privileged to be near to her, or in any way
subject to her influence. _Resolved_, That the secretary be requested to
enter the foregoing minute in the records of the circle, and to present
copies to Mr. Fredericks and to the secretary at Plainfield.”
Another comes from Felicity, Ohio: “Our ‘Pleiades’ circle mourns the
loss of Miss Flora Carver, of the class of 1884. She was one of our
enthusiastic members, ever trying to keep the spirit of our mottoes. When
she became too weak to keep up the Course of Reading, she still read THE
CHAUTAUQUAN, and in July, with kindling eye and glowing cheek she spoke
of the comfort a perusal of Dr. Townsend’s lecture on the “Employments of
Heaven” had given her. Hers was a Christian life, and her last days were
spent in patient endurance of severe suffering, and joyful contemplation
of a happy future.”