[We request the president or secretary of every local circle to send
us reports of their work, of lectures, concerts, entertainments, etc.
Editor of THE CHAUTAUQUAN, Meadville, Pa.]
There are a thousand nameless ties,
Which only such as feel them know;
Of kindred thoughts, deep sympathies,
And untold fancy spells, which throw
O’er ardent minds and faithful hearts
A chain whose charmed links so blend,
That the light circlet but imparts
Its force in these fond words, My friend.
—_Mrs. Dinnies._
The friendships formed through the agency of the C. L. S. C. ripen with
age, and in ten thousand instances the work creates strong bonds of
union between fellow-students. The local circle is a favorite place for
members of the C. L. S. C. who are searching for knowledge and truth.
Love for the pursuit of knowledge will inspire its possessor to seek
out kindred spirits, to band themselves together, and organize for
work. We furnish our readers, in the following reports, with a glimpse
into a number of local circles. Here we find variety in the methods for
conducting the work, and unity in the aim of all C. L. S. C. students.
A carefully prepared paper from the secretary of every local circle
concerning your work, and the method of doing it, is solicited by us
for the help it may be to other circles. Use this department of THE
CHAUTAUQUAN (it is your magazine) for an interchange of plans and
opinions concerning your work in your local organizations. [EDITOR THE
CHAUTAUQUAN.]
* * * * *
Berlin, Pennsylvania, is located in a beautiful valley, twenty-five
miles north of Cumberland, and only a few miles from the top of the
Alleghenies. The town is old, not very enterprising, but favored with a
moral and intelligent population. We organized our circle in the latter
part of October and commenced our reading November 1st. Our membership
numbers twenty-two. We have elected a librarian, hoping soon to need
one. We do not appoint a leader for the circle, but a conductor for
each department of work—one for geology, another for Greek history,
etc. Having a number of professional men in our circle, such as
doctors, ministers and teachers, we propose a division of labor, and
thus we shall do more thorough work. We will have one regular meeting
each month, and as many special meetings as we shall find profitable.
Memorial days will come under the head of special meetings. The C. L.
S. C. idea is almost a stranger to the people of this town, but we hope
soon to make for it many acquaintances and friends.
* * * * *
_New Albany, Indiana._—Our meetings are very informal. While assembling
a running conversation is kept up on the work done, and to be done. We
have no special formality about opening or closing, but pass easily
from the general conversation to the special work of the evening. So
far this has consisted chiefly of a discussion of geology, aided by
the diagrams. Considerable interest has been awakened on this subject.
Usually we have had one or more essays at each meeting, but have had
none yet this year. The questions for further study will hereafter
form a part of the evening’s work. We meet every two weeks on Monday
night, from house to house. There are two circles here, one of ladies,
who meet on Friday afternoon, and ours, of both sexes. We have also a
general organization. A number of the other circle always meet with
us. The Pioneer Circle is composed almost entirely of teachers in the
public schools, and they must catch time when they can, but they are
enthusiastic workers.
* * * * *
_Johnstown, N. Y._—Our method of conducting C. L. S. C. work is this:
At each meeting, after the program of the previous meeting has been
carried out, the leader requests one or two members to prepare essays
on a certain part of the work, one or two members to bring a stated
number of questions on a certain subject, another member to read a
short article from THE CHAUTAUQUAN. Very often the leader asks for the
opinion of various members of a character or an article met with in
the reading. At our last meeting the circle authorized the secretary
to appoint at each meeting—which occurs each alternate week—a critic,
also what might be called an orthoëpist. We cannot inform you as to the
benefit to be derived from this feature of our circle, as it is new to
us.
* * * * *
_Quincy, Michigan._—Were mine a thousand voices; yea, the voice of
every Chautauquan who regards system and order, who enjoys the pleasure
and strength there is in feeling they are each day and week going on
with a large band of faithful Chautauquans, I would say please go on
in the good old way of dividing the lessons of the month into weekly
installments. It is a real help to have the week’s work laid out for us
in THE CHAUTAUQUAN. It greatly facilitates the labor of the leader of
the local circle. Our local circle, which numbered about ten members
last year, has started out “boomingly” this year with about twenty,
and the prospect is good for still widening the circle. We have weekly
meetings. One, a most enthusiastic member, comes five and a-half miles
to attend the meetings. Our president is a minister. He and his worthy
wife take an active part in the work. We also have the principal and
preceptress of our public schools among our active members. After a
general history and geology lesson we have essays on the subject of the
evening from the older members, that are inspiring to the younger ones.
* * * * *
The Northfield, Connecticut, local circle is situate in the old
“Mountain County,” Litchfield, where rocks are convenient for
geological study, and the pure atmosphere favors astronomical
observations. It numbers nine members, six of whom are regular members
of the C. L. S. C. All are young people, and six are, or have been,
school teachers. Inasmuch as it is a new organization, with its method
of work tentative and liable to change, or displacement, on further
trial, its plan is only given because it may have a suggestion for
those who would not adopt it exactly. The circle meets fortnightly,
and on Friday evenings, so all the teachers can be present. Topics,
from the required reading, are assigned in advance, and by lot. Then
each member is responsible for his or her topic, but he is allowed to
present it at the next meeting in the form of an essay, lecture, or
recitation, or he may come prepared to be questioned upon it by the
committee of instruction and the class generally. Thus far the plan
works well, stimulating thorough preparation on the part of all, and
furnishing all the work the circle can well do in an evening. Any
considerable increase of members would of course make some modification
of our method necessary, and the reports of other circles in THE
CHAUTAUQUAN may reveal something so much better that we may abandon our
experimental ways entirely. We send greeting to the whole C. L. S. C.
* * * * *
_Gilroy, California._—We organized in 1879 and ’80 a local circle with
about twenty-five members. In the study of history, besides the regular
lesson, some of the members were appointed to read selections, and
others to write short sketches of principal characters whose names are
found in our lessons. The selections were mostly poems from Macaulay’s
Lays of Ancient Rome and Tennyson’s King Arthur. In the study of
biology, geology, etc., questions were distributed to the class on
slips of paper by a committee appointed by the chair at the previous
meeting. The questions and answers were read at the next meeting.
Sometimes topics or subjects were given; the general divisions of the
vegetable kingdom, glacial formation, the orders of Greek and Roman
architecture, etc. Last year we were favored by having Prof. Norton,
of the State Normal School, for one of our leaders. In the study of
art we had the benefit of stereoscopic views exhibited by the aid of a
magic lantern, of the ancient ruins and public buildings, and scenes
of interest in Egypt, Greece, and Italy. In the study of geology
and chemistry, the Professor gave us illustrative diagrams on the
blackboard, and chemical experiments illustrating volcanic action, and
various other phenomena resulting from scientific investigation. This
year we have taken “a new departure.” We do not have a regular leader,
as heretofore, but the person occupying the chair appoints a successor
for the next meeting, who conducts the recitation, makes up the order
of work, and then appoints a successor for the next meeting. Our plan
of work is still the same as in former years. Prof. Norton is still
with us occasionally; also Miss S. M. Severance, who has been a great
help to the circle since its organization, not only as an efficient
teacher at the regular meetings, but one to whom we could refer
questions of importance, her extensive and varied information enabling
her to be, as it were, a living encyclopedia for our benefit.
* * * * *
_Reading, Pennsylvania._—To our own pleasant city has swept the “happy
circle” and like its many members, we too, feel blessed that
——“our Heavenly Father granted
Us the boon of being numbered
With the army of Chautauqua.”
Two weeks ago a dozen of us ladies and gentlemen organized ourselves
into—
——“a band that owe allegiance to a monarch called the Mind,
Who believe to-day is better than the yesterday behind;
We laugh at party limits, breathe no single word of barter,
But our all absorbing passion is to grow a trifle smarter.”
Through the kindness of Mr. Wm. Price, a spacious room in his residence
has been put at our disposal, and herein we hold our meetings every
Monday evening, and examine one another on the matters we have read
during each preceding week, and the answers form vital topics for
discussion of surpassing interest. But we are by no means selfish with
our highly prized acquirements, and our circle is greatly honored by
the leading Lyceum of this city, the management of which has graciously
requested us to take charge of the first half of their program. In
response we send some one of our circle in a representative capacity,
to each meeting to deliver a lecture upon one of the subjects of the
course, and we expect to take up all in due season. Already much
interest is awakened, and our circle promises to become famous for its
capable and willing workers for Christianity and culture.
* * * * *
_Holliston, Maine._—Our local circle numbers forty members. Our
meetings are held monthly, and the program is arranged by a committee
of two, and announced a month in advance. Synopses of readings are
given, and essays on leading characters and topics. We have talks on
subjects of general interest and Round-Table conversations. On memorial
days we have readings from the authors whose day we celebrate. We
allow considerable time for music, for the singing of class songs, and
we expect all qualified to furnish music, to do so by making their
own selections. Once a year we give an entertainment of a musical and
literary character, inviting friends who are not members. From time
to time we have public lectures, arranged on subjects of interest and
connected with C. L. S. C. work.
* * * * *
The Rev. R. H. Howard writes from Saxonville, Massachusetts: Under
what was at first deemed extremely unpropitious circumstances we have
now what appears to be a flourishing circle in this place. At the
outset all signs seemed discouraging; but the energy and pluck of a few
young ladies were honored by the awakening of marked and very hopeful
interest in the enterprise, and our meetings thus far have been fully
attended and enthusiastic. Even the perplexing, though unavoidable,
delay in obtaining the text-books has not perceptibly dampened or
diminished the ardor excited. Meanwhile, not feeling able to purchase
large and expensive maps and charts, one of our members, who wields
a facile pencil, sketches, on a large scale, such maps and charts as
we require as we proceed. A large map, in connection with a history
exercise in a circle meeting, would seem to be indispensable. Certain
charts, also, however simple or crude, illustrative of geological
formations, and race and language relations, cannot but serve a very
important purpose. Let me observe just here, that I learn that the
same enthusiasm in C. L. S. C. work that has been developed in this
place is obtaining in adjoining communities. Teachers in public
schools, I am told, gather, after the labors of the day, in one of
the school-rooms, and, for an hour or so, daily, read together. How
interesting a spectacle! Yea, in view of this interest in these higher
intellectual pursuits, thus awakened among these young people under my
own eye, I have been impressed, as never before, as I have thought of
the vast popular intellectual ferment produced throughout the country,
not to say throughout the world, by this wonderful C. L. S. C. of Dr.
Vincent’s. Arising from this very wide-spread, and ever-extending and
deepening interest in, and devotion to intellectual and moral pursuits,
crowned through his timely instrumentality, what could well have been
more timely, aye, providential, in the best sense of the term, than
this movement? Who can begin to estimate its results in the years and
ages to come? Already the important fact is developed that the life,
and doubtless the continued existence, of Chautauqua, Framingham
Assembly, and other similar enterprises, are bound up in, and are
destined to depend upon the support derived from the C. L. S. C. The
mother thus already leans hard upon the young and vigorous daughter.
* * * * *
At Elkham, Wisconsin, local circle, the president appoints two or more
members at each meeting to prepare questions on the lesson for the next
week. These members teach that part of the lesson on which they have
prepared questions. Some recite with open books, while others are
prepared to answer the questions with closed books. The questions and
answers published in THE CHAUTAUQUAN are always used as a review. Of
course there is a free interchange of opinion and frequent discussions
on points of the lesson, which are of peculiar interest.
* * * * *
_Meriden, Connecticut._—The officers of our local circle constitute
the Instruction Committee. The president appoints a committee of five,
whose duty it is to assist the Instruction Committee. Said committee
appoint leaders of reviews, and, in fact, they have charge of all
work of the circle, memorial exercises, lectures, entertainments,
etc. We have another committee of four, whose work it is to see all
strangers at meetings of the circle, and invite them to join; also to
welcome new members, and see that they are introduced to other members,
especially to the officers and Instruction Committee. We number seventy
members, thirty-four regular and thirty-six local members. We regret
to say that we lost one member by death, last summer; quite a young
man, and, so far as we know, the only one who has taken the White
Seal course. We regret his death, as he promised to become a valuable
member to our circle. A few have left the circle this year, but new
members are continually being added, eight names being proposed at
our last meeting. We meet the first and third Monday evenings of each
month. Some of our members walk from a mile to a mile and a half to
attend the meetings. Our method of work is as follows: We open the
meeting with singing and prayer; all business is then transacted. We
have about five reviews in an evening. At present the reviews are in
Wilkinson’s Preparatory Greek Course, History of Russia, and English
and Scandinavian History and Literature. These are prepared in the
following manner: One member prepares from three to twelve questions
on a subject, gives them to other members to answer at next meeting,
and at that time calls for answers, and gives other members opportunity
to ask any questions on the subject. Five-minute essays are sometimes
read on other important subjects. We take up geology soon, on which
subject Prof. Chapin, Ph. D., president of Meriden Scientific Circle,
will give a few talks. The circle has just decided to purchase the set
of geological diagrams. The committee intend all memorial days shall
be celebrated this year. Last June we had a circle picnic, spending
the day at a very pleasant place about twelve miles from here. It
was a great success. Monday evening, September 18, we had memorial
exercises for Garfield Day. On Monday evening, October 2, Rev. J. L.
Hurlbut, of Plainfield, delivered a public lecture under the auspices
of the circle, his subject being, “How to Spend our Leisure.” Both
the lecturer and lecture have been very highly spoken of by all who
attended, and we consider it the greatest success of all lectures as
yet given. Our circle is growing, and we believe a great amount of good
has been and is being done by it.
* * * * *
The local circles of the C. L. S. C. of Cincinnati, O., have this
winter adopted the plan of visiting each other. This new arrangement
was commenced on Tuesday evening, Oct. 31,—the Wesley, York street and
Grace Church circles visiting the one at Christie Chapel. The lesson
for the evening was a review of Grecian History, and was ably conducted
by Mr. John A. Johnson, President of the Christie Circle. At the close
of the lesson some minutes were passed in social intercourse, and then
followed a comparison of the methods pursued in conducting the various
circles present. All expressed themselves highly pleased with the
meeting and it is the purpose to continue them throughout the year, as
this system of visitation serves to make the members better acquainted
with each other, which is desirable in a large city like Cincinnati. It
also serves to strengthen the bond of fellowship existing among those
engaged in the common cause.
* * * * *
The first of the 3rd series of free lectures, under the auspices
of the Chautauqua Circles of Cincinnati and vicinity, was given at
Christie Chapel M. E. Church, corner of Court and Wesley avenue, in
October. The church was filled with a highly intelligent and attentive
audience. Rev. Dr. Blackburn, of Central Presbyterian Church, delivered
a very instructive and eloquent lecture of an hour’s length on the
subject, “The Origin and Spirit of the Greeks.” The lecturer traced
the march of the Greeks from their Aryan fatherland, ranged them in
the two main divisions of the Ionians and the Dorians; traced the
rise of Doric Sparta and Ionic Athens; sketched their periods of
successive overlordship; showed the want of political unity in all
the Greek States, and emphasized the fact of a social unity in the
Pan-Hellenic sentiment, the Greek language, religion, Amphictyonic
council, festivals, literature, philosophy and art. The Greeks could
appreciate a good thing wherever it originated. They caused art to
stand out in its own beauty and on its own merits. The lecture closed
with these words: “Greece had a mission to the human race, a noble work
for the world. It was not in the domain of political government, nor
of conscience, but in that of intellect. The lasting outcome of her
work was culture. She fulfilled her mission. She ran her race among the
nations and won the laurel. She fell, and thorns now bind her delicate
hands, but the old olive wreath has not faded. The heritage of her
culture has passed to the westward Aryans. We read our New Testament
and remember her marvelous gift of speech. We run our Christian course
and think of the Olympian races. Plato is studied where Paul is
believed. The classics are recited where the Gospel is read for its
wonderful words of life.”
* * * * *
_Flushing, Michigan._—Our local circle meets every Friday evening.
We have roll-call, and each member responds, either with a verse of
Scripture or a gem from one of the poets, as decided on at our last
meeting. Then singing and prayer. We next take the questions given in
THE CHAUTAUQUAN, with additional questions on some of the required
reading. We also have select reading or an essay each week. We had
ten members last year; we now have eighteen. Our first meeting for
this year was on the evening of September 29. The exercises were as
follows: Reading of Psalms i:8-23; President’s greeting; essay on “The
Excellencies of the C. L. S. C.;” recitation, “Hope Song of C. L. S.
C.;” Bryant’s letter on the C. L. S. C.; paper on the “Design and
Method in the C. L. S. C.” Then followed the enrollment of members by
the secretary, and the appointment of committees by the president.
* * * * *
_Nebraska City, Nebraska._—Two years ago our C. L. S. C. sprang into
existence in the form of a triangle, widened into a circle in 1881,
and now, in 1882, we have a membership of thirty. Monthly meetings
have been held, at which we have had short oral accounts of subjects
discussed in Geology, and questions and answers on Greek history.
A noticeable feature of our last meeting was a “match” on the
pronunciation of words selected from our reading. Were Herodotus or
Thucydides present at our meetings, we think he would take pity upon
us, and give to his places and men names less jaw-breaking to learn.
The correct pronunciation of them seems to us like a “piling of Pelion
upon Ossa.” Though our officers are ladies, we have able gentlemen
in our circle. Some of the reading is a little “deep” for us, but,
by perseverance, we hope to come up to it, “since the mountain can
not come to Mahomet.” We all now see its beneficence insomuch that
we present a unanimous vote of thanks to the projector of this grand
scheme—the People’s College.
[_Not Required._]