[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.]
We have received a large number of communications from officers and
members of local circles, bearing tidings of organizations effected,
and of work done. There is not one prosy letter among them all.
Continue to write. If your report does not appear promptly you can
afford to be patient, because it will find a place in some column in
the near future. No report of a circle that reaches us is overlooked.
We shall do you all justice, only give us time; write to us one and
all. “Never be discouraged.”—Editor THE CHAUTAUQUAN.
* * * * *
He who labors diligently need never despair. We can accomplish
everything by diligence and labor.—_Menander._
* * * * *
=Maine (Parks Island).=—We have a local branch of the C. L. S. C. here
on this little down-east island. We have but fifteen members as yet,
but hope to improve in numbers another year. We did not commence work
until November, and have had quite hard work to catch up with the
regular course, but think we shall be able to accomplish it after a
little more hard work.
* * * * *
=Maine (Lewiston).=—We have three local circles in this city. They
were organized this C. L. S. C. year. Most of the members began the
course of reading last October. One of the circles is designated as the
“Universalist,” another the “Methodist,” each of which has a membership
of about twenty-five. The third, which is called the “Alpha” C. L. S.
C., is much smaller, the number being limited to ten. Five of these are
members of the Class of 1885. The Alpha class have been holding monthly
meetings, but owing to the increased interest have decided to meet once
in two weeks. Our gatherings have been very informal and pleasant at
the home of one of the members. The previous month’s work is carefully
reviewed, any topic not well understood is freely discussed, it being
the privilege of each member to ask any question relative to the work.
Essays are prepared and listened to carefully. At our December meeting
two essays on “Geology” were presented—one embracing the October
reading on that subject, the other the November—thus bringing into one
lesson the principal features of Prof. Packard’s “First Lessons” in
that science. The class enjoyed the evening very much and believe it
will be a help to have the main points of a single branch of study all
brought out in one evening’s work—that is as far as possible.
* * * * *
=Vermont (Rutland).=—Last year we organized our circle with five
members, but only three finished the reading and answered the
questions. This year we have nine members, and we meet the last Monday
evening in the month. Each member is given a few questions on the
month’s reading to answer. After meeting a few times we hope to be a
little more methodical in doing our work.
* * * * *
=Vermont (St. Albans).=—We have not organized a local circle here,
though there are not less than twenty persons reading the course in
this city.
* * * * *
=Massachusetts (East Boston).=—In East Boston a local circle was formed
in October, meetings once a fortnight, and the membership has increased
from seven to twenty-two. There is one graduate, one of the Class of
’84; the rest are beginners in the C. L. S. C.
* * * * *
=Massachusetts (Gloucester).=—The first local circle of the C.
L. S. C. in Gloucester was organized October 23, 1882. We have
seventeen regular members. The committee of instruction consists of
the president, vice president and secretary. We meet at different
houses once a month, from 8 to 9:30 p. m. The first subject of the
evening, January 15, was “Geology.” The questions in THE CHAUTAUQUAN
on this subject were first asked and answered, after which Miss Helen
Fiske, one of our High School teachers, gave an interesting talk on
the subject. Second in order came questions on “Russian History,”
prepared by a member, which were followed by questions on “Scandinavian
History.” Then came an interesting and enthusiastic talk on the “Greek
Course in English,” the questions in THE CHAUTAUQUAN being used. We
do feel very thankful for the questions in THE CHAUTAUQUAN—they are
of great value in the course of study. Our programs vary. We use the
questions in THE CHAUTAUQUAN always, interspersed with talks, prepared
questions, etc. We find this year’s course of study very entertaining
and profitable. Though our circle is at the foot of the ladder, we are
ready to step upward.
* * * * *
=Massachusetts (Franklin).=—Our circle—known as the Franklin Branch
of the C. L. S. C.—was organized in November, 1882, and numbers
twenty-three members—eight gentlemen and fifteen ladies. Of this number
one is the pastor of the Congregational church, one a deacon of that
church, one the editor of the local newspaper, one a physician, two are
school teachers, one a wife of a Universalist minister, one a dentist,
and _all_ earnest and interested students of the C. L. S. C. We were
favored on Thursday evening, Feb. 1, with the presence of our dearly
beloved Dr. Vincent, who gave a public lecture under our auspices in
the chapel of the First Congregational church. Subject, “That Boy.”
After the lecture all the Chautauquans present had the privilege of
taking him by the hand, and then were briefly addressed by him upon
Chautauqua studies. Many of our members are very busy with their daily
occupations, and find it difficult to keep up their course of study,
but the Doctor’s stirring and encouraging words have inspired them to
persevere, and we hope to be able to sit at the Round-Table at our New
England Chautauqua Grounds, South Framingham, with our year’s course of
study all completed, and to enroll next year a much larger membership
in our circle.
* * * * *
=Massachusetts (Holbrook).=—This segment of the C. L. S. C. is located
at Holbrook, Norfolk Co., Massachusetts, a town of some two thousand
five hundred inhabitants, incorporated in 1872. It is located fourteen
miles south of Boston, on the Old Colony Railroad, and is engaged
principally in the manufacture of boots and shoes, some eighty thousand
cases, valued at $2,500,000, being produced annually. The circle,
organized October 1, 1880, with a membership of six, and pursued that
year’s course, holding fortnightly meetings for the discussion of the
topics studied. The next year three joined our number, and the meetings
were conducted after the first year’s method, excepting the occasional
reading of papers upon subjects assigned. The closing meeting of this
year (1882, July 3), anticipated the exercises held nearly two months
later at Chautauqua, “a grove meeting,” a feast and camp-fire being
the accompaniments. 1883 finds us increased in vigor, with a local
membership of fifteen (ten Chautauquans). Our meetings thus far have
been for the study of geology, George M. Smith, principal of the high
school, aiding us by giving illustrated talks upon the subject. We
have the promise of talks on “Greek Life and Writers” by Rev. Ezekiel
Russell, D. D. Our circle fortunately has enlisted the interest and
services of the educated. Its government is simple, a president and
secretary, with a few rules for the conduct of business. All are
encouraged to unite in the prosecution of this system of education.
* * * * *
=Massachusetts (Rockbottom).=—The Hudson Circle meets every other
Monday evening. We number sixteen members, and expect a few more. At
every meeting the president asks the questions from THE CHAUTAUQUAN.
One or two special papers on topics connected with the reading are
presented by members who were appointed for that purpose. We have a
critic who corrects any and all mistakes, including the pronunciation
of words. If there is any spare time, it is used for social
intercourse. Our last lecture was given by the Rev. T. S. Bacons, on
“Geological Formations about the Hudson.”
* * * * *
=Massachusetts (West Haverhill).=—A local circle was formed at West
Haverhill, Mass., October 10, 1882. We meet one evening each month.
Our meetings are very interesting and profitable. The exercises vary,
with one exception—we usually have the questions in THE CHAUTAUQUAN,
as we think they help to fix the reading we have been over more firmly
in our minds. We have eighteen members, and we are just commencing our
studies, so we have not as interesting a story to tell as many others,
but we hope in our quiet way to be better men and women because of the
privileges we enjoy in the C. L. S. C.
* * * * *
=Connecticut (Niantic).=—Our circle re-organized on October 2, 1882,
beginning its second year. We meet every Monday evening, at the house
of each of the members in turn. The circle is now as large as can
conveniently meet in a private parlor, so we have obtained permission
from the church authorities to meet in the Congregational church
parlor. There are now twenty-seven members, five of whom belong to
the national circle. This is an increase over last year, for then our
number was only twenty. The exercises commence with the reading of
the secretary’s report of the previous meeting, and then a collection
is taken to pay postage and other expenses of the circle. After this
the president asks the questions in THE CHAUTAUQUAN, and the answers
are either recited or read. The reading is the last thing before the
motions are made and the voting and other business of the circle
done, and we adjourn. We read books in the course which will interest
the majority of the members. It has generally been those upon which
questions and answers are prepared and published in THE CHAUTAUQUAN. At
the meetings we use a dictionary constantly, for every difference in
pronunciation is noticed, and the word is looked up. We begin promptly
at seven o’clock, and close at nine.
* * * * *
=New York (Troy).=—The Rev. H. C. Farrar, president of a local circle
in Troy, an old Chautauquan and successful C. L. S. C. worker, writes:
In our city there are seven circles, all organized this year, numbering
in membership some five hundred. Our circle numbers over two hundred
members and we have had the grace to call it the “Vincent Circle.” Each
circle is doing full and vigorous work, and almost weekly new members
are adding themselves. The C. L. S. C. in very many ways is blessing
our city. The booksellers never sold so many books of real merit as
during the holidays just passed. One firm sold over a dozen Webster’s
dictionaries, and all of them were Christmas presents to C. L. S. C.’s.
In this vicinity about twenty other circles have been formed since
October. So goes the good work bravely on. I can not forbear making an
extract from a letter of Rev. J. M. Appleman, Pownal, Vermont: “Mrs.
A. and myself commenced the course in October. We availed ourselves
of every favorable opportunity to speak in the interest of the C. L.
S. C. Many were favorably impressed, but we could not persuade any to
join us. We then put the “Hall in the Grove” into the itinerant work
and it found favor everywhere, and so great was the demand for it
we put another copy on the circuit. I have not seen either copy for
several weeks. About the first of December it fell into the hands of
a prominent young man and his enthusiasm went to white heat at once
and he said: ‘We must have a circle,’ and a circle we have of eleven
members and the tide is still rising.” Many of our members have had
a new world of thought and life opened to them through geology and
Greek history and they are anticipating great things in astronomy.
While studying geology we made excursions into the country and with
hammer and bag practically geologized. We spent two hours at the State
Geological Rooms in Albany (two hundred of us) and heard Prof. James
Hall. We had one lecture on “Glaciers and the _Mer-de-glace_.” We had
frequent talks by one of our number on geology, and the interest has
been rife and the profit great. We are planning most vigorously for
larger and better things. We are seeking for an astronomer to speak to
us who knows the stars as friends, that from the living heart words may
thrill us beyond what the book can. Many adjoining towns are waking up
to this C. L. S. C. work and are pledging circles for next year. Our
membership in this city will be doubled.
* * * * *
=New York (Brooklyn).=—Our pastor, Rev. W. C. Stiles, commenced studies
with his wife, and one after another asked permission to join them,
and were cordially welcomed, until we have a circle of seven members.
Our studies are those laid down in THE CHAUTAUQUAN. We read the entire
lesson at home, and take the most important points for recitation. At
the end of the book we have a written review, and find we have learned
the whole thing in a very compact form. There seems to be a good deal
of interest, and we find the studies very pleasant. We decided to elect
a secretary every month and send a report to THE CHAUTAUQUAN, so you
will probably hear from us again.
* * * * *
=New York (Brooklyn).=—In the January number of THE CHAUTAUQUAN you ask
if there are any local circles in Brooklyn. Besides those mentioned
there is one of seventy-four members, which meets in the chapel of
the New York Avenue Methodist Episcopal Church. Rev. N. G. Cheney is
president; Mr. John E. Searles, vice-president, and Mr. J. Wallis
Cook, associate vice-president. The circle is constantly growing,
having recently absorbed part of the circle of which F. S. Holmes was
president. The members of the circle are not confined to the Methodist
denomination, but are representatives of several others.
* * * * *
=New York (Greenwich).=—Our local circle is not only fairly launched,
but is under full sail. We number twenty-four enthusiastic members from
all the Christian denominations, who are reading with a determination
to win. We held our second monthly meeting last evening, December 11.
Nearly every member was present and several brought essays on subjects
previously assigned them by the president of the circle, which were
well written and well read. Very much interest was exhibited in the
geological essays, illustrated by the excellent charts. The members
express themselves as being gratified and surprised at the enthusiasm
manifested, and at the splendid success of our first meeting. You shall
hear more further on.
* * * * *
=New York (Suspension Bridge).=—We have a local circle in this place
which numbers twenty-five members, and the majority of them have their
names enrolled at Plainfield, N. J. Our order of exercises is singing
(Chautauqua hymns), roll-call, reading of minutes, program, business,
adjournment. The program for each meeting is prepared by a committee
of three, whom the president appoints two weeks before, and who make
their report at the meeting following their appointment. We have
twenty-five questions in THE CHAUTAUQUAN every week, and some also in
the Greek text-book, which are asked by the chairman of the committee
that prepared the program. We are still studying the chart, and hardly
_see_ how we could have used the geology without it. We are taking the
diagrams in course, one being explained at each meeting by the member
appointed by the committee at the previous meeting. The program always
includes, also, some article or articles in THE CHAUTAUQUAN, which is
read aloud by the members with frequent consultation of the dictionary.
We observe the “Memorial Days” on the regular evening nearest memorial
date. Exercises for these are also announced by the committee who
prepare the regular program for the evening, and consist of a sketch of
the author’s life by one member, a recitation of one of his works by
another, and a short selection by each member. Our meetings are well
attended, and all seem to enjoy them. We have taken for our name, “The
Athenian Circle.”
* * * * *
=New York (Brocton).=—A local circle was reorganized in September with
a good attendance and increased interest. We now have, in this our
fifth year, a membership of twenty and meet every Saturday evening.
In addition to our regular officers, president and secretary, we
usually elect a teacher for each subject. We are using the charts, and
the Baptist clergyman, Rev. J. M. Bates has given us one lecture on
geology and will soon give us another. The Class of ’82 are taking the
White Crystal Seal course, and most of the members are also reading
the regular course for the year. The influence of our circle is not
confined to its members alone, but is felt throughout the village,
winning the respect of the people and increasing their desire for solid
reading.
* * * * *
=Pennsylvania (Phillipsburg).=—Our circle has been having some very
pleasant gatherings lately, quite out of our usual order. Some time
before Christmas we first discovered we had a neighbor circle in
Houtzdale, Clearfield County, a town about twelve miles from here,
among the coal mines. It is a much larger place than this, having a
population of between eight and ten thousand, principally miners from
almost every country in Europe. Wishing to show our friendly feeling
to our brethren in the Chautauqua Circle, we invited them down to
visit our circle. They accepted our invitation, promising to come when
the sleighing and weather were favorable. So they telephoned to us on
the 18th of last month to expect them on Monday evening, the 22d. Our
circle generally meets every Tuesday evening, but this time, to have a
fuller attendance and suit all around, we changed the time to Monday.
We met rather early and prepared to give them a warm reception. No one
of us had to our knowledge met any one of them, so we had to introduce
ourselves. We were rather surprised when they came to find that twelve
out of the twenty-five composing their circle had ventured on the long
drive, for though the moonlight made it as bright as day, the weather
was _very_ cold. The evening passed pleasantly and quickly, and it was
not till midnight that we turned our steps homeward. We departed from
our usual custom this evening and had a small entertainment. A cup
of coffee is very refreshing before a cold sleigh ride, and we could
not think of letting the party return without breaking bread with us.
Before separating we partly promised to go up to Houtzdale to hear a
lecture on “Greece, Ancient and Modern,” on the following Wednesday.
All depended on the weather, which seemed to be steadily growing
colder. Wednesday morning the mercury went down to 14°, but as it rose
rapidly, by noon we made what preparations were necessary, and a party
of fifteen beside the drivers started in two large sleds, after an
early supper. We reached our destination with but few mishaps and were
most kindly received. We enjoyed the lecture as well as seeing the
real Greek costumes very much. At the close of the meeting we went to
the house of one of the members of the C. L. S. C., where we partook
of a very nice entertainment before starting for home. We all agreed
that the trip was quite a success and have promised, when warm weather
comes, to go again to visit the circle on one of its regular meetings.
We are now reading in our fifth year and feel that we can not think of
giving up, even though some of us have our diplomas. The reading in
regular course is good for any one, and the influence of good books
and pleasant companionship drawing one out of one’s self, away, for a
short time at least, from the cares and fret of every-day life, brings
interest and brightness to many who might otherwise give up to the
“blues” and ill-temper, which like
“The little rift within the lute,
Will soon make all the music mute.”
* * * * *
=Pennsylvania (Pittsburgh).=—On the evening of Thursday, January
25, the C. L. S. C. graduates of Pittsburgh and Allegheny had their
first reunion and banquet. In August last, at Chautauqua, a committee
was appointed of Pittsburgh members to take steps for the formation
of an alumni association in that city. An organization was effected
subsequently, and the following officers elected: A. M. Martin,
president; Miss Mary Oglesby, vice-president; Miss Sarah J. Payne,
secretary; and an executive committee composed of the preceding
officers and Dr. J. J. Covert and Miss Frances M. Sawyers. The reunion
and banquet was held at the Seventh Avenue Hotel. The members and
guests began to arrive early, and before the supper hour of nine the
parlors were filled with persons having bright faces and happy manners.
The social feature was not the least attractive one of the evening. The
banquet was served in a private dining-hall, and forty-two persons sat
down to the feast. The table was elegantly set, and was beautiful with
fine linen, glass, and fruit. The menu was made up of all the rich and
rare delicacies usual upon such occasions. After the last course had
been served, the president of the association, Mr. A. M. Martin, who
was also master of ceremonies, welcomed the members of the association
into the new relations of this fraternity. He said, “I bid you a hearty
welcome to the higher plane on which you have now stepped. We are
to-night, so far as I know, the first alumni organization of the C. L.
S. C. that has ever met to pay honor to our _alma mater_. I bid you
doubly welcome to the higher halls, loftier columns, wider arches, and
grander views she now opens to your sight. We here, I believe, boast of
a larger number of the more than seventeen hundred graduates than any
other one place in the world. I bid you thrice welcome to the honorable
distinction of leading the advance in this progressive march. Once more
I welcome you all to the enjoyments of this night, and I rejoice with
you in the happiness of the hour. I am glad to be here, and if the
faces about me are any index of your feelings, we are all glad to be
here. I hope that at every future reunion we can echo that sentiment
with the same genuine heartiness of to-night. As we meet to enjoy the
pleasures of social reunion, we create memories that shall be new
starting-points for fresh achievements. Memories that bring gladness to
the heart are among the richest boons the Father has bestowed upon His
children. The good cheer of which we have partaken, the sounds of the
words spoken, the friendships we have formed, the faces we have met,
will live as happy memories of this night in long years to come.” Then
came the toasts as follows: “Our lady teachers—the hope of the C. L. S.
C.;” response by Professor L. H. Eaton. “The faithful few;” response
by Miss Margaret McLean. “The Class of 1882, the pioneers of the C.
L. S. C.;” response by Miss A. E. Wilcox, with an original poem. “The
Hall in the Grove;” response by George Seebeck. “May we always be able
to look forward with pleasure, and back without regret;” response by
Miss May Wightman. “Dr. J. H. Vincent, the greatest _novel_-ist of the
age.” When this toast was announced calls were made upon the president,
Mr. Martin, to respond. He, in reply, said: “Dr. J. H. Vincent is a
man whom it is a delight to honor. He is the originator, the head,
the inspiring spirit, the rare genius to whom we all look as members
of the Chautauqua Literary and Scientific Circle. He is one of the
greatest novelists of the age in the old and better sense of the word,
in that he is an innovator and an asserter of novelty. He attracts
our attention; he surprises us; his methods are unusual; there is a
freshness in his plans and ways of doing and saying things that delight
us. But above all, he touches humanity where it most needs quickening.
With broad human sympathy he comes in contact with lives where the
heart throbs beat the strongest. With deep earnestness he reaches down
to the very foundation of the impulses that govern men and women,
and seeks to direct them in higher and better channels. He possesses
eminently what some one has called ‘sanctified common sense,’ and
brings it to bear on all phases of life. He is the greatest novelist of
the age in that he presents living and enduring truths in a way
* * * * which, daily viewed,
Please daily, and whose novelty survives
Long knowledge and the scrutiny of years.”
Professor Eaton next proposed the toast, “Mr. A. M. Martin, our worthy
General Secretary of the C. L. S. C.—the day star of our Pittsburgh
branch,” and called upon Professor C. B. Wood, who responded. The
other toasts of the evening, and the names of the persons who
responded, were: “The very young men of our Class who have faltered
not, nor fainted by the way;” Miss Frances M. Sawyers. “The hopeful
outlook;” Mr. George M. Irwin. “Our city press;” Miss Mary Oglesby.
“The Chautauqua Idea, the unchained Prometheus;” Dr. J. J. Covert.
The dresses of the ladies were tasty and becoming, and some of them
especially elegant. Flowers were worn in profusion. It was nearly
midnight when the enjoyable occasion came to a close.
* * * * *
=Pennsylvania (Philadelphia).=—The Haddonfield local circle has
entered upon the second year of its existence, and in looking back
over the labors of the past year we feel abundantly satisfied with
the results. Our members are without exception composed of those who
have had the advantages of a liberal education, and have been constant
readers since their school days, but have felt the want of a systematic
course to pursue, and have found in the Chautauqua Circle this want
in a certain measure supplied. We have not only endeavored to follow
in this instance the letter of the law, but the spirit also, and in
so doing have taken the subjects up as a study, committing to memory
and reciting to our preceptor, in reply to his questions, every work
that has thus far come before us. In this way “Quackenbos’ Ancient
Classics,” as well as other works, were thoroughly studied the past
winter and reflected much credit upon the members for the close study
they gave to them. From this severe discipline we have not deviated and
propose to continue it to the end. The fruits of such application are
already visible, and the great desire which is expressed to confine our
studies longer to one subject than the plan permits is evidence enough
of the thirst for knowledge it engenders. The only fault we have to
find with the reading is that it is too desultory, and does not dwell
sufficiently long on one subject to satisfy the interest which is
awakened, the time of the members not permitting them to pursue their
reading out of the beaten path. The number of our members is twelve.
It could undoubtedly be largely increased, but we feel satisfied that
numbers in our method of study would not bring corresponding strength
and might prove only a source of weakness. We congratulate Dr. Vincent
and his co-workers in the noble cause in which they have embarked, and
which has long since ceased to be an experiment, upon the awakening of
thousands of minds to a love of acquiring knowledge, and that above
all in the interest of Christianity, and we hail that great army
of co-laborers, who, like ourselves, are brought under its benign
influences, and doubt not that this influence will radiate from every
circle for good.
* * * * *
=Pennsylvania (Pottsville).=—There has sprung into existence, in our
midst, recently, a flourishing local circle. It is the outgrowth of an
informal conversation held by the worthy wife of our esteemed pastor,
Rev. B. T. Vincent, with members of the Normal class of Bible students,
in connection with the M. E. Church, during the early part of last
November, in which the aims and purposes of the C. L. S. C. were very
fully explained and set forth. That an increased interest might be
created in such studies as are embraced in THE CHAUTAUQUAN readings,
a strong sentiment was at once manifested by those present, including
members of various denominations, in favor of organizing a local
circle. After several preliminary meetings had been held, our circle
was formally organized on the 19th of last November, by the election
of a president, vice president, secretary and treasurer. As the result
of this effort, we have in our Mountain City to-day a circle numbering
fifty-two earnest, working members, about one half of whom are also
members of the general circle. In addition to our elective officers,
we have a committee on work, consisting of five members, appointed by
the president, whose duty it is to arrange the work of the circle, make
a sub-division of the required readings, and assign topics in advance
to the several members, whose duty it is to present the same at the
next stated meeting of the circle in the form of an essay, lecture,
or recitation as each may deem proper. By this method each member has
his or her share of work to perform, and all become interested and
active working members. Our meetings, which are held semi-monthly, on
Saturday evenings, are opened by a member reading a selection from the
Scriptures, followed by prayer and the singing of the “Gloria.” The
minutes of the previous meeting are then read, and business matters
relating to the circle attended to; after which the essays on the
various topics are read, or lectures delivered. We endeavor as nearly
as possible, to so limit members that the delivery of the essays and
lectures shall not occupy more than one hour. We have then, previous
to dismissal, a half hour devoted entirely to a lecture on the science
of geology, by our president, Mr. P. W. Sheafer. In this respect we
are peculiarly favored. Mr. Sheafer is not only a practical geologist,
but from his prominent official connection with the last geological
survey of the State, is enabled to give us a much larger, more varied
and valuable store of information in a science, which to us, living
as we do in the very centre of the vast beds of anthracite coal, is
peculiarly interesting and important.
* * * * *
=District of Columbia (Washington).=—On November 14 last a local
circle was organized at the Foundry M. E. Church, and some twenty-five
persons, mostly ladies, joined. Others have joined since, until now
our membership numbers thirty-five. Great interest is manifested, and
the outlook is encouraging. We are somewhat behind, but we are doing
double work and soon expect to be abreast of the thousands of others
who are pursuing the same course. We have the geological diagrams,
and a special interest is being taken in geology. We are all led to
thank Dr. Vincent and Mr. Miller for introducing this movement, and
their dream must have been realized on August 12, last. In this age of
enlightenment, all who will may drink deeply at the pure fountain of
science. With the C. L. S. C. spreading all over the earth, ignorance
is a voluntary misfortune.
* * * * *
=Ohio (Dayton).=—We meet every two weeks, on Tuesday evenings. Our
circle this year has thirty members. Last year we had a course of four
lectures given at a public hall: (1) Prof. Short, of Columbus, Ohio,
“The Antiquity of Man;” (2) Prof. Broome, of Dayton, on “Ceramics;”
(3) Rev. H. L. Colby, on “Architecture;” (4) Prof. Roberts, “Art and
Painting.” These lectures were well attended and much enjoyed. The
programs for the evenings we meet are something like the following:
Prayer by the president; roll call and reading of the minutes of the
last meeting, by the secretary; we learn the questions and answers
in THE CHAUTAUQUAN, taking fifty for a lesson, and these are asked
and answered by the society; then we have readings and essays, on the
subjects we have been reading for the two weeks.
* * * * *
=Ohio (Cincinnati).=—The Rev. Dr. Vincent being in Cincinnati last
month, attending the meeting of the Chautauqua Trustees, the various
local circles in the city, and from the regions round about, engaged
him to give a lecture in St. Paul’s Church. At the close of the lecture
Dr. Vincent was presented with a basket of exquisite and rare flowers
by the members of the C. L. S. C., and then, called by classes, the
various circles retired to the lecture-room to welcome Chautauqua’s
chief. The royal salute was given, added to a song of greeting. Dr.
Vincent experienced great pleasure in meeting Chautauquans—whether
singly, in squads, or by thousands—and stated that the enterprise is
enlarging, twelve thousand new members having already been added to
the former score. It is not the design to make great scholars, but to
excite desire for thorough scholarship. It is to increase the list of
students in our colleges, and to instruct the unread and untaught that
Chautauqua makes her boast, and also in the review of former studies. A
social half hour and a hand-shaking ended the auspicious occasion, the
ladies and gentlemen of the C. L. S. C. expressing unfeigned pleasure
derived from it. A number of C. L. S. C.’s from a distance were
present, Indiana and Kentucky being represented. Some of these visited
the members of the Cincinnati circles for the first time, and expressed
themselves much pleased with the method of conducting the C. L. S. C.
work here, and commended especially the sociability of the members.
* * * * *
=Tennessee (Knoxville).=—This is the second year of our local circle
at Knoxville. Our membership is small, numbering only ten this year,
but we are very enthusiastic, and all the work assigned is promptly
and thoroughly done. The recitations are principally conversational.
We have just finished the “Preparatory Greek Course,” and read in
connection with it the Earl of Derby’s translation of the “_Iliad_.”
We chose Derby’s translation _not_ because we differed with Mr.
Wilkinson as to its value, but because it was the only one to which
we had access. From Greece to the stars will be quite a change, yet
we are glad to leave war and bloodshed for a time. We meet Monday
night of each week at our president’s home. Visitors are always
welcome. Our circle is so small we have never attempted to give public
entertainments or lectures, but we try in other ways, especially by
means of personal influence, to help on the good work and gain recruits
to the C. L. S. C. army. We send greetings to our sister circles and
wish them success.
* * * * *
=Indiana (Aurora).=—Our circle was organized in April, 1882, and we
held our meetings and read during the summer months to make up the
course. We have twelve regular members, all ladies. The president opens
the meeting by reading a chapter from the Bible, then the secretary
reports, after which the program for the evening is taken up. The
reading for the next week is assigned by the president, and our aim
at each meeting is to review the reading of the past week. This is
done by papers relating to the reading, or a synopsis of the readings.
Questions are assigned and answered, and we spend considerable time in
discussion. Our meetings are always informal, and are conducted in the
conversational style.
* * * * *
=Illinois (Sycamore).=—Our circle is composed of busy house-keepers and
girl graduates to the number of a full dozen. We meet every Tuesday
afternoon, and spend from one and a half to two hours together. We take
up the lessons and readings by course, just as they are arranged in THE
CHAUTAUQUAN. We use the questions in THE CHAUTAUQUAN, and wish there
were more of them. The president supplements them, however, and asks
questions on history of Russia, Scandinavia, or whatever is assigned
for the week. Then we read together the “Sunday Reading,” and the poems
in the “Preparatory Greek Course,” or a selection from THE CHAUTAUQUAN,
not required. Questions, discussions, or expressions of opinion are
always in order, as we are not one bit formal. The “Geology” we much
enjoyed, and parted from it with reluctance. The “History of Greece” we
could hardly part with at all, and the “Preparatory Greek Course” we
wish the author had made twice as long. Indeed we part from each book
regretfully, but welcome each new one joyfully. THE CHAUTAUQUAN is so
full of good, enjoyable articles that we can not particularize. We find
our weekly meeting delightful and if we had the time, would like to
make it a daily meeting.
* * * * *
=Illinois (Winchester).=—Our circle has entered upon the second year
of its history, and it is prospering. We started last year with seven
members, out of whom four did thorough work. We had an addition of
seven new members this year, and number at present eleven earnest,
energetic Chautauquans. Five of our circle are married ladies, three
are mothers, five are school teachers, and one a pupil in the high
school. To say we are delighted with the books and other reading, does
not express our appreciation of the good work of Dr. Vincent and his
fellow laborers. The “Ancient Literature,” “Mackenzie’s Nineteenth
Century,” and the two Grecian works of this year are gems to be coveted
by every book collector. It seems that every new book prescribed for
us is better than the last. Some of the most attractive features of
this year’s work, exclusive of the required study, have been a paper on
the Bayeux Tapestry; a paraphrase on a scene in the life of Agamemnon,
and a select reading descriptive of the Yosemite Valley. Two of our
members attended the Chautauqua Assembly last summer, and others
propose attending next August. Letters of inquiry come to us from a
distance asking for directions for organizing circles, thus verifying
the Biblical text: “A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump.”
* * * * *
=Illinois (Chicago).=—This, the “Garfield Park Local Circle,” was
organized November 25, 1881, and now consists of six members. We hold
our meetings every Thursday evening, at the home of one of the six.
A record is kept of the work done by each member, and after this is
accomplished, our president asks the questions given for study in
THE CHAUTAUQUAN. These being answered, the subjects previously given
out for further study are treated, and we have many interesting and
instructive answers. Talks and discussions follow, after which the
work for the coming week is assigned, the minutes taken, and we adjourn
for music and a social time. We were much helped in geology by the
diagrams, and, indeed, it seems as though almost every written article
is in some way connected with our studies.
* * * * *
=Illinois (Jacksonville).=—A local circle was organized October, 1880,
in the house of Mr. Frank Read. It has now entered its third year, and
numbers seven members, almost all of whom are deaf-mute ladies, and
teachers in the institution for deaf-mutes. Miss Naomi S. Hiatt is the
secretary of this circle, and Miss Lavinia Eden the vice-president.
The exercises consist of answers to the questions for the week in THE
CHAUTAUQUAN, of answers to five surprise questions prepared by each
member, of comparing notes, and of the leader’s review on the required
readings for the week. The members by turn conduct meetings each
Tuesday evening, at Mr. Frank Read’s house. Their daily reading and
study seem difficult and tedious, but the interest in such work awakens
and increases with each meeting. The exercises are conducted by means
of spelling on the fingers; but the subjects, especially the tales from
Shakspere, become very interesting through the medium of such uniquely
luminous and intensely vital language as signs. This local circle is
not only a great help to their professional work, but also an excellent
means of contributing to their social, mental, and spiritual welfare.
They all expect to be perennial Chautauquans.
* * * * *
=Michigan (Kalamazoo).=—We have recently organized a local circle here
with an enrollment of twelve enthusiastic members, and we are all
enjoying the work very much.
* * * * *
=Michigan (Flushing).=—Our class, the “Hope Society,” has a membership
of twenty-two. We meet once a week at the residence of each member in
turn. The meeting is opened by singing and prayer, and at roll-call of
members each one responds with some Scripture text or literary gem. We
have a committee of arrangements, consisting of nine persons, to plan
work for the class and prepare such questions as they think best. Three
of them take the work each alternate week. We have also a committee on
entertainments to procure lecturers and look to the social interest
of the work. We do our reading at home, and meet to review, recite,
suggest, and encourage each other, and our rules require an essay a
week from some one of the class. This is our third year and we are
working with increasing enthusiasm. One young man walks seven miles
nearly every week to attend the meeting. We keep all the memorial days,
and pray always, God bless Chautauqua.
* * * * *
=Michigan (Sault St. Marie).=—The Rev. L. T. Eastendy writes: We have
fifteen members in our local circle. We meet once a week. We have
done October’s work, interchanging in the schedule “Preparatory Greek
Course” and “History of Greece.” My wife, daughter and I enjoy our home
circle very much. I have just closed my seventeen years pastorate with
the Presbyterian church here, on account of ill health, and hope now to
enjoy this work and do good in it.
* * * * *
=Michigan (Detroit.)=—Five years ago a circle was formed here, with
Mrs. A. L. Clarke as president. Our officers are elected once a year.
They consist of a president, vice president, critic, treasurer,
recording and corresponding secretaries. Three committees attend to the
business of preparing the program for each evening, and the celebration
of the memorial days, and are appointed by the president every three
months. The instruction committee consists of five members, and
apportions the work among the members. The music committee, consisting
of six members, arranges the musical program for each evening. The
entertainment committee consists of eight persons, who arrange the
program for the socials, and take charge of the refreshments. The
circle meets weekly on Thursday evenings. Meeting called to order at
eight o’clock. Music, either vocal or instrumental opens the meeting
pleasantly. The recording secretary reads the minutes of the preceding
meeting. The critic’s report follows, and the work of the evening is
then begun, on subjects assigned to members. The subject may be treated
in the form of an essay, short lecture, black-board illustration, or
a preparation to answer any questions that may be asked. All members
are expected to take the subjects assigned them by the instruction
committee. During the evening we have a recess of fifteen or twenty
minutes, when new members are welcomed and introduced, and the
committees can assign the work for the next meeting. After recess the
program is finished, and the meeting is closed at 10 p. m., with more
music. We try to have a lecture by some popular speaker at least once
a month. Thus far we have had lectures from Dr. Yemans on “Geology;”
Dr. Taylor, Post Surgeon at Fort Wayne, on “Storms and their Causes;”
Mr. Hawley, on “Rain, Hail and Snow;” Mr. Taylor, on “Geology,” and
Rev. George D. Baker, on “God’s hand in American History.” After the
lecture opportunity is given to members to ask questions on any points
not quite clear to them. Besides the regular meetings we celebrate
the memorial days by giving a reception to the members and friends
of the C. L. S. C. at the house of the president or of some member.
The entertainment consists of music, a sketch of the poet’s life, and
reading of selections from his works; refreshments and conversation
complete the evening. In the summer, picnics are given by the members,
and when the wintry days are come, the Chautauquans sometimes go
sleigh-riding. Drawn thus together we form a most harmonious band.
Our circle at present consists of eighty-one members, thirty-three of
whom are general members. Nearly all of these have joined us since
September, 1881. The first four years the circle met in the rooms of
the Y. M. C. A., and averaged about thirty for each year. In September,
1882, it was decided to rent the “Conservatory of Music Hall,” it being
a larger hall and nearer the central portion of the city. We have
had no cause to regret the action taken, as the meetings are so well
attended, and the members are so thoroughly instructed in the work.
Our circle is composed of persons who range in age from fifteen to
sixty-five years, and of many different lands and callings; physicians,
lawyers, teachers, clerks, and busy housewives clasp hands in one
grand and glorious circle. Eight diplomas were awarded to members last
year. Several of these graduates are now working for seals upon their
diplomas. Death has deprived us of but one member, Miss Ida Ashley,
who was so faithful, earnest and persevering. She finished her studies
while lying upon what proved to be her death bed. Her diploma came just
before she passed to her eternal home, and her memory will ever be
revered in our circle.
* * * * *
=Missouri (Carthage).=—Our circle was organized last April with five
members. Officers elected under forms of constitution in C. L. S. C.
Hand Book. Applications and fees for membership sent Miss Kimball for
class of 1886. We appointed weekly meetings at the homes of members and
spent three hours at each meeting reading Knight’s “English History,”
and review papers enlarging upon the main topics and prominent
characters, with a few moments given to criticisms and report of
general news items of interest. June 1, in connection with the literary
societies of this city, we organized a Carthage Literary Association,
membership forty or more, all ladies, and held a “Longfellow Memorial
Meeting,” a highly entertaining and profitable occasion, being entirely
of a literary character. The members of the C. L. S. C. are now
pursuing the year’s course with renewed zeal, and we number seventeen
regular members. A class conductor is appointed for each week. Papers
of an interesting and creditable character are read relating to the
Greek heroes, both real and mythical, one member giving a prose
recitation from memory of the “Iliad” and “Odyssey,” also Sophocles’
“King Œdipus.” We are now preparing for a Miltonian memorial. Our only
regret is that we did not fall into C. L. S. C. line earlier. We would
give a hearty God bless Dr. Vincent and Chautauqua.
* * * * *
=Minnesota (Worthington).=—The following is the program for a meeting
of the circle in this town held Monday, December 11, 1882: (1) Music,
“Chautauqua Song;” (2) Essay, Mrs. Cramer, “Early Greek Historians;”
(3) Music; (4) Greek History, Text Book, Secs. 1 and 2; (5) Music; (6)
Greek History, October CHAUTAUQUAN, Q. 51-75; (7) Music; (8) Essay,
Miss Mott, “The Labors of Hercules;” (9) Music, “A Song of To-day.”
* * * * *
=Wisconsin (Milwaukee).=—The Milwaukee East Side Local Circle has
enrolled fifty members this winter, and efficient work is resulting
from the steady application given by the class. One of the pleasant
social evenings of the class occurred on January 11, at the residence
of Mr. and Mrs. Walter Wallace. Exercises in commemoration of Bryant’s
and Milton’s days consisted of music, a paper on Milton by Mr.
Bickford; a reading from Milton, by Miss Hall; a paper on Bryant, by
Miss Louise Slocum, and readings from Bryant.
* * * * *
=Colorado (Arvada).=—We have organized a local circle here recently and
have thirteen names enrolled. Though late we hope to make up lost time
and finish the year with others. We are well along in our Greek history
and enjoy it very much.
* * * * *
=Canada (Toronto).=—The Toronto Central Circle issued the following,
in the form of a circular, in December: “A great deal of interest has
been manifested, during the present season, in the work of the C.
L. S. C., and meetings have been held in a large number of the city
churches, with very gratifying results. We beg now to intimate that a
general meeting will be held in the Metropolitan Church (lecture room)
on Tuesday evening, next, the 19th inst., to which we invite—(1) All
members of the C. L. S. C., and those desiring to become such; and
(2) Any who feel interested, in any way, in the substitution of pure
and healthy literature for that which is questionable and sometimes
baneful in its tendency, and in the cultivation of the habit of reading
in a given course, with the object of mental development. The meeting
will be addressed by the Rev. H. Johnston, M. A., B. D., and others,
and opportunity will be given for questioning, to elicit any needed
information. As this matter of home reading is one, the importance of
which it would be difficult to over-estimate, we earnestly request that
you will use the means which may seem most proper to you to make this
meeting known to the members of your congregation.”
* * * * *
There are sorrows mingled with the pleasures of life. Everything does
not go, sir, as we would wish it. Heaven wills that here below each
should have his crosses, and without these men would be too full of
happiness.—_Molière._
[_Not Required._]