CLASS OF 1885.—“THE INVINCIBLES.”
“Press on, reaching after those things which are before.”
OFFICERS.
President—J. B. Underwood, Meriden, Conn.
Vice President—C. M. Nichols, Springfield, Ohio.
Treasurer—Miss Carrie Hart, Aurora, Ind.
Secretary—Miss M. M. Canfield, Washington, D. C.
Executive Committee—Officers of the class.
Class badges may be procured of either President or Treasurer.
The members of the Chautauqua circles have now a third of a year only in which to finish their readings and fill out their papers for the current year. So far as we have been able to learn, a much larger number of persons have been pursuing the C. L. S. C. course this year than have been in the ranks during any previous corresponding period. Those connected with journalism, in looking over their exchanges, rarely pick up a local paper that does not have some reference to the doings of a local Chautauqua circle. Then it has been discovered that those who read the Chautauqua books and periodicals have been led to go beyond the lines, and to search for intellectual treasures in “pastures new”—in books, reviews, public journals of character and excellence, and, also, to seek association with people of culture. Indeed, it is pleasantly and encouragingly apparent that the Chautauqua system is becoming, from month to month, broader, deeper, more far-reaching in its wholesome and really powerful influence, in promoting moral as well as intellectual culture.
The members of the Class of 1885 should bear these facts in mind, and accept the special degree of responsibility involved. Let this class be not only the best, but the largest that has ever passed within the Golden Gate on Commencement day! Why should it not be three thousand strong? If we begin now, in April, to make our plans and preparations, perhaps we can all “get there,” and present a solid phalanx of honest, thorough, intelligent and aggressive Chautauquans, marching toward and through the Gate and into the Hall, with banners and songs, that will promise largely and grandly for the moral and mental improvement of thousands of communities throughout the land.
“What would be the result if we report to Miss Canfield our intentions to be at Chautauqua to receive our diplomas, and something should happen to prevent?”
The only result would be that those who expected you would be as sadly disappointed as you would be in not being able to come. The fact that you intended to come and were detained by good cause would be accepted, and you would “stand excused,” and would receive your diploma in good time.
Missouri.—As one of the “Invincibles,” I would add my testimony with others of Class ’85 as having received pleasure and benefit beyond computation in pursuing the C. L. S. C. course. I commenced alone, but after a few months succeeded in organizing a circle for ’86, which keeps up a large membership, persistent and thorough in study, with rigid class drill; also remembrance of memorial days.
Pennsylvania.—What a well-spring of joy is the C. L. S. C. in the homes of those who have not enjoyed the advantages of a liberal education! The students born of this great movement are rising up all over this great land with blessings for the founder of this happy Circle. I am reading alone, as there are no members near me, but at some little distance I have interested some bright young friends of mine in the work, and I am glad to know that they are so much pleased with it.