C. L. S. C. MEMORIAL DAYS.
1. Opening Day—October 1.
2. Bryant Day—November 3.
3. Special Sunday—November, second Sunday.
4. Milton Day—December 9.
5. College Day—January, last Thursday.
6. Special Sunday—February, second Sunday.
7. Founder’s Day—February 23.
8. Longfellow Day—February 27.
9. Shakspere Day—April 23.
10. Addison Day—May 1.
11. Special Sunday—May, second Sunday.
12. Special Sunday—July, second Sunday.
13. Inauguration Day—August, first Saturday after first Tuesday; anniversary of C. L. S. C. at Chautauqua.
14. St. Paul’s Day—August, second Saturday after first Tuesday; anniversary of the dedication of St. Paul’s Grove at Chautauqua.
15. Commencement Day—August, third Tuesday.
16. Garfield Day—September 19.
One of the most profitable half hours of the local circle evening is that spent in general conversation on a particular topic. It furnishes a practice which is of incalculable value. At the same time it is not possible to put a number on a program of which it is more difficult to make a perfect success. Of course many circles have learned the art of talking. At Shiloh, N. Y., the “Atlantic” circle of sixteen members, a busy, prosperous organization, to introduce variety into their programs, often hold a “meeting of informal conversation,” but very many of us can not succeed. At the root of our trouble lies that totally false idea that the ability to converse is the gift of a few. When leaders suggest a conversazione the difficulties presented seem almost insurmountable. The members contend that they can not talk; they will not try; they urge that while history and science make excellent studies, they are too “heavy” for conversation; they fly the subject and intrude a chit-chat which totally destroys serious conversation. Some time ago we saw successfully tried in a circle of about twenty members, the following method for cultivating conversation: The subject was introduced by the leader in a brief and earnest talk. He showed the barrenness of ideas and the lack of fine and exact expression in our social converse. He urged the possibility and the duty of every one becoming an entertaining talker. An interest was thoroughly aroused, and a vote was carried by the society to devote a half hour to talking on subjects suggested by the C. L. S. C. readings. Each member promised to confine himself to the subject, to come prepared to follow the whole subject, and to give particular items on certain points. Members were bound to ask questions, to look up pictures to illustrate, anecdotes to enliven and wise words to enforce the points brought out. They learned to talk, and to talk on worthy subjects. Their experience soon grew to be a little like that which happened to a member of the Hollister, California, circle. A lady meeting her, remarked: “I am getting jealous of those Chautauquans, for if two of them meet they can talk of nothing but those old Greeks.” Our friends grew to talk so well that a lady, applying for admission, said: “I want to join your society, for it seems to me that a society which inspires so much intelligent conversation must be very valuable.” Every circle of the C. L. S. C. which has had experience in this work should lend to others its ideas and suggestions. But now let us turn to something which is much easier to chat over than are methods for improving ourselves in conversation—our circles.
Nova Scotia gives no hint in its report from the Halifax C. L. S. C. of the bleakness which we usually associate with its stormy northern coast. This Halifax circle announces itself in a flourishing condition, with a regular membership of fifteen and with twenty or thirty regular attendants. The growth of the work in Nova Scotia is apparent to them and they look for an addition of many members soon. Already the number of members in Nova Scotia is nearly double that of last year.
At the extreme eastern point of Maine, in the pretty village of Lubec, the “Pansies” have taken root. The busy little “Quoddy” circle of eight members forms the nucleus around which, we trust, will collect a future legion of as interested members as are our present friends.——Another Pine-Tree state town, Brownfield, has a circle reading its third year’s course. It would be difficult, they think, to find more enthusiastic workers.——On the southern point of the beautiful Moosehead Lake, in the town of Greenville, a circle of “Plymouth Rocks” was founded in November, 1884. The class express increasing interest in their readings, and are confident of a large growth in numbers during the year. The “North Star” is the pretty name they have chosen for their circle.
New Hampshire sends two year-old circles to our columns this month. One from Tilton reorganized last fall with twenty-four members. They meet fortnightly and remember all the memorial days. May their name, “Winnipisaukee,” prove auspicious, and the “smile of the Great Spirit” be ever with them.——The “St. Paul” circle, which was organized in the fall of 1883, at Manchester, N. H., but not reported to The Chautauquan, was reorganized last fall with a membership of thirty-seven. They have in the circle twenty-one of the class of ’88, while only five are of the class of ’87—a proof that the “Chautauqua Idea” is growing in favor. They prepare interesting programs consisting of essays, readings, talks, etc. Also, they use the “Chautauqua Songs,” and find them a great help.
The circle at Plainfield, Vermont, consists of fourteen hard working members and is in its first year. They find great enjoyment in their reading. Last November, the loss by death of one of their most active and loved members, Mrs. F. A. Drinell, threw a shadow over their circle, but they have persisted in their work.——To the numbers of pretty programs which have come to our table has been added a neatly painted one from Rutland, Vt., a souvenir of the Milton Memorial Reception held by the “Alpha” branch of the C. L. S. C. This entertainment was very highly complimented by the local press.
A member of the “Mizpah” circle of New Bedford, Mass., pays a very high compliment to the character of that circle’s work. He writes that he has learned more of Greek history and literature in the four meetings which their circle had held when he wrote, than in all the time he gave last year to solitary study. Certainly the circle must be accomplishing its design of doing “solid work.” Nor are their numbers, though but six, a drawback. A small circle, if perfectly congenial, has some strong advantages.——Last month East Weymouth, Mass., reported the circle which has had such a vigorous growth this year. Now we hear of a new circle in the sister city of South Weymouth, and very soon we may hope to do something more than formally introduce our new friend.——The “Parker Hill” local circle, of Boston, organized in September, 1883, has become so much interested in the circles which month after month send their greetings and their suggestions to The Chautauquan’s columns, that it joins our number. Very glad we are to present it—the only circle, so far as we remember, composed entirely of young men. Thirteen of them form this club, all of them connected with the Highland Congregational Church, of which the Rev. A. E. Dunning, the honored president of the “Plymouth Rocks,” has been pastor. A particularly happy suggestion, it seems to us, is contained in a special feature of their program. They require each member to suggest at each meeting, in writing, some subject for the next meeting’s program. These suggestions being read by the president, the circle selects from them a sufficient number of topics to occupy the allotted time. The subjects are then assigned to the various members.——From two other Massachusetts circles come pleasant letters. One from Cape Cod says: “We call ourselves the ‘Seaside’ circle, and our name is very appropriate, for ‘the sea’ lies both east and south of us. We are located in the ‘elbow’ of the ‘right arm’ of Massachusetts, and scarce an hour in our lives passes that we do not feel the invigorating breezes of the Atlantic Ocean. At present we number fourteen regular and three local members, one ’85, four ’87s, and the rest ’88s. Our enthusiasm is great, and, as is the experience of every local circle, increases with every meeting.”——And another from Falmouth: “Our ‘Neptune’ circle is prosperously started this year with twenty-three active members. We are encouraged, as this is more than double our last year’s membership. We try to keep the line of study for each evening separate, one evening being devoted to science, another to Greek. Last week we took up the ‘Iliad,’ different members giving five-minute sketches of its gods and heroes. At other meetings we have had successful experiments in carbon and hydrogen. Our local badges bear the letters C. L. S. C., with the trident, the symbol of our circle.” With this letter the writer sends a bit of experience which is very interesting. “Last summer,” she writes, “while visiting the ‘Morning Star,’ as she lay at the wharf before starting on her noble life work, I found the C. L. S. C. books in the captain’s library. I never before so fully realized the bond of sympathy between Chautauquans. Mrs. Bray, the captain’s wife, told me that she and her husband belonged to the class of ’85. They take the readings together while far out on the deep.”
Connecticut has a goodly array of items for the month. Norwich sends us several of its capital programs; peculiarly attractive is the one for Milton’s Day.——Bristol reports a circle of twenty-four members, organized in October last, and boasts, most justly, of ten school teachers in its ranks. All the regular work arranged for circles they have been performing, and report most pleasant special meetings on Bryant and Milton Days.——Winsted has sent us a New Year greeting. A happy circle they are, with their enormous membership of sixty-one members, and “not one lazy one in our ranks,” the secretary writes.——At New Britain the Milton Day service was very pleasant. The professor of English literature in the State Normal School gave a talk on Milton, and the evening closed with a question match.
The plan of reviewing each work read has been adopted at Bristol, R. I. An unusually interesting review was prepared on the “Art of Speech.” The epitome which the writer gives of the opening chapter will not only be interesting, it may serve to disentangle some one’s ideas on the puzzling growth of English:
With Chapter first our toil begins,
’Tis like a penance for our sins
To try to read it over.
We read it once, we read it twice,
With close attention read it thrice,
Its meaning to discover.
We find, at last, that English speech
Through long succeeding years, doth reach
Back to primeval ages.
From Aryan root it sprang at first—
How long ago, tell us who durst—
And grew by easy stages.
Teutonic trunk and German branch
And Saxon twig grew strong and stanch,
And Norman foliage crowned it;
From Latin grafts it gained new strength
And from Greek scions, too, at length
Grew thrifty leaves around it.
The fruits upon the wondrous tree,
If we should test, we soon should see
Have many foreign flavors.
From Spanish, Dutch, and Portuguese,
Italian, Indian, and Chinese,
Have they derived their savors.
The “Knowledge Seekers,” of Jamestown, R. I., form a new circle. Until this year they were a branch of the local circle in Newport, but as six members were added they have formed a circle of their own.——“Pawcatuck” local circle, of the ’88 class, C. L. S. C., was organized September 23, 1884, in the village of Carolina, a small manufacturing place in southern Rhode Island. The circle has now twenty-four members and meets weekly. Considering the fact that there are only about 375 inhabitants in the place, in all, and that fully one half of this number are mill operatives, the size of the circle is remarkable. The members are all thoroughly interested in the work, and are taking hold of it in a very commendable manner.
From all directions throughout New York State good news of growing circles reaches us. Away up north, in Jefferson County, in the village of Adams, there has been organized “a real live C. L. S. C.” It is modeled on the broad Chautauquan platform, and has three churches represented in its officers. The program of their Bryant Memorial Day exercises was a model of happily chosen selections, and we learn from the columns of their local paper that it was as happily rendered.——A very profitable plan of assigning subjects is followed at Kingston, N. Y., in their circle of seven members. Each member is given, at the beginning of the year, a subject from the C. L. S. C. readings, to which he devotes his entire attention; thus our correspondent writes that during last year she furnished outlines and questions upon the subject of “Art,” and that this year her theme is “Kitchen Science and Art.” We like the plan.——In the pleasant town of Mount Kisco, not far from New York City, there is a circle which dates back to a public meeting in the interests of the C. L. S. C. held by one of the pastors of the town, in the fall of 1882. A thriving circle of the class of 1886 still exists there. Their plan of work is very comprehensive, including Chautauqua music, general discussions, essays and social observance of the special days.——The Ithaca, N. Y., C. L. S. C. has a membership of forty-six of the classes of ’85, ’86, ’87 and ’88. The meetings, held bi-monthly, are full of life and interest. They observe memorial days generally. One of their most active members has moved to Cazenovia, N. Y., Mrs. Rev. H. F. Spencer, vice president. She writes: “Our circle, here, is in embryo—think how prosy to come down to a circle of three or four.”——The Newfield circle of fifteen members was organized last fall, and held their meetings every Friday evening. Their president, the Rev. W. H. Rogers, is a graduate of the class of ’82.——In an interesting letter from the president of a circle at Binghamton, N. Y., we have found some very good hints. He says: “Here in Binghamton our circle numbers twenty. We call ourselves the ‘F. F. F.’ circle, from our motto: ‘Fortiter, fideliter, feliciter’—bravely, faithfully, successfully. Two things our programs all include: First, devotional exercises, remembering that ‘we study the Word’ as well as ‘the works of God.’ We use the Chautauqua hymns, all singing together and greatly enjoy it. Secondly, roll call. This is one of our most interesting exercises. We respond by quotations from one or more authors, specially designated for the evening, and keep a record of every quotation given. In this way we are compiling what promises to be a very interesting book of choice quotations. Our members are very much in earnest, and every meeting finds them all present.”——The history of one of the circles at Olean, N. Y., has been sent us by its secretary: “The ‘Whitney’ circle (Baptist) was so named in honor of the venerable Dr. Whitney, one of the fathers of the First Baptist Church. This circle was organized in the fall of 1883, with a membership of thirty. This fall we have reorganized, with a membership that bids fair to double that of last year. Each member, in alphabetical order, takes part in the exercises, and are nearly all active workers. Our meetings open with the ‘Chautauqua Songs,’ followed by the roll call, each member answering with an apt quotation from the readings. Our program then consists of a drill on subjects gone over in the readings for the past two weeks. Two essays, on subjects in harmony with the readings, are read each evening. We also have interesting scientific experiments conducted by Dr. S. J. Mudge, a scientist of this city. We have introduced a novel feature called the ‘Tug of War,’ in which sides are chosen in spelling-down style, and questions asked on a book which has been completed. Guesses at the Greek alphabet and Greek words are also features of our programs. We also observe some of the memorial days. Last summer our superintendent, the Rev. MacClymont, secured Chancellor Vincent to lecture for us. We invited the M. E. circle, and had a splendid lecture. Taken altogether, we may say our circle is in a prosperous and flourishing condition.”
The Keystone State is in no way behind New England and its Empire neighbor this month in reports. From Connelsville, on the banks of the Youghiogheny, comes a hearty greeting to all C. L. S. C. classmates. It is from the sturdy “Spartans,” of the class of ’88. The circle, organized on Opening Day, numbered at its start twenty-four members. The “Athenian” circle of ’86 and the “Pansy” circle of ’87 proposed a consolidation of forces; so large was the circle that a public meeting place was necessary. The best talent of the city is in the circle, and to belong to its rank is a good recommendation wherever the circle is known.——At Mount Pleasant, Pa., a circle was formed in October consisting of fifty-one members, all but four of which belong to the class of ’88. They promise us a full report when fairly started in their work.——A friend at Verona, Pa., writes: “Our name is the ‘Verona Resolutes,’ our age two months, our number fifteen. We owe our existence to the fact that three of our new members attended Chautauqua Lake Assembly, and one Mountain Lake Park Assembly, where they caught the C. L. S. C. fever, and upon returning home spread the disease until fifteen are found upon the fever list. We are enjoying it, though, and hope our recovery will be slow, if recovery means loss of interest.”——West Philadelphia has a new circle—the “Parsonage” circle. They number six and promise to try to increase their list. No doubt their efforts will succeed, the present circle being due to the efforts of three members who last year read alone.——The Elizabeth Herald, of Elizabeth, Pa., contained recently the following pleasant notice of the circle in that town: “Chautauqua Circle.—This flourishing institution is pursuing a course of study and research and enjoying an exchange of ideas, which is a veritable reveling in intellectual and social pleasures, unknown to many of the community whose congenial tastes and capabilities would, if properly directed and cultured, lead them to a sharing of these delights, so far above the frivolities too common to young life. For instance, at the regular meeting of this week, in addition to the regular quiz and discussion of the set topics, the Milton Memorial Day was observed with services of an appropriate nature. The evening was a most pleasant one throughout, and after the regular program was concluded the members, loth to leave, remained, singing and talking in pleasant, informal fashion, for some time.”——We are pleased to notice here, a kindly compliment to the president of the flourishing circle of thirty at Washington, Professor Lyon, of Washington and Jefferson College. Our friend says of him: “In our studies in chemistry, etc., we have the benefit of his knowledge and skill, and obliging disposition, for he always carries from the college to our rooms the apparatus needed for explanation and experiment.” This circle held a “sociable” on the evening of December 11th, each member inviting a friend. It was an enjoyable affair and may be the means of adding members.——In kind remembrance of Mary Vincent, the mother of Chancellor Vincent, the members of the C. L. S. C. at Petersburg, Pa. have named their circle the “Mary Vincent” circle—a peculiarly fitting tribute, Mrs. Vincent having been well known and deeply honored by many Chautauquans in that vicinity.
The Cincinnati, Ohio, members of the S. H. G. held their yearly reception to the new class, in the pleasant parlor of the First Presbyterian Church, in October. The “Irrepressibles” were right royally received. The president of the society, Mr. J. G. O’Connell, welcomed the class into the society. The following were the toasts, to which hearty responses were given: “The Class of ’82;” “Class of ’83;” “Class of ’84;” “The Founder of the C. L. S. C.—Chancellor J. H. Vincent;” “Chautauqua, the Mecca of the C. L. S. C.;” “Cincinnati Circles;” “Chautauqua Music.” The musical part of the program was unusually fine. The collation was a part of the program in which every one present took part. The following are the officers for the ensuing year: President, Mr. J. G. O’Connell, ’82: vice presidents: Class of ’82, Mrs. M. J. Pyle; class of ’83, Mrs. I. W. Joyce; class of ’84, Miss Sarah Trotter; recording secretary, Miss Julia Kolbe; corresponding secretary, Mr. M. S. Turrill; treasurer, Miss Selina Wood. The society separated brimful of enthusiasm for the success of the C. L. S. C. Bryant’s Day was celebrated by the Cincinnati circles at the Third Presbyterian Church. Mr. S. Logan presided. Among the excellent things on the program were an essay on W. C. Bryant, by Mr. J. A. Johnson, a piano solo by Miss Belle Burnham, and a recitation, “Waiting by the Gate,” by Miss Nellie Allan. A union vesper service was held by the circles at Grace M. P. Church, on the Special Sunday, November 9th. The service was conducted by the Rev. Mr. Spohr, of Grace Church, and Dr. Ridgeway, of Mount Auburn, gave a very fine address upon “Praise.” This being the “Greek” year in the C. L. S. C. course, the various circles have added to their names that letter of the Greek alphabet which will indicate their rank in order of organization.——The local circle of Mount Pleasant, Ohio, came into existence in October of 1883. The circle has the usual officers, and meets twice a month at the homes of the members. The enrollment is nineteen, with a large average attendance. They have local talent enlisted, and the meetings are instructive and interesting. The work of 1883 and 1884 was thoroughly accomplished.
One new circle enters the list this month from Friendswood, Ind. It is formed of twelve members—enthusiastic and brave they must be, for they report themselves as living in the country several miles apart. Not only are they overcoming the difficulty of regular meetings under these circumstances, they are contemplating enlisting others in their work.——Another zealous Indiana circle is at Corydon. It is a year old, and believes itself to have done better work than any other circle in the country, an assertion that their method warrants, for they have adopted the novel plan of a C. L. S. C. school, where one member is appointed to hear the lesson and every other comes prepared to recite. Our Corydon friends gave a delightful Milton reception to over thirty guests.——The C. L. S. C. local circle of Fort Wayne began its fifth year’s work on Garfield Day—officers were elected, and seventeen new members added. The subjects under consideration are conducted in a conversational manner. One evening was devoted to chemistry, with highly interesting and successful experiments given by the leader, who is professor of science at the M. E. College. They have held one “Sunday Evening Vesper Service,” which proved such an inspiration that they purpose having more. “At the age of five years,” they write, “we are truly ‘Irrepressible,’ ‘Invincible,’ and as firm and steady as old Plymouth Rock itself.” Altogether “we are a live and enthusiastic circle, possessed with the true ‘Chautauqua Idea.’”
A letter received from a lady well known to readers of The Chautauquan, Mrs. E. J. Bugbee, says of a circle lately started at Evanston, Ill.: “I am happy to report from this glorious Athens of the West a flourishing circle of the C. L. S. C., organized on the first Monday evening in November, and numbering now between forty and fifty members. We have started out with an enthusiasm which we hope will not abate, and indeed we do not expect it to do so under our present fortunate leadership. We have for president Mr. Weeden A. Sawyer, of this place. He presides with dignity and ease, and carries forward the business of the circle with promptness and dispatch. We are also happy in our instructor, the Rev. F. Clatworthy, pastor of the Baptist church of Evanston, who shows wonderful adaptation for this work, and is heartily in sympathy with the Chautauqua Idea, and endeavors closely to follow out the plan for local circles.”——At Hinsdale, Ill., a circle was organized in the fall of 1882. The circle was conducted in a very informal manner, having but one officer—secretary—“each member taking her turn as leader, and our exercises were merely the discussions of the past week’s reading. In the fall of 1883 we again organized, this time admitting gentlemen, electing a president and secretary, and taking to ourselves a name, ‘The Alpha Chautauqua Circle.’ Our membership increased to eighteen. Meeting every Monday evening, our exercises were the same as during the preceding year. We celebrated three of the memorial days, which proved not only pleasant and interesting, but very instructive. This last fall our Chautauquans were so enthusiastic that the first meeting was called for September 4th. We reorganized with only nine members; since then have admitted two more. If it can be possible, our work this year seems more interesting than ever. We continue to meet weekly, and have now decided to take one text-book, or one month’s reading in The Chautauquan at a time, finishing one subject before taking up another; thinking thereby to obtain a better understanding of the same. Shall also use the questions and answers in The Chautauquan, said lessons to be conducted the same as a spelling match. The members respond to the roll call with appropriate quotations, thus far from Greek authors. We have been too busy to observe the memorial days this year, otherwise than by quotations from the author in question. Two of our circle are members of the ‘Pansy’ class. One of our number graduated last year, who is now an honorary member of the local circle, acting as critic; and we shall have one graduate this year.”
A genuine proof of good work is this bit of experience from Tecumseh, Mich.: “At the beginning of this year,” the president writes, “we members of ’86 reviewed thoroughly our Greek history for the benefit of those of our circle belonging to the classes of ’87 and ’88. We were highly gratified with the proficiency of the class of ’86. How well we remember two years ago the despondency of many of the members at the hard Greek words, and now they pronounce them with ease and fluency. Any one would have been convinced of the benefits of the C. L. S. C. who could have listened to those reviews of Greek history.”——The Bryant memorial was very pleasantly observed by the local circle of Escanaba, Mich. Mrs. W. H. Tibbals, ’86, invited the members to dinner at 6 o’clock. Nine of the members were present. After the repast, at which each member present received as a souvenir a pallet painted by the hostess, the literary feast was enjoyed. Select reading, “Early Life of the Author;” selection, “The Rivulet;” selection, “The Autumn Woods;” essay, Bryant and his Contemporaries; selection, “The Planting of the Apple Tree;” selection, “The Crowded Street;” essay, Bryant, the Poet; analytical study of the “West Wind;” questions prepared by the president.
Sad news and a beautiful tribute to the C. L. S. C. come to us from Waupan, Wis., whence the secretary writes: “Our C. L. S. C. opens this year with added enthusiasm in its membership, and an increasing number. The Bryant Memorial Day was observed in a fitting manner by sentiments, readings, discussion, and a biographical sketch, all bearing upon the great poet. The selections and topics were in accord with our feelings, as we had just met with our first loss since organizing five years ago, in the death of one of our youngest and brightest members, Mrs. Jennie Weed Hinkley. As we review the life of our beloved sister, we can see a symmetry and beauty of character that needed no further lights and shades. Our studies make us better mothers and housekeepers, better able to take our places in the prayer meeting, better able to guide our children, and to understand the work they do in the school room.”——The “Pansy” class of Sparta, Wis., also sends its greetings to all the members of the People’s College. A friend telling the story of the circle says: “Our little Spartan class passed through the first year of its existence without a break in the circle, and profiting by the favorable circumstances, observed among others, Shakspere Memorial Day with more than the ordinary preparation, closing with a basket picnic, served at the house of one of the members. This year, however, sickness has overtaken two of the members, and one still remains an invalid; nevertheless, our progress has been steady. We have observed Bryant’s and Milton’s Days by interesting exercises.”
The C. L. S. C. is coming well to the front this year in St. Paul, Minn. The year was begun by a lecture from Dr. Vincent on Monday evening, October 6th, on the “Chautauqua Idea.” This aroused the enthusiasm of the old Chautauquans and brought in a large addition of new members. On Thursday evening, October 23d, the “Pioneer” circle was reorganized with nineteen members, which have since become twenty-five. On Monday evening, November 3d (Bryant Day), the “Canadian American” circle was formed, with ten members. There have been at least four other circles formed, with a membership of about eighty. On the evening of November 27th, Thanksgiving night, the “Pioneer” circle held its regular meeting in the parlors of the First M. E. Church. All the other circles in the city were represented, about eighty persons being present. Among the other visitors they were delighted to welcome Prof. J. L. Corning, of Ocean Grove, N. J., a name well known to all Chautauquans. His address on the C. L. S. C. at Ocean Grove and the Chautauqua University was both instructive and enjoyable. The program was in celebration of both Bryant and Thanksgiving Days, and included essays on Bryant’s life and works and the origin of Thanksgiving day, with selections from Bryant’s works and Thanksgiving day poems. Altogether the evening was a very pleasant one. They are making arrangements for forming a central circle somewhat after the plan of the Toronto central circle and the Troy circle.
Three new circles are reported this month from Iowa. At Wapello a circle of five members; at Parkersburg one of nine members; and at Elvira, one of ten. Each reports the work as a delightful revelation, and expresses the hope that they may be able to largely increase their numbers.——In the fall of 1883 a circle was organized in Missouri Valley, Iowa. It consisted of some fifteen members, some of whom, for want of time, failed to do the reading. During the past year a number of the members left the town, one of whom—President Sabine—graduated in the class of 1884. Though the class is scattered, several are doing the reading.
We are always particularly glad to hear from the Blue Grass State, perhaps because our friends there have not sent us frequent reports. This month a friend writes of the circle at Hardensburg: “The C. L. S. C. of this place is prosecuting its work with unabating energy and zeal. We organized early in September, with eighteen members, that we might be entirely ready for Opening Day. However, there was so much severe illness in our town, and especially among some of the friends of our circle, that it was late in the Circle year before we did anything more toward having a meeting. When at last through the Father’s providence we were permitted to meet again, we found that nearly every member had ‘read up’ to date. We meet on Tuesday evening of each week and carry out the program as furnished for each week in The Chautauquan. We keep each memorial day.”
Another Southern state to report is Louisiana. From Lake Providence this letter comes: “We have twenty-two members between fifteen and twenty-one years old. We meet once a week; at roll call each answers by reciting, ‘We study the Word and works of God,’ ‘Let us keep our Heavenly Father in the midst,’ ‘Never be discouraged.’ We assign lessons from the C. L. S. C. course for each week as given by The Chautauquan. In our class the member who is most attentive, whose conduct is best, who learns the lessons recited most thoroughly, is made president of the class. The places of vice president, secretary, etc., are filled in this way. The lessons which have been memorized by particular members, are learned at their recital by the other members who were not appointed to learn these lessons. In this way the work is done thoroughly, and for hours the interest and enthusiasm do not cool; however, we change from one study to another to prevent any from becoming monotonous. Nineteen members of our circle are college students, but for the most of them this will be their last year at school; so we are trying to fill them with the Chautauqua spirit of learning, morality, truth and Christian worth, that it may linger with them and develop them through all the future into strong and true, noble and pure womanhood and manhood. Having established this circle among the young, we are now working to originate one among the grown. We talk of it a great deal in our social life; have induced eight to become members of the C. L. S. C., and hope to largely increase the numbers.”
Springfield, Missouri, sends the following interesting history: “In October, 1883, a wave of Chautauqua enthusiasm reached our beautiful city of the Ozarks. Through the influence of two or three energetic ladies, it resulted in the organization of the ‘Queen City’ circle of the C. L. S. C. The circle began with a membership of fifteen ladies, representing eight religious denominations. Regular meetings were held once a week, all the memorial days kept, and the year’s work finished in June. In October, 1884, our circle was reorganized with the same officers. Our members returned full of enthusiasm and ready for work. On Opening Day we endeavored to lay before our new members and visitors—having opened our doors to all interested—the object, the magnitude and the blessing of the ‘Chautauqua Idea.’ Those interested, and others to whom the ‘Idea’ was entirely new caught the enthusiasm, and many applications for membership were presented from both gentlemen and ladies. As the ‘Queen City’ circle is a woman’s circle exclusively, holding its meetings in the afternoon, it was thought best to organize another circle, to which both ladies and gentlemen could be admitted. On Bryant’s Day the new circle was formed, with a membership of thirty-one. Their meetings will be held on Tuesday evening of each week. It is the intention of the two circles to work together as closely as possible. The ‘Queen City’ circle meets once a week in a pleasant parlor, which we owe to the courtesy of one of our members. We study the readings for the week thoroughly. Topics are assigned by our instruction committee a week in advance for special study, greater research and more thought being thus brought to bear upon the lesson. Criticism upon pronunciation, inaccuracies of speech, etc., is unsparingly given to all. We are trying to make thorough study of our text-book on ‘Parliamentary Practice,’ and endeavor to observe all the rules of a deliberative body. Our work is both profitable and delightful, and I think it safe to say that our circle can never languish. Already the ’87s are living in joyful anticipation of the day when they will be permitted to pass beneath the Arches at Chautauqua.”——A word also comes from Kansas City. There are six circles there, the oldest of which is the “Kansas City” circle, whose interest was so great that the weekly meetings were kept up during last summer, without any vacation. October 1st, they reorganized, with a membership of twenty-five. Two graduates are reading with this circle this year.
A pleasant account of work done in the interest of the C. L. S. C. has reached our table from Hiawatha, Kansas. A graduate of the class of ’84 it comes from: “I have talked C. L. S. C. to my friends until I have declared that it will soon be necessary for me to get a new tongue. I went to our editor to-day and asked his assistance in spreading the work. He has kindly consented to print whatever we wish. There are many things in The Chautauquan that would enlighten the people concerning the C. L. S. C.—what it is, and what it is doing—but the very ones who most need this information do not take The Chautauquan. By the assistance of our editor we can bring this knowledge to the people. I tell my friends that I can not help being enthusiastic on this subject, because I am an ‘Irrepressible.’ A ‘Pioneer’ and an ‘Invincible’ moved to our town this fall. Beside these we have a few ‘Progressives,’ ‘Pansies,’ and ‘Plymouth Rocks.’ We meet in one of the offices in the court house for our regular meetings—it being a more central point for all—but I invited the circle to my home for a late meeting. I wished to show them the growth of the Persian empire and Alexander’s dominions as pictured on Adams’s ‘Synchronological Chart.’ I bought one this summer at Chautauqua. Since my return I made an easel for the chart of hard pine, open-mortised four cross-pieces, on two of which I fastened the chart, and chamfered the edges. The boards were ‘in the rough’ when I took them, but I smoothed them, sand-papered and oiled them, then blackened the chamfered edges and varnished the easel. Several carpenters have examined my work and all say my joining is perfect and the work well done, and yet I never handled tools until I went to Chautauqua last summer and took instructions.”——A new circle has been organized at Hartford, Kansas. It consists of seventeen members, representing a variety of professions and employments. The work has proven pleasant and profitable to them thus far.
Right glad we are to hear from Nebraska. A breezy letter comes from the circle at York, in which the writer tells us: “We have twenty-four members. We feel quite encouraged when we remember that we began last year with only four. Nearly every meeting adds a new name to our roll. Our members are all enthusiastic and in earnest, preferring to let anything else go rather than miss one ‘C. L. S. C.’ I really think nothing less than a ‘Nebraska blizzard’ or cyclone would keep some of our members away. We pursued the Chautauqua plan of questions and answers last year very successfully, and are proceeding in the same way this year, although our programs vary according to the option of the leader. Each member leads in the order his name stands on the secretary’s roll. In this way the timid ones of our circle are brought out. We usually have written questions on the readings in The Chautauquan; they are either handed to the secretary to be read, or exchanged. We are fortunate in having a professor of our college as a member, and just now he is making the study of chemistry very interesting and pleasant. We certainly do appreciate our C. L. S. C.”
Wyoming Territory is the western limit of our circle travels for February. At Cheyenne, the “J. L. Taylor” circle organized in 1883 has reorganized with a membership of twelve. The secretary writes: “While we are all young people, having many daily duties and cares, our interest in Chautauqua steadily increases, as we feel it broadens our outlook over the world, and draws us nearer and nearer to our ideal of a higher life. We hope to be able to report much good work done in the future—as we feel that we can not stop with only moderate endeavors.”