CLASS OF 1887.—“THE PANSIES.”
“Neglect not the gift that is in thee.”
OFFICERS.
President—The Rev. Frank Russell, Mansfield, Ohio.
Western Secretary—K. A. Burnell, Esq., Chicago, Ill.
Eastern Secretary—J. A. Steven, M.D., Hartford, Conn.
Treasurer—Either Secretary, from either of whom badges may be obtained.
Executive Committee—The officers of the class.
The Allegheny, Pa., circle, Class of ’87, is gaining a reputation for enthusiasm and thoroughness of work. They hold regular meetings, have printed programs, and sometimes are entertained at times of meetings or excursions, at a good hotel.
The Toledo, Ohio, circle, with the Rev. H. M. Bacon for its president, issues a beautiful program of the whole course of winter meetings, with a list of the memorial days, put in handsome shape.
The officers of the class are in receipt of many pleasant letters, speaking among other things of many letters which have been written to Pansy containing suggestions about the class memorial book which is expected from her pen, and which will receive most enthusiastic welcome from every member of the class.
As the dreary winter weather is likely at last to give way to spring, Pansy blossoms are appearing on paper in preparation for their appearance in the memorial Pansy bed, which it is hoped will be a treasured improvement in the Chautauqua grounds.
Williamsburg, Kansas, writes of a circle of forty members, all but two of whom are members of ’88. These two delightful Pansy blossoms, a minister and his wife, represent the class of ’87.
Here is a C. L. S. C. inspiration from a lonely but enthusiastic reader in New Virginia, Iowa: “I have never had the benefit of a circle, and could seldom attend if one were here, having four small children, the eldest of whom is not yet seven, and besides, I am trying to fill my mission as the wife of a pastor whose work takes him much away from home. After the little ones are tucked up in bed, and the good-nights are spoken, I find it delightful to rest with my book and reading for an hour or more. I am determined that my husband with his studies shall not leave me far behind. Two years is a long look ahead, but I am planning for that one trip to Chautauqua, when I shall hope to grasp the hand of many an ’87.”
The Lower Oswego Falls circle, New York, is doing a most excellent work by downright hard study, in their class meetings.
The circle in Hartford, Conn., with Secretary Steven for its president, issues a fine program for its meetings, which already for this winter run into the twenties.
A new circle has been organized in Chicago, called the Oakland circle. All of its members belong to the Pansy class, though that can not account for their all being ladies. They are doing a most excellent work.
Great gifts are not given to all,
Great tasks from all not required.
The Master is just—faithful use
Of talent is all desired.
“Neglect not the gift that is in thee,”
Oh! heed well that resonant call;
Teach, write, or speak, at its bidding—
To thy work, ere the shadows fall.
—Margaret Heath, Class ’87.
Miss Eliza Gummage, a member of the class of ’87, recently died at her home in Lewiston, Me. She was a devoted and enthusiastic Chautauquan.
Massachusetts.—I am a member of the Pansy class, but am entirely alone in my reading. My attempts to form a circle have not yet been successful. Not because our people are not interested in all good work, but they have some “first loves” in the way of clubs, the proceeds from which are appropriated for good at home or abroad. Still I hope that very soon they will expand their hearts and take in the C. L. S. C., the benefits of which are so many. I read with much interest all items from our class. In fact, I think the Pansy column is the first thing I look for upon the arrival of The Chautauquan. I am not only alone in my reading, but have not the acquaintance of a single member of the great family of “Chautauquans.” However, I am far from discouraged, and look forward to meeting a goodly array of Pansies in ’87.
Miss Flora Warren Potter, a member of “Pansy” class (’87), C. L. S. C., and of “Union” circle, of Washington, D. C., died in that city on the evening of March 20th, at the residence of her brother-in-law, Geo. H. Walker, Washington correspondent of the Cleveland Leader. Becoming a member of the C. L. S. C., she foresaw the advantages and possibilities which it opened out before her, and though an humble toiler in the work, none loved it more than she. At five o’clock on the Sabbath afternoon following her death, at the regular Chautauqua vesper hour, funeral services were held in the Union M. E. Church, the members of “Union” circle being present in a body and rendering the music, some new and choice selections, on the occasion.
In the past winter the C. L. S. C. lost a devoted member of the class of ’87 in Miss Maggie R. Elwell, of Salem, New Jersey. Most appreciative resolutions of condolence and respect were sent the bereaved friends by the Salem circle.