West Virginia (Charleston).—Last September the Charleston local circle was organized with a membership of nine, which soon increased to twenty-five, among whom we number two D.D.’s, the president of the school board, superintendent of city schools, professional men, etc., and a full quota of interesting ladies. Commencing late, we did not get under good headway for several weeks, when we followed the course as laid down in The Chautauquan. At first the program was filled by volunteers, but the necessity of more system was so apparent that we divided ourselves into four classes, each one in its turn providing the entertainment for the evening, thus giving to each class the program once in four weeks. The Chautauqua course has been a source of much pleasure and profit to its members here. Though belonging to the class known locally as literary people, the readings of our circle heretofore had been desultory and unprofitable. Now we have a systematic course of good reading, and feel obligated by a sense of pleasure and duty to do the work we have undertaken. At the future capital of West Virginia ours is the only literary organization. May the C. L. S. C. increase and multiply as the fishes of the Kanawha!
Alabama (Eufaula).—The Eufaula local circle was organized September 7, 1882, and now numbers twenty-seven members. Meetings are held on the first Monday night in each month at the homes of different members, and officers are elected quarterly. It is the first year’s reading in the C. L. S. C. course for all the members except one. Preparatory to our reading “Evangeline” in May, we had a “Longfellow” program at our last meeting, May 7. Of that meeting the Daily Times says: “The Eufaula local circle of the Chautauqua Literary and Scientific Circle is in a most flourishing condition. The most interesting and successful meeting that has yet been had was held at Mayor Comer’s on Monday night. An excellent program was carried out and was a pleasant departure from the usual exercises. The members of the circle were quite enthusiastic yesterday; a good sign. A community takes a long step forward when it organizes such a club as this, and we are glad that the Eufaula branch of that greatest of all universities, ‘The Chautauqua University,’ is growing in strength and interest.”
Ohio (Ravenna).—Because we have been silent all the year is no sign that Ravenna does not possess a C. L. S. C. Long ago the grand “Chautauqua Idea” struck us, and our pleasant town already boasts a number of graduates of the class of ’82. Ravenna has four circles, the Methodist C. L. S. C. being organized late in November, 1882, with six members, this number rapidly increasing, and now we have a flourishing circle of eighteen regular members, with six locals. The Chautauquan is the valuable organ of our society, and the many choice gems of reading form a very important part of our program. Besides the regular work, we celebrate all memorial days, Milton’s Day having been observed with select readings, music and biographical sketch. Besides the social enjoyments of these occasions, we derive very much benefit intellectually, and always welcome a memorial day. One remarkably pleasant instance this season was the lecture given here by Rev. J. H. Vincent, upon “That Boy.” After the lecture, upon the very kind invitation of Judge Reed, a brilliant reception was given at his spacious residence, and all Chautauquans were heartily welcomed. To hear the encouraging words of Dr. Vincent and feel the friendly grasp of his hand, gave a new impetus to our work, and to be a Chautauquan had a more powerful significance. Long may the C. L. S. C. flourish.
Ohio (Springfield).—The following is a copy of the program for “Shakspere’s Day,” as followed by our circle:
SPRINGFIELD SEMINARY CIRCLE.
PROGRAM.
| Introduction | President |
| “Shakspere Day,” 1882 | Secretary |
| Select Reading from “Julius Cæsar” | Miss Lyda Ellsworth |
| The Story of “Much Ado About Nothing” | Miss Elissa Houston |
| Recitation from “Hamlet” | Mrs. O. B. Williams |
| “Bacon’s Claims to Shakspere’s Plays” | Mrs. R. A. Worthington |
| Chautauqua Supper. | |