Illinois (Monticello).—Our circle numbers ten. We have determined upon doing the work thoroughly, and have so far done a great deal of reference work, particularly in the Greek history. We meet Thursday evening of each week, and have regular class exercise, usually conducted by the president.
Illinois (Astoria).—Our local circle is small in numbers, there being only a dozen of us, but we are not lacking in enthusiasm. We organized late last fall and began two months behind time, but have almost made up the lost time. The oldest member of our circle is nearly an octogenarian. We have a variety of methods for conducting our meetings—nothing stereotyped. Recently one program was somewhat as follows: Each member responded at roll-call with a brief poem (selected) on the stars; seventy-five questions were asked on “Preparatory Greek Course,” and twenty-five on “Astronomy;” a paper was read on “Plato and his Philosophy,” and last came a “pronouncing contest;” fifty words having been selected by the leader, they were lettered and given to the members in turn to be pronounced. We have a “Chautauqua missionary,” in the shape of Pansy’s “Hall in the Grove,” which we are sending into different homes to awaken enthusiasm, and the result is likely to be a doubling of our numbers next year.
Wisconsin (Whitewater).—We organized our club in October, 1882, shortly after a visit from Rev. A. H. Gillet. We now number twenty-one members, and hold our meetings once in two weeks. A program committee assigns parts to different members, and each topic for study is presented either by means of questions or a paper. We are enjoying the work very much, and feel that we are greatly benefited by it.
Wisconsin (Mauston).—The Delphian class of the C. L. S. C. was organized last January with a membership of thirteen, but the number has since increased to twenty. Shakspere’s day was pleasantly observed by the class. The program consisted of readings, recitations, vocal and instrumental music. The guests, numbering about forty, seemed well pleased with our efforts.
Wisconsin (Milwaukee).—Our circle is the fourth formed in Milwaukee, hence, named “Delta Circle.” We have ten regular and several local members. We meet once a week at the house of one of the members, so that ours is a “parlor” circle. We generally have a leader appointed two weeks ahead, who takes charge of the literary exercises of the evening, topics for special study being generally given out by the leader a week ahead. Questions and informal discussion form a large part of our exercises, and we find our circle to be an inspiration to higher work, and a great mutual help.