They wisely preceded this by issuing for September 9th the following invitation: “Yourself and friends are invited to attend the first annual picnic excursion of the Allegheny circle, C. L. S. C., class of ’87, to be given Tuesday, September 9th, 1884, at Conoquenessing Grove and Rocks.”
Similar to the letter was a notice sent out by the circle at Omaha, Nebraska, in connection with the Popular Education circular, which explains the methods of the C. L. S. C. The following announcement was included in the notice: “the branch organized in this city last fall, and known as the Omaha C. L. S. C., is now arranging for next year’s work. A preliminary meeting will be held in Y. M. C. A. Hall, September 16th, at eight o’clock. All members of the circle, and those intending to read the course for 1884-5, are invited to be present.” These plans are always effective, and they have the added value of being simple.
At Eldred (Pa.), the local circle was reorganized in September with an increased membership. In honor of Chautauqua’s distinguished visitor from England, the circle will hereafter be known as the “Fairbairn Circle.”
We conclude from the encouraging report which has reached us from Berwick, of the past work of the circle there, that they have undoubtedly resumed work again this fall. The second year of the class of ’86 closed very successfully, with an increased membership. The interest manifested at the outset continued to the last. The advancement and thoroughness in study were marked. Through the medium of the Y. M. C. A. the C. L. S. C. enjoyed lectures during the year from eminent Chautauquans. Among them were Dr. Lyman Abbot, Wallace Bruce and Mr. Frank Beard.
The Carbondale circle is a flourishing, wide-awake member of the great C. L. S. C. It numbers among its members clergymen, bankers, lawyers, business men, and many of the most accomplished ladies of the city, prominent among the latter, the popular author, Mrs. G. R. Alden, with whose nom de plume, “Pansy,” the class of 1887 has been christened. The circle closed its first year June 25th with an “English Night.” The “Customs,” “Life,” “Holidays,” “Parks,” “Roads,” etc., were subjects of short and pithy essays. The London Graphic’s bird’s-eye view of London from a balloon was the occasion of much interest and inquiry. Mrs. Alden transformed the circle into a party of tourists, and made a delightful and instructive excursion to England (on paper). After the circle’s return from England the leader of the Round-Table surprised the circle by an innovation on the “question slip” plan, in shape of ices and other refreshments. The circle finds the evenings are too short, and are discussing the advisability of meeting oftener. Its second year’s work begun on Garfield day, by a public meeting announced by press and pulpit, reviewing the past year’s reading and taking in new members.
Another wide awake Pennsylvania circle is that at Elizabeth. It was organized just a year ago. Since that time it has given two public entertainments which were well received. At the last meeting, when the circle adjourned for three months, the following resolution was unanimously adopted: “Resolved, That we have found pleasure and profit in pursuing the course of reading laid down by the C. L. S. C., and in attending the meetings of the local circle, and we hereby individually pledge ourselves that if circumstances permit we will follow up the readings until we have completed the four years’ course.”
The “Whiting” circle (so called from its president, Dr. H. C. Whiting, of Dickinson College), of Carlisle, had enrolled last year its first year of work—thirty-two members. Their methods of work were excellent. The circle resolved itself into groups of five or six, to meet each week for the study of the several subjects. The meeting of the whole circle was generally held monthly. Some time prior to the general meeting the president arranged a program and assigned work to the members. The plan was varied from time to time. Occasionally a whole work was divided into topics to be reviewed and summed up in essays. Again, special subjects connected with a work were assigned for essays; then again, questions were given to the several members, upon which preparation was to be made, and answers rendered by the members of the circle, with comments by the president. These exercises have been supplemented by excellent music. Last year they prophesied a material increase in this year’s membership. We trust it has come.
Ohio.—The closing exercises of the “Home” circle, of Cleveland, were of more than usual interest. They were held June 23d, nearly every one of the twenty-one members being present. A fine literary and musical entertainment was given, and refreshments were served, after which the president, W. P. Payne, delivered a very forcible address on the Chautauqua Idea. We wish we had space to quote it, but can give only the closing lines: “Sooner or later we shall learn that the great Man works not before men with gold and greed, with affectation and noise; but withdrawing himself, alone with his soul, into the inner temple, in solitude solves the problems of highest and deepest interest to men. I know not who the coming Man shall be, but I believe that to Chautauqua shall be the glory of his coming and the praise.”
Another Ohio circle of great interest is that of Tallmadge. It was organized in October, 1883, with six members, all of whom belong to the class of ’87. Eight local members were added to that number before the close of the year. The meetings, which are held semi-monthly, were well attended. A charming program was carried out on Longfellow’s day.