  Ontario (Picton).—The Picton branch of the C. L. S. C. held its second meeting for 1883-84 on the evening of November 19. We start on the new year with an increased membership of twelve, and also with a greater degree of enthusiasm in the prosecution of our studies. Our membership now reaches thirty-nine, representing the classes of ’84, ’85, ’86, ’87. The program for the evening’s entertainment consisted of selections bearing on the life and character of Martin Luther; two papers, one on art, condensed from The Chautauquan, the other on the lives of Philip and Alexander; an interesting and animated conversation on the works of Oliver Wendell Holmes, and quotations from the same, which were given by most of the members; the quotations in the November number of The Chautauquan on Grecian history, singing of selections from Chautauqua songs, and a solo by one of our members, which closed a very interesting and instructive entertainment. Maine (Calais).—When the news of the C. L. S. C. movement, and the advantages it offered for home study reached Calais, it was hailed with delight by three teachers, who enrolled themselves as members of the class of ’83. These kept up the work till last year, when they were joined by seven members of the class of ’86. During the winter and spring we held informal meetings monthly at the houses of the members. We received so much benefit from these that, in September, we met and organized a Local Circle. Our officers consist of a president, vice-president, secretary and treasurer, with an executive committee of three, whose duty it is to prepare programs for the meetings. We hold our meetings fortnightly in the parlor of the Congregational Church, which a good friend rented for us. We now number about thirty members, and a Vermont (West Brattleboro).—The Pansy branch of the C. L. S. C. was organized on the evening of September 13, with officers consisting of president, secretary and executive committee, chosen for three months. By commencing thus early we were enabled to have the books on hand, and be in complete working order by October 1. We began with twelve names, and have since increased the list, until we now have enrolled sixteen regular and eleven local members, all of class ’87, and who have entered upon the Course with an earnest purpose to do their best to cultivate “the gift” that is in them. We have as yet settled upon no definite plan for our weekly meetings, but have been experimenting to find what exercises were best fitted to our needs and capacities. We have had at different times reading from The Chautauquan, essays, one minute oral reports on subjects previously assigned, quotation exercises, question boxes, etc. Bryant’s memorial day was also appropriately observed. We always close with the song so familiar and dear to all who have heard it in the Hall of Philosophy, “Day is Dying in the West,” followed by prayer. November 21 was a “red letter day” in our annals, because it was then our privilege to listen to a lecture by Dr. Vincent. The members of both our local circles, numbering about seventy-five persons, sat in a body in the hall, and the “salute” was given heartily. After the lecture the Doctor was so kind as to improvise an informal reception, and give us a short address concerning our C. L. S. C. work, together with the pleasure of a personal meeting with him, and we parted feeling grateful for the renewed courage and ardor with which we shall continue the year’s reading, and for the increased opportunities for culture that have been made possible to us by the founder of the C. L. S. C. Massachusetts (Lowell).—On the evening of September 26, 1883, about twenty persons met in the vestry of the Eliot Church and formed a local circle. Some have left, while others have joined. We have now thirteen local members and ten regular members. We adopted the “Proposed plan for a Local Circle,” given in the Chautauqua Text-book No. 2, with slight changes. Our meetings are held on Monday evenings, every two weeks. They are very interesting and profitable. There are four other local circles in Lowell, and we intend to hold union meetings on the memorial days. Massachusetts (West Haverhill).—About twenty from this vicinity were privileged to attend the Assembly at Framingham, Mass. Of course we came home all aglow with enthusiasm for the C. L. S. C. Early in October we held a public meeting, thus adding some new names to our list. We now have a membership of twenty-five. Our meetings are well attended and interesting. We start out on this year of work with fresh courage and hope, and with strong faith in the C. L. S. C. as a means of blessing to all who engage in its work. Massachusetts (New Bedford).—The pastor of the Allen Street M. E. Church of this city suggested the formation of a local circle to a few young people of his parish last fall. He proposed that a meeting should be held in the vestry of the church every two weeks for a review of study and for mutual benefit. He called an organization meeting on the first of October, and when the evening was over there were thirty-three names enrolled. He presented a constitution which was adopted. A president, secretary, treasurer and committee of instruction were elected. This committee of instruction consists of the officers and three ladies. One of these persons, with any two members of the circle whom he or she may select, arranges the program for each meeting. We have had four regular meetings, each of which has been attended by from forty to sixty persons—members of the Circle and their friends. Each evening we have had original papers on topics suggested by the study, tests, suitable poems, songs, etc. We have now forty-two members, ranging in years from fourteen to fifty. It was a little undecided at first what we should call ourselves, but it seemed like such an earnest band of workers, some one suggested we should be the “Philomaths.” We all praise the Chautauqua movement for the precious advantages it offers to all “lovers of learning.” Connecticut (Westville).—Our circle was formed in January, 1883. Although we had lost three months’ study, the year’s work was finished before July. We review all our reading in our meetings, held once in two weeks, the members taking turns in conducting the reviews, and dividing an evening’s work between three or four. We started with seven, all regular members, and now number fourteen, ten of whom are regular members. We enjoy our Chautauqua meetings very much, and as none of us like to miss them, we have a good attendance. New York (Brooklyn).—We have lately organized a circle in the midst of this great city, which is the outcome of many informal meetings of resident members of the class of 1887. The proposition to form ourselves into an organized branch of the grand Chautauqua Circle was received with uproarious applause, and the manner in which every member lent his aid in arranging the details, bespoke the individual enthusiasm in the work. The program for our next meeting is as follows: Opening exercises; essay, “The Persian Wars;” remarks by the president on collateral themes; essay, “The Establishment of the Athenian Democracy;” speech by the treasurer upon subjects of his own choice; questions and answers; essay, “The Age of Pericles;” concluding exercises, which are very entertaining. New York (Mount Kisco).—The Mount Kisco C. L. S. C. was organized in October, 1882. We meet in the rooms of the Lyceum, bi-monthly. The circle is made up of ten members, all enthusiastic, ardent workers in the field of science and literature. We recite, in concert, the answers to the questions in The Chautauquan, the leader reading the questions. The readings for the last two weeks are then discussed. We try to make our meetings quite informal, believing that restraint will thus be avoided. Our officers consist of a president, vice-president and secretary. New York (Greenwich).—Our class of ’86 have semi-monthly meetings. During October and November we used the questions in The Chautauquan. One of our members gave the geography of Greek History from a large map, and others read from American Authors, Demosthenes’ Orations, etc. New York (Newark Valley).—On October 17 we organized a local circle of the C. L. S. C., and though our regular members number but twelve, yet we have some very interesting and instructive meetings; upon the whole a very enthusiastic club. Our plan is briefly this: We meet once in two weeks, and after a Chautauqua song, and prayer, have two or three essays and recitations; then general class exercises in Greek History, or the current subject, a question box, and free criticisms. Pennsylvania (Canonsburg).—Although Canonsburg had what we would call a flourishing circle last year, we gave it no christening. We had a membership of twenty-five. We purchased the Geological Charts, which were a great help to the imagination in filling up the incredible proportions of those monsters of past ages. While we were studying astronomy we had the pleasure and profit of hearing a lecture on “The planet Jupiter,” by Professor McAdam, of Washington College. Pennsylvania (Ridley Park).—At the call of a few of our literary loving people last spring, a preliminary meeting relative to the establishment of a local circle was held at the Ridley Park Seminary, and at least forty people assembled to hear the explanation of the principles embodied in the Chautauqua Literary and Scientific Circle, as given by Mr. Wm. Curtis Taylor, a gentleman to whom our people are much indebted for their present literary inspiration. At a second meeting held a week or two following, a permanent organization was effected and officers elected. This circle, while it centers at Ridley Park, is not exclusively confined to this place, but extends a halo as it were around a circuit of probably ten miles. We are even represented in Philadelphia and Wilmington, Delaware. Holding our meetings but once a month, and having our membership so thoroughly scattered, we have found it a good plan to establish what we term sub-circles, which hold their meetings about once a week. These are presided over by chairmen appointed by our president, and comprise at this time three sub-circles—Ridley Park, Sharon Hill, and Philadelphia. At our last meeting, November 6, to each of these was assigned some question for consideration, upon which one of their members is expected to write an essay, and the sub-circle itself be prepared to answer any questions propounded by the other sub-circles on its particular subject. For example, the Ridley Park sub-circle which has been assigned the subjects of History and Art, will be prepared to answer whatever questions may be asked by the members of the other circles. New Jersey (Newark).—At a meeting held October 8, a local circle was organized, called the “Central,” composed of about thirty members. The meetings are held fortnightly, the exercises being varied from time to time. In part they consist of essays and reading of short extracts from the best authors, varied by discussions as to the best methods of pursuing the appointed studies. An executive committee of five, appointed by the president, holding the office for one year, determine the nature of the exercises and make the necessary appointments. There are at least four local circles in the city. District of Columbia (Washington).—At the earliest moment “Union” C. L. S. C. reorganized for their third year of study. Nearly every member was present, and there were a number of new recruits. One of the circle gave a graphic description of a visit to Chautauqua, of its surroundings and methods of work, thus creating an enthusiasm and a determination among the members to do thorough work and win their diplomas by honest endeavor. When they come to Chautauqua, as they will in 1885, they wish to feel that they can justly and proudly march through the Arches—true Chautauquans. The circle meets every Thursday evening at the residence of one of the members, and the exercises are opened by singing the Chautauqua songs as found in the Assembly Herald, with organ accompaniment, after which the subject of the lesson is discussed in a conversational way, by questions and answers and by essays by the members. As all are working members and realize that application is profitable, our meetings seldom lack in interest. Maryland (Baltimore).—The “Eutaw” branch of the C. L. S. C. held its November meeting in the cheerful parlors of the church parsonage, Rev. H. R. Naylor, D.D., and family as hosts. The exercises opened with singing and prayer. The president of the branch, after a few explanatory remarks, stated that the occasion was especially significant and interesting in that Miss Bessie G. Thomson, a member of our circle, had completed the required course of Reading, and had received her diploma to that effect, and would deliver before the Circle a valedictory address. After the address our president favored the circle with a conversazione upon the value of an education, abounding in apt quotations and valuable suggestions. This was followed by Bryant memorial readings. The very pleasant entertainment closed by a display of pictures of travel by one of our number who has recently returned from Europe. Ohio (Athens).—Our local circle held its first meeting this year, on October 1, with twenty members present. The leaven is working gradually, and each year we are able to record a number of new members, as well as an increased enthusiasm among the older ones. “The Irrepressibles” are well represented, but this term might, with propriety, be applied to all our members, as they have fairly won it by indefatigable zeal and industry. We have lost two of our members during the last year; one has removed to another part of the state, the other has gone to join the school above. Mrs. Alice S. Sloane was a member of the class of ’84, and, although an invalid at the time of taking the course, never ceased to keep up her reading until within a few months of her death. Her interest in the work was remarkable in one so afflicted, and whenever opportunity offered itself, she urged upon others the importance of accepting the advantages offered in this course. Ohio (St. Mary’s).—Our C. L. S. C. was organized the first week in October, 1882. We commenced with seven members, but one of whom had been at Chautauqua during the summer. One was a graduate of the class that year. At the close of the year we numbered fourteen. Attendance good. In alphabetical order each one takes charge of the exercises for the afternoon, asks the questions in The Chautauquan, and calls upon each member for a view of the topic assigned them in the Required Reading, these topics having been given out at the previous meeting. We keep the Memorial Days, and must say our members are quite enthusiastic in the work. We have had no lectures, etc., as yet, but hope to some time in the future. Indiana (Brazil).—We have organized a C. L. S. C. at this place with about twenty members, and the prospect is that several more will unite with us. There is an unusual degree of interest manifested. We call our circle the “Philomathean.” This is the first circle ever organized here, though a few of the members have been reading for two and three years. Illinois (Carlinville).—We have an enthusiastic local C. L. S. Circle at this place of fifteen members, five of whom belong to the general Circle, and to the class of ’84. We elect president, vice-president and secretary every two months; critic and question committees serve for one month. The latter furnish questions requiring verbal answers, or papers, as case may be. At roll call each responds with items of news quotations, or something of interest, short. Bryant’s Day roll call was responded to by a quotation from his writings by each. On Luther’s memorial day each one had something to say of him. We derive much profit and pleasure from every part of the course, and think it most admirably arranged. Illinois (Rushville).—The “Vincent” branch of the C. L. S. C. meets semi-monthly, and we are happy to say that our interest is unabated. This is our second year, and although we have lost several members by removal, and two have taken up a collegiate course, we still have an enthusiastic membership of fifteen. We have a president, vice-president, secretary and Illinois (Yorkville).—The local circle of our town was reorganized this year with thirty members. The officers consist of a president and secretary, both of whom hold office for a period of one month. The president appoints a teacher for each branch of study, and critics on language and pronunciation are appointed for each meeting. Every one feels a deep interest in the work. Michigan (Decatur).—For two winters some ladies of our town have had a class for the study of history, the members thinking they could not take the time necessary for the Chautauqua course. The meetings were pleasant and instructive, but during the past summer one and another of the class, and some not belonging to it, determined to take the C. L. S. C. readings. Accordingly a “Pansy” circle was organized October 1. Various reasons prevented our meeting again for nearly three weeks, but since that time we have had regular weekly meetings. They are not weakly, however, for with most of the circle the readings have been studies. Our president, who by the way is a member of the class of ’84, and has studied alone for three years, tells us that we do more studying than any circle she has known. We have ten members and two “local members,” and hope for additions to our number. We think the “Chautauqua Idea” a grand one. May it run the wide world through. Wisconsin (Milwaukee).—The “Delta” circle, of this city, reorganized October 2. Last year we numbered but sixteen, and this year we have enrolled over thirty, of whom twenty-five are regular members of the C. L. S. C. Our officers consist of a president, vice-president and secretary, elected annually; also a referee, elected monthly, who is expected to be able to settle doubtful questions in regard to pronunciation, etc. Meetings are held once a week at the homes of the members. We follow the outline of studies published in The Chautauquan. Our exercises consist generally of a review of the week’s reading, conducted by a leader who is appointed two weeks in advance, and who assigns topics, allowing one week for preparation. We try to make our meetings as informal and conversational as possible. It is at the pleasure of the leader to vary the exercises as much as he chooses. Our last evening was devoted to political economy, the leader having arranged for a discussion on “Free Trade versus Protection,” in which six members participated. The interest in the circle is constantly increasing. Wisconsin (Elkhorn).—At the close of last June the local circle at Elkhorn seemed at its lowest ebb. Owing to removals, sickness, and other reasons, only two remained out of the six who started in January, 1882, who were able to attend the regular meetings, and when one of them removed in September to Milwaukee, the remaining member almost forgot our class motto, “Never be discouraged,” for among her acquaintances there was apparently but little interest in the C. L. S. C., and she seemed doomed to plod on alone. In October, without any great effort on the part of any one, there sprang into being a full-fledged local circle of nine members. This circle had been in existence under the name of the “Elkhorn Mutual Improvement Society,” for two years, and some good work had been done in English History and Literature, but now an inspiration seized the members to take up the C. L. S. C. studies, and the society was reorganized without a change of name, and retaining the old constitution nearly intact, into a C. L. S. C. local circle. Some of the members entered upon the studies with misgivings, lest they should not be able to do the work, but so far the work has been easier than was anticipated, and the circle, as a whole, is doing it enthusiastically and thoroughly. The main cause of this renewal of interest in the C. L. S. C. may be fairly traced, I think, to the influence of the Monona Lake Sunday-school Assembly, whose sessions at Madison last August were attended by two members of the “Mutual Improvement Society.” Wisconsin (Milwaukee).—The C. L. S. C. is booming here. The “Bay View” local circle recently organized by Rev. B. F. Sanford has thirty members, and has live meetings. This one and one on the south side are part of the result of Dr. Vincent’s late visit. Iowa (Muscatine).—The local paper of Muscatine says: There is probably no town of its size where so much genuine literary taste abounds in society, as in Muscatine. Last evening, the third Chautauqua circle was organized with a membership of twenty-five, and the other two are flourishing like green bay trees. It will be said by the cynic that these organizations lack true cultus and real literary taste, the cultivated man and woman having little occasion to put themselves under an arbitrary discipline to compel the prosecution of their reading or study, and feeling little sympathy for a movement that violates the sacred privacy between author and reader, and refusing to submit their literary tastes to the procrustean exercise of any man’s dictation. We have heard these things said against the Chautauqua system, but if a tree is to be known by its fruits, there can be but one opinion of an organization that is rearing so many youth of our land of both sexes in the cultivation of their mental powers and graces, informing them in history, philosophy and art, bringing them betimes to the streams of pure literature, and accomplishing them so thoroughly in their wide range of study as to make them authorities everywhere by reason of the universality and accuracy of their attainments. It is thus that we find the advanced Chautauquans whom we have the honor to meet, and so are they impressing themselves upon the whole country. Dakota (Yankton).—Our circle of ten or twelve members has had an existence of something more than a year. Our meetings, held once in two weeks, are intensely interesting and instructive, and each member seems enthusiastic in appreciation of the work. The interest has been such that one of our most difficult problems has been how to condense the discussion of the various points of interest in our studies, in order to close at a reasonable hour. Dakota (Faulkton).—The former president of the C. L. S. C. work in Muscatine (Iowa) has removed to Dakota. The following notice from the Faulkton (Dakota) Herald proves that Chautauqua has not been forgotten: Last Friday evening a goodly number assembled at the residence of Major J. A. Pickler to discuss the advisability of forming a Chautauqua circle in Faulkton, and all appeared to be highly interested in having a society here. After some few remarks the Chautauqua circle was organized with Mrs. J. A. Pickler, president. Kansas (Leavenworth).—This is our second year. We organized in March, and although five months behind, we succeeded in completing the first year’s work; but were thereby compelled to double the lessons and omit the observance of the Memorial Days, and the following of the admirable plan laid down in The Chautauquan; but are now marching ahead with the class of ’86, and find the enthusiasm somewhat increased. Our meetings are conducted on the conversational plan, being led by one of the best instructors, a former Professor in our public schools. We find it more interesting to assign portions of the lesson to each member for discussion. We Nebraska (Omaha).—Early in September a temporary organization of the C. L. S. C. was effected in our city, and the objects and requirements of the course were explained by an old Chautauquan. Shortly after, Dr. Vincent visited us, and by special request addressed the would-be Chautauquans, arousing the intelligent enthusiasm of a large number of listeners. A meeting was called at an early date, at which time the circle was permanently organized, officers elected, constitution and by-laws adopted, books ordered, and the “Omaha” C. L. S. C. was ready for work. By the help of several old Chautauquans the ’87s are greatly encouraged. The entire membership are highly pleased with the course of study, and are determined to complete the course. The program committee is appointed monthly, thereby affording great variety in the order of exercises. Thus far in our work we have profitably used individual recitations, concert drills, essays, conversations, round-tables, readings, addresses, spelling matches, etc. So great has been the interest shown, that notwithstanding regular meetings are held semi-monthly, extra meetings have been demanded. The committee aims to secure thorough and systematic reviews at each meeting of all subjects studied, and are meeting with admirable success in this attempt. The Chautauqua University is gaining power and popularity in the “Gate City,” and other circles are being organized in our midst. California (Vallejo).—The circle of the Chautauqua University formed in this town is progressing finely. Meetings are held regularly, and the studies of the previous week are profitably and thoroughly discussed. From the nature of the work, and the interest manifested in the same, there is every assurance that our circle, which now numbers seven, will increase. Did the people but know the advantages, the real, genuine benefits to be derived through the C. L. S. C., I have no hesitancy in saying that we would not only have the above number of members, but that number of circles in the town. decorative line
|
|
