Chapter C: L. S. C. class of ’87 sends out the following circular to its members

_Beloved Friends and Co-Laborers_:—We greet you with joy and gladness as we enter upon our four years’ college course of reading and study. It is wisely selected and admirably prepared for us in our home life. We that toil ten hours in the shop, office, and store, with the never ending farm life and detail of housekeeping, will know not a little struggle to command forty minutes per day; but we need it and will do it. Mary A. Livermore was forty-five years of age before ever attempting public speaking, and in a decade was queen of the American rostrum. Some of you at Chautauqua, last August, remember the determined earnestness of Louise R. F. Jones. She writes: “Aiken, S. C., Oct. 6. Have formed a local circle of thirteen; first meeting last night at our house, two men, eleven women; sent for our books yesterday. Have persuaded two persons in Augusta, Ga., to join the C. L. S. C. In Langley, a small town eight miles out, my ‘Hall in the Grove’ has been read, and a circle is the promise. In Spartanburg, S. C., a circle is formed, which, with Aiken, are the only two in the Palmetto State, so far as known.” This Pansy Class of ’87 ought to graduate at least 10,000, and with five hundred members like our South Carolina friend, it would be accomplished. One of our class travels, and in forty days visited over thirty newspaper offices, begging editors to publish the C. L. S. C. leaflets, and securing their sympathy. Another one, (just completing his three score years) when on trains, goes from car to car, and politely and quietly seating himself in front or back of the passenger, introduces the “People’s College.” Our motto, “Neglect not the gift that is in thee.” Inspired words! Let each one of us make them ours in the best sense. Let us introduce circles as rapidly as possible. Every day that passes now is forty minutes behind, and it is difficult to catch up. It can be done up to the first of January. Class writing paper has been prepared. Communicate with either of the undersigned concerning it. Rev. Frank Russell, Mansfield, Ohio, president Class of ’87. K. A. Burnell, 150 Madison St., Chicago, secretary Class of ’87.

* * * * *

The Rev. C. S. Woodruff, of Bayonne, N. J., class of ’82, was present at Chautauqua this year, and passed under the Arches with the class of ’83. On his return home he took occasion to preach upon the subject of education, and mention the Chautauqua plan particularly. As a result he has organized a local circle of over sixty, and it is still growing. He says: “Every pastor ought to visit Chautauqua. After being inspired he should spread his enthusiasm among all his people. Let us cast out the devil of bad literature by giving the people good reading.”

* * * * *

The Johnstown, N. Y., local circle, includes among its officers a critic and an orthoepist—two excellent officers. Much exact knowledge of pronunciation, spelling, use of words, and forms of expression may be obtained at evening sessions, if critical and wise persons are selected.

* * * * *

There is an energetic circle of twelve members at Shushan, N. Y., the outgrowth of one member who began the readings two years ago. There is something contagious in the C. L. S. C.

* * * * *

Nothing could show better the peculiar work of the C. L. S. C. than the following suggestive toasts offered at the “Opening Day Exercises” at Meriden, Conn.; they were: “The C. L. S. C., a beneficial force in the life of a business man; as a coöperative with the duties of a school teacher; for young working people, establishing an alliance between labor and culture; as promoting Christian growth and culture; for the wife and mother at home.”

* * * * *

A very pleasant and inspiring piece of news comes from the same circle. A young printer belonging to the circle became so much interested in his studies, and so anxious for further development that leaving his trade he has undertaken a college course. The circle did a kindly act when they presented to him that most necessary book for a student—Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary.

* * * * *

A local circle whose work is done by correspondence has been started in the province of Ontario. There are but two members, but a dozen might carry on the work with equal success. For readers who are remote from the regular societies this plan may be utilized and made a means both of culture and of sociability.

* * * * *

A novel and exceedingly useful idea comes to us from Union City, Indiana. On a neatly printed program there is given the outline of the exercises for four months. The circle meets fortnightly, and the date, place of meeting, exercises and participants are given for eight sessions, so that there can be no mistake or misunderstanding about the work to be done. The plan is to be commended to all circles.

* * * * *

The class of ’85, C. L. S. C., held a meeting at the grounds of the New England Assembly at Framingham and organized by the election of the following officers: President, Rev. J. E. Fullerton, of Hopkinton, Mass.; Vice Presidents, Miss Lena A. Chubbuck, New Bedford, Mass., Alice C. Earle, Newport, R. I., Miss Marcia E. Smith, Swanton, Vt., J. B. Underwood, Meriden, Conn.; Secretary and Treasurer, Albert B. Comey, South Framingham, Mass. Plans were suggested looking to the social and other interests of the New England members; said plans to be perfected as soon as the details can be arranged by the executive committee. It is earnestly desired that all persons in the New England States belonging to class ’85 will send their name and address to the Secretary. The President cordially solicits correspondence from members of the class upon matters pertaining to its interests.

* * * * *

From the Silver Creek, N. J., _Local_ we learn that the meeting for re-organization of the C. L. S. C. has been held, and that on October 8 the first regular meeting took place. Several new members have joined the circle.

* * * * *

At Spring Mills, N. J., though several members have moved from the village, and a few have dropped the course, they report a prospect of doubling their numbers.

* * * * *

A circle of eleven members is reported at Greencastle, Pa.

* * * * *

Osceola, Iowa, has a circle of seventeen members, class of ’87.

* * * * *

Some one inquires for a copy of “the rules of the C. L. S. C. to guide in their meetings.” There are no rules to guide in the meetings of the local circles. The wide diversity of circumstances under which they exist would make a fixed organization impracticable. What would fit the great circles of Troy, N. Y., and Pittsburgh, Pa., would be of little use to the small circle of the village. The many plans and outlines of work in this department are presented especially to guide new circles to the plan best suited to their needs.

* * * * *

Montana has sent us reports of several energetic circles; the one at Bozeman, of fifteen members, is the last reported.

* * * * *

A circle has been organized at Hood River, Oregon.

* * * * *

The Summer Assembly at Monteagle, Tenn., did some excellent work in the interest of the C. L. S. C. Many circles are being formed as a result of the efforts made there to spread information concerning the methods and object of the organization.

* * * * *

One zealous C. L. S. C. worker writes us that while traveling through the west in search of health she has succeeded in making many think about the course, and has persuaded ten to enroll for ’84. It is such individual effort that extends the boundaries of our work.

* * * * *

At Mountain Lake Park, Md., Assembly there was formed last summer a very interesting circle. The members are widely scattered. They come from West Virginia, Maryland and Pennsylvania, but have formed the “Mt. Lake Park C. L. S. C.,” which they are keeping up while belonging to the local circles at their homes. There are some forty-three members.

* * * * *

As an example of how the attention of your community may be drawn to the C. L. S. C., we quote the following from the Petersburg Va., _Mail_: “Everybody has heard of Chautauqua, and the readers of _The Mail_ have enjoyed several excellent papers concerning that institution from the pen of Mrs. C. D. Tinsley, of this city, who spent the summer there. But there are many people who do not know that the C. L. S. C. is spreading out its branches in all directions and offering very fine advantages to people who desire to undertake a systematic course of reading. The course extends over a period of four years, and embraces religious, scientific, and general literature of a substantial character. The books are cheap, and it is said that one may cover the whole course by reading for forty minutes each day. At the end of the fourth year, if the student has gone over the ground, a diploma is given, bearing the seal of the C. L. S. C. A number of ladies and gentlemen of this city have handed in their names. The writer is favorably impressed with what he has seen of it, and cheerfully commends it to the public. All information required may be had of Mr. C. D. Tinsley, of this city.”

* * * * *

A member from Canada writes: “As one of the class of ’84—the ‘Irrepressibles’—and having caught the inspiration at Chautauqua, I can hardly write or say anything strong enough to express my admiration of the movement. I wish the officers could do something for Palestine. When visiting it a year ago I induced my dragoman, Herbert C. Clark, of Joppa, to subscribe then and there for THE CHAUTAUQUAN, as we were sitting on the ruins of the old wall of Mount Zion, above the valley of Hinnom. Mr. Clark writes me that he enjoys it exceedingly. I was much of the time for ten days with Dr. Selah Merril, the U. S. Consul, and his lady, who worthily represents the women of America. There are many fine people speaking the English language in Jerusalem and other points, who are cut off from many of the advantages of our Christian civilization. Nothing prospers under the administration of the stupid Turk, and literature especially is discouraged. I believe the C. L. S. C. is just what these good people need.”

LOCAL CIRCLES.

=Vermont= (West Brattleboro).—For the past three years, there have been at West Brattleboro, Vt., informal gatherings of from eight to twelve members of the C. L. S. C., who called themselves a “circle.” But until this year there has been no formal organization. At the meetings subjects were taken up in the way decided upon at the previous meeting. These meetings were found to be of much profit and interest to ourselves. As we learned to know and appreciate the “Chautauqua Idea,” we began to see growth could not be expected without organization. Accordingly a meeting was called for the evening of September 20, to which all were invited, whether they proposed to join or not. At this meeting the aims and methods of the C. L. S. C. were fully discussed, and an organization was effected under the name of the “Vincent Circle,” with a president and secretary. There was also a committee for program chosen, to serve for two months. It was decided to hold meetings once in two weeks, at houses of the members. We are happy to say that we start upon our new year with a membership of thirty-nine, eighteen of whom are regular members, representing classes ’84, ’86 and ’87. Nor is this all the gain. Another circle has been organized, under the name of “Pansy.” This circle is composed wholly of new members, who thought they could work to better advantage separately. It has twenty-two members. No doubt the secretary will report to you, as the circle is very wide-awake, and means to profit by the experience of the ’84s. It has been thought best to devote the time at the meetings during October and November to Grecian history, as that is the principal subject for study during those two months. The following was the program for the first meeting, October 4. The second meeting was similar in character:

1. Responsive Reading from “Assembly Hymnal.”

2. C. L. S. C. Song No. 6, from “Assembly Hymnal.”

3. Report of Secretary.

4. Introduction of the subject of “Grecian History,” by Prof. H.
H. Shaw.

5. Paper on “The Advantages of the Study of Grecian History.”

6. Instrumental Music.

7. Reading of Selections pertaining to Greece, from the Second
Canto of “Childe Harold.”

8. Blackboard Drill on “Outlines of Grecian History,” by Rev. C.
H. Merrill.

9. Question Box, Questions to be answered at next meeting.

10. C. L. S. C. Song No. 19.

11. Closing Prayer.

After the regular exercises, which began at 7:30, closing at 9, an hour was spent in a social way.

* * * * *

=Massachusetts= (Lawrence).—Immediately after the Assembly at Framingham, a meeting was called in the interests of the Circle in one of our city churches, at which its purpose and method of working were fully explained. Two circles were already in existence, and with these as a basis we put in some hard work during the month of September, securing to date forty-two new members, with more to come. Two additional circles have been formed, so that we now have four, with a total membership of about one hundred. October 1, Opening Day, was duly observed by a union Round-Table of all the circles, and a large number of invited friends. A program consisting of music and readings was given, all appropriate to the occasion. We have engaged Prof. W. C. Richards for a course of lectures in November, and shall have others from time to time through the winter. We have also arranged for a monthly union meeting, each local circle in turn conducting the exercises for the evening.

* * * * *

=Massachusetts= (Franklin).—As the Bryant Bell at Chautauqua rang out its call to study on October 1, the members of our local circle assembled to celebrate the first anniversary of their existence as a local circle. Complimentary tickets were issued to their friends, and at the hour of opening the chapel was filled, the audience numbering not far from five hundred. Promptly on the hour, the new members of Class of ’87 (the Pansy class) marched into the room, and taking position in open ranks allowed the Class of ’86 to pass through; they taking position on the right, opened ranks, and allowed the president of the circle and the speaker of the evening to pass through, receiving as a greeting the Chautauqua salute. The program consisted of instrumental music, singing of selections from Chautauqua Songs, an address of greeting from the president, Rev. G. E. Lovejoy, the commencement address by Rev. A. E. Winship, of Boston, and the recital of the anniversary poem by Miss Laura Pond. The whole affair was a helpful and enjoyable opening of the Chautauqua work for 1883 and 1884. The circle starts upon its work with increased membership and enthusiasm, and one and all are ready to say God bless the originator of the C. L. S. C., and God speed the work in the days to come!

* * * * *

=Connecticut= (Meriden).—The Meriden branch of the C. L. S. C., held Opening Day exercises; nearly every member was present, together with a few invited guests, mostly those who have especially assisted them in their work during the past three years. The exercises were opened by the circle singing from Chautauqua Songs a song of welcome, after which an address of introduction of the several classes to the guests and a synopsis of the work of the Circle, was delivered by the president, who also took occasion to speak encouragingly to each class, and referred to their several colors and what they symbolized. At the close of the address a prayer of thanksgiving was offered, when the company sat down to a banquet of good things. After supper several toasts were offered and responded to, and several testimonials of interest in the success of the organization offered. The C. L. S. C. feel justly proud of their success, and all who have taken time to examine into its aim and the results accomplished, commend them highly.

* * * * *

=Connecticut= (Hartford).—Within a few days a general interest has been manifested with regard to a C. L. S. C. circle in Hartford—more than fifty having expressed their desire to become members of the Class of ’87. Last year, however, Hartford had but a few Chautauqua readers. Among them was a little circle of five young ladies not long out of school. They found the Chautauqua course just what they needed to give form and direction to their studies, and they sat down to the table of good things spread before them as to a mental banquet. A severe bereavement met the circle in the loss of one of their members, a young lady who had been an eager student and whose enthusiasm had done much to help the circle. By her suggestion Greek had been introduced into the course, and the Iliad was being read in connection with the Greek literature. At the last meeting before her death when it was proposed to omit some of the less interesting portions, she said, earnestly: “Don’t let us skip any. Let us do our duty.” The shock of her death was such that at first it seemed that they could not go on with their work, but the words of their departed friend came back to them with peculiar meaning: “Let us do our duty,” and with chastened hearts they took up their work again. They did not find the course too laborious, but were able to add to it the White Seal course and some valuable supplementary reading upon the topics in question. Now, with undiminished interest, they are ready to go on with the second year, hoping that a large band will be ready to accompany them.

* * * * *

=New York= (Johnstown).—A meeting for the reorganization of Johnstown C. L. S. C. was held September 26, 1883. The names of fifteen new members were enrolled; so we launch our little craft of twenty-two members, with a prospect of taking an occasional recruit as we journey on. We have decided to meet every alternate week. At our next meeting, October 10, we read an outline on Greek History, Vol. ii., Part vii., a paper on American literature, and selections from THE CHAUTAUQUAN.

* * * * *

=Pennsylvania= (Erie).—The officers and members of the Erie local circle of the C. L. S. C. presented a very elaborate program at its opening session Monday evening, October 8, at the Y. M. C. A. Hall in this city. The hall was densely crowded, and the interest steadily increased to the close. The organization was completed, and its roll bids fair, this season, to be seventy-five strong.

* * * * *

=Delaware= (Wilmington).—Through the zealous efforts of the pastor of Asbury M. E. Church, the Asbury local circle was organized during September last. It has about thirty members. Among the members is one graduate of the class of ’83. Considerable interest in the course has been aroused through the city, and there are more persons to join.

* * * * *

=District of Columbia= (Washington).—A meeting of the Banneker Circle was held September 17 for reorganization and general talk concerning the work for 1883-84. Quite a large number of our members of last year attended, and from the number of applicants for admission, it seems that we will be compelled to abandon our idea of meeting from house to house of the several members and meet at the church. It is exceedingly gratifying to note the continued interest in the work. Our meetings are held every Monday night. The pastor of one of the churches in another section of our city, attended our last meeting, in order that he might learn enough about the C. L. S. C. to organize a circle among many of his members, who seem anxious to join. We spent many pleasant and instructive evenings last year over our work, and hope to realize as much benefit from the studies of this year. Knowing of the benefits of the C. L. S. C. we are always glad to help others to join. One of our members has been influenced, through last year’s work, to attend college.

* * * * *

=Ohio= (Cincinnati).—The reception to the Class of 1883, of Cincinnati and vicinity, took place on Friday evening, September 28. The spacious parlors where the reunion was held were fragrant with flowers. A beautiful piece of crayon work—“Welcome, 1883,” with C. L. S. C. monogram—prepared by the superintendent of penmanship of Cincinnati public schools, together with a fine portrait of Dr. Vincent, held conspicuous places. The following was the program:

Piano solo—Miss Clara Looker.

Address of welcome to the Class of 1883—Mr. John G. O’Connell.

Class song of 1882.

Toast—“The Class of 1882.” Response by Mrs. M. J. Pyle.

Class song of 1883.

Toast—“The Class of 1883.” Response by Mr. Clifford Lakeman.

Vocal solo—“The Flower Girl.” Miss Clara Looker.

Toast—“The Cincinnati Circles.” Response by Miss Bessie Hicks.

Song—“Join O Friends in a Memory Song.”

Toast—“Chautauqua.” Response by Mr. M. S. Turrell.

Song—“C. L. S. C. Commencement Carol.”

Toast-“Our Chancellor, Dr. J. H. Vincent.” Response by Miss
Harriet Wilson.

Song—“Sing Pæans over the Past.”

Letters of regret were then read from unavoidable absentees. Time and space will only permit of the publication of the following letter, which is an embodiment of the sentiment contained in the others:

HOT SPRINGS, ARK., September 24, 1883.

_Rev. J. G. O’Connell, President C. L. S. C. Alumni Association
of Cincinnati, Ohio_:—Please accept my thanks for your very kind
invitation to attend the C. L. S. C. reception, Friday evening,
September 28. The intervening 700 miles will prevent. But does
not the Chancellor of the Out-of-Doors University say that,
“When the bell at Chautauqua rings on memorial days, all true
Chautauquans hear its echo?” And as this same Chancellor teaches
so diligently the superiority of mind over matter, why may I not
apply this teaching to my own case and say to you that I will be
with you in some sort of soul-telephonic manner, and hear your
speeches and join in your songs, and enjoy with you the feast of
reason and the flow of soul?

I am sorry I said I couldn’t go. I think you may expect me. I
read most carefully the report of Commencement Day, and welcomed
(in my heart) all the ’83s.

A popular writer in a most popular magazine says: “There are in
this life three stages of existence. The first, when we believe
every thing is white. The second, when one is sure every thing is
black; the third, when one knows that the majority of things are
simply gray.”

Members of the C. L. S. C. have gone a step further than that.
To us, all the world has a _golden_ hue. How _can_ one fully
understand the meaning of the terms, “communion of Saints,” and
“brotherly kindness,” unless he has spent a season at Chautauqua
_as a student_, in full sympathy with the great work being done
there? What grand opportunities are there afforded for growth and
symmetrical development of character.

Please tell your Alumni Association how glad I am to be counted
one of its members. I thank you again for your kind remembrance
of me.

Wishing you a most joyous reunion, and uniting with you in
warmest love for our Alma Mater, I am yours sincerely,

HATTIE N. YOUNG.

The officers were elected for the coming year, and after a handsome collation bountifully served, the society parted for the evening, filled with additional enthusiasm for the success of their Alma Mater. President, Mr. John G. O’Connell; Vice Presidents, Mr. M. S. Turrell, Mrs. M. J. Pyle, Miss Mary E. Dunaway; Corresponding Secretary, Mr. Clifford Lakeman; Recording Secretary, Miss Julia Kolbe; Treasurer, Miss Selina Wood.

* * * * *

=Illinois= (Mattoon).—This is the first year of the C. L. S. C. of Mattoon. We organized the last of September, and have an enthusiastic membership of over twenty. We take the lessons as given in THE CHAUTAUQUAN, sometimes assigning the work to individuals, and again we have general recitations. During the winter we had an afternoon with Longfellow; also a lecture upon the History of Greece, and one upon the Sun, with diagrams. Most of us have completed the work for the year, and have written the memoranda. Our meetings have been both profitable and interesting.

* * * * *

=Iowa= (Anamoso).—Our C. L. S. C. circle was organized in January, 1883, with a membership of nine ladies, all of whom have taken up the four years’ course of study. The order of exercises varies somewhat, but is always exceedingly interesting, each study receiving due investigation and research. Generally, however, our president assigns the different subjects to the members on the preceding meeting, thus giving each leader time to prepare questions which will bring out all the points of interest in the lesson. Amid crowding duties we are glad to note in our membership an increasing enthusiasm over the C. L. S. C. work.

* * * * *

=Iowa= (Quasqueton).—We are a struggling little company of two regular members of the C. L. S. C. We have not been lacking in interest ourselves and are heartily in sympathy with the C. L. S. C.; think it is a grand, good thing.

* * * * *

=Missouri= (Kansas City).—The Kansas City local circle was reorganized on September 25, and was ready to begin work promptly the first week in October. We have at present forty-four members. Our circle has propagated the Chautauqua Idea, and sent off branches until now there are at least six circles in the city, and about three hundred of our citizens are reading the course.

* * * * *

=Missouri= (Independence).—A local circle was organized here in September with forty-seven regular members. We have a president, vice president, secretary, treasurer, and board of managers. We meet every Friday evening, and thus far have followed the conversational plan. All are interested, and the Chautauqua enthusiasm has the true ring. Already the ’87s are looking forward to the day when they will pass through the Arches.