Part 13

Memorial Days for February: “Special Sunday,” February 10. Read Psalm xix—an exquisite poem about the Works and the Word of God. “Longfellow Day,” Wednesday, February 27.

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The office will send out free to all members of the Circle, within a few weeks, a copy of “Memorial Days of the C. L. S. C.,” with readings for those days.

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Required Readings for February: “Philosophy of the Plan of Salvation,” by J. B. Walker, completed; Chautauqua Text-Books—No. 21, “American History,” No. 24, “Canadian History;” “How to Get Strong, and How to Stay So;” Required Readings in THE CHAUTAUQUAN in “American History and Literature,” “Physical Sciences,” “Commercial Law,” “Arts, Artists and their Masterpieces,” with “Sunday Readings.”

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Concerning the life of Milton, the following information is received from a distinguished Professor of English Literature in one of the great universities of America: “The book you ask for is ‘Milton,’ by Mark Patterson, B.D., Rector of Lincoln College, Oxford. It is in the ‘English Men of Letters’ series, edited by John Morley. It is pleasantly written, interesting, animated, and to the point. A very large work is the ‘Life of Milton in connection with the History of the Times,’ by David Mason, M.A., LL.D., Professor of Rhetoric and English Literature in the University of Edinburgh.”

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In the organization and conduct of Local Circles, there are developed many ingenious and useful schemes, devices, exercises, etc. I shall always be glad to receive suggestions from persons who devise and test such novelties of method.

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A California friend writes: “There are doubtless many reading the C. L. S. C. Course who have not the advantage of Local Circles, and who, beside, have no friends who are interested in the work with whom they might correspond. Why would it not be a good plan to form a C. L. S. C. Correspondence Circle for such as wish to improve themselves in that way?” Persons desiring such correspondence may send their names, with postoffice addresses, to Miss K. F. Kimball, Plainfield, N. J.

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Members of the C. L. S. C. in Plymouth, Massachusetts, have sent a fragment of Plymouth rock, which is to be attached with great care to the banner-staff of the C. L. S. C. Our correspondent says: “Perhaps it would be of interest to members of the C. L. S. C. in general to know that the rock is said by geologists to have been brought here from the far north during the glacial period, and is the only one of its kind on the coast.” Our correspondent adds: “Our Circle received with much pleasure your proposal for the C. L. S. C. picnic at Plymouth in 1884, and are ready to enter into any plan which you may suggest.” We hope to have that picnic in June.

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A New England woman writes: “I know mothers with from four to six little children, who take the Chautauqua course, and find that economized time is a gain in all things, while their homes are as scrupulously tidy, and their social relations as well sustained, as if they had not undertaken it.”

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An old lady 68 years of age dreads “the _examination_ of the C. L. S. C.” Does she not know, or will not some one tell her that, while we desire thoroughness of work, and while we do provide a university course with rigid examinations for those who are qualified to attempt it, the C. L. S. C. does not require any “examination” whatever? It requires the reading of certain books, and the statement to the central office that they have been read. It also desires the filling out of certain memoranda which are not in any sense examination papers. Let us encourage the fearful, that they may join the Circle, prosecute the readings, catch the inspiration, receive the diploma, and continue through the coming years to read the appointed books!

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A distinguished educator and personal friend of other years, resident in Kingston, Jamaica, writes: “I think I have hit on the way to introduce reading matter into the homes of our peasantry. In some districts where a minister or intelligent schoolmaster will take hold of the affair, I get a number of people, (from ten to twenty) to subscribe one shilling (twenty-five cents) each. With this money I send for a number of illustrated monthly papers, costing with postage, two shillings each _per annum_. These are circulated among the subscribers, each keeping the paper a week. In the course of the year I get the reading of what would otherwise have cost ten shillings to secure. Many that could not be induced to pay two shillings for the exclusive use of one would venture upon one shilling for the privilege of reading many papers.”

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D. Lothrop & Co. consent to make an edition of “The Hall in the Grove” at seventy-five cents, binding it in strong manilla cover, for the use of the C. L. S. C., which decision enables us to retain “The Hall in the Grove” on our list.

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A good housewife writes: “My fall work out door is about done. My corn is all gathered, and the two pigs are ready for killing. As soon as it is colder I shall be ready to go to work in earnest. You would laugh to see me at work in the garden, about my potatoes and onions, and then coming in, getting dinner and making my toilet, taking my embroidery and sitting down to earn a few cents beside what I can raise. Agriculture, science and art, are in reality connected. Then there is a basket of Christmas gifts yet to make for the Sunday-school children, by myself, and I have just done re-papering a small room that I may read, write, and work with comfort. I buried my aged husband September 23. He was nearly 84 years old. We were nearly forty years married.”

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All new Circles should report at once to the C. L. S. C. office, Plainfield, N. J.; and if any of the members know of Circles not reported, please send names and address of the officers at once. We are anxious to get all the Local Circles on our list.

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The number of class 1884 enrolled was about 7,000; motto, “Press forward—He conquers who wills;” badge old gold. Class 1885 numbers about 6,000; the president writes that the motto will probably be, “We press on, reaching after those things which are before;” badge lavender. Class 1886 numbers over 14,000; motto, “We study for light to bless with light;” badge white. Class 1887 numbers about 12,000 at present, and “still they come;” motto, “Neglect not the gift that is in thee;” badge blue.

OUTLINE OF C. L. S. C. READINGS.

FEBRUARY, 1884.

The required readings for February include “Philosophy of the Plan of Salvation,” from chapter xv to the end of the book; “How to Get Strong and How to Stay So,” by William Blaikie; Chautauqua Text-Books, No. 21, American History, No. 24, Canadian History, and the Required Readings in THE CHAUTAUQUAN.

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_First Week_ (ending February 8).—1. “Philosophy of the Plan of Salvation” from chapter xv, to section 6, page 187.

2. “How to get Strong,” the first four chapters.

3. German History and Selections from German Literature in THE CHAUTAUQUAN.

4. Sunday Readings for February 3, in THE CHAUTAUQUAN.

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_Second Week_ (ending Feb. 15).—1. “Philosophy of the Plan of Salvation,” from page 187 to chapter xvii.

2. “How to Get Strong,” from chapter v, to chapter ix.

3. Readings in Physical Science and Commercial Law, in THE CHAUTAUQUAN.

4. Sunday Readings for February 10, in THE CHAUTAUQUAN.

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_Third Week_ (ending February 22).—1. “Philosophy of the Plan of Salvation,” from chapter xvii, to the supplementary chapter.

2. “How to Get Strong,” from chapter ix, to “The Abdominal Muscles,” on page 218.

3. Readings in Art, in THE CHAUTAUQUAN.

4. Sunday Readings for February 17, in THE CHAUTAUQUAN.

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_Fourth Week_ (ending February 29).—1. “Philosophy of the Plan of Salvation,” from page 259 to the end of the book.

2. “How to Get Strong,” from page 218 to the end of the book.

3. History of the United States and Selections from American Literature, in THE CHAUTAUQUAN.

4. Sunday Readings for February 24, in THE CHAUTAUQUAN.

LOCAL CIRCLES.

=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.

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=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 good deal of enthusiasm is shown in the work. Our programs consist of the questions in THE CHAUTAUQUAN, readings from some of the authors studied, papers on important events and persons considered, etc.

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=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.

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=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.

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=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.

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=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.”

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=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.

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=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.

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=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.

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=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.

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=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.

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=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. After the lecture the Professor kindly joined the class in the yard, and spent an hour in tracing the constellations. The examination papers were promptly answered. The year closed with an ice cream supper, when we spent the evening socially, and sang many of the Chautauqua songs. September 19 we organized for another year’s work with fifteen members. One of our members on going to Alabama organized a circle there. Others who have left us are still reading. We open our meetings with Scripture readings and roll call, at which each member responds by a motto. We use the questions in THE CHAUTAUQUAN, and recite the Required Reading by topic. We play the Chautauqua Games, and we would say to all circles, “Get games.” At the close of each meeting a few minutes are allowed for criticisms, in which all take part.

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=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.

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=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.

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=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.

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=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.

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