Part 16

If we change our order this month and begin the gossip from our letters with the “University Circle,” of =San José, Cal.=, it is only because we wish to call particular attention to the thrifty growth of our work on the Pacific coast. Mrs. Fields, the competent secretary of that branch, sends us this pleasant report of the San José work: “Colleges and universities are no longer confined to the east. They spring up like Jonah’s gourd with the westward moving star of empire, and are only checked by the setting of that star in the great western ocean. California boasts of its grand State University at Berkeley, which she thinks rivals Harvard and Ann Arbor, and we of San José point to our university with its commodious buildings, its noble president, Dr. C. C. Stratton (widely known also as president of our Pacific Coast C. L. S. C.), its excellent faculty, and hundreds of earnest students, and feel that it is an institution of which any city or state might well be proud. In the shadow of this university there very naturally has arisen a Chautauqua circle. There are no unfriendly comparisons and inhospitable exclusiveness, no neighborhood jealousies or rivalries between ‘the University of the Pacific’ and that little branch of the great ‘People’s University,’ known as the ‘University Circle.’ Two of the oldest and most honored professors in the former institution, together with all the ladies of the faculty, are members of the circle. They freely give their time and genial presence to the semi-monthly meetings of the C. L. S. C. whenever it is possible for them to do so, and by their wide range of knowledge add greatly to the interest and profit of these occasions. The rest of the members of the University Circle are neighbors and friends who are greatly interested in the reading, and who believe in the value of association and mutual helpfulness. They are mostly middle aged people, though there is a sprinkling of gray hairs on some brows, and here and there is a bright young face. They count twenty when all told, and usually have a good representation present. The meetings are held in the different homes, so that to each falls his allotment of these hospitable pleasures. One evening there was ‘a chiel amang ’em takin’ notes,’ who felt sure that this University Circle ought to let its light shine for the benefit of the whole Chautauqua family, and these notes are herewith presented: ‘Eighteen Chautauquans present in the cheerful double parlors of Mrs. G. A gentle-faced member of the Society of Friends presided, and illumined the circle with her beaming smile and her bright, suggestive leadership. The members recited from slips of paper, each naming a theme numbered in the order of their occurrence in the lesson, and distributed previously among the class. Each person, while studying the whole lesson carefully, had made special preparation on his or her own topic. This brought a great deal of careful research and fresh thought to bear on the lesson, and every one seemed thoroughly prepared, from the tall, scholarly Prof. M., with his slight, professional stoop, arising from a long habit of digging among Greek roots, down to the bright young girl who had brought her fine new classical atlas and was ready to point out all localities and routes of travel named in the lesson. The various themes were taken up in order, eliciting considerable discussion, bits of comment and remark, with ever and anon a seed-thought of spiritual application from the gentle Quakeress. If THE CHAUTAUQUAN were not crowded with good things this report might be made of indefinite length, but it shall be brought to a speedy close. It needs not to be added that the onlooker went away saying: How beautiful, how rational, how Christian a method of spending an evening! Who can estimate the power for good which such a circle exerts upon its members and upon the community which is so fortunate as to possess it!’”

An interesting plan has just been carried out by the =Montreal, Canada=, circle. They have held an open meeting, where a _resumé_ of the winter’s work was given by the president, and the objects of the society were explained for the benefit of outsiders. An admirable plan, we should think it would prove. A _resumé_ of one winter’s work in the C. L. S. C. must impress a candid person of the genuine merit in the scheme, and necessarily would enlarge the borders of the Circle’s influence. They do things well in Canada. That famous Toronto Central Circle impresses this truth upon us afresh each time we receive a report from them. This month they send an admirable program of their regular monthly meeting, at which, in addition to a lecture by Prof. Hutton, of University College, on “Phases of Roman Life and Literature with some Modern Analogies,” reports from local circles were called for, a Round-Table conference on the work was held, and a half hour was spent in singing Chautauqua songs, every one who could sing being specially invited to come and join.

The C. L. S. C. movement has reached the beautiful village of =Strondwater=, near Portland, =Maine=, where they have a small but enthusiastic circle of seven members. Their weekly meetings are pleasant and profitable, and they enjoy to the utmost their studies in Greek and Roman History and Literature. From the neighboring state of New Hampshire is reported the “Parker’s Falls Circle” of =Newmarket=, another “little pentagon of ladies” holding occasional meetings, conducted on the conversational plan. They write that they are so situated that they can not well have regular meetings, but all enjoy the course, and hold fast to the motto, “Do not be discouraged.”

In October of 1883 the “Longfellow Circle” was organized at =North Cambridge, Mass.= From their report we find that they have over twenty members, whose exercises are varied to avoid monotony. A committee of three arrange a program for each month, which is printed by hectograph and circulated among the members. They have observed the memorial days of Longfellow, Shakspere and Addison, and find their meetings very interesting.

At =West Newton, Mass.=, where there is a flourishing circle of forty who show a great deal of interest and pride in the work, Shakspere’s day was observed with a very interesting program, in which we are pleased to notice that tableaux took a prominent part. This circle sends us word that this is their first year’s experience with a local circle, but that they have enjoyed it so much that they will certainly continue it again another winter.

From =Chelsea, Mass.=, is a suggestive account of the origin of their circle: “In 1880 three members of one family heard of the C. L. S. C. and immediately seized the idea and joined the class of 1884. In the fall of 1882 they discovered that an elderly lady of their church had been to Chautauqua that year, and was also an ’84 member, full of enthusiasm. In 1883 three of their group enjoyed Framingham from beginning to end, while the fourth spent the season again at Chautauqua. Result—in October, 1883, was organized the ‘Mt. Bellingham Local Circle,’ with fourteen live members, among whom are the four irrepressibles, of ’85, while the rest are proud of belonging to the ‘Pansy Class.’ We have just become acquainted with a sister circle of some ten members connected with the Central Congregational Church, and have enjoyed an evening together. We meet on the first Monday and third Wednesday of each month, while the ‘Pansy Circle’ meets fortnightly on Monday evening. This gives us a chance to make visits without interfering with the regular work of either circle.”

At =Shirley, Mass.=, a circle was organized in December, 1883, with a membership of seven. Much interest is felt, and the meetings are thoroughly enjoyed.

From historic =Plymouth, Mass.=, the secretary of the “Plymouth Rock Circle” writes: “Having been very quiet and studious the past winter, and not having increased in numbers, we thought it best to invite some of our friends to a Chautauqua supper. Accordingly, on the evening of May 12 quite a goodly number entered the prettily decorated Grand Army Hall, and were soon seated at the well filled tables. The supper seemed to be enjoyed, also the program which followed. Some of our guests were so well pleased that they think of becoming members of the class of ’88.”

The tide of Chautauqua enthusiasm reached =Brighton, Mass.=, last fall, and on October 8, 1883, a local circle was organized. It was called the “Union Circle of Brighton and Allston,” as the members come from both places. At the meetings of the circle they review the readings of the intervening two weeks, and for that purpose questions are prepared on the different subjects by the members. The circle is composed of eleven members, one of whom is vice president of the class of ’87 of the New England Branch of the C. L. S. C.

At =Lawrence, Mass.=, the circle is doing excellent work. Prof. Richards gave them three lectures in November, and Rev. W. F. Crofts another January 21. The Round-Tables have been well attended and thoroughly appreciated. The circle laments the loss of one of their members, Mrs. C. E. Daniels, a devoted Christian and an enthusiastic worker in the C. L. S. C., who sailed with her son on the ill-fated “City of Columbus.” Her place can not be easily filled, and her sad fate has cast a gloom over a large circle of relatives and friends.

From =Gloucester, Mass.=, a member writes: “We are still alive as a circle and at work. We feel that the true C. L. S. C. spirit is here. We meet once a month and study unitedly sections of the month’s readings. We have found this year’s course more in accordance with our need than any previous year’s. We number not quite a dozen regular members, all of whom expect to forward their memoranda by July 1.”

The “Vincent Circle,” of =Troy, N. Y.=, remembered the bard of Avon’s day. Each member of the large circle received the neatly printed program with this stirring call to duty attached: “Don’t fail to attend this extra meeting. Come with true Shaksperean enthusiasm. Have a half score of quotations on tongue’s end. Bring a friend with you, and ‘Chautauqua Songs.’ Invite members of other circles.”

A report comes from =Brocton, N. Y.=, one of Chautauqua’s neighbors, of the really remarkable work going on there: “In our _sixth_ year of reading in the C. L. S. C. we number twenty-five members. We have kept up our weekly gatherings in class through the winter with a good degree of interest, feeling that there is an influence of power in the work, and its surroundings, which lifts us above the common level of life into a purer and nobler atmosphere. The graduates of 1882 are formed into a class of the ‘Hall in the Grove,’ and have most of the winter been reading Blackburn’s ‘Church History.’ We are all hoping to live to celebrate the Founder’s Day.”

A very enjoyable social reunion was recently held by the circle at =Syracuse, N. Y.= From the newspaper report we learn that there were about one hundred and fifty past and present members of the C. L. S. C. there. The Syracuse professors of the public schools and university have shown great kindness to this circle. The principal of one of the schools is at present president of the circle. Through the kindness of the Board of Education one of the school buildings was thrown open to the club for their reunion. We notice on the program of exercises carried out, a humorous poem by Mrs. Frank Beard, and an address from Mr. W. A. Duncan on “The Chautauqua Idea,” as well as several addresses by well known Syracuse educators.

=Prattsburgh, N. Y.=, has a circle but one year younger than that of Brocton. They write: “Our local circle organized October 1, 1883, for its fifth year’s work, with eighteen regular members, an increase over former years. We have representatives in each of the six classes; one graduate of ’82 and two of ’83 still remaining true to the local circle. Our meetings are held weekly at the homes of the members, and though in a measure informal, we find them both interesting and profitable.”

In the college town of =Ithaca, N. Y.=, a circle has, of course, splendid opportunities of getting assistance from Cornell University, opportunities which the large circle of forty there improves. This society spent a very interesting evening with Shakspere—the first memorial day they have had the pleasure of celebrating.

The =Oswego= and =Scriba, N. Y.=, circles joined in a reunion in the spring, at which they carried out a fine program, and were served afterward with a sumptuous repast. From =Fulton, N. Y.=, comes a very enthusiastic report: “The ‘Lawrence’ C. L. S. C. of this village is a flourishing and enthusiastic circle, numbering about forty regular members, and nearly as many honorary members. It was organized in October 1883, and was the outgrowth of a small circle of eight which had been formed the year previous. During 1883 these classes met separately, as two distinct circles, but at the commencement of the present year they consolidated, and now form a large class of earnest, interested students. We have observed the memorial days, giving a short sketch of the individual and extracts from his writings, interspersed with music. In March we had the rare treat of listening to a lecture by Dr. Vincent, he being one of the lecturers of our village ‘Popular Lecture Course.’ After the lecture the Chautauquans gave him a reception, and all had the pleasure of being personally introduced to him. He gave us an inspiring talk upon the theme of which he never tires, and intensified our love for this noble course, and increased our desire to do more and better work, feeling that though it may be superficial in comparison to a regular college course, it is elevating in its influence and character, and enables those of us who have left youth and school days far back in the past, to feel that we are not retrograding, but at least can be within hailing distance of those who are fresh and thorough in the same subjects. We have retained nearly every one of our original members, and are constantly gaining new ones. Already can we see the influence of the C. L. S. C. work in our thriving village in the increase of literary societies, and a growing desire for a more solid class of reading. We feel that the Chautauqua Idea is of heavenly birth, and have faith that each circle is a link in a chain that will encircle the earth.”

The “Tremont Social Circle,” of =New York City=, has been in existence only since December, but their membership is large, and their associations have been very pleasant. They celebrated both Longfellow’s and Shakspere’s days; the latter with tableaux, with the admirable supplement of a brief synopsis of the play, from which the subjects were taken, before each piece.

The “Spare Moment Circle” is reported this month from =New York City=. They are finding much profit in their readings. There seems to be little union work among the New York circles. One member writes: “We hear there is but one other circle existing in New York City. There must be a number of members reading alone, who would be pleased to join a local circle, and who would, no doubt, be desirable members. Would you kindly notice in THE CHAUTAUQUAN as early as convenient that there is a circle connected with the Central M. E. Church, 7th Avenue and 14th Street, New York City?” There are several New York circles and several “lone readers.” An effort should be made by some one to hold a general reunion at which an organization could be effected and plans laid for occasional joint meetings. Such organizations are in successful operation in several cities where there are a number of circles.

New circles have been reported from =West Philadelphia= and =Sugar Grove, Pa.= Also at =Chester, Pa.=, there is a thriving circle of between forty and fifty members. The circle is divided into sub-circles, meeting weekly, with a reunion of the entire circle monthly. At the weekly meetings a regular teacher leads in the lesson, and the different members have essays on subjects bearing on the readings. At the monthly meetings each member contributes ten written questions on the readings of the previous month, which are asked promiscuously by the president. Generally there is also a lecture and music by outside talent, and the circle has met with kindest encouragement from all outsiders. They celebrated Longfellow and Shakspere days, each in turn.

In the “Pansy Circle,” at =Frankford, Philadelphia=, they have wisely made practical Mr. Blaikie’s excellent hints on getting strong, and spend the latter part of each evening in dumb-bell drill and other gymnastic exercises. This circle was formed last fall, and all told numbers thirty-five members, active and local.

The circle at =Bradford, Pa.=, is still progressing. A few of their members have left the town, but nothing discouraged the rest are keeping up their work.

April 17th the Alumni Association of =Pittsburgh, Pa.=, held their annual meeting. One of the features of the evening was a paper on “The C. L. S. C.,” by a prominent lady member. A general survey of the aims and methods of the organization was given, and a glance taken at the home work. The writer stated that: “Pittsburgh has the honor of being in the advance in adopting the new departure, the ‘Central Circle’ having been projected at Chautauqua but a few days after the organization of the parent circle. At the first few meetings held, more than three hundred members were enrolled. The ‘Central Circle’ has ever since maintained more or less healthy existence. It has proved of great service in providing a home for such Chautauquans as were not able to attend any of the local circles. It has also by its regular monthly meetings brought into contact members of the different local circles, thus making them mutually helpful. Around this original ‘Central Circle’ have grown up not a few hopeful daughters, both in Pittsburgh and Allegheny, of which the mother organization has just cause to be proud. Lawrenceville boasts one of the most efficient local circles to be found anywhere. ‘South Side Circle’ is not only prosecuting the regular course with vigor, but has recently ambitiously attached a school of languages. The members are tugging away at Latin roots. The ‘Emerson,’ ‘Woodlawn’ and ‘Vincent’ circles, in Allegheny, are moving steadily forward. The ‘Allegheny Circle’ of ’87 seems to be worthy of special mention. It is composed of twenty earnest, enthusiastic members, who intend to graduate—ladies and gentlemen in about equal numbers, representing occupations as various, probably, as their number will permit. The ‘Mt. Washington Circle’ has twenty-one names enrolled at Plainfield—seven gentlemen and fourteen ladies, residents of three different wards, and representing five religious denominations. One feature of membership, of which we feel somewhat proud, in which I fear we are alone among the circles of these cities, is that we have one member who, if permitted to finish the course, will add another to the only too small list of graduates under twenty years of age.” The “Allegheny Circle” of ’87, of which the writer speaks, often favors us with programs and interesting reports. One of the latest was of their evening with France.

=Washington, D. C.=, gives us three breezy reports this month. A member from the “Foundry M. E. Church Circle,” organized in 1882, writes: “The four Chautauqua circles of this city have been doing excellent work, and their prospect for the future grows brighter and brighter as the Chautauqua Idea of self education becomes better known to the people. During the existence of our societies Dr. J. H. Vincent has paid us a number of visits, each time preaching and lecturing to large congregations in Foundry Church. His lectures and sermons never fail to exert a good influence, for it is a noticeable fact that each time we are honored with his presence our circles have the greatest increase in membership. We trust he can find it convenient to be with us more frequently in the future. The ‘Foundry’ C. L. S. C. is the largest in the city. The officers of the circle constitute a board of instructors; at the meetings each instructor takes charge of but one topic. If there remain other subjects of discussion they are distributed among individual members so that our lessons are always very satisfactorily discussed. After the recitations we have a literary exercise, consisting of readings, essays, recitations, debates, etc. We always take pleasure in observing each memorial day with an appropriate program. The C. L. S. C. of this city is yet only in its infancy, but as its members and friends become more enthusiastic for its success we hope to accomplish much for it in the near future.” The second comes from the “Pansy Circle,” of whom we have never before had the pleasure of hearing, and opens with an excellent plan: “In addition to our weekly meetings, where we discuss the subjects for the week’s reading, we have a monthly gathering. We began work late in the year, so that we have had but three such. At the first, Professor O. T. Mason, of Columbia University, gave us a lecture-talk on Vegetable Biology, which was delightful to all. The second entertainment was a lecture by Professor Cleveland Abbe, the scientist of the Signal Bureau, and he selected the topic ‘Thunder Storms, and the few things we know about them.’ He concluded an hour’s talk with a suggestion, which he said we should hear more of later. It was to this effect: The Signal Office needed many observers—those who were able to understand and appreciate this work—and they had proposed to have one or more in every county in the States. He had thought it a good idea for the Chautauquans to be invited to do such work in connection with their studies. The purpose expressed gave our little ‘Pansy Circle,’ although composed of ladies, considerable pleasure, and you may hear more of this, if we do. We spent our last monthly meeting celebrating Shakspere’s day, members of the circle reading selections from the ‘Merchant of Venice,’ and giving us all great enjoyment. Closed the evening with general conversation about the great dramatist.”

The “Meridian” Chautauqua Circle, of =Washington, D. C.=, is now in its second year, throughout which period the interest has been great, notwithstanding the smallness of the circle; there being nine active and three local members. At the last weekly meeting was held the Shaksperean celebration. The exercises consisted, in part, of a brief sketch of his life and works, the question of their authenticity, citations of wit and wisdom, an argument relative to the sanity of Hamlet, together with selections from his plays. Among the decorations were sketches of his birthplace, the desk at which he studied “Little Latine and less Greeke,” his seal, his epitaph, and a portrait of the author. After the literary exercises a supper was served.

At =Sudlersville, Md.=, there is a pleasant circle of two, which sends word that “Having for the first time observed information in the March number of THE CHAUTAUQUAN encouraging the report of two as a local circle, we, the ‘Eureka Circle,’ take great pleasure in reporting with the multitude of others.”