Part 14

The IOWA friends come in as strong as ever. WINTERSET reports a new circle of twenty-five members, with a weekly program published in the local paper, and growing zeal.——DUNLAP reports another which is in its second year, and which numbers twenty-three. An especially good program was arranged by these friends recently. A number of their members visited New Orleans the past winter, and an evening of sketches of Exposition sights was arranged.——“Sunny Side Straight Line,” of HAMBURG, is composed of two school ma’ams. They meet whenever and wherever it is convenient; after five p. m., before eight a. m., at the gate or in the kitchen. Pleased with the course, they are looking forward to joining the “Pansies” at Chautauqua in 1887.——The AFTON circle had the pleasure of celebrating its first memorial day on April 23d. They succeeded so admirably that Addison day was observed as well. The Afton circle pays a kind tribute to the work: “We are glad the Chautauqua Idea struck us, but sorry it failed to reach us sooner. It has been of untold benefit to us, opening to our view new fields of thought, and arousing new resolutions for the future.”——At BLANCHARD the “Pansy” class gave an entertainment not long ago for the benefit of their work. An elocutionist was secured and after the performance the C. L. S. C. and its aims were presented to the audience. The circle realized a nice little sum from their venture, which they propose to turn into maps, charts and the like for their room. An excellent idea.——Kindly mention we must make, also, of the DECORAH circle. Like all Iowa circles, it “grows.” The secretary writes: “We began last year with quite a small number, but have kept adding to our numbers until there are eighteen now who are reading the course. Our circle is composed entirely of ladies, the most of whom have work that takes up the greater part of their time. We have very pleasant meetings and derive much pleasure and profit from them.”——WASHINGTON, IOWA, has a circle of thirty members. It has been holding weekly meetings for over two years. At the close of last year this circle held a picnic with the Fairfield circle, and this year they have distinguished themselves by an elaborate Longfellow entertainment. “Miles Standish” was read and illustrated by tableaux. The Washingtonians certainly displayed extraordinary artistic ability in arranging one, at least, of these tableaux. They wanted “Priscilla” led in on her “Snow-white Bull,” but how to manage the “palfrey” was a question. Here is how they did it: A long narrow table was padded, the legs wrapped, a head with suitable horns constructed, and the whole thing finally wrapped with white cotton-flannel. “Necessity is the mother of invention.”——A beautiful memorial comes from one of the members of the circle at HUMBOLDT. “My mother, aged eighty-one years, died March 4th. She was the first one in this county to become interested in the C. L. S. C. She made her eldest grandson a member, bought the books for the first year’s course, and read them first, marking whatever she wished him to notice. At our class meetings she always selected from the Bible the chapter to be read at the opening exercises.… A grand helper has left us.”——At KEOSAUQUA a circle was organized as long ago as ’82. Of the original eight members only three are left, but the circle has more than held its own, now numbering twelve or more members. They are fortunate in having as a leader a teacher of unusual ability.——At TABOR a circle was organized last September, which, with a goodly membership of interested members, is doing excellent work. A Professor from Tabor College has helped this circle much by performing for them chemical experiments.

The Chautauqua work has lost one of its strongest members in COOPERSTOWN, DAKOTA, this year, in the sad death of Mrs. H. G. Pickett, who accidentally shot herself in her husband’s bank in that town. She was an ardent admirer of the Chautauqua work, and her life a true exposition of the truths that the C. L. S. C. is striving to bring into the practical every-day life of its members.——A spirited Shakspere anniversary was celebrated at FAULKTON. The parlors where the circle met were filled to overflowing with delighted guests, and full exercises of tragedy, song and jest were carried out.

The “Kate F. Kimball” circle, of MINNEAPOLIS, KANSAS, started on its career in October last with a membership of thirteen. Their plan is simple and practical—a sure way of introducing conversation. Each member is required to prepare five questions on the readings, which are given to the circle, and which are then discussed. This method would serve a good purpose in the _conversazione_.——The _Kansas City Journal_ suggests that Tuesday night in that city ought to be called Chautauqua night, as nearly a dozen circles meet there on that evening.——The “Clytie,” of ARKANSAS CITY has had a severe trial of its loyalty this year. Malarial fever has broken their ranks so that they have been able to hold but a few meetings. It does not dampen their ardor though, and they express all honor and gratitude to Superintendent and Counselors for their wise help. The “Clytie” joins another Kansas circle in protesting against the name “Plymouth Rocks.” This is the “Greenwood,” of EUREKA, which declares, “We can not become reconciled to it.” The “Greenwood” does not, however, allow its pleasure in the reading to be spoiled by the class name, for it writes: “Chautauqua gives us a broad departure from our daily cares and ruts which is very refreshing, and we trust it will be of benefit to us.”——Here is a five-year-old Kansas town, EVEREST, of five hundred inhabitants, with a circle of sixteen members. Here is certainly a chance, with such a start, to grow up with the country.——Greetings to the class of ’86, and to all Chautauquans, come from the circle at LEAVENWORTH. This circle has ten members. Its chief circle interest is the question box, which frequently leads to a lively discussion. They are favored in having secured an excellent leader, the Rev. J. A. Monteith. Several of this class are reading the White Seal course.

There are in NEBRASKA nineteen circles of the C. L. S. C. A strong effort is being made to secure at the Assembly at CRETE, in July, a full attendance of representatives from all these organizations. Accept a word of advice from THE CHAUTAUQUAN. Go to Crete if you can get there. It will pay you in more than double measure to take part in the exercises of C. L. S. C. day. Of the nineteen circles of Nebraska, the one at LINCOLN takes the lead, we believe, in numbers. It has reached forty-seven, with an average attendance of about forty. In recognition of the literary character of the circle the Superintendent of Public Instruction in Lincoln has kindly opened a room in the new State House to the circle. The Lincoln circle, as befits its location at the capital of the State, is taking active measures to make the C. L. S. C. day at Crete a success. Already they have attracted public attention by a unique Shaksperean festival, at which a number of guests were entertained.——Another of the nineteen is at FALLS CITY, an ’88 offspring. The circle has seventeen members. An executive committee of three appoints instructors for the review of each meeting, following the plan in THE CHAUTAUQUAN. The class observed Longfellow day with appropriate exercises. Our Falls City friends have chosen a name with a meaning—“Misselts”—“I will surmount all difficulties.” Not an easy name to take, by any means, but the “Misselts” is made up of school teachers mainly, and what can they not do?——An addition to the Nebraska circles is made at HOLDREGE. It came about in this way, writes a friend: “I left my home circle in Indiana in December last and started out to ‘try my fortune in the far West.’ I first stopped at Odell, Nebraska, and tried to introduce the ‘Chautauqua Idea’ there. I found it was already being talked of, and by the efficient efforts of a gentleman interested in the movement, a grand, earnest circle was organized. In February I came to Holdrege, the ‘Magic City,’ as it is called, naturally expecting every one to be interested in the C. L. S. C. I had almost decided to give up the course, because I was so busy, when I met a teacher of the town—a ‘Pansy.’ We have formed a circle, and next year instead of having the smallest number possible, expect to compare favorably with any in the State.”——BLAIR has a circle of twenty-two members this year. A small circle has been at work in the town for two years, but this year its membership has increased in remarkable proportions. Blair is situated within sight of the Missouri River, and from this noble stream the circle calls itself the “‘Souri.” Occasional parlor meetings for invited friends are enlarging the work rapidly in Blair.

Already we have given our readers hints of the noble way in which Professor Spring has been representing Chautauqua at NEW ORLEANS. His last public exploit was the Shaksperean Anniversary. From a local paper we learn of the success of the undertaking: “The thirty-first birthday of the Stratford-on-Avon bard was celebrated last evening at the Exposition. The ceremonies were gotten up almost entirely by Prof. Edward A. Spring, director of the Chautauqua classes in sculpture. It was hoped that Judge Braughn and other local gentlemen learned in Shaksperean lore would have been present, but a heavy storm prevented. The ceremonies, however, were very successful, though briefer than had been intended. They were presided over by ex-Governor Hoyt, from far-away Wyoming, chief of the jury on education, who made a brief but eloquent oration in commencing the proceedings. He dwelt on the incomparable greatness of Shakspere and the immense influence his writings have had on the many millions of people speaking the English tongue, and showed how, as the centuries roll on and as the English speaking peoples grow and multiply, the luster that attaches to his name must grow brighter and brighter. Following Governor Hoyt, Professor Spring made a neat little speech, setting forth the benefits accruing to those connected with the great educational institutions with which he was connected, and how appropriate it was for the Chautauquans to include in the fifteen great events they commemorate, the birth of Shakspere. Mr. Spring then introduced Mrs. Florence Anderson Clark, of Bonham, Texas, a member of the C. L. S. C., who closed the evening by reading an original poem on Shakspere.”

From the far western frontier of TEXAS, at ALBANY, comes this letter: “Three of us associated ourselves together the first of October to read the Required Readings of the C. L. S. C. In January we were joined by two more. Our method of study has been to have each member originate twenty questions, to present at each weekly meeting to the members, who on the following week take them up to answer and discuss. The circle has been quietly but seriously working. The benefit of having a certain course of reading has already been felt, and we believe that many others will be influenced to join us the next year.”

COLORADO is represented by a circle of seventeen at DELTA, a growing young town blessed with many people of culture and refinement. The circle belongs to the ranks of the ’88s, and is proceeding with the vigor characteristic of the class. They luckily can introduce good music as a part of each evening’s program. By the secretary of the Delta circle a word of experience is added: “After pursuing the course of study nearly four years, I can add my testimony as to its great inspiration to all who are systematically keeping it up.”

CARSON, NEVADA, has the “Sierra Nevada” circle of twenty-five ’88s, a vigorous young life that, in spite of delays in getting books, and the discouragements in starting, is getting along famously. The spread of the C. L. S. C. in the West depends very largely upon the organized circle. The “Sierra Nevadas” have a summer work of bringing in recruits, as well as of making up back lessons.

The flags are flying from the “Green” circle, of PORTLAND, OREGON, and “we are getting along splendidly,” is their watchword. They write that they are growing more and more enthusiastic, and that the circle is becoming “a joy and a feast of good things” to them all. “Green” circle had a brilliant Longfellow celebration last winter. The feature of it was a Longfellow picture gallery, representing the principal heroes and heroines. A good idea to remember when we come around to February 27, 1886.

The remarkable Floral Festival held in SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA, on May 5th, in honor of Mrs. M. E. Crocker, to whom that city owes so much for her munificent charities and endowments, was participated in by two of the local circles of that city. The “Sacramento” circle sent an elegant tribute to the festival. On a bust about three feet high, decorated with flowers and bearing the letters C. L. S. C., was erected a gateway with gates ajar; within was an open book. The “Vincent” circle sent one equally unique—a pyramid of flowers surmounted with a flower-wreathed pole, from which was suspended a banner of flowers.

The “Alma” circle of SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA, consists of seventeen members of the class of ’87. Longfellow’s day was a very pleasant occasion with them. The president tells us: “The good effects of the reading are already to be seen among our numbers; a desire for good and profitable reading being manifested more and more as we pursue the course.”——The Chautauquans of SAN JOSÉ had a very interesting meeting in celebration of the “Bard of Avon.” A most excellent program was rendered. One of the leading features was a very able critical review of “As You Like It,” read by a lady of the circle.

THE C. L. S. C. CLASSES.

CLASS OF 1885.—“THE INVINCIBLES.”

“_Press on, reaching after those things which are before._”

OFFICERS.

_President_—J. B. Underwood, Meriden, Conn.

_Vice President_—C. M. Nichols, Springfield, Ohio.

_Treasurer_—Miss Carrie Hart, Aurora, Ind.

_Secretary_—Miss M. M. Canfield, Washington, D. C.

_Executive Committee_—Officers of the class.

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There will be excursions from Chautauqua to Niagara Falls every few days during the season, and there will be no difficulty in securing ample and satisfactory accommodations for the class of 1885, or any portion of it.

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The challenge of our classmate in Kansas brings forth the following from Maryland: “I see in the May CHAUTAUQUAN a chivalric old gentleman hailing from Kansas, claiming to be the oldest member of the class—being born in the year the battle of Waterloo was fought. Now, I have entered on my seventy-fifth summer, and remember distinctly the battle of Waterloo. But, he claims also to be the _youngest_. Now, if I shall have the pleasure of meeting him at Chautauqua, and he is so disposed, we will run a foot race. But, really, this is the time for ‘grave and reverend seigniors’ to speak out. Who comes next?”

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NEBRASKA.—I trust that I shall be numbered with those who shall “pass under the Arches” at dear Chautauqua this summer, thereby proving that I am one who is earnestly striving to “Press on, reaching after those things which are before.” The C. L. S. C. means a great deal to me. These magic letters are the key which unlocks all the enthusiasm of my being. These four years have been a new revelation to me, and have been of deep, abiding interest, and a well-spring of joy. Last year my dearest friend, a devoted Chautauquan, a member of the class of ’85, a thorough “Invincible,” in every sense where right was involved, went on before. Since that time I have read alone, but hope to be one of the successful many who shall pass under the Arches and “begin” again, instead of ending on Commencement day.

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An earnest society lady writes: “The whole bent of my life is changed by the C. L. S. C. Next to being a Christian, it is the greatest blessing of my life. I read and listen to sermons and lectures more intelligently, and have been led into a spiritual life.”

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ONTARIO.—I have often felt it my duty to express my thankfulness to the C. L. S. C. for the information I have received from their well chosen books. Words are inadequate to express my gratefulness to Chancellor Vincent and his coadjutors for the great and lasting benefit I have received from this course, although being unable to do the work as thoroughly as I would if time permitted. I complete my four years this summer, and I am more anxious than ever to explore other books which I have not read. This circle of reading has created a desire for some branches that hitherto was dormant, and revived the desire for others. From the first I have been anticipating a trip to Chautauqua, but will be unable to gratify my desire this summer. I hope to be able to receive my diploma at home. I think our class motto is excellent, and hope we will all prove worthy of our name—“Invincible.”

CLASS OF 1886.—“THE PROGRESSIVES.”

“_We study for light, to bless with light._”

CLASS ORGANIZATION.

_President_—The Rev. B. P. Snow, Biddeford, Maine.

_Vice Presidents_—The Rev. J. T. Whitley, Salisbury, Maryland; Mr. L. F. Houghton, Peoria, Illinois; Mr. Walter Y. Morgan, Cleveland, Ohio; Mrs. Delia Browne, Louisville, Kentucky; Miss Florence Finch, Palestine, Texas.

_Secretary_—The Rev. W. L. Austin, New Albany, Ind.

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From all quarters there comes up the assurance from members of ’86 that they mean to be at Chautauqua or Framingham this summer. Attendance at an Assembly, with its enthusiastic “Round-Tables,” conferences upon literature, art and science, new lights upon past reading, and new outlooks for the future, well nigh doubles the value of the course. Come, earnest readers of ’86, and see.

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Plans are already being formed for the graduation exercises at Chautauqua next year, and the hardly less interesting observances at the New England Assembly. Any suggestions bearing upon this important matter may be freely made by letter to the president or secretary, by those who can not be present at the Assemblies. The class of ’86 is the first _large_ class to graduate; it has done grand work in the course, and it means to honor Chautauqua and itself by suitable exercises and observances, when its thousands shall come up to receive from the University their diploma in August, 1886.

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We shall hear, personally or by letter, at the Assemblies, from our honorary members, of whom the class of ’86 is justly so proud.

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Will members of ’86, in New England, remember the new Hall of Philosophy at Framingham, now under way, and to be completed by July 1st? Send your subscription, if you have not done so; subscribe and send at once if you have not yet taken a share in this grand enterprise, and induce your friends to lend assistance, that the few hundred dollars needed to finish and furnish the building may be at once forthcoming. Remit to N. B. Fisk, Woburn, Mass.

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It is hoped that there will be a large number of the New England members at the Framingham Assembly in July.

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Let your light shine! hold the torch on high! let every one see that the class of ’86 is true to its name—“Progressives.”

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Miss Alice C. Jennings, ’86, whose poems from time to time have appeared in THE CHAUTAUQUAN, writes as follows: “A severe sickness in childhood deprived me entirely of the sense of hearing. This has been more effectual than bolts and bars in excluding me from all institutions of learning. You can easily imagine how precious to a person so situated must be the opportunities of the C. L. S. C., and of the ‘Society to Encourage Studies at Home.’ At least four of my deaf friends have joined the C. L. S. C. on my own solicitation. We have tried to have a circle among ourselves. We live in five different places, but our headquarters are at Boston Highlands, and we send reports there every month.”

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“We study for the light,” we would not be Like the black hue, absorbing every ray, But like the white, gladly reflecting all, That we may be true children of the day. “Blessing with light,” as we have each been blessed, For wisdom makes the weary earthway bright, And walking in its ways we soon shall rest With _Him_ in realms of everlasting light.

—_Mrs. E. J. Richmond._

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To the New England Branch a suggestion is made in the interest of the class, and in behalf of the excellent Secretary of the New England Branch. Will not _every_ member not able to attend at Framingham this summer send (July 15-28) to Miss Mary R. Hinckley, South Framingham, Mass., a postal card with postoffice address, and bearing, if nothing more, “Yours for ’86”? To ascertain those who and how many are affiliated with “the good class of ’86” in New England, is most desirable for weighty senior and graduation interests.

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Reports from various quarters lead to the conclusion that, compared with the whole number at any time enrolled in the class of ’86, the number entering upon the Senior year will be exceptionally large. It ought to be large—larger than any class preceding, more thorough, more enthusiastic. We have the advantage of the experience of all who have gone before. Let us rise to our privileges.

CLASS OF 1887.—“THE PANSIES.”

“_Neglect not the gift that is in thee._”

OFFICERS.

_President_—The Rev. Frank Russell, Mansfield, Ohio.

_Western Secretary_—K. A. Burnell, Esq., 150 Madison Street, Chicago, Ill.

_Eastern Secretary_—J. A. Steven, M.D., 164 High Street, Hartford, Conn.

_Treasurer_—Either Secretary, from either of whom badges may be obtained.

_Executive Committee_—The officers of the class.

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At a great camp meeting near Indianapolis, in the first week of August, the Rev. Frank Russell, President of the class of ’87, is to set forth in an address, the nature of the C. L. S. C. as an educational and moral force.

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The wake of a C. L. S. C. class is found to kindle a bright way for the next. Much correspondence of the officers of the class of ’87 has been toward the interest of the class of ’88, and is now extending even toward that of ’89. Each succeeding class seems to promise increasing numbers and power.

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A member of ’87 has succeeded in forming a circle at Jefferson, Ohio, of ten members. She writes: “I can not tell you all the good our circle is doing for us individually. We have enjoyed our chemistry very much. We were very pleasantly entertained and instructed by experiments given by Professor Perry in April.”

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From St. Johns, N. B., Mr. G. A. Henderson sends the following account of the C. L. S. C.: “We organized with five ‘Pansies,’ and were joined this year by seventeen ‘Plymouth Rocks.’ We were the means also of influencing the formation of another circle of ’88, over twenty in number. At present there are about sixty reading the course in our city. We look forward with deep interest to the publication of the book by our chief ‘Pansy,’ and although we have not contributed to it, we hope to meet and march with you through the Gates in ’87.”

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Hannah Percival Hamer, a member of the “Pansy” class, died at her home in Taunton, Mass., April 24, 1885. She was a most faithful worker and firm advocate of the Chautauqua course.

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