Part 1 — 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.

Class badges may be procured of either President or Treasurer.

The members of the Chautauqua circles have now a third of a year only in which to finish their readings and fill out their papers for the current year. So far as we have been able to learn, a much larger number of persons have been pursuing the C. L. S. C. course this year than have been in the ranks during any previous corresponding period. Those connected with journalism, in looking over their exchanges, rarely pick up a local paper that does not have some reference to the doings of a local Chautauqua circle. Then it has been discovered that those who read the Chautauqua books and periodicals have been led to go beyond the lines, and to search for intellectual treasures in “pastures new”—in books, reviews, public journals of character and excellence, and, also, to seek association with people of culture. Indeed, it is pleasantly and encouragingly apparent that the Chautauqua system is becoming, from month to month, broader, deeper, more far-reaching in its wholesome and really powerful influence, in promoting moral as well as intellectual culture.

The members of the Class of 1885 should bear these facts in mind, and accept the special degree of responsibility involved. Let this class be not only the best, but the largest that has ever passed within the Golden Gate on Commencement day! Why should it not be three thousand strong? If we begin now, in April, to make our plans and preparations, perhaps we can all “get there,” and present a solid phalanx of honest, thorough, intelligent and aggressive Chautauquans, marching toward and through the Gate and into the Hall, with banners and songs, that will promise largely and grandly for the moral and mental improvement of thousands of communities throughout the land.

“What would be the result if we report to Miss Canfield our intentions to be at Chautauqua to receive our diplomas, and something should happen to prevent?”

The only result would be that those who expected you would be as sadly disappointed as you would be in not being able to come. The fact that you intended to come and were detained by good cause would be accepted, and you would “stand excused,” and would receive your diploma in good time.

Missouri.—As one of the “Invincibles,” I would add my testimony with others of Class ’85 as having received pleasure and benefit beyond computation in pursuing the C. L. S. C. course. I commenced alone, but after a few months succeeded in organizing a circle for ’86, which keeps up a large membership, persistent and thorough in study, with rigid class drill; also remembrance of memorial days.

Pennsylvania.—What a well-spring of joy is the C. L. S. C. in the homes of those who have not enjoyed the advantages of a liberal education! The students born of this great movement are rising up all over this great land with blessings for the founder of this happy Circle. I am reading alone, as there are no members near me, but at some little distance I have interested some bright young friends of mine in the work, and I am glad to know that they are so much pleased with it.

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. C. 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.

The new badge, bearing the motto and emblem of the class, is now ready to be sent out. The design meets hearty approval. The cost, including postage, will be 15 cents. For badges, address the president or the secretary.

The New England branch of the class will have superior headquarters at the Framingham Assembly in July. This important section of ’86 have plans and arrangements in view that will insure a most pleasant and successful class gathering at the Assembly.

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 procured.

Executive Committee—The officers of the class.

Class paper may be procured from Mr. Henry Hart, Atlanta, Ga.

The attention of the members of ’87 is called to the letter by Mrs. Alden in the March number of The Chautauquan, page 353.

President Russell had charge of the Sunday-school Normal Department at the Florida Chautauqua, Lake de Funiak, and is one of the Board of Managers.

At Milton, Mass., recently, the representatives of the Class of ’87 had a table at a church fair and cleared over $100.

It is our painful duty to record the death of two members of the Class of 1887: Miss Mary Dayton, of Binghamton, N. Y., and Mrs. Lou L. Dunn, of Bonham, Texas. The deepest sympathy not only of the class, but of all members of the C. L. S. C. is with the sorrowing friends.

To New England ’87s.—The second mid-year reunion of New England ’87s will be held on Friday, April 3d, in Union Congregational Chapel, Stewart Street, Providence, R. I. The business meeting will be held at half-past one o’clock p. m.; the literary and musical entertainment at two o’clock. A social reunion will precede and follow the regular exercises. Will all New England members of ’87 please make a special effort to attend this reunion? Providence Chautauquans are enthusiastic, and will doubtless strive to make this meeting thoroughly enjoyable. Let us, by our presence, show our appreciation of their efforts. Our Providence classmates have kindly offered to meet at the station any strangers who will communicate the hour of their arrival to Miss Nellie F. Crocker, 6 Kepler Street, Providence.

CLASS OF 1888.—“THE PLYMOUTH ROCKS.”

“Let us be seen by our deeds.”

CLASS ORGANIZATION.

President—The Rev. A. E. Dunning, D.D., Boston, Mass.

Vice Presidents—Prof. W. N. Ellis, 108 Gates Avenue, Brooklyn, N. Y.; the Rev. Wm. G. Roberts, Bellevue, Ohio.

Secretary—Miss M. E. Taylor, Cleveland, Ohio.

Treasurer—Miss M. E. Taylor, Cleveland, Ohio.

All items for this column should be sent, in condensed form, to the Rev. C. C. McLean, St. Augustine, Florida.

The “Chautauqua Quartette,” Avon, Indiana, organized December 5, 1884, writes: “We are four country girls, living two to three miles apart, but hold weekly meetings, alternately, at our homes.”

In Harlem, N. Y., is a class of seven, organized October 1, 1884. The secretary writes: “Each member in turn takes charge, assigning lessons and questioning the class.” In addition to the required study they take some prominent author, giving biography and quoting from works.

From Portland, Maine, we learn that they have a large and interesting circle, meeting semi-monthly.

The “Castalian,” of Philadelphia, ten members, was organized October, 1884. This circle thinks too many members make each other timid, and therefore advocates many circles of few members. They are fortunate in having a president who makes chemical experiments.

A flourishing circle of fifty members was organized in Batavia, New York, October, 1884.

The Rev. J. D. Gillilan, of Toocle, Utah, writes that “here among the Mormons a class of three is formed; one of the number was a Mormon when he joined the circle, but has since united himself with the M. E. Church.” There is a flourishing circle in Salt Lake City.

The “Wilkesbarre” circle, of Wilkesbarre, Pa., was organized October, 1884, with sixty members. This circle meets every alternate week, each member responding to roll call with a quotation from the “readings.” A physician makes fine experiments in chemistry.

A circle has been organized in Topeka, Kan., with thirty members. The secretary says: “Most of us are busy girls, figuring as teachers, office and store clerks, but find time to take the reading course thoroughly, and hope to graduate with the 88s.”

Kansas.—“I am well pleased with our class motto and name. I am a sculptor by profession and wish a higher aim, a sculptor of life, for I have caught that angel vision. I am pursuing my studies with energy and enthusiasm, and life to me is more pleasant since I have taken up the course. Whenever I feel vexed and comfortless I only need to read over Chancellor Vincent’s articles in The Chautauquan for encouragement.”

From Buffalo, Pa., a friend says that “all dislike the Class name, and desire it changed.”

Toronto, Canada, raises a protesting voice against our name, saying, “I am well aware of the fact that the name stands on history’s page as a synonym for grand and noble qualities, but I am forced nevertheless to object to it on account of its ‘fowl’ association. Could we not have a name unwinged, unplumed, and of no marketable value.”

One of the ’88s, who is reading alone, tells us, “In the study of the past four months I have received more instruction and enjoyment than in any amount of the general reading done in the same number of years.”

“Vincent” circle, of Portland, Maine, sends us an interesting program of a meeting held January 16th. A most exquisite Plymouth Rock engraving graces its first page.

“Longfellow” circle, of Eastern Promontory, Portland, Maine, sends us their constitution and by-laws, including the names of its 103 members.

Kansas.—I am pursuing the course alone, and feel that I need the stimulus of outside aid and correspondence. Since my school days were over my reading has been of too miscellaneous a character to result in the profit it should have done. I am enjoying the Greek History and the Preparatory Course very much. My husband has been brushing up his knowledge of the Greek language, and comes to my assistance occasionally, so it is a source of profit to him as well. Even my eleven-year-old boy has caught the spirit, and begs me to mark all the battles for him to read, and is learning the Greek alphabet. I am pleased with the name of our class—“The Plymouth Rocks.” My ancestors were among those that landed on the bleak old Rock, and I know something of the sturdy perseverance and uprightness of their character. I can only hope that the “mantle” of those old pilgrims will fall upon us as “Plymouth Rocks,” and that, like them, we may grow strong in wisdom and goodness.