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.