Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1863-08-04
What Shall We Readl--Ladies Literary Society
Of Bunker Hill


Il has been truly remarked that it is an
act Of cruelty to teach child to read and
then neglect to provide him with suitable
books; IN other words, it is wrong to culti-
vate an appetite and then failto administer
to it. And yet, no thoughtful man or wo-
man lives among us who has not been i'm
pressed with the baroness of Our homes
with respect to good, wholesome reading
matter.
The pork barrel is full, the flour chest
well supplied, the molasses key always
ready to exude sweetness the rich fruits Of
Autumn canned and dried deck our pantry
shelves to add to the comfort of winter; but
the food the mind demands is either lack
ING OF found Of such a quality shat IN any
other department it would have been thrown
out as worthless long ago. And how shall
this dearth be remedied. 1t is not IN the
power Of every family to provide suitable
assortment of books, nor, indeed can any
hope to number in their collection all they
would wish to read or should read Books
ought to be a circulating medium in the
broadest. acceptance of the term; and Of all
misers, he is the most miserable and mean,
who, having read good book through,
keeps it on his shelf without offering the
perusal to his neighbor. Suggestive Of a
remedy is the history of the "LADIEs LIT
ERARY SOCIETY OF BUNKER HILL" in this
county.
Some twelve years ago a few ladies form
ed themselves into a sewing society, the
proceeds Of their handiwork to be appro-
priated to the purchase Of suitable books.
This plan was subsequently abandoned and
quarterly fee substituted. | am not in
formed Of the number of original members,
but from my acquaintance with them, !
know that what they lacked numerically
they made up in energy and spirit The
The fees Of the society are an entrance fee
Of so c. and quarterly fee Of 10 c. making
40 c. per annum. From these slender
means, and numbering at present only 80
members, there has been gathered togeth-
er Is volumes, embracing all grades Of lit
erary excellence. If you could only sit
down with me for an hour, Sir, by the
bookcase, aud at intervals enjoying a lite
yary chat with the persevering Librarian,
Mrs. Horace Lord, dip into he feast spread
before Won, | think time would speed fast
er with yon than is usual even in thisAhas-
ty age.
The admirable character Of the selections
is The best evidence Of the good literary
taste that pervades the Society. Here, in
library sheep. are Washington Iryings
works, there, his Life Of Washington, fur
Their along Macauley's History, Frederika
Bremers Homes of the New World.
Among the classics, Homers Odyssey and
wonder Of wonders, Dantis Inferno. Coop
er, Scott, S. Warren and the best novel
writer's contribute their works. The cata-
Iogue is unexceptionable. All this has been
done by the quarterly fees; ana with such
slender means these ladies have established
a library that must be permanent benefit
to the surrounding country.
The librarian informs me that about one
third Of the books are cut Of the library at
one time.
If any one should feel a disposition to
assist this pioneer Library Association by
donation of books, they would be crate
fully received Ivy the Society. Parcels
could be left with Mr.. Cover, directed to
Mrs. Horace Lord, Librarian, Bunker Hill.
The question arises, why could not Lam
caster, Tafton or Patch Grove emulate the
good deeds Of the ladies Of Bunker Hill!
It is the only way in which the best class
Of books can be brought within the reach
Of every family. Move in the matter, and
your illage will bless your memory for it
when many other deeds will have faded,
and the etchings on your grave stone have
been effaced 10y the hand of time.
f. G. 7.
NovE.-We have some books to contrib
ute as above. Who will add few mole!
They can be left at this office.
Ed. HERALD.