The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-01-17
PLYMOUTH INSTITUTE.
A Report of the Years Work for 1885 Read
at the Annual Meeting.

Miss Mary E. Nicholson made the following re-
port of the years work at the last meeting Of the
Plymouth Institute
"a review of the aim of this organization and
of the work actually done by it during the last
year is hereby offered for your consideration:
I'm every city there are large numbers of
young men and women whose days are fully oc-
cupied in labor of various kinds That many of
them would eagerly avail themselves of oppor-
tunities for further improvement is shown by
the success attending the opening, in various
cities, of institutions designed to offer educa-
tional advantages to busy people. Such are
Cooper Institute in New York, the Athen@um
in Chicago the Young Mems Christian Union
and the Women's Educational and Industrial
Union in Boston. It was thought that Indian
apolis furnished field hitherto unoccupied for
such work.
"In November, 1884, few friends met for the
discussion of the plan. simple constitution
membership in the Institute . could be
taken out on the payment of an an.
nual fee Of one dollar Plymouth Church
building afforded a convenient and commodious
ing together those desiring help and those will
ing to serve was commenced. Circulars were
issued, setting forth the aim and the possibilities
of the Institute In response to these, applica-
tions were made for instruction. and in Decem-
Der various classes were formed.
plymouth Institute is but little more than
one year old. In that time 179 persons have be
come members. Twenty-four classes have been
organized. in which, under competent teachers.
instruction has been given on the fol-
ing arithmetic. elocution, drawing French
German, English literature, general litera-
ture, current history. These classes
have. for the9nost part met in the evening. the
members coming together at the close of busy
day. Many have entered two or more of the
MI Nj acfi 70 fha
need of such an institution. further evidence
of the good work done by the institute is found
in the fact that large proportion of those in
classes to-day have been connected with the in
stitute from the beginning
Especial mention may be made of a class which
meets on Thursday afternoons. 1t is composed
of women in household service, who spend their
weekly half-holiday in receiving instruction in
arithmetic ard writing
In addition to class work reading room, free
to all members, has been kept open from A. NJ.
to 9 P. NJ. 1t is furnished with the following Pc
riodicals: The Nineteenth Century, the Con-
temporary Review, the Edinburg Review, the
Andover Review, the Nation, The Century. the
Atlantic. Harper's Monthly, Harper's Weekly,
the Art Journal. Wide Awake St Nicholas, the
Youths Companion, Popular Science Monthly,
the Christian Union. the Semi weekly Tribune
the Northwestern Miller. the indianapolis Daily
Journal, the Indianapolis Daily Sentinel, the In
dianapolis Daily News
IA series of open meetings has been held
usually once a month, to which all members of
the Institute are invited. Here entertainment
literary, musical and social. has been provided
1t is hoped that these, in addition to the intel
lectual stimulus offered. will contribute to the
development of social life among the members
1.-THE course of historical lectures for young
people, now being given on Friday afternoons in
the audience-room of the Plymouth Church. has
met with unexpected favor An audience of
near thousand eager young people has greeted
each speaker and given to each the compliment
Of earnest attention.
''The income of Plymouth Institute. derived
from membership fees, tuition fees and gifts has
been $51879. It's expenses for tuition. reading
room, printing, rentals, open meetings, ETC..
have been $49S0 90. 1t is doubtful whether any
institution of its kind has accomplished more
good with the same outlay"