Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1889-08-09
The Home Colleges.


Maine Chautauqua Union, which is now
bein held at Martha's Grove, Fryeburg,
has drawn together very earnest and de-
voted band Of home students, who are COM
delights of intellectual exercise in very
enjoyable manner. In general character
and scope OF the meetings programme it
Ia not unlike that OF the parent assembly
at the now somewhat famous Chautauqua
Lake, New York, with which all are well
acquaii ted. The Maine Union is a sort OF
branch college Of the head university, and
its methods similar. These may be some
what pedantic terms to apply to an organ
ization having so trivial character rs
compared with real institutions of the
kind, but we believe the terms express
their nature quite accurately The main
Chautauqua Circle has we'll arranged
scheme of studies or readings in art
history, science and general literature.
SO far as we have examined the outlines
Of these several courses they are thor
ough, carefully planned, and the text.
books used and works of reference recon-
mended are such as, il carefully studied,
will give one a good general knowledge
of the subject chosen. The course Of
reading provides for given number Of
minutes each day. and each particular
subject chosen requires a certain specified
time in order to complete it. On the
completion of course diplomas
are given as evidence that the recipient
has fulfilled the conditions and is en-
titled to receive it. These diplomas are
held in very high esteem by those who
have won them, and they are very pretty
evidences of commendable accomplish
ments. They are the adults 'reward of
merit" in the advanced school. Still we
think the best satisfaction to the student
must come from sense of the know ledge
gained and the unreasonable delights of
mental discipline and culture.
1t 10 noticeable that the larger part of
those taking diplomas are ladies'. Out of
class of twenty-seven, who received this
recognition at Fryeburg, Tuesday, but
five were gentlemen, two Of whom were
clergymen. IL shows that the course of
reading, which ia essentially a home
course, is taken largely by the max
ers and keepers Of our homes
the oothers and daughters. But
as it is the home education and the home
training which rules the world there ia no
danger that this can ever be made the less
potent for good through the influence OF
these home studies on parents aud child
ren. Indeed, 1t Is sure through this
influence to become broader, more catho-
lie, more lasting for good. 1t was to this
sentiment that Mr.. Cousens spoke at the
banquet on Tuesday, when he said that
these courses of study make the bonds Of
home closer, and they are especially help
full In those homes which are among the
lonely hills and in the quiet valleys,
broadening the interest in life, and ex-
tending the horizon of its possibilities.
The best citizens are reared in homes Of
culture, good taste and refinement. Mem
bers OF these home study circles are max
ing home dearer. holier place, and its
influence in society and the State greater
and better.
In giving direction and system to home
reading these Chautauqua circles and I'M
ions are accomplishing great deal OF
good work. There is vast amount
Of time spent to little purpose in
aimless, frivolous reading Of UNI
profitable books; those which fur
nish no solid recompense for the time
spent in reading them. 1t is much to
have infused into the minds OF home
keepers = regular and systematic reading |
Of some one great book. or one branch OF |
study. or one period Of history, to their
DIR. Mckenzie, in his Fryeburg,
address Of Tuesday, said that only about |
one book in seventeen hundred is worth
reading. and it is worth good deal to
know what the sixteen hundred and
ninety-nine are to be let alone. This sys.
tenn helps US find them out.
Not only at Fryeburg. but at points 10
many other States these annual reunions Of
students Of the home colleges aud their
friends, are being held. In this State, at
Mass, at Lake Chautauqua.
md Round Lake, n. V. Asbury Park
Ind Ocean Grove. n. j., and other
places. the speakers have been among
he most eminent teachers, profess
ors and best known literary men
Il the country, while their subjects have
'een among the most attractive and inter-
sting in the whole realm Of studies COW
red by the Unions. In all these lectures
ducation is the one end aimed at, and to
'e able to attend the entire session Of an |
is almosf to have had the adysn-
Ages Of liberal education.
TOPICS OF faB TINE. II