The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1889-10-05
GATHERING OF THE CLUBS
Woman and the Part She Takes in Inter-
changeOfT Thought with Her Sisters.
The Accounts Given Of the Various Literary
Societies for Women in the State at .
Meeting Of Delegates from All.

In a recent newspaper article, written
after a visit to the Catharine Merrill Club
of this city. MIR. Thomas Wentworth Hig-
ginson hazarded the remark that away
from a few great cities those Americans
who do serious literary work are women
In the current issue of the New York Inde-
pendent Mr.. Maurice Thompson comes to
the defense of his sex and assures Mr.. Hig-
ginson that men are equally interested
with their sisters and wives in purely
literary work. citing as incidental
proof the fact that o gentleman's
literary club exists side by side with
a woman's club of like character in both
Indianapolis and Charlottesville. 1t must
be said that the weight of evidence af-
forded by the gathering of Indiana wom-
ems clubs in this city, yesterday. was
against the Indiana man, and supported
the B~ostonian's assertion. There is, at
least, room for doubt whether an invita-
ton extended to literary societies of ex-
clusively masculine membership in In
diana would bring representatives of as
many organizations as were present at the
Woman's Club reception yesterday. In
spired by the example of the New York
Sorosis. which held a general reception,
last spring, the Woman's Club. of Indian
apolis, by right of the seniority accorded
to it among such organizations, issued in
vitatiOns to all societies in the State COM
posed of women engaged in any form of in
tellectual effort. In response to the invita-
ton delegates were present from twenty
clubs. The Indianapolis club. which
Is largest in point of membership of any in
point of numbers, containing seventy-tive
names on its roll, was well represented,
although several of its prominent members
are absent from the city. The meeting was
held at the club-ro0ms, in Tabernacle
Church, and the appearance of the assem-
small refreshment tables was attractive
and picturesque, the stiffness and formality
usual on such occasions being entirely abb
sent.
After introduction of the visitors, and q
general interchange of civilities, Mrs. Mary
Club, made a brief and fitting address.
welcoming the guests and expressing the
hope that this meeting might result In q
closer union of the women of the State,
and the better and more effective work that
comes from strong organization and mutual
help. Mrs. Kiser, formerly Miss Bamberger.
of the Indianapolis Matinee Musicale. then
entertained the assembly with a piano solo,
2 nocturne of Chopin, beautifully rendered.
The ladies were then grouped Mt the tables
and during the serving of refreshments the
invited guests were called upon to speak in
behalf of their respective clubs. Mrs. Car
RE /. Robertson, of the indianapolis Mat
inee Musicale, said that music and song
and literature are closely allied. Music is
often understood where words are not, and
touches the emotions as purely intellectual
and literary efforts cannot do. Singers in
terpret the language of the poets and in
f1uence events as the mere reading of the
verses could not do. She quoted Plato as
saying that q change in the songs of mu-
sicians can change the state of common
Mrs. Byers. who, with Miss Marietta
Grover, represented the Terre Haute Read
Ing Club, said the women of that club or
ganiZed to relieve themselves of the oppres-
sion of small talk. The members turned
away from society, tired of its inanities,
and DESTROYS of entering a more intellect
ual atmosphere. Society now is coming to
them.
Mrs. Carrie McCulloch and Mrs. Louisa
Cassidy, were present from the Muncie
Woman's Club. The aim of the club. SAL
Mrs. McCulioch, was to elevate the mental
tone of the members and to better fit them
for their work in life. The organization
was effected in 1876. and it was felt that
much good had been accomplished since
that time.
Mrs. j. v. Kent and Miss Virginia Clay
oduku WCIO uckckdlcb lIOu tn0 IduhiOI u
Woman's Club. Mrs. Kent said that in
moral and intellectual reforms the world
needs the cooperation of all godly women.
Late years have added mighty power to
women's intellectual zeal. An advantage
of clubs is that members learn to know
with sympathy into the lives of
those who are bearing burdens too
grievous for any. of Gods creatures.
Mrs. Van Sickle and Miss Ollie Palmer rep
aannfAI fha L~ovtfDvt 1Fnr-sf nlrk A.
described by the former. that organization
is unique, and has features which must
commend it to many who are disinclined to
more formal literary labors. 1t is composed
of women tired of housekeeping and the
humdrum duties of everyday life. and who
are prevented by various causes from TAX
ing the outings enjoyed by more favored
mankind. At each meeting a sO-called tour
is taken into some interesting region, and
members previously assigned to various
parts of the work describe the scenery the
natural peculiaritles of the places visited,
the historical events connected with them,
and any distinguished personages who may
reside there. AS showing the character of
their work. the following is taken from
last years programmes, First afternoon
Frankfort to Charlottesville; Lew Wal
lace, Maurice Thompson, Wabash
College, Garland Dell. Pine Hills.
Second afternoon-To Terre' Haute:
State Normal; to Brazil: Coal mines and
III = DO4 Wv Al
ty, Bishop Bowman. Third afternoon-TO
Indianapolis: Benevolent institutions. Sa-
rah I. Bolton, J. w. Riley, Emily Thorn
ton Charles, Edward Eggleston, Laura
Ream.. The club did not contine its ex-
plorations to Indiana during the year, but
journeyed. in their minds, to Johnstown.
Washington, up the Hudson. to Boston,
Montreal, Chicago, Black hills. Victoria,
San Francisco II other distant points OF
interest.
Mrs. Mary b. Deming and Mrs. J. NJ.
Hakerly represented the Decorative Art So
ciety. of Terre Haute. Mrs. j. NJ. Hakerly
said the club was not, as might be sup
posed. addicted wholly to embroidery. The
modern Penelope has time for other things
and for more enduring work. She described
a red-letter day when Miss Hosmer. the
sculptor, was the guest, and entertained
the society with "reminiscences of Haw-
thorne. Lady Ashburton, Empress of Aus
tria. King Ludwig. of Bavaria, who was
fond of reading poetry to her. and others.
Mrs. Marietta III. Adams and Mrs. Carrie
NJ. Wright were present from the Clio Club,
of Indianapolis. Mrs. Wright said the club
was composed of married women. chiefly
from the Friends Church, who wished to
supplement the school work of early.years
and to gain facility of expression and pro-
vide mental pabulum which could not be
gained through their household life. They
had studied English history N United
States history. The membership is twenty
five. and includes women of all ages. The
fidelity of the members was emphasized.
Begun as a duty. the society had come to
be an indispensable pleasure.