Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1889-04-14
LADIES' WORK.
Something OF tue scottsvIIie Sbaks.
peare Club.
scOTTsvILLE, ", Anrll ~, lsSO.

scoTTsvILLE, VA, April II, 1889.
To the Editor OF the Dispatch:
Among the many characteristic ties which
distinguish the South OF 1889 from that sec.
ton IN ante-bellum days the advance in
literary activity is worthy of important no.
tice.
Far-Seeing Judges have predicted that Il Is
10 the South American literature must look
Tor its masterpieces. aDd that the prediction
nav perhaps be verified In the near future
the general intellectual awakening furnishes
reason for hope. At no time before in the
history OF the Old Dominion has there been
such high appreciation OF the part which
must fall to her lot in the department OF let
tiers. All over the state within the last few
years the effect OF Der awakening has been
shown In the marvellous number OF reading
clubs and societies for the study OF selected
authors.
The shakespeare Club. Of Scottsvlle, Va,
IS one OF the most tlourishing OF these, and
deserves special notice because OF several
unique features in SIS design, and because
that design has been so we'll carried out.
The club dates its existence from the fall
OF 1883. and TO three ladies OF Sc0ttsville be-
longs the credit Of its foundation and subse-
quent successful career.
To Mrs. w. NJ. Wade, Miss Mamie NJ.
Hill, and Miss Sallie II. Cosby the honor OF
the original design is due, and by continued
interest and zeal IN carrying out their idea
they have furnished abundant testimony to
their ability TO execute as we'll a. plan.
Meeting weekly at the houses OF the vari.
Ous members. play Is usually read ana
criticised in two meetings. AT each meeting
some member appointed for the purpose an
swers queries - to the textual criticism,
plot, historical illusions, &c.
The characters are distributed rs equally
as possible among the members, who num-
Der twenty-three, and searching examination
Of the plays is encouraged as much as posi-.
bic.
Fortunately quite number Of Rallies edi-
ton sre used and the Saturday meetings have
SO far proved extremely pleasant as well as
profitable.
The efficient president OF the club IL Mrs.
DR.. Wade and the offices Of secretary and vice.
president gre flied by Mrs. j. =. Trevilllan
and Miss Cosby.
The membership OF the club has met With
the most 1attering increase SINCE its orsaDl-
cation, and there il every reason TO believe
that long aud successful career is opening
ahead.
The officers Of the society or the origna-
tors will be glad to render all inforInstlon
and hlu IN iuTtDeTlHR Tue lutcIeot iu thO
great object they have 10 view, the increase
OF literary interest among the people OF Viz
gnil.
Among the distinguished features oi This
special factor in the great work are several
worthy OF note.
The whole organization is the work OF
ladies' alone, and their roll holds no names
but those OF the gentler sex.
The triumphant career OF the Institution
removes any doubt as to its pTscticability,
and the strict attention to business furnishes
room for a moral therefrom.
it may be interesting TO note another
rather remarkable fact in connection with
the subject. Romeo and Juliet was not read
until the meetings had lasted several months.
The pioneer literary societies OF Virginia
must owe much 10 the generous hospitality
extended 10 them through the State press In
Offering them space in its columns, and all
honor is due to the three talented founders
of one OF Virginia's many improvements on
the good old times "beio' de wah." May
this society be but the forerunner OF many,
who will certainly assist TO raise our State 10
that proud position in letters which she owes
TO herself to maintain, and which nothing
but her own negligence can ever take from
her. oTRANGER'