The mirror. (Stillwater, Minn.) 1894-1925, 1900-06-28
Paper Read Before the Chdutauq,ta Circle.
The Story of the
Pierian Circle.

LIE STORY OF Cne
Pierian Circle.
Ten years ago today the Pierian Cir
Gle began it's career as an organization.
Prior to the forming of the circle the
question had been considered by some
of the ablest christian workers of the
state, among whom Miss Lillian Nc
Gowdy of Minneapolis may be mem
toned as the first to advocate the or
ganizing of Chautauqua Circle among
the inmates of this institution, hoping
! thereby to create better moral and
intellectual condition among those de-
barred from society and intercourse
with their fellow men.
Education has been deemed by the
most enlightened penologists as one
of the most requisit factors in the i'm
provement of mems conditions, not
only in regard to the prisoner, but to
all men.
In the year 1889 the management of
this institution was held by man who
came as near filling the requirements
of what a noble, true-hearted man
should be as any that have ever met
with in my experience with my fellow
men. l refer to Warden J. J. Randall,
now dead, but remembered and es-
teemed by all who ever knew him, be
they citizen or ward.
In April 1890 two inmates waited
upon the warden for permission to Or
ganize circle among the inmates,
with the object of creating an occupa-
tion that would improve their thoughts
and brighten the monotony of their
prison life.
The request was favorably received,
and in May of that year books and
membership certificates were received
for twenty-fOur inmates of this insti-
tuition. In June, 1890, the circle held
its first regular meeting as an organ
lied assembly, at which the election of
president, vice-president and secretary
were made, also that of critic, which
was filled by the Rev. j. H. Albert.
Lloyd Porter was unanimously elected
president, and Patrick J. Fortune
secretary; and Mr.. Fortune should re-
ceive the best wishes of all Pierians, as
it was through his untireing efforts
that the circle received a foundation
that has so we'll withstood the criticism
and changes of ten years. But our
secretary of himself could do but little
had he not received the hearty CO.
operation of our warden and other Off
cials who in the performance of their
duties retained that God-given human
ity that makes all the world akin, no
matter what our faith or conditions in
life may be. From the beginning Mr..
Albert gave the circle his sincere ap-
proval, and for over nine years acted
as its critic and adviser.
| Among the officials who showed an
Interest in our success and advance
ment, there were none who gave the
circle greater encouragement than did
Assistant Deputy Warden John s.
Glennon. He had official charge of the
circle during its meetings in the chap
ell hall from it's first organization until
a few years ago. 1t was through his
aid that one of the most pleasant feat
ures of our program was first intro
duced-that is the musical part. But
cannot compare it with the excellent
musical selections we enjoy today un-
der the direction of Miss E. A. Gram
ling. AS to the general interest mani
tested by the different members who
have been connected with the circle
during the years of its changing men,
bership, all have shown lively inter-
est in it's success and in the studies
which comprise the greater part of the
program adopted by all Chautauquans
who follow out a carefully selected
course of literature.
Among the membership of our circle
have been men from all ranks and con-
ditions in life, who have come together
and taken up the study of improving
their conditions both mentally and
J morally. Papers have been read before