Waterbury evening Democrat., 1905-05-23
PEOPLES COL LEGE
SUCH 1s THE HoM1 CULTUR1
 CLUB or NORTHAMPTON.
etartsd in This Northern Town by Wsll-Xnown Southsrnsr-What Work Has Grown To Under
 Nr. George Gable.

ADA0SOeso cities, Northampton, there has been quietly carried on for years movement that has resulted in bringing culture into many lives that were lacking educa- tional and social opportunities. | work that bsstows much of the academical and social life of the college proper.
 We speak of the Home Culture clubs, the idea that of Mir. George Cable MT. Cable is widely known as the author of those charming creole tales, but his zeal and success in lines of social betterment have been modestly kept in tho pack ground. The recent Carnegie gift to the Home Clubs now brings this phase Of the authors life into prominence.
 When Mir Cable moved north, he either acquired there. or else brought with him store of inexhaustible en- ergy, and this store he soon began to put at the service of others. In 1887 he organized the Home Culture club, the object the coming together of neigh bors for study. discussion and recrea- tion. Very shortly 20 clubs were organ ized, and then the question of reaching the young people employed in the mills was presented. A reading room was opened for them in 1888, where they could come together to read or for so- cial intercourse The club spirit pre- vailed; the one reading room was twice enlarged, and finally clubhouse was provided.
 Not finally. either, for just now the Home Clubs are establishing themselves in the beautiful new quarters. the Car negie house for the Home Clubs of Northampton. In this large clubhouse varied activities of the club life will be carried on; there is concert room. and provision Is made for dramatic enter tainments, one of the features of the or ganizations; a ballroom Is no unimpor- tant part, dancing a recreation looked upon with high favor by the promoters, the Saturday night dances considered one of the most attractive of the many attractive parts of the liberal pro- gramme
 The aim is to reach People, people gen. erally. old and young, rich and poor. cul- tured and those longing for culture. edu- cated and uneducated. men and women, employed and unemployed. The scope is so wide one cannot begin to tell of the work accomplished. that planned. We shall speak of certain things that seem of especial value. The clubhouse ex- tends welcome to its lounging-room of anyone, stranger or townsman. to enter and rest. He may remain quiet. or he may take part in conversation: but this club is his club for the moment. home where he may indulge the moments mood There is an employment bureau, where employed and unemployed come in touch. There are bowling alleys and billiard tables for those that desire to play and without games of tennis, foot ball. many sports.
 But we seem slow in getting to the study part of these Home Culture clubs Teachers from the famous woman's col lege situate in the town. Smith college act as teachers; they and others from the city giving their services to the classes Wide is the range of subjects studied. and widely differing the stu dents; there are 20 nationalities repre- scented in the classes and 70 occupations.