The mirror. (Stillwater, Minn.) 1894-1925, 1907-11-14
Synopsis of
Dierfaf1 History.
Paper Read Before the Cha,.tauqua Circle.

l
BEGINNING OF THE PIERIAN CIRCLE
On the 18th d,y of June, 1890, the
charter members assembled for the
purpose of beginning this society. Ap-
parently anxious to prove the truth of
the saying, "there is some good in the
worst of u.s." they proceeded to insti-
tute methods that should endure thru
the coming years., A president and
secretary was elected; they being
Messrs. Lloyd Porter and Patrick j.
Fortune. "Mr. Fortune" said a former
member. SHOULD receive the best wishes
of all Pierians, as it was thru his un-
firing efforts that the circle received a
foundation that has continued to with
stand all changes" At the first meet
ing name, "The Pierian Circle" was
selected; as was the motto: "Drink
deep or taste not the Pierian spring" !"
Incidently the present constitution,
approved by Mr.. Randall, was adopted
and reading as follows:
"The aim of this circle is to improve
the moral and intellectual faculties of
those who experience desire to i'm
prove their minds by elevating and In
structive literature, and by sy stematic-
ally pursuing the course of readings
arranged by the G. Z. S. C. each year;
to encourage individual discussion
Of the various subjects under consider
alton, and thereby attain that knowl-
edge which is essential to all who aspire
to an honorable position in the world
and which is, in itself, rich guarantee
of future good citizenship"
At the beginning of Pierian history
and for several years thereafter, 9
former chaplain, Rev. J, III. Albert
acted as critic Of the meetings. Upof
leaving here plan was adopted where
by the presiding officer was empowered
to appoint a member to act as critic
as in vogue today. This plan appear'
to have certain handicsps which Nigh
be obviated by electing critic annu
ally, thereby enabling such member tt
give better satisfaction in variou
ways.
The success of the circle, from tn
outset, is greatly due to the encourage
ment and assistance of those officiall.
connected with this institation. Mucl
praise has been accorded to the lat
Mr.. J. S. Glennon, who for severa
years had official supervision of tn
meetings. AS mark of their appreci
alton, Mr.. Glennon was unanimolsl
enrolled an honorary member with tn
privilege of the floor.
PROGRESS OF THE CIRCLE.
To depict the progress of this societ
requires but little space, and my addu'
tions are necessarily derived. from
comparison of the minutes for tn
various Chantauqua years. I'll
> founders of the circle evidently cal
vassed the local territory carefully,
determine what plans or methot
! would tend to create interest and ha
mony among the membership; inc
: IDENTIFY, retaining the goodwill and CO..
;. fidence reposed in them by the official
To accomplish this it appears that
. too strict adherence of the bylaws hi
been avoided, thus permitting mer
bers to treat of subjects consistel
= with personal desires and abilities, {
:. one hand; on the other hand, breach
: of the rules derogatory to the best
terests of the circle, notwithstandil
contrary assertions, have received d
% cisive, but fair action. In thismann
the circle has continued to maintain
8 good standard.
o PROGRAMS.
IL TO convey an idea of the progrs,
J. rendered I concluded to set forth I
program for the meeting held Octot
70 is, 1893. Papers were read on the +
10 lowing subjects: IScience and Praye
g "Roman Art" .Roman History = i 4
Q, Vanished Wsrrior." "ReyieW ;of .E'
8 nomics, = Cicero, = and sBegsts." Co
lparing this program with present d