Middletown transcript., 1911-03-18
NEW CENTURY CLUB
An Interesting Program Of
Soma. Reading and Essay

The ladies of the New Century CiuO oD
Tuesday last had big turnout and gave
their members and few visitors one Of
the finest programs Of the season.
Mrs. G. A. Hofecker as chairman
presided over the afternoons session.
Mrs. J. Allen Johnson gave pleasing in
strumental solo. Then Mrs. Hoffecker
read the charming Bit of verse from the
pen of DR.. Henry VanDyke, published
by his especial permission last Summer in
THE TRANSCRIPT, "Home Thoughts From
R6rope." Mrs. NJ. B. Burris read
prose selection from the Outlook entitled
TheDemocratization of Libraries telling
how the treasures Of big libraries we're
being brought within reach OF the masses
and especially of children. Then came
funny sketch styled "Rues For Library
Conduct" read by Mrs. @. j. Freeman.
Next Mrs. Charles Oerrickson read from
the Rosary-s recent novel-s descrip-
ton of two characters therein; then the
song called "The Rosary" was well sung
by Mrs. Malcolm Cochran. A second
reading wac chosen from the same story,
'The Duchess of Meldrum" and given by
Miss Ethel Brady, and still another by
Miss Josephine Biggs called 'sir Deryck.
While all these readings we're well done,
the piece de resistance, by all odds the
sbest of the wine at the last OF the FEAST
was an elaborately prepared paper Of 35
pages recitiDg the history Of the Famous
Libraries of the United States". After
passing in brief survey some Of the
famous libraries of ancient days, Biblical
and profane, the lady gave an account of
the great public libraries ofour own land
from that of Harvard in 1886 to those
noble benefactions Of DR.. Benjamin Rush
in Philadelphia, Crearar in Chicago, Pratt
in Baltimore, ETC., down to the many
munifcent gifts of Carnagie.
References we're likewise made to the
various educational and other institutions
which have been the out growth OF these
public libraries, such as circulating or
travelling libraries, the library extension
movement, collections for the blind,
schools for training librarians, schools of
Art, Science, etc.
The entire paper disclosed a vast deal
of study and research, and was, moreover,
not only couched in excellent English,
but also prefaced by an introduction
Astounding in neat humorous touches.
The effort was roundly appIauded and the
thanks of the Club unanimously voted
Mrs. Hoffecker for her able effort.
The committee of ladies appointed to
see Mr.. John, Supt. of the Delaware
Div. of the Penn. R. R., reported how
they had presented to him the manifold
grievances under which the public is
suffering by reason of the railroads
course-told of the "unsightIy and un.
sanitary condition of the ladies' toilet
rooms" of the delay caused to travellers
by the waiting train, the obstructiDg |
freights, etc. and of the positive need of
subway under the tracks. Mr.. john said |
instant relief would be given for some of
the things named, aud also volunteered |
the intelligence heretofore given to the
public yTHE TRANSCRIPT, that the old nui- |
sance, the old freight depot, would be
removed this year, and the Sardine Box
be opened at both ends ana slso enlarged. |
The subway Mr.. John said would cost |
$4,000 to $4,000 and he "was apprehensive
about the drainagew That story will do |
to tell the marines. Middletown has
been getting nothing not even the
decencies of ordinary travel for many |
long years, meanwhile the railroad has
earned dividends on the Delaware
Division 25 per cent. to 30 per cent!
Dover can have a $4,000. new station
and does not pay one half the sum, that
Middletown yearly pours into the lap Of
this begrudging corporation that has for
years put her off with an open cattle pen
shelter on the West and dirty, dingy,
unlighted rookery of a station on the
East.
The thanks Of the citizens are due the |
courageous ladies of the New Century
Club for their efforts to get the company
to give Middletown fair treatment.
The TRANSCRIPT wishes to speak its
warmest recognitions Of appreciation and
to reiterste its previously expressed
opinion that when the aroused women of
the town roll up their sleeves and go for
an evil local, corporate What-not,
something happens.
The following interesting program was
given:
Music..................Mr Mrs. ]. Allen Johnson.
Reading. Rules for Library Conduct"
Mrs. c. J. Freeman.
Reading "Home Thoughts from Europe"
by Henry VanDyke,....M Mrs. Hoffecker.
Reading. "The Demonstration of the
Library" by John Cotton Dana,
Mrs. NJ. B. Burris.
Book Review. The Rosary" "Hon. Jane
ChampiaD," Mrs, Charles Derrickson.
Song, "The Rosary" Mrs. Charles Nal.
colin Cochran.
"Garth Dslmain, MRS. George Derrick
son.
duchess Of Meldrum" Miss Ethel Brady.
hSix Deryk Brand, Miss Josephine Biggs.
Paper, Famous Libraries of the United
States - Mrs q A Hnffeckar |
The program for next Tuesday will be
"Kiplfbg Day." Miss Eliza c. Green,