The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-06-01

We visited the office of the Redpath
prospects We're for the success of this
first institution of the kind in Birming-
ham, We We're prompted by Two rea-
sons: FIRST because we wanted to know
ourselves the real preliminaries of a
work destined for SO much good If the
people would realize the opportunity
and again. because everybody is inter
ested in something new We found that
something new. Immediately we were
introduced to Miss Edna Mae Bel Rick
ard---''a real woman organizer This
office seemed so entirely unusual in
this section of the country that it be-
came at once an attractive theme, the
fact that so young a person as this
beautiful, chatty- cheerful little worker
should have such talent recognized in
this world of men was what astonished
us. Not at all surprised at her fitness
for the place. We seated ourselves COM
fortably and looked around to catch
some of the spirit of the chautauqua
before we asked any questions, but
Immediately this enthusiastic little
woman was seated near we recognized
she was the genius who had come here
ises to be a great opportunity to"the
can't get aways"--the bringing of II
series of lectures and entertainments
for them.
For those who have the means and
time each year hundreds have spent
their recreation hours in self-culture
availing themselves of the chautauquas
establised at distance reading and at
tending lectures; in fact making pleas
ure and rest combine with search for
study gaining the benefits of cultured
talents. and students of travel in the
lecture field. Realizing that "a majority
of the people would enjoy the privilege
and the knowledge of the benefits to be
derived. those who cannot go to Rome
VIII have Rome come to them" and
the. chautauqua has come at very
opportune time. We asked Miss Rickard
of the prospects for success: we all
know that the business end of any un-
dertaking is an important pillow to the
beginning. because to be retarded with
the lack of practical financing is a de-
cided handicap where lecturers have to
be paid for services. As it is, she who
has been feeling the pulse of the pub
lie as to the financial possibilities, this
matter of money is very important
Though to us who expect to derive the
benefits 1t Is only second thought
oh" spoke Miss Rickard Il find II
interest the business men in any un-
dertaking that requires a guarantee
fund just now. ] imagine the women
who engage in charities and philan-
thropics have touched their purses very
heavily, but when | tell them it means
more good for Birmingham their hearts
bound forth and 1t is not very long be-
fore ] can realize they are ready to
answer the call, because these same
men have given again and again, and
they are still ready to lend their means
and influence to continued progress"
This great spirit of the business man to
be interested in what effects others has
been his capital his business has thrived
on his own generosity and public interest,
and cities have grown and the ignorant
have been educated by his heart We only
hope the public understands just what op-
portunity there is in an annual chautau-
qua. The privilege to listen to men of
learning, experience of soul, of educa-
ton, scientific and practical, of wit and
humor talk in their own peculiar style of
things that entertain. instruct and amuse
YOU in turn. In fact these lectures are