The weekly times-record. (Valley City, N.D.) 1912-1922, 1914-01-22
CHAUTAUQUA READING COURSE
WORK BEATS EXPECTATIONS
History of Work to Present 1me---Ori0inaI
Plans Carried to Successful Conclusion.

Thirty-fve years ago the Mother
Chautauqua, four years after its incep
ton, launched an educational enter
prise, for out Of school people fol
whose intellectual needs no provision
had been made by any institution Of
learning. The movement was named
by its founders the Chautauqua Liter
airy and Scientific Circle, the purpose
being to provide a systematic course
of reading and study to meet the
needs of those whose educational ad
vantages had been limited, and also, to
serve that still larger class who were
ambitious to continue their education
and keep in touch with the worlds
progress. The general aim of the
work was to give "the college students
outlook upon the world of thought
by the study Of primers of literature
and science; by the reading of books ;
by the preparation of syllabi of books
read and by correspondence with the
heads of departments of work.
A definite course of four years
study was taken up, certificates were
granted for each years work and a
diploma presented to every member
who completed the four years of read
ing.
1t is safe to say that no educational
move ment ever inaugurated in Amer
lea has met with a 1eadier acceptance
or accomplished more desirable re-
suits.
Tens of thousands of families thru
out the whole English speaking world
have taken advantage of the opportun-
ity thus afforded with immense profit
to themselves.
Many have continued the course of
four books year during a score of
years. They have learned to love
study; to know intimately the great
facts of history and philosophy; they
have gained an intimate acquaintance
with the great works of literature;
they have formed habits of economy
of time and labor and have achieved
culture and refinement
AS result of friendships and init
macies which have developed thru the
formation Of Clubs and Reading Cir
cles hundreds of neighborhoods have
been completely revolutionized, Sec
tarianism has been weakened, denom-
ational barriers have been levelled,
leadership has been developed, laud-
able ambitions aroused and worthy
purposes formed. In fact the move
ment has been great social leaven
and individual incentive
Though a number of Chautauquas
have adopted and pursued the course
of reading as laid down by the mother
Chautauqua the Valley City Associa-
ton has deemed it wise to launch an
entirely Independent course. one more
In keeping with the newer demands and
needs of this western country. The
committee of educators who selected
the first years course have chosen
four books of such a character as to
be popular with both young and old
with those who enjoy a liberal educa-
ton and also with those who have not
been so fortunate.
History, science, agriculture, 70.
nance and poetry all enter into these
books and fit them, in must unusual
degree, either for the beginning OF
continuance of liberal education.
BY purchasing in large quantities
the association is enabled to furnish
is members at greatly reduced prices
As soon as the books are real, eth
er individually or in clubs, certificates
will be issued to each member. Three
certificates will entitle to beautiful
diploma, with special seals attached
for honor work, written syllabi, or es
says.
There will be no examinations anG
no red tape. 1t is necessary only tt
read the book, make statement ir
writing to that effect, and the certifi
Gates giving credit will be granted.
Commencement Day at the 1914 As
sembly, when the first certificates arr
to be awarded will be made a memor
able occasion. It ought to be worth
while to be among the first graduate!
of the course.
Occasionally the writer meets an in
ilividual who was in the class of rs
the first of the Mother Chautauqu;
Course. One such person, lady, liv
ing in our own county, has read tn
course of four books year for per
iod of seventeen VEGA Neeol ss tt
say she i. Il. a very hne seass tn
term an sfnc&ted woman"
Such pc. soma show, with ccnc, end
able pride, their certificates ana di
plomcs and aik most Interestingly ant
often feelin ~ Of their part in tn