Connecticut western news., 1918-12-26
COUNTY CHORAL UNION
 HOLDS ANNUAL MEETING
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 and successful, and in the following year, on May II at Whitehouse, the Norfolk Glee Club was officially or ganized. The first concert of the Glee Club was given in the library of Whitehouse, before an invited audi ence of one hundred and twenty-five guests, on May IS, 1898. The suc- cess of this concert created much interest and enthusiasm. New mem bers, all residents of Norfolk, were admitted to the club, which voted to produce an oratorio on large scale to be sung at the Norfolk Con- gregational Church. The compost ton selected was "The Holy City" by Alfred R. Baul. In the preparation of this work Gustave J. Stoeckel, emeritus professor of music at Yale University, who had become a resi- dent of Norfolk, gave assistance as strength permitted. The organiza- tion had by this date become too large to be directe1 by woman in a public performance, therefore N. H.. Allen of Hartford was invited to con- duct the final rehearsal and concert, admission to which was free.
 The solo artists and conductor were the guests of the founder at her home, where a reception was also given in honor of her fellow-mem- bers. The social features of the Glee Club were unique and pleasant, and will never be forgotten by the members.
 The beautiful and finished per formance of "The Holy City,, the enthusiasm of the Club members, the rapt and reverential attention of the large audience, gave birth in the mind of one auditor to plan for the extension of Norfolk Glee Club, and resulted in the formation of the Litchfield County Choral Union.
 Many accounts have been written of the foundation of this organiza- tion, based on unauthorized, incor- rect, and hasty information. It has been described as being almost with out definite plan or end, and as the outcome of chance growth, as a democracy, and even as an aristo- cracy of music. It must be curious ly constituted mind which detects aristocratic clements in an iorgani- zation which to date has provided absolutely free music of the highest class to 10000 residents of Litch- field County by annual invitations, from a chorus of 700 members. Probably the best definition of the work of the Union would be benef- cent cooperation. This was the ob iect in view at the time of the foun- dation, and all that followed has been the result of carefully thought out and we'll considered plans made in 1898.
 A philosopher recently remarked that he would prefer to be called a public fool rather than public bene- factor, and laid down the dictum that the true benefactors of man. kind are those who have real idea, who think for themselves on origin al lines, and can make others think.
 Memorials of a material nature, the last and feeble efforts of petty minds to graft their names and deeds on the pages of history, are becom- ing the laughing-stock of the age. Set up today, knocked down tomor- row, their most careful provisions can be set, aside by the astute man of law. One of the lowest attributes of humanity is the desire for post mortem applause. The men and women who are constantly posing before the mirror of futurity, in- stead of doing with might and main the daily tasks set before them, are not likely to become historical char acters. The examples of the ages. prove that the only lasting memorial is that of the spirit. It does not glorify the individual, but preserves for future generations the immor- tality of mans nature, and with this end in view the dedication was as follows:
 "The Litchfield County Choral Union was founded in 1899 to honor the memory of Robbins Battell, and with the object of presenting to the people of Litchfeld County choral and orchestral music in the highest forms.
 "No tickets are sold at the annual concerts, admission being by invita- tions, which are in the hands of the members of the chorus.
 ''No advertising of any nature is permitted in connection with these concerts, the sole object being to honor the composer and his work, under the most elevated conditions"
 The first problem was geographi- cal, in the laying out of five towns in .Litchfield County which could be conveniently reached by railway on five successive evenings of each week, and in which sufficient amount of interest might be aroused for the formation of five branches, to give local concerts and later to combine in grand chorus for annual con- certs