Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1922-03-30
Lancaster, Pa.
March Is, 1922

March rs, 1922
Mr.. C. E. Cassell, Ed. Clarion
Dear Sir
Inclosed you will find check for
one years subscription to "The Catoc-
tin Clarion"
AS l am not able, because Of physi-
cal disability, to personally visit the
old town of Thurmont, to renew my
old acquaintance, as we'll as recollec-
tions of seventeen years of varied eX-
periences there-and having been a
reader of The Clarion for thirty odd
years, desire to continue the papers
weekly visits, as they, together with
several newsy correspondents whose
missives occasionally come to my home
serve to refresh my memory of persons
and Incidents of those strenuous but
happy days, in measure, the most
fruitful ones of my ministry, in four
different pastorates in Il total of 40
years. Among other things, | am
pleased to note the progress being
made in Thurmont High School. |
wish to commend you for the generous
space you have allotted to the "Philo-
kalean" and "Delta Sigma" Literary
Societies of the 7. II. S. under the
caption of "The Megaphone." The
display of talent, wit and humor by
members of those societies is very
gratifying indeed, and is illustrative
of what we may expect those young
people may be capable of in their ma
turer years of manhood and woman
hood as intelligent citizons Of the state
and nation.
A splendid article in a recent issue
entitled "Are Our Literary Societies
Worth While?" by Geralding F., '25,
in advocacy of the worth of the socie-
ties, is admirable for so young an au-
thor (the sentiment of which has
prompted my extended remarks). But
as much might be said of most of the
contributors in their various capacities.
The value of an efficiently conducted
literary society can hardly be overes-
timated in this practical age, as it is
one of the principal factors in acquir-
ing a proficient education.
| trust that the article referred to
above will be appreciated and needed
by all the members of the school.
| am familiar with the animus and
policy of four institutions of learning
or colleges, all of them are widely
known. Three of them place great
emphasis upon the efficiency of their
literary societies, positively prohibit
ing the organization of any Greek
Letter clubs. The fourth institution,
on the contrary, fosters the fraterni-
ties to the detriment of their literary
societies, which, with their respective
society buildings, needing repairs,
have fallen almost into state of noe
uous desuetude. My observations re-
specting the policies of the institutions
referred to, convince me that those
students who have developed all their
innate powers and capacities in well
ordered literary society are far better
equipped and qualified for the varied
complex exigencies of life, than those
who have neglected those privileges
and opportunities which the Literary
Societies afford, and given them
selves over to pleasures, excuses and
disipations that are incident to secret
clubs.
They may get an expensive training
but not liberal education, in the
true sense of Whit it involves.
l trust that the Literary Societies
of Thurmont High School, may not
only aspire to be among the best So
cieties in the State, but to be the best,
since you have given them the oppor-
tunity to develop their innate talent.
Yours sincerely,
Geo. A. Whitmore