Decatur County, Indiana - Chapter 12: Social and Literary Clubs, 1915

Chapter 12: Social and Literary Clubs

The history of the Greensburg Department Ckib is unifjue. Eight musical and literary clubs in 19 13 testify to the interest Greensburg women have manifested in the purely cultural side of club life. But their membership was limited and their range of activity narrowed by tradition and the avowed purpose of the organization. There were many women outside of these circles who longed for cultural advantages, and many within them who longed for opportunities for greater serxice to the community. It was this growing impulse toward service rather than any spirit of restlessness or discontent, that inspired the new movement.

It was especially appropriate that the Cycle, the pioneer among the women's clubs of the town, should take the initiative. A committee from this club, of which Mrs. J. F. Goddard was chairman, visited each club and presented a plan of organization. Seven of the clubs voted to assist in the enterprise and delegated their officers to be a general committee to discuss and decide the various questions of organization. From this representative body the seven presidents were chosen to serve as a constitutional committee. This committee, Mrs. R. M. Thomas, chairman; Mrs. W. C. Ehrhardt, Mrs. J. C. Meek, Mrs. Web Woodfill, Miss Camilla Donnell, Miss Mary Rankin and Miss Eula Christian, with Mrs. Goddard as an advisory member, had the wisdom to provide for a growth far beyond their expectation and their work has been subjected to but few minor changes. The constitution was accepted by the general committee and published. Mrs. Goddard. who had presided at all of the meetings of the general committee and whose interest and activity never failed, was elected president. The other officers were : First vice-president, Mrs. D. W. Weaver; second vice-president. Miss Emma Donnell ; recording secretary, Mrs. Locke Bracken : corresponding secretary, Miss Vessie Riley; financial secretary, Mrs. W. C. Ehrhardt; treasurer. Miss Ethel Watson ; directors. Mrs. Marshall Grover, Mrs. C. R. Bird, Mrs. J. K. Ewing, Mrs. George Ewing, Mrs. R. M. Thomas, Mrs. O. G. Miller.

In February and March of 1913 one hundred and twenty-five women, members of the original seven small clubs, signed the constitution and became charter members of the Greensburg Department Club. The motto for the club was, "United Progression," and time has proved that it was well chosen. For, though each one gave up much that she valued in the old associations, she did it cheerfully with a vision before her of greater oportunities both for herself and others. The first regular meeting was held on October 7, 1913.

The year book provides for eight meetings during the year, two of a business and social nature and six which bring before the club lecturers and musicians of ability. But the real life of the club is found in the four departments, art. literature, music and social economics. The art department was formed nearly a year after the organization of the club, but bravely began its career with an art exhibition of great value. The plan is to make this an annual event in the life of the club and community. The members of the department carry on a study of the history and appreciation of art, with the aid of occasional lecturers. The literary department began with two lecture circles, but the number of these popular circles grows with time. The organization of the evening lecture circle opened the doors of the club to those who are busy during the day. The music department may be characterized as the most generous, for it has opened its meetings to the general club a number of times and its choral organization adds greatly to the club meetings. It is hoped that the May festival may become a permanent feature of the year's work. In the social economics department the spirit of service finds its largest field of activity. The three circles, civic, evening civic circle and mothers' circle, began at once to co-operate in various civic enterprises. Sanitation, fly extermination, "the city beautiful," "shop early" campaigns, community Christmas tree, and "clean up week," are a few of the activities which owe their origin to this department. The work accomplished during the first two years is noteworthy, and a continued educational campaign will finally win the hearty support of the whole community. A domestic science circle, under this department, will be popular with a number of women. An unusual and very interesting feature of the club is the auxiliary young people's department. This circle follows somewhat the same line of work as the art department, thus developing appreciation and taste.

The Greensburg Department Club has been fortunate in many ways. The unselfish and unsparing devotion of its first president, Mrs. Goddard, inspired each member with something of her own spirit, and busy men and women have given generously of their time and strength to help her. Her tact won the respect and co-operation of business men and city officials.

While the thought of an adequate ckib house has been in the mind of many from the first, for some years the ckib must depend upon the continued generosity of the churches, the city hall and private homes. An important step was taken when the club accepted an invitation to join the Indiana Federation of Clubs, for in that organization it can both give and receive inspiration. The membership at the end of two years was three times that of the charter enrollment. Such an enthusiastic beginning is seldom the fortune of new enterprises, but the hearty interest of each memlier will continue its inspiration through many years of influential acti\-ity.

The last meeting of the Greensburg Department Club for 191 5 was held on J\Iav 4, in the Knights of Pythias lodge room. In order that future generations of the city may know what their good forefathers did on this night, the full report of this meeting is here given as it appeared in the Greensburg Daily Revicic of May 5, 191 5:

"This being the annual business meeting, reports of the officers and chairmen of the various committees were heard and accepted. Two new members, ]\Irs. Ijert Askren and Mrs. Dan Linegar, were voted into the club.

Goddard, the president, being ill, the vice-president, Mrs. D. W. Weaver, had charge of the meeting. She read a note from Mrs. Goddard, who sent her regrets at not being present and also sent words of cheer and encouragement to the club. A member of the club expressed the sentiments of the entire club in words of deepest praise for and appreciation of the president. Her words were voiced unanimously by the club members. After the lousiness, a short program followed. Miss Gertrude Haas gave two piano numbers. A play, entitled "A Mouse Trap," by W. D. Howells, was given. Following was the cast of characters : Mr. Willis Campbell, Mr. Charles Ewing; Mrs. Somers (widow), Mrs. W. W. Bonner; Mrs. Carmen, Mrs. R. R. Hamilton ; :\Irs. Roberts, Miss Marie Braden ; Mrs. Dennis, Mrs. A. M. Reed; Mrs. Miller. Miss Ethel Ewing; Jane (maid). Miss Florine Sefton.

"Each character acted the part well, especially Mrs. Somers, the widow, and Mr. Campbell. The play afforded much pleasure and merriment for those present. A social time followed, when refreshments, consisting of ice cream, strawberries, cake, coffee and mints, were ser\ed. Thus the second annual meeting passed, with business mixed with much pleasure."

Kappa Kappa Kappa

Baker Lumbers, Ruth Bonner Meek, Mary Isgrigg Hamilton and Anna Bird Thomas as charter members. The first officers of the chapter were Ruth Bonner Meek, president; Mary Littell Tremain, vice-president; Lela Robbins Christian, recording secretary; Mary Isgrigg Hamilton, corresponding secretary, and Anna Bird Thomas, treasurer.

It is affiliated with the general state society of Kappa Kappa Kappa,- which was founded at Miss Sewell's School for Girls in Indianapolis in 1904. Since that time it has grown in numbers so that now more than one thousand five hundred girls in the state of Indiana wear the skull and cross keys, the society badge.

The object of the organization is "to bring girls into a close, unselfish relationship, which shall be beneficial to themselves as well as to others." Several kinds of charitable work are carried on by the chapter, as well as the general society, and at all times there is a willing response to any appeal for help. Its purposes are two-fold - charitable and social, and by both means girls are brought into the "unselfish relationship,'' which is the object of the organization.

This chapter, aside from assisting the Associated Charities, has given aid to defective children from poor families; helped high school students with funds so that they might graduate; paid hospital and operation expenses and given material help in cases where, under other circumstances, help would not have been accepted.

At present there is a membership of eighteen girls, all of whom are active workers. The officers are: President, Mignum White; vice-president, Bright Emmert ; treasurer, Mae Montgomery Harrison ; recording secretary, Ruth White; corresponding secretary, Marie Braden.

The Cycle

The Cycle clainis the distinction of being the pioneer literary club of Greensburg. It was organized on March 5, 1891, by Mrs. S. H. Morris, and the following members were admitted during the first year of its history: Miss Hannah Baker, Miss Sadie Baker, Mrs. W. W. Bonner, Mrs. Sam Covert, Mrs. George Dunn, Jr., Mrs. J. K. Ewing, Mrs. J. F. Goddard, Miss Jessie Hart, Miss Margaret Lathrop, Miss Clara Lambert, Mrs. Jessie F. Moore, Mrs. S. H. Morris, Mrs. Milton F. Parsons, Mrs. A. Prather, Miss Vessie Riley, Mrs. George B. Stockman, Miss Fannie Wooden, Mrs. A. M. Willoughby, Miss Mollie Zoller, Miss Lou Zoller, Mrs. Enos Porter, Mrs. R. M. Thomas, Mrs. J. V. Schofield.

The first president was Mrs. S. H. Morris. Its olDJect was to promote social intercourse between unmarried and young married ladies of the city and for scientific and literary culture. Membership was limited to twentyfive. During the twenty-one years of the club's existence these two objects were ever kept foremost. Discovering and developing much latent talent, musicians, story writers, poets, dramatic readers and actors were secured, making it possible to present many rare and unique entertainments at its frequent open meetings. The Cycle was always noted for its hospitality and came to be a dominant factor in the social life of Greensburg.

Being the mother of literary clubs here, it always sought to maintain a dignity of purpose and to set a good example to its numerous offspring. The club in every way fulfilled the mission for which it was created, far exceeding the hopes and aspirations of its most sanguine founders.

It was with much regret that the organization yielded to the call for a larger field of service and on January i6, 19 13, founded the Department Club. At that time there were twenty-five active members, sixteen honorarv members, representing nine states, and four who had gone to their final reward.

The Cycle will live in the hearts of a devoted membership until time has so depleted its ranks that its useful career becomes a mere matter of history.

The Mothers' Circle was organized about 1901 by Mrs. Cortez Ewing. It was first known as the Mothers' Prayer Circle. Its object was to discuss topics such as would be helpful to mothers with young children. A few of the charter members were: Mrs. Cortez Ewing, Mrs. Joe Alexander, Mrs. Alex. Porter, Mrs. Oscar Miller, Mrs. Dr. E. B. Crowell, Mrs. Edward Hizer, Mrs. John Hofer, Mrs. Wayne McCoy and Mrs. George W. Bird. The meetings were most informal, not having any regular program, but many heart-to-heart talks, which all enjoyed thoroughly and did lasting good to those who participated in them. The meetings were held once each month in the homes of the different memliers. Every meeting was opened with Scripture reading and sentence prayer, in which ahnost every member took part, also very dehcate refreshments were served.

In igo6 the circle was reorganized and a constitution and by-laws were adopted. Mrs. Rena Gilchrist was elected president, and Mrs. Nellie Bird, secretary. A program committee consisting of Mrs. Elsi Dunaway, Mrs. Olive Gilham and Mrs. Alice Welch, was also elected. Neat programs were prepared and such subjects as "Family Loyalty to God," "Books for Children," "Patriotism," "The Ideal Mother, " "Temperance," and "Character Building," were among the many suljjects discussed. These programs were continued, with the different members being elected to the different offices each year.

In March, 19 13, after much hesitation, the circle voted to enter the Department Club. The meetings were continued in much the same manner, with additional members.

The circle will continue their meetings in the same manner durmg the year 1915-1916, with Mrs. Ray Hamilton as chairman, Mrs. Bert Gilham, vice-chairman, and Mrs. E. M. Beck, secretary-treasurer.

The Progress Club

The Progress Club was organized on October 2, 1863, according to its constitution, for "promotion of intellectual and social growth." Its first officers and other charter members were: Miss Edith Patten, president; Miss Delle McLaughlin, vice-president; Miss Edith Hamilton, secretary; Miss Ethel Bartholomew, treasurer; Misses Emma Donnell, Terressa Elmore, Clara Robison, Blanche McLaughlin, Myrta Patton, Bessie Donnell, Hannah Evans, Martha Evans, Ida Hollensbe, Helen Rankin and Jean Rankin.

The organization now has twenty-five members and eleven honorary members. It meets regularly on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month and the program is always an interesting and important part of each session, although the social feature is prominent. The program is usually a part of some special course of study.

Many social functions are given by the club, delightful informal affairs, although occasionally there are more pretentious ones. Lasting benefits have been derived by its members from study and research work, and it has established a closer bond of friendship in the entire city.

Members are, many of them, high school graduates and have had the advantages of higher education and travel. The club's present officers are : ]Miss Cora Donnell, president; Miss Emma Donnell, vice-president; Miss Winifred Newhouse, secretary, and Miss Hazel Scott, treasurer.

The Woman's Club was organized on January 31, 1893, for "social and intellectual culture." By constitutional provisions, its membership was limited to twenty. Its first officers weix : Mrs. J. H. Alexander, president ; Miss Julia F. Cooke, vice-president; Mrs. R. C. Hamilton, secretary, and Mrs. Joseph Da\ison, treasurer. After twenty pleasant and profitable years, during which it maintained a high standard of literary work, the organization disbanded in 191 3, and was merged into the Department Club.

The Tourist Club

In the early days of club life in Greensburg, there was organized the first literary club for both ladies and gentlemen. It was on the evening of October i, 1894, at the home of Judge F. E. Gavin, that this, the Tourist Club, was started. Throughout the subsequent years, until the recent merging of all the literary clubs of Greensburg into the great Department Club, the Tourist Club was a live organization in the literary circles of the city.

Prof. W. P. Shannon was the president, and among the charter members were : Prof, and Mrs. W. P. Shannon, Judge and Mrs. F. E. Gavin, ]\Ir. and Airs. D. M. Silberberg, Mr. and Mrs. S. H. Morris, Mr. and Mrs. Cortez Ewing, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Dowden, Judge John D. Miller, Mr. Harry Lathrop, Mr. Oscar G. Miller, Miss Martha Miller, Miss Margaret Lathrop and Miss Clara Lambert.

The imaginary journeys of the club, to all quarters of the globe, both far and near, brought both profit and pleasure - profit by way of preparation for subsequent real journeys and pleasure, by way of promoting the closer ties of friendship.

The personnel of the club shifted with the changing years, but always composed a band of Greensburg's most interesting citizens. At the time the club entered the Department Club, two years ago, but two of the charter members still belonged, namely : Oscar G. and Clara Lambert Miller.

The Fortnightly Club

For the puqxjse of research along the Hne of literature, history and art, the Fortnightly Club was organized in 1894, with Clara Ardery. Lottie Dickerson Dobyns, Jessie Donnell Erdmann, Kate Emmert, Bertie Mitchell Morgan, Myrtle Hollensbee Hamilton, Annette Miller Davidson, Anna Monfort, Glenn Jklontgomery Russell, Clara Russell Mills, Cora Sefton Robliins, Kate Stewart, Mary Thomson and Cora Zoller Davidson as charter members. The membership has grown until at the present time (1915) it includes thirty names. The names of Clara Russell Mills, Nell Donnell Erdman, Annette Miller Davidson, Bessie Montfort and Kate Rogers Crawford, who have departed from this world, are held in sacred remembrance by the club members. For the last four years, Mrs. Demarchus Brown, of Indianapolis, has lectured before the club, \\nien the Department Club was organized in 1913, the individual members of the Fortnightly Club entered that organization and the literary work of the later organization was dropped. Since that time it has existed simply as a social club. The officers for 1915 were: Mrs. Harry Mount, president; Mrs. J. C. Alexander, vice-president; Mrs. Van W'oodfill, secretary, and Kate Stewart, treasurer.

The Research Club

On the 23rd of February, 1909. at the home of the late ]\Irs. Nettie Sampson Dils, was formed the Research Club. The purpose of the club, as set forth in its constitution, was intellectual and social growth. With this ever in mind, its programs and meetings were rich in value and interest. Mrs. Dils was the inspiring genius of the little group and her memory is held by the memljers of the club with tender reverence. Throughout the organization she was tiie gentle censor that molded its purpose. As a tribute to the honor and esteem in which she was held, she was chosen its first president. To aid her, Mrs. Ella Long Doles was chosen vice-president; Mrs. Ada Richardson Porter, corresponding secretary; Mrs. Minnie Ketchum Porter, recording secretary, and Mrs. Ella Hittle Christian, treasurer. A membership committee, of Mrs. Ollie Dickey Gilham, Mrs. Ada Richardson Porter and Mrs. Nelle McKee Kercheval, and a program committee, of Mrs. Ollie Rogers Donnell, Mrs. Nettie Sampson Dils, Mrs. Ella Long Doles, Mrs. Ada Richardson Porter and Mrs. Ella Hittle Christian, were appointed. The list of original members included Terressa Ardery,

Mary Ardery, Annie Rouse Bird, Ella Hittle Christian, Eula Christian, Nettie Sampson Dils, Ella Long Doles, Ollie Rogers Donnell, Ruby Doyle Eward, Ollie Dickey Gilham, Nelle Drake Hazelrigg, Maude Kitchin Johnston, Rose JMoffett Kessing, Nelle McKee Kercheval, Fannie Wood Nordmeyer, Ada Richardson Porter, Minnie Ketchum Porter, Edith Patton, Katie Sefton Robbins, Grace VanBuskirk, Delia Mount Wooden and Mary Wood Weaver. The club held thirteen very instructive meetings at the homes of its members during the first year of its existence.

During the second year, from September, 1910, to ^lay, 1911, Edith Patton acted as president, with Mary Ardery as vice-president, Mrs. Rose Mofifet Kessing as corresponding secretary, Mrs. Olive Dickey Gilham as recording secretary' and Mrs. Maude Kitchin Johnston as treasurer. This year's membership list included the name of Mary Snodgrass Wallingford.

The next year saw Anna Albrecht Meek, Eleanor Eich Lowe, Sallie Wright Weaver and Pearl Kitchin WoodfiU as new members, and the following officers served : Mrs. Annie Rouse Bird, president ; Mrs. Mary Wood Weaver, vice-president: Mrs. Fannie \\'ood Xordmeyer, corresponding secretary: ]\Irs. Ruby Doyle Eward, recording secretary, and Mrs. Nell Drake Hazelrigg, treasurer.

The year 1912-1913. saw the last of the Research Club as an independent organization, as about that time it was incorporated into the Department Club. Mrs. Ada Richardson Porter was president this last year, and Mrs. Terressa Lowe Ardery, vice-president; Mrs. Delia Mount Wooden, corresponding secretary; Eula Christian, recording secretary, and ]\Irs. Nona Eich Lowe, treasurer. This year's membership shows the new name of Louise Fogel Baker.

The Literary Club Of I914

The Ladies' Literary Club of 1914 was organized, as the name indicates, in the year 19 14. Its first meeting was held on February 20, at the home of Mrs. Clara Talbott. In the beginning the club consisted of eighteen members, with Mrs. Ella Christian, president: ]\Irs. Sarah ^^'ooden and Mrs. Maggie Woodfill, vice-presidents; Mrs. Maiy Stegmaier, secretary: }*Irs. Mattie Rucker. treasurer, and Mrs. Mary Bracken, sponsor. The purpose of the club was to promote a love of knowledge, the first motto being, "The love of knowledge cometh with reading and grows upon us." The programs were of a miscellaneous character and broadening in their effect. One (22) of the strong features of tlie club's work is its social life. The love among the members was of the Jonathan and David type and when an invitation came to become a member of the Department Club - to amalgamate with the other clubs of the city and thereby lose its identity - the Club of 1914 protested. The old ties could not be broken. And when at last it submitted to the inevitable, a unanimous vote was cast for a semi-annual meetings of the members, that the social life might never" die, and so in spirit it lives on. Of the original members, those holding membership to the last were: Mrs. Nellie Donnell, Mrs. E. H. Lambert, Mrs. Fannie Nordmeir, Mrs. Anna Pleak, Mrs. Mattie Rucker, Mrs. Sarah Wooden and Mrs. Maggie Woodf^ll.

The first musical club of Greensburg was known as the ^Married Ladies' Musicale, and was organized in the fall of 1889, with about twenty members. Recognizing the need of some plan to preserve the musical talent of the busy home-makers of Greensburg, Mrs. Milton F. Parsons in\-ited a number of musical ladies to her home, and suggested the plan and line of work which she thought would prove helpful, not only to the individual members, but, by elevating the musical taste of the public, to the city as well. The idea was enthusiastically receixed, and an organization at once effected.

Mrs. Parsons was made the first president. Under her eflicient leadership, the work was so w^ell launched, that the membership and interest increased from year to year.

The Married Ladies' INIusicale gave many concerts in Greensburg, and furnished the music for many public occasions, one of the greatest being the dedicatory service of the Odd Fellows home.

Those who served as presiding officers were Mrs. IMilton F. Parsons, Mrs. J. K. Ewing, :\Irs. Jessie Moore, Mrs. W. W. Bonner, Mrs. J. Bracken, Mrs. R. W. Montgomery. Mrs. David Silverberg, Mrs. \V. C. Woodfill, Mrs. Frank Bennett, Mrs. Curtis Kendall, Mrs. Charles Stegmier, Mrs. Frank Batterton, Mrs. Seth Donnell, Mrs. R. M. Thomas and Mrs. Cassius Hamilton, who was the last presiding officer. In 191 3 this organization disbanded to become a part of the Department Club.

The Cecilians

During the winter of 1897, Prof. Charles Hansen, of Indianapolis, was instructing a class in pipe organ in Greensburg, and to him some young ladies expressed the desire for a musical club. He heartily approved the desire, offered his aid to the purpose, and on February i8, 1897, met with a number of young ladies in the Presbyterian church for the purpose of forming a club to study the masters and their works. After much discussion, the club was organized, bearing the name, The Cecilian. The officers chosen were : President, Stella Murphy ; vice-president, Pearl A. Williams ; treasurer, Nona Eich; assistant treasurer, Cora Zoller, and secretary, Riena Stevens. The Misses Delia Mount, Ina Cox and Bertie Hitchell were appointed to draft a constitution and set of lay-laws. The decision was reached to have miscellaneous programs, alternating with programs given to the study of some composer and his work.

The first regular meeting was held with ]\Iiss Cora Zoller, on March 4, 1897, Professor Hansen having charge of the program. He gave a lecture on the development of music, with illustrations on the piano, using the familiar air of "Johnny Smoker," playing it in the styles peculiar to Bach, Handel, Mozart, Haydn, Beethoven and Schumann.

For a time no organization better fulfilled its purpose. The work accomplished was a delight to both performers and listeners. The chorus work, under Miss Claribel Winchester, is indelibly stamped on the memories of the members. For several seasons meetings were held in the auditorium of the First Methodist Episcopal church, with associate members as audiences. Guest day recitals were eagerly looked forward to by all the lovers of music in the community. Profitable courses of study were included in the work of the organization as well as bringing artists to the city as an inspiration to higher music culture. The Cecilians put forth many efforts for music advancement in the county, one of which was the editing a newspaper column under the heading "Music Notes."

The last officers serving the organization were : Eula Christian, president; Ethel Watson, vice-president; Mrs. D. A. Meyers, secretary; Pearl A. Williams, corresponding secretary, and Worth Stewart, treasurer. The last membership enrollment contained the names of Vivian Baylor, Mrs. P. C. Bentle, Eula Christian. Mrs. Earl Crooks, Mrs. George Diewart, Emma Donnell, Mrs. Guy Guthrie, Kate Haas, Alice Haas, Clara Hamilton, Mrs. Earl Hite, Emma Hitchell, Vina Knowles, Mrs. Walter Kirby, Ruth Kammerling, Mrs. Arthur Lowe, Stella Murphy, Mrs. Bart McLaughlin, Mrs. D. A. Myers, A^Iayme O'Hare, Nellie Rigby, Stella Stagg, Florine Meek, Mrs. Bert Morgan, Emma Stout, Marguerite Shannon, Worth Stewart, Mrs. Paul Tindall, Pearl A. Williams, Ethel Watson, Mrs. E. E. W^ooden, Mabel Welsh, Mrs. Robert Woodfill, Louise Ehlers and Mrs. Edward Owens.

The Cecilians, realizing the value of the Department Club, became ardent promoters, and today many of its members are enrolled in the music study circle.

The Athenaeum

The Athenaeum, a literary society organized in the spring of 1912, was founded by a group of men, all then in Greensburg, who were interested generally in literature, and was designed for more serious work in research and writing. It held some important meetings before some of its members removed from Greensburg, at which some . work of permanent value was produced. The society was limited in membership to ten men, as follow: B. F. Bennett, C. W. Bare, Dr. Charles R. Bird, John F. Goddard, E. L. Grover, Lewis A. Harding, E. C. Jerman. John W. Rhodes. F. D. Townsley and Dr. D. W. Weaver.

The society maintained its activities for one good year, 191 2-19 13, and during that time the following men served as its officers : D. W. Weaver, president; E. C. Jerman, vice-president; and John W. Rhodes, secretarytreasurer. The following program of work was presented by the society to the membership and invited guests during the year: "The Preliminary Diplomacy of the Spanish- American War," Lewis A. Harding; "Child Philosophy," Prof. C. W. Bare; "Medicine in Shakespeare," Dr. Charles R. Bird; "The Ivinetick Theory of Matter," Prof. F. D. Townsley; "The Lawyer's Literpretation of 'The Merchant of Venice'," John F. Goddard ; "Right Thinking." Dr. D. W. Weaver; "Plant Breeding - Mendel's Law and Application," Prof. E. L. Grover; "The Dynamic Force of Human Development," Prof. E. C. Jerman ; "The Short Story," John W. Rhodes ; "The Jury System," B. F. Bennett.

This society represented perhaps the most serious effort at research and writing ever attempted in an organized way by a literary organization at Greensburg. The members tackled big subjects. Of Mr. Harding's work on "The Preliminary Diplomacy of the Spanish-American War," Dr. Amos Hershey, professor of political science and international law in Indiana University, says "it will be of interest and value to students of American history."