Delaware County, Indiana - Chapter 26: The Spread of Culture Through Organization, 1908

Besides the schools and churches, various other organizations exist whose purpose is linked with these great institutions in effecting mental and moral culture. Usually the activities of a club or literary association are so varied that they cannot properly be considered under the same head with education or religion, and yet arc none the less efficient factors in advancing the same cause for which the schools and churches stand. It is proposed in this chapter to consider the principal movements and institutions whose vital purpose is the advancement of esthetic culture, among which belong the woman's clubs (whose activities, however, have a very broad scope), the associations for music and art, and the library.

In point of time and importance as well, the Muncie Woman's Club is the first to merit attention. When one considers the almost countless number of clubs and fraternal organizations, covering nearly every matter of human interest, that are now active, it seems truly remarkable that this feature of our modern life is less than half a century old. The Masons and a few other orders go back many years, but the host of societies and associations of all kinds that are now catalogued have a history little more than a generation old.

Indiana now advances a claim to having the first woman's club organized in this country, that being the Minerva Club at New Harmony in 1S59. The founder, Mrs. Runcie, organized a second club at Madison in 1867, both of which antedate the founding of similar clubs in New York or Boston.

The Muncie Club, which was organized January 29, 1S76, at the home of Mrs. Emma Mont. McRae (corner of Adams and Plum streets), is therefore among the pioneer woman's clubs of the state and country. The first membership of the club included the following:

The first officers of the club were: Miss Nellie Smith, president; Miss Jennie Nccly, vice president; Miss Minnie Young, secretary; Mrs. Carrie J. McCulloch, treasurer; Mrs. Emma Mont. McRae, Mrs. Millie Ethcll and Miss Lizzie E. Willard, standing committee.

Originally the club was planned as a reading club with social advantages. It is interesting to note the difference between the object of the club as stated in the constitution twenty-five years ago and that expressed in the present revised form. "The object of this association," asserts the former, "shall be to present practical methods for improving the mental, moral and physical condition of society, and to secure, as far as possible, united effort toward the higher civilization of humanity." This was a laudable purpose, but too world-wide and general in its intention to be considered practical as a basis for efficient work. Notice the increased definiteness and specification in the revised form - "The object of this club shall be the social and intellectual advancement of women and united effort to further improvement in the community in which we live."

The early meetings were entertaining and popular and the list of members grew rapidly. In the second year, at the suggestion of Mrs. McRac, "History" was made a subject for study and active membership carried with it higher aim and responsibility. A profitable as well as pleasant feature of early meetings was general response to roll call either from assignment or choice of subject.

The anniversaries of the Woman's Club have been events of popular interest and enjoyment - distinguished by the originality and attractive character of the exercises, and entertainment of the guests. Here the club flower, the carnation, bedecks the banquet tables and the club colors, blue and white,' arc displayed in badge or decoration. These celebrations reached a climax in 1901, when three brilliant social events were given in honor of the Silver Anniversary.

In 1896 the homes of the members could no longer accommodate the increasing membership; a club room was opened with a pleasant session in the Building and Loan block on High street, and the club motto, "Progress " was more in evidence than ever as the work of the club grew into departments, and study classes were organized and conducted in the new room. The club moved the next year to the Strcetcr block, and here an active interest was taken in school decoration and visiting. In 1900 a revision of the constitution resulted in an old custom, of which the club has been proud, being changed; that of holding meetings once a fortnight, the whole year round. From this time a vacation has been taken through Julv and August. The work of the Woman's Club has never ceased to benefit and inspire, and its influence has constantly been given to the side of "Progress." At the present time new members are received at almost every business meeting and there are now enrolled, active members 56, associates 24.

1906-07. Besides this year's study of German history and literature, the Woman's Club has taken substantial interest in the Free Kindergartens and aided in establishing the first cooking classes in two of the school buildings. The work of the club is directed through three departments - Literature and Art, History and Current Events, and Sociology and Civics.

The officers of the club, 1906-07, are: President Emeritus, Mrs. Arabella Winans; President, Mary B. Gallihcr; vice president, Mrs. J. V. H. Koons; recording secretary, Mrs. Nellie Warner; corresponding secretary, Mrs. Charlie Jackson; treasurer, Mrs. Donna McCaughn ; literary committee, Mrs. Martha Carter chairman, Miss Emma Cammack, Miss Helen Servoss, Miss Julia Fowler, Miss Malita Hutzel ; Mrs. Arthur Smith, custodian of properties.

The Woman's Club has enrolled many talented and beloved members, but perhaps more than any other has delighted to honor one whose untiring devotion to its interests were given for nearly thirty years. Mrs. Carrie J. McCulIoch was identified with the club movement from its earliest days in Indiana. A charter member of the Woman's Club of Muncie in 1876, she continued a regular attendance when in health and in the city until she was present for the last time at the February meeting, 1904, when she took part in the program and was happy at the cordial greetings received from the members present. Mrs. McCulIoch served the club as president for thirteen years and was then honored with the title "Emeritus." Her home was a home for the club many times; her literary efforts were frequent - in essay, address or conversation she willingly gave what she thought would lend inspiration and helpfulness to her club. Many tender memorials were written and read by her as her kindness of heart made every member her friend and when one was missed she felt the loss a personal one. The Woman's Club shared her honor when Mrs. Carrie J. McCulloch was elected the first president of the City Federation.

A most impressive memorial meeting was held at the Gub's first session after her life on earth ended May 14. 1904. One among many loving tributes was written by Mrs. J. V. H. Koons as follows:

This club was organized at Muncie, January, 1903, and became a member of the federation in June, 1905. The membership is limited to twenty, who are banded together for literary and social objects. Among the charter members were Mrs. Margaret M. Baily, who was the club's first president, Mrs. John W. Dragoo, Mrs. H. E. Manring, Mrs. C. W. Smcltzer, Mrs. A. B. Wcthcrill.

The Conversation Club of Muncie, which was organized July 27, 1894, at the home of Mrs. Julius A. Ilcinsolm (Kirby House), originated in a purpose to revive the "lost art of conversation" by the study of literary subjects and the free discussion of them without written notes. The club's endeavors, during the thirteen years of its existence, have been inspired and directed by this purpose, with results that have been very satisfactory an prove the wisdom of the undertaking. The club membership is fixed at twenty, and the harmony and unity with which they have worked are not least of the fruits of the club's efforts. This was the first club to prohibit written papers in its work, and it was the first to give private theatricals. The annual banquet, usually accompanied by a play, has always been an elaborate feature of the club's work.

Mrs. Mamie S. Heinsolin, Mrs. Louise Haffner, Mrs. Harriet W. Kitts, Mrs. Clara B. Kendall, Mrs. Julia T. Richcy, Mrs. Margaret D. Rose, Miss Belle Thomas, Mrs. Sarah P. Wildman. Much of the success of the organization has been attributed to the impetus given by its first president, Mrs. Harriet Kitts, a graduate of Vassar College, and now at the head of the Latin department of the schools of Schenectady, N. Y. Two of its later presidents arc Vassar graduates. Two members arc finished musicians, two have been successful business women, and one has 'lone original work in educational lines. Nine members have removed from the city, and death has taken away two who were active members.

The officers in 1906-07 arc: Miss Julia T. Richey, president; Mrs. Harriet M. Johnston, vice president; Miss Artena Chapin, secretary; Mrs. Mary P. Whitely, treasurer.

The Tourist Club of Muncie, which was organized at the home of Mrs. Rose Budd Stewart, November 23, 1S99, and was received into the county federation December 1, 1899, and into the Indiana state federation May 2, 1900, was formed by some young ladies for the purpose of studying the life, history and literature of peoples in other lands by means of an imaginary tour around the world. These fictitious journeys to foreign lands have produced many interesting programs. "Although only flights of fancy," writes one of the club members, "our letters describing the various scenes and incidents of travel in almost every country on the globe have been very helpful and delightful. In all, something like 425 letters were written during our years of travel. Each week we met to hear, read and approve the letters written - very few letters were sent home behind time." Occasionally the programs were varied by the presence of real world travelers, who talked informally of foreign scenes. The present year (1906-07), the club took up the study of Shakespeare.

The original members of the club were: Rose Budd Stewart, Ethel Brady Morrison, Alma Budd, Rosa Burmaster, Ola Courtney, Helen Hurd, Blanche Smith, Maude Smith, Etta G. Warner. The officers for 1906-07 were: President, Rosa Burmaster; secretary, Kathryn Postma; treasurer, Louise Lyman; chaperon, Mrs. Rose Budd Stewart; program committee, Rosa Burmaster, Ola Courtney, Etta Warner.

The McRae Club of Muncie, whose objects are general literary and social, and which has given much attention to elevating the artistic standards in the public schools and has aided in maintaining the manual training departments, was organized at the home of Mrs. John Bloor, March 2, 1894.

Among those first identified with the organization were: Mrs. Ella Cropper, Mrs. Dora Hoover, Mrs. Sadie Baldwin, Mrs. Martha Glass, Mrs. Margaret Hilling, Mrs. Ella Lewellen, Mrs. Evelyn Meeker, Mrs. Carrie Miller, Mrs. Ida Watson, Mrs. Luella Westlake, Mrs. Carrie Guthrie, Mrs. Ida C. Greeley.

The officers for 1906-07 are: Mrs. Carrie Miller, president; Mrs. Irene Kitselman, vice president; Mrs. Etta Griffith, recording secretary; Mrs. Ida Watson, corresponding secretary; Mrs. Ella Cropper, treasurer.

The Athenaeum Cluh, which was organized at Muncic February 28, 1894, for "the social and intellectual advancement" of its members, has, while accomplishing this purpose, directed its labors to other worthy objects and has more than once made its influence felt in civic improvement. Each of the twenty-five members resolved to beautify her own home and maintain the best possible sanitary conditions, this being worth while not only for the individual benefit derived but as an example to others. This club also tried to secure enforcement of the anti-spitting ordinance, and among other things has contributed pictures for schoolroom decoration and money to the manual training fund and the free kindergarten.

The Culture Club of Muncie was organized at the home of Mrs. Tina K. Mann, November 11, 1902, and joined the county federation in 1904 and the state federation in 1905. "We band ourselves together for the sake of intellectual and social improvement," is the purpose expressed in the constitution. The original members of the club include Mrs. Belle Crandall, Mrs. Man- Gorton, Mrs. Kate O. Glcason, Mrs. Lucy S. Hoppes, Mrs. Tina K. Mann, Mrs. Virgie Shaw, Mrs. Ada Williams, Mrs. Catherine Crandall. Originating in a visiting club, the mothers bringing their children to the meeting place, the scope and plan of the club were enlarged until it is now a purely literary club, with a special course of study for the year's work. Once each year the husbands and children are entertained. A fee of ten cents semi-monthly is assessed, the amount being used to purchase books.

A reading circle, that met for the first time February 8, 1892, at the home of Mrs. N. B. Hine, was later changed to the Monday Afternoon Club, which for a number of years has been one of the progressive woman's organizations of Muncic. Besides Mrs. Hine five other ladies were present at the first meeting, thus becoming the charter members; namely, Mrs. Harriet Kemper, Mrs. Elizabeth Long, Mrs. Catharine Johnson, Mrs. Mary E. Mating and Mrs. Susan Moore. These six first organized for the purpose of reading United States history. September 19, 1892, they decided to increase the membership to 12, and the following November 18 limited it to 15. The circle had fifteen members at the time it became a club, and eight of the fifteen are still on the roll book. The club has not yet lost a member by death. Besides its regular program work, the club has been interested in civic improvement and education. The manual training fund has received five dollars each year during the last five from this club, and a picture in the Lincoln schoolhousc was also donated by this club.

Mrs. Harriet Kemper was the first president, elected September 19, 1892, and Mrs. Susan Moore secretary. These served three months until the constitution was adopted. The following have been members since 1893: Mrs. Harriett Kemper, Mrs. Elizabeth Long, Mrs. Mary E. Maring, Mrs. Sue H. Moore, Mrs. Arabella Winans, Mrs. Lucretia Roads, Mrs. Laura Heath, Mrs. Zula M. Valentine. These names were on the first program printed and they are members of the club, at this writing. The present officers are: President, Mrs. Zula M. Valentine; vice president, Laura Shirk; secretary-treasurer, Katharine Kessler ; corresponding secretary, Mrs. Martha Long; literary committee, Mrs. Alice Meeks, Mrs. Mary Moore Youse, Mrs. Olive Roberts.

Magazine Club. The Magazine Club, though now a member of the federation and a regularly organized woman's club, originated in a society whose object, in keeping with the name, was to subscribe for and circulate among the members as many magazines as there were members and to hold social meetings fortnightly. The second year, the subscriptions of the magazines were discontinued and the club became a regularly organized literary society with its object the "social and intellectual advancement of women." Soon afterward it joined the "Federated Club of Clubs of Muncie and Eighth District" and helps in carrying on the work planned by that organization. One

The Magazine Club was organized October 24, 1S93, at the home of Mrs. C. C. Brown, 405 East Adams street. The charter members were: Mrs. Walter II. Ellis. Mrs. C. E. Crandall, Mrs. W. F. Maggs, Mrs. C. C. Brown, Mrs. Lee CofFccn, Mrs. Cary Reid, Mrs. Emmet Smith, Mrs. E. R. Peebles; and among the very early members were Mrs. C. H. Church, Mrs. I. D. Stinson, Mrs. E. F. Tyler, Mrs. A. F. Hickman, Mrs. A. L. Harnott, Mrs. F. L. Dresser, Mrs. M. D. Miller, Miss Kittie Leach, Miss W. H. Sumption, Mrs. Charles F. Koontz, Miss Emma Lowman, and Mrs. J. R. Wick. The present officers are : Mrs. W. L. Holmes, president; Mrs. E. J. Macomber, vice president; Mrs. F. U. Fudge, secretary-treasurer. Round Tabic Club.

The Round Table was organized at the home of Mrs. James E. Durham in Muncie, February 22, 1S94. Mrs. D. A. McLain, Mrs. C. L. Medsker, Mrs. E. Vatct, Mrs. S. M. Keiser, Miss Emma Wilcoxon are among those longest identified with the club's work. The officers for the current year are: Mrs. F. D. Haimbaugh, president; Mrs. A. W. Long, vice president; Miss Nettie Wood, secretary; Mrs. E. J. Macomber, treasurer. Yorktoum Woman's Club.

This progressive club, of twenty-four active members, meets semimonthly in the respective homes of members for the study and discussion of programs prepared in the- year book. For a number of years the club has been a positive influence in the town life of Yorktown, and the scope of its work has never been limited by strictly literary and social ends. Social and intellectual advancement of the women and homes of the town and community is the stated purpose of the club, the work to be chiefly of an historical, literary and educational nature. In their efforts the members have recognized the necessity for their work to be guided by the higher spirit that does not come from intellect alone. It has been the ambition of this club to leave some marks of improvement in a practical form on the town. Some of these can be seen in the gift of a beautiful window of the M. E. Church ; also carefully selected pictures which adorn the walls of each room of the Union school, while the unconsummatcd plans of a public park are not the least of the club's outlook for future work. It has been the pleasure of the club members to entertain their families at the anniversary in February, each year, also at "Halloween," a summer picnic, and at "Gentleman's Night" in April. In compliment of the latter on May 5, 1903, the gentlemen entertained at a "Ladies' Night" in the I. O. O. F. Hall, giving the most elaborate social function in the town's history.

The first meeting was held at the home of Mrs. Martha Flowers, where plans were made and the following persons (representing the charter memhers) elected officers: Mrs. Cynthia Paulin, Mrs. Elizabeth Matthc, Mrs. Minta Greer, Mrs. Emma Overmire, Mrs. Virena Colvin, Mrs. Maymc Warfel and Miss Melissa Helvie. Mrs. Paulin was elected president. The present officers arc: Mrs. Lizzie Downing, president; Mrs. Ella Shircy, vice president; Mrs. Rose Fowler, recording secretary; Mrs. Mary Williamson, corresponding secretary; Mrs. Helen Hensley, treasurer; the literary committee being Mrs. Maymc Warfel, Mrs. Effie Skillen and Mrs. Hester Warfel.

The Mary Martha Club of Delaware County is composed almost entirely of the wives and daughters of farmers, the wives of the family physicians and a few women living in the rural village of Sclma. There is an article in the constitution prohibiting membership from an incorporate city. The club was organized in 1891 through the efforts of Mrs. Frank Claypool, Mrs. William Truitt, and Mrs. Helen Young. There were seven charter members. The organization was effected one rainy, disagreeable March day at "Olc Homestead," the home of Mrs. Truitt, with three women present: Mrs. Claypool, Mrs. Truitt and Mrs. Helen Young. The second meeting was with Mrs. William Ribble and Mrs. Young at the "Pines." The daughters of the members of the M. M. Club arc associate members until they attain the age of eighteen years. They then have the privilege of coming if they so desire into the club as working members.

The name, Mary Martha, was suggested, together with several others, and was taken from the Bible, Luke Chap. 10-41, "And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things. But one thing is needful: And Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her."

The first program was "Eminent Women of America." The second meeting considered "Eminent Men of America." The club then took up the geography of the United States. The programs are always miscellaneous as the Mary Martha belongs to both the Indiana Union of Literary- Clubs, and the State Federation. Keeping in touch with this work, therefore, the next vear b^ok will devote one meeting to home economics and one to manual training.

The Mary Martha is also a member of the county federation, and keeps in touch with the county clubs through the club notes that are published in the Muncie Star.

The club is popular as a social factor and it has been considered proper to limit it to thirty members when there was a membership of thirty-eight.

With some the query might arise - Where do you get hooks? The Muncic Library is open to many of the members because they arc city tax payers, and the club also has access to the traveling library. Magazines arc pooled, so that the Mary Martha is a Magazine Gub. The club motto is the "Actual and the Ideal." The object of this association was the "desire to obtain a higher degree of literary culture, a greater fund of knowledge, and a better appreciation of the dignity of womanhood."

The first president of the Mary Martha was Mrs. Emily L. Truitt. The second was Mrs. Sophia Gilbert Jump. The present officers arc: President, Miss Luick; vice president, Mrs. Cecil; secretary and treasurer, Mrs. Fay Jump.

The Woman's Club of Sehna was organized for literary and social purposes November 5, 1894, and during the subsequent thirteen years the club has become an active factor in town life. Among those who have been identified from the beginning or from early years of the club's existence may be mentioned Mrs. Hattie M. Black, Mrs. M. J. Orr, Mrs. Ella M. Clark, Mrs. Louisa M. Skiff, Mrs. Abbie M. Hollopctcr, Mrs. May O. Sparks, Mrs. Kate A. Orr, Mrs. Satdic P. Good, Mrs. Margaret Kline, Mrs. Miriam P. Hervct, Mrs. Nclia Hill, Mrs. Naomi Dyer, Mrs. Anne E. Hoover, Mrs. Lizzie Pelton, Mrs. Joanne Williams, Miss Man- Graham, Mrs. Jennie Sherwood, Mrs. Ozora Sherwood. The present officers are: President, Mrs. Dertha Pittcngcr ; vice president, Mrs. Luella Shroyer; secretary and treasurer, Mrs. Anna Cunningham; assistant secretary, Miss Delia Ned.

Organized at the home of Mrs. N. R. Baker, November 26, 1900, the Twentieth Century Club has carried out yearly programs of social and literary interest, and has always stood ready to help in any good undertaking that concerned the welfare of the town. The oldest members of the club are: Mrs. Ida Buffington, Mrs. Christine Bosnian. Mrs. Maud Hill. Mrs. Clara Long, Mrs. Maud Murphey, Mrs. Lena Marks, Mrs. Clara Huffman, Mrs. Aletha Poland, Mrs. Emma Robertson, Mrs. Candacc Read, Mrs. Grace Wingate, Mrs. Orpha Wilson.

The present officers arc: President, Mrs. Anna Stright Boiislog; vice president, Mrs. Orpha Davis Wilson; recording secretary, Mrs. Candace Jones Read; corresponding secretary, Emma Moffett Barrett; treasurer, Mrs. Aletha Poland; critic, Mrs. Florence Frushour.

Federate Club of Clubs. While the individual woman's clubs have been promoting certain objects within the scope of a single club's work, their efforts during the past ten years have been directed under federate organization to the accomplish- mcnt of some very broad ideals. In 1896 was organized the Federate Club of Clubs of Muncic and Delaware, embracing in this the woman's clubs of the county. At the annual meeting of June, 1902, in response to the wishes of several outside clubs, the constitution was changed so as to admit any club within the eighth congressional district, the name being changed to the Federate Club of Clubs of Muncic and the Eighth District.

During its history the Federation has interested itself in many movements that are concerned with the general welfare. Perhaps the general ob^cts to which the efforts of the Federation are directed may be called 1 improvement in civic affairs and better school advantages. In line with these purposes the Federation has interested itself .in the preservation of shade trees, in the promotion of civic art, and in acting as the mouthpiece of public sentiment in claiming such advances in education as the introduction of physical culture in the schools. Almost its first practical work was school-room decoration, each club purchasing a picture or piece of statuary for some school.

The Federation claims the honor of having introduced manual training into the public schools. April 19, 1902, a special meeting for the discussion of this subject was held in the Muncic Baptist church, under the auspices of the Federation. Prof. A. J. Bean, who was an instructor in manual training in the Indianapolis schools, Prof. W. R. Snyder, of the Muncie city schools, T. F. Rose, president of the city school board, and Amos Butler, secretary of the state board of charities, spoke in advocacy of manual training. Lack of funds prevented the immediate realization of any practical plans, though the matter was kept before the public in newspaper discussion. The Federation took the first effective step toward establishing manual training when, in June, 1902, it voted fifty dollars as a special fund to be set apart for this work. This amount was increased to one hundred dollars by individual gifts from Mrs. Emma C. Ball, Mrs. Martha Flowers and Mrs. Kate Patterson and the Art League. Mrs. Ida Watson as custodian of this fund was ordered to pay it to the first school in Delaware county that would use the money in maintaining a course of instruction in the manual arts. By gifts from three of the woman's clubs and from Mrs. Mary W. Spilker, the fund was increased to $135. The Congerville school was the first school to take advantage of the Federation's offer, and a class in wood-working under C. E. Brandon was begun in January, 1906, and a class in sewing by Miss Belle Thomas. The Lincoln and Garfield cityschools later introduced the work, and manual training and domestic science arc now popular features of the public school work. The Federation makes an annual contribution for this work, and also for the Free Kindergarten.

dent; Mrs. Zula M. Valentine, recording secretary and club editor; Mrs. Bessie Blease Ross, financial secretary; Miss Ruby Perkins, treasurer; Mrs. Luella Wcstlake, custodian of special fund.

This chapter of the D. A. R. was organized at the Kirby House, January 19, 1897, the first set of officers being: Regent, Mrs. Elizabeth Kirby Hcinsohn; vice regent, Mrs. Nannie Hemingray; secretary, Mrs. Ella Edwards Durham; treasurer, Mrs. Harriet Huston Neely; registrar, Miss Nannie C. Love. The principal objects of this national society may be stated as these:

To perpetuate the memory of the spirit of the men and women who achieved American Independence by protecting and acquiring historical spots and erecting monuments, encouraging historical research, and publishing its results, preserving documents and relics. To foster true patriotism and love of country. Any woman may be eligible for membership who is descended from a man or woman who rendered material aid to the cause of American Independence; as a recognized patriot, a soldier, or sailor or civil officer.

The members of the chapter are as follows, each name being followed by the name of the Revolutionary patriot from whom the member traces descent and on whose record her eligibility rests:

This chapter gave several hundred dollars to the fund for hospital supplies for the Spanish-American war, being third among the chapter contributors. About three hundred dollars has been given to the memorial Continental Hall at Washington. This year special efforts have been made to locate the graves of Revolutionary soldiers. Those located in this country are Andrew Ice, Mt. Summit, William Whickcar, Strong Cemetery, Albany. The first military funeral in Muncic was in the court house and was that of the Revolutionary soldier, Sucl Gilbert, buried in Beech Grove Cemetery. William Blount, Revolutionary soldier and founder of Blountsville, was buried in Muncic on private ground, but his grave has been destroyed. It is remembered by old settlers. Two "Real Daughters" have this year honored our chapter by becoming members of it, Mrs. Nancy Haver Reynolds and Mrs. Sarah Barklcy, daughters of John Dennis, Revolutionary soldier.

In June, 1S91, some one who evidently had made some close and discriminating observations in Muncie, contributed an article to the Chicago Herald, in which, after referring to the city's previous struggle for wealth and the material boom consequent on the discovery of gas, the writer continues with the statement that Muncie has brought its less material improvements into line with its other achievements.

first time to Muncic seems to find a New England town - very busy and very wealthy on one side of its life; very pleasant and very graceful on the other. For instance, there is the Apollo Club, made up of forty men, whose musical entertainments arc notable events in the town. Three times a year they give an entertainment, all the numbers being rendered by club members, and twice a year they give a "special," when they call to their assistance the best musical talent obtainable. They have in the past been favored by Mmc. Josephine Chattcrton, of Chicago, the harpist, and by Charles Abcrcrombie and Master Glenn Hall. The programs of the past have contained selections from Gounod, Werner, Abt, Handel, Haydn, etc.

"One of the results of this attention to music is the orchestra. Three years ago Muncie had no orchestra, and had to send abroad for all assistance of this kind.

"And the women have been in no wise idle. There is a "Ladies' Matinee Musicalc," an association of workers who have devoted themselves so carefully to study that one of their concerts is a surprise - and a pleasant one. It is in this club of women that the ante-gas instruction is seen. Many of the members of the musicalc were pupils in the public schools a few years ago, and learned there to tread the easy steps which have led up to excellence. In this work Miss Nannie Love has made Muncic her debtor, an obligation most cheerfully acknowledged on every hand. She is chairman of the executive committee of the State Music Teachers' Association and has succeeded in bringing to this city a three days' session of that body, the meeting to be held in June.

"There is also an 'Ethical Society' where feasts of reason are said to rule; associations of medical men, and a perfect bevy of secret societies.

"But what pleased me most was the 'Woman's Club.' It was formed years ago under the leadership of Mrs. McRae, now occupying the chair of English literature at the Purdue University. It was started with the modest intention of 'learning something,' and that purpose has certainly been accomplished. When Mrs. McRae departed for other fields Mrs. Carrie McCulloch was made president, an office she has since most faithfully filled."

It was about ten years ago, in 1898, that a writer for the Indianapolis News gave a similar resume of the organized movements for culture in the city. This correspondent, after mentioning the sudden growth of Muncie from town to city after 1886, speaks of Mrs. Edmunds, the first born in the town, who was still alive at that time, in proof of the fact that Muncie was still so young that its growth could be measured by a single lifetime. Though social life had been greatly extended, this writer notes the presence among the social leaders of the "old families," who had been here before the gas boom, calling such names as Neely, Patterson, Anthony, Winans,

Little, Waclitcll, Willard, McCulloch, Dragoo, Wysor, etc. The women's clubs and Federated Club -of Clubs were commended for their interest in city government and their activity in instituting and aiding reforms and promoting education and morals. This writer showed particular appreciation of the Art League and Matinee Musicale, which had taken special fields of work, the former founded by students of J. O. Adams and William Forsyth, and the latter by Miss Nannie Love; also of the Players' Club, which had recently been organized for the promotion of dramatic art; and the free kindergarten association.

Some of the organizations above mentioned are now out of existence or temporarily inactive. The Apollo Club, which deserves great credit for its substantial efforts in creating correct musical taste and in giving creditable performances of classic music, gave its first festival in June, 1889. The club was organized with forty members in February, 1889, nine musiclovers of the city having been foremost in the organization. L. M. Neely was the first president ; W. P. Stevens, vice-president ; John F. Meredith, secretary; Willis Koontz, treasurer; J. W. Nutt, director. For several vcars programs of merit were given and then, despite various efforts to revive its activity, the club became inactive. Within the past five years its work has again become a feature of Muncie's music, mention of its concerts being made in the chronological records.

Of organized efforts in promoting the musical interests of Muncie, none has contributed so much of vitalizing and permanent benefit, it. is safe to say, as the Ladies' Matinee Musicale. No other musical society has had such a long and continuous career, and from its work has resulted in large part the elevation of musical taste and standard which can justly be said to characterize the better performance of music in the city. The Musicale has succeeded in its primary object, "to advance the interests and promote the culture of musical art in the city of Muncie; also for the mutual improvement of its members."

The Ladies' Matinee Musicale was organized in September, 1889, at the home of Miss Nannie C. Love. In addition to Miss Love, some of those who were identified with this movement from its inception are : Mrs. Mary E. Phinney, Mrs. George F. McCulloch, Mrs. J. M. Maring, Mrs. Eugene Kcllcy, Mrs. M. Keuchman, Mrs. Laura Reiser, Miss Jeanettc C. Love, Mrs. Frank C. Bali, Miss Zula Wilcoxon, Mrs. Loan Franklin, Mrs. M. Louise Cassidy.

The officers for the current year are : Miss Nannie C. Love, President ; Miss Helen M. Smith, Secretary; Mrs. Lillian Franklin, Treasurer; Miss Eleanor Smith, Vice-President; Executive Committee, Mrs, Charles Bender,

In May, 1907, the Muncie Art Association held its second annual exhibition in the rooms of the Commercial Club. During the twelve clays while the exhibit was open to the public, the rooms were visited by several thousand persons, who represented not only those who take special interest in art, but also, and in greater numbers, those who found and expressed a genuine delight in simply "looking at pictures." The attendance at the exhibit and the interest manifested were in themselves the best measure of the value of such an exhibit, but the Art Association merits particular praise because through its agency a considerable proportion of the people of a large community are being familiarized with creditable productions and at the same time being trained to a correct estimation of art.

One must go back at least twenty years to find the beginning of the influences which may be considered to culminate in the work now being done by the Art Association as described above. Nearly coincident witli the discovery of natural gas, an art class was begun in Muncie with J. Ottis Adams as its instructor. Mr. Adams, who now resides in Indianapolis, was born in Johnson county, Indiana, and before coming to Muncie had studied seven years in the Royal Academy at Munich. In June, 1888, he held an art reception in the Willard block to view the work of his first class of pupils in Muncie, and this was repeated in the following year, when two or three hundred pictures, some from Fort Wayne and elsewhere, were on exhibition in the Anthony building. Mr. Adams' pupils exhibited more than common enthusiasm in the work, and some of them have been heart and soul of the subsequent movements undertaken for the advancement of art in Muncie.

The first practical organization was the Muncie Art Students' League. Mrs. Arthur Brady and Mrs. William Oves gave the invitation to those interested in art which resulted in a meeting in the kindergarten room of the high school building and the formation of the League in June, 1892. The charter members, most of whom are still members, were: Mrs. J. R. Marsh, Miss Jennie Neely, Mrs. Lon Necly, Mrs. T. F. Rose, Mrs. E. W. Bishop, Mrs. A. J. Williams, Mrs. Harriet Johnston, Mrs. Martha Marsh, Miss Edna Strccter, Mrs. II. M. Winans, Mrs. William Ovcs, Mrs. Ceor-e Bard. Mrs. Harry Wysor, Mrs. J. I. Williams, Mrs. Frank Thrall Mrs. Charles Bennett, Mrs. Thad. Neely, Mrs. Loan Franklin, Mrs. Madison Maring, Miss Florence Walling, Mrs. E. B. Tyler, Mrs. Arthur Brady, Miss Ida Ludlow, Mrs. William Stewart, Mrs. I. N. Trent, Mrs. Thomas Morgan. The study of the various branches of art, the bringing together of the various art interests of the community in order to promote a spirit of art interest and appreciation, arc the professed objects of the League. For some time in the first years a studio was kept open under the supervision of Mr. Adams, and an evening sketch class was maintained. Lecturers are employed to deliver addresses on the history of art, and the picture exhibits have been annual features practically since the first one above mentioned. In 1906 the League, realizing that the annual exhibition had reached proportions where it could not be successfully managed by their organization, directed their efforts toward and became largely responsible for the formation of the Muncic Art Association. The League contributed one hundred dollars toward the purchase of the pictures secured by the Association at the conclusion of the first exhibit. The League has given pictures to the public schools, and through its committee on civic improvement has done much to beautify the city.

The officers of the Art Students' League for 1907 are: President, Mrs. Cora S. Trent, Vice-president, Miss Ida Ludlow; Recording Secretary, Mrs. Grace Spencer; Corresponding Secretary, Mrs. Ella W. Griffith; Treasurer, Mrs. Grace J. Davis; Program Committee, Mrs. Elizabeth Ball, Mrs. Harriet Case, Mrs. Mary Spilker.

Those most prominently identified with the work of the Art Association, as represented by the personnel of the officers and heads of committees during the second annual exhibition, are the following:

George F. McCulloch, president; Mrs. Harriet M. Johnston, first vicepresident; Mrs. George A. Ball, second vice-president; Miss Belle Thomas, secretary; Mrs. John P. Kessler, treasurer.

Chairmen of Regular Committees: George L. Roberts, membership; Mrs. F. C. Ball, exhibition; Edmund B. Ball, permanent art museum; George A. Ball, finance; Dr. G. VV. H. Kemper, civic art; Ernest P. Wiles, art education.

Interest in dramatics and private theatricals has long been a feature of Muncie's culture. Only a few will recall the first organized effort of a dramatic nature. This was the Muncie Dramatic Club, organized during the '60s, the first home talent entertainment having been given in the basement of the Universalist church in 1863. Some of those who took part in the work of that club were A. L. Wright, M. D. Helm, L. M. Neely, W. II. Stewart, J. H. Case, Miss Julia Andrews, Miss May Shipley.

The dramatic club that was active during the nineties has been referred to, and the work of the Conversation Club along that line is mentioned in the sketch of that dub. Muncic has contributed several members to the theatrical profession. Walker Whiteside, who for some years has headed a company engaged in creditable productions, and who is popular with theatergoers in most of the cities of America, lived in Muncic for several years, and it is said that his father was born in a house on the site now occupied by Wysor's Grand. Charles Murray, of the Murray & Mack company, one of the superior road companies in comedy and musical plays, is also claimed as a product of Muncic.

Among literary contributors, there are several in Muncic and Delaware county whose names deserve mention. R. I. Patterson and John S. Ellis, both so well known in the official life of the county, have written many verses with reference to passing events or local themes. W. E. Sutton, formerly editor of the Times and later with the Press, is a writer of verse that has been published by the high-class periodicals of the country. With the productions of Mrs. E. S. L. Thompson the people of Muncie and vicinity have been familiar for a number of years. Some of her poetry has been issued in book form, and her articles have often appeared in the daily press. Mrs. George H. Koons and Mrs. Minnie Thomas Boyce also occupy a place among Delaware county authors. Mrs. Boycc's "Punkin Holler" sketches first appeared in the Chicago Inter Ocean, and she has also published short stories of merit and interest. Mrs. Koons has written verses since she was a girl, and has a long list of poems, sketches and stories to her credit.

In August, 1907, was held the fifty-fifth annual county fair, which in point of attendance, variety of attractions, and general interest shown was considered the most successful of these annual events, and the directors have succeeded in making good their claim that the Delaware county fair is one of the best held in the state, attracting exhibits not only from Indiana but from many other parts of the Union. Though, in keeping with the tendency shown at all recent fairs and expositions, the number of light amusement concessionaires seem to be increasing, there can be no question that these annual fairs, viewed in the broadest light, fulfill the general purposes of the organization; namely, "to promote the live stocky agricultural and mechanical interests of Delaware and adjoining counties."

The officers and stockholders of the fifty-fifth fair were: Charles H, Anthony, president; H. C. Zicglcr, vice president; Benjamin C. Bowman, treasurer; Fred A. Swain, secretary; Frank J. Claypool, Thomas Minton, A. E. Lyman, H. J. McClellan, May Barnet, W. E. Floyd, Ed M. Klein, Marc S. Clavpool and H. M. Winans. During the past twenty years the office of president of the society has been held by two men - William H. Wood and Charles H. Anthony - while M. S. Claypool lias been secretary and Frank J. Claypool general superintendent.

The memory of a few men still living goes back to the first county fairs. The first fair was held in the summer or fall of 1852, and the first "agricultural society" for the promotion of such exhibits was formed March 4, 1852. The names of the first officers of the society lend the greater dignity to this time-honored institution of the county. They were: Martin Gallihcr, president; Thomas J. Sample, vice president; Daniel Jarrett, secretary; Thomas J. Matthews, treasurer. During those and subsequent years, others who were prominent in the affairs of the society were Marc Smith, Judge Joseph Buckles, James Maddy, William M. Petty, Major J. F. Wildman, John M. Graham, Captain Frank Ellis, Samuel Drumm, Samuel Parkinson, John Fudge, Thomas Tuttlc, Joseph Hinton.

It is said that one or two of the first fairs were held on the court house square. This fact is very suggestive of the extent of the fair of half a century ago, as compared with the one last witnessed. "Premiums were ottered," so a report of the second fair reads, "on horses, cattle, sheep, swine, wheat, corn, potatoes, grass seed, butter, cheese, domestic manufactures, farm implements and various articles displaying mechanical skill, poultry, fruit and flowers." We can understand how a few tents or wooden shelters on the square or the halls of the court house itself were used- for the display of these exhibits. Then the other chief attraction was the speaking when some prominent citizen from home or abroad delivered an address on agricultural and kindred topics. The fair of that time was evidently little more varied than the average farmers' institute at present, and their objects were more nearly identical. Evidently racing was not a feature of the earliest fairs. The fairs were then, much more so than now, a great social commingling of the people from all parts of the county. With only one railroad through the county, and before the days of pike roads, it was no small undertaking to journey to the county scat from the outer townships. And because people came together less frequently than now, they celebrated such an occasion with the greater heartiness.

By 1854 five acres of ground had been leased and made suitable for the holding of a fair, and on this land the fairs were held annually until the termination of the affairs of the first society. A new organization was effected in January, 186S, of which Judge Buckles was president and J. A. Wachtell secretary. This association attempted to purchase forty-one acres north of town, on the site that has ever since been known as the fair grounds. The association being unable to pay for the land, the county commissioners assumed the debt and the title to the land became vested in the county.

In 1874, while the grange movement was at its height, another reorganization of the society occurred, under the "Delaware County Agricultural, Horticultural and Mechanical Society." In 1880 another reorganization took place, at which time John M. Graham became president, Thomas Tuttle vice president, William H. Wood superintendent, George Kirby treasurer, Frank Ellis secretary.

This philanthropic body was organized and incorporated at Muncie, in January, 1893, the object of its existence, as stated in the constitution, being to maintain a home and asylum for the children of this county whose necessities secure to them the benefactions of this association under the provisions of its articles of association and constitution ; to provide for their physical comfort and moral elevation and improvement; and to secure their early and permanent location in families by adoption or indenture.

In line with its purposes, the association has received and placed in permanent homes an average of about sixty dependent children each year during its existence.

The earlier members of the association were: 'Rev. Frank H. Hays, Dr. Hugh A. Cowing,- Hardin Roads, R. A. Andes, Dr. W. E. Driscoll, Mrs. Margaret March, Mrs. Mary A. Goddard, Mrs. Mary Smith, Mrs. Martha James, Mrs. Julia Richey, Mrs. Nellie M. Stouder, Mrs. S. V. Jump.

The present officers are : President, Dr. Hugh A. Cowing ; vice president, John W. Dragos; secretary, Mrs. Nellie M. Stouder; treasurer, Hardin Roads.