Club Minutes: Mutual Improvement Association, 1876-1883

the comforts of old age, may be mentioned the retrospection of a well spent life."

A pretty piece of poetry on the Flowers was read by H. J. Moore - and the composition of Celluloid (gun cotton and camphor) by A. E. Hartshorne - The last named member also told us the meaning of the word handicap. (Placing competitors, so that they will come out even by weighting them."

"Story of a seal by S. E. Stabler and "An old man's story" by Saidie Lea were acceptable.

E. G. Thomas read of Every day sympathy, which is so sweet to the weary heart.

J. Porter gave us an Indian tradition concerning the color of the races.

They say "John the Great Spirit made the earth - he also made three men - all of whom were fair complexioned - he then led them to the margin of a small lake and bade them leap in and wash. One obeyed, and came out purer and fairer than before: the second hestiated

a moment during which time the water, agitated by the first, had become muddy - and when he bathed, he came out copper-colored: The third did not leap, until the water because black with mud, and he came out that color. Then the Great Spirit laid before them three packages - and out of pity for his misfortunes, he gave the black man the first choice. He chose the heaviest - the copper - colored man the next heaviest leaving the white man the lightest. The first package contained spades, hoes and implements of labor. The second, hunting, fishing and warlike apparatus: the third pens, ink and paper, the engine of the mind - the means of mutual mental improvement, the social link of humanity, the foundation of white man's superiority.

A. F. Gilpin's piece treated of the influence of a cheering word. which is like a beam of sunshine on the heart of a sorrowing friend.

After pleasant social chat and tea, we separated to meet at Rosedale, at the usual time next month.

"The growth of a Christian is not like a mushroom; but like an oak, which increases slowly but surely.

Many suns, showers and frosts pass upon it, before it comes to perfection - and in winter when it seems dead. It is gathering strentgh at the roots".

Rosedale. 9th mo 20th 1883.

Sixteen members, and several guests assembled on this glorious day to celebrate the second meeting at this place. A little later than usual - and after the minutes were read -

M. L. Roberts opened the exercises by reading an article by Thomas Meehan on the climate and resources of Alaska. That country though more mountainous than England, has the same general atmosphere's conditions - and anything that will do well there will do week here. The hills are clothed with trees and oats, barley clover and timothy can be matured to perfection.

Lost Opportunities, which can never be recalled, and will always be remembered with a pang - was read by E. G. Thomas - and Self Cultures by H. J. Moore "Make the best of yourself" - Watch and plant and sow. Your flowers may be only the daisies and buttercups of life - the little word, the smile

and helpful look - but we love these flowers full well. We watch for snow drops with longing eyes, and scent the fragrance of the violet with keen delight. So let your life grow sweet, scented with pleasant thoughts, gentle words, and kindly deeds.

R. E. Gilpin read an account of the recent volcanic eruptions in Java, which caused an immense loss of life - and islands instantly to sink in the sea.

Story of a Quarter, by S. E. Ellicott was an amusing episode in a street car.

A. E. Hartshorne asked for a good receipt for Tomato Catsup - was referred to E. D. Bentley.

M. M. Miller selected a short piece on Friendship at Home - not cultivated (according to this article) as much as it should be.

R. M. Thomas furnished two articles - A pleasant and concise description of Yellowstone Park - and "just the time to be pleasant - when others are weary and cross.