Club Minutes: Mutual Improvement Association, 1876-1883

The Cottage 9th mo 25th 1877

On account of the approaching yearly meeting our meeting to-day was smaller than usual, only 9 members being present, and several guests among them were M. W. Kirk and B. I. Lea, two ex-members.

S. Ellicott began the reading with the article referring to the pleasure given to children being so often long remembered and appreicated - also a short history of the origin of Bible Societies.

S. E. Stabler read an article on "Conversation" proving that talkative persons are not always the most interesting companions.

M. Farquhar gave us a remedy for wakefulness -- and a description of ancient swine in Colorada.

H. J. Moore favored us with a short account of her recent trip to Richmond (Ind) Yearly meeting -- and Chicago.

B. I. Lea read "Let it pass" - pretty lines.

E. D. Bentley selected an article posing that Literary Women often enjoy long lives -- and also are good mothers and housekeepers -- and also a short poem by C. G. Ames.

S. H. Stone gave us information in regards to the ceremonies of Marriage.

among the Chinese which appear rather singular to us.

M. W. Kirk read beautiful lines addressed to our departed friend Benjamin Hallowell on a birthday by his sone H. C. H.

Jane Porter had one of her little gems "Things to be loved, and things to be avoided."

E. G. Thomas furnished an excellent extract on the "Expression of Pleasure."

When anything happens to gladden our hearts, we should express our feelings - the influence on those about us it cheering and our presence brings a warm welcome.

This (our first meeting here) was a pleasant occasion and we hope to enjoy a repetition many times.

Adjourned to meet at Clifton at the usual time to time.

Cherry Grove 11th mo 29th 1877

An arrangement having been made between E. G. and R. M. Thomas to meet at this place to-day; a large company assembled and after partaking of a bountiful dinner and passing some time in pleasant chat, we came to order and 1. M. L. Roberts read a few remarks on the influence of the "Aged". To such the main work of life is still left-- "The formation of a heavenly soul - the guarding a sacred holy temple, the realizing the angel growing into immortal aspects. 2. C. B. Scott selected pretty lines, subject "Tears". 3. A. E. Hartshorne had forgotten her contribution. 4. M. S. Hallowell read "The Children" by Dickens. 5. M. Farquhar gave some hints on the necessity of fresh air -- so conducive to health and a remarkable remedy for colds. 6. L. G. Thomas ...

7. E. D. Bentley stated some facts in respect to the origin of penny postage 8. E. G. Thomas read an article on the position of the bed (which should be placed, with the head to the north, feet to the south) and a poem "Alone with my conscience." 9. S. H. Stone ... 10. H. J. Moore gave us a short account of the death of our valuable Friend Geo. Trueman and read a good

extracts, the substance of which was : "to insure a rich, full character, noble in endeavours or lovely in disposition, we must submit to have the rank growth cut down, by the sharp scythe of human disappointment, which while it hurts our vanity, wounds our pride, crushes our hopes, and lessens our self esteem; yet strengthens the roots of principles within, gives us sounder views, more reasonable expectations and a promise of a more valuable life." 11. R. M. Thomas read H. W. Beecher's sermon on "The Prodigal Son." M. B. Thomas selected Alice Carey's lines "Mother & Child."

12. J. Porter gave us a little piece about our boys."

13. S. E. Stabler a sentiment.

Sarah Miller, an article pertaining to courtesy in the family. 14. S. Ellicott....

15. A. F. Gilpin gave a word of encouragement to discouraged wives and mothers.

R. M. Thomas asked for advice about covering rose bushes -- do not cover while the present weather lasts. M. Farquhar read an account of a shipwreck in Magellan's Strait. Having enjoyed another Thanksgiving day together, we adjourned to meet at Clifton on the 20th of next month to dinner.

Clifton 12th mo 20th 1877

All the members present today excepting M. S. Hallowell, S. Ellicott. A lovely spring like day, we sat with open windows, the balmy air, making fire uncomfortably warm. After the usual exercises, A. F. G. read a short article tending to show that the sum of wisdom consists in fearing God and keeping his commandments.

S. E. Stabler, excused on account of hoarseness.

S. G. Thomas an able article on the significance of dress, from Friends Intelligencer.

E. G. Thomas advised parents never to reprove children at night, always allow them to go to bed, bright and happy -- she also read a letter "Baltimore this winter." S. M. Stone gave an instance of heroism in a young lady. M. L. Roberts read an extract on growing old, which is an experience for which nothing can prepare us.

Sarah Farquhar gave a few touching lines "Gather in the sunbeams." A. E. Hartshorne selected " a description of the hot springs of Arkansas." R. M. Thomas gave an experience in house keeping, amusing and perhaps correct. J. Porter read a short piece subject "Courage." M. W. Kirk read "The old clock on the stairs" in an impressive manner.