Club Minutes: Mutual Improvement Association, 1876-1883

R. E. Gilpin had no contribution.

M. Farquhar read an article on Arctic Exploration.

H. J Moore read an account of the death and funeral of Geo Trueman from the Journal.

E.D. Bentley read of several instances, where persons in their dying moments, seemed to catch a glimpse of the world beyond, so bright and glorious as to illuminate the whole place. We trust this riddle of death is solved to many on the borders of eternity; for the encouragement of those who still abide on earth.

C. B. Scott, a good article on the blessing brought by rain. M. B. Thomas read a short biography of Louisa Alcott, also two little poems, by children of ten and thirteen years - one "The Grumbles" the other "Summer is come", both showing talent. Beulah Thomas, selected a touching poem "The news boy's death".

M. E. Moore read "The aged Love"

Our meetings lately have been large and unusually interesting, we may all be benefitted by attending them. Adjourned to meet at Bloomfield, on the 31st of next month, to dinner.

Bloomfield 1st mo 31st 1878

A very stormy day, and but three members present. M. L. Roberts was requesting to act as secretary - "Caroline B. Scott read" Love is often but a solitary leaf but neither storm nor blight can fade it; like a perfume that a dead flower sends forth, it is sweet when the sunshine has departed. When all bloom is past, it has the fragrance of memory; it is the last lingering beam that glows long after sun and star have set, a refuge from the tempestuous and bereaving storms of life.

E.D Bentley selected and article in favor of teaching girls to work. Just as necessary for the rich, as the poor

Helen Bentley read the "Sailor boy" a touching piece of poetry. M. L. Roberts read "New year's shadows"; Coming events cast their shadows before; but the moment is enough for us to think of: as we attend to the moment light will shine on the next, and the burden which was heavy becomes light and easy to be borne. After pleasant conversation, we adjourned to Brooke Meadow on the 28th of 2d mo to dinner.

Brooke Meadow 2d mo 28th 1878

A lovely day marked the first meeting at this place, at which fourteen members were present, R. M. Thomas & A. E. Harsthorne being the absentees. Several guests also added to our entertainment. M. Farquhar selected "A woman's conclusions," for her piece, and was followed by E. G. Thomas, on the triumphs of the "Telephone", who also read an article by Mr H. W. Beecher, on "Marriage".

S. E. Stabler read a short history of Mr. E. S. Thomson, who has presented the valuable pictures to government, "Emancipation Proclamation"

R. E. Gilpin read an interesting account of a lady's visit to a "Pyramid"

L. G. Thomas selected a short piece containing excellent advice on the help we can be to one another, by cheering words and deeds of kindness.

S. H. Stone described a home in Philadelphia, where babies and young children are tenderly cared for, while their poor parents are away from home at work. M. S. Roberts read an article on Diptheria, and the means by which it can be averted: cleanliness and sunshine being two important items.

M. L. Hallowell read a story about that Minister's baby, the moral being "children should have plenty to eat, and not nursed and cuddled too much.

S. E. Ellicott, mentioned onions, as a disinfectant, when sliced, and placed on dishes in a sick room.

E. D. Bentley read a noble example of woman's work and influence.

C. B. Scott described a petrified forest in the vicinity of Cairo also read a sentiment "Adversity is necessary to form a perfect character. S. Porter was excused.

H. J. Moore read the President's address to the Horticultural society Richmond. And

M. B. Kirk offered good lines "Forebodings"

Elizabeth Smith (guest) made a few remarks, on the customs of Abyssinia.

Adjourned to meet at the Cedars on the 28th of next month, at 2 o'clock P.M.

Cedars, 3d mo 28th 1878

All the members of our society were present today, except A. E. Hartshorne, who was prevented from attending by indisposition.

After the minutes were read, E. D. Bentley read an account of the death and funeral of George Fox, at which about four thousand people were present. S. E. Stabler read a pretty poem "Between the lights." L. G. Thomas selected an article recommending warm water, for watering plants, and gave several remedies for gapes in chickens.

E. G. Thomas read "Ripe wheat and the "Two glasses, both touching pieces.

H.J. Moore read a good article on Silent influence, also one on the use of Ammonia in the kitchen. R. M. Thomas recited Whittier's lines "Gone to thy Heavenly Father's rest" J. Porter contributed one of her little gems "Virtue is a woman's crown etc, and a short article on the use of forks. S. E. Ellicott read a story showing the pleasure, which even one little flower may create.

S. H. Stone (A.L.G) read "The chesnut's Sermon." Many a rough exterior encloses a lovely, confined kernel."