Club Minutes: Mutual Improvement Association, 1896-1900

12

amusing parody on Maud Muller which began

"Maud Muller on a summers day mounted her wheel & rode away"

Elizabeth G. Thomas read "Jonas & Matilda from the Atlantic Monthly, written by an invalid lady who made a good story by watching the home making of two birds.

Mary Bond was excused.

Sarah T. Miller's Neapolitin legend contained a good moral.

Bessie Miller Thom's selection told of a rail road accident where a judge awarded damages to a man who had lost an arm three times more than he allowed a woman who had lost her husband. He argued that the poor man could not replace his limb but the woman could get another husband.

Miss Jannice a guest read an interesting letter from Oliver Wendell Holmes to her father Isaac Edward Morse written in 1860 they were warm personal friends altho' the latter was a Southerner living in Louisianna.

Mary Magruder read for Sarah H. Stone "Home a center of distribution "

13

The article went to show how a busy woman, one who had no time or strength to work outside of her own home, may stand in her own place & yet have a home a center of distribution for the very best that can be given.

Carrie H. Brooke's continuation was entitled " Woman enjoys equal rights with man" Martha Holland read "The Home" -- homes redeemed & filled with spiritual light & blessing by example - by precept - by education piety as expressing the need & life of God in the soul should be the very atmosphere of home"

Anne F. Gilpin gave Ella Wheeler Wilcox's beautiful lines "Love much"

Margaret S. Hallowell had nothing for us. Mary B. Thomas a guest read interesting extracts from a letter written by Eliza N. Moore in London. She also gave some original thoughts suggested by the tragic affair which recently occurred among the colored people in this neighborhood. *

We will have to go to the root of the matter & endeavor to prevent the use of liquor which is

* murder near Sharp St. Church

14

clandestinly brought to our local option county.

Sally A. Bond read "Charity not creed service not form is required by God". He that doeth righteousness is righteous and is born of God". May Osburn gave interesting incidents in the life of Whitter by Charlotte Bates.

Hadassah J. Moore sent with her love the following contribution.

"If we should ever find ourselves wishing we had great talents bodily strength great wealth or accomplishments especially when we think of some one favored with these we should immediately dismiss such thoughts lest they shadow us with discontent"

Mary W Kirk sent in her resignation as a member of the association which was reluctantly accepted

After inspecting the lovely flower garden & enjoying a bountiful supper we adjourned to meet at Plainfield 7. 30. 1876 at 3 O'Clock

Sarah E. Stabler Sec.

15

On 7. 29. 1896 The Association met at Plainfield one day earlier than usual, only 9 members & 10 guests which included the members of the family were present. Not withstanding the intense heat we felt it a privilege to once more meet at the home of our valued member Hadassah J. Moore whose advanced age and infirm health prevent her attending our meetings - she passed her 80th birthday on 6. 20. 1896 - her daughter Esther Moore read two beautiful passages written for that anniversary by Bessie Miller Thom. The following sentiment was given by H. J. Moore

" In all debates, let truth be my aim - not victory or an unjust interest, endeaver to gain, rather than expose my antagonist".

Mary E. Moore's sentiments make a point of gaining happiness by making others happy. Jane T. Porter's continued indisposition prevented her being with us but she sent one of her choice contributions read by Mary E. Moore.

16

"Counsel one another - For the way of growing dreary, The feet are often weary, And the heart is very sad. There is heavy burden hearing. When it seems that none are caring. and we half forget that ever we were glad.

"Comfort one another - With the hand clasp close and tender With the sweetness love can render, And the looks of friendly eyes Do not wait with grace unspoken, While life's daily bread is broken, Gentle speech is oft like manna from the skies"

Elizabeth G Thomas read " Trouble with the telephone" - when the young man came to find out the cause of its not acting he said it must vibrate in unison must act in harmony or there will be no voice. Thus the human heart is Gods telephone in man - through it He purposes to speak to our inner consciousness & when our conscience, our affections and our desires vibrate in unison with the breath of His lips one can hear His voice within us.