Club Minutes: Mutual Improvement Association, 1876-1883

M. L. Roberts described a visit to the signal service department, and stated the manner of measuring the velocity of wind -- also read a short history of the mother of the Harpers.

H. J. Moore read beautiful lines on the death of Joseph Dobbin for M. M. Miller...M. G. Thomas, a parable "Walking the streets" proving what we must yield a little to get on smoothly through life, also "Judge not" by Miss Proctor. E. D. Bentley read a description of a training school for girls in New York - (a noble work) and a short extract on "Hurtful reading".

After having enjoyed another pleasant and profitable reunion we adjourned to Clifton on the 24th of next month to dinner.

Clifton 2nd mo 24th 1876

On an exceedingly cold, windy day for our meeting at this place. Eleven members and several guests were present and enjoyed a pleasant meeting -- After the minutes were read, A.L. Gilpin was requested to read "The Dedication" again (read at our last gathering) for the benefit of some members, who were not present at that meeting. She complied and then R. M. Thomas from Friends Intelligencer read "Everlasting Youth." H. J. Moore read an excellent little article "the debt to Mothers" and an extract "When we are alone we should guard our thoughts, in the family, our tempers in company, our tongues."

E. G. Thomas selected "Be ye what ye seem" an article containing good advice.

S. Porter furnished a good extract proving that a "Holy life" is made up of a number of small things. Little words, little deeds, little sunbeams makes a Christian life. M. L. Roberts "What becomes of the waste, containing interesting facts in Chemistry. S. H. Stone "Order - Heaven's third law (from Friend's Intelligencer)

E. D. Bentley read touching lines "The end of these things."

Pattie Thomas recited the "Echo" very prettily.

M. Farquhar gave us a sermon on good will to man. Religion is nothing without charity. M. S. Hallowell.... M. B. Thomas wished to get a recipe to take out mildew. It was furnished. M. E. Moore from Country Gentleman, read "Life at [Glen?] home, subject, influence of reading on young people.

A. Hartshorne has forgotten her piece but she gave us some ideas on sanitary matters. Showing that wells and springs are often poisoned and the water made injurious to the human system (without any unpleasant odor or taste being perceived.)

M. M. Miller furnished a recipe for "Spanish Cream" and M. Farquhar one for "Corn dodgers". Carrie H. Miller read a poem "Until death."

We feel it a pleasant duty to mention the fine display of plants in bloom, worthy of a florist with the advantage of a green house. They were things of beauty and a joy indeed. Adjourned to FairHill on the 30th of next month at 3 o'clock P. M.

Fairhill 3rd Mo 30th 1876

We had a larger attendance than usual to day. Fifteen members being present and a number of guests.

M. M. Miller and B. I. Lea were the absentees. The exercises commenced by H. J. Moore giving a recipe for keeping dried beef by packing in coal was highly recommended.

M. Farquhar read a short extract from the life of Caroline Herschel - which was interesting. E. D. Bentley gave a touching poem, on the loss of the steamship "Schiller."

M. S. Hallowell read an account of the centennial anniversary of Mrs. Briggs, celebrated on the 10th of January 1876.

M. L. Roberts read incidents in the life of Benjamin West's mother, dwelling on love and care. R. M. Thomas showed a specimen of "Asbestos" a singular and indestructible substance, found (this specimen) in Balt' county. Also read pretty lines "A castle in the air", A. Proctor.

J. Porter read a few lines on "Kind Words." and a sentiment "She who wishes to comprehend the present and understand the future, must learn his lesson from the past; for there he finds the roots of the present and the germs of the future.

R. E. Gilpin selected some poetry lines subject, "Joy of incompleteness"

Sarah E. Stabler read an article showing milk to be a good substitute for brandy in sickness. E. G. Thomas read "The beautiful snow," said to be one of the most touching poems in our language.

L. G. Thomas & C. Scott ...

A. Hartshorne read :"Home" by Montgomery

S. H. Stone gave an article commending care in the use of Kerosene lamps, do not let dust or sediment remain long in them, and to extinguish them, raise the wick and blow across the top of the lamp. W. J. Moore read good advice to wives. A. L. Gilpin an article on cheerfulness, which enables every one to bear up under trials, brightens and makes every body feel stronger and better.

M. W. Kirk recited "God is light" after which some time was passed in pleasant conversation, then tea, and adjournment to "Mount Pleasant" at the usual time next month -- two o'clock PM.

A scrapbook purchased sometime since by A. Hartshorne and presented to the Association was returned to her. We have not collected enough pieces to justify us in keeping it.