Club Minutes: Mutual Improvement Association, 1909-1914

Roslyn 195

The Association met with Helen S. Stabler on 10-23-1914. The day was so cold and windy that the shelter of the hospitable house and the warmth of a big fire were doubly welcome. Several friends had been invited, among them were Ella L. Hartshorne, Lucy S. Moore, Ethel H. Janney, Mrs. Dillard of Richmond Va. Eleanor Lawrence, Mary Muncaster, Marjorie Snowden, Katherine and Mary B. Hutton. The young girls acted as assistants to our hostess and looked after the comfort of all.

In consequence of the enforced absence of our secretary, Elizabeth C. Davis was appointed to act and to express to Mary B. Thomas the deep sympathy we all feel for her. After many months of pain she had recently experienced partial relief when a bad fall fractured the affected limb entailing more suffering. We miss her sadly and feel the absence of her efficient guidance and control. The minutes of the preceeding meeting which was held at Belmont, and of the last one at this place of 6-30-1910, were read and many items of interest stamped upon our memories.

When called on for a sentiment, Helen S. Stabler gave the following- "Make the best of everything, think the best of everybody, Hope the best for yourself." Good advice; not only for us to put in practice for oursleves, but by selfless action to all with whom we come in contact. The first contribution was from Mary T. Bond, an excellent article headed - "Art of Distinction Analyzed". The analysis proved logically, that it did not come from outward conditions, but was the result of the conscious self-respect which makes one thoroughly at best with one's self.

A guest, E. L. Hartshorne always has something good whenever she attends and this month we were made to see clearly from an article called "wanting" that "as a man thinketh in his heart, so is he."

Alcie Tyson brought forth a hearty laugh over a Chinaman who not to be outdone by a neighborhood eatinghouse that advertised meals at any hour of the night, put a placard on his own door "We waken too." Afterwards she gave her real selection an account of the curious hobby of the 4th son of Kaiser Wilhelm. The young man designs clothes for women

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and house furnishings. Mary E. Gilpin came next with another amusing anecdote of a child who prayed for her Xmas gifts in a very loud voice. On being asked the reason she replied - "God is not deaf, but Grandma is." Harriet I. Lea read Helen Hunt Jackson's poem "Down to Sleep", a little gem and most fitting to the season when under the falling leaves "all wild things lie down to sleep." Margaret G. T. Moore gave us much food for thought. The mother who fainted when the wires flashed a message that her son had lost the championship of his side, is typical, Everywhere the mothers are waiting and watching for news of their sons out in the world. If all boys could realize this many would be more careful how they "play the game".

Margaret Moore's second article was upon the awful fate of the Titanic and of a steamer seeing the distress signals and yet making no effort to help. We were warned to heed the sad lesson and not allow any ice-floe of difficulty to make us indifferent to suffering we could aid.

Several guests followed with amusing anecdotes and Sarah T. Miller capped the climax with what she called "A series of Nonsense", fully appreciated by us "the wise women of the Neighborhood".

Anna Lea showed how far-reaching are the effects of even small things when "A drop of ink, can make a thousand think".

Mary Muncaster read "Planting a Tree" by Richard Watson Gilder one of his happiest efforts. After giving us a letter in lighter vein, Marjorie Snowden brought forward a subject that should be of interest to us all, namely, the advisability of have a deputy-sheriff in the neighborhood. It was thought the fact of having some one within call would be a factor towards law and order. Dr. Bird had suggested Maurice Cissel but he was rather too far from the center of the community. Estelle T. Moore read a beautiful poem "Things that are most excellent", by William Watson. Ellen Farquhar's article was from "the Literary Digest" upon some Pagan Nations who practice Christianity in many ways. At the request of Alice Tyson who expected to spend the winter in Wilmington, Sarah E. Kirk was invited to meet with us during the former's absence. Adjourned to meet at the Cottage.

Elizabeth C. Davis, Sec. pro tem

The Cottage 197

Elizabeth T. Stabler cordially received the Association on 8-6-1914, the 708th meeting of "The Immortals". In the absence of Mary Bentley Thomas Alice Tyson kindly consented to serve as chairman and Mary E. Thomas was made Sec. pro tem. The excellent sentiment offered by Elizabeth T. Stabler was as follows:

"Thou must be true thyself, if thou the truth would teach Thy soul must overflow, if thou another's soul would reach, It needs the overflow of heart to give the lips full speech"

Under the head of old business we were forced to consider and accept Corrie Brooke's declining membership with us. The hope that she would eventually join was expressed by many.

Alice Tyson reported "Federation dues not all paid" which gentle reminder seemed to serve its purpose.

In the midst of the proceedings the sad news came of the death of Mrs. Woodrow Wilson touching the hearts of all and there was a general response of deep sympathy for the striken President and his daughters. Two of our new memers were present tho Edith Hallowell we were sorry to note, was among the missing.

The list of absentees was long, Sarah T. Miller, Martha Holland, Anna G. Lea, Margaret G. T. Moore, Eliza N.Moore, Elizabeth C. Davis, Sallie R. Janney and the Secretary. Guests were Mary Anna Reese, Mrs. Coulter & Florence Hoopes of Baltimore, Beatrice Rumford of Wilmington, Lena J. Stabler of Washington, Lucy C. Kranmer of Mass., and Corrie M. Brooke. Elma Chandlee entertained the company with "Homely Troubles" -

"We can sterilize the baby's bottle and boil his little mug, We can bake his flannel bandages and disinfect the rug, That envelops him when he partakes of medicated air But there's one impossiblity that leaves us in despair When we strive to render sterile all designed for mouth or "tum" Still a frightful danger menaces, we can not boil his thumb."

E. P. C. also gave interesting facts concerning housekeeping on the great German steamer Vaterland where a family of 5000 must be catered to at every meal.

Lucy Kummer read one of George Fitches' "Vest Pocket Essays" upon "Dust"which since it is termed an evidence of civilization we should regard it with less horror. It was a timely selection as everything that had once been green seemed to be disintegrating form a long dry spell.

Estelle T. Moore apolgized for her scraps but they seemed good to your new scribe and shall be given space - "Those who seek for much are left in want of much. Happy is he

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to whom God has given, with sparing hand, as much as is enough."

Live your own life regardless of the standards of your neighbors. Have your friends about you and give them what you have, undeterred by the thought of what they have at home or how others entertain them.

Corrie M. Brooke gave an extract from "The New Old Healing". "If we cannot find God in our hearts we may look for Him in vain elsewhere". Albina O. Stabler's selection stated that "Educated Poverty" was among the problems of the day. There are thousands of College men among the tramps and criminals of our cities. Some are victims and weak, but many are simply victims of an antiquated system of education which has given them nothing of economic value in the labor market. It is evident these who pass through our schools and colleges should be, first of all, masters of the task of making a living. We were assured that the fly is disappearing and another bit of optimism shall be recorded -

"The majority of men who borrow money return it. There are more decent people in the world than all other kinds combined. The fact that dishonesty seems to prosper, corrupts only the few. If virtue were as unusual as vice it would get just as much publicity."

Lena Stabler told us that at "Sims College" near Boston girls are taught all the most proctical vocations and given exceptional opportunities to fit them to earn their living. Louisa T. Brooke had a real concern that girls should be taught to be "kind mothers."

Mary T. Bond's article was upon the value of a smile, a more influential thing than we often suppose.

Mary E. Gilpin gave a selection from "The Farm Journal" "With What Strength We Have"; results are measured by our endeavors & a cheerful effort to accomplish is half the battle sometimes. India Downey called attention to the importance of protecting our birds and stated this country was far behind Germany and some other countries in regard to laws and customs for preservation. Perhaps we have "one over" Germany just now in cherishing the "Dove of Peace".

Virginia Steer gave a hint from Confuscious which is as true now as in any other time, "Make happy those who are near and those who are far will come."

Louisa T. Brooke read from the Missionary Advocate a graphic account fo the hardships and persecutions

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Endured by a little Ceylon woman who had embraced Christianity.

Ellen Farquhar brought a poem from The Rural New Yorker which we give in full

From Day to Day

If We Had But a Day

We should fill the hours with the sweetest things If we had but a day;

We should drink alone at the purest springs In our upward way; We should love with a life-time’s love in an hour If the hours were few; We should rest, not for dreams, but for fresher power To be and do.

We should guide our wayward or wearied wills By the clearest light; We should keep our eyes on the heavenly hills If they lay in sight. We should trample the pride and discontent Beneath our feet; We should take whatever a good God sent, With a trust complete.

We should waste no moments in weak regret, If the day were but one; If what we remember and what we forget Went out with the sun; We should be from our clamorous selves set free, To work or to pray, And to be what the Father would have us be If we had but a day.

Mary Lowe Dickinson

Emilie T. Massey gave “Drawbacks to Affluence” and Harriet I. Lea “Horrors of being Poor”, each had good points but neither was peaceful to your secretary.

Emma T. Stabler exhibited some charming miniatures done by a friend of hers, Mrs. Steward who evinced great talent we thought.

Sarah F. Willson read of the Banana tree which from its great age might have been the tree of knowledge of good and evil claim.

A recipe was requested for making grape juice and the method was as follows – “Pick over the grapes, nearly cover with water, let them boil till soft, drain through a jelly bag, add 1 lb. of sugar to each gallon, bring to boiling point and seal.” Florence Hoopes told of using a goblet as a vacuum washer with good effect.

The chairman gave interesting facts about Morgan’s Art Collection which is valued at $5000000 but is priceless as Li Hung Chang is said to have offered the owner a blank check for Mrs. Morgan to fill in the sum he would take for one of his treasures and the check was returned with thanks, or regrets, whichever it was.

With the conclusion to the feast of reason and flow of soul the Association was invited to Marden by Alice Tyson who had since presided over the meeting and who always gives us “the glad hand of welcome.”

Mary E. Thomas Sec. pro tem