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DELIA M. NEEDHAM on Behalf of the SISTERS OF THE CIRCLE : 1883 ORIGINAL MANUSCRIPT JOURNAL OF THE READINGS AND WRITINGS OF THE THE SISTERS OF THE CIRCLE WOMEN ONLY LITERATURE AND SCIENCE STUDIES GROUP

8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" tall. On offer is a super manuscript relic of late 19th literature, science and female self-improvement being a handwritten notebook and journal detailing the activities of the "Sisters of the Circle" aka "Alpha Circle" of the "C.L.S.C." which was a women only group from various places in the Northeast - Vermont, Maine, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire. The women met regularly to discuss Literature and Science. The journal includes meeting roll calls, membership lists, genealogical information, names of the Women in Attendance, names of New Members that joined at regular meetings, etc. and extensive meeting notes for the group activities. The minutes of each meeting begin with the name of the member at whose house the meeting took place. "Tuesday evening, Dec. 9th. Alpha Circle, with a goodly number… assembled at the residence of Mrs. Henry Clark to commemorate the birthday of John Milton, it being one of the Memorial Days planned." The meetings seem to have taken place approximately once every three weeks. The minutes of the first meeting is dated Sept. 21st, 1883. The minutes of the last meeting is dated July 2nd, 1886. Almost all the Minutes and Notes of the Meetings were written by the "Sisters of the Circle" Secretary, Delia M. Needham. Clearly this was her notebook, kept as the group's Secretary. Disbound but covers present, marbled paper covered boards, 6.5" x 8", lined inner pages and overall G. 130 pages, 108 of the 130 pages are filled with handwriting in ink. There is also a relevant laid-in letter. The writing is in ink. It is somewhat light, but is clear and legible throughout. Delia Needham had nice readable handwriting. HISTORICAL NOTES (from Wikipedia): The Chautauqua Literary and Scientific Circle (CLSC), founded in 1878 by Bishop Vincent, is America's oldest continuously operating book club. It was founded to promote self-learning and study, particularly among those unable to attend higher institutions of learning. Six to nine books are added to the reading list each year, with authors generally coming to Chautauqua to discuss their writing and to talk with readers.. Manuscript. Book Condition: Good

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