CLUB WORK IN THE RURAL DISTRICTS. I97 



and this model club will have spent six years next February in 

 reaching the twelfth century of our era ! 



Think of thirteen years ofstudy and of companionship! During 

 that time there have been changes, some sad ones, as four of the 

 members are numbered among- those that have passed away from 

 this present earthly experience. The club still keeps up its interest, 

 content with the weekly progress made, though ever conscious of 

 the vast amount of knowledge that can never be compassed 



This model club was organized and conducted upon the brief 

 plan outlined above. Some women may think they are too old to 

 undertake club work, but this model club shows many gray hairs, 

 some quite white, the youngest over forty and the oldest a young 

 woman of seventy-five years. So age is noliindrance to club work. 

 The one thing needed is inclination and a desire to improve, to be 

 more companionable for the children, and not be looked upon as a 

 "back number, respectfully laid upon the table for a while but 

 eventually consigned to the shelf and forgotten although alive." 



Do not be afraid that a few hours a week will detract from the 

 accomplishment of household duties, — far from it. After the rest 

 and recreation of thought, the mind and body are refreshed and 

 brightened, and will be able to work more rapidly and to greater 

 advantage. 



None need be deterred by the lack of books. Many of the best 

 standard works can now be obtained for a nominal price If pos- 

 sible, each member should strive to own a copy of the book read, 

 for if a good one and worth reading it will stand reading many 

 times at intervals. It can also be read aloud in the family circle. 

 Perhaps not more than two or three books may be read during the 

 year, but the practice of reading out loud, the words that will be 

 added to the vocabulary, the habit of deferring to the opinions of 

 others, the exercise of concentration and of memory, the many new 

 bits of information acquired, will all wield great influence in char- 

 acter-building, and stronger, nobler and happier women will be the 

 result, closely followed by brighter and happier homes. 



