THE HESPERIA MOVEMENT in 



of the world's greatest speakers. The plan has been 

 adopted by other counties in Michigan and other states 

 both east and west. Its possibilities are well-nigh un- 

 limited and its power for good is immeasurable. Every- 

 one connected with it may well feel proud of the success 

 attending the now famous "Hesperia Movement." 



In 1897, Kent County, Michigan (of which 

 Grand Rapids is the county seat), organized a 

 Teachers and Patrons' Association that is worth 

 a brief description, although in more recent 

 years its work has been performed by other 

 agencies. It nevertheless serves as a good 

 example of a well-organized association designed 

 to unite the school and home interests of rural 

 communities. It was for several years signally 

 successful in arousing interest in all parts of the 

 county. Besides, it made a departure from the 

 Oceana-Newaygo plan which must be con- 

 sidered advantageous for most counties. The 

 Hesperia meeting is an annual affair, with big 

 crowds and abundant enthusiasm. The Kent 

 County association was itinerant. The member- 

 ship included teachers, school officers, farmers 

 generally, and even pupils. An attempt was made 

 to hold monthly meetings during the school year, 

 but for various reasons only five or six meetings 

 a year were held. The meetings usually occurred 



