The Women Will Try to Build a Lyceum

New York, 1895

To the Editor of the Long Island Farmer:

It is a matter for great congratulation that a united effort is at last to be made for the building of a Lyceum in our village. Although the scheme is by no means a new one, yet the demand for such a building has to-day become so imperative that it needs only a well-organized and universal effort to carry it through to success. The appeal has gone forth to the women of Jamaica, not because there is any false sentiment afloat which would conclude our men from any of the benefits to be derived, but because the plan adopted — that of raising funds by subscriptions, entertainments and dues is one with which women are more familiar and in a certain way, are better fitted to operate. In undertaking this work the women of our town are relying confidently upon the generous and chivalrous support of all those men who have the prosperity of our village at heart. It is a fact which cannot be denied that Jamaica has made rapid strides during the last few years, and in the natural order of things it must continue to grow. There is no more convincing proof of the vigorous life of our town than that furnished by the numerous societies, clubs and organizations which exist for almost every object, social and instructive. While these societies are, almost without exception, in a most flourishing condition, it is also true that they are much cramped and hampered in their usefulness by the want of a suitable place for holding meetings. This is most forcibly demonstrated by the fact that when a building like Union Hall Seminary becomes vacant, several of the organizations immediately turn to it for the much needed accommodation. Many of the other societies, not purely social, are dependent for their regular meetings upon the hospitality of a few members who throw open their private houses for the benefit of the organization. On the other hand the Town Hall, while filling a few of the chief requirements for the holding of fairs, concerts, etc., is in some ways most inconvenient and inadequate, as many of our best workers can testify. Let us then have a building which shall meet this great public need — a building by which all may benefit, with which all may become identified by taking an active and personal interest in the erection. Let us not hold back in the fear that other claims may suffer if one more good work is added to those which already enlist our earnest support. Rather let the inauguration of the association of the women of Jamaica to build a Lyceum, be the signal for a more universal and sustained effort than our village has yet known — an effort which shall rouse us to more earnest work for all other movements of vital interest to the community. PROGRESS.

—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, Jan. 25, 1895, p. 1.