Page:The Granite Monthly Volume 6.djvu/69

 THE WEBSTER CLUB.

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��THE WEBSTER CLUB, OF CONCORD, N. II.

��BY A VISITOR.

��Associations for a common object are coeval with creation itself. The club, as an institution, is almost prehis- toric. Its potency was felt even through the dark ages. For social and recrea- tive purposes it is now deemed indis- pensable, and it has grown to be a tre- mendous factor in politics, literature, science, and art. Club-life of modern times has become sumptuous indeed. The club-house of to-day is not unfre- quently a splendid edifice, comprising within its elegant aoartments the finest facilities for edification and enjoyment. The political club is the leading force and central power in party organiza- tion, and in the realms of literature, science, and art, the club is the com- bination of genius for mutual elevation. Such associations of strength are irre- sistible. They bring together in happy harmony all elements of progress, and effect a vast deal of good.

The purely social club is no less a power. Its reformatory and salutary influences are diffused throughout the best society, and their moral worth to the community can not be over-esti- mated. In public benefit and individual reform, such a club, properly estab- lished and conducted, is second only to the church. It allays temptation ; it gives opportunities for innocent amusement. Natural effervescence finds therein a legitimate channel. It consumes a needed leisure that might otherwise fall to worse than a waste of time. If managed upon the right principles, it is a crucible of refine- ment. It knocks the rough edges from human nature, opens the way to inval- uable friendships, and binds men to- gether in unison of sympathy and un- derstanding. It inspires confidence and a higher appreciation amongst themselves of their several superiori- ties. It awakens charity for one an-

��other's misfortunes, and locks hands in worthy enterprise for the world's advancement.

It is an exploded fallacy, in this busy, bustling career of ours, to imagine that our time is economized in contin- uous application. There must be rest and relaxation. There must be change and variety. The human machine breaks down under the pressure of monotonous use. The mind needs diversion, and should not wear itself out swinging backward and forward in tiresome sameness, like an old door on its hinges. And there is rest and re- laxation, change and variety, and healthful, cheerful diversion at the- club. The recreations there are them- selves varied to suit the changing tastes and inclinations, thereby securing the best and most satisfactory results of social intercourse. These diversions are directly in the interests of temper- ance and morality, and they have saved many a noble man from degra- dation and ruin. These institutions should be recognized as becomes their real importance, and cherished for their good work by all who hold dear the welfare especially of our young men.

The Webster Club, of Concord, N. H., is undoubtedly the foremost association of the kind in the state. Its character is unexceptionable. Its pre-eminent social standing is unques- tioned, and its reputable membership includes master minds in various de- partments of life, many of whom are not unknown to fame.

This club was formally organized on the 26th day of September, 1868, and for the fourteen years last past has maintained an intensity of interest and a purity of tone that promise to hold it in close organization for usefulness through many years to come. It was

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