NEW LONDON NOTES: Retired history and government teacher discusses historical fiction book

Ellen Simmons
·2 min read
Jim Bollenbach talks about his book, “The Signers.”
Jim Bollenbach talks about his book, “The Signers.”

The 136th Alumni Reunion of the New London Longfellow Chapter of the Chautauqua Literary & Scientific Society (CLSC) took place June 15 at the Huron Yacht Club.

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Jim Bollenbach, a retired history and government teacher, discussed his book of historical fiction, “The Signers.” It covers the lives of the signers of the Declaration of Independence during the days leading up to the signing of the document.

A prequel to this book will soon be published and Bollenbach is already working on a sequel. He can be reached at jkb6fam@gmail.com or 419-366-5344.

CLSC President Sherrill Stover led the meeting, which ended with Tom Neel giving the traditional reading of Longfellow’s “The Bridge,” the group singing “Blest Be the Tie That Binds” and the Chautauqua salute with white hankies.

CLSC is an outgrowth of the Chautauqua movement that originated in New York State in the 1870s. It began as a program of outdoor classes for Sunday school teachers at Lake Chautauqua and grew until it came to mean education for everyone.

Started in 1878 as a home reading course and book club, CLSC offered correspondence courses in history, literature and science over a four-year period. Those who completed the entire course of study graduated in ceremonies that are still held each year in Chautauqua.

The Longfellow Chapter of CLSC is believed to be one of the oldest continuing chapters in the country. Although there was only one graduate in the class of 1884, by 1886, 14 members had completed the curriculum. By now, 193 readers have graduated from the program.

Summer reading continues at New London Public Library

Summer reading continues at the library, with two programs about water to be presented by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. The first is from 5 to 6 p.m. Thursday, June 30 at the Fitchville Methodist Church at 1593 U.S. Route 250. The second is from 5 to 6 p.m. Tuesday, July 5 at the Rochester Methodist Church, 201 S. State St.  Everyone is welcome.

This article originally appeared on Ashland Times Gazette: NEW LONDON NOTES: Chautauqua Literary & Scientific Society has reunion