C. Oliver Powers

              Figure

C. Oliver Powers
1904


Announcement
THE value of Illustrated Lectures has long been recognized, from the fact that nothing impresses itself so indelibly upon the mind as a picture.  Every tongue other than its own is a dead language to a child, as well as to the majority of adults; but pictures have a language that appeals to all—the young and the old alike—and to every class and condition of men and of intellect.

Leading educators believe that whatever appeals to the best and highest in the individual, through any of the senses, is educational; and as the sense of sight is the widest avenue to the soul, pictures are considered among the most valuable factors in their influence upon the minds, not only of children, but of adults as well; for older people are but children grown up.

In recent years it has been one of the highest aims of all progressive educators to beautify their schools, and to surround their pupils with everything that is elevating and that aids in the building and ennobling of character.  Whereas, years ago, a school-room was simply an enclosure within four blank walls, today, in many places, the school buildings are veritable art museums, whether considered from an architectural standpoint, or from what they contain.

The value of beautiful surroundings—statuary, pictures, potted plants, and flowers, etc. etc.— from an aesthetic and moral point of view, is considered sufficient justification for any effort put forth to secure the pleasantest environment for the boys and girls in their daily school-life.

Mr. Powers' lectures have contributed thousands of dollars to the Public Schools of our country for the purchase of school-room decorations; and it is not too much to say that he is doing more in this line for the present and the coming generation than any other lecturer before the American people.

Wm. Smith Williams, Mgr.



Where The Other Half Lives
This lecture as originally presented dealt more especially with tenement-house life in Boston and New York; but as Mr. Powers' work for the past six years has been almost exclusively with Public Schools, his lecture has been enlarged as to the phases of life presented, and modified as the necessities of his work seemed to require.  In its present form it has more of brightness and sunshine than formerly, and is largely a plea for the beautiful in the material surroundings, both in the home- and school-life.

Few people whose lives have ever run in pleasant places know anything about HOW the other half lives; and as to WHERE they live they are more ignorant still.  In the densely-populated tenement districts of our large cities thousands of little children live and die who never see a flower or blade of grass.  The infinite misery, the wonderful patience and pathos of their daily lives is such that, having once seen it, our attitude towards the poor can never be the same again.

Desirous of more thoroughly acquainting himself with the condition of the UNDER HALF, Mr. Powers has personally visited the tenement districts of New York and Boston and heard from sorrowful lips the
STORY OF THE STRUGGLE FOR BREAD.

In contrast with these scenes of poverty and desolation will be presented parks and gardens that are dreams of loveliness, places of geographic and historic interest, and the
PALATIAL HOMES OF THE MULTI-MILLIONAIRES
whose gorgeous drawing-rooms and banqueting-halls rival the ancient world in splendor and munificence.

These views have been arranged with the idea of making them interesting, attractive, and educational to the pupils and patrons of the Public Schools of the country—the object being to present to them, through the medium of pictures, many of the places and people and things one would see who should go on such a pilgrimage as Mr. Powers made to and through these great centres of intellectual, commercial and industrial activity.




What Others Say of Mr. Powers' Work.
COLUMBUS, OHIO.

I have heard Mr. Powers' lecture, and can testify to the dignity and high tone and character of his work.  Where the Other Half Lives is especially instructive.  His audiences are always delighted and those engaging him will not be disappointed.—J. A. SHAWAN, Superintendent of Schools.

MARIETTA, OHIO.

Where the Other Half Lives I think one of the best lectures given from the platform today.—HENRY G. WILLIAMS, A. M., Supt. Schools and author of Outlines of Psychology.

GOSHEN, VA.

Where the Other Half Lives is a masterpiece. It feeds the intellect and stirs the heart.  It tells, by the aid of a splendid stereopticon and with eloquent words and dramatic power, of a struggle which dwarfs in importance the revolutions of the earth.  Such an address can never be forgotten.  We gave Mr. Powers our hand when he came; he left with our hearts.—REV. W. H. GROVES, Chancellor of The Chautauqua of the Mountains.

BRADDOCK, PA.

PROF. C. OLIVER POWERS gave his lecture, Where the Other Half Lives, in Carnegie Library Auditorium yesterday to two audiences of a thousand each.  The children in the afternoon thoroughly enjoyed the pictures and the lecture.  The evening audience gave close attention throughout, and after ten o'clock, like Oliver Twist, asked for more.  The lecture is clean, and of a high moral tone.  We find our Piano Fund increased to the extent of a hundred and fifty dollars without any exertion on the part of the teachers.—GEO. H. LAMB, Superintendent of Schools.

CHARLOTTE, N. C.

I take pleasure in recommending to all School Superintendents and principals the marvelously beautiful illustrated lecture of Mr. Powers.  Our children, teachers and parents were delightfully instructed and charmed with the lecture, Where the Other Half Lives.—ALEXANDER GRAHAM, Supt. of Schools.

LEXINGTON, KY.

Last week Mr. C. Oliver Powers delivered a series of lectures for the benefit of our Public School Art League to the citizens of Lexington and the pupils of the schools.  Mr. Powers is a speaker of rare ability, and the large audiences which gathered to hear him were highly entertained and instructed.  Such lectures are valuable lessons, and cannot fail to prove helpful and stimulating.—WM. ROGERS CLAY, Supt. Schools.

PITTSBURG, PA.

Prof. C. Oliver Powers presented his famous stereopticon lecture, Where the Other Half Lives, to crowded halls in the Allen School Building.  Everybody enjoyed the lecture and went away happy.  Mr. Powers not only captures his audience but also captivates them by his earnest, sincere and life-like portrayals of the Other Half.—C. B. COOK, Principal.

MCKEESPORT, PA.

PROF. C. OLIVER POWERS—My Dear Sir: I wish to say that the two entertainments you gave here were very much enjoyed by our schools and those of the older people who were fortunate enough to be present.  Your methods of work are new and satisfactory in every respect—our schools not being disturbed in the least.  You are to be congratulated, and I wish personally to thank you for the good you did me and our schools.  I am very truly—J. B. RICHEY, Supt. of Schools.

WINCHESTER, IND.

The illustrated lecture given by Prof. C. Oliver Powers on the Other Half at the Opera House, on the evening of Dec. 12th, was one of the most instructive and entertaining lectures ever given in this city.  The Opera House was filled to overflowing, yet notwithstanding the uncomfortable positions of many people, the speaker held his audience with breathless interest.  I am sure that there was not a dissatisfied person in the audience.  A superintendent of schools makes no mistake when he employs Mr. Powers, for his lectures have true educational value, and the patrons will be pleased.—OSCAR R. BAKER, Supt. of Schools.

WHEELING, W. VA.

Mr. C. Oliver Powers has given his illustrated lectures under the auspices of our Public Schools, and they were uniformly received with marked attention and appreciation, the audiences being unusually large.  I take great pleasure in recommending Mr. Powers' Course of Lectures to those looking for an entertainment at once instructive and highly interesting.—W. H. ANDERSON, Supt. of Schools.

WASHINGTON, D. C.

I have just been hearing Mr. C. Oliver Powers, and it is difficult to say just what is his chief charm as a reader—whether his exquisite art, or the deep and sincere feeling which he throws into his work.  What I do know is that I and all who were with me were delighted and moved beyond our expectations.  Sincerely—PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR.

NEWARK, OHIO.

Mr. C. Oliver Powers recently gave his lecture in this city on the Other Half for the benefit of our School Library.  In every respect it was a success.  Our audience numbered 3000 pupils and adults, all of whom seemed well repaid.  I am glad to recommend Mr. Powers to all School Officials in need of a commendable entertainment.—F. MARTIN TOWNSEND, Supt. Schools.

FINDLAY, OHIO.

Prof. C. Oliver Powers favored our Public Schools and the general public with two matinees and two evening entertainments.  The large High School Auditorium was full and crowded.  These stereopticon lectures are not only interesting, but highly instructive.  Prof. Powers is a master in his chosen art, and is worthy the patronage of our best communities and the public schools.  Very respectfully—J. W. ZELLER, Supt. Public Schools.

SPRINGFIELD, OHIO.

Mr. C. Oliver Powers delivered his instructive and pleasing lecture, the Other Half, to large and delighted audiences in Springfield last week.  I can testify to the value of his address to both school children and the public generally.  Those engaging him, I am sure, will not be disappointed.  His stereopticon views are fine, and the eloquence of his address is beyond criticism.  His lecture was successful from a financial as well as a literary point of view.  I bespeak a favorable consideration of his proposition to all School Superintendents.—JOHN S. WEAVER, Supt. of Schools.

HAMMOND, IND.

Mr. C. Oliver Powers lectured last evening to one of the largest and most appreciative audiences ever assembled in the city of Hammond.  His lecture was one of the best I have listened to in many years.  The lecture is pure and clean in every respect, and I am sure that our children and people will feel like living better and more sympathetic lives because of what the lecture taught us.  I can and will cheerfully recommend Mr. Powers to any who may be seeking a good lecture.—W. H. HERSHMAN, Supt. Public Schools.

MIDDLETOWN, OHIO.

Mr. C. O. Powers gave his Where the Other Half Lives, under the auspices of our schools.  His entertainment is wholesome, clever and pleasing.  The matinee was enjoyed by the pupils, and I am quite sure it will have an excellent ethical influence upon their lives.  The evening entertainment with the readings from Riley combines well entertainment and instruction.—H. C. MINNICH, Supt. Schools.

HENDERSON, KY.

My Dear Mr. Powers: I wish to express to you the great satisfaction we had in listening to your lecture and seeing the illustrations.  The lessons that you teach have something in them for the youngest child and for the student of the perplexing social and economic problems of the present day.  Everyone coming between these extremes will find in your work something worthy of his attention and serious thought.

We were also gratified with the very liberal character of the contract you make with the schools, and with the financial result which gave us a nice margin for our school library fund.

Very truly yours,
L. MCCARTNEY, Supt.


BEAVER FALLS, PA.

MR. C. OLIVER POWERS—Dear Sir: Your lecture proved to be a first-class drawing attraction here, Tuesday, October 4.  Fully 1600 people heard the lecture and saw the excellent pictures at the afternoon and evening entertainments.  The pupils as well as their elders were delighted.  You are to be congratulated upon your very successful production and its high educational value.

Financially it was a success, and with a minimum of effort on the part of teachers and school authorities.

Very truly yours,
EDWARD MAGUIRE, Supt.

NEW ALBANY, IND.

Mr. C. Oliver Powers has just given his illustrated lecture under the auspices of our schools.  The lecture was a success viewed from every standpoint.  I can sincerely recommend Mr. Powers as being an honest, honorable gentleman in all his dealings with school people.  We were delighted with him and expect to have him again.—C. A. PROSSER, Supt. New Albany Schools.

GREENVILLE, ILL.

We had C. Oliver Powers with us yesterday afternoon and evening.  I have never had more satisfaction in handling an entertainment in my life.  Mr. Powers has a good lecture and views, and his business methods of advertising and pushing the entertainment are progressive and liberal.  I have found him fair, frank and generous.—C. N. PEAK, Supt.

PITTSBURG, PA.

Prof. C. Oliver Powers gave the pupils and patrons of the Washington Schools two matinees and an evening entertainment on the Other Half.  I take great pleasure in saying that these entertainments possess unusual merit, and that in my judgment the lessons learned from them by our pupils are among the best they have ever received.—H. W. FISHER, Principal.

PITTSBURG, PA.

Prof. C. Oliver Powers has just completed an engagement with our schools during which he favored this community at five matinees and two evening entertainments with his high-toned and instructive lecture, Where the Other Half Lives.  About two thousand of our children attended the matinees and half as many adults the evening lectures, and the unanimous opinion of all is that the lecture is the finest ever given in this community.—JOHN GOLDEN, Principal Minersville Schools.

AKRON, OHIO.

My Dear Mr. Powers:—I wish to express to you my appreciation of the work you have done for the schools of this city with your eleven matinees and eleven evening lectures.  I have not heard a single adverse criticism, but on the contrary have received many words of praise for your views and lectures.  You have not only entertained and instructed our people, but you have also enabled the schools to realize the net sum of $507 which we shall use to decorate the schools of the city.  We thank you for your uniformly courteous, considerate and business-like dealings with us.

Yours very truly,
H. V. HOTCHKISS, Supt. Public Schools.

CANTON, OHIO.

Prof. C. Oliver Powers delivered a series of four lectures for our schools with great success.  The lectures combine pleasing enertainment with valuable instruction, as they afford insight into he conditions of life of the extreme classes of society in our rge cities.  Prof. Powers possesses the grace and power of an complished public speaker.  The lectures were received with enisiasm, and the auditors were given lasting impressions.  The ncial returns were very satisfactory to the schools.  The eduonal value or the lectures is beyond question.—J. M. SARVER,  Public Schools.

WYANDOTTE, MICH.

Oliver Powers gave his lecture, the Other Half, in this city mber 19th to an appreciative audience.  We expected a treat e gave us a feast.  The entertainment is both highly enter and instructive, and all who were so fortunate as to be  were unstinting in their praise.  The opinion, that should wers come this way again the opera house would not hold dience, was frequently heard on the streets the morning after ntertainment.  No one looking for a high-class lecture will  a mistake by engaging Mr. Powers.—F. H. SOOY, Supt. ic Schools.

CHARLESTON, W. VA.

r. C. Oliver Powers gave his illustrated lecture, Where the er Half Lives, in Charleston on the afternoon and evening  March 7th.  It was strong, helpful, interesting and instructive.  GEO. S. LAIDLEY, Supt. Schools.

LIMA, OHIO.

The lecture given in Lima yesterday afternoon and evening by Mr. C. Oliver Powers was a decided success in every way, the gross receipts amounting to $315.00.  Fully three thousand people heard Mr. Powers at the two matinees and evening lecture; and when he comes again big audiences will greet him.—C. C. MILLER, Supt. Schools.

GALION, OHIO.

Mr. C. Oliver Powers was with us last night and delighted our boys and girls, as well as many citizens.  His entertainment is an excellent one for all people, and especially the young, to hear and witness.  His manner of conducting the sale of tickets is very satisfactory, and school people everywhere will welcome Mr. Powers when he comes again in future years.  His entertainment never fails to be a financial success as well as an intellectual treat.  At the matinee the opera house was full; in the evening it was packed from the footlights to the ceiling by 7:45 o'clock.

Very Respectuflly,
I. C. GUINTHER, Supt. Public Schools.

FREMONT, OHIO.

Prof. C. Oliver Powers gave a very satisfactory matinee and evening lecture at the opera house in Fremont October 2, 1903.  It was delightfully received by hundreds of pupils and parents, and netted the schools quite a sum.  It is educational in its character; and no one who sees the illustrations * * * can fail to be impressed with the injustice of the social and industrial conditions that render possible such inequalities in the social state of the millionaire few, and the poverty-stricken misery, degradation and want of the many—of the millions of our people.—W. W. ROSS, Supt. Public Schools.

SEYMOUR, IND.

We have had many lectures and entertainments under school auspices, none of which have surpassed in popularity those just given by Mr. C. Oliver Powers.  We are accustomed to full houses, but have never before turned people away in great numbers who could not even get standing-room.  It is moreover a pleasure to deal with such an honorable and courteous gentleman as we found Mr. Powers to be.

Very truly,
H. C. MONTGOMERY, Supt.

GRANITE CITY, ILL.

C. Oliver Powers has just been with us two days giving his illustrated lecture, Where the Other Half Lives.  We were somewhat reluctant at first in granting Mr. Powers the privilege of lecturing before our schools, but we are glad to have secured him, as his lectures proved a fitting climax to the excellent series of entertainments furnished by the lyceum bureau.—L. P. FROHARDT, Supt.

PRINCETON, IND.

Mr. C. Oliver Powers has just spent two days in Princeton giving his illustrated lectures, and was greeted with packed houses both afternoon and evening.  Where the Other Half Lives is given in a forcible and graphic style, and pleases everybody.  The illustrations are of the very best, and anyone attending this entertainment will be more than pleased.  Mr. Powers delighted the Princeton people, and we want him again.—HAROLD BARNES, Supt.

FRANKFORT, KY.

C. Oliver Powers lectured for us yesterday afternoon and evening.  The lecture was delivered for the benefit of the school library, and was a success in every respect.  The opera house was full at both performances, and the lecture from an educational standpoint is most commendable.  Prof. Powers is a graceful speaker, and his audiences are highly entertained from beginning to the close.—H. C. MCKEE, Supt.

JEFFERSONVILLE, IND.

Where the Other Half Lives, given yesterday afternoon and evening by Prof. C. Oliver Powers, was very much appreciated by our citizens.  All agree that it is one of the best attractions that has come to our city.—C. M. MARBLE, Supt.

NORTH BRADDOCK, PA.

The C. Oliver Powers' Illustrated Lecture, Where the Other Half Lives, has just been given for the benefit of our schools, our share of the proceeds being over seventy dollars.  This, however, is not the greatest source of gratification, but the fact that the lecture was interesting and instructive to young and old alike; and from expressions upon all sides following its deliverery it was highly appreciated by all.  As to these features, none who secure Mr. Powers' services need have any fear.—C. B. MCCABE, Supt.