RC MI3 u 1 ^M Bfo. t*r St H ICL- fl fe> 1 r£| 4'")- ^ ^|HK ,.^ll LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. ESTABLISHED 1868. 2lst ANNUAL PROSPECTUS. SEASON 1888-9. TWENTY-FIRST ANNUAL PROSPECTUS. THE Cure of Stammering AS PRACTICED P»Y J DOUGLAS McCALLUM. & II EAST FOURTEENTH STREET, NEW YORK, i! Copyright, 1888, BY DOUGLAS McCALLUM. PRESS OF WM. T. HUNTER, NEW YORK. M SEASON OF 1888-1889. i^.. McCALLUM extends his compliments, and, while opening the twenty-first year of the institution over which he presides, begs leave to submit testimonials from a few recent pupils. The School of the Voice has long since passed the period of its existence where its ability could be doubted, and for many years even the most skeptical have been compelled to admit its claim to superiority. The pamphlet you have received, and which it has been our custom to publish for a number of seasons, gives you some general ideas as to our methods of procedure, and when proof positive is so constantly given by those who are cured, and so many eminent men are willing to testify in our behalf, there only remains one point for a stammerer to consider. It is THE SCHOOL OF THE VOICE. whether or no he wishes to be cured. If the answer to this question be in the affirmative, then let him form the resolution to attend to it with as little delay, as possible, and carry out his determination at once. One of our pupils, after being cured, says : " Only now do I realize that I made a mistake in deliberating so long before finally deciding to undertake the matter. Not only had the habit grown stronger upon me, and consequently required a longer time to cure, but I have needlessly stammered for several years under great physical and mental strain, let. alone the waste of energy in reflecting and studying the matter over as to the advisability of placing myself under instruction for its removal. I am no student of psychology or metaphysics, but I feel sure, that if the mental force thus expended had been earlier brought to bear in curing me, I should have spent many happy hours, instead of the misery endured by a stammerer. As it is now, I am well over my difficulty, and must make the best of my time, leaving regrets out of the question." This is the statement of a gentleman, who, nearly THE SCHOOL OF THE VOICE. arrived at middle age, expresses, though in perhaps rather vague terms, a solemn truth. If you will pause a moment to consider these words of his, you will readily perceive how much time and energy is wasted in thinking about this habit of stammering. Every stammerer can appreciate it, and well-known laws assure us that there is a vast amount of force, both mental and physical, expended by this same lack of decision ; which force, if rightly directed or concentrated upon some useful object, would greatly increase our measure of joy. These disturb- ing elements should be removed, and the mind will then be at liberty to engage in pursuits and seize upon opportunities which only offer themselves to a fluent talker. There is no wish to enter upon a serious essay here, but this brief expression of thought may not be out of place. Were it necessary, this little circular could be greatly enlarged by hundreds of testimonials from, and references to, most eminent men, or an endless series of newspaper editorials and notices ; but we THE SCHOOL OF THE VOICE. prefer to allow it to contain merely a few letters from most recent pupils, as samples of those so often sent to us. If these should prove insufficient, we shall be glad to furnish others that go far back into the history of our school. Reputable physicians, as a rule, make no public endorsement of any system of teaching ; but the medical fraternity are well acquainted with our work, and our methods have been endorsed by all the great minds of science. We shall be glad to refer you to first-class physicians upon request. Our pupils and correspondents are not only from every State, but also from Europe, Canada and South America — a young man thirteen years old recently making the ocean trip here from the latter country alone, and being rewarded by a complete cure in the course of six weeks. Having such an extended patronage it will readily be seen that our claims must be undisputed ; a resident practice in New York City for such a length of time alone gives evidence of the character of the institution. No other city in the world possesses such attrac- THE SCHOOL OF THE VOICE. tions for the visitor, and nowhere do we find such competition in business and professional life ; a city where true merit alone insures success, and where an unskillful practitioner is speedily condemned by the censure of public opinion. What might be possible in Philadelphia, Boston or Cincinnati, could hardly be so in New York ; and while the former cities might tolerate an imposition, it could not long endure in the great metropolis. Several extracts from a liberal press are included in this prospectus, and these it will be seen are very recent. Occasionally some representative of the public press witnesses the instruction and notices improvement in our pupils, with the result frequently of very flattering accounts in the newspapers. Upon these and upon the good words spoken by our pupils after their cure do we depend for patronage; in fact nearly all our pupils come in this manner, and we do not rely upon extensive advertising for success. THE SCHOOL OF THE VOICE. Jersey City, N. J., September 18, 1888. Mr. Douglas McCallum. Dear Sir : I can but faintly express my gratitude for your efforts in freeing me from a most severe impediment of speech, which heretofore almost entire- ly excluded me from all society. I am now the wonder of my friends, and speak with an undreamed- of pleasure. Your mission is a most worthy one, and the success enjoyed by you in your philanthropic career is merited to the fullest extent. You may show this letter to anyone who may inquire, but you have so many that are much better than I could write for you. The four weeks I spent under your instruction have been among the most pleasant of my life. Instead of a gloomy period of dry study and confine- ment that I rather anticipated, I found everything decidedly the opposite, and would willingly remain longer, were it necessary, to overcome so dreadful a habit. Any doubts I could have had regarding your ability to cure stammering have been most agreeably and effectually banished. Permit me, sir, again to thank you for what you have done, and to assure you that in the life I am now THE SCHOOL OF THE VOICE but beginning, you will have my perpetual gratitude. Yours very cordially, Miss R. E. Rogers. [From the Boston Post, April 12, 1888.] " We witnessed the other day a curious and inter- esting spectacle at the popular institution conducted by Professor Douglas McCallum. As Mr. McCallum is not unknown in Boston, and is highly esteemed here as* a vocal instructor, a brief description of his work may not be out of place. His special business, however, is not that of vocal instruction, which, to speak the truth, is much overdone, and we can recall to mind the names of at least one hundred vocal instructors in New York who have good standing, and possibly but few of these who can be accorded first place as intelligent instructors; but Mr. McCallum is one of the cleverest among the best of them, although his special accomplishment is not that of a " vocal instructor," as the term is understood. "Several years ago he took up seriously the study of that strange and vicious habit known as stammering or stuttering, and, during his work in relieving it, has had many imitators who have gradually fallen away and given him first place. We found Mr. McCallum 10 THE SCHOOL OF THE VOICE. a young man, full of energy and ambition, who has done, within his years of service, some remarkably good work, each successive year adding a large num- ber of persons to his list of those who so warmly praise him. His pleasure in noticing the improve- ment made, and the stammerer's joy upon finding his chains loosened, seems a stimulus to his exertions; and we can say that no one understands the stammerer's condition better than Mr. McCallum. " His whole time is devoted to the science of curing stammering, and he is, at this day, the only one who can be depended upon to do so. " It was due to Mr. McCallum that we witnessed the spectacle spoken of at the beginning of this article. The case was that of a child — probably twelve years old — who, besides a choreal affection, had stammered since she had begun to talk rationally. Mr. McCallum was confident that the child could be cured of this habit, and we may say at once that the cure is to-day complete. The method by which this cure was effected, we could of course only see in part, (for though nothing whatever is kept a secret from any- one, our time would not permit,) but what we did see in this case and that of others, seemed nothing less than nature applied to something quite abnormal. Every principle learned was in strictest accord with THE SCHOOL OF THE VOICE. II nature ; the child does not learn anything or any habit that has to be unlearned again. " This habit of stammering is one of those out of the way matters to which the average person seldom gives thought, yet it has become of the highest impor- tance, and parents having children who stammer, neglect an important duty if it is not attended to, for a stammerer is from every point of view unfortunate ; he has little chance to win a place in business, to enjoy social intercourse, or to acquire friends. " In certain cases it appears to have become hered- itary, but no matter how deep-rooted or apparently organic a case may be, we are informed it can be cured — a statement which will undoubtedly be relished by many unfortunates." Corry, Pa., August 24, ii Dear Mr. McCallum : Several months have elapsed since my return from your institution and I continue to talk well. I wouldn't be in the same condition again for five thousand dollars, it is such a pleasure to be able to talk and recite without great effort and feel that everyone's eyes are fastened upon me. I should like you to refer anyone to me that may 12 THE SCHOOL OF THE VOICE. desire a reference for your system. I can say it is sound and wholly free of tricks. The course of exer- cises, lectures etc., for complete control of the vocal and respiratory organs, makes correct and accurate speaking a habit instead of the spasmodic and uncertain way a stammerer has. If these exercises are practised a short time under your instruction, a stammerer cannot fail to be convinced how easy it is to speak if he goes about it rightly, a feeling of con- fidence replaces that of timidity and his general con- dition of health is greatly improved. Your method has done so much forme that I can- not speak too highly of it. Yours very truly, Thaddeus S. Bentley The New York World, March 25, 1888, speaks of a case which was the subject of comment in various papers at the time, including the New York Tribune, Times, etc. : "One of our leading city papers recently mentioned at some length the case of a New York Custom House official, who obtained his appointment through the instrumentality of an institution for the cure of stammering, under the direction of Mr. Douglas McCallum. This instance is only one of many that can be traced to the decided benefits derived from a course of instruction at his school for the cure of this habit. " The official in question was unable to secure a desirable position on account of this vicious but curable habit of stuttering, but a short and apparently easy course of work at this school completely relieved him from all traces of the habit, and rendered the task of passing a civil service examination one not attended with difficulty. Although it is several years since it happened, the young man has hitherto kept the matter quiet, but now is pleased to allude to it as one chapter in the history of his since successful. life. Besides beings deeply grateful for his deliverance from a condition of speech most shocking, he says his cure has netted him thousands of dollars by increase of salary alone. ' No one but a stammerer,' he says, ' can appreciate the importance of such a cure and the influence it sheds over his future life.' " The establishment dates back to 1868, since which time a large number of persons have been cured, and the twenty years of successful practice have given to this institution a world-wide reputation. Its present conductor, who has written a good deal upon the 14 THE SCHOOL OF THE VOICE. subject and made it a life study, is a young man well fitted for the task he undertakes, having the know- ledge and experience necessary to completely cure every case coming under his care." Wright's Business College, Brooklyn, N. Y., May 23, 1888. Douglas McCallum, Esq. Dear Sir : — Young Master Carpenter, whom I recommended to you for treatment, called at my office the other day, and, to my great astonishment, showed no signs of stammering. What you have done for this boy is wonderful. I am glad to know you are so successful in your efforts to free people from this misfortune. Yours very truly, Henry C. Wright. The Rochester, (N. Y.) Post-Express, April 7, contains the following allusion to our school : " There are many odd callings pursued by men in New York, but the subject of this paragraph is a vocation decidedly out of the common ; we allude to the practice of a well-known and highly esteemed THE SCHOOL OF THE VOICE. 1$ teacher, Prof. Douglas McCallum. He directs the popular institution for the cure of speech defects at Steck Hall, between Fifth Avenue and Union Square. His particular profession has no other representative in good standing, and he is the only one who professes to be able to cure the vice or affliction known as stammer- ing. Were Mr. McCallum merely a vocal instructor, or a teacher of vocal and respiratory gymnastics, he would be by no means an interesting personage, these are numbered by thousands in New York ; but we find in him (and which is quite necessary for a complete and permanent cure of this habit) a combination of the most desirable qualities. His methods are imitated constantly by unscrupulous persons, who are in no way to be trusted ; but the system in vogue here is too well tried, and Mr. McCallum is not annoyed or injured by them. He says that stammerers only do themselves injury by patronizing them or giving credence to their assertions. "Mr. McCallum is the author of a valuable little book, ' Stammering, its Origin and Cure,' which out- lines a system of eclectic practice, or, in other words, a system which includes anything to be found good in any authority. His researches have resulted in the perfection of a method based upon scientific princi- ples and the broadest knowledge. THE SCHOOL OF THE VOICE. " Much of Mr. McCallum's success may evidently be attributed to his personal attention to the details of every case, his courtesy and kindness to great and small, his sympathetic nature, which makes you feel perfectly at home, and his wonderful perception in applying alike to the child and adult the peculiar instruction needed. What he has to say about children and their bringing up is especially useful. " Of course a stammerer cannot be cured unless he co-operates with his teacher, but when there is such co-operation, we are informed a cure is guaranteed in from three to six weeks." Citizens' Bank, Shelby, Iowa, August 6, il Douglas McCallum, Esq. Dear Sir : — My daughter is getting along very well with her talking. She has improved wonderfully and has not made a break in her speech since coming home in June last. She will start to college this Autumn, but had it not been that your treatment benefited her in talking, we would have had no encouragement in sending her to school : believe me we are truly grateful. Your work with young Mr. Brown was a wonder, THE SCHOOL OF THE VOICE. 17 and we all desire to thank you for your interest in making it pleasant for them while in New York. I feel that you have done us much good aside from curing the stammering. Yours respectfully, John Davis. The New York Times of April 15, 1888, advising a correspondent upon his best plan to follow in being cured says : " Professor McCallum is the only person to-day who can cure stammering. He has cured hundreds of chronic cases successfully. If you desire a speedy and thorough cure, consult him at Steck Hall, 11 East 14th Street." 132 Nassau St., New York City, September 7, 1888. Prof. Douglas McCallum. Dear Sir : — I must confess that I was highly grati- fied at your success in the case of Mr. Albert Clark, who, after only three weeks of your instruction, was able to converse in a perfectly normal and fluent manner. His case alone speaks volumes for the l8 THE SCHOOL OF THE VOICE. valuable character of the work upon which you are engaged, and suffices to prove that, where energy and determination are inherent in your pupil, you can do, in a remarkably brief time, what might be regarded as little short of a miracle. I am sure that a stam- merer cannot help being cured if he will resolve to place himself under your care. You may. at any time, refer to me, or use my name in commendation of your institution, in which, from the several cases I have referred to you in past years, I am disposed to place complete confidence. Yours respectfully, A. Faber du Faur, Jr., M. E. Solicitor of Patents. The New York World of September 16, 1888, says, in an article upon the judicious selection of a school : " The all important question is at hand — Where shall we place our boys and girls in order that they may be well taught, thoroughly trained and carefully guarded ? " We must be certain that the general health will be fostered. It is more important for a young person to be healthy at the outset than many parents seem to think. THE SCHOOL OF THE VOICE Time lost cannot be regained, and errors in education are almost impossible to neutralize or correct. " In order to undertake a course of study, a pupil must begin right ; habits which are detrimental to progress should be looked after, and any physical trouble have the care of a physician. Stammering should be stopped at once. It is useless sending children to school if they cannot recite — only a waste of time. For a thorough cure of this impediment, there is no better institution than than of Prof. Douglas McCallum in this city, and the merits of his method will inspire with confidence anyone who will investigate. We learn so much through the senses, that no amount of knowledge can pay us for the loss or deterioration of any faculty during the school period." The following was written to an inquirer upon the subject, by an author widely known and esteemed in all literary circles : 19 West 24TH St., New York, August 23, 1888. Dear Mr. Hamilton : I am acquainted with Prof. Douglas McCallum's method of curing those painful defects of speech 20 THE SCHOOL OF THE VOICE. known as stuttering and stammering, and whatever I could say to recommend that method, should be said in the strongest words. Prof. McCallum is able to force a stutterer, within a comparatively brief time, to articulate words clearly, to connect phrases smoothly, and, in brief, to express himself without the least suffering, and, I believe, without artificial effort. I have observed his treatment of pupils, or patients, if that may be a more correct term, and have found it simple, rational and wholesome. As a sympathetic instructor, I think he is admirable. I have no hesita- tion in recommending any victim of the stammering or stuttering habit, to his gentle and intelligent care. Yours very truly, George Edgar Montgomery. In a recent number of a New York musical monthly we find the following : — " Our Philadelphia correspondent writes us con- cerning a young man in the Quaker City who lately attended Mr. McCallum's school for the cure of a defect in speech; he says: — * * * 'It compelled him to abandon several promising situations and to give up his class in music teaching. Some months ago when I met him, he was in utter despair, but is now a THE SCHOOL OF THE VOICE. 21 different man entirely, holding a responsible position in one of our city banks. There is not anyone in Philadelphia who can cure this habit successfully, unless it be in a very few cases, although one person has been making pretensions to do so. I am informed, however, that his practice of tricks, sucking breath in through the mouth, etc., is ridiculously absurd, and if he by chance cure anyone the case must be a mild one.' What stammerers we have seen seem to be quite sensible, and will doubtless steer clear of such an imposition. To be successful in curing this habit, we can readily see why a man must give his whole life to it; and we can hardly expect a mechanic by profession to develop the nature of a true teacher, and possess the keen insight into human nature, necessary to bring order into a stammerer's speech. We would as soon look for milk in a stone as to expect anything satis- factory from such a source." In commenting upon the above, Mr. McCallum would say, that he occasionally hears about persons in different cities, who, usually engaged in some other business, pretend to have some system for the cure of stammering. This information is received by letters of complaint, written by those who have patronized them, and which are often expressed in severe terms. The article given above evidently refers to some person in Philadelphia, who is undoubtedly sincere in his work and has probably made some cures of this habit. We are glad if such is the case, and he may be doing good in a small way; but so many persons have, from time to time, imitated us in our work, that this fact alone serves to elevate and increase the value of our school. If there is any reliable person who can satisfactorily cure all cases coming to his care, he has our best wishes; but caution should be exercised, before putting confidence in any system that has not stood the test of time. September 15, 1! Mr. Douglas McCallum. Dear Sir : It is with the greatest pleasure I send these few lines to you. When I arrived home and began to tell my experiences, my friends were amazed at the fluency of my talking. They said it was wonderful. I sometimes think I am in a dream, and expect to wake up and f]nd myself the way I w T as THE SCHOOL OF THE VOICE. 23 before. But you can comprehend the pleasure which I take in speaking to others, and they enjoy the change as much as I. They say I speak better than the majority of people, as every word is so distinct and appears to come with so little effort. I think I improve every day, and not only in speech, but in health, strength and happiness. I shall recommend your school at every opportunity, for I feel what a vast difference it makes in a person to be entirely rid of the pernicious habit of stammering. Please give my sincere thanks to the ladies at your house. I shall never forget the kindness shown to me by them and yourself during the three weeks of August I was in the city of New York. Most respectfully yours, Albert E. McMillan. 291 Brock St., Kingston, Ont, Canada. " The oldest, largest and best equipped institution for the cure of stammering in the world." — N. Y. Herald. " It is surprising that any should allow themselves to stammer, when a cure is here made such a certainty, and so greatly increases a person's chances in busi- ness and social life." — JV. Y. Tribune. 24 THE SCHOOL OF THE VOICE. This leaflet is inadequate to properly express all that could be said to many kind patrons and corre- spondents. It must of necessity fail in some cases to occupy the place of a personal letter, but it is earnestly hoped that you will write in full for any desired infor- mation in our power to impart. All letters should be addressed to n East Fourteenth Street. To those living in or near the city of New York or visiting it for a time, a most cordial invitation is extended to call and witness our work, or converse with those who are here under instruction. Mr. M. will be at the school building daily from 10 to 4, or will make special appointments outside of those hours. The signs upon our building are very modest, merely announcing the words, " School of the Voice," and name of proprietor, and always have the wishes of pupils been strictly regarded, their names never being divulged without permission, or their confidence betrayed in any manner. Particulars of terms, board, location, etc., given upon application. *^J&L- _?T" ■■■& 1 - w^ )V* mt mi A ^mh'%