During the three brief years of its existence, the Lithuanian Youth Society has attached to itself the respect of everyone who has had any contact with the organization, or who merely knows of the society's existence, because of the many creditable achievements for which it has been responsible. Organized by Vytantas Beliajus, who has been the leader of the society during the entire three years of its life, the society has had for its purpose the fostering of an interest in Lithuanian culture among the descendants of Lithuanians in America, and the dissemination of information concerning the little known Lithuanians among those of other nationalities. In keeping with this purpose, the society has sponsored several exhibits 2 of Lithuanian popular and fine arts, the most recent of which had its showing during the month of May of this year in the galleries of the Mandel Brothers’ Department Store. This particular exhibit was one of great success. Counted by many the finest exhibit of its kind ever to be conducted in the states, it had in the fine arts division works of the eminent Lithuanian sculptor Petras Rimsa, the distinguished painter Simonis, and the works of lesser known Lithuanian artists, both from Lithuania and from the states. The display of popular art was one of magnitude, having represented in it, work in every field of popular art.

The society has published a literary magazine, the Furrow, which has given to literary-minded American-Lithuanian youth the opportunity to present their works to the reading public. As with the arts exhibit, so it was in this case also a pioneering achievement.

In addition to the Furrow, the society has maintained in Naujienos an English page, as an added means for literary expression.

Representing the Lithuanians of Chicago, the Youth Society has always taken a very active part in all festivals and cultural programs which occur in the city. The society's costumed folk-dance group, one of the finest in the city, is already well known through its many appearances, at which it always enjoys acclaim.

The outstanding event was the participation of the group in the first Chicagoland Folk Dance Festival, sponsored by the Chicago Park District and held at Soldiers Field on Labor Day of 1936. Seventy-six young people of both sexes took part to present a gay and imposing picture to the thousands of guests who came to witness the first of these unusual affairs.

Festival and cultural days have been employed in the past for bringing into contact with the Lithuanians cultural organizations of other nationalities, making for a better understanding between these people. A festival of this type, called Lithuanian Day, will be held on January 9th at La Follette Park, 1400 north and 5200 west, where various national groups will gather to become acquainted with the young Lithuanian generation. The evening's program will consist of swimming, social and folk dancing, the serving of a Lithuanian plate lunch and acquainting the people with the ways of the Lithuanians.

This year's officers of the Lithuanian Youth Society are Vytantas Beliajus, President, 5657 S. Saginaw Avenue.