For 124 Years, This Book Club Has Connected Fort Dodge Women
The Ingleside Study Club has brought together women of Fort Dodge for over a century through their shared passion for one of the oldest forms of communication — reading. The club's name, Ingleside, means "fireside," a nod to the traditional gathering place for book reading.
Founded in October 1901 by 11 women, the club has run continuously since then. Today, 27 women meet twice a month to discuss books and nurture lasting friendships.
The club was established when women in the U.S. were still denied the right to vote, which only came about two decades later with the 19th Amendment. Ingleside has always been a women-only club, designed as a space for self-education and personal growth.
“The original founders of Ingleside Club were women who invested themselves and their families in constructing the foundations on which Fort Dodge is built — physically, culturally, spiritually,” said Joyce Garton-Natte, current president, retired dentist, and Presbyterian lay minister.
“Members today are, likewise, invested in this city and influential in keeping that foundation firm. Women like Sarah Kelly, our longest-term member with 67 years of membership, personify the commitment and enthusiasm, supportiveness and gentility on which Ingleside was and is formed.”
Legacy and Community Impact
- The Ingleside Study Club fosters continuous self-improvement among women.
- It has played a vital cultural and spiritual role in Fort Dodge for over a century.
- Current members continue the tradition of active community investment.
- Long-term members exemplify the club's spirit and dedication.
Author’s summary: The Ingleside Study Club has connected Fort Dodge women for 124 years, serving as a vital space for education, friendship, and community strength.