For 124 Years, the Ingleside Study Club Has United 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. Founded in October 1901 by 11 women, the club's name, Ingleside, means "fireside," symbolizing the warm gatherings around which books were read.
Since its inception, the club has operated continuously. Today, 27 women meet twice a month to discuss books and nurture lasting friendships.
Historical Context and Purpose
The club was established at a time when women did not yet have the right to vote — a right that would be granted two decades later by the 19th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. Ingleside was exclusively for women, who viewed it as a forum 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.
She added that current members continue this legacy by actively contributing to the community and maintaining its strong foundations.
“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 remains a vital part of Fort Dodge, fostering friendship and intellectual growth among its members while honoring a rich history of women's empowerment and cultural contribution.
Author’s summary: The Ingleside Study Club has united Fort Dodge women for 124 years through shared reading, fostering education, friendship, and community spirit from its founding in 1901 to today.