Fortnightly Club has long history in Fort Macleod MARILYN ROEMER GAZETTE CONTRIBUTOR “Let every woman be occupied in the highest ways of which her nature is capable.” Thus began in February 1908 the organization of a Women’s Literary Club in Fort Macleod that continues to this day, named The Fortnightly Club with intact minutes from the inception. The women resolved that subject matter be classical in art, literature and history. As the locale was then the frontier, books were requested from McGill University and every fall a shipment of study books arrived. Included were programme titles such as the histories of Russia, England and Africa, Ancient Greek Sculpture, Origin and Development of Hebrew. Wagner, his music and philosophy, Education of Women, along with readings of Shakespeare’s plays, a Map Study of Russia and varied formidable topics that the women were expected to peruse and be able to discuss at the meetings. During the First World War meetings were devoted to Red Cross work. with reading in connection with the work. In 1924, Henrietta Muir, later one of Alberta’s Famous Five women, delivered an excellent paper on the newly-formed League of Nations explaining the c1auses of the Constitution, its power and progress and the expected accomplishment of same. The women went on to offer scholarships for the highest-ranking English student in Fort Macleod. Votes for women became a hot topic. On April 6, 1937, the members voted to contribute $3 towards the coronation expenses of George VI. In 1938, the club donated $10 towards the purchase of an encyclopedia for the town library. Rallied again to the cry of the Second World War, the women filled comfort bags for the Red Cross and assisted in distributing ration books. A donation of $5 was sent to Calgary to be used for the formation of a pocket library for a submarine crew. In 1968, the club welcomed Lola Lange, a member of the Royal Commission on the Status of Women in Canada as a guest speaker, to discuss topics of prime importance to women, such as child day care, retraining of women to enter the work force. equal opportunity and pay, women in politics and general family concerns. Former member Annora Brown received an honourary doctor of laws degree at the Convocation at the University of Lethbridge in 1971. These early members were heroic women who succeeded in bringing the outside world to this corner of southern Alberta. Our handwritten faded minutes from the past, compared to our present day, demonstrate the evolution and historical value of women’s lives throughout these 109 years. In 1909, it was decided that as a goodbye gift, upon her return to England. a brooch pin was to be presented to Miss Hosie Elder to thank her for organizing and directing the club. Consisting of a golden scroll with the motto engraved on it, the pin left for England with her. Years later, in 1960, the pin was returned from St. Alban’s England and has been worn proudly by the president for her term of office. This little time capsule exemplifies these standards, dedication and persistence of women living the quotation: “Let every woman be occupied in the highest ways of which her nature is capable.” History summarized by Marilyn Roemer; using history written in 2007 by Carole Cressman, an honourary member for 30 years, and Betty Reach (deceased).
MARILYN ROEMER, GAZETTE CONTRIBUTOR
“Let every woman be occupied in the highest ways of which her nature is capable.”
Thus began in February 1908 the organization of a Women’s Literary Club in Fort Macleod that continues to this day, named The Fortnightly Club with intact minutes from the inception. The women resolved that subject matter be classical in art, literature and history.
As the locale was then the frontier, books were requested from McGill University and every fall a shipment of study books arrived. Included were programme titles such as the histories of Russia, England and Africa, Ancient Greek Sculpture, Origin and Development of Hebrew. Wagner, his music and philosophy, Education of Women, along with readings of Shakespeare’s plays, a Map Study of Russia and varied formidable topics that the women were expected to peruse and be able to discuss at the meetings.
During the First World War meetings were devoted to Red Cross work. with reading in connection with the work.
In 1924, Henrietta Muir, later one of Alberta’s Famous Five women, delivered an excellent paper on the newly-formed League of Nations explaining the c1auses of the Constitution, its power and progress and the expected accomplishment of same.
The women went on to offer scholarships for the highest-ranking English student in Fort Macleod. Votes for women became a hot topic.
On April 6, 1937, the members voted to contribute $3 towards the coronation expenses of George VI.
In 1938, the club donated $10 towards the purchase of an encyclopedia for the town library.
Rallied again to the cry of the Second World War, the women filled comfort bags for the Red Cross and assisted in distributing ration books. A donation of $5 was sent to Calgary to be used for the formation of a pocket library for a submarine crew.
In 1968, the club welcomed Lola Lange, a member of the Royal Commission on the Status of Women in Canada as a guest speaker, to discuss topics of prime importance to women, such as child day care, retraining of women to enter the work force. equal opportunity and pay, women in politics and general family concerns.
Former member Annora Brown received an honourary doctor of laws degree at the Convocation at the University of Lethbridge in 1971.
These early members were heroic women who succeeded in bringing the outside world to this corner of southern Alberta.
Our handwritten faded minutes from the past, compared to our present day, demonstrate the evolution and historical value of women’s lives throughout these 109 years.
In 1909, it was decided that as a goodbye gift, upon her return to England. a brooch pin was to be presented to Miss Hosie Elder to thank her for organizing and directing the club. Consisting of a golden scroll with the motto engraved on it, the pin left for England with her.
Years later, in 1960, the pin was returned from St. Alban’s England and has been worn proudly by the president for her term of office.
This little time capsule exemplifies these standards, dedication and persistence of women living the quotation: “Let every woman be occupied in the highest ways of which her nature is capable.”
History summarized by Marilyn Roemer; using history written in 2007 by Carole Cressman, an honourary member for 30 years, and Betty Reach (deceased).
