THE FORTNIGHTLY

One of the most important clubs is the Fortnightly, organized about a quarter of a century ago for the purpose of self improvement. Of it and its aims. Mrs. Harry Ainsworth, a leading member writes: "It was always preeminently a study club, but it was also for a short time a member of the state and national federation of Women's clubs, and has brought here a number of lecturers and the Donald Robertson Players." Abbreviating all too much the fine showing given by Mrs. Ainsworth, it can be said that this club seems to have studied everything pertaining to the peoples of the earth, their cities, customs, and literature, and have made exhaustive researches into their productions and crafts, oriental rugs, lace and book making, the history and art of painting, the modern drama, the modern novel, punishments and reform.

It has also done thoroughly the work it found to do. The Sevens, organized by Miss Julia Getterny, nearly twenty years ago, was the beginning, and was composed almost wholly of young women who, employed through the day as teachers, stenographers or bookkeepers, devoted their evenings to study. It is safe to assume that no club has so changed the tone and standard of intellectual life in the group which makes up its membership, as has this club of earnest young women. It is now about two score years old and grows constantly in influence and numbers.

The Home Study Club has been doing good, hard study along the usual lines for many years. The membership is made up of older women and they have about twenty members.

The Study Department of the Woman's Club is another society devoted to the study of literature and kindred topics. It was organized about six years ago.

 

 

Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois

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Illinois Ancestors

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