For 124 Years, This Book Club Has Connected Fort Dodge Women
For more than a century, the Ingleside Study Club has brought together women of Fort Dodge through their shared passion for reading—one of the world's oldest ways to communicate. The name "Ingleside" refers to a fireside, symbolizing the traditional place where books were read aloud.
Founded in October 1901 by 11 women, the club has remained active continuously. Today, 27 members meet twice a month to discuss books and enjoy lasting friendships.
Historical Context and Purpose
The club was established at a time when women did not have the right to vote—a right that would come two decades later with the 19th Amendment. Ingleside was exclusively for women who viewed it as a path to 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 members, past and present, continue to play a significant role in shaping the cultural and spiritual life of Fort Dodge, maintaining the club’s original spirit of education, camaraderie, and civic responsibility.
Author’s summary: The Ingleside Study Club, founded in 1901, has united Fort Dodge women through literature and community, fostering lifelong friendships and personal growth for over 120 years.