For 124 years, this book club has connected Fort Dodge women

For 124 Years, This Book Club Has Connected Fort Dodge Women

For more than a century, the Ingleside Study Club has united women of Fort Dodge through their shared passion for one of the oldest forms of communication: reading books. The club’s name, Ingleside, means “fireside,” symbolizing the traditional gathering spot where books were often read aloud.

Founded in October 1901 by 11 women, the club has operated continuously ever since. Today, 27 women meet twice a month to discuss books and nurture enduring friendships.

History and Purpose

Ingleside was established during a time when women were still denied the right to vote—a right that would come two decades later with the 19th Amendment. It was a women-only club, created 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.

Legacy and Impact

Members today remain deeply connected to the community and play key roles in preserving the club’s strong foundation.

“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,” Garton-Natte added.

The Ingleside Study Club continues to be a vital presence in Fort Dodge, fostering learning and friendship among its members.

Author’s summary: The Ingleside Study Club has fostered women's education and community connection in Fort Dodge for over 120 years through shared book discussions and friendship.

Messenger News — 2025-11-01