Grand Forks Business and Professional Women's Club (Grand Forks, N.D.)

On June 7, 1919, a group of North Dakota women met in Grand Forks to discuss joining the National Federation of Business and Professional Women. Agnes Rex of Grand Forks was given the task of organizing clubs in North Dakota. A state convention was held July 21, 1920 in Fargo. Five clubs were formed at this meeting: Grand Forks, Fargo, Valley City, Jamestown and Bismarck. Agnes Rex was elected the first state BPW president. The objectives of the group were to elevate standards for women in business, to promote their interests, to encourage international cooperation among business women, and to extend educational opportunities for women in business. The North Dakota Federation oversaw the publication of a monthly newsletter, The Gist of It, which ran from 1922-1932. Holdings for this periodical run from 1922-1928. Another monthly newsletter, North Dakota Flickertales, began in the late 1940s. Holdings are incomplete, but run from 1951-1962, 1964-1976, and 1978-1979. The Grand Forks Business and Professional Women's Club was chartered on August 18, 1919, and is the oldest club in the state. During its history, the club has sponsored numerous programs, conferences and events.