Fortnightly Club of Boulder

Mary Rippon and eight other women founded the Fortnightly Club of Boulder in 1884. The Club had a literary intent and began for the “promotion of literary and scientific culture.”(1) Although the Fortnightly Club is not a University of Colorado organization, there is a University influence. For most of its history, the Club has been equally divided between women associated with the University, “the gowns,” and women from the community of Boulder, “the towns.” In 1891, the first official constitution was drawn up. It was decided that the club flower would be a white carnation and the colors would be green and white. During the first years of the Club, meetings were structured around several papers and discussion topics. The Fortnightly Club of Boulder has continued to handle club business in much the same way since the early years. The Club solicits new members by invitation only and each member takes on the role of club president, no elections are held.

The Fortnightly Club’s intent of providing an outlet for women to explore and expand their intellect has remained the same throughout its history. However, the Fortnightly Club has become less formal in its pursuit for knowledge. Before the 1940’s, research paper topics were assigned to members, which centered on a specific theme. After the 1940’s, assignments have been broader, allowing members to research and present topics in which they have a personal interest. In recent years, the Club meetings have comprised of a member presenting a literary or research paper that is discussed and then a social time during which a refreshment, or tea, is usually served. The Club has also evolved from the early years of using members’ married names at all times. One club member, in the oral history tapes, noted that her mother began calling fellow members by their first names in the late 1960’s. Just as members’ lives have evolved, so has the Club. Fortnightly Club members have serviced the Boulder community by serving in different feminist, church, educational, and artistic projects throughout their lifetimes.(2)

Although the Fortnightly Club is primarily a literary club, it has made contributions to local charities and organizations throughout its history. Some of the organizations include the State Scholarship fund, the Woman’s League, the Hospital Fund, the Salvation Army fund, the Sarah Platt Decker Fund, and the Syrian-Armenian Relief Fund. The Club also contributed money to the University when it was to purchase the organ for Macky Auditorium. The Fortnightly Club continues to service the community of Boulder by encouraging women to explore their education.(3)

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1. Highlights in the History of the Fortnightly Club by Mrs. D.E. McAllister, Boulder Fortnightly Club Collection Box 1 Folder 3

2. Paper presented to Fortnightly by Rosemary Trigg, “One of Boulder’s Cultural Heritages,” Boulder Fortnightly Club Collection Box 8 Bundle 3

3. see footnote 1

From the guide to the Fortnightly Club of Boulder Collection, 1884-2000, (University of Colorado at Boulder Libraries. Archives Dept.)