The Thursday Music Club was organized 1898 to "promote the knowledge and enjoyment of good music." The first members included: Mrs. C. T. Kittredge, President; Mrs. W. A. Gordon, Vice-President; Miss Florence Bosard, Secretary-Treasurer; Mrs. J. E. Cooley; Mrs. W. A. Currie; Mrs. R. D. Campbell. Initially, membership was by audition only and included only performing musicians who were residents of Grand Forks. Membership was soon available to anyone "interested in music and extending it to the community" and able to pay club dues. The Thursday Music Club Chorus began in 1904. In 1919, the Club affiliated with the National Federation of Music Clubs and was the prime mover in organizing the North Dakota branch. This branch had its first annual state convention in Grand Forks, in 1920. The club encouraged the formation of Junior Federated Music Clubs in the high schools beginning in the 1920's and initiated a Rural School Music Project. During WWII, the Club began a radio program which broadcast fifteen minute monthly radio programs of members' performances. The Club sponsored Young Artists Contests and its scholarship fund awarded scholarships to the Peace Garden Music Camp, to UND music students, and sent money to the State and National Federation of Music Clubs for scholarships. The post-war years saw the Thursday Music Club continue to grow. Membership was steady. The Club was also responsible for numerous concerts held by musicians from around the world. In 1995, the Club created the Gold Note Award, designed to honor those who promoted the enjoyment and appreciation of music in the Grand Forks area. The 1997 Red River Flood also effected the Thursday Music Club. Musical scores used by the Thursday Music Club Chorus were lost, and the location for the traditional Christmas Musicale was moved. In 1998, the Club celebrated its 100th Anniversary.
From the description of Records, 1898-1998. (University of North Dakota). WorldCat record id: 24878125
