Jefferson in Greene County, Iowa — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Friday Club
Photographed By Ruth VanSteenwyk, June 21, 2020
1. Friday Club Marker
Inscription.
Friday Club of Jefferson, the oldest Federated club in Greene County and one of the oldest in the state, was founded by eight local women on January 8, 1888 as the Ladies Reading Circle. The name was changed to Friday Club in 1899. The organization was originally both a service group and a study club, but has existed primarily as a study group since 1914, the year the Jefferson Woman's Club was organized. In 1899 Friday Club and Culture Club, with the help from others, held a book social where admittance was a book. The 450 books donated were the start of the first public library located on the north side of the square on the second floor of 202 E. State Street in 1901. The civic-minded Friday Club continues to support local projects but an ill-fated fountain, given to the new library built in 1904, is part of club lore.
Friday Club of Jefferson, the oldest Federated club in Greene County and one of the oldest in the state, was founded by eight local women on January 8, 1888 as the Ladies Reading Circle. The name was changed to Friday Club in 1899. The organization was originally both a service group and a study club, but has existed primarily as a study group since 1914, the year the Jefferson Woman's Club was organized. In 1899 Friday Club and Culture Club, with the help from others, held a book social where admittance was a book. The 450 books donated were the start of the first public library located on the north side of the square on the second floor of 202 E. State Street in 1901. The civic-minded Friday Club continues to support local projects but an ill-fated fountain, given to the new library built in 1904, is part of club lore.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Fraternal or Sororal Organizations • Women. A significant historical date for this entry is January 8, 1888.
Location. 42° 0.925′ N, 94° 22.448′ W. Marker is in Jefferson, Iowa, in Greene County. Marker is on East Lincolnway Street west of North Chestnut Street, on the right when traveling west. Located near the Greene County Courthouse next to the Lincoln statue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 114 N Chestnut St, Jefferson IA 50129, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Credits. This page was last revised on March 16, 2021. It was originally submitted on March 16, 2021, by Ruth VanSteenwyk of Aberdeen, South Dakota. This page has been viewed 118 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on March 16, 2021, by Ruth VanSteenwyk of Aberdeen, South Dakota. • Mark Hilton was the editor who published this page.
