Vincennes in Knox County, Indiana — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Vincennes Fortnightly Club and Clubhouse
Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, May 29, 2023
1. Vincennes Fortnightly Club and Clubhouse Marker, Side One
A group of women interested in the works of William Shakespeare founded a literary society on November 11, 1891. It's the oldest non- sectarian women's club in Vincennes. Extensive philanthropic work at local and state levels include advocacy for child welfare, public sanitation, and women's suffrage. Lead effort to secure funding from Andrew Carnegie for the construction of a public library and permanent tax levy with which to support it.
Club members rescued the Indiana Territorial Capitol from demolition in 1919: cultivated in community, a love of history, art, literature, music and theater. The Fortnightly Clubhouse was dedicated on September 25, 1928. This French Renaissance style building is one of the first buildings in Indiana to be erected solely as a permanent clubhouse for women. In 2000 it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Erected by Vincennes Historical and Antiquarian Society.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Fraternal or Sororal Organizations • Women. In addition, it is included in the National Register of Historic Places series list. A significant historical date for this entry is November 11, 1891.
Location. 38° 40.76′ N, 87°
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Vincennes' Carnegie Library (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Cradle of Freemasonry in Indiana (approx. 0.2 miles away); Niblack Mansion (approx. 0.2 miles away); Knox County (Indiana) Civil War Memorial (approx. 0.2 miles away); Knox County Veterans Memorial Park (approx. 0.2 miles away); Knox County (Indiana) Gold Star Honor Roll (approx. 0.2 miles away); Mary Clark (approx. ¼ mile away); The First Presbyterian Church In Indiana Territory (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Vincennes.
Also see . . .
1. Vincennes Fortnightly Club. Discover Indiana website entry:
Before women were allowed to vote (1917 in Indiana, 1920 nationally), clubs and organizations were the only accepted way for women to take an active role in social reform. ( Indiana Division of Historic Preservation and Archaeology) (Submitted on June 20, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)
2. The Vincennes Fortnightly Club (PDF). National Register
Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, May 28, 2023
2. Vincennes Fortnightly Club and Clubhouse Marker, Side Two
Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, May 29, 2023
3. Vincennes Fortnightly Club and Clubhouse Marker
Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, May 29, 2023
4. Vincennes Fortnightly Clubhouse Detail
Credits. This page was last revised on October 23, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 20, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 72 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on June 20, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
