Round Table of Fargo Records, 1897-2007

The Round Table of Fargo formed in 1897 as a women?s literary club. In 1897 several women met to organize the Fargo Literary Club, there were two other older literary clubs in Fargo at the time, so after a few weeks the name changed to the Round Table after a few weeks. Meetings began on the last Friday of September and ran throughout the year when members were available. Rules that the members followed came from the Parliamentary Usage for Women?s Clubs by Marie Pritchard. For the first five years the club studied English history, art, and literature. Members wrote papers and gave talks and reviews. Prior to the Fargo Public Library, opening in 1905, members bought books directly from the publisher for members to use in programs. After the Fargo Public Library opened in 1903, the members gave the books to the library. The club also gave money for children?s books, and a children?s room for the library. The members were also active in establishing and supporting the YWCA