The Thursday Club of Saint Paul was formed on May 14, 1894, during a meeting held at the home of Mrs. Henry P. Upham. The purpose of the club was to provide a forum for young women to engage in literary study. Mrs. Clinton J. (Carrie Haskins) Backus, an instructor of history, literature and mathematics at the Baldwin Seminary helped to organize the club and served as its director from 1894 until her resignation in 1909 when she was made an honorary president.
The club was organized with twenty-five charter members. Its first meeting was held on October 4, 1894. The secretary’s first annual report, given on February 7, 1895, identified 102 members. Members’ dues were $3.00.
Meetings were held the third Thursday of each month from October through May until 1899. Beginning in 1899 the club met on the second Thursday of each month from October through April.
In the 1970’s membership grew to nearly 200 members. In the 1980’s membership fluctuated between 200 to 225 members. Annual dues were $20.00. In 1999 the membership voted to hold luncheon meetings from September to June and omit meetings in February and March. In 2023 Thursday Club membership is 212, spanning ages 50 to 90 who meet to enjoy each other’s company over lunch and stimulating programs.
In 130 years, Thursday Club has seen many changes to which it has adapted as reflected by the continued strength of its membership. Most importantly, the core values of friendship and lifelong learning remains unchanged.
The club was organized with twenty-five charter members. Its first meeting was held on October 4, 1894. The secretary’s first annual report, given on February 7, 1895, identified 102 members. Members’ dues were $3.00.
Meetings were held the third Thursday of each month from October through May until 1899. Beginning in 1899 the club met on the second Thursday of each month from October through April.
In the 1970’s membership grew to nearly 200 members. In the 1980’s membership fluctuated between 200 to 225 members. Annual dues were $20.00. In 1999 the membership voted to hold luncheon meetings from September to June and omit meetings in February and March. In 2023 Thursday Club membership is 212, spanning ages 50 to 90 who meet to enjoy each other’s company over lunch and stimulating programs.
In 130 years, Thursday Club has seen many changes to which it has adapted as reflected by the continued strength of its membership. Most importantly, the core values of friendship and lifelong learning remains unchanged.