In 1896 communication was slow between Oklahoma communities and GFWC Headquarters in Washington, D.C. It was a remarkable feat for GFWC, within Indian Territory, to form clubs in this timeframe. Hanging Judge Parker’s wife, Mary O’Toole, discussed formation of a GFWC club with interested ladies in McAlester with Mrs. Mike Conlan, President of the Indian Territory Federated Clubs. The Fortnightly Club was formed with 46 members electing Lucy Yantis as the first President in 1903, then being Federated in February, 1904. The mission of this club was “broader culture, helpfulness toward others, and to found a library for the City of McAlester.”
These dedicated community minded women started the first public library in McAlester by collecting volumes of books from individual donations. It was not until 1913, due to the increase of membership and to broaden interests and activities, Fortnightly became two departments. Literary Department which supported the public library and offered volunteers as librarians and the Civic Department taking an active role in the development of this city. The creation of Chadick Park with playgrounds for children and all citizens was led by 1912-1914 Fortnightly President, Mrs. Stella Arnote. Stella initiated the writing of the Carnegie Grant and was awarded $25,000 to build the first stand alone Library structure in McAlester dedicated on April 16, 1914.
The Literary Department members served as literacy tutors and provided secretarial skills for illiterate adults at the library. They arranged art programs within the city bringing noted orators for book readings and theatrical plays, along with artists to increase culture within this community. Each year a topic and timeframe was chosen and considered more fully for history, literature and art during each meeting.
By the mid-1960s, the successful library had once again outgrown its building. Voters approved a City bond issue for a new library, and construction began at the present site in 1968. McAlester Library has been part of the Southeastern Oklahoma Library System (SEOLS) since the late 1960’s. On May 9, 1970 the library opened at 401 N. 2nd Street where it has remained for more than 50 years. Fortnightly dedication to the Library continues with a monetary donation to the 2025 commencement of the remodeling of this library.
During the time frame of 1960 to 2024, Literary Department members continue edifying themselves with current literature while their interests have grown to include philanthropic volunteering with in-kind and monetary donations for the various not for profit humanitarian improvement organizations within the city. Volunteers continue to serve leadership positions within GFWC Oklahoma Southeast District and also State.
While different Department interests have come and gone, we find the current Arts and Crafts Department which was originally formed as the Ceramic and Crafts Department in 1961 thriving. This group offers their well known yearly Holiday Bazaar the first Monday in November to raise funds for non-profit organizations in this area. Citizens from the area look forward to this grand affair decorated for the holidays including music, a delicious salad buffet and desserts, intriguing silent auction items to bid on and wonderful fellowship. Many members serve on the Fortnightly Board of Directors in different capacities from elected officer to program chairwoman.
The year of 1993 found new departments being formed. Casual Gourmet Department founded by Fortnightly President 2004-2006, Dolores Miller, continues their philanthropic work serving on various boards for non-profit organizations, participating in community food banks, a hand knitting project creating hats for infants born at the hospital, and E-Angels, the brain child within this department which solicits all members to help provide new clothing for deprived students in our area.
Also founded in 1993, Cornerstone Creations featured handmade gift and decorating items for sale during their yearly Holiday Craft Show. Proceeds were donated to non-profit organizations. Members became interested in Child Abuse Prevention leading Fortnightly members to participate in yearly conferences for seven years. All Fortnightly members participated by creating delicious breakfast items for the conference participants. The Youth Emergency Shelter and Ryan’s Run, funding a crisis intervention center for abused children, all benefitted from Fortnightly efforts. This culminated with Fortnightly being awarded the GFWC Pinwheels for Prevention Creativity Award during the 2014 International Convention. Members of the 1950 created Homemakers Department transferred into Cornerstone in 2018. The members of Cornerstone department then transferred into the Arts and Crafts or Literary departments in 2023.
Members continue to be awarded by GFWC OK for their service hours along with monetary and in-kind donations within service projects. During the past ten years, these awards have been within all twelve GFWC award categories. Most noted is the 2014 GFWC International “Pinwheels for Prevention Creativity Award” for Domestic Violence Prevention and Awareness Program volunteer service performed from 2012-2013.
McAlester Fortnightly Club continues volunteer work in Pittsburg County celebrating 120 years of affiliation within GFWC International. Each month of 2024, an article was written, photos taken and submitted to the MCALESTER NEWS CAPITAL newspaper and online social media sites. Submissions were then sent to GFWC OK for the State website and to the publicity department of GFWC International.
The projects include: a proclamation event by the Mayor of McAlester congratulating this Club for 120 years of service; participating in GFWC International Day of Service by providing pantry items to the local Youth Emergency Shelter; Annual Spring Banquet which includes awarding two area high school students receipt of a yearly scholarship; creating knitted and crocheted baby hats for those born at McAlester Regional Health Center; sealing a painted mural in town from the weather; providing monetary and in-kind donations to the McAlester Public Library for renovation of the fifty year old building; creating and distributing Blessing Bags for homeless individuals during the winter; hosting the yearly Holiday luncheon and fundraising event to be distributed to the non-profit organizations within the city;
Submitted by Angie Sellmeyer, SE District and Club Past President serving as current GFWC OK and Club Historian at mcafortnightly@gmail.com