About Us:
Welcome to The Haddon Fortnightly, a vibrant civic and social club dedicated to empowering women since 1894. Nestled in the heart of historic Haddonfield, our club is proud to be a member of the New Jersey State Federation of Women's Clubs and the General Federation of Women's Clubs. With a rich history and a commitment to fostering social, cultural, and educational opportunities, we host hundreds of private and public events each year. For more information on rentals, tours, and membership, please visit our contact page.
Please click on the box below to read an Introduction letter from our Club President
Our History:
Margaret Bancroft
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On September 21, 1894, a group of twelve women met at the home of Miss Margaret Bancroft in Haddonfield to establish a center for “the promotion of the educational, literary and social interests of women”. They named this group “The Haddon Fortnightly”.
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The Haddon Fortnightly - Through the Years
1894–2024
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1894 – The women met twice a month—thus the name “Fortnightly.” Each member would bring her own cup, saucer, plate, and spoon.
1904 – A lease was signed, granting The Haddon Fortnightly use of the second floor of “The Old Tavern House” (The Indian King) for a yearly rental fee of $120.00.
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1918 – The only Women’s College in the United States to be opened by Clubwomen, The New Jersey College for Women, now Douglass Residential College, was established.
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1936 – The Evening Membership Department of The Haddon Fortnightly was organized.
It was federated in 1938.
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1940s – During the war efforts, Juniors purchased an ambulance for the town and hosted the Red Cross.
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1947 – Mrs. Eleanor Roosevelt was a guest speaker at The Haddon Fortnightly.
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1956 – We celebrated the last payment on a mortgage with a Burning of the Mortgage Ceremony.
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1970 – In memory of an outgoing president, friends purchased a set of Spode China that we still enjoy today.
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1974 – Our beautiful clubhouse was placed on both the NJ and National Registers of Historic Places.
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1981 – The Evening Membership Department gifted a dozen brass chandeliers for our Club Room.
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2008 – Members attended the General Federation of Women’s Clubs International Convention in Philadelphia and learned etiquette from Emily Post’s Great-Granddaughter.
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2014 – The Haddon Fortnightly awards 6 scholarships to graduating seniors at Haddonfield Memorial High School, including an Art Scholarship.
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2024 – We were both humbled and honored to celebrate our 130 th Anniversary​
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2025 - We are proud to be a service organization. Our service is… to our club, its home, to the community and to our fellow men and women.
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Today, we celebrate the women who came before us and upon whose shoulders we stand as we continue to fulfill our legacy of service for many more years!
The History of our Clubhouse:
The First Methodist Church of Haddonfield completed the construction of its second church and opened its doors in 1857. It served its parishioners and community faithfully for over fifty years.
With the completion of the new Methodist church in 1912 the building was sold and then rented to the Artisans Order of Mutual Protection a Social and Fraternal Order.
In 1922 , The Haddonfield Civic Association together with women of The Haddon Fortnightly, purchased the building as a town meeting place.
In 1931, The Haddonfield Civic Association sold their share of the building to The Haddon Fortnightly, which is still owned and used as their clubhouse till the present day.
In 1973, The Haddon Fortnightly was placed on both the New Jersey and National Register of Historic Places.
Make a donation
Please join us in our mission to renovate and preserve The Haddon Fortnightly, ensuring that its rich endures for future generations. Your support is vital in maintaining this institution and its contributions to our community. Together, we create a lasting impact and honor the history that defines us. Thank you for being a part of this important journey.
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