The Fortnightly Club was founded in 1893 by the wife of Summit's 1899 mayor to "bring before its members questions of permanent and current interest thus forming a common meeting ground for women of the community." From the beginning, the Fortnightly Club considered service to the community one of its primary goals. The first recorded service was a reception on May 4, 1894 at which guests contributed 132 books to the Public Library, support for which has continued to the present day. On April 22, 1897, the Fortnightly Club called a town meeting at which the Town Improvement Association was formed, which functioned until 1949. It was responsible for the first garbage collection, snow plowing, mosquito control and milk inspection. The Social Services Committee financed the first visiting nurse, sponsored playgrounds and opened a store to sell used clothing. In 1934, it became the Thrift Shop now run by the Junior League. During World War II, members provided contributions and active support to the Red Cross, USO, foreign relief and other charitable services through, in succession, the Emergency Welfare Committee, the Welfare Department and Volunteer Services. Now, the Community Services Department focuses on support of GFWC, NJSFWC and local educational projects. Other departments of the Fortnightly Club have led to lasting community organizations - from the Art Department, the Summit Art Association; from the Music Department, the Summit Chorale. Through General and Department meetings, the Club continues to "bring before its members questions of permanent and current interest". These meetings are now open to the public.
