The Fortnightly

The Fortnightly is Great Falls' oldest social club, established in 1884, and hosts four dinner/dance The Fortnightly is Great Falls' oldest social club.

Originally called the Young People's Dancing Club, it was reorganized in 1884 and the name changed to the Fortnightly. Dances given by the club were among the highlights of Great Falls' social life. Many of the original members are well known residents. One prominent and memorable Great Falls resident, Charles M. Russell is one such example. One biographical account of C.M. Russell's Fortnightly e

xperience comes from "Charles M. Russell: The Life and Legend of America's Cowboy Artist" by John Taliaferro. It reads,
"As a couple, Charlie and Nancy [Russell] gave and attended dinner parties. In the winter of 1914-15, they took dancing lessons and attended the formal Fortnightly balls in the Palm Room at the Rainbow Hotel, where Great Falls society attempted the latest steps sweeping the country. Surprisingly, Charlie seemed to enjoy the occasions more than Nancy, and sometimes he showed up at Fortnightly by himself." Articles in the Great Falls Tribune "In-Society" section date back as far as December 30, 1900. That article describes the dress worn by "Mrs. Charles M. Russell {dotted blue silk with lace}." The Fortnightly balls were events which showcased wonderful music, dance and festivities, but also a place to socialize and be seen. The Fortnightly became inactive for some time after World War I, but was revived around 1937 and has continued on ever since. In that time, there have been minor variations in the organization, but the main purpose remains. Fortnightly hosts formal dinner and dance events between November and June. There are four events in a season. They are held in November, February, April and June. The June event is less formal. Some of the events carry a theme. In 2015-16, the Fortnightly will hold two themed events. The November 14, 2015 event will be a 1920s Speakeasy theme. For the February 6, 2016 event, the Fortnightly is pairing up with the Military Affairs Committee to host a 1940's USO themed dance featuring the New Bud Nichols Big Band. The Fortnightly has a limited number of members, but is currently seeking new members for this great organization. Anyone who enjoys wonderful music, delicious food, dancing, and dressing up will be right at home in this historic club. Fortnightly has been a part of Great Falls for over 120 years and will continue to grace this fine city for years to come. Welcome to the Fortnightly, we look forward to meeting you! Best Regards,

The Fortnightly Board

11/17/2015

11/06/2015

Join us at the Fortnightly's 1920's Speakeasy Soirée on Saturday, November 14th at the Meadow Lark Country Club. Please contact Dave at 406-207-2094 or email at [email protected] to RSVP no later than Wednesday, November 11 . You must reserve in advance and either formal or 1920s (preferred) attire is required.

Tumbledown House’s Bay Area jazz coming to Great Falls

11/06/2015

Here's a little something about Tumbledown House, who will be performing for the Fortnightly on November 14th at our 1920s Speakeasy Soirée.

Tumbledown House’s Bay Area jazz coming to Great Falls Out on the Town by Pete Swanson

Step into the past with the Fortnightly dance group

11/06/2015

Here is a great article about the Fortnightly from the Great Falls Tribune, which will appear in the paper on Sunday, November 8, 2015. Thanks for a great article Traci!!!

Step into the past with the Fortnightly dance group The dinner and dance group hopes new members will keep them going for another century.

11/05/2015

The Fortnightly is looking for past photos of members at Fortnightly events throughout the years. Please send your photos, or photos of family members, to us at [email protected]. Please include the year the photos were taken along with the names of the people in each photo. Thank you.

11/03/2015

10/28/2015

Fortnightly annual membership dues are $70 per couple and $35 for individuals.

We offer limited memberships for those who live more than 50 miles from Great Falls and who live out of state during the winter months (snowbirds), which limits members to two events per season. Limited Membership dues are $35 for a couple and $17.50 for singles.

Dues are used to pay for the bands and other costs related to our events, such as decorations, invitation postage, etc.

10/24/2015

The Fortnightly hosts 4 events this season [November 2015 through June 2016] on the following dates:

November 14, 2015 at the Meadow Lark Country Club
Music: Tumbledown House (San Francisco)
Attire: 1920s costume (preferred) or formal

February 6, 2016 at the Meadow Lark Country Club
Music: New Bud Nichols Big Band (Great Falls)
Attire: 1940s military/other 40s (preferred) or formal

April 9, 2016 at the Meadow Lark Country Club
Music: Betty Jane Trio (Great Falls)
Attire: formal

June 11, 2016 at the Meadow Lark Country Club
Music: Tucker Down (Helena)
Attire: dress casual, beach theme

10/23/2015

The Fortnightly Fall 2015 Event is a 1920s Speakeasy Soiree.
When: Saturday, November 14, 2015
Where: Meadow Lark Country Club
Times: Free Charleston Lesson at 5:00 p.m.
Cocktail Hour at 6:00 p.m.
Dinner at 7:00 p.m.
Dancing at 8:00 p.m.
Attire: 1920s costume (preferred) or formal
Entertainment: Tumbledown House
Price: $76.00 Couple and $38.00 single

10/23/2015

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Location

Great Falls

Website

facebook.com

Address

P O Box 267
Great Falls, MT
59403

Opening Hours

Monday	8am - 5pm
Tuesday	8am - 5pm
Wednesday	8am - 5pm
Thursday	8am - 5pm
Friday	8am - 5pm
Saturday	10am - 5pm
Sunday	9am - 5pm

The Fortnightly

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