A Canadian Original: Local Women’s Institutes Continue the Tradition

Mt. Pleasant Women’s Institute members Arlene, Judy, Marilyn, Jo Ellen, Bev, Beth, Linda and Elaine at their monthly meeting in their hall where they are planning their program for the upcoming year. The historic building is the site of many happy community gatherings. Photo: Karen Graham

Mt. Pleasant Women’s Institute members Arlene, Judy, Marilyn, Jo Ellen, Bev, Beth, Linda and Elaine at their monthly meeting in their hall where they are planning their program for the upcoming year. The historic building is the site of many happy community gatherings. Photo: Karen Graham

 

It could conceivably be called the first feminist organization in Canada. The Women’s Institute, now an international organization with branches around the world, was founded in Stoney Creek, Ontario. An educated, middle class mother of four living in Hamilton, Adelaide Hoodless became distraught over the death of her youngest son; a death attributed to “summer milk fever”, likely caused by the consumption of unpasteurized milk. Her response to the tragedy was to seek a way to help other women learn more about their domestic responsibilities. While there were a variety of sources of information for men providing education about scientific developments in farming industry, there was no comparable help for women. Hoodless began to lobby for domestic science education for girls in public schools and universities so women could learn how to improve domestic hygiene and the science of food preparation. The Women’s Institute sprang from the idea of establishing an organization for rural women, and the first meeting was held in Stoney Creek in 1897.   By 1919, there were branches located across the country, with regular meetings providing education as well as social activities, and in 1915, the first British group was formed.

The organization’s focus was to improve the life of rural women, which they did through practical training including safe canning processes, milk handling and kitchen design, but soon their mandate stretched to broader issues affecting women including farm succession and estate plans. WI members also took active roles in supporting the Canadian war efforts during both world wars. While most WI activities were focused on local community issues, the members also used their collective weight to lobby government for changes related to women’s issues. From its beginnings, the organization has extended its concern beyond their communities with charitable support of domestic and international causes. Pennies for Friendship was one of their original charitable programs launched in 1930 which financed gifts overseas.

There are two local WI organizations that continue to operate in our area: in Mount Pleasant and in Bailieboro. Both began in 1905 and while their member counts have dwindled, they still adhere to the mission and goals of this venerable women’s organization.

Their monthly meetings always include an educational component and a social time. Members assume the responsibility for organizing one of the meetings, which will feature a guest speaker such as local Garden Club President Wendy Olsen who explained the finer points of putting the garden to bed for the winter. The Mount Pleasant branch has the luxury and responsibility of owning their own hall, located on County Rd. 10. The group acquired the hall for $1 from the Good Templers, a men’s temperance movement, on the condition that they wouldn’t hold dances there. They use the building for their own meetings, but also as a location to draw the community together when they host community dinners, breakfasts, and other community events of local interest, including municipal candidate debates. The hall is the only community space where neighbours can congregate, and it is a lovely heritage building lovingly maintained. Recently they have been hosting Friday evening Coffee House events featuring local musicians, which are now their main source of fundraising. The money raised is donated to a charitable organization selected each year at their District association meeting, and this year the recipient is Farms at Work.

President Jo Ellen Brydon joined the group eleven years ago, after attending the events with her family over the years. A well-known local artist, Brydon believes the Mt. Pleasant WI members form the heart of the community, and participation in this group makes her feel more connected and more grounded. She also enjoys opportunity to serve the community where she has lived and raised her family for more than 30 years.

The Bailieboro WI members face similar isolation, as even their local school has been closed. The group often meets in the Centreville Presbyterian hall or in a member`s home for their monthly meetings, unless they are going on a `field trip` like their recent visit to the studios of CHEX TV . Despite having only 13 members on the roster, they continue to find ways to support the community and each other through their ongoing activities. Their annual luncheon, which is open to the public, will take place on March 22nd at the Centreville hall and will feature a recreation therapist hosting a `laughter yoga` session.

Both local groups embrace the vision of the organization, which is a not-for-profit organization with affiliates around the world. Working locally by providing educational programs and social engagement, they also think globally by advocating for social changes that improve the circumstances of all women, striving to build healthy communities that nurture the personal growth of all women. They welcome new members in their cause.

By Karen Graham

Tagged , . Bookmark the permalink.

Leave a Reply