For Home and Country

The first Women’s Institute was founded in Canada in 1897. Adelaide Sophie Hoodless, nee Hunter met with wives of fellow farmers in Stoney Creek, Ontario. Because of her efforts, Women’s Institutes spread across Canada and the world. The loss of Adelaide Hoodless’s 14-month-old son, John, from unpasteurized milk began her life-long crusade. She blamed herself for not knowing what ailed her infant. Adelaide was determined to educate women in Domestic Science (home economics) and prevent any other deaths of this kind. She was a passionate advocate for health and well-being of families in rural areas of Canada where it was difficult for information to be heard. She stressed hygiene, cleanliness and frugality. Today, there

are over nine million members in 70 countries around the world.