1958-1968

On October 23, 1958, a mining disaster occurred in Springhill, Nova Scotia. Seventy-five men were killed, 100 men were trapped and eventually rescued. The cause was reported to be from a bump (an underground earthquake). In November, the Knutsford Women’s Institute sent $5 to the Springhill Disaster Fund. Prince Philip visited the miners in hospital and later, the site of the

horrific mining disaster.

In 1959, the Prince Edward Island Women’s Institute adopted a son through the Foster Parents Plan of the U.S.C. (Unitarian Service Committee). The little boy’s name was Venkatesan from India. Mrs. Robert Woodside was convener for the Provincial U.N. Letter Friends and Exchange

Program at the time and through her efforts Vankatesan, an Indian orphan, was adopted.

New causes added to the long list they already raised funds for including the Orphan Fund, the Scholarship fund, Crippled Children’s Fund, Unitarian Fund, United Appeal, Foster Parent’s Plan, CAC (Children’s Advocacy Centre) and the Blind and Special Needs Children. A pantry sale at the Co-op raised $23 for Hospital Aid.

The July meeting took place at the cottage of the president, Verna (Mrs. Brenton) Smallman. A

lovely luncheon of wieners and rolls was enjoyed.

It was decided at the November 1959 regular meeting that the president and secretary attend a

leadership course in Summerside, P.E.I.

After the close of the June regular meeting, the members presented Mrs. Avard Harris with a

stepstool. They all joined in and sang, For She is a Jolly Good Fellow.

The Handy Craft Van was introduced in 1953. Its main purpose was to encourage home sewing and handcrafts for the economic and cultural benefit of rural women. The Department of Agriculture provided a vehicle to transport instructors to their rural destinations. The PEIWI provided the necessary equipment, and the institute branches were responsible to provide a suitable location to meet for the handicraft instruction. Also, accommodations needed to be provided for the instructors for a two-week period. Classes were offered in sewing, weaving,

leather glove-making, dressmaking and stenciling. Evening and daytime classes were offered.

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