Georgie Lefurgey , Winnie Dawson , Gertrude Inman , Minnie Delaney , Margaret Johnson , Nettie Callbeck , and Pearl Ramsay , the school teacher, were present and elected Gertrude Inman president and Miss Ramsay secretary-treasurer. The organization met on the first Wednes¬ day of the month and had as its objectives: 1. To help women acquire sound and approved practices for greater home efficiency; 2. To stimulate and train women for leadership; 3. To develop a more abundant life in our rural communities and a deeper appreciation of the things near at hand; 4. To develop better, happier and more useful citizens. The North Tryon Women's Institute felt that a good education was an essential component in reaching its objectives and much of the Institutes focus through the years was to improve the local school. Institute records for the first thirty years were lost in a fire that destroyed the Hillus and Blanche Cairns house. Information about the organization during those years has been gathered from members and from the provincial office. Alma Lea was secretary in 1939 with 21 members; Hildred Lea was secretary in 1940 with 18 members; Bertha Callbeck was secretary in 1941 with 15 members; and Adelaide Wood was secretary from 1942 to 1947 with between 12 and 14 members.3 No records exist listing the branch presidents; however, it is known that during the war years from 1939 to 1944 the Institute ladies gathered at the George and Charlotte Ives house where they made quilts, and knit socks and vests for the men Taking a break: Mabel Tennock Ives, Minnie Delaney , Charlotte Dawson Ives , Victoria Thomas Sharkey , and Helena Gamble Ives. Frances Roberts collection. 104