LOWER FREETOWN WOMEN'S INSTITUTE

On May 25, 1923, ten years after the first Women’s Institute was formed on Prince Edward Island, the women of Lower Freetown met in the “Old Hall”, to organize a Women’s Institute Branch. The meeting was held in the afternoon, and Miss Bessie Carruthers was present as organizer. The regular date for meetings was set for the third Wednesday of each month. Miss Alice Cairns was elected President, Mrs. Scott Jardine, Vice—President and Mrs. Frank Cairns, Secretary—treasurer. Directors named were: Mrs. Jardine Stavert, Mrs. Elton Cairns, Miss Ruth Cairns, and Auditors: Miss Mabel Burns and Mrs. D.M. Bernard.

Two delegates were appointed to attend the Annual Convention in Charlottetown on June 1 1th and 12th.

Minutes of the July meeting of this first year are interesting. Members voted to pay $15.00 on the teacher’s salary, and an ice cream social was planned: the ice cream, of course, to be homemade. August minutes report proceeds of $31.00, also mention that 23 pounds of leftover cream were sent to the factory, and eggs not used sold for $1.54.

Nine Charter members joined the Institute at this first meeting. Of these, only four survive, — Mrs. Elton Cairns of Lower Frectown.Mrs. Frank Cairns, now residing with her daughter in Suffolk, P.E.I., Miss Alice Cairns of Ottawa, and her sister, Ruth, now Mrs. Edson Raynor of Clermont. By the end of the first year, membership had risen to nineteen. it was a busy year. They engaged a painter, planned and financed the painting of the interior of the school, had a Hallowe’en party, prepared a play which they presented in the Local Hall and also in New Glasgow Hall, had a bean supper and various other activities. It is interesting to note that admission fee for the play was 20 cents for school children and 35 cents for adults. Homemade candy was sold, made by those members not taking part in the play.

In 1953 Life Membership pins were presented to three Charter Members, Mrs. Elton Cajms, Mrs. Frank Cairns, and Mrs. Jardine Stavert (now deceased) in recognition of their many years of faithful service.

In 1973 the Women’s Institute will celebrate its Fiftieth Anniversary. Through the years, its members have been engaged in many activities and projects. The school was a major concern, and a teacher had only to suggest something needed for her own work, or for the benefit of her pupils, and it was promptly supplied by the Institute School Committee. Picnics at school closing were always happy occasions with treats and sports for the children and a bountiful meal for young and old.