MAPLE LEAF WOMEN’S INSTITUTE

Traveller's Rest Women's Institute was organized on July 25, 1913 and included members from Traveller‘s Rest, Sherbrooke and New Annan. The first officers were Mrs. John J. Hall (Grace Marchbank), president; Mrs. Major Townsend. (Lizzie Brown). vice-president; and Miss S. M. Mac- Neil, secretary-treasurer.

At the August meeting in 1913, a petition Signed by all members called for a ban on the running of automobiles on Island roads.

At the September meeting, the name Maple Leaf suggested by Miss Sara MacNeiI was selected as the name of the branch.

The districts continued to work in unison carrying out to the fullest the aims and objectives of the institute. and, by so doing, set an example for future members to work for Home and Country.

During World War I, members worked for Red Cross, Navy League, British Empire War Relief Fund, Prisoners of War, Belgian Relief and Halifax disaster.

The industry of members can be gauged by their production of 1,575 pairs of knitted socks, 30 pairs of mittens, in addition to hospital shirts,

pyjamas, quilts, comfort bags and ambulance pillows. They also donated boxes of clothing for refugees and victims of the Halifax disaster.

In 1921 the Institute was instrumental in having a monument erected on the Hall grounds to honor four boys who sacrificed their lives in the war. Following World War ll the names of four more boys who had made the supreme sacrifice were inscribed thereon.

In March 1921, the members decided to form two Institutes. Traveller's Rest retained the name Maple Leaf and officers were Mrs. Harry Walker, president; Mrs. John W. Hall, vice-president; Miss Emmeline Marchbank, secretary; Miss Etta Walker, treasurer.

An annex to the community hall was built in 1926. Maintained by the members. it has been used as a club room for all the community through- out the years.

In 1938 at their anniversary meeting in July, Emmeline Marchbank read a summary of the lnstitute’s work over the past twenty-five years which she had compiled.

During and following World War ii the members sewed and knitted articles for the servicemen and sent many food parcels to Britain and else- where. Boxes of good used clothing were packed and shipped to Europe. Many warm quilts were also included in the shipments.

Some of our members attended Civil Defense meetings and partici- pated in Civil Defense Courses.

The members also took an active interest in the upkeep of the com- munity hall. school and monument. Donations were made to many voluntary organizations. At their regular meetings time was allotted for educational and recreational programs followed by a social period over a cup of tea.

July 1953 was a milestone in the life of the Traveller‘s Rest Women's Institute when they celebrated their fortieth anniversary at Birch Hill Tour- ist Home. Four of the five living charter members were present namely:

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