When the community became aware that the property would be sold, and public access could be restricted, or denied, an agreement was reached on March 1, 1962, to purchase the property from the former owner, Mrs. Orin MacGregor, for the sum of $1000.00.

The money for this purchase was available due to the generosity of the defunct Stanley Bridge Rink Committee, and whose property and cash assets had been transferred to the Institute.

John Fyfe was asked to make repairs to the cottage and the Minister of Highways, Hon. J .P. Matheson, was asked to have the road crews build a parking area along the pavement, filling in the ditch along the property. An evening was spent trimming trees, and cleaning up the area followed by a social hour with the ladies serving wieners, tea and cold drinks to all the volun—

teers.

Each spring, interested citizens of Stanley Bridge and surrounding districts, presented a concert in the Hall, and all proceeds from this concert were used to defray the cost of repairs and expenses at the Swimming Rock. This was a major contribution to this area and did keep the area presentable for use. Summer residents have also contributed financially to this area and

their assistance is greatly appreciated.

1963 being the Golden Anniversary of our Provincial Institute, an Island competition was held for Most Improved Institute holdings. The members entered “The Swimming Rock” area and

won the first prize of $50.00.

The volunteer work of John Fyfe on the repair of the cottage was recognized at the 50th Anniversary celebration of Sterling W.I. when John and Anna Fyfe were presented with an

Island scene.

In April 1977, the Sterling Women’s Institute bought Stanley Bridge school for $376.00. With school consolidation the demise of the one-room school was inevitable. The Institute members had invested a great deal of money and energy in their community school, and when the school ceased to operate in 1976, the decision was made to purchase the property.

With decreased school enrollment, the WI. members had from time to time used the upper room of the school as a meeting place for numerous activities. When the enrollment increased the upper room reverted to a classroom. Fortuitously, the Masons offered to lease the lower hall of their building to the W1. for a 25 year period, thereby ensuring a meeting room for commu— nity activities. The only condition attached for using the Hall was that occupancy of the lower hall could not be held on the nights that the Masons wish to hold meetings. The W.I. members agreed to maintain the lower part of the hall, and repairs were begun in order to have concerts,

card parties, and suppers.

It was evident that this group of energetic women were determined to maintain and refurbish this historic building. Consequently the Masonic Order decided to sell this property on January 10, 1978 to Sterling Women’s Institute for the sum of $2000.00.

Since that year, the members have worked continually to increase their assets by having pot— luck suppers, catering to suppers - especially the Masons, which became an annual event, rent— ing the Hall to organized groups, and providing a building for the use of family gatherings, 4—H Banquets, films, Swimming Instructor’s use, A.A. socials, anniversaries, showers and wedding receptions for local residents, family reunions, church pot-luck suppers, card parties, district meetings, meet-your-neighbor nights and yearly variety concerts.

The Institute members realized that the acquisition of these historic buildings was the easy part, the maintenance and repair would prove to be more challenging. From 1978 to 1995, the fol-

lowing repair and renovations were carried out.

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