and 1940s, Co—operatives were established throughout many communities on the Island.

In 1938 the Provincial Co-operative Associations Act formalized co- operative practices and provided a legal basis for the co-operative structure on the Island. The co—operative movement, having been introduced to the community with the Farmer’s Institutes and the Egg Circles in the early 1900s, took root within the community when the St. Peters Co—op was established on September 23rd 1946. Joe Lewis was the first manager of the Co-op and maintained this position for thirty-five years until he retired in 1981. Pearl Hayden, who began working at the Co—op store on October 16th 1946, one month after it opened, retired in 1982 after thirty-six years at the Co-op. Pearl recalled the development of the Co-op:

At the beginning everything was sold in bulk. Flour came in 98lb white cotton bags. Eventually it shifted from bulk to packaged goods. The cash register became modern and inches changed to the metric measurement. Often, Joe put the change in the till in the morning from his own pocket. There were a lot of displays in the big window in the front of the store. There was at one time, an ice- house located on the lot between the store and Jay’s house. Ice was junked up for the pop cooler. The store carried everything, even wallpaper, stove piping, and school supplies. Schoolbooks were ordered from town and sent out. (39)

There were usually nine directors for the Co-op. Pearl recalled the first directors for 1946:

Earl MacEwen — President Danny MacDonald - Secretary

Ivy MacKenzie Carswell Powell Merlin MacInnis Wilfred MacAulay Danny MacIsaac George MacInnis

John J. MacInnis

T0 many, the Co-op was the focal point of the community. According to JOhn Sutherland, "I‘he Co-op looked after a lot of people and gave people

a Chance. It was a trading center and, of course, was a place to Socialize." (40)

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