WOMEN’S ORGANIZATIONS

The first Women’s Institute was organized in 1897 by Adelaide Hoodless at Stoney Creek, Ontario. Its purpose was to discuss rural problems of interest to women. Branches of the Women’s Institute now exist world- wide, from the Prince Edward Island Women’s Institute (PEIWI), through the Federated Women’s Institutes of Canada (FWIC) to the Associated Country Women of the World (ACWW). Their motto is FOR HOME AND COUNTRY and the Mission Statement is Women’s Institute is an education- al organization focusing on the family, personal growth and community action.

On Prince Edward Island, branches Of the Women’s Institute have been organized in different districts at various times. The first meeting of the Bideford Women’s Institute was held at the home of Mrs. Gordon Millar on October 12, 1944. Members who joined at the first meeting were Mrs. William Grant, Mrs. Rosa McDonald, Mrs. Clifford Williams, Mrs. Keith MacDougall, Mrs. Leith Hayes, Mrs. John Coughlin, Mrs. Gordon Millar, Mrs. Arthur Milligan, Mrs. Ivan Millar, Mrs. Russell Grant, Mrs. Ernest Paynter and Mrs. Clarence Cook. The first executive was Mrs. Keith MacDougall, President; Mrs. Ivan Millar, Vice-President; Mrs. William Grant, Secretary-Treasurer.

Institute members work together for the benefit of their families and their community, receiving personal benefit themselves. They have been successful in bringing about improvements when they have united in expressing concerns. They exchange recipes, patterns, plant slips, helpful hints, ideas for school lunches, meal planning, and child care. They give generously of their time and skill doing whatever they are able to do to help wherever there is a need.

The district schools were kept clean and supplied with necessary and use- ful items. Flowers, trees and shrubs were planted on school grounds. In Bideford, a canner was bought for the use Of all members to can meats and other foods. Cod Liver Oil capsules were obtained from the Red Cross for families to purchase. Treats and games were provided for the children at Christmas and treats at the school closing in June. Books and games were donated to the school. In later years, books have been donat— ed to school libraries and donations given toward purchase of playground equipment. Donations are also given for Student Awards.

Also in Bideford, the Women’s Institute paid for hall rent and gas for the

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