HISTORY OF WEST LORNE WOMEN` S INSTITUTE 1955 - 56

HISTORY OF WEST LORNE WOMEN ' S INSTITUTE
1955 - 56 - 57 - · 5' i - 0 t'/-
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These three years were good years both in attendance and financially.
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We engaged
in many community activities, were generous with our donations and had several good
trips .
1955 .
The Officers for this year were:
Hon . President - Mrs . C. Cooper
President - Mrs . T. F. Ripley
1st Vice Pres . -
2nd Vice Pres . - Mrs . E. Kelly
Sec . Treas .
- Miss M. Turner
Auditors
Pianist
- Mrs. F. Cullen
- Miss T. McKillop
- Mrs . W. T. Merrett Reporter
Cheer Fund
- Mrs.
Directors
- Mrs.
- Mrs.
- Mrs.
- Mrs.
Program Committee:
- Mrs .
- Mrs .
- Mrs .
- Mrs.
- Mrs .
Dist . Rep.
- Mrs . P . Schleihauf
- Miss M. Currie
c. Cooper
F . Cullen
W. Liepmann
W. T. Merrett
N. Nickleson
G. Beattie ,
J. B. Ferguson
J . B. Roach
Tansley
N. Murray
Standing Committee Conveners:
Agr . & Can . Ind . - Mrs. M. Robinson
Citizenship & Education - Mrs. Bosman
Community Activities & Public Relations - Mrs . J. Roach
Historical Research & Current Events - Mrs . N. Nickleson
Home Economics & Health - Mrs . R. Evans
These officers were installed by Mr. J . B. Ferguson.
The community activities in which the members were involved were taking their
turn with other women ' s organizations in serving Kiwanis ' suppers and in serving in
the booth in the arena .
Twelve records were donated to the arena in memory of one of
the Institute members, the l ate Mrs . A. Smith , who passed away in December of 1954.
The Women ' s Institute was asked by the Reeve, Mr . D. McGill, to canvas the town
for the United Welfare Services.
This they did and collected seven hundred dollars .
Miss M. Currie and Miss T. McKillop had charge of the Aldborough Public Speaking
Contest for Elementary school children , Grades 5 to g for the three years 1955- 56- 57 .
It was in 1954 that the idea of an Elgin Museum began to take shape .
In 1955
the West Lorne Institute contributed fifty dollars toward this museum as well as a
sum of ten or fifteen dollars towards maintenance.
Several pounds of rags were
collected for the rag rug that was to cover the living room floor of the museum.
During the summer refreshments were served at a Lawn Bowling Tournament .
Mrs . Hamilton from the Home Economics Department gave a short course on How to
Conduct a Meeting .
Our speakers during this year of 1955 were Miss Newlands on Nutrition;
Mr Lynn
Lashbrook and Miss M. E. Atkinson each told of a trip to the British Isles and the
Continent, showing slides; Mr . F . Cullen, Chairman of the Cemetary Board, told of changes
made by the government regarding cemetaries; Mrs . Gilpin, whose subject was African
Violets; Mr . Austin Moss related his experiences while stationed in Aklavik and showed
pictures.
Other speakers were Mr . Wm . Sheeler, Mr. G. Gat and Mr. Moorehouse.
Those entertained by the Institute were the West Elgin District Officers and members
of the Library Board.
Two bus trips were enjoyed during the year, one to Detroit to see the Ice Capades
and one to Pinecroft Ceramic Studeo near Aylmer .
The officers appointed in 1955 continued in office until the end of March 1956,
1956 .
April being the beginning of our new year when the following officers were elected:
Hon. President - Mrs . C. Cooper
Pres. -Mrs. T. F . Ripley
1st. Vice Pres. -Mrs. E. Kelly
2nd Vice Pres . - Mrs. W. Liepmann
Sec. Treas . - Miss M. Turner
Cheer Fund - Mrs . C. Cooper
Pianist - Mrs .
w.
T. Merrett
Reporter - Miss T. McKillop
Dis. Dir. - Mrs . P . Schleihauf
Assist . Rep . - Miss M. Currie
Auditors - Mrs . E. Lemon
- Miss T. McKillop
Directors
-
Mrs . R. Byfield
Mrs. s. Gardiner
Mrs . R. Tansley
Mrs . L. Butler
Standing Committee Convenors:
Home Economics & Health - Mrs . R. Evans
Community Activities & Public Relations - Mrs . P. Schleihauf
Historical Research & Current Events - Mrs . N. Nickleson
Agriculture & Canadian I ndustries - Mrs . J. B. Ferguson
Citizenship & Education - Mrs . M. Robinson
The above officers were installed by the West Elgin District President, Mrs. R. H.
McNeil.
Community activities this year were serving at the Elgin Museum Tea in St . Thomas;
serving refreshments to a meeting of the Elgin Co-op; catering to the West Elgin District
High School's Athletic Award Banquet .
The West Lorne Women's Institute was host to the District Annual of the West Elgin
Women ' s Institute in June .
Two of our I nstitute members, Mrs . Ripley and Mrs . Schleihauf , were appointed to
the Community Hall Board .
Donations of money were given to the West Lorne Library , the Unitarian Service
Committee , the fuel find for El gin Museum , toward a ventilator for Elgin Manor , and to
the Children ' s War Memorial Hospital in London .
Our program speakers for the year were Mr. Mumford, Principal of West Elgin District
High School ; Dr . E. McKishnie who chose "Immunization" as her subject; Mrs . M. Por whose
topic was "Mozart " ; Miss K. Drummelsmith , a winner in a Public Speaking Contest, spoke
on "Dr . Salk" ; Mr . A. Craig showed pictures of "Native Wild Flowers and Local Scenes";
Mr . T. Por gave an interesting and humourous account of his two months spent in Officers '
Training School; Mrs . McLellan, the Distr ict Representative on the F . W. I . 0 . , gave an
illustrated account of her trip "Iona Station to Virginia Beach "; Mr. R. Whitton , minister
of the Church of Christ ( Disciples) brought us the Christmas message .
Four of our charter members, Mrs . J . B. Ferguson , Mrs . W. T. Merrett , Mrs . P.
Schleihauf and Mrs . J . A. McKillop, were presented with Life Memberships and pins .
Two
other charter members , Mrs. T. Sims , first president, and Mrs . W. A. Becker, a former
president of the West Lorne Institute, were present .
Our June picnic was a bus trip to Fanshawe Park on the 20th to welcome and hear Mrs .
Berry of Australia, President of the A. C. W. W.
1957 .
The year 1957 followed much the same as the years 1955 and 1956.
The officers were:
Hon . Pres . - Mrs . T. Ripley
Pres . - Mrs . E. Kelly
1st Vi ce Pres . - Mrs . W. Liepmann
2nd Vice Pres . - Mrs . C. Cooper
Sec. Treas . - Miss M. Turner
Pianist - Mrs . W. T. Merrett
Reporter - Miss T. McKillop
Dis. Dir . - Mrs . T. Ripley
Cheer Fund - Mrs . L. Butler
Auditors - Miss T. McKillop,
Mrs. E. Lemon
Directors - Mrs.
Mrs .
Mrs .
Mrs .
R.
L.
S.
R.
Byfield
Butler
Gardiner
Tansley
Standing Committee Convenors:
Citizenship & Education - Mrs . M. Robinson
Community Activities & Public Rel. - Mrs. W. Liepmann
Agr . & Canadian Industries - Mrs . R. Evans
Hist . Research & Current Ev. - Mrs. N. Nickleson
Home Ec . & Health - Mrs . E. Lemon
The Institute continued to take its turn serving Kiwanis suppers and helping in the
Arena booth .
Donations were given to the Library Board ,the United Welfare Services, the
Unitarian Service Committee and the War Memorial Children's Hospital in London.
It was hoped to shorten the meetings by having the Executive members and Directors
meet a few days before the regular meeting to go over correspondence.
Evidently it
wasn't a success as it was only tried once.
The West Lorne Institute assisted with the Polio Clinic held in February and March
when 300 children were given the Salk vaccine .
Letters were sent to the Minister of Health & Welfare, the Hon . Paul Martin and the
Elgin M.P., Mr. Jas. McBain, requesting that pensions to the blind be granted without a
means test .
The El gin Museum which was begun in 1954 was opened in April 5th and 6th of this
year 1957 .
Mrs. N. Nickleson was our representative from the beginning.
Our Institute observed the 60th Anniversary of the Ontario Women's Institute with a
birthday cake.
It was decided to have a short course in Cultural Activities in 1958 .
Outside speakers were not so many this year, our own members taking a more active
part on the programs .
Mr. W. Liepmann spoke to us on two occasions, his subjects being "How a New Canadian
Thinks About Canada" and "The Planetary System & the Russian Satelite Sputnik".
Mrs. Prevett gave a demonstration on Christmas Table Arrangements and Place Card
Holders.
Her materials were from Sharratt Florists of London.
Mrs. For, one of our members, received a silver medal for her high standing in
music.
Our picnic meeting was a trip to the Detroit Zoo.
1958, May 13th.
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Mrs . Elmer Kelly was President and Mrs. Thomas F. Ripley
Secretary- Treasurer following Miss Mildred Turner who had received $15 .00 honorarium,
this sum was raised to $25 .00.
Mrs . Philip Schleihauf purchased a plaque to be placed on a table previously
donated by us, to the McMillan Library, West Lorne, $1).00.
The F. W. I. 0. sponsored a Melody Contest for a new F. W. I. 0. Song and Mrs. N.
Nickleson wrote words and music but unfortunately was not a winner.
Donations of food etc. were made to the Museum Tea, held every day the first
week in June.
Members also assisted in this project at one meeting .
Mrs . E. Kelly, Mrs. P. Schleihauf and Mrs. T. F . Ripley attended the District Annual
at Fingal Presbyterian Church .
Mrs. R. E. Evans devoted the program to gardening and
gave each member a root of some plant from her own garden.
on the Guelph Conference which she attended .
Mrs. T. F . Ripl ey reported
Mrs . Jean Moody celebrated her birthday
with cake and candles and cup of tea .
In June word was received of Mrs . Frank (Margaret) Branchflower ' s accident, breaking
her hip and in hospital .
A life membership was presented to her .
Mrs. N. Nickleson gave a brief report of the 50th Anniversary of West Elgin District
Annual, when all past Presidents and Secretaries were honoured.
Mrs. Chas. Cooper,
President of the District, cut the cake, Mrs . Walter Cadogan and Mrs . N. Nickleson won
prizes for a contest conducted by Mrs. Robert Tansley .
In July the annual picnic was held on Mrs. Wolfgang Liepmann's l awn with eleven
members and five visitors present .
Mrs . E. Kelly and
Mi~ •.
Mildred Turner were appointed
to attend the Chamber of Commerce meeting re Labour Day Celebration plans .
Games were
enjoyed and a bounteous supper .
Mrs. J. B. Ferguson, a charter member, convened the September 1958 program and Mrs.
Grace McColl displayed her collection of Mary Gregory Glass, with many interesting
pieces which she commented on .
She possesses 81 pieces and 1 sample of each colour
produced, except cobalt blue.
$3 . 00 was won for theW . I . Float which was entered in the Labour Day Parade .
Donations were made to the Unitarium Services , toCheer Fund, layettes were being
made for Unitarium Services , United Ridgetown Welfare Salvation Army, Muscular Dystrophy .
In October we entertained the District Officers; also 12 members from Rodney W. I.
Mrs . Manson Robinson reported leather craft classes were progressing nicely .
Ways and means were being sought to raise funds to enlarge the Elgin Museum in
St . Thomas .
Several members donated Jam and Jelly for sale for this project.
Mrs . T. F. Ripley and Mrs. Elmer Kelly reported having placed the W. I. plaque
on the table donated to McMillan Library October 7th .
Mrs. Cooper and Mrs. W. Liepmann were delegates to Area Convention, London.
Mrs . P. Schleihauf and committee planned to serve Kiwanis Club.
At this meeting
Mr. Robert Hopper, assisted by Mr. Wilfred Johnston, showed pictures of Elliott Lake,
built by the government and noted for uranium.
Paul Prevett favoured with accordian
solos .
At the November meeting Christmas Greetings and. Cook Book were received from Earley
W.I., England.
In turn we sent a gift to them .
The Public School Speaking Contest was held in the Community Hal l on Nov. 14, 1958
with 17 contestants.
Mrs . C. Cooper and Mrs . T.F .• Ri pley, convenor s for theW . I ., were
responsible for the necessary plans.
A gift of $2.00 was presented to Miss Shirl ey
McWilliams (now Mrs . Robert Walker) for musical numbers by W. L. P. S. Choir .
W. I . members agreed to assist at the Arena Booth for one week in evenings as other
organizations were doing same.
Dec. 1958.
Gifts were donated for War Memorial Hospital, London, which has been
an annual contribution for many years .
Also shut- ins were remembered .
Cup and saucer
was presented to Mrs . Robert Tansley who moved to Dutton .
Jan. 1959 .
Winter Picnic at Wallacetown.
Mrs . C. Cooper spoke on W. I . work
five minutes over C. H.L. O. Radio, St. Thomas, January 8th.
was a monogrammed quilt made by theW . I. members 1922 .
On display at the meeting
10¢ per name.
Mrs . J. B.
Ferguson helped to make it and it was sold to Mr. John A. McKillop for $25 . 00 .
It now
belongs to Mrs . Ronald Hambleton , Toronto, a daughter of Mrs . Ferguson and neice of Mrs.
J. A. McKillop .
It was on display in our W. I . again in 1967.
Speaker was Mrs . Roy
Johnston, ( nee Betty M. Petherick, B. Sen . ) Public Health Nurse for Elgin County .
On Feb . 5th an In Memorium Service was held for our late Mrs. J. B. Ferguson , a
former Charter Member .
Jack Ferguson, son of the late Mr . & Mrs. J . B. Ferguson, a
commercial artist, prepared illustrations for book on "Life of Sir Isaac Brock ".
Miss Mirna Currie and Miss Tena McKillop, curators of our Tweedsmuir History Book ,
attended at Work Shop at Iona.
A donation of $50 .00 was made to the new Dr . Snell Nursing Residence on St . ThomasElgin General Hospital grounds .
Cup and saucer was presented to Mrs. C. Cooper on her retirement as West Elgin
President at Dist . Annual .
Mrs. Walter Stuart, English teacher at W. E. D. H.S . spoke on Life at Earl ' s Court
Camp near Peterborough .
March 1959 .
Arena .Fund.
A Benefit Hockey game was announced, proceeds to assist Listowel
Arena roof collapsed and several hurt.
Mrs . W. Cadogan and Miss M. Turner
continued working and knitting for Unitarian Service Com .
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W. I . year 1959 to April 1962 .
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This year finds Mrs . Kelly continuing as President
for her third term, Mrs. T. F . Ripley as Sec . Treas., Mrs. Liepmann as First Vice and
Mrs . Cooper Second , the other officers practically the same .
This was a year of presenting "Life Memberships", four in number .
One to Mrs. V.
E. Lemon, who had been an active member since 1920 ; Mrs . Nickleson , an active member
since 1926; a third presented by Pres . and Sec . to Mrs. Frank Branchflower at her home,
she being ill in bed at the time; and later in the year, in March, to our Sec . Treas.,
Mrs . T. F. Ripley (Vera), who had been a member since 193 2 .
Efforts were continued to raise money for the various projects undertaken by having
bake sales, rummage sales, teas and personal contributions .
made to each of the following:
Donations of $10 . 00 were
The United Welfare , Unitarian Services, The Museum Tea,
Bibrary Board and the Children ' s War Memorial Hospital.
Some interesting as well as educational prog rams were prepared by various members.
One with the motto "A Nation builds on sinking sand unless its roots are in the land" and
Mrs . R. E. Evans , who has assisted many New Canadians in passing examinations to receive
their Citizenship papers, spoke on the "Use and Abuse of our Flag" .
A local industry was
described by Mr . Whitehead of the Metcalfe Shoe Co . where shoes and slippers of various
types were made .
He told of the making of sandals and shoes long before the time of Christ
when the hides suitable for good leather were tanned in the sun , then carefully chosen
and prepared before the manufacturer ever saw them .
Interesting Travel ogues were given
by Mr . Bosman on a Motor Trip to the Gaspe Peninsula and also to Yellowstone National Park .
One meeting constituted "A Display of Handwork" .
Hand tooled leather purses, wallets, key
rings, etc.; crocheted table covers and laces; knitted garments, smocked dresses and aprons;
also home made baking which was later auctioned and realized the sum of $26.50 .
The July Annual Picnic , a bright spot in the life of The Institute, was held on the
lawn at Mrs . V. E. Lemon's home where
ha~lovely
garden was an added attraction .
September was a busy month with preparation and participation at Miller Park.
First
there was the decorating of Mrs . Butler ' s car for t he parade, which won a ten dollar first
prize award .
Then the preparation for the "Booth" on the grounds for the sale of hot dogs
and soft drinks .
An exasperating afternoon for all ladies who participated , nevertheless ,
yielded proceeds for the day of $1 , 090 . )9 .
The Institute also participated in the "Ontario Ploughing Match" held at Springfield
and took their turn at serving tea and cookies.
held at the High School in Nov . and Dec .
They also assisted with the "Polio Clinics "
An interesting change in the program was the
"demonstration of a Pressure Cooker" by Mrs . Hamilton of Simpson Sears , who cooked a dinner
of spare ribs, potatoes, turnips and carrots in ten minutes .
Another demonstration by
Mrs. Dill of the H. S . staff on "Making and Decorating Aluminum Trays".
The means of
etching was greatly appreciated.
On one page of the Minute Book is a five cent Canada postage stamp designed by the
A. C.W.W. which Vera was careful enough to preserve.
$44 . 41 .
The year closed with a balance of
There had been t wo deaths and three new members .
April 1960 saw Mrs . Liepmann, a new Canadian , arrived from Germany and already a
Canadian Citizen, of whom we are very proud and who gladly took over as President of our
Institute.
The year began with thirteen members present but we notice that there were
twenty- one at the May meeting .
throughout the next five years.
This
~aria tion
in attendance continued on an average
The "District Annual Meetingsn were held every year with one of the area groups
entertaining.
These, at first, were confined to a morning and afternoon session with a
"Pot Luck" luncheon later.
In order that all the ladies might participate the luncheon
was served by an outside group .
The morning session was given over to reports from the
District Officers and to a "Roll Call" of all Societies and some new business; the
afternoon to finishing the business, installing of new District Officers and some
entertainment usually displaying abilities of various members, a playlet, a skit, a
parade of home serving or millinery, or a craft.
A very interesting demonstration was he l d during the year on the "Bretby Art and
Pottery" by Mrs. Sewerbutts of London who gave the history of it and displayed some
very beautiful pieces of pottery .
The "Short Courses", one on "How to Conduct Public Meetings " was held in Rodney
and a l l who attended reported it as being both interesting and instructive as there are
certain "Guide Lines" to be followed in conducting public meetings .
Another short
course on Copper Tooling was greatly enjoyed and resulted in a very good display of
Copper tooled trays, plaques, pictures, small plant containers, etc.
For two years in succession the July picnic was held in Miller Park with always a
sumptuous supper and games and contests.
In preparation for our trip to The Stratford
Festival Mrs . Manson Robinson told the story of "Romeo and Juliette", the play we were
going to see.
Our convenors of the standing committees were very capable in presenting programs
on their particular themes.
One such was lea.d by Miss Mildred Turner on "Citizenship &
Education" with motto "Take Time to Read" .
Miss Turner, a member of The Library Board ,
invited all to visit the Library, enjoy the pleasant surroundings and the quantity and
quality of good reading for only fifty sents a year.
She reminded us that we Canadians
take out precious heritage too much for granted, while some of our New Canadians deeply
appreciate their privileges and surroundings .
Mrs . Manson Robinson was another who dealt with a very timely subject "Frozen Foods"
and "their Preparation".
She suggested that in purchasing a
11
Deep Freeze" send to the
Department of Agriculture at Guelph for a bulletin which has a wealth of information for
beginners .
She stressed the importance of choosing the proper variety of fruit and
vegetables and processing same quickly.
for fruit to keep it air tight .
She also displayed the proper containers, glass
In closing warned everyone to never put dressing in fowl
before freezing as the action of the onion on the bone is what causes poisoning .
Mr~-;
Wm. Sheeler spoke on "Historical Resea rch".
He said that Research is a must
to rediscuss the troubles and joys of the last generation and relate them to our own ; we
must also read for ourselves to be certain of our beliefs and their foundations .
Mrs. Norma Becker , our W. I. 1st Sec'ty .
Mrs . Thomas Sims, our lst Pres . who spoke briefly on the organization of The West Lorne
W. I . with sixteen members. She expressed her pleasure at being back
for this occasion .
Mrs. J . D. Galbraith, Past Dist . Pres .
Mrs. Gowan Young, Museum Sec ' ty.
Mrs. W. T. Merrett, our first and only pianist.
A brief memorial service for the 131 deceased members included the placing by Mrs.
Nickleson of a bouquet of white flowers on the table in their memory, fol lowed by a moment of
silent meditation and a solo "Sunrise To-morrow" by Miss M. Turner.
Also a reading by Mrs .
Cooper.
The program included a brief resume of the work of the Society during the fifty years
by Tena McKillop, an address by Mrs. Wales on her trip to Vancouver and report of the first
International Convention of The Associated Country Women of The World, and two solos by Mrs.
Basil Fisher .
Lunch was served from a beautifully arranged table, set with Anniversary cake and candles
and at which Mrs . Becker and Mrs .Sims poured tea.
At 7:30 P. M. the same evening Mr. & Mrs. Ray Peckham served the Institute members and
husbands a delicious smorgasbord dinner, the Chief of Kiwanis also sending along a beautifully
decorated Birthday cake.
At the conclusion of the evening a hand tooled copper planter was
presented to Mrs. Merrett on behalf of the W. I . for her years of fa ithfulness at the piano
and the promotion of the organization.
It is int.e resting to take a look at some of the projects of the W. I.
Still yearly
donations of ten dollars were made to the Museum Building Fund (an addition was required ),
The Cancer Fund, The El gin Welfare, The Ontario Psychiatric Hospital in St. Thomas, The
Library Board, The Arena a gift of $300.00; gifts to Elgin Manor, The Memorial Children ' s
Hospital, our Institute comrade in England and at every meeting for several years "Pennies
for Friendship" were collected to help organize Women ' s Institute in Northern Ontario .
A very special effort was put forth to help put across the celebrations of Labor Day,
The W. I . being represented by a "float" in the parade to the park, and also serving in a
booth on the graounds.
To hel p balance our accounts a generous donation of $125.00 was
made by The Bank of Montreal to the W. I. ladies who served refreshments the night of the
opening of the new bank building .
To make our meetings interesting and educational as well special speakers were often
called and films and travelogues given .
Wm . Sheeler and Mr . Bosman of The High School
staff, another was the late John Ferguson of Eagle, a commercial artist and who later
organized an "Art Class" in town , another was A. D. McKillop, an authority on trees and
the various kinds of lumber which industry to- day is so vital to West Lorne .
Several special courses were made available to the members through the Ontario Depar ' t
as well as by some of our own members; Leather Craft taught by Mrs. M. Robinson, Aluminum
and Copper etching, Cooking with Pressure Cooker and Milinery which was followed with a
display of the same .
Several bus trips were taken by the members during these years.
One to Stratford,
already mentioned; another to Mrs. Kelly's new home in Strathroy which also included a
visit to the new Strathroy Hospital; a visit to the "Hoodless" home near Paris, and also
one to Guelph to the convention .
Another meeting of interest was that of Mrs . D. B. Deshpande ' s , a native of India
who lived in the village and became a member of our W.I.
She told us much about The Indian
Culture , then showed a display of Indian Articles as well a s three fi l ms on India, after
which she served India refreshments which she herself had prepared.
The year closed April 14, 1966 showing a balance on hand of $145 . 29 , a membership
of 21 with an average attendance of
Mrs. Frank Bolger of The High School was the speaker for the meeting on "Agriculture"
and the motto was ''Name a Canadian Product I am wearing".
Mr. Bolger outlined the course
in "Agriculture" as being taught at The High School.
It was interesting to nota that another new Canadian stamp was being issued with the
picture of our own Canadian poetess, Pauline Johnson, adorning it .
There were many Community
Activitie~
in ·which the Institute members took an active
part such as serving Kiwanis Suppers; helping with the T. B. Clinic; supporting the
Community Labour Day Parade by entering a Float for which they merited a second prize;
helped with the Cancer Tea; served at the booth for the Arena; assisted at "open House"
at the Col . Talbot Estate where a sum of between Three and Four Hundred Dollars was
realized for the Museum Fund .
"Ways and Means" of making more money were often discussed at regular meetings as
requests for grants were heard frequently .
There were yearly grants to The Library Board,
The Museum, The Unitarian Service, The pediatric Ward in St . Thomas Hospital, and local
calls as well.
It had
her .
'
b~en
a very busy two years from Mrs . Liepmann but also very happy ones for
All work had progressed very favourably, membership averaged about the same and the
year 1961 ended with a balance in the Treasury of $41.48 .
During the years 1962 to 1965 many of the same officers carried on faithfully from
year to year and at writing time in 1970 some are even more active in their particular
sphere.
The officers with changes are noted :
Hon. Pres . - Mrs . Wolfgang Liepmann
Pres . ·- Mrs . · Bertha Cooper .
Cpntinued to April 1970.
Vice Pres . - Mrs. Kelly until she moved, then Mrs. Liepmann for four years.
Sec. Treas . -Mrs. T. F. Ripley to 1970 and on .
Pianist - Mrs . W. T. Merrett to 1970 and on .
District Director - Mrs . Liepmann to 1970 and on.
Directors - Mesdames Byfield, Dymock, Gardiner, Por; these varied from year to year .
Standing Committee Convenors:
Citizenship & Education - Miss Turner, then Mrs . Evans to 1970 and on .
Agriculture & Canadian Industries - Mrs. Cadogan, then Mrs . Witherden to 1970 and on.
Home Economics & Health - Mrs. V. E. Lemon to 1970 and on .
Historical Research & Current Events - Mrs . Schleihauf, then Mrs . Butler to 1969 .
Public Relations - Mrs . Nickleson, then Miss Currie to 1965.
Tweedsmuir Ristory - Miss Tena Mckillop to 1970.
In viewing the work of The Institute during these years we find their programs were
in line with their motto "For Home and Country '' · As for instance Mrs . Lemon , Convenor of
Home Economics and Health , dr ew our attention in 1962 to the fact that detergents were
kill ing our fish and plugging our drains and that we should try to use much less of same .
Health programs included various speakers as:
Miss Alice Meek, one of our own young ladies, now Director of Nursing Education at
Westminster Hospital, who tried to make us aware of the proper attitude and treatment of
Psychiatric patients .
Mrs. Winfrid Liepmann , also a local nurse, who ·gave us many timely hints on "Aid at
times of Emergency and Accidents" .
Miss Marjory Macdiarmid, a "Welfare Worker", who aroused our interest and concern in
raising the standard of living for many homes in every community .
Some interesting afternoons were spent when Mrs . Saunders of Dutton, Mrs . Dr . McKishnie
and Mrs . Sohl spoke on the "Cancer Situation" , showing slides, signs of the disease and the
prompt action required on the first appearance of same .
Of special notice in connection
with The Cancer Society was the "Cancer Tea" which we held at the Community Hall and from
which F.our Hundred Dollars was raised to provi de supplies for the "Cupboard" where Mrs .
Saunders kept supplies .
"Citizenship and Education" was a l ways a popular study .
Mrs.
Turne~
We had a real thrill the day
of the West Lorne teaching staff , displayed some of her pupils along with some
of the work of this Auxiliary Class .
This class for retarded children was set up in The
West Lorne Public School in September 1963, the first of its kind in Elgin County .
Mrs . Evans gave us excellent papers, one on citizenship, emphasizing our duty to our
New Canadians , she herself preparing some for their test in taki ng out citizenship papers
and teaching Engl ish and our customs to some Portuguese who had just arrived .
time she told us of the importance and value of preserving history .
At another
She said, "We must
learn the past f r om those who lived before us and we must preserve the present for f uture
generations ..
The Celebration of the Fiftieth Anniversary of The West Lorne Women ' s Institute was
held on Jan . 31 , 1963 with 102 members and guests signing the register.
(Bertha) presided and called the meeting to order at 2:30 P,M.
pa rticularly the invited guests , each one standi ng as named:
Mrs . Lor ne Daniels, Port El gin, London Area Chairman
Mrs. Marvin Hicks, Ostra nder, Prov . Board Member
Mrs . E. S. Downs , Shedden, W. E. District Pres.
Mrs . V. Pow , Paynes Mil ls , 1st Vice Pres . W. E.
Mrs . H. Parks, Shedden, W. E. District Sec ' ty .
Mrs . H. Hales, Komoka , Past London Ar ea Chairman
Mrs. Chas. Cooper
She wel comed everyone and
TRIBUTE TO MRS . ADELAIDE HOODLESS BY HER DAUGHTER MRS . EDNA BOSTWICK
My mother's name has became so identified throughout the world with Women ' s
Institutes that her other activities are apt to recede in the background.
The motto "For Home and Country" which she suggested to the first Institutes
and which was adapted by them might well have been the guide to her own life .
As a homemaker she was an inspiration .
house and she was the
grac~ous
Our old home "East Court" was open
centre around which everything revolved .
Mother had
travelled widely in Great Britain , The United States and Canada, so there were always
interesting people coming and going .
She had a stimulating and lovable personality
and drew young and old alike to her .
In retrospect she seemed to have time for everything and she accomplished so
much in a comparatively short life .
valuable time in non- essentials."
She used to say "Women must learn to not waste
I think much of her success in living was due to
her wise choice of essentials and her concentration on them .
At her death in 1910 at the age of 52 , she was one of the most widely known
educationalists in Canada and hardly less known in the United States .
A pioneer in advocating the teaching Domestic Science and Technical Education
in the curriculum of Public Schools she eventually star ted the Normal School of
Domestic Science and Art in Hamilton to train teachers to have them ready when the
demand grew for them .
It was when this school out grew its quarters that she interested Sir William
MacDonald.
Guelph .
The result was MacDonald Institute in Guelph and MacDonald College in
I remember well having lunch in Montreal with mother and Sir William
MacDonald when Sir William remarked : " But I cannot give to Ontario unless I do something for Quebec".
Mother replied: "Well , why not do the same thing for Quebec" .
Tha t province needs it as much as Ontario .
It has often been said that mother was twenty- five years ahead of her time and
certainly she had a splendid vision for her works have lived after her .
She had a natural outlook on influence in the scheme of things and it is
interesting to remember that she was a leader in founding more than one national
organization .
Her first active interest was in the Y.W. C. A. and i t was while working with
underprivileged girls and women that she became convinced of the necessity of more
practical education to fit tlhem as homemakers .
While president of the l ocal Young
Women ' s Christain Assossication she organized and became a member and officer of the
Dominion Y.W. C. A.
She was likewise one of the group of women who formed the National
Council of Women of Canada with Lady
A'er~en
as president and she served as treasurer
and convenor of the committee on Household Economicsfor ten years .
While on this
council she was present at a meeting of its executive at Government House of Ottawa
when Lady
A ber~en
suggested organizing a nursing service to commemorate the
jubilee of Queen Victoria in 1897 .
formed .
As a result the Victorian Order of Nurses was
The first branches being or ganized by the local councils of Women .
My Mother was a firm believer that no higher vocalism has been or ever can
be given to women than that of " Home making 11 and"Citizen builders" .
It seemed
only natural that she should suggest while addressing a meeting of the flourishing
Farmers ' Institute that women of the rural communities should have the same
advantages as the men .
That is really how
the first Institute came int o being .
When Mr . Erland Lee took her up on her suggestion, she agreed to speak at a
meeting of women in Stoney Creek - that famous meeting of 101 women and one man .
How far reaching the results would be, I am sure even Mother did not f oresee .
The Portrait of my Mother Mrs . Hoodless presented by the Ontario Women's
Institutes to MacDonald Institute in Guelph , is very like her , probably because
it was painted by a man who knew her - J .W.L. Foster , the eminent Canadian Portrait
painter .
He was able to put some of her vitality and charm on canvas .
I wish I had her ready pen that I might convey to you what a grand person she
was and how well and truly she exemplified the ideal of the Institute " For Home
And Country".