Women’s Institutes PART FIVE

Women’s  institute founded in Fenwick near turn of century

[Welland Evening Tribune Thurs March31, 1977]

Fenwick Women’s Institute (which was first known as Pelham Women’s Institute) was organized early in 1909 as a part of Monck Districk, Mrs R. B. Fitzgerald was the first president and became secretary-treasurer of Monck District, a position she filled until the dissolution of the district in 1917.

In the days of the infancy of the institutes few women worked away from their homes, so that meetings were directed mostly to the welfare of homes and families.

Perhaps one of the greater efforts of the Fenwick Institute was  the successful completion of a campaign to have electricity and street lights brought to the village of Fenwick, and in the buildings of sidewalks. In those days there were no competing organizations so that there were few distractions to the spread of institute work. Mostly of all the women in the community belonged to the institute and were staunch in their support.

In its early days, the branch purchased a vacuum cleaner for the huge sum of $25, and it was made available to local housewives for use in their homes.

As the members increased their activities they sewed for St Catharines Hospital, the Children’s Aid Society and held classes locally in Home nursing. Members became caught up in making comforts for the soldiers and bed jackets and hospital shirts for Red Cross hospitals.

A girl’s club was organized, tags were sold and a Red Cross tearoom held at the Fenwick Fair.

Helped Fire Department

A perusal of old records show that Pelham women actually raised the money to build the first fire hall, in the village buying the engine.

The 1930s saw many demands on the institute–food for needy families, clothing and household goods to burned-out homes. a housekeeper placed in a home to care for the children when the mother went for surgery and milk supplied for children, First-aid kits were supplied to local schools. The institute in those days was a thriving organization with a large membership.

In 1929 the group had amassed $1,200 from many projects and it was decided to invest in a place for meetings. The former Quaker church at the former Effingham and Welland Roads was purchased for $500 and the task of moving the building to Fenwick was proceeded with, the village trustees making available a lot. and the foundation was begun.

The hall became the scene of many happy times. There was a choral group and a dramatic group who put on plays and toured neighboring centre. A weekly literary society brought the men into the picture and many debates were held, fashion shows, and a yearly garden party and turkey supper

Following the formation of the Fenwick Lions Club, the institute took on catering for their dinners and this was the main source of raising money for some 15 years, until they moved into their own clubhouse.

When the war came along and there was a shortage of school class rooms the institute hall was turned into an elementary school class room for three years.

After village trustees were no longer there to support the efforts of the institute it was felt that the group could no longer finance a hall and it was turned over to the authorities. The tables, chairs nd other equipment were given to the Fenwick United Church and the group had the privilege of meeting in the church hall when it was needed.

Although much smaller in number the Fenwick Women’s Institute is still active, after 67 years and carries on with programs and projects in accordance with the work of the Women’s Institute.

The Officers for 1976-77 are: President-Mrs Stephen Kees; vice-president-Mrs James Ebert; secretary-treasurer-Mrs Jean Elliott and district director- Mrs O. Robins