Women’s Institutes – PART SIX

Fonthill WI dates to 1913 still active in community

[Welland Evening Tribune, Thurs March 31,1977]

The Fonthill Women’s Institute dates back to February 1913 when there was an area roughly between Pancake Lane to Spring Valley Manor apartments at the north and from Fonthill Lumber Co., originally the site of the old rail station, to Port Robinson Road, with a population of approximately 500.

In this small area, there was great civic interest by the institute members. There was knitting for the soldiers; first aid kits for the school; free sewing instruction for the older public school girls; public speaking for all pupils in Fonthill region along with providing public picnic tables and benches in the lower park.

A flag pole was provided for the centre of the village and projects were a few news bulletin board and the donation of free skating on the small outdoor rink, not forgetting the supervision donated for the safety of afternoon skating.

Before the new municipal hall was built, there was a very old building where the council rooms occupied the first floor, while the second floor extension was financed by the Fonthill WI. It became the first hall with banquet space for 100 (later extended to 150) with a well equipped kitchen, chairs, piano and drapes supplied and maintained by the group. There was excellent co-operation between the WI and the council and for some 15 years it was the social centre for young and old.

Centennial year was a highlight for the hobby exhibit with very old fashioned prices, which netted money for both Thorold Fonthill High School and Pelham High for the purchase of books not otherwise obtainable for their libraries.

A “History of Fonthill” and its growth was written and sold widely.

An on-going interest in 4-H Girls’ clubs has been maintained and led by many of the members. Conditions have changed with the growth of Fonthill and the program now includes courses in handicraft and nutrition.

The civic interest of the institute for five years is shown by a quilt which they produce each year for the Hospital  Auxiliary to be used for raising funds for their projects.

The main aim of the WI is the education of its members but they have made money to supply help when needed in personal tragedy of civil co-operation.

For 1976-88 the officers are: president-Mrs E. Gorham and secretary-treasurer-Mrs J. Leishman.

Singer’s Corners Institute maintains Tweedsmuir book

Singer’s Corners Women’s Institute was formed 23 years ago May 4, 1954, with 16 members. The first president was Mrs Roy Singer and the meeting was held at the home of Mrs Percy Singer. There are now 26 members.

Through the Federated Women’s Institute of Ontario, the branches provide scholarships for girls to the University of Guelph. Through fees to the Association Countrywomen of the World funds are available to train women in health services, who then work in their own native villages to improve health and nutrition standards.

Singer’s Corners branch maintains a Tweedsmuir History book which traces and records the history of its area and events of local importance, thus providing an on-going record which will be of value in years to come.

Throughout the year, the branch holds monthly meetings with programs on agriculture and Canadian industries, citizenship and world affairs education and cultural activities, and family and consumer affairs. Problems in the community and country as a whole are discussed, and suggestions are dealt with in the form of resolutions sent to appropriate agencies.

During 1976 the Singer’s Corners branch presented a scholarship to a student at E.L. Crossley Secondary School. At Christmas time several elderly area residents were cheered with boxes of holiday goodies.

This branch took part in the “Needlepoint for Beginners” course sponsored by the home economics branch of the ministry of agriculture and food. Twenty-three women took part in this course.

To raise funds, a cooking demonstration was sponsored, featuring Elena Turroni, a caterer from Welland from the proceeds of this very entertaining evening a donation was sent to the Jo Lavey Foundation to be used in the fight against retinitis pigmentosa, a disease which results in blindness.

The present executive of the group includes past president–Mrs Roy Shoalts Jr; president–Mrs Mike Bronn; first vice-president Hardy Damude; second vice-president–Mrs Ron Lahey; secretary treasurer–Mrs Everett Daboll; district director–Mrs James Nelson; alternate director–Mrs Ken Jenter; public relations–Mrs John Wilson and Press representative–Mrs R. Covington.

QUAKER ROAD WOMEN’S INSTITUTE

TOWNSHIP OF THOROLD 1793-1967 Page 309.

The inaugural meeting of the Quaker Road Institute was held on February 22, 1910. The election of officers saw Mrs Eugene Garner as the first president. The vice-president was Mrs A.T. Bridgeman and the secretary-treasurer  was Mrs H.D. Rice. On Wednesday, March 9, 1910, the ladies held their first regular meeting.

The group was an active one which took part in many charitable projects. During the Depression there were no municipal relief organizations, as exist today, to turn to. Issuing grants from Township Council, the Quaker Road Women’s  Institute looked after the needs of many families.

A system was established under which two members of each family were given $3.00 per week with an extra 50 cents per week per child. This was supplemented by earnings, when the men were expected to work on the local roads. A bush was purchased to provide a place where wood could be cut by those who needed it, and new and used clothing was also available for the needy

The Quaker Road Women’s Institute has disbanded, but has left behind a significant contribution in the form of its Tweedsmuir History. From this book much of the Quaker Road history was taken..