Fonds paa-6405 - Alberta Women's Institute sous-fonds

Dates of Founding and /or Dissolution:;The Alberta Women's Institute was organized provincially in 1915. Officially it was established in 1916. The Alberta Women's Institute became independent of the government in 1929. Functional Responsibility:;The function of the institutes were to improve social conditions in rural and other communities by means of studying home economics and child welfare. Institutes were established as social and educational community centres and points to welcome newcomers into the community. The institutes functioned to encourage agriculture and improve agricultural conditions. The institutes also held, established and maintained demonstrations, lectures, short course schools, traveling and other libraries, exhibitions, competitions, meeting, conventions and attractions that may have been useful in promoting their other function (S.A. Chapter 21, 1916). Predecessor and Successor Bodies:;The Women's Institute Act 1929, (S.A. Chapter 6, 1929) repealed and replaced the Women's Institute Act (R.S.A.1922). At this point the Women's Institutes no longer reported to the Alberta Government. However, the corporation was subject to government regulations. In 1928, the Alberta Women's Bureau would carry on the function of co-ordinating activities for women's groups in the province. Administrative Relationships:;The first Women's Institute was established in Lea Park in 1909. This group urged the government to officially establish women's institutes in the province. The first Superintendent for Women's Institutes was appointed in 1912 and was responsible to the Superintendent of Fairs and Institutes. The Women's Institutes later became the Women's Institute Branch in the Department of Agriculture. In 1919, the Women's Institute Act was amended to include provisions for the establishment of Women's Institute Girl's Clubs. In 1922, the Women's Institute Branch was dissolved and the functions absorbed by the Women's Extension Service Branch. The Women's Institute Act, 1929, repealed the Women's Institute Act (R.S.A. Chapter 165, 1922). At this point the Women's Institutes became independent of the government. Administrative Structure:;The Superintendent of Women's Institutes was appointed by the Lieutenant Governor in Council. Each Institute was incorporated until the 1929 legislation incorporated the collective women's institutes as a whole, under one name. The Alberta Women's Institutes at yearly conventions also elected a president and board to preside over Women's Institutes provincially. The president of the provincial board reported to the Superintendent. Each institute was legislated to have a president, two vice-presidents, a secretary, a treasurer and two auditors. Officers of the institutes were elected. The Lieutenant Governor in Council could also appointed officers. Names of Chief Officers:;Presidents of the Alberta Women's Institutes. Isobel Noble, 1915 to 1921, J. N. Beaubier, 1922 to 1924, Wellington Huyck, 1925 to 1928, H. J. Montgomery, 1929 to 1930