Fondo 0334 - Rio Grande Women's Institute fonds

The Rio Grande Women's Institute was formed in 1923. Charter members included Mrs. J. Scully, Mrs. E. Duteau, Mrs. W. Walker, Mrs. E. McDonnell, Mrs. H. Jordan, Mrs. A. Hill, Mrs. Longson, Sr., Mrs. F. Brewer, Mrs. Jones, Mrs. Cook Sr., Mrs. Reuinger, Mrs. Ducharme, MRs. A. Funnell, Mrs. Frazer, Mrs. Schill, Mrs. Bedier, Mrs. J.M. O'Connell, Miss Watherston, Mrs. J Sheppard, Mra. W. Chamberlain, Mrs. Kenney, Mrs. Wenzell, Mrs. C. Leckie, Mrs. Ramsey, Miss V.E. Ramsey, Mrs. Campbell, Mrs. Morrison, Mrs.Kindman?, Mrs. Dahl, Mrs. Beadle and Mrs. Borden. Every meeting was opened by singing "O Canada", reciting their creed and then roll call which always required the answer to a question like "How do you keep children content on the farm?"or "What is your favorite cake recipe?";The meeting included an informative talk given by a member or a guest and possibly some music for entertainment. The group was a main organizer for the community and raised money through putting on community suppers, dances, whist parties, bazaars, and selling ice cream at picnics. In the 1930s many new members joined - mainly from Elmworth. They often put on plays such as the one in 1930-31 called "Old Maid's Convention". They sponsored baby clinics, and supported families who needed help. During the war years the group was busy making quilts, knitting socks and mitts and filling ditty bags to be sent overseas to the servicemen of the Navy League and also to the sons of members. In the 1950s, raffles, rummage sales, catering, sending parcels to Britain and going to conventions were still keeping them busy. Membership was highest from the 1930s to the mid 1940s.