During the past decade the Wellington North District of the Women’s Institute has shrunk to the point only two of 20 branches remain active – Carry-On (established in 1938) and Beehive (1949). Little Ireland (1926 – 2012) recently disbanded and the Wellington North District itself is about to follow.
The idea of a women’s group was initiated by Adelaide Hoodless in 1897 after her baby died as a result of contaminated raw milk. Hoodless lobbied with farm organizations and the government to establish an association for women, particularly new young wives, to learn ordinary household sanitation practices, improved rural living and provide a social network.
There are 60 Districts in Ontario. Wellington North consisted of: Arthur Centennial, Beehive, Carry-On, Clifford, Conn, Damascus, Drayton, Drew, Erin Township (Juniors), Farewell, Greenbush, Little Ireland, Maryborough, Maryborough Juniors, Moorefield, Mount Forest, Northgate, Palmerston, Rothsay, and Teviotdale.
Wellington North District will be 85 years old in April, but it’s difficult for a district with only two branches to continue. An open invitation is extended to all institute members, former members, friends, or relatives of women who once belonged to Wellington North District to attend a final reception in the Fellowship Hall of the Harriston United Church on May 4 at 2pm.
Remaining branches will join forces with Huron Perth.
