During the past decade the Wellington North District of the Women’s Institute (WI) has shrunk to the point that 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 in Stoney Creek 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.
Locally, Women’s Institutes played an integral role in establishing the Wellington County Museum and Archives. Tweedsmuir Histories (scrapbooking of local community events) were introduced in 1947 to mark the 50th anniversary of WI. These histories from the various county institutes have been digitized and are available at the Wellington County Museum and Archives building as well as on-line.
There are 60 Districts in Ontario. The Wellington North District once consisted of the following groups: 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 is difficult for a district with only two branches to continue.
“As a result there will be an anniversary/disbandment party to mark the occasion – an anniversary gathering to recognize a successful 85 years, plus a disbandment party to say good-bye to all that has been,” WI officials state.
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 the final reception in the Fellowship Hall of the Harriston United Church on May 4 at 2pm.
The remaining Wellington North branches will join forces with their closest neighbors in the Huron Perth District.
