The Fall will see the launch of a new book celebrating the centenary of the founding of the Women’s Institute organization. One of the organizers associated with the production of this publication, Mrs. Jane Croft, was recently honoured for her many years of volunteer service in promoting the W.I. at a Provincial Awards ceremony at the RBG.
The Waterdown Women’s Institute was founded in 1899, just two years after the first branch of the organization was set up in Stoney Creek by Mrs. J. O. McGregor’s friend, Mrs. Adelaide Hoodless. It is believed that the village branch was the second to be organized, for not only were the two ladies close friends, a Mr. Hunter, brother of Mrs. Hoodless was principal of the Waterdown High School. Mrs. William A. Drummond was the first President, Mrs. J. C. Medlar, Secretary and Mrs. McGregor, Mrs. Mullock and Miss Agnes Forbes the other charter members.
Membership of the group grew to over 100 members and include men as well as women. It appears that Mr. Archie Mullock was a member, as on 2 October 1907, while waiting for Mrs. Hoodless to address them, “he rendered some very pleasant selections on his gramophone”. Over the years until the Institute disbanded in April 1974, its presidents were a succession of well known village names that included Mesdames McGregor, Ryckman, Langford, Pearson, Spence, Sawell, Drummond, Carey, Horning, Lingen, Klodt, Parker, Binkley and Thornborrow.
Living up to its motto, “For Home and Country”, the W.I. led the way in adult education and in activities on behalf of the community. As early as 1907, the members were helping with the Waterdown Fall Fair and offering prizes. To start a Swimming Pool Fund, a monster Garden Party was held on the old school grounds at Sealey Park. Amateur artists from all of North Wentworth were invited to compete and three winners were given the opportunity to appear on a Hamilton Radio programme.
During World War I, the Institute joined with other community organizations to form the Patriotic League and contributed in many ways to the war effort – there were food and clothing parcels sent to the young Canadian soldiers serving overseas and regular packages of dressings were prepared for the Red Cross. When the Canadian soldiers returned, the ladies organized banquets that were held to honour their valiant efforts.
In 1919, the property on which the Bell Tower had stood was purchased by the Institute and presented to the village for the erection of a Community Memorial Hall. The only stipulation was that a room be provided for the use of the W.I. within the building. When the hall was completed, the organization provided all the kitchen utensils and dishes to serve 200, while its most faithful member, Mrs. McGregor and her husband donated all the flat silver.
During the Depression years the organization provided food and clothing for needy families of the area. They continued their ongoing work of assisting local groups such as the guides and in 1930, raised money for a new piano at the High School.
As the decade came to a close, they again turned their efforts to helping Canadian soldiers sent overseas as World War II began. Among the many projects that they undertook was a concert with Jim Hunter, a well-known radio broadcaster as guest speaker. A large hall was packed and hundreds of dollars raised to send relief to Britain.
Late in the 1940s, the Institute used the funds it had been raising for years and earmarked for the community swimming pool, to pay a third of the cost of the 12 acres on Main Street North needed by the Waterdown Amateur Athletic Association for a community park.
Although the organization disbanded, its 75 years of devoted effort made a tremendous contribution to the Waterdown community in many more ways than can be listed. Both the Memorial Hall on Dundas Street and Memorial Park continue as a testimonial to the members as well as to those young men and women who gave their lives in two great wars.
Unfortunately the very first Minute Book that would confirm the founding date of the Waterdown branch has been lost, but the remaining Minute Books of the organization were given to the Society when it disbanded in the 1970s. The Waterdown Tweedsmuir History Book was found two years ago during a house clearance and donated to the Archives.
© The Waterdown-East Flamborough Heritage Society 1996, 2022.
