when the New Haven Institute was organized, the membership was small 
     
     and bore a stron: Tory complexion. As a matter of fact, the majority of 
     
     Liberal housewives seemed reluctant to associate themselves with the 
     
     project; furthermore, it is doubtful that they received much urging from 
     
     the opposition. However, this situation did not continue for any 
     
    
   
   
    
     appreciable length of time. When the original:-members became familiar 
     
    
   
   
    
     . 
     
    
   
   
    
     with the aims and possibilities of the organization, and realized its 
     
     potential for community betterment, they also realized that here was 
     
     something in which petty prejudice had no place. As a result, practically | 
     
     2ll the women of the district became members; the officers! slate was made 
     
     representative of both political groups, and the Institute was launched on 
     
     its career of public service. Almost three-quarters of a century has . 
     
     e6lupsed since its entry into Island life -- years of consistert and 
     
    
   
   
    
     impressive dedication to the highest principles of citizenship.