Back Row L. to R.: Edith Riley, Barbara Adams, Anna MacKay, Jennie Caseley, Ellen

Cousins. Seated: Tressa Matthews, Louise Cousins, Haltie Bearisto.

BALTIC WOMEN’S INSTITUTE

The Baltic Women’s Institute was formed in 1934 through the effortsof Mrs. John E. Cousins, the former Ellen Harrington, who was teaching in our one-roomed Baltic School at the time. The first meeting was held in the home of Miss Grace Riley and the first president being elected was the late Mrs. Benjamin Burns, with Ellen Harrington as secretary-treasurer. During the past forty—three years the goals of the institute have included keeping ties within the community, helping with education and social activities, giving help in times of sickness and need, extending sympathy in times of bereavement and also extend best-wishes and congratulations within our community. The Institute laboured hard to maintain the one-roomed school and in 1969, when this was closed, the organization procurred the building, turning it into a community center. Fleamarkets and recreation for the youth are held on the grounds, and since 1976 it has been used as a

handicraft center.

Two of the members that attended the first meeting in 1934 are still active members in the organization. They are Mrs. James Bearisto and Mrs. Bruce Riley, other members are Mrs. Donald Evans, Mrs. Earle Clark, Mrs. Keir Crafer, Mrs. David Cousins, Mrs. William Burns, Mrs. Russell O’Dell,

Mrs. Mary Wall and Mrs. Arthur Cousins. 8