“éterltng” women’s institute 1913 -1997

STERLING WOMEN’S INSTITUTE

February 19, 1897, marked the beginning of a new era for Canadian women. Finally, women

were recognized as persons having the ability to contribute, the knowledge to pursue and the determination to work for the betterment of rural women.

Mrs. Agnes (John) McGuigan ‘ _ Mrs. Esther (Wallace) MacKay Charter and Life Member _F'r5t Presta’ent ' Charter and Life Member of Sterling Women ’s Institute Ste r ["18 Women 3 Institute of Sterling Women ’s Institute 1918—1924 Mrs. Mary Ada McNeill (Walter) Simpson

(1863-1947)

The founder of the Women’s Institute movement was Mrs. Adelaide Hoodless of Stoney Creek, Ontario. In her short life span of 52 years she has left us an example of faith and determination for the betterment of Home and Country that has never been equaled. This dynamic force was sparked by a great personal sorrow, the death of her first born son of contaminated milk. When aware of this, she put aside her own grief and decided to do something about it. To her amaze— ment, she discovered that a great deal of scientific research was being devoted to finding the best possible feed for horses, cattle, pigs, and hens, but little or no thought was given to finding the best food for adults and children. At a farmers’ meeting, Mrs. Hoodless, in an inspirational address pointed out, that, if men felt the need of an organization and it enabled them to grow better crops of hay, grain, and fruit and produce better livestock, then an institute for the women would be equally helpful in their work of home craft and nutrition, since it concerned the home and care of the loved ones who dwelt therein. A statement recorded in the early minutes reads, “A nation cannot rise above the level of its home”, therefore, we women must work and study together to raise our homes to the highest possible level. These pioneer leaders were both sin— cere in their efforts and practical in their ideas. Mrs. Hoodless felt that if women could come

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