tainment where our influence cannot reach them. In time they will leave us, but it will cheer

our hearts in after years to have them say — “There was no place like home, although we did not half appreciate it till we left.”

So we will be doubly repaid for the sacrifices that perhaps we made. but enjoyed making for the love that only Mother knows. — So this is my hobby! —

Garden Party (Circa 1920) at the home anrs. Mary Ada (Walter) Simpson, President of Sterling Women is Institute 1913-1924

THE WAR YEARS

Prince Edward Island Women’s Institute Song of Peace This is my song, 0 God of the nations A song of peace for lands afar, and mine This is my home, the country where my heart is, This is my hope, my dreams, my shrine; But other hearts in other lands are beating With hopes and dreams the same as mine.

The Women’s Institute motto for “Home and Country”, would have greater meaning of the word “country”, with the outbreak of the two World Wars.

The formation of the Institute shortly before the outbreak of the First World War (19 l4—l918) would provide a forum for those dedicated women to unify their efforts by quilting, sewing and knitting articles of warmth and comfort for their soldiers. Boxes were packed for the boys overseas. A prisoner of war was adopted. Large sums of money were sent to the Red Cross, the Belgium Relief Fund and the Halifax Relief Fund. This fund was set up as a result of the

Halifax explosion.

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