The Real Estate Years 1961-1978

The years 1960 to 1996 would present many changes and challenges for the members of Sterling Women’s Institute. These years would see many societal and educational changes in the rural communities, which in turn would mean changing lifestyles for rural women.

School consolidation was gradually seeing the demise of the one-room school, and the Institute’s role of supplying extra school materials for the teachers and hot soup or cocoa for the students was no longer needed.

Farming operations were expanding, and consolidation to larger family farm operations would gradually diminish the rural population base. The exodus of many senior members to towns where services were more readily available resulted in a demographic change. The role of women in society was changing. Choices to continue careers after marriage and the demands of family and careers left less time for women to pursue social and active membership in commu- nity organizations.

And yet it is was during this period that Sterling Women’s Institute, with limited resources and great foresight made several important decisions which resulted in acquiring within the district valuable real estate.

One of the objectives of the Women’s Institute is “to develop a more abundant life in our rural communities and a deeper appreciation of the things near at hand”.

The members of Sterling Women’s Institute, knew that their presence over the past fifty years, had arisen to become a strong influence within the community where no forces would destroy their ideas, if it were for the betterment of their neighbor.

With this in mind, the members embarked on the “Real Estate Waters,” armed with the confi- dence that they had the entire community support for their endeavors. The first deed was signed in 1962, and the members have not looked back since that date. Their ownership includes the “Swimming Rock”, the “Rink”, and its land, the “School”, and the “Hall”.

For years an area known as the Swimming Rock, on New London Bay, had been a favorite spot for all to enjoy a refreshing swim. The Red Cross also used this beach area to teach swim— ming lessons.

Beach at Swimming Rock

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