Marshfield Women’s Institute

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sponsored by the Women’s Institute, were a major means of raising funds for the upkeep of this facility. The card parties not only provided funds for the WI, they were also a popular social event, supported by people from surrounding communities. Prizes were awarded, lunch was served, funds were raised and a good time was had by all. For a number of years, one of the WI members, Margaret Boswell, worked diligently to insure success of this project which maintained the Hall as a necessary and very busy facility. In recent years, needs changed and the building experienced gradual decline due to lack of use. A decision was reached to dispose of the contents and the Hall was dismantled in December 1999. A chapter in the history of Marshfield closed, leaving behind a lifetime of memories for the dedicated people who worked so hard to provide this facility for Marshfield and surrounding area.

1961 — Mr. Hugh Lowry, pastor of St. Columba Presbyterion Church, approached the Women’s Institute to assist in organizing a Boy Scout and Cub Troop. Marshfield WI became the sponsors of this group and three of the members, Doris MacBeath, Edith Lowry, and Edith Foster were involved as leaders.

That same year, a Fashion Show was held for two successive nights with Mrs. Ray MacCallum as Chairperson, assisted by Mrs. John Smethurst.

1962 - The membership of 33 ladies conducted an extensive highway safety project which was entered in a National competition. This project, which was of considerable magnitude, had the support of the whole community, the RCMP, the Dept. of Highways and many others.

1963 — On the eve of the 50th anniversary of this Institute, the Canadian Highway Safety Council advised the group that their project had won first prize and would receive “the Shell Canada Carol Lane Awar ” of $1,000 and a bronze statuette. It was the first time in the history of this award that a Maritime group had won and it was a fitting climax to the first 50 years of the Institute. In May of that year, Marguerite Godfrey and Doris MacBeath accepted the award at the annual meeting of the Canadian Highway Safety Council at the Nova Scotian Hotel in Halifax. Numerous letters of commendation were received. Marguerite Godfrey and Agnes Saunders were guests of the Charlottetown Rotary Club at its December 1963 meeting. They were introduced by Colonel Fred Andrew, chair of the meeting. One

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important result of this project was the introduction of the “slow moving vehicle” sign which is widely used today. Marshfield WI won this competition in three successive years. Mrs. Godfrey was the chairperson of this project and was greatly supported by her husband Mr. Rupert Godfrey. Although it was a Women’s Institute project, everyone in the community became involved through the various committees, including teachers and pupils.

Safety Award, presented by Miss Carol Lane, women’s travel director for Shell Canada Limited, at the 10th Annual Conference of the Canadian Highway Safety Council in Toronto, May 5, 1964.

That same year, the 50th Anniversary was celebrated with a banquet at Sherwood Hall. Entertainment included a piano solo by Miss Gail Carter (the teacher at the time), the Marshfield WI Chorus, Gaelic songs by Mr. & Mrs. Neil Matheson and Mr. & Mrs. Harold Carver.

1964 - The Women’s Institute entertained Mrs. Eva Gilstorf, Director of the Canadian Highway Safety Council, who asked to meet with the Marshfield WI while on a visit to this province.

1965 - Life memberships were presented to two members who were leaving the community, Mrs. Ernest Foster and Mrs. Leigh Frizzell. The life memberships were presented in appreciation of their many years of dedication to WI work.

1973 - Diamond Jubilee celebrations were held at the Wandlyn Inn. Head table guests included Mrs. Onis Gill (charter member), Mrs. Helen