Fonds MG86 - Grand Harbour Branch, New Brunswick Women's Institute

Title proper

Grand Harbour Branch, New Brunswick Women's Institute

General material designation

  • Textual record

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  • Source of title proper: Title based on contents.

Level of description

Fonds

Reference code

CA GMA MG86

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Edition statement of responsibility

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Issuing jurisdiction and denomination (philatelic)

Date(s)

Physical description

2 cm of textual records

Title proper of publisher's series

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Name of creator

(1913 - [1919?])

Administrative history

The Women's Institute was founded in 1897 by Adelaide Hoodless of Stoney Creek, Ontario, and by 1913 institutes were active in all the provinces. Mrs. James E. Porter of Andover, New Brunswick, was instrumental in introducing the organization to New Brunswick women. Between 1911 and 1960, hundreds of branches of the Women's Institute were established across the province. Its purpose was to provide educational opportunities for rural women, especially in food preparation and family health. This model was even emulated in other countries, including in the United Kingdom, where the first Women’s Institutes appeared in 1915.

Institutes were also concerned with improvements in living conditions in general, such as the provision of sidewalks, streetlights, park improvement, cemetery improvement, public halls, and public libraries. During the First World War, the Institute’s attention was drawn to international affairs. Its members made garments for members of the armed forces, organized POW relief committees, and sent clothing to the people of war-torn Belgium. But they were still active in their own communities, running knitting clubs, visiting the sick, and participating in similar activities, just as they had done during peace-time. Today the Women's Institutes of New Brunswick are affiliated with the New Brunswick Federation of Agriculture.

The branch at Grand Harbour, Grand Manan Island, existed between 1913 and 1919, and probably continued after that date. The first president was Lizzie Ingalls, and the first secretary was Hazel M. Newton.

Custodial history

It is not known how the original minute book came into the hands of Al Hobbs, who gave the photocopies to the Grand Manan Genealogical Society.

Scope and content

This fonds consists of photocopies of the original minute book of the Grand Harbour Branch, New Brunswick Women's Institute. The group began by discussing recipes and moved on to sidewalks, street lights, park improvements, cemetery improvements, a public hall, and a public library. Park improvements, cemeteries, schools, knitting, and quilting committees were soon organized and members reported on those activities at each meeting. These projects were set aside as the war began and reports on war efforts in support of soldiers began. The group met in the Newton's Store in Grand Harbour. There is a reference in the minutes of 1914 that a branch of the organization was also functioning at Seal Cove.

Physical condition

Immediate source of acquisition

Al Hobbs gave the photocopies in 1989.

Arrangement

Language of material

  • English

Script of material

Location of originals

The original is held by Mr. and Mrs. Al Hobbs of Grand Harbour, Grand Manan, New Brunswick.

Availability of other formats

Restrictions on access

No restrictions.

Terms governing use, reproduction, and publication

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Associated materials

See MG53 Gleneta Green Hettrick for more information.

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