Identity area
Type of entity
Corporate body
Authorized form of name
Women's Institute. Canterbury Women's Institute (York County)
Parallel form(s) of name
Standardized form(s) of name according to other rules
Other form(s) of name
Identifiers for corporate bodies
Description area
Dates of existence
Local branch organized in 1936, disbanded in 1988
History
The Women's Institute was founded in 1897 by Adelaide Hoodless of Stoney Creek, Ontario, following the death of her son as a result of drinking impure milk. 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.
The Canterbury Women's Institute was organized on May 6, 1936. The first officers were: Mrs. John MacPherson (president), Mrs. W.H. Scott (treasurer) and Mrs. Harley Smith (secretary).
In its early years, this Institute aided the war effort by sending gum, cigarettes, candy and socks to the "boys" overseas and donated money towards the purchase of a 'mobile kitchen.' They also sent food for British Prisoners of War in Germany. Later, they donated to the Army Appeal, Saint John Ambulance, the Children's Welfare Fund, the Canadian Cancer Fund. Locally, they donated a Bible, dictionary, and a first aid kit to the Carroll Ridge School. Money was raised by holding suppers, rummage sales, travelling baskets and having a "penny" collection.
The Canterbury Women's Institute disbanded on May 16, 1988.