Home and Country

This is only a simple story told in a simple way

To honour a noble woman who has long since passed away,

Only a humble woman yet through her the world came to feel

Some of the strength and the beauty and the power of a high ideal.

In far away Ontario on the shores of Stoney Creek

Years ago there lived a woman who most patiently did seek

Ways and means of helping women more happiness to find

And to her friends and neighbours she was always kind.

She planned a club for women most exclusively their own,

To add to their enjoyment and be centered in the home.

To include such other interests whatever they may be

That will help in the advancement of themselves and their country.

To be so all embracing it would have the same allure

For the mighty and the humble, the wealthy and the poor.

Nor could she be contented until at last her dream

Included every woman from the peasant to the Queen.

For she felt that her endeavour if it was to succeed

Must appeal to every woman, in spite of colour, race or creed.

So after much deliberation she hit upon a plan

That included every woman but excluded every man.

At last the work was finished, the plan was made to suit

And so was formulated The Women's Institute!

As a stone on the smooth surface of a lake makes ripples grow,

In ever widening circles until at last they go

To all the farthest reaches of each rock bound shore

Until every cove and inlet felt a life not known before.

So the fire of her urgent message sweeping through our broad domain

Burned in the hearts of women with an all-consuming flame.

Eager they flocked to her standard for to all the appeal was the same:

It entered the homes of the mighty and the lonely shack on the plain,

Clubs were formed in the cities, in the towns and the country side

And in no time at all the movement had become Dominion wide.

The message soon crossed the ocean found a welcome in every land

Now the women the world wide over are bound to a common band.

Pledged to give their best efforts no matter what work it may be

That will promote the best interests of their home and country.

Now in all questions of interest no longer are women mute

Since suppression gave way to expression in the Women's Institute.

In all progressive movements the Institute now plays a part

It takes great interest in farming, in music and all household art.

Better schools and Home Economics on its program are given a place

There also we find social service as a means of helping our race.

Canadianization is given a hearing and immigration is part of the plan

To make each foreigner over into a better Canadienne.

In the work of the League of Nations early we played our part

For peace in the world among Nations is dear to each woman's heart.

The study of legislation helps women to understand

How they may be benefited by the laws of the land.

So from humble beginning, the Institute's grown to be

One of the world’s great forces for peace and prosperity.

Only a country woman yet through her the world came to feel

Some of the strength and the beauty and the power of a high ideal.

Only a humble woman who cherished a lovely dream,

Little she dreamed it would bring her much of the world's esteem.

Let us honour Adelaide Hoodless who some day the world will acclaim

One of the foremost women to enter the halls of fame.

Let us flock to her banner; seize it and carry it high

And so we will honour the woman who gave us the WI!

     “Janey Canuck”

Janey Canuck was the pen name of Judge Emily Murphy, the first President of the Federated Women's Institute of Canada.

From Ruth Fenner, Provincial Historian, British Columbia Women's Institute