Branches from the Past

When the BC Women's Institute History Book was being prepared, the committee members sought out information on branches that have since passed into history. Here are some of those branches in brief:

Field

Organized in 1927, it is not known how long this branch operated. It was located at Field, BC. They sponsored a well attended meeting at which Immigration, the foreign element and Oriental school children were discussed.

First Kitimat

Organized 1962 and operated until 1968

Highlights:

On eight different occasions in Centennial year 1967, the members of First Kitimat WI appeared at events in Centennial costumes and they also assisted with two Centennial Fashion Shows; were involved in a local trade fair, and had demonstrations on making paper flowers and liquid embroidery.

Golata Creek

The Golata Creek WI was formed in January of 1959. The Institute allowed the ladies an opportunity to share ideas, exchange recipes and socialize. They assisted the Farmer’s Institute and the Farmer’s Union in the building of a community centre. This consisted of a community hall, ball diamond and booth.

Their meetings covered such issues as schools, roads, etc., and they also had some fun. The members became very close – they relied on one another for advice. This could range from help with a colicky baby to how to grow cabbage.

They made curtains for the stage in the hall; a donation was sent to the Adelaide Hoodless Fund. They had a plant exchange and gave prizes for the children’s Garden Contest. Made plans to buy pins for all 4-H Club members who completed one year’s projects. Catered lunch for a Wheat Pool meeting, instead of sending Christmas cards to each other, members donated to the Rotary Harbour in Dawson Creek.

Golden

Organized October 18, 1930

Highlights:

Golden was an Institute of long standing, but short on recorded history. One 1955 report indicated that they had raised more than $100.00 for the Canadian National Institute for the Blind. They had sponsored an Easter Sale the same year in which daffodils were a “ready seller” and which garnered $128.00 for their treasury.

There are numerous BC Women's Institute branches that have faded into history, but each of them contributed to our history, and in the tradition of the Women’s Institute, I am sure they also contributed to their individual communities.

Yours For Home and Country, Ruth Fenner, Provincial Historian, British Columbia Women's Institute