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Special Programs and Projects A Note to P.R.0.s The purpose of this Special Programs and Projects section is to give Public Relations Officers 0 spot in Home and Country whgre they can tell all the Institutes of the province about anything done in their own Institute which might offer a suggestion to other branches. As we have explained in previous issues, we cannot give space to routine reports of meetings â€"unless the program is so original or out- standing as to give an idea to other Institutes. ‘ A particularly good subject for a topic, dis- cussion. debate. motto or roll call would be welcome. Some years ago it was decided that we could not report anniversary celebrations. These are of interest mainly in the local community where the participants are known and of course P.R.0.'s will see that they get into the local papers. And please note that to produce an illus- ‘ tration we require a photograph, not the nega- tive; and that we cannot make a cut from a colored picture or from a slide. Perhaps the best way to see the sort of material we need for this section is to look at the topics in this and previous issues. Then, as P.R.O. for your branch or district or area, if you have a story that should be told. do, please, send it alongâ€"Editor. Stoney Creek Celebrates By Virginia Carmick Editor’s Note: We regret our lack of space for all of Mrs. Cormiclc's report, but we believe the account of the very comprehensive program put on by the Stoney Creek Institute assisted by neighbouring branches may offer suggestions to other Institutes involved in similar events. HE YEAR 1963 marked the 150111 An- niversary of the Battle of Stoney Creek and, what was even more important, one hundred and fifty years of peace betWeen Canada and the United States. So a group of historically minded citizens of Stoney Creek felt that 'it was an occasion for the town to celebrate, and celebrate they did, for four days, June 6, 7, 8 and 9. Recognizing the fact that Stoney Creek had nu. ma a second claim to fame, namely, that of being the birthplace of the Women’s Institute, now worldâ€"wide, the central committee approached the local Women's Institutes, inviting them to make plans to celebrate that event during the celebration and setting aside June 7th as Women‘s Institute Day. This idea was en- thusiastically received by the members and in co-operation with the adjoining Saltfleet Inâ€" stitute, a committee was set up to make the necessary arrangements. It was co-convened by the two presidents, Mrs, Chester Nash of the Mother Institute, hemelf a descendant of one of the pioneer families of the district; and Mrs. W. F. Zinszor of the Saltfleet In- stitute. who was born and grew up in the United States and who typifies the fine con- tribution in community service given by the more recent residents of the area. Five events of special interest to women were planned by this committee for Women’s Institute Day. These were: An Antique and Heirloom Display, One Hundred Years of Fashion, a display of pictures, maps, photo- graphs and newspapers of the early days, a bus tour to historical landmarks in the district and, to complete the day, a dinner to honour visiting officers of the Institute and other spe- cial guests. Through the kind cooperation of three local churches their church halls were made available for the three displays. Many of the Institute members wore either authenâ€" tic heirloom gowns and bonnets or handâ€"made copies of pioneer clothes. A group of Stoney Creek ladies made a special trip to the Toâ€" ronto Museum where they made sketches of the clothing of the period, and paper patterns were made available from these sketches. The Saltfleet Municipal Council kindly of- fered the use of their Council Chamber for a registrétion headquarters for Women’s Instiâ€" tute Day. This was most fitting as the building stands on the site of Squires’ Hall where the first Institute meeting was held on February 19, 1897. A blue and gold banner above the outside door and the bronze plaque on the wall nearby made it easily found by visitors. Inside were framed photographs of the foun- ders, the early officers and the charter mem‘ bers. Officers and members of the two hostess Institutes were on hand to Welcome the visi- tors, give information and invite them to sign the guest book of the Mother Institute. Many chartered busloadsand private carloads of ladies comprised the total of nearly one thou- sand Institute members and friends who atâ€" tended that day or on other days of the cele- bration. They came from all parts of Ontario, from other provinces, from neighbonring states and a few from overseas who were visitors in Canada at the time. 13