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1897, Mr. Erland Lee, a young farmer in Wentworth Coonty, Ontario welcom- ed Mrs. Adelaide Hunter Hoodless to Squire‘s Hall in Stoney Creek, Ontario. One hundred and one women were waiting to hear Mrs. Hoodless, and inspired by her enthUSiasm. these women agreed to form the first Women's ' 3 Institute. On February 15, 1967 (February 19 was a Sunday). Mrs. Chester Nash. President of the :Stoney Creek Women's Institute welcomed members, former members and distinguished .guests to a celebration of the seventieth anni- ‘versary of the founding of this same Stoney ,Creek Women‘s Institute. Among the guests were Mrs. J. Philip Matheson. President of the Federated Women's Institutes of Canada. and Mrs. Everett Small. President of the Federated Women‘s Institutes of Ontario. This was not just another birthday being celebrated by a branch of the Women‘s Insti- . . tute. This was a momentous occasion. This I lwas the celebration of the founding of the Ifmost important rural women‘s organization in ' éexistence today. This organization. which had ' its start on a stormy February night in Stoney . ‘ Creek, Ontario was also the start of a national n.0rganization, the F.W,I.C.. and the start of an ON THE EVENING of February 19, estituent society of the Associated Country ' Women of the World. " Greetings received for this occasion were read: from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Prime Minister Lester B. Pearson. Premier ..Stoney Creek Women’s Institute, and many 1“- others. Mrs. McKinley Morden. ninetyâ€"one years of ; age. a charter member. was present and assistâ€" '. ed in cutting the birthday cake. The other I .fi‘surviving charter member. Mrs. P. Van Wag- ner. ninety-nine years old. was unable to at- - “tend. Mrs. Marjorie Lee. daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Erland Lee. attended the birthday wi‘luncheon. Also present were Mrs. Arthur Conant and Brigadier Smith. the son and H’Qfiidaughter of the first president of ‘Stoney Creek i' 1, Women's Institute. Mrs. E. D. Smith. g '~ Mrs. Everett Small congratulated the Stoney a . ‘7” Creek branch of the Women's Institutes on I‘ their fine record of achievements during the In: past seventy years and introduced Mrs. J. if. Philip Matheson. I V i SUMMER 1967 l 7‘: The First Women’s Institute Celebrates Its Seventieth Birthday .N_ Presidents representing tivc levels of the Federated Women's Institutes oI Concdo attended the 7Dlh An- niversary oi the Iounding of the Women's Institute of Stoney Creek. From left to right: Mrs. Harvey Ellor, Hamilton Aron Woman's Institutes; Mrs. J. Philip Muthoson. of the Federated Women's Institutes ol Cunodu; Mrs. Chester Nash, Stoney Creek Women's Institute; Mrs. Allen Stewart, District of South Wont- worlh Women's initituie .- Mrs. Everett Small, Federated Women's Inslitulc: ol Ontario, Photo â€" courtesy the stoney Creek an5_ Mrs. Mathcson in her address pointed out that Stoney Creek occupies a unique position in the history of the Women's Institutes. She suid that attending the scvcnticth anniversary of Stone) (‘reek Women‘s Institute was one of the highlights of her term ot‘ ol‘licc as President of the Federated Women's Institutes UI. Canada. Mrs. ("heater Nash was the mast-Jr of cure- monies Ior this birthday celebration. She ex- pressed. tor the Stoney (frock Women’s lnsti~ Into a warm appreciation to the guests I'or attending and tor the good wishes received, “The Won‘lun's Institute." said Mrs. Nash “in the past seventy years has been a tremendous inl'luence in lhe lives of thousands ol‘ women and hax instituted Countless important moveâ€" mcnls tor progress and the good of women. but HE mttst always be alert to opportunities and obligations engendeer in our reputation." WANTED National Secretary for Federated Women's Institutes of Canada. Qualifications; Knowledge and experi ence in work of Women's institute and office man- agement. Send applications to National Office. Room 28. 45 Elgin SL. Ottawa 4, Ontario. Duties to commence Sept. 15, 1967. State salary expected. 13