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Searchable Stewartville Tweedsmuir History 7 Book 1 THE F.W.I.O.â€"HOW IT BEGAN The rapid development of Institute work rendered it advisable to hold three conventions in the fall of 1914 at London, Toronto and Ottawa. This introduced ii new feature as up to this date only one annual (Provincial) convention had been held. it had been the policy of the De- partment to consult with leading (JiTiL‘EI‘S to decide upon policy‘ In 1914 delegates in convention were asked to appoint representatives to act upon an advisory committee. The Depart- ment looked to this committee as well as to the Women’s Institute staff for advice and suggestions. In 1916 a. Provincial Advisory Committee was elected with 17 divisions represented. This plan was followed each year until in 191849 the permanent prov- incial organization was set up. We {mute .{rnw the Superintendent speakingr in convention February 2, 1919: “In consultation with the Provincial committee and its executive to be elected in convention it is the desire of the Department to 8555151: in formulating plans for a permanent provincial organization upon a defiâ€" nite basis. It is the intention of the Department to assist the people of the Institutes in formulating plans for organization which will meet their needs and which may he co-ordinated with the efi'orts of the Department. “A meeting of representatives of the Women’s Institutes and other similar organizations throughout the llomininn. has been called for IWInâ€" nipog‘ about mid February With a view to formulating plans for closer c0~operati0n among these organiz» ations and it is expected that a basis of permanent National organ- ization will he decidedupo‘n. _ “I hope this organization Will be entirely of the people and that a separate committee or council will be formed among those directly con- nected with the Department of Prov~ incial Governments ulterior: assist- ance to the sooieties. Thus when matters of mutual interest are under consideration. the executive of the peoples’ organization and the com- mittee of Government officials can confer and work together". On February 4, 1919, the resoluâ€" tions comiiiittoe under the Convener- ship of Mrs. Wm. Todd brought in a resolution to set up a permanent board. Thus our F.W.I.O. Board had its beginning. From this board Mrs. Wm. Todd and Mrs. James Patterson were named representatives to the National Organization meeting held later in that month in Winnipeg. At this Winnipeg meeting the Federated Women's Institutes of Canada came into being with Mrs. Emily Murphy (Jan‘er Cniiuck) as first national premium, Throughout the years the Federated Women’s Institutes of Ontario hare been ably presided over by 10 pro- vinriul presidents: Mrs. Wm. Todd. 1919-1920; Mrs. Geo. Edwards. 1920- 1924; Mrs. Field Robertson, 1924-1927; Mrs. J. W. Stone, 1927-1929; Mrs. A E. Walker. 1929-1932; Mrs. R. B. Colâ€" loton, 19112-1935; Mrs. T» J. McDowell, 1935â€"1939; Mrs. Ernest A, Duke, 1939-1942; Mrs. Clarence Holmes, 19424944; Mrs. Hugh Summers, 1944-1047. From these Ontario presiâ€" dents we have had two Dominion presidents, Mrs. Wm. Todd and Mrs. A. E. Walker of whom we are justly proud. To all these women we pay high tribute and extend our grateful thanks. Their vision and foresight, their capable leadership and untiring' rfTorts have been of inestimeble value in our progress towards maintaining our high stunilardgthe best FOR HOME AND COUNTRY. E‘Inor 5 null“ W. r-‘gn-L Uan we inn-e no photos 0! Mrs. Eulwar-ln ur Mrs. Slum: ‘ur Hublirtlllnni digitized by Jim Austin ‘