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Tweedsmu , Preserve, Protect and ' Promote By Linda Ambrose -(*Iiw . .. ”A. t‘71v~n_ obody really knows for sure how many 7 Needfinuir-Ffism Bock'stbevieareiw . Ontario, bUt in T964 it wasnjeportedcthat , “well over 1100“ Branch histories were in. .. the process of being compiled. Addstothat the District and Area books,,and theznew\._. Branches which have been started since, and just imagine how many Tweedsmuir History Books are waiting to be read. Over the past twoâ€"and-a-half years, I have looked through several hundred of those books asI travelled across this province visi iting with many of you in yourBranches and Districts. Wherever I have gone, you have rolled out the welcome mat, put on the kettle, and lugged out your history books. In some cases, I looked at your books without even coming for a visit, becauseI used microfilm copies at archives and museums. Indeed, » TweedsmuirHistory Books have been one of my most important sources as I worked to research the Ontario Women’s Institutes for the upcoming centennial in 1997. You are very proud of these books, and well you should be, They capture your local community history and preserve it in a unique way. Your curators have spent many hours lovingly compiling these bulky, big volumes. The cover is proudly emblazoned with your Institute‘s name, and in many cases that cover itself is a work of art fashâ€" ioned from leather or from wood. These books are important to you. But not only to you. Do you realize the importance that others have attached to them over the years? The books had a very distinguished beginning. You are probably aware that they were originally known as “The Tweedsmuir Village History Books,” so named in 1940 for the former Governor General of Canada, on the suggestion of his widow; Lady Tweedsmuir. Recognizing me challenge of compiling a local history book, Susan Tweedsmuir said : “It is necessary to have the patience of Job, the strength of Hercules and the powers of a private detective to do His- torical Research.” Endorsement by such an eminent family was only the beginning, and after that, the books won many accolades on their own merit. Did you know, for example, that in 1950 the Honourable Vincent Massey in- Zr Histories: CURATOR' S WrNDATE quire'd about Tweedsmuir histories so that he could-inciude mam-SSPWQfimfiRoyfil‘Gome o.‘ ‘ va‘eedsmuir'tHistory' "Book is like buying mis ,. on:Natio_nal Developmentttinnthe Arts, Lettersand Sciences? He considered": ,;the Tweedrnuir History Book‘stoibo-animxw rportant part ofGanadian culture.tAnd he was not alone. Just one year'before that, in 1949, the Women’s Institutes’ Tweedsmuir histo- ries earned a very prestigious prize from the American Association for State and Local History. Similar honours would follow a few years later when, in 1962, Canada’s national organization of professional historians, the Canadian Historical Association, awarded a certificate of merit to the Women’ s Institutes for their work in preserving local history. For several years, members of the Board of the Ontario Historical Society acted as judges for the Tweedsmuir competitions where the history books were entered in com- petition for die coveted Tweedsmuir cup prize. The Ontario Genealogical Society published a guide to using the books in a 1976 newsletter. Currently, university reâ€" searchers in women‘s history are showing real interest in your books, using them to write papers on women’s organizations, community history, and even the history of the histories themselves. You have in your possession a veritable gold mine ofinformaâ€" tion. In fact, Tweedsmuir History Books are one of the most important resources we have for studying Ontario history at the local level. Formal efforts to preserve Tweedsmuir Books have been in place for some time. Recognizing their importance, the Archives of Ontario entered into an agreement with the Department of Agriculture and Food in the 19605 to begin to preserve these books through microfilming. Through that project, several hundred Tweedsmuir History Books are now available at the provincial archives in Toronto, safely preserved and fully acces- sible to the public. The University of Guelph Archives deemed that collection to be so important, that they bought the complete set of films and users can read them there. Since that project ended, Branches have sought out other means of microfilming using the serv- ices of private companies like Production Micrographics in London, Ontario. The wonderful thing about microfilm is that it makes the book available in a conven- ‘Egis article appeared in our "home and Country" issue Fall 1995 and is worthy of inclusion. ient format that takes up so little space on the library Tshelvesx "Making a copy of your insurance" ~‘you know‘t-hat if anything ever whap'penedr‘t'o' the original books; at least‘you - would have a copy: Several Branches have done this already, and it' you haven’t, then you are taking a big risk with your history book, In one Branch I visited, they had pho- tocopied the complete books and placed copies in the local library so that their origi< rial book was not damaged by curious researchers or eager school children. You need to be concerned about both things: keeping the books safe and, at the same time, making the books available. Over thirty years ago, Hester Walker, the Provincial Curator of the Tweedsmuir histoâ€" ries, and Muriel Mack, the Provincial Convener of Historical Research, issued a special challenge to the members ofthe 1962 FWIO Board. In light of the approaching celebration of Canada’s centennial in 1967, they asked: “Could we make definite deci- sions about the preservation and protection of these valuable histories and plan special events to emphasize them?” I would echo their challenge to you as 1997 draws near, the celebration of your owu centennial. Could you make some definite plans about the Tweedsmuir History Books in your care? Your books are very important. So please, preserve them, protect them and promote them. Linda Alnbmre i.r an Autism/ii Pro/error with the Depar/mznt (if Hinwy at Luuréniiun Univerrriry in Sudbmy, Ontario; .r/te i.r aim the Rermrc/ter/Wriicr (ff/I16 Wanten'.r Inrzirule Centennial His/my Bank Make Plans Today Have your Tweedsmuir History Books microfilmed now. Call or write to Valerie Mann at Production Micrographics at 4500 Blakie Rd., Unit 135, London ON N6L 165, (519)652-1091. Valerie is willing to speak to any group interested in the process. M @221 M, in mi?