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VI-- [ THE TOBERMORY WOMEN and the lBo:ih t};: Skylarks ?nddthe Women's Instituic were B involved in Hallowe'en fund raising events in 1931 whj wWOMEN'S INSTITUTE were aptly described in The Wiarton Echo. hich Women's groups have been active in Tobermory since the early 1900's, serving their community, the war *A bazaar need never be bizarre. We have had effort, and various charities. many so--called events of this kind, but never one before that caught up such originality of scheme Women all over Canada were discussing the and such novelty of interest as did that of <*> possibility of getting ""the vote" in the 1890's and the "Skylark Girls," which was held last Wed: Tobermory women were no exception. On February 22, day evening. This had not been a hurried event, 1894, the "'Wiarton Echo"' printed an article submitted but the climax to a number of happy evenings by one of its Tobermory readers. The article stated that in which dreams became plans and Hallowe'en there was a "heated controversy" over whether women captured as suitable background providing should be allowed to vote, but that the majority of the hobgoblins and pumpkins, black cats and people were in favour of granting the franchise to women. witches as a decorative scheme for walls and Some supporters of the women's cause said that if women lights. A program of sideshows gave two mystery were in the political arena; whiskey traffic would cease, tents and an excellent fish pond as added attr the Sabbath would be better observed, there would be tions to the hand--embroidered goods and choice less profane language, laws would be well--administered, souvenirs that were tastily displayed, together and the honour of women would be held '"*more sacred"'. with a counter of pies, cookies, candy and cakes that looked very tempting indeed. The local In April of 1905, a by--law was passed stating "that library building had generously been loaned to the Reeve, Clerk and Treasurer be authorized to sign the these young people, and looked entrancing in its petition to entitle women to vote at Municipal Elections orange and black semi--weird atmosphere. who held property in their own name". This was still a Laughter was to be heard everywhere, int« far cry from what we have today, but it was a step in spersed with pleasant remarks about the dispi«» the right direction. of dainty gifts. The whole was something dif-- ferent and thus deserved special mention. This The Women's Institute (W.1.) was formed in 1914 successful undertaking, under the capable leader-- just after the outbreak of war and,the women set to work ship of Mrs. Russell Belrose, calls for congratula-- knitting socks for the soldiers. During the first year in tions from all interested in our young folk. The operation the ladies put together a small library and proceeds were divided into an equal third for Miss. E. Hopkins became librarian. By 1916, the local each of the societies. The church, Women' women donated 147 pairs of socks and many other Institutes and the Skylarks. The best that can I hospital supplies to the Red Cross to be shipped overseas. said is keep on with the good work and golden A pair of socks was sent to each of the nine Tobermory deeds. volunteers training in Wiarton. The W.1. Planned and executed a successful In 1916, the W.1. held the annual picnic on the 12th event in an Hallowe'en euchre and dance, to of July and served refreshments at a stand for the pur-- which were added sales of dainty gifts and pose of obtaining money for the Red Cross. A game embroidery, with many useful articles for the called "French Toy"' was played and everyone enjoyed housewife and the bride--to--be. Always an iten themselves. The proceeds from the refreshments stand of interest is the draw for the quilt. One wen! amounted to $40. to Mrs. O. C. Vail and Fred Smith. Lunch was served at the close. An interesting fish pond was By 1917, the group had over 30 members and Mrs. provided for both the children and the adults. Walsh became president. A friendship quilt was made and Friday night will be remembered as a very enjoy-- completed in 1918. This special quilt contained squares able evening, and one that ably augmented the on which each soldier's name and regimental number was doctor's fund." embroidered. Donated to the St. Edmunds museum, this quilt can be seen there today. In 1932, the ladies of the church got together «. © formed the Womens Association, later becoming know" The '"Skylark Girls" were a younger version of the as United Church Women (U.C.W.). This, however, did Women's Institute, organized in 1931 by Mrs. Russell not put an end to the Women's Institute as they continued Belrose. Although this club did not last a long time, many to hold euchre parties, bazaars, and fund raising events activities were undertaken during its existence, |p ; . September, Miss Dora Pettigrew gave an interesting paper There must have been some people in the villagt on Florence Nightingale to the club and the next month walking around in less clothes than was seen fit at 'hf the club's first social evening was held. ' time, for the following letter was written to the cour / m by the W.1. In 1934; > THIS InFfo@mation whs ReCcordbeD N M istogy of ST. EOMuno $ T OuUnSH iPp