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Paper written on history of N. D.W.I. for 75th Ann. of Waterloo South for Mrs. Lift Jan. 1977 NEW DUNDEE WOMEN'S INSTITUTE The first meeting was held June 19th, 1907 with the President, Mrs. Rice presiding and giving an opening address. The first Sec.- Treas. was Mamie Schultz. The group had been organized June loth at a meeting in Chipman's Hall when twenty eight charter members signed the roll. Such family names as Henderson, Deans, McDonald, Neustadt, Welsh, Veitch, Elliot, Rutherford and Bowman were on the roll. Talks or papers were prepared for every meeting and discussions followed. Meetings were held in the afternoon with some of the following subjects — Cost of Living, Waste Through Careless Buying, Care of Winter Flowers, Use and Care of Milk, Care of Winter Clothing and Prevention of Disease. Contest and Demonstrations were popular at these early meetings - such as Button Hole, Baking and Candy and Table Setting. During World War 1 Red Cross Work was carried on by the local Institute and on Nov. 9, 1959 for World War 11 the following members were instrumental In organizing for Red Cross Work - Miss Sylvia Dock, Mrs. Amos Hilborn and Mrs. E.B. Hallman. Almost every woman in the community contributed to the 362 quilts, 19 comforters, 1 complete layette of 45 pieces, 4 afgans, shoes, overshoes, 31 pairs of refugee slippers, 6 shelter bags, 307 articles of clothing, 2158 knitted art-icles. Boxes were sent to all the soldiers from New Dundee District. Money was raised by making quilts, penny sales and catering for the plowing match, etc. In November 1946 we catered for a banquet given In honour of our soldiers. Following this a concert was held In Kavelman's Hall and watches given to the returned men and the presentation of a Bible, beautifully inscribed along with a bouquet of roses to three Mothers of the boys who gave their lives on the field of battle. Money for the watches and Bibles was donated by the community. In 1921 the Institute presented a flag to the village during a special program in Kavelman's Hall. In 1928 the Institute began giving prizes to the two pupils having the highest standing in the Entrance examinations. These were given for the first time at the official opening of the new school and continued until Entrance exams were abolished. The Institute has stressed agriculture and horticulture through the years and very successful flower shows were held. Exchange of bulbs and seeds was a very popular feature of the early Agriculture meetings. This custom has never changed down through the years but in later years an auction sale of bulbs and plants has replaced the exchange. The Institute has also been interested in the Wilmot Township Fair and has exhibited in almost every class. Booths were set up for many years in competition at first and later simply for display. Donations to many community projects as always been a part of Institute work. Such varied projects as Fire Protection, building of a Band Stand, outdoor rink, picnic shelter, community centre, planting trees, these have been among local projects. In 1959 one of our members was appointed to the Board of the Community Park. Since that time we have had a booth at the Annual Garden Party or May Day Celebration donating the proceeds to the Park Board.