Snow Road Women’s Institute celebrates 75 years: 1935 – 2010

Pearl Killingbeck | Aug 26, 2010

Photo: Betty Kelford and Edith Beaulieu

Approximately 21 people attended the 75th anniversary of the Snow Road Women’s Institute. The meeting started with the Institute Ode, followed by the Mary Stewart Collect. The roll call was “Name the country of your ancestors”. Guests in attendance were Joan Irvine, District President; Deborah Ireton, District Fundraising Convener; and Penny Hermer, a member of the Rideau Branch. Secretary Treasurer of Lanark South District, Edith, had gone through the books and made a plaque with all the members’ names of the last 75 years. It had 100 names on it. There were also many articles on display from past WI meetings.

The Snow Road WI started on September 4, 1935. I’ll just name a few of the people who were in the organization for many years: Laura McDougald, 67 years; Aileen Sproule, 64 years; Dorothy Millar 58 years; Della Sargeant 57 years; Evelyn Gemmill 54 years; Margaret Millar, 53 years. All were from Snow Road and are deceased now.

Geri Frechette did a tribute to Hilda Geddes, who was a member for 48 years, and the daughters all gave beautiful tributes to their mothers. Bev Elliot gave a tribute to her mother Aileen Sproule; Sharon Dowdall to her mother Dorothy Millar; Elaine Delisle to Evelyn Gemmill; Sylvia Lynch and Barb Crain to their mother Laura Mae McDougald. Pins were then passed out to members, to their surprise - they did not know they were going to get pins. Agnes Thomas received a 30-year pin; Elizabeth Neumann, 35 years, Irma Zeller, 29 years; Geri Frechette, 25 years; and Edith Beaulieu a 10-year pin.

Beryl Stott spoke on the Elphin Women’s Institute and Mrs. Bobby Ferguson. A candle was lit for all the members who had passed away. Joan Irwin thanked everyone for their involvement. A few draws were held at the end of the meeting and winners Elizabeth Neumann and Penny Hermer finished the meeting with the Institute Grace. A lovely lunch was served afterwards with lots of visiting.

I want to thank Edith Beaulieu and Betty Kelford for inviting us. They put their heart and soul into this meeting and we were proud to be guests.