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Between The Lines Dear W.I. Members: As you begin reading this issue of Home and Country, are you aware, that, in regard to the publishing of this magazine, a very long record has been reached? This is Volume 50 of the provincial publication of the Federated Women's Institutes of Ontario. It represents the 50th year Women's Institute members have been receiving this informative magazine. On your behalf, I have expressed grateful appreciation to The Honourable Dennis R. Timbrell, Minister of Agriculture and Food, for the excellent support Federated Women’s Institutes of Ontario receive from the Ministry, through the Rural Organizations and Services Branch, in publishing Home and Country in the interests of our organization. This magazine with its up-to-date and informative articles, provides a reliable and valued source of information for our members. In 1984 our province, Ontario, will be celebrating the Bicentennial of its settlement and the subsequent growth over the past two hundred years. It is together with people of many backgrounds that Ontario has been built. Our province has seen many changes in the past two centuries. In fact in 1784, our province was known as Upper Canada, and that name remained until Confederation. Two hundred years ago our province was considered a wilderness still covered in forests. It was inhabited by the native peoples who had lived in harmony with the land for more than ten thousand years. A few French and British lived along 4 the trading routes. Near Present'day Midland, the first rmmanent European settlement had taken P1399 at Ste. Marie among the Hurons in 1639. Following the American Revolu- tion, the first of several thousands of United Empire Loyalists arrived in the spring of 1784. They located at the east end of Lake Ontario, along the St. Lawrence, Niagara, Grand and Detroit Rivers. The Loyalists gave Ontario a big Starl- Many Of these Loyalists who came from the United States were American born of English, Scottish and Irish origins. Included in this diverse group were Iroquois of the six nations, German and Dutch. These hardy pioneers who Created homes for their families in the wilderness were mainly farmers and shopkeepers. In the period succeeding 1784, people from around the world have settled in Ontario. Whether our ancestors came generations ago, or in recent years to join the native people, each of us with our various backâ€" grounds contribute to the strength of Ontario. During Bicentennial 1984, more than 8â€"112 million Ontario residents will be “Celebrating Together" our province’s 200th anniversary. 1984 will give us an opportunity to celebrate together our rich heritage. With the establishment of a Bicentennial Committee in each municipality, Women’s Institutes are encouraged to become involved in the program planning and in the actual celebration at the local level with other organizations. Many Branches are in the unique position of possessing a Tweedsmuir History. The compilation of these histories, by a Tweedsmuir History Curator and her committee is very important, since it records the development and historical growth of the local community. Authentic in detail, the record of the history of the community is a tribute to the local people and a link in Ontario’s hiS‘OFY- Women's Institutes are encouraged to arrange for the display of their Tweedsmuir History during the Bicentennial. The public wit] become more aware of the value and significance of these histories, when given a Special invitation to examine them. Bicentennial will create pride and awareness in our province. A feeling of belonging to a wonderful province. Ontario residents will have an opportunity to celebrate not only the past and present, but the future of our provmce. Plan to Discover Ontario in Bicentennial year. Take time to discover interesting towns and villages. Travel the back-roads, view the splendor of our magnificent province and learn to appreciate the natural beauty within it. Plan ahead to celebrate Ontario's Bicentemiial. It is to be a happy time and a j yfu| celebration. Although 1984 will be the _ 10”] anniversary of our first My tlist settlements, it will also be a 3] trial year for many communities to :le. brate their own anniversaries é‘he City ofToronto will be celebrat: its sesquicentennial of incorporati- in 1984. Cornwall, Belleville and in Hope will also be celebrating :ir 150th anniversary. In Non '11 Ontario, 1984 is the 100th an r. sary of a decision of the British 'y Council to include much of the d between James Bay and e Superior within cur province. c Six Nations at Brantford will i; the 200th Anniversary 01 e Haldimand Deed giving them is along the Grand River. Th. ‘, Lawrence Seaway will be 25 yea I in 1984. The Seaway will be a fat place for many visitors. S ; events are planned to mark Car ‘5 first voyage to Canada in 1534 0 years ago). As we gather across Ontario .: year, “Celebrating Together" 1 province’s Bicentennial, It .i remember our special citizens. r seniors have paved the way it today. These people des recognition for the role they played in shaping our province. youth, who one day will take place as leaders in the commu need to be involved. Bicentennr for all citizens of Ontario. We 1 much to celebrate! Congratulations and best WI are extended to the 10 Cha Members in the Bloomfield Bra] Parry Sound South District and newly formed Otty Lake Brar‘ South Lanark. Federated Womt Institute of Ontario is pleased welcome these new branches to l organization. Respectfully submittr Mrs. Keith Hieplt