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LINDSAY W.L TWEEDMUIR -- Cnrpin 2004 One of the main attractions of the institute meetings was that they were a good time. For example, the entertainment part of the August 1926 meeting consisted of a recitation by Lottie West and Margaret Rouse, a song by Lena Blacklock, an organ selection by Vean McArthur and humourous stories and riddles by other members. The January 1928 meeting was in the form of a social evening in Hayes's Hall. The programme consisted of a talk on Institute work by Rev. R.W. James, recitations by Mildred Smith, Margaret Rouse, Maggie Mae McDonald, Hilda Hayes, Vera Hayes, Lottie West, Ann Mclver, a duet by Leona and Alvin McArthur, speeches by Danny MacDonald, John N. Smith, Bob Bartley and D.S. McLay, accordian music by Willie Morrow and John Allan D.S. McLay and songs by Charles Hayes, Alf Rouse, Artie MacDonald and a song in Gaelic by D.S. McLay. Lindsay Women's Institute meeting, 1950. The meeting was at the home of Kate D.L. McLay. Back (1 to r): Maggie Smith, Margaret McCutcheon, health nurse Miss Ternan, Ruby McCutcheon, Irene Bain, Patsy MacDonald, Mae MacDonald, Bernadette Tigert, Annie Smith, Mary Hofstrand, Mary Susan McLay, Kate D. L. McLay, Margaret MacDonald. Front (1 to r); Donna McCutcheon, Dorothy McLay, Lynette Tigert, Alfred Hofstrand, Christie D.S. McLay, Lillian Clarke. The W.I. supported other community work. At the October 1926 meeting, the group decided to supply paper products and soap to the two local schools, S.S. No. 1 and $.$. No. 5. The institute also supplied the schools with first aid kits. At the May 1927 meeting, the membership agreed to give $1.50 for prizes at the township's first school fair. In June, the W.1. contributed $12 to pay for hauling sand to build St. Margaret's Church. The following month the institute contributed $10 to buy carpet and curtains for the Presbyterian Church on the First Concession. Like other W.1. groups across the country, the Lindsay institute compiled a Tweedsmuir Local History Book which became an invaluable source of material for researchers. Linose y <Taren Feom vossy TwP. twesof NistToRYy 1 ke. However, the work for which the institute was famous ) _ _ was moving into other hands. For example, The Echo EoP u6: reported in April 1945 that a new wire fence was erected c around the Stokes Bay cemetery by the men of Stokes And there was a sad duty to perform, recorded by The Echo on December 13, 1945: "Lindsay W.I. and Bay and Lindsay Township, but that the expenses had been taken over by Lindsay and Eastnor Townships. And the school boards were supplying the things the W.1. had provided in the early years. The W.I. was particularly active during the 1940s. There was support for the Salvation Army, Red Cross, Children's Shelter, China Relief, C.N.LB., Canadian Mental Health Association, Wiarton Memorial Hospital and the Junior Homemaking Clubs which later became the 4--H Clubs. In 1946, Lindsay entertained the District Branches at the District Annual meeting. On June 18, 1947 a group of members went by bus to Guelph to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the founding of the W.1. Junior Homemaking Club. Back (1 to r): Frances West, Margaret McArthur, Kathleen Smith, Audrey Ward, Lenore McLay. Front (1 to r);: Annie McLay, Freda Hayes, Marion Shearer. welcoming them home." The Echo reported in October 1945 that the W.1. and the township council '"have been presenting each person in service as they return home with a compact travel kit which is a nice way of saying thanks to all the bovs for their service while overseas." Lindsay Township council recently presented families who had lost their sons overseas with a leather--bound family Bible with gift inscription on the front." The institute also supported the new township war monument which was dedicated in 1947. The Lindsay W.1. branch met August 3, 1939 at Lottie West's. A letter was received from the Toronto public library explaining how they gave away their discarded books for the price of packing and freight. It was decided to send for 150 books for township schools. "It was a big occasion," recalled Annie McLay Bartley. The war years saw the institute change its focus. "We knitted and sewed. quilted and raised money to purchase things to send parcels to the boys overseas..." according to the summary of activities prepared to celebrate the group's 20th anniversary. "When the soldiers returned we joined with the township council in buying gifts and V |