Some history about the women who preserve history locally

By Sheri Stamarski
District Women's Institutes

“Without vision the people perish.” This idea put forth in 1897 had vision. The vision was practical, forthright and a brave venture. Those who caught the vision could not have known how far-reaching their organization, to be known as the Women’s Institute, would be in influencing better homemaking and good citizenship.
On February 19, 1897, the first formal organization of a Women’s Institute took place through the combined efforts of Erland Lee and his wife Janet and with the encouragement of Adelaide Hoodless. Adelaide’s young child had passed away from drinking spoiled milk.
The objective of ‘this Institute shall be, to promote that knowledge of Household Science which shall lead to improvement in household architecture with special attention to home sanitation, to better understanding of economic and hygienic value of foods and fuels, and to a more scientific care of children with a view of raising the general health of our people.’
The founders of this organization were more forward thinking than they realized. All of human kind is closely interconnected in today’s rapidly changing world where distances are diminishing and the problems of one nation bear upon the others. Great social and economic problems confront people everywhere. Today’s Women’s Institutes concern themselves more with these problems than they did in the past. The dream of it’s founders was far-reaching as evidenced by the growth of their organization.
During Lord Tweedsmuir’s term as Governor General of Canada, Lady Tweedsmuir, who was a devoted Women’s Institute member, stressed at a W.I. meeting in 1936 the need for preserving the interesting histories of our Canadian people and the places, customs and activities of our developing land. A few years later, it was proposed that W.I. Branches begin ‘Village History Books‘. This was the official launching of the Tweedsmuir Histories of local communities and it has become one of the most outstanding and valuable projects of the Women’s Institutes.
In 1966, the members of the Rainy River District Women’s Institutes took this one step further. Dr. Kenyon from the Royal Ontario Museum suggested that the women of the W.I. open a museum. As he was working in the area, he realized that there was a lot of history around the District. Members thought it was a great idea. Through the hard work and dedication of those early W.I. members, the Rainy River District Women’s Institute Museum has been in operation since 1968. Artifacts have been collected from across the district, with some dating back to the early settlers to the area over 100 years ago.
Over thirty years ago, the museum was approached by the Emo Chamber of Commerce about accommodating a Tourist Information Center. Brochures of various information about the district can be found there. At present there are plans to expand the tourist information area to include a gift shop, and to highlight various resorts and landmarks.
The present district Women’s Institutes are very proud of our accomplishment with the Museum. In recent years we realized that we had to do something with our museum. We were outgrowing our building as the collections were expanding. With the help from the Township of Emo, we were able to sign a 99 year lease for property on Tyrell Street, behind the OPP Station. We are forever grateful to the Township for helping us realize our vision of a new museum. In the meantime, until we get our new building, we are working on renovating building three, to be opened in the spring. Watch for the opening and come out to see what is new. Artifacts, pictures and family histories are always wanted. If you have any to contribute, please contact us.
On February 20th, we will be celebrating Heritage week by having a lunch at the Emo Knox United Church from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.. A hearty meal of ham, hot dishes, salads, buns and desserts is being served.
On Saturday, March 14th, we are having our second annual St. Patrick’s Day Dinner at the Devlin Hall, beginning at 5:30 p.m. with entertainment to follow. The meal will consist of corned beef and cabbage, roast pork, potatoes, mixed vegetables, salads, biscuits, lemon pie, and apple crisp.
We are putting together a cook book of recipes from W.I. members past and present. If you have some to contribute, the recipes can be dropped off at the Museum.
Our museum is operated on a volunteer basis and we are always looking for help. If you can give us a few hours a week or any time, please contact us at 21 Tyrell Street in Emo or phone 488-5360