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FWIO "Edgemont", the property owned by the Federated Women's Institutes of Ontario on which sits the Erland Lee (Museum) Home, the Drive House and Tenant House is situated high on the Escarpment overlooking Lake Ontario on Ridge Road in Saltfleet Township, Stoney Creek. The Women's Institute members, not only in Ontario but beyond and local municipal govern- ments all helped to raise funds to purchase the home in 1971. The 'Lee' ancesters received the Crown Deed back in 1801 when a frame house was built. The next generation built the back part of the present home in 1860 and later in 1873 the front portion. Erland Lee, progressive farmer of Wentworth Coun- ty, Secretary of the Farmers' Institute was responsible for asking Adelaide Hoodless to speak at the Ladies' Night of the Farmers' Institute. Because of Adelaide's great charisma and vital interest in women, she en- couraged the formation of a Women's Organization. Erland and Janet Lee travelled the roads of Saltfleet asking the women to attend this special meeting. It has been often repeated that Erland Lee said, "if men need an organization to learn how to better feed their animals, then women need an organization to learn how to better feed their families." As a result of their effort, 101 women met at Squire's Hall and the Women's Institute was formed. The Erland Lee (Museum) Home, depicts life in a middle-class farm family home. SOme artifacts belong- ing to the Lee's still remain, among them, the ceiling- high pine cupboard, built in 1801 and the dining room table. 18 It was around this dining room table that the original Constitution was worded by a Committee, including Erland Lee, and recorded by his wife, Janet. A copy of the original Constitution, by-laws and early minutes of the first Women's Institute in the World, Stoney Creek, are to be found in book form on the Constitution Table in the Dining Room. The Drive House, has been converted into a display area and demonstrations can be seen on special activity days. Women's Institute members have raised $130,000.00 which is invested in a Foundation Fund. This fund will remain intact, and the interest will be used to assist with part of the daily operations of the Home. Mr. and Mrs. Victor Beachin reside in the apartment at the back of the Home and are on daily duty to welcome all who come to visit. Both the Federated Women's Institutes of Ontario and the Federated Women's Institutes of Canada, have seen fit to honor the foresight of Erland Lee and Adelaide Hoodless, who together founded an organiza- tion which now includes 81/2 million people around the globe. The Erland Lee (Museum) Home R.R.l, Ridge Road, Stoney Creek, Ont L8G 3X4 Hours. . .10.00 a.m.--~3.00 pm. Monday through Friday Closed month of February Buses book in advance with Hostess, Mrs. Victor Beachin Telephone 519-662-2691. a. ' .