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GRANDMOTHER'S LEGACY Hilda Beachin I, Hilda J. Beachin (nee Haney) was born on a farm near Canfield, in Haldimand County on August 18, 1911. I had a younger sister, Janet, who died in 1977. After receiving my Secondary and College education, I went to Toronto to work in the Head Ofiice of the Confederation Life Assn. (now liquidated). In 1937, I married Victor E. Beachin, of Wainfleet (Welland County) and became a fanner's wife. We were blessed with two children, Marilyn (Paul Shields) of Irvine Ca, and Ralph (Doris) of Waterloo. I have four grandchildren. My mother, sister and an aunt were all members of the Canfield Women's Institute and my mother-in-law had been a member of Winger, Wainfleet Women's Institute, so I was most anxious to become involved too. That was more than 6O years ago. Opportunities knock on every door at one time or another. When they come our way we decide what to do. We can use them or abandon them. The decision is ours. In the Winger Wainfleet Women's Institute I was twice president, secretary and convenor of several committees, was presented with Life Membership badge and later named Honorary President. In 1959, Welland District Women's Institute divided into Welland East as Welland West and I became the first President of Welland West, later was presented with Life Membership and Honorary President (now Niagara District). In 1967-69 I was the Hamilton Area Convention President. When the war broke out in l939m my husband went to work at Atlas Steel in Welland. In 1963 we sold our farm and went to Welland to live. My husband retired in 1970. The summers of 1972-1973 we spent as Business Manager and Custodian at the Disciple Conference Grounds on Lake Erie near Selkirk. In June 1974, my husband and I were asked to be Resident Host and Hostess at the Erland Lee Museum House. We saw many changes in our more than 10 years there. We retired in October 1984. We met many wonderful people from all around the world, some I 'm still in contact with. It was wonderful interlude in our retiring years and we will always be grateful to the Federated Women's Institute of Ontario for this privilege. My husband passed away September 1986. My interest is still in the Museum and I help out when asked. In April 1994, the City of Stoney Creek presented me with a Recognition award in recognition of my contribution through the unselfish giving of time and skills to achieve a better quality of life for the residents of Stoney Creek. I also received a pin from the Province of Ontario. In the fall of 1994, the Federated Women's Institute of Canada presented the Erland Lee Certificate to my husband, Victor in appreciation of his outstanding contributions and support of Women's Institute in Canada. This was received posthumously by my son and his wife and myself at the Hamilton Area Convention at Simcoe. I am now active in the Vinemount Women's' Institute and last year was presented with my 60 year pin. I have been active in my church, the Winger Church of Christ