Lt. Goven'r Gang Clue #1

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Photographs

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Alliston Memorial Library

The Women’s Institute founded the first library in Alliston as a memorial to the men of Alliston and vicinity who lost their lives in the great struggle with the Germanic powers for the perpetuation of civilization. The library is also a monument to the indefatigable and persistent efforts in the face of odds sometimes stupendous of the dozen or so women who constitute the working force of the Women’s Institute (WI).2

The first library building was built in 1922 and was officially opened by Sir Frederick Grant Banting on February 14, 1924. Dr. Banting arrived, made his way to the front door, turned the golden key and pulled the doors open, saying “It gives me real pleasure to declare this memorial library open and ready for use.” Dr. Banting stated he would send as a present, 10 of his favourite books for the library and donated a magnificent oil painting, Sugar Bush, which he installed himself over the fireplace.2 Having been restored by the Simcoe Area WI, the painting was donated by the Federation of Women’s Institutes of Ontario, and now hangs in the Banting Homestead in Alliston.

W.O. Carson, Superintendent of Provincial Libraries was present saying that the library was unique as it had been built by private subscription – the only one in the province of that nature, he gave his unbounded admiration for the WI and stated that “the Alliston women should be running things at Ottawa.” Mr. Carson revealed that the building was equal, if not superior, to library buildings that had cost $7,000, and this one had cost $4,000 to erect and complete. The Dale Carnegie Foundation, which had funded numerous libraries, requested a copy of the plans when they heard of the low cost. Mr. Carson arranged a “loan” of 200-300 new volumes to the library.2

Mayor Mitchell was also present and congratulated the WI for the completion of the library.2

Sir William Howard Hearst, Premier of Ontario, was not able to be present but he conveyed his congratulations through Mr. Carson.2

The jurisdiction for the library fell under the Province of Ontario in 1939, becoming the Alliston Public Library, however, the WI’s interest in the library continued and they were involved in its growth and expansion over the years. Originally, the WI occupied part of the building until 1973 when their quarters were moved to the upper floor, and the larger basement area became the library’s space.1

In 1981, a grant was approved for the planning of a new structure. The library was temporarily moved to St. John’s United Church while the old library building was torn down and the new one built. The new library opened its doors April 8, 1982. Mrs. Mina Stewart, the last surviving member of the original WI was present at the ribbon-cutting ceremony.1 More than 700 hundred were in attendance2 for the opening and afterwards, the ladies of the Legion and the WI provided lunch to those in attendance.1

The picture was found in the closet of the Alliston Memorial Library around 2009 and it was taken to the FWIO office in Guelph as it was the property of the FWIO after the disbanding of the Alliston WI. It was taken then to the Alliston Museum on the Boyne to store until it could be properly restored. Simcoe South District along with Simcoe Area W.I. raised funds to have the painting restored and then in 2012 it was donated to the Banting Homestead and is mounted on the wall above the fireplace in the living room of the Banting Homestead on behalf of the FWIO the Simcoe Area WI was present to make the donation and have it officially placed in the home of Sir Dr. Fredrick Banting, co-discoverer of Insulin (his gift to the world)

1 Alliston Tweedsmuir History, Vol II, Alliston Branch Women’s Institute, History of the Alliston Memorial Library, p.26-27, 1987.
2 Alliston Herald, Premier Takes Notice, Volume 51 – Number 45, pages 1 & 6, February 21, 1924.

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