Howick Hot to Trot-hers Clue #1

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History took a turn 125 years ago. A brilliant young lady, Adelaide Hoodless, from St. George came to the attention of Erland Lee, a farmer and teacher from Stoney Creek. She was asked by Erland and his wife to speak to the Annual Ladies Night of the Farmer's Institute of Stoney Creek. Adelaide spoke on the broadening of knowledge of 'domestic science' and suggested that an Institute for women be created. You see, Adelaide had lost a child and she wanted to educate other young women to avoid this tragedy. The idea was met with great enthusiasm and the following week Erland and his wife Janet, and Adelaide welcomed 101 rural women to this follow-up meeting.

On February 19th, 1897, it was a decided that the Women's Institute should be formed. Within a decade there were more than 500 branches across Canada. In 1907 the University of Guelph began a Home Economics course. To this day, the course continues to teach young people cooking, sewing and hygiene.

In Howick Township, the first branch of the Women's Institute was formed in Gorrie in 1902, followed by Fordwich in 1903, Wroxeter in 1919 and Lakelet in 1952.

In 1978 a group of young mothers decided they needed a night out together without their children. The Howick Junior Women’s Institute was born. In 1998 The Provincial Junior Women’s Institute disbanded, and the Howick Branch joined the Federated Women’s Institute and became Howick Women’s Institute.

Over the years, the women in these Branches spent many hours fund raising for charities, teaching babysitting classes, learning and teaching how to preserve their own fruits and vegetables, cooking meals, and baking amazing desserts. Quilting was always a favourite activity, stitching together while sharing stories of times gone by.

All of the WI Branches in Howick Township supported the 4-H Clubs as leaders and volunteers. Many of the same women took great joy being involved with the Area Fall Fairs and sponsoring young people to be Ambassadors to the Fairs. Scholarships were offered to graduating students at local Elementary and Secondary schools. These scholarships were in support of Home Economics or Agricultural programs.

As our WI Branches started to disband, the last active Branch, Howick WI wanted to honour all the remarkable WI members with a beautiful Cabinet built and installed in our Howick Community Centre. It is filled with amazing memorabilia from all the Branches. We have banners, some quilted, and a lovely array of pins and badges from past members, all part of our 125 years together. Precious fine china cups and plates representing the Women’s Institute crest.
As Community Members enter the Howick Centre, they see this display. If you are standing close enough, you might catch small conversations. “Mom I see a cup and saucer just like Grandma has in her fancy cabinet!” Or “Mom, what is the Women’s Institute?” Or “I can remember helping my Mom with Institute projects.”
This is not the end of our story but only the beginning. Stay tuned for the next 125 years.
Come to Howick and see our display celebrating our local Women’s Institutes. Enjoy the beautiful Rural Countryside and be sure to pack a picnic lunch!

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