Fonds MC277 - Richmond Women's Institute

Title and statement of responsibility area

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Richmond Women's Institute

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  • Textual record

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Fonds

Reference code

PANB MC277

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Physical description

4.5 cm of textual records

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Biographical history

The Women's Institute was founded in 1897 by Adelaide Hoodless of Stoney Creek, Ontario. Alma Jane Porter, of Andover, New Brunswick, was instrumental in introducing the organization to New Brunswick women. Between 1911 and 1960 hundreds of branches of the Women's Institute were established across the province.

New Brunswick's involvement in the Women's Institute began on June 12, 1911 in Andover. Mrs. James E. Porter (nee Alma J. Watson), invited leaders from the Ontario Department of Agriculture to tell local farmers and their wives about Women's Institutes. Mrs. Porter, whose husband had been an M.L.A. from Victoria County had become conscious of the loneliness of farm women during her constituency travels. Following James Porter's retirement from political life in 1903, he returned to his farming, and lumbering interests. His progressive ideas necessitated trips to Ontario and Quebec and during those trips Mrs. Porter learned about the Women's Institute. After initiating the organization, Mrs. Porter continued to take an active interest in the Women's Institute until her death in 1951 and was called the "Mother of the Women's Institutes in New Brunswick".

The Richmond Women's Institute was formed on June 9, 1912. Mrs. Alma J. Watson of Debec was the first president. Members were drawn from Debec, MacKenzie Corner, Green Road, Limestone, Speerville, Park Mountain, Oak Mountain, and Maple Dale. The meetings were held monthly at members' homes, local churches or the I.O.O.F. Hall in Debec. The Richmond Women's Institute had adhered strongly to the aims of the Federated Women's Institutes of Canada; - "to promote an appreciation of rural living, to develop informed citizens through the study of national and international issues (particularly those affecting women and children) and to initiate national programs to achieve common goals."

Custodial history

Scope and content

The collection contains the records of the Richmond Women's Institute during the 1920s and early 1930s. The volunteer work of the Institute reflected the needs of the time. Members of the WI assisted in diptheria clinics and provided for the needy immigrants during the Depression. Money was raised by producing plays and catering meals. Social times included picnics and Halloween parties.

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Donated by the Chapter's secretary.

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An inventory is available.

Associated materials

The Provincial Archives of New Brunswick holds the records of a number of branches of the Women's Institute.

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