Fonds - Fernleigh Women’s Institute fonds

The Fernleigh Women’s Institute was founded on December 10, 1938 with Mrs. Percy Lyons as the first President. Although part of the Frontenac District, these minute books were donated with the Cloyne Women’s Institute materials of Addington District Women’s Institute. Unfortunately, our access to information on this branch is limited to the minute books from the branch’s first ten years. However, Fernleigh branch was very active during its first ten years, especially regarding war work. Preparing and donating quilts was a constant activity for the members of Fernleigh Women’s Institute. They also held food sales and dances to raise funds. Due to low membership and lack of funds, this branch could not afford to host “Short Courses”. The members were not deterred; instead they sent a representative to another branch’s “Short Course”, who was then able to report back to the group, demonstrating an economical way to spread new skills. Beyond fundraising, Fernleigh branch was highly involved in community activities and helped to support many local people. Some of their contributions included hosting a display at the Kingston Fair, cleaning the Methodist Church cemetery, and helping to pay a resident’s doctor bills. In the 1930s, the branch sent a request to the Department of Highways for sign boards to post near the school. Like many other Women’s Institute branches, Fernleigh was highly involved in war work during World War II, greatly contributing to the Red Cross through donations of handmade projects. They also donated to the sugar fund and made boxes for local boys serving overseas at Christmas time. One Christmas, each member made and filled a ditty bag to be sent overseas. The local school was supported by the Fernleigh branch. They donated First Aid kits and supplies and rewarded best practices with war savings stamps for the best pupil in spelling each month. They also supported C.N.I.B., National Women’s Institute Emergency Fund, Kinsmen Fund for Milk to British Children, Adelaide Hoodless Foundation Fund, and donated to Achievement Day for local 4-H Clubs. Providing reading materials for the branch members was highly valued within this group. They often requested materials from the travelling library, and sent donations to the Toronto Public Library in order to receive some of their discarded materials. Some of the past Women’s Institute Presidents of Fernleigh were: Mrs. Percy Lyons (1938-1940; 1942-1943), Mrs. Charles (Doreen) Flieler (1940-1941), Mrs. Clinton (Gladys) Armstrong (1941-1942; 1943-1944), Mrs. Arthur (Roxie) Bauder (1943; 1946-1947), Mrs. Charles Wood (1944-1945), Mrs. Charles Martin (1945-1946), and Mrs. Melvin White (1947-1948).