Item - Hickson Women's Institute and Tweedsmuirs fonds

Title and statement of responsibility area

Title proper

Hickson Women's Institute and Tweedsmuirs fonds

General material designation

  • Textual record

Parallel title

COA114

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Issuing jurisdiction and denomination (philatelic)

Dates of creation area

Date(s)

  • 1919-2005, 2014 (Creation)
    Creator
    Hickson Branch, North Oxford Women's Institute
    Place
    Hickson
    Note
    records are not inclusive

Physical description area

Physical description

approx. 186 cm of textual records

  • consisting of Minute Books, Programmes, Scrapbooks, and Tweedsmuir Community History Books

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Archival description area

Name of creator

(1991- March 1996)

Administrative history

In February 1919, the Federated Women’s Institutes of Canada was formed so that rural woman would be empowered to speak as one voice at the national level. In doing so, the organization created education opportunities and support programs and services, for women, families, and communities across the Country.

That same year, the Hickson Branch of the North Oxford Women’s Institute was officially formed, as a direct successor to the local Red Cross group that functioned, in the community during the First World War. The groups first President was Mrs. R.A. Webber and Mrs. Robert Bothwell was the first Secretary-Treasurer.

Over the years, the Branch provided its members with various educational programs that included outside speakers; demonstrations and courses, on such topics as furniture refinishing and home nursing; as well as bus trips to various points of interest.

At the same time the Branch raised funds through various projects that in turn supported their community and elsewhere. In doing so, they donated funds to the Children’s Aid and Sleeping Children Around the World, provided prizes for school and county fairs, erected flag poles at the local school and Township Office, as well as assisted with the creation of the Hickson Public Library.

One of the Branches greatest achievements with the establishment of the Hickson Community Park. The group purchased the land and erected booths, swings, bleachers, and a stone gateway at the entrance of the park.

In March 1996, the Hickson Women’s Institute disbanded due to dwindling membership numbers.

Custodial history

The records were created and maintained by the Hickson Women’s Institute until the Branch disbanded in 1996. In May 2017, the records were transferred to the County of Oxford Archives from the Tavistock & District Historical Society on approval of Ross Campbell and family, who had possession of the records prior to being donated to the Society.

Discussions also occurred in 2017, with members of the District Chapter, who conditionally approved having the records stored at the Archives.

Scope and content

The fonds consist of the following Series:
Series 1: Minute Books (1924-1996)
Series 2: Programmes (1919-1920, 1931-1995 – not inclusive)
Series 3: Scrapbooks (1955-2005)
Series 4: Tweedsmuirs ([199- ])
Series 5: Miscellaneous ([after 1939?], 1955, 2014)

Notes area

Physical condition

The materials are mostly in good condition, though the spines on a few of the minute books require conservation work.

Immediate source of acquisition

In May 2017, the records were received from the Tavistock & District Historical Society, on approval of the family of Ross Campbell, who had previously stored the records in their home.

Arrangement

Language of material

  • English

Script of material

    Location of originals

    Availability of other formats

    Restrictions on access

    The fonds is open to public research.

    Terms governing use, reproduction, and publication

    Copyright is held by the archives. Researchers are responsible for observing copyright regulations that may apply to the publication of their research. If you wish to publish any of this material, please contact the archivist responsible for the records.

    The Archivist has the right to restrict reproduction if the material is in a fragile condition or falls under pertinent Privacy Legislation.

    Finding aids

    An item level description is available for researchers. Please contact the Archivist for further information.

    Associated materials

    COA20 Uniondale Women’s Institute Tweedsmuir fonds
    COA28 Innerkip Women’s Institute fonds
    COA30 Harrington Women’s Institute fonds
    COA77 Kintore Women’s Institute fonds
    COA78 East Oxford Women’s Institute fonds
    COA79 Grace Patterson Women’s Institute Tweedsmuir fonds

    Related materials

    Accruals

    Further accruals are unlikely.

    General note

    Tweedsmuir Community History Books (or Tweedsmuirs as they are commonly known) uniquely capture and preserve local community history. They vary in form from a simple scrapbook to an elaborate series of volumes bound in leather, wood or a more formal blue-and-gold cover. Tweedsmuirs are comprised of a variety of information and often include a history of the:
    • Local Women's Institute Branch
    • Earliest settlers in an area
    • Agricultural practices and individual farms
    • Industries that formed the basis of the local economy
    • Social institutions and public buildings, such as churches, schools and community centers
    • Local personalities, such as war veterans

    Alternative identifier(s)

    Standard number

    Standard number

    COA114

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