Naughton Women's Institute

The Naughton Women's Institute was founded on October 24th, 1949. It was created by the women of the Village of Naughton as a branch of the pre-existing Women’s Institutes in Canada, founded by Adelaide Hoodless in 1897. President of the Waters Women’s Institute Branch Mrs. Jessie Hamilton, accompanied by Secretary Mrs. H. Glenn and the District Secretary Mrs. E Rauhala, organized the meeting. The Institute raised funds for the Children Hospital in Toronto and for sleigh rides and picnics for the local children. This was accomplished by organized dances, card-party's and bingos. In 1950 there were 29 members but by December 1951, membership had dwindled and the group disbanded. It was revived on September 20th, 1961, mostly due to the efforts of Mrs. Howard Bennison who hosted the meeting at her home. Meetings were held in various members homes and the United Church basement. The group took it upon themselves to document the history of the Village of Naughton with the creation of their Tweedsmuir History Scrapbooks from 1964-1973.

The Naughton Women's Institute officially disbanded in 1975.

Former Presidents of the Naughton Women’s Institute include:

Mrs. F. Hanna 1949-1950
Mrs. J. Blue 1950-1951
1951- disbanded
Mrs. H. Bennison 1961-1963
Mrs. L. Carlyle 1964 & 1966
Mrs. O. St. Louis 1966-1968
Mrs. F. Hanna 1968-1969
Mrs. H. Leblance 1970-1971
Mrs. E. Schmitt 1971-1972