Identity area
Type of entity
Authorized form of name
Parallel form(s) of name
Standardized form(s) of name according to other rules
Other form(s) of name
Identifiers for corporate bodies
Description area
Dates of existence
History
The Walter's Falls Women's Institute was organized in January 1908 at the Annual Farmers' Institute Meeting. Officers elected at that time included: President, Mrs. R.H. Olmstead and Secretary, Mrs. H. Menary (Irene Sutherland). The last recorded documents in the possession of the Grey County Archives are dated 1988. The branch later disbanded in 1999. Walter's Falls is a hamlet situated on County Road 29, south of Bognor, in the former Township of Holland (now in the north-east corner of the Municipality of Chatsworth, following amalgamation in 2001). This branch consisted of a large membership of women from Holland township and the nearby townships of Sydenham, St. Vincent and Euphrasia. Many of the women resided in the areas of Walter's Falls, Bognor, Meaford and Strathavon. The Walter's Falls Women's Institute formed part of both the Grey Centre District and the Grey East District Women's Institute over the years. The branch was very active during both World Wars, working with the Red Cross and knitting and sewing for the soldiers. It also assisted Grey County to purchase an ambulance for the soldiers. The branch's numerous accomplishments also include the purchase of a Hall in 1917 for the community (later to be known as the Walter's Falls Community Centre), the starting of a library, and the contribution of road signs to the community. The branch also generously supported local and national charities. Branch members attended monthly meetings which included demonstrations, readings and discussions.