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The Women's Institute was founded in 1897, in Stony Creek Ontario, by Mrs. Hoodless. It was originally formed as a way of educating rural women in domestic sciences, which would benefit women and their families, and would play a charitable role in the community and the world. Their aim was the betterment of life for both home and country, leading to their motto "For Home and Country". The Women's Institute (also known as W. I.) grew dramatically over Ontario and in 1909 Alberta women organized their first Women's Institute in Lea Park, Alberta. In the early years, the institutes held demonstrations and lectures, which focused on cooking, sewing, home nutrition, childcare and handicrafts, but soon grew. Traveling libraries were established sent out to the institutes, lectures and demonstrations were organized, Women's Institute handbooks were printed, as well as other forms of bulletins, pamphlets and books on various aspects of home, farm and community life. In 1915 the first provincial Women's Institute convention was held in Olds, with just over 100 women in attendance. At this time Miss. Isabel Noble was elected as Alberta's Women's Institute President, which represented local branches from communities throughout Alberta. She realized the importance of organizing the rural women of Canada so they might speak as one voice for needed reforms, and the value of coordinating provincial groups for a more consistent organization. In February 1919, representatives of the provinces met in Winnipeg, Manitoba, to form the Federated Women's Institutes of Canada. In 1916 the various branches of the Women's Institutes in Alberta were incorporated under the Alberta Women's Institutes Act under the Department of Agriculture, based on the belief by the Alberta government that by improving the domestic lives of settlers, their comfort, health and efficiency, further settlement would follow. The years between 1916 and 1921 were difficult, the war, influenza epidemic and drought in Southern Alberta taxed the resources of the Women's Institute movement. Thousands of dollars were raised for the Red Cross. Socks, sweaters, scarves, hats and mitts were knitted for the soldiers, hospital supplies were bought and made, and soldiers and their dependants were cared for. At the war's end, Miss Mary MacIssac, Superintendent of Alberta Women's Institute, revived the idea of a national group and in February 1919 the Federated Women's Institute of Canada (F. W. I. C.) came into being. The Women's Institutes turned to peace-time activities, Girl's Clubs were organized, local hospitals, maternity homes, libraries and community halls were founded and supported. In 1924 the first annual Women's Institute Short course was held. The course was a month long and branch members throughout Canada were asked to send a representative. These representatives returned to their communities to teach what they had learned. This turned out to be an effective format which remains in use. Subjects first taught were mainly agricultural topics, such as dairying, beekeeping and poultry raising, but later expanded to include courses on finances, banking and business skills. In 1928, on suggestion of the Women's Institute, the Department of Education held a vote of school children to choose a provincial emblem and by 1930 the choice of the wild rose was endorsed by Legislature. Also in 1928, the Women's Home Bureau Act came into effect, declaring that the Alberta Women's Institute should become self-supporting, therefore, in 1929 the Alberta Women's Institutes became independent of the government. Throughout the difficult years of the Depression, annual conventions were held less frequently to cut costs, and "Mother's Bundles" were sent out to needy families. The Depression years brought a new interest in civic responsibility. Women's Institutes began studying laws relating to women and children, such as the Old Age Pension Act, The Mother's Allowance Act, The Minimum Wage Act for Women and Girls, and became active in recommending legislative change to the Federal Government. During World War II, conventions and official visits were again terminated while activities once again turned towards war efforts. Contributions were made to War funds, and seeds, knitted clothing, quilts and food were sent overseas. At war's end the Women's institute members grew again and efforts for "Home and Country" continued growing. Alberta Women's Institute branches provided many services in their communities, such as providing many schools with First Aid kits, providing hot lunches, Christmas treats and picnics to students. Honour Roll and scholarship programs and Health clinics for pre-school children were set up. Fundraising and involvement in community programs such as Meals-on-Wheels, food banks, clothing banks, and recreational children's clubs, canvassing for cancer research and for UNICEFF took place, and there was continued care for war-torn countries. As of 1996 Alberta Women's Institutes have once again have been under Alberta Agriculture, Food and Rural Development and continue to receive an annual government grant from the province of Alberta. Although Women's Institute organizations are still active today, many branches have disbanded due to lack of members. Yet, more than 100 years after the first Women's Institute was formed in Canada, these women's mark remains imprinted on Canadian history and was instrumental in the foundation modern day opinions and practices. The Alberta Women's Institute is associated with the Federated Women's Institutes of Canada, which is in a member of the Associated Country Women of the World (A. C. W. W.), which is an international organization that represents rural women and homemakers. Alberta Women's Institutes are divided into five districts: District 1 is the Peace River District and covers much of Northern Alberta, District 2 covers Northern Alberta in and around the City of Edmonton, District 3 and 5 are Central Alberta, and District 4 is Southern Alberta, including Calgary, Lethbridge and Medicine Hat areas. District 3 covers the area from Red Deer up to Leduc and is made up of 10 Constituencies. Penhold Women's Institute was part of Red Deer Centre Constituency and was organized on 16 July 1916 in a "Made in Alberta" train at the Penhold station, by Miss Mary McIssac, Superintendent of Women's Institutes, employed by the Department of Agriculture. Due to declining membership Penhold Women's Institute disbanded in 1993. A Women's Institute Girl's Club was organized in March 1935; with Betty Stewart as the first President. Members started to decline and in 1947 efforts were made to recruit new members, but their attempt was not successful. It was decided in the January 1948 meeting to disband in hopes of restarting at a later date, but is not known to restart.

The Women's Institute was founded in 1897, in Stony Creek Ontario, by Mrs. Hoodless. It was originally formed as a way of educating rural women in domestic sciences, which would benefit women and their families, and would play a charitable role in the community and the world. Their aim was the betterment of life for both home and country, leading to their motto "For Home and Country". The Women's Institute (also known as W. I.) grew dramatically over Ontario and in 1909 Alberta women organized their first Women's Institute in Lea Park, Alberta. In the early years, the institutes held demonstrations and lectures, which focused on cooking, sewing, home nutrition, childcare and handicrafts, but soon grew. Traveling libraries were established sent out to the institutes, lectures and demonstrations were organized, Women's Institute handbooks were printed, as well as other forms of bulletins, pamphlets and books on various aspects of home, farm and community life. In 1915 the first provincial Women's Institute convention was held in Olds, with just over 100 women in attendance. At this time Miss. Isabel Noble was elected as Alberta's Women's Institute President, which represented local branches from communities throughout Alberta. She realized the importance of organizing the rural women of Canada so they might speak as one voice for needed reforms, and the value of coordinating provincial groups for a more consistent organization. In February 1919, representatives of the provinces met in Winnipeg, Manitoba, to form the Federated Women's Institutes of Canada. In 1916 the various branches of the Women's Institutes in Alberta were incorporated under the Alberta Women's Institutes Act under the Department of Agriculture, based on the belief by the Alberta government that by improving the domestic lives of settlers, their comfort, health and efficiency, further settlement would follow. The years between 1916 and 1921 were difficult, the war, influenza epidemic and drought in Southern Alberta taxed the resources of the Women's Institute movement. Thousands of dollars were raised for the Red Cross. Socks, sweaters, scarves, hats and mitts were knitted for the soldiers, hospital supplies were bought and made, and soldiers and their dependants were cared for. At the war's end, Miss Mary MacIssac, Superintendent of Alberta Women's Institute, revived the idea of a national group and in February 1919 the Federated Women's Institute of Canada (F. W. I. C.) came into being. The Women's Institutes turned to peace-time activities, Girl's Clubs were organized, local hospitals, maternity homes, libraries and community halls were founded and supported. In 1924 the first annual Women's Institute Short course was held. The course was a month long and branch members throughout Canada were asked to send a representative. These representatives returned to their communities to teach what they had learned. This turned out to be an effective format which remains in use. Subjects first taught were mainly agricultural topics, such as dairying, beekeeping and poultry raising, but later expanded to include courses on finances, banking and business skills. In 1928, on suggestion of the Women's Institute, the Department of Education held a vote of school children to choose a provincial emblem and by 1930 the choice of the wild rose was endorsed by Legislature. Also in 1928, the Women's Home Bureau Act came into effect, declaring that the Alberta Women's Institute should become self-supporting, therefore, in 1929 the Alberta Women's Institutes became independent of the government. Throughout the difficult years of the Depression, annual conventions were held less frequently to cut costs, and "Mother's Bundles" were sent out to needy families. The Depression years brought a new interest in civic responsibility. Women's Institutes began studying laws relating to women and children, such as the Old Age Pension Act, The Mother's Allowance Act, The Minimum Wage Act for Women and Girls, and became active in recommending legislative change to the Federal Government. During World War II, conventions and official visits were again terminated while activities once again turned towards war efforts. Contributions were made to War funds, and seeds, knitted clothing, quilts and food were sent overseas. At war's end the Women's institute members grew again and efforts for "Home and Country" continued growing. Alberta Women's Institute branches provided many services in their communities, such as providing many schools with First Aid kits, providing hot lunches, Christmas treats and picnics to students. Honour Roll and scholarship programs and Health clinics for pre-school children were set up. Fundraising and involvement in community programs such as Meals-on-Wheels, food banks, clothing banks, and recreational children's clubs, canvassing for cancer research and for UNICEF took place, and there was continued care for war-torn countries. As of 1996 Alberta Women's Institutes have once again have been under Alberta Agriculture, Food and Rural Development and continue to receive an annual government grant from the province of Alberta. Although Women's Institute organizations are still active today, many branches have disbanded due to lack of members. Yet, more than 100 years after the first Women's Institute was formed in Canada, these women's mark remains imprinted on Canadian history and was instrumental in the foundation modern day opinions and practices. The Alberta Women's Institute is associated with the Federated Women's Institutes of Canada, which is in a member of the Associated Country Women of the World (A. C. W. W.), which is an international organization that represents rural women and homemakers. Alberta Women's Institutes are divided into five districts: District 1 is the Peace River District and covers much of Northern Alberta, District 2 covers Northern Alberta in and around the City of Edmonton, District 3 and 5 are Central Alberta, and District 4 is Southern Alberta, including Calgary, Lethbridge and Medicine Hat areas. District 3 covers the area from Red Deer up to Leduc and is made up of 10 Constituencies. The Pine Lake Women's Institute was part of Red Deer Centre Constituency and was organized 17 April 1956 at the home of Mrs. R. Brown, with the help of Mrs. J. Richards, Red Deer Centre Constituency Convener. The organization disbanded due to lack of members in 2007.

The Women's Institute was founded in 1897, in Stony Creek Ontario, by Mrs. Hoodless. It was originally formed as a way of educating rural women in domestic sciences, which would benefit women and their families, and would play a charitable role in the community and the world. Their aim was the betterment of life for both home and country, leading to their motto "For Home and Country". The Women's Institute (also known as W. I.) grew dramatically over Ontario and in 1909 Alberta women organized their first Women's Institute in Lea Park, Alberta. In the early years, the institutes held demonstrations and lectures, which focused on cooking, sewing, home nutrition, childcare and handicrafts, but soon grew. Traveling libraries were established sent out to the institutes, lectures and demonstrations were organized, Women's Institute handbooks were printed, as well as other forms of bulletins, pamphlets and books on various aspects of home, farm and community life. In 1915 the first provincial Women's Institute convention was held in Olds, with just over 100 women in attendance. At this time Miss. Isabel Noble was elected as Alberta's Women's Institute President, which represented local branches from communities throughout Alberta. She realized the importance of organizing the rural women of Canada so they might speak as one voice for needed reforms, and the value of coordinating provincial groups for a more consistent organization. In February 1919, representatives of the provinces met in Winnipeg, Manitoba, to form the Federated Women's Institutes of Canada. In 1916 the various branches of the Women's Institutes in Alberta were incorporated under the Alberta Women's Institutes Act under the Department of Agriculture, based on the belief by the Alberta government that by improving the domestic lives of settlers, their comfort, health and efficiency, further settlement would follow. The years between 1916 and 1921 were difficult, the war, influenza epidemic and drought in Southern Alberta taxed the resources of the Women's Institute movement. Thousands of dollars were raised for the Red Cross. Socks, sweaters, scarves, hats and mitts were knitted for the soldiers, hospital supplies were bought and made, and soldiers and their dependants were cared for. At the war's end, Miss Mary MacIssac, Superintendent of Alberta Women's Institute, revived the idea of a national group and in February 1919 the Federated Women's Institute of Canada (F. W. I. C.) came into being. The Women's Institutes turned to peace-time activities, Girl's Clubs were organized, local hospitals, maternity homes, libraries and community halls were founded and supported. In 1924 the first annual Women's Institute Short course was held. The course was a month long and branch members throughout Canada were asked to send a representative. These representatives returned to their communities to teach what they had learned. This turned out to be an effective format which remains in use. Subjects first taught were mainly agricultural topics, such as dairying, beekeeping and poultry raising, but later expanded to include courses on finances, banking and business skills. In 1928, on suggestion of the Women's Institute, the Department of Education held a vote of school children to choose a provincial emblem and by 1930 the choice of the wild rose was endorsed by Legislature. Also in 1928, the Women's Home Bureau Act came into effect, declaring that the Alberta Women's Institute should become self-supporting, therefore, in 1929 the Alberta Women's Institutes became independent of the government. Throughout the difficult years of the Depression, annual conventions were held less frequently to cut costs, and "Mother's Bundles" were sent out to needy families. The Depression years brought a new interest in civic responsibility. Women's Institutes began studying laws relating to women and children, such as the Old Age Pension Act, The Mother's Allowance Act, The Minimum Wage Act for Women and Girls, and became active in recommending legislative change to the Federal Government. During World War II, conventions and official visits were again terminated while activities once again turned towards war efforts. Contributions were made to War funds, and seeds, knitted clothing, quilts and food were sent overseas. At war's end the Women's institute members grew again and efforts for "Home and Country" continued growing. Alberta Women's Institute branches provided many services in their communities, such as providing many schools with First Aid kits, providing hot lunches, Christmas treats and picnics to students. Honour Roll and scholarship programs and Health clinics for pre-school children were set up. Fundraising and involvement in community programs such as Meals-on-Wheels, food banks, clothing banks, and recreational children's clubs, canvassing for cancer research and for UNICEFF took place, and there was continued care for war-torn countries. As of 1996 Alberta Women's Institutes have once again have been under Alberta Agriculture, Food and Rural Development and continue to receive an annual government grant from the province of Alberta. Although Women's Institute organizations are still active today, many branches have disbanded due to lack of members. Yet, more than 100 years after the first Women's Institute was formed in Canada, these women's mark remains imprinted on Canadian history and was instrumental in the foundation modern day opinions and practices. The Alberta Women's Institute is associated with the Federated Women's Institutes of Canada, which is in a member of the Associated Country Women of the World (A. C. W. W.), which is an international organization that represents rural women and homemakers. Alberta Women's Institutes are divided into five districts: District 1 is the Peace River District and covers much of Northern Alberta, District 2 covers Northern Alberta in and around the City of Edmonton, District 3 and 5 are Central Alberta, and District 4 is Southern Alberta, including Calgary, Lethbridge and Medicine Hat areas. District 3 covers the area from Red Deer up to Leduc and is made up of 10 Constituencies. The Poplar Ridge Women's Institute is part of the Red Deer Constituencies and was organized in October of 1935. Its members resided in the area encompassed by the Poplar Ridge School District No. 772, near Red Deer, Alberta. By 1968 the organization was declining and dissolved in 1969. Known presidents of the Poplar Ridge Women's Institute were Mrs. Soderman (1935 -- 1936), Penelope Duncan (1937), Kathleen Mosley (1938), Lucille Wiley (1939), Mrs. H. Thompson (1940 -- 1943), Agnes Neilson (1944), Mrs. Krogman (1945 -- 1946), Sheila Percival (1947), Pauline Woof (1948 -- 1950), Mary Stewart (1951), Germaine Maga (1952 -- 1953), Emily Warren (1954), Dora Stewart (1955), Helen Moore (1956 -- 1959, 1961 -- 1964), Dorothy Johansen (1960), and Freda Bertram (1965 -- 1966).

The Women's Institute was founded in 1897, in Stony Creek Ontario, by Mrs. Hoodless. It was originally formed as a way of educating rural women in domestic sciences, which would benefit women and their families, and would play a charitable role in the community and the world. Their aim was the betterment of life for both home and country, leading to their motto "For Home and Country". The Women's Institute (also known as W. I.) grew dramatically over Ontario and in 1909 Alberta women organized their first Women's Institute in Lea Park, Alberta. In the early years, the institutes held demonstrations and lectures, which focused on cooking, sewing, home nutrition, childcare and handicrafts, but soon grew. Traveling libraries were established sent out to the institutes, lectures and demonstrations were organized, Women's Institute handbooks were printed, as well as other forms of bulletins, pamphlets and books on various aspects of home, farm and community life. In 1915 the first provincial Women's Institute convention was held in Olds, with just over 100 women in attendance. At this time Miss. Isabel Noble was elected as Alberta's Women's Institute President, which represented local branches from communities throughout Alberta. She realized the importance of organizing the rural women of Canada so they might speak as one voice for needed reforms, and the value of coordinating provincial groups for a more consistent organization. In February 1919, representatives of the provinces met in Winnipeg, Manitoba, to form the Federated Women's Institutes of Canada. In 1916 the various branches of the Women's Institutes in Alberta were incorporated under the Alberta Women's Institutes Act under the Department of Agriculture, based on the belief by the Alberta government that by improving the domestic lives of settlers, their comfort, health and efficiency, further settlement would follow. The years between 1916 and 1921 were difficult, the war, influenza epidemic and drought in Southern Alberta taxed the resources of the Women's Institute movement. Thousands of dollars were raised for the Red Cross. Socks, sweaters, scarves, hats and mitts were knitted for the soldiers, hospital supplies were bought and made, and soldiers and their dependants were cared for. At the war's end, Miss Mary MacIssac, Superintendent of Alberta Women's Institute, revived the idea of a national group and in February 1919 the Federated Women's Institute of Canada (F. W. I. C.) came into being. The Women's Institutes turned to peace-time activities, Girl's Clubs were organized, local hospitals, maternity homes, libraries and community halls were founded and supported. In 1924 the first annual Women's Institute Short course was held. The course was a month long and branch members throughout Canada were asked to send a representative. These representatives returned to their communities to teach what they had learned. This turned out to be an effective format which remains in use. Subjects first taught were mainly agricultural topics, such as dairying, beekeeping and poultry raising, but later expanded to include courses on finances, banking and business skills. In 1928, on suggestion of the Women's Institute, the Department of Education held a vote of school children to choose a provincial emblem and by 1930 the choice of the wild rose was endorsed by Legislature. Also in 1928, the Women's Home Bureau Act came into effect, declaring that the Alberta Women's Institute should become self-supporting, therefore, in 1929 the Alberta Women's Institutes became independent of the government. Throughout the difficult years of the Depression, annual conventions were held less frequently to cut costs, and "Mother's Bundles" were sent out to needy families. The Depression years brought a new interest in civic responsibility. Women's Institutes began studying laws relating to women and children, such as the Old Age Pension Act, The Mother's Allowance Act, The Minimum Wage Act for Women and Girls, and became active in recommending legislative change to the Federal Government. During World War II, conventions and official visits were again terminated while activities once again turned towards war efforts. Contributions were made to War funds, and seeds, knitted clothing, quilts and food were sent overseas. At war's end the Women's institute members grew again and efforts for "Home and Country" continued growing. Alberta Women's Institute branches provided many services in their communities, such as providing many schools with First Aid kits, providing hot lunches, Christmas treats and picnics to students. Honour Roll and scholarship programs and Health clinics for pre-school children were set up. Fundraising and involvement in community programs such as Meals-on-Wheels, food banks, clothing banks, and recreational children's clubs, canvassing for cancer research and for UNICEF took place, and there was continued care for war-torn countries. As of 1996 Alberta Women's Institutes have once again have been under Alberta Agriculture, Food and Rural Development and continue to receive an annual government grant from the province of Alberta. Although Women's Institute organizations are still active today, many branches have disbanded due to lack of members. Yet, more than 100 years after the first Women's Institute was formed in Canada, these women's mark remains imprinted on Canadian history and was instrumental in the foundation modern day opinions and practices. The Alberta Women's Institute is associated with the Federated Women's Institutes of Canada, which is in a member of the Associated Country Women of the World (A. C. W. W.), which is an international organization that represents rural women and homemakers. Alberta Women's Institutes are divided into five districts: District 1 is the Peace River District and covers much of Northern Alberta, District 2 covers Northern Alberta in and around the City of Edmonton, District 3 and 5 are Central Alberta, and District 4 is Southern Alberta, including Calgary, Lethbridge and Medicine Hat areas. District 3 covers the area from Red Deer up to Leduc and is made up of 10 Constituencies. In 1915 a Women's Institute branch was started by Mrs. W. E. Lord in Red Deer, Alberta. It was disbanded shortly after. In 1950 it was decided to split off the urban members of the Clearview Women's Institute into the newly formed Red Deer Women's Institute, part of the Red Deer Centre Constituency in District 3. This branch was active in the community of Red Deer until it was disbanded in 1973 due to lack of members. Known presidents of the Red Deer Women's Institute were: Mrs. W. E. Lord (1915 - ?), Mrs. L. H. Taylor (1950 -- 1951), Ena Sveinson (1952 -- 1953, 1967 -- 1970), Mrs. E. H. Johnson (1954 -- 1955), Mrs. D. E. Gray (1955 -- 1958), Mrs. H. E. Haste (1959 -- 1960), Mrs. R. C. Howatt (1961 -- 1962), Mrs. F. M. Morton (1963 -- 1964), Katherine Beresford (1965 -- 1966), Elsie Gillette (1971 -- 1972). See also Many and remarkable : the story of the Alberta Women's Institutes / by Catherine C. Cole and Judy Larmour. -- Edmonton, Alta. : Alberta Women's Institutes, 1997

The Women's Institute was founded in 1897, in Stony Creek Ontario, by Mrs. Hoodless. It was originally formed as a way of educating rural women in domestic sciences, which would benefit women and their families, and would play a charitable role in the community and the world. Their aim was the betterment of life for both home and country, leading to their motto "For Home and Country". The Women's Institute (also known as W. I.) grew dramatically over Ontario and in 1909 Alberta women organized their first Women's Institute in Lea Park, Alberta. In the early years, the institutes held demonstrations and lectures, which focused on cooking, sewing, home nutrition, childcare and handicrafts, but soon grew. Traveling libraries were established sent out to the institutes, lectures and demonstrations were organized, Women's Institute handbooks were printed, as well as other forms of bulletins, pamphlets and books on various aspects of home, farm and community life. In 1915 the first provincial Women's Institute convention was held in Olds, with just over 100 women in attendance. At this time Miss. Isabel Noble was elected as Alberta's Women's Institute President, which represented local branches from communities throughout Alberta. She realized the importance of organizing the rural women of Canada so they might speak as one voice for needed reforms, and the value of coordinating provincial groups for a more consistent organization. In February 1919, representatives of the provinces met in Winnipeg, Manitoba, to form the Federated Women's Institutes of Canada. In 1916 the various branches of the Women's Institutes in Alberta were incorporated under the Alberta Women's Institutes Act under the Department of Agriculture, based on the belief by the Alberta government that by improving the domestic lives of settlers, their comfort, health and efficiency, further settlement would follow. The years between 1916 and 1921 were difficult, the war, influenza epidemic and drought in Southern Alberta taxed the resources of the Women's Institute movement. Thousands of dollars were raised for the Red Cross. Socks, sweaters, scarves, hats and mitts were knitted for the soldiers, hospital supplies were bought and made, and soldiers and their dependants were cared for. At the war's end, Miss Mary MacIssac, Superintendent of Alberta Women's Institute, revived the idea of a national group and in February 1919 the Federated Women's Institute of Canada (F. W. I. C.) came into being. The Women's Institutes turned to peace-time activities, Girl's Clubs were organized, local hospitals, maternity homes, libraries and community halls were founded and supported. In 1924 the first annual Women's Institute Short course was held. The course was a month long and branch members throughout Canada were asked to send a representative. These representatives returned to their communities to teach what they had learned. This turned out to be an effective format which remains in use. Subjects first taught were mainly agricultural topics, such as dairying, beekeeping and poultry raising, but later expanded to include courses on finances, banking and business skills. In 1928, on suggestion of the Women's Institute, the Department of Education held a vote of school children to choose a provincial emblem and by 1930 the choice of the wild rose was endorsed by Legislature. Also in 1928, the Women's Home Bureau Act came into effect, declaring that the Alberta Women's Institute should become self-supporting, therefore, in 1929 the Alberta Women's Institutes became independent of the government. Throughout the difficult years of the Depression, annual conventions were held less frequently to cut costs, and "Mother's Bundles" were sent out to needy families. The Depression years brought a new interest in civic responsibility. Women's Institutes began studying laws relating to women and children, such as the Old Age Pension Act, The Mother's Allowance Act, The Minimum Wage Act for Women and Girls, and became active in recommending legislative change to the Federal Government. During World War II, conventions and official visits were again terminated while activities once again turned towards war efforts. Contributions were made to War funds, and seeds, knitted clothing, quilts and food were sent overseas. At war's end the Women's institute members grew again and efforts for "Home and Country" continued growing. Alberta Women's Institute branches provided many services in their communities, such as providing many schools with First Aid kits, providing hot lunches, Christmas treats and picnics to students. Honour Roll and scholarship programs and Health clinics for pre-school children were set up. Fundraising and involvement in community programs such as Meals-on-Wheels, food banks, clothing banks, and recreational children's clubs, canvassing for cancer research and for UNICEF took place, and there was continued care for war-torn countries. As of 1996 Alberta Women's Institutes have once again have been under Alberta Agriculture, Food and Rural Development and continue to receive an annual government grant from the province of Alberta. Although Women's Institute organizations are still active today, many branches have disbanded due to lack of members. Yet, more than 100 years after the first Women's Institute was formed in Canada, these women's mark remains imprinted on Canadian history and was instrumental in the foundation modern day opinions and practices. The Alberta Women's Institute is associated with the Federated Women's Institutes of Canada, which is in a member of the Associated Country Women of the World (A. C. W. W.), which is an international organization that represents rural women and homemakers. Alberta Women's Institutes are divided into five districts: District 1 is the Peace River District and covers much of Northern Alberta, District 2 covers Northern Alberta in and around the City of Edmonton, District 3 and 5 are Central Alberta, and District 4 is Southern Alberta, including Calgary, Lethbridge and Medicine Hat areas. District 3 covers the area from Red Deer up to Leduc and is made up of 10 Constituencies: Red Deer Centre, Red Deer West, Wetaskiwin, Ribstone, Ohaton, Coronation, Stettler, Luduc, Sedgewick and Ma-Me-O. In 1921 Innisfail and Red Deer West Constituency was formed. In 1932 discussions were held concerning a Constituency split, with the Red Deer River becoming a new boundary line, with Red Deer East on one side and Red Deer west on the other. In 1933, the previous Innisfail and Red Deer West formed the new Red Deer Centre Constituency and although throughout the years there have been boundary changes and branches have come and gone, it remains one of the regional coordinating organizations for local Women's Institutes.

The Women's Institute was founded in 1897, in Stony Creek Ontario, by Mrs. Hoodless. It was originally formed as a way of educating rural women in domestic sciences, which would benefit women and their families, and would play a charitable role in the community and the world. Their aim was the betterment of life for both home and country, leading to their motto "For Home and Country". The Women's Institute (also known as W. I.) grew dramatically over Ontario and in 1909 Alberta women organized their first Women's Institute in Lea Park, Alberta. In the early years, the institutes held demonstrations and lectures, which focused on cooking, sewing, home nutrition, childcare and handicrafts, but soon grew. Traveling libraries were established sent out to the institutes, lectures and demonstrations were organized, Women's Institute handbooks were printed, as well as other forms of bulletins, pamphlets and books on various aspects of home, farm and community life. In 1915 the first provincial Women's Institute convention was held in Olds, with just over 100 women in attendance. At this time Miss. Isabel Noble was elected as Alberta's Women's Institute President, which represented local branches from communities throughout Alberta. She realized the importance of organizing the rural women of Canada so they might speak as one voice for needed reforms, and the value of coordinating provincial groups for a more consistent organization. In February 1919, representatives of the provinces met in Winnipeg, Manitoba, to form the Federated Women's Institutes of Canada. In 1916 the various branches of the Women's Institutes in Alberta were incorporated under the Alberta Women's Institutes Act under the Department of Agriculture, based on the belief by the Alberta government that by improving the domestic lives of settlers, their comfort, health and efficiency, further settlement would follow. The years between 1916 and 1921 were difficult, the war, influenza epidemic and drought in Southern Alberta taxed the resources of the Women's Institute movement. Thousands of dollars were raised for the Red Cross. Socks, sweaters, scarves, hats and mitts were knitted for the soldiers, hospital supplies were bought and made, and soldiers and their dependants were cared for. At the war's end, Miss Mary MacIssac, Superintendent of Alberta Women's Institute, revived the idea of a national group and in February 1919 the Federated Women's Institute of Canada (F. W. I. C.) came into being. The Women's Institutes turned to peace-time activities, Girl's Clubs were organized, local hospitals, maternity homes, libraries and community halls were founded and supported. In 1924 the first annual Women's Institute Short course was held. The course was a month long and branch members throughout Canada were asked to send a representative. These representatives returned to their communities to teach what they had learned. This turned out to be an effective format which remains in use. Subjects first taught were mainly agricultural topics, such as dairying, beekeeping and poultry raising, but later expanded to include courses on finances, banking and business skills. In 1928, on suggestion of the Women's Institute, the Department of Education held a vote of school children to choose a provincial emblem and by 1930 the choice of the wild rose was endorsed by Legislature. Also in 1928, the Women's Home Bureau Act came into effect, declaring that the Alberta Women's Institute should become self-supporting, therefore, in 1929 the Alberta Women's Institutes became independent of the government. Throughout the difficult years of the Depression, annual conventions were held less frequently to cut costs, and "Mother's Bundles" were sent out to needy families. The Depression years brought a new interest in civic responsibility. Women's Institutes began studying laws relating to women and children, such as the Old Age Pension Act, The Mother's Allowance Act, The Minimum Wage Act for Women and Girls, and became active in recommending legislative change to the Federal Government. During World War II, conventions and official visits were again terminated while activities once again turned towards war efforts. Contributions were made to War funds, and seeds, knitted clothing, quilts and food were sent overseas. At war's end the Women's institute members grew again and efforts for "Home and Country" continued growing. Alberta Women's Institute branches provided many services in their communities, such as providing many schools with First Aid kits, providing hot lunches, Christmas treats and picnics to students. Honour Roll and scholarship programs and Health clinics for pre-school children were set up. Fundraising and involvement in community programs such as Meals-on-Wheels, food banks, clothing banks, and recreational children's clubs, canvassing for cancer research and for UNICEF took place, and there was continued care for war-torn countries. As of 1996 Alberta Women's Institutes have once again have been under Alberta Agriculture, Food and Rural Development and continue to receive an annual government grant from the province of Alberta. Although Women's Institute organizations are still active today, many branches have disbanded due to lack of members. Yet, more than 100 years after the first Women's Institute was formed in Canada, these women's mark remains imprinted on Canadian history and was instrumental in the foundation modern day opinions and practices. The Alberta Women's Institute is associated with the Federated Women's Institutes of Canada, which is in a member of the Associated Country Women of the World (A. C. W. W.), which is an international organization that represents rural women and homemakers. Alberta Women's Institutes are divided into five districts: District 1 is the Peace River District and covers much of Northern Alberta, District 2 covers Northern Alberta in and around the City of Edmonton, District 3 and 5 are Central Alberta, and District 4 is Southern Alberta, including Calgary, Lethbridge and Medicine Hat areas. District 3 covers the area from Red Deer up to Leduc and is made up of 10 Constituencies. The Springvale Women's Institute is part of the Red Deer Centre Constituency (District 3) and was organized by Mrs. Lyle Brown, the Constituency Convener on 8 December 1927 at the home of Mrs. F. B. Moore in the Springvale district near Red Deer, Alberta. It disbanded in 1933, but was revived on 6 February 1947 at the Springvale School with the help of Mrs. W. E. Janssen, Constituency Convener. It disbanded in 1995 due to lack of members.

The Women's Institute was founded in 1897, in Stony Creek Ontario, by Mrs. Hoodless. It was originally formed as a way of educating rural women in domestic sciences, which would benefit women and their families, and would play a charitable role in the community and the world. Their aim was the betterment of life for both home and country, leading to their motto "For Home and Country". The Women's Institute (also known as W. I.) grew dramatically over Ontario and in 1909 Alberta women organized their first Women's Institute in Lea Park, Alberta. In the early years, the institutes held demonstrations and lectures, which focused on cooking, sewing, home nutrition, childcare and handicrafts, but soon grew. Traveling libraries were established sent out to the institutes, lectures and demonstrations were organized, Women's Institute handbooks were printed, as well as other forms of bulletins, pamphlets and books on various aspects of home, farm and community life. In 1915 the first provincial Women's Institute convention was held in Olds, with just over 100 women in attendance. At this time Miss. Isabel Noble was elected as Alberta's Women's Institute President, which represented local branches from communities throughout Alberta. She realized the importance of organizing the rural women of Canada so they might speak as one voice for needed reforms, and the value of coordinating provincial groups for a more consistent organization. In February 1919, representatives of the provinces met in Winnipeg, Manitoba, to form the Federated Women's Institutes of Canada. In 1916 the various branches of the Women's Institutes in Alberta were incorporated under the Alberta Women's Institutes Act under the Department of Agriculture, based on the belief by the Alberta government that by improving the domestic lives of settlers, their comfort, health and efficiency, further settlement would follow. The years between 1916 and 1921 were difficult, the war, influenza epidemic and drought in Southern Alberta taxed the resources of the Women's Institute movement. Thousands of dollars were raised for the Red Cross. Socks, sweaters, scarves, hats and mitts were knitted for the soldiers, hospital supplies were bought and made, and soldiers and their dependants were cared for. At the war's end, Miss Mary MacIssac, Superintendent of Alberta Women's Institute, revived the idea of a national group and in February 1919 the Federated Women's Institute of Canada (F. W. I. C.) came into being. The Women's Institutes turned to peace-time activities, Girl's Clubs were organized, local hospitals, maternity homes, libraries and community halls were founded and supported. In 1924 the first annual Women's Institute Short course was held. The course was a month long and branch members throughout Canada were asked to send a representative. These representatives returned to their communities to teach what they had learned. This turned out to be an effective format which remains in use. Subjects first taught were mainly agricultural topics, such as dairying, beekeeping and poultry raising, but later expanded to include courses on finances, banking and business skills. In 1928, on suggestion of the Women's Institute, the Department of Education held a vote of school children to choose a provincial emblem and by 1930 the choice of the wild rose was endorsed by Legislature. Also in 1928, the Women's Home Bureau Act came into effect, declaring that the Alberta Women's Institute should become self-supporting, therefore, in 1929 the Alberta Women's Institutes became independent of the government. Throughout the difficult years of the Depression, annual conventions were held less frequently to cut costs, and "Mother's Bundles" were sent out to needy families. The Depression years brought a new interest in civic responsibility. Women's Institutes began studying laws relating to women and children, such as the Old Age Pension Act, The Mother's Allowance Act, The Minimum Wage Act for Women and Girls, and became active in recommending legislative change to the Federal Government. During World War II, conventions and official visits were again terminated while activities once again turned towards war efforts. Contributions were made to War funds, and seeds, knitted clothing, quilts and food were sent overseas. At war's end the Women's institute members grew again and efforts for "Home and Country" continued growing. Alberta Women's Institute branches provided many services in their communities, such as providing many schools with First Aid kits, providing hot lunches, Christmas treats and picnics to students. Honour Roll and scholarship programs and Health clinics for pre-school children were set up. Fundraising and involvement in community programs such as Meals-on-Wheels, food banks, clothing banks, and recreational children's clubs, canvassing for cancer research and for UNICEF took place, and there was continued care for war-torn countries. As of 1996 Alberta Women's Institutes have once again have been under Alberta Agriculture, Food and Rural Development and continue to receive an annual government grant from the province of Alberta. Although Women's Institute organizations are still active today, many branches have disbanded due to lack of members. Yet, more than 100 years after the first Women's Institute was formed in Canada, these women's mark remains imprinted on Canadian history and was instrumental in the foundation modern day opinions and practices. The Alberta Women's Institute is associated with the Federated Women's Institutes of Canada, which is in a member of the Associated Country Women of the World (A. C. W. W.), which is an international organization that represents rural women and homemakers. Alberta Women's Institutes are divided into five districts: District 1 is the Peace River District and covers much of Northern Alberta, District 2 covers Northern Alberta in and around the City of Edmonton, District 3 and 5 are Central Alberta, and District 4 is Southern Alberta, including Calgary, Lethbridge and Medicine Hat areas. District 3 covers the area from Red Deer up to Leduc and is made up of 10 Constituencies. The Sylvan Lake Women's Institute was organized in 2 November 1925, by Mrs. H. R. MacDougal of Penhold, Director of District 3 of Alberta, with twelve present, electing Mrs. H. S. Mann as the first president. The Club disbanded some time ago.

The Women's Institute was founded in 1897, in Stony Creek Ontario, by Mrs. Hoodless. It was originally formed as a way of educating rural women in domestic sciences, which would benefit women and their families, and would play a charitable role in the community and the world. Their aim was the betterment of life for both home and country, leading to their motto "For Home and Country". The Women's Institute (also known as W. I.) grew dramatically over Ontario and in 1909 Alberta women organized their first Women's Institute in Lea Park, Alberta. In the early years, the institutes held demonstrations and lectures, which focused on cooking, sewing, home nutrition, childcare and handicrafts, but soon grew. Traveling libraries were established sent out to the institutes, lectures and demonstrations were organized, Women's Institute handbooks were printed, as well as other forms of bulletins, pamphlets and books on various aspects of home, farm and community life. In 1915 the first provincial Women's Institute convention was held in Olds, with just over 100 women in attendance. At this time Miss. Isabel Noble was elected as Alberta's Women's Institute President, which represented local branches from communities throughout Alberta. She realized the importance of organizing the rural women of Canada so they might speak as one voice for needed reforms, and the value of coordinating provincial groups for a more consistent organization. In February 1919, representatives of the provinces met in Winnipeg, Manitoba, to form the Federated Women's Institutes of Canada. In 1916 the various branches of the Women's Institutes in Alberta were incorporated under the Alberta Women's Institutes Act under the Department of Agriculture, based on the belief by the Alberta government that by improving the domestic lives of settlers, their comfort, health and efficiency, further settlement would follow. The years between 1916 and 1921 were difficult, the war, influenza epidemic and drought in Southern Alberta taxed the resources of the Women's Institute movement. Thousands of dollars were raised for the Red Cross. Socks, sweaters, scarves, hats and mitts were knitted for the soldiers, hospital supplies were bought and made, and soldiers and their dependants were cared for. At the war's end, Miss Mary MacIssac, Superintendent of Alberta Women's Institute, revived the idea of a national group and in February 1919 the Federated Women's Institute of Canada (F. W. I. C.) came into being. The Women's Institutes turned to peace-time activities, Girl's Clubs were organized, local hospitals, maternity homes, libraries and community halls were founded and supported. In 1924 the first annual Women's Institute Short course was held. The course was a month long and branch members throughout Canada were asked to send a representative. These representatives returned to their communities to teach what they had learned. This turned out to be an effective format which remains in use. Subjects first taught were mainly agricultural topics, such as dairying, beekeeping and poultry raising, but later expanded to include courses on finances, banking and business skills. In 1928, on suggestion of the Women's Institute, the Department of Education held a vote of school children to choose a provincial emblem and by 1930 the choice of the wild rose was endorsed by Legislature. Also in 1928, the Women's Home Bureau Act came into effect, declaring that the Alberta Women's Institute should become self-supporting, therefore, in 1929 the Alberta Women's Institutes became independent of the government. Throughout the difficult years of the Depression, annual conventions were held less frequently to cut costs, and "Mother's Bundles" were sent out to needy families. The Depression years brought a new interest in civic responsibility. Women's Institutes began studying laws relating to women and children, such as the Old Age Pension Act, The Mother's Allowance Act, The Minimum Wage Act for Women and Girls, and became active in recommending legislative change to the Federal Government. During World War II, conventions and official visits were again terminated while activities once again turned towards war efforts. Contributions were made to War funds, and seeds, knitted clothing, quilts and food were sent overseas. At war's end the Women's institute members grew again and efforts for "Home and Country" continued growing. Alberta Women's Institute branches provided many services in their communities, such as providing many schools with First Aid kits, providing hot lunches, Christmas treats and picnics to students. Honour Roll and scholarship programs and Health clinics for pre-school children were set up. Fundraising and involvement in community programs such as Meals-on-Wheels, food banks, clothing banks, and recreational children's clubs, canvassing for cancer research and for UNICEFF took place, and there was continued care for war-torn countries. As of 1996 Alberta Women's Institutes have once again have been under Alberta Agriculture, Food and Rural Development and continue to receive an annual government grant from the province of Alberta. Although Women's Institute organizations are still active today, many branches have disbanded due to lack of members. Yet, more than 100 years after the first Women's Institute was formed in Canada, these women's mark remains imprinted on Canadian history and was instrumental in the foundation modern day opinions and practices. The Alberta Women's Institute is associated with the Federated Women's Institutes of Canada, which is in a member of the Associated Country Women of the World (A. C. W. W.), which is an international organization that represents rural women and homemakers. Alberta Women's Institutes are divided into five districts: District 1 is the Peace River District and covers much of Northern Alberta, District 2 covers Northern Alberta in and around the City of Edmonton, District 3 and 5 are Central Alberta, and District 4 is Southern Alberta, including Calgary, Lethbridge and Medicine Hat areas. District 3 covers the area from Red Deer up to Leduc and is made up of 10 Constituencies. Two Hills Women's Institute was organized on 15 Nov 1939, but disbanded due to lack of members. Presidents of the Two Hills Women's Institute were: Mrs. R. J. Kolisniak (1939-1941), and Rose Arkell (1941);See also Many and Remarkable : the story of the Alberta Women's Institutes / by Catherine C. Cole and Judy Larmour. -- Edmonton, Alta. : Alberta Women's Institutes, 1997

The Women's Institute was founded in 1897, in Stony Creek Ontario, by Mrs. Hoodless. It was originally formed as a way of educating rural women in domestic sciences, which would benefit women and their families, and would play a charitable role in the community and the world. Their aim was the betterment of life for both home and country, leading to their motto "For Home and Country". The Women's Institute (also known as W. I.) grew dramatically over Ontario and in 1909 Alberta women organized their first Women's Institute in Lea Park, Alberta. In the early years, the institutes held demonstrations and lectures, which focused on cooking, sewing, home nutrition, childcare and handicrafts, but soon grew. Traveling libraries were established sent out to the institutes, lectures and demonstrations were organized, Women's Institute handbooks were printed, as well as other forms of bulletins, pamphlets and books on various aspects of home, farm and community life. In 1915 the first provincial Women's Institute convention was held in Olds, with just over 100 women in attendance. At this time Miss. Isabel Noble was elected as Alberta's Women's Institute President, which represented local branches from communities throughout Alberta. She realized the importance of organizing the rural women of Canada so they might speak as one voice for needed reforms, and the value of coordinating provincial groups for a more consistent organization. In February 1919, representatives of the provinces met in Winnipeg, Manitoba, to form the Federated Women's Institutes of Canada. In 1916 the various branches of the Women's Institutes in Alberta were incorporated under the Alberta Women's Institutes Act under the Department of Agriculture, based on the belief by the Alberta government that by improving the domestic lives of settlers, their comfort, health and efficiency, further settlement would follow. The years between 1916 and 1921 were difficult, the war, influenza epidemic and drought in Southern Alberta taxed the resources of the Women's Institute movement. Thousands of dollars were raised for the Red Cross. Socks, sweaters, scarves, hats and mitts were knitted for the soldiers, hospital supplies were bought and made, and soldiers and their dependants were cared for. At the war's end, Miss Mary MacIssac, Superintendent of Alberta Women's Institute, revived the idea of a national group and in February 1919 the Federated Women's Institute of Canada (F. W. I. C.) came into being. The Women's Institutes turned to peace-time activities, Girl's Clubs were organized, local hospitals, maternity homes, libraries and community halls were founded and supported. In 1924 the first annual Women's Institute Short course was held. The course was a month long and branch members throughout Canada were asked to send a representative. These representatives returned to their communities to teach what they had learned. This turned out to be an effective format which remains in use. Subjects first taught were mainly agricultural topics, such as dairying, beekeeping and poultry raising, but later expanded to include courses on finances, banking and business skills. In 1928, on suggestion of the Women's Institute, the Department of Education held a vote of school children to choose a provincial emblem and by 1930 the choice of the wild rose was endorsed by Legislature. Also in 1928, the Women's Home Bureau Act came into effect, declaring that the Alberta Women's Institute should become self-supporting, therefore, in 1929 the Alberta Women's Institutes became independent of the government. Throughout the difficult years of the Depression, annual conventions were held less frequently to cut costs, and "Mother's Bundles" were sent out to needy families. The Depression years brought a new interest in civic responsibility. Women's Institutes began studying laws relating to women and children, such as the Old Age Pension Act, The Mother's Allowance Act, The Minimum Wage Act for Women and Girls, and became active in recommending legislative change to the Federal Government. During World War II, conventions and official visits were again terminated while activities once again turned towards war efforts. Contributions were made to War funds, and seeds, knitted clothing, quilts and food were sent overseas. At war's end the Women's institute members grew again and efforts for "Home and Country" continued growing. Alberta Women's Institute branches provided many services in their communities, such as providing many schools with First Aid kits, providing hot lunches, Christmas treats and picnics to students. Honour Roll and scholarship programs and Health clinics for pre-school children were set up. Fundraising and involvement in community programs such as Meals-on-Wheels, food banks, clothing banks, and recreational children's clubs, canvassing for cancer research and for UNICEF took place, and there was continued care for war-torn countries. As of 1996 Alberta Women's Institutes have once again have been under Alberta Agriculture, Food and Rural Development and continue to receive an annual government grant from the province of Alberta. Although Women's Institute organizations are still active today, many branches have disbanded due to lack of members. Yet, more than 100 years after the first Women's Institute was formed in Canada, these women's mark remains imprinted on Canadian history and was instrumental in the foundation modern day opinions and practices. The Alberta Women's Institute is associated with the Federated Women's Institutes of Canada, which is in a member of the Associated Country Women of the World (A. C. W. W.), which is an international organization that represents rural women and homemakers. Alberta Women's Institutes are divided into five districts: District 1 is the Peace River District and covers much of Northern Alberta, District 2 covers Northern Alberta in and around the City of Edmonton, District 3 and 5 are Central Alberta, and District 4 is Southern Alberta, including Calgary, Lethbridge and Medicine Hat areas. District 3 covers the area from Red Deer up to Leduc and is made up of 10 Constituencies. Wooddale Women's Institute was part of the Wetaskiwin Constituency and was organized in 1929 at the Wooddale School, near Rimbey, Alberta. Wooddale Women's Institute expanded its geographical scope to include the entire Rimbey district.

By 1935 the Associated Temperance Forces of Alberta had been founded in Edmonton, Alberta. A coalition of Protestant denominations and the provincial Women's Christian Temperance Union, the organization was dedicated to the elimination of the consumption of alcohol within the province of Alberta. In the 1940s the organization had gained the support of the Social Credit government of the day. The organization had provincial representation on the Canadian Temperance Federation and later the Canadian Federation on Alcohol Problems. In order to reflect changing attitudes, the organization changed its name in 1968 to the Alcohol Education Association of Alberta. In 1970 the name of the organization was again changed to the Alcohol-Drug Education Association of Alberta. The organization grew moribund by the mid-1970s and its head office was moved to Red Deer, Alberta. It finally dissolved in 1995. It published various temperance pamphlets and newsletters: The Review and the Trumpet. Known presidents of the organization were: Rev. H. E. Norlund (1944), J. Archer (1945), Rev. N. R. T. Braa (1946-1947), Major James Martin (1948-1949), Rev. G. H. Villett (1950), Rev. J. L. Pottruff (1951-1953), Rev. J. B. Cunningham (1954-1958), Rev. Douglas Russell (1958-1968, 1974-1987), R. Fred Fleck (1968-1971), Rev. William Laing (1971-1972), Harry Van Pelt (1973). Rev. Douglas Russell remained as director of the organization's office until 1995