History Supplement of the Alberta Women's Institute

              HISTORY

SUPPLEMENT

OF

THE

ALBERTA

WOMEN'S

INSTITUTE

dent of ACWW. An invitation to attend the Lethbridge meeting was extended to all Montana Home Demonstration Clubs located near the Alberta Border. The response to the invitation was overwhelming both in a record attendance and also in the enthusiasm shown by the American visitors. They were inspired by Mrs. Berry's message and stirred to know that they were able through "Pennies for Friendship" to help women in the underdev~loped nations. A letter from the State International Chairman of Montana said in part: "Do you realize what a selling job you did for your big wonderful country? We were so royally entertained and loved every minute of it. I mailed my cheque today to London and hope it will help in some small measure". In the summer of 1957 the Montana Home Demonstration Clubs hosted an International Day at North Montana State College, Havre. We found the Montana women eager to learn about the workings of the ACWW and the Canadians in turn were impressed with the evidence of the creative skills learned through the extension program of the Home Demonstration Clubs. Will we ever forget the amazing centre piece on the giant refreshment table-two flags side by side, the Union Jack and the Stars and Stripes composed of red, white and blue blossoms of petunias and lobelia. The annual International Meeting returned to Lethbridge in July 1958 with District IV again hostesses. Dr. Nancy Adams, Area Vice-President for Canada of the ACWW was the guest speaker. Dr. Adams was at her best as she stressed the purpose of such gatherings-"to share a common goal of deeper friendship, understanding and hope for World peace". The American visitors were wearing red, white and blue ribbon corsages with shining new ten cent pieces as the flowers within. These coins were removed later to be donated in the "Pennies for Friendship" march for ACWW. The following year the Canadians accepted an invitation to meet with the Montana Home Demonstration Clubs in historic old Fort Benton. Again the American ladies delighted their Canadian friends with the novel favors, craft display and their heart warming hospitality. The largest gathering of all was held in 1960 at the Lethbridge Experimental Farm with District IV again acting as hostesses. Members from District III and V came by chartered bus to attend the gathering. Mrs. Irene Spry of the Executive Committee of ACWW spoke in her quiet and charming way of many matters the world body would hope to accomplish. She stressed especially our part in the Freedom for Hunger Campaign. There were over three hundred in attendance. From 1960 to the present, 1974 the International Friendship Meetings have suffered a slow decline. One can only surmise that a change in provincial and state goals may have made some difference. However meetings at the local level continue especially between Medicine Hat Constituency and its branches with the clubs of Toole, Liberty and Hill Counties in Montana the friendships are 10