The Story of the Alberta Women's Institute

              THE

STORY

OF

THE

ALBERTA

\VOlVIE;\i'S

INSTITUTES

A series of radio talks on various subjects has been given since 1931 from Edmonton, Calgary, and Lethbridge under the supervision of Mrs. Short, Mrs. Campbell, and Mrs. Thompson, and others. In the spring of 1935 hopes were high for a revival of extension work for women under government direction. Miss Isabel Alexander who had been assistant to Miss Esther Thompson, Director of Extension Service, Department of Agriculture, Manitoba, was brought to Alberta to undertake similar work. Miss Alexander was well qualified and thoroughly trained and entered into her work with enthusiasm. Just as plans for the work were developing and classes started, a change of government took place and in a few weeks Miss Alexander was dismissed and with her went all hopes for anything being done for the women of the province. In the year 1939, it was found that the dire forebodings were unfounded. The programme for women's organizations was carried on as formerly with demonstrations and lectures being conducted throughout the province for ALL women's clubs. Correspondence courses on topics of interest to women, were initiated. A Supervisor of Home Economics Extension Service was appointed in 1940 and since then District Home Economists have given their services generously to all women's organizations. Specialists in nutrition, home designing, and sewing are available to help with special instruction and have planned leadership courses with the Institutes of different districts. A Better Farm Competition was sponsored by the Central Mortgage and Housing Corporation and the Provincial Government, for any group organized before October 1. 1947. \vith a membership of six or more, two-thirds of whom were living on farms. The contest closed Julv 17, 1948 and 104 entries were received. First urize winner was the" Arrowwood U.F.'W.A. Second prize went to B-urdett W.L, and third prize to Dinton W.L, of Blackie. So popular had been the correspondence course in nutrition that a course in home nursing was prepared by Mrs. H. R. Evans, of Primrose W.L Innisfree, a nurse with wide experience. This, too, proved v'ery popular, 125 branches taking advantage of the instruction offered. The course was financed by each branch taking it paying one dollar. Mothers' Bundles Popular

outstanding activities since 1933 was in co-operation with the LO.D.E. and the United Farm Women of Alberta, each of
One of the

vI/horn provided "Mothers' Bundles" for expectant mothers who may find themselves unable to provide for the expected little ones out of their own resources. Five hundred and twelve layettes were sent out with an average value of $7.00. The little clothes and the lovely woolies were made by the Institute women. Two of the layettes were sent to twins at Alsask, born two months apart. No request was refused. -21-