Wooddale 1929-1979 - 50 Years

              THE HOSPITAL
The Wooddale Women's Institute and Rimbey's first hospital,
St. Paul's ( now the 3- way Auxiliary Hospital) both date from 1929,
and their relationship was very close.
Preparing for the opening of the hospital, the Institute's first
meeting in 1930 was held in the hospital. Quoting from the minutes
of January 18, 1930: " It was a stormy and cold day for the meeting
of the W. I. at the hospital. The purpose of the meeting at this place
being to put in an afternoon sewing linens for the hospital."
Promptly at 2: 00 p. m. work was begun, measuring and cutting sheeting
and pillow tubing. 17 sheets and 27 pillow cases were completed and many
more folded and taken home for finishing. Mrs. Annabel George and
Miss Anderson had provided 4 sewing machines. Dr. Beth Brunton tool:
the women on a tour r- f inspection. We all feel justly proud of our
new building which will soon be in operation."
Our work for the hospital continued for many years. In October,
1930, Mrs. Sibbald, Hospital Convenor, reported a request from the
hospital for old cottons and bedding, and that she had made several
baby dresses for the nursery.
The next month, On November 8, a benefit tea was held at Mrs. E.
George's home, netting $ 19.00 for hospital work, in addition to at
least 27 jars of fruit, pickles, etc., and several sacks of vegetables.'
Two dances were " put on" for hospital funds, early in 1932.
Reporting on the February 10 dance Mrs. C. H. ( Ruth) Smith said snow
and cold weather had resulted in poor attendance and a net profit of
only $ 16.10. Added to this, however, was $ 2.50 from raffling a scarf
made by Mrs. I. Uhl. and pillow tubing and sheeting had been donated by
T. Eaton Company and the NuWay Stores ( We must have been effective
beggars!)
The dance held on April 8 was more successful, with proceeds of
$ 109.30 and expenses of $ 37.70 leaving $ 74.50 for the Hospital Committee.
In May a donated hall mirror was raffled for $ 30.00. Purchases that
year included 6 chairs, a rocker, bed linens and a nursery rack.
In 1934, two " For the hospital" dances were held as well as a tea
at the hospital. This tea became an annual event and the fruit and
•; gctable showers were also continued for several years.