1937 - Convention Report

              40 ALBERTA WOMEN'S INSTITUTES
REPORT OF THE ALBERTA WOMEN'S INSTITUTE
GIRLS' CLUB
Mrs. E. J. Bell, Hussar, Supervisor, from May 23rd, 1935, to May 18th, 1937.
Soon after the W. I. Convention in Edmonton came the W. I. G. C's Convention
in Olds, the fifteenth annual, with Mrs. R. E. Wood, retiring Supervisor, in
charge, and myself in attendance to " get onto the ropes." It was a very interest­ing
and instructive gathering. I was especially struck with the competent manner
in which the girls and their officers carried on all business, and the beautiful
co- operation between them and their Supervisor, Mrs. Wood. Everything was
managed so beautifully that there were no signs of their being managed at all.
I am sure that the greatest credit is due to Mrs. Wood for the thriving condition
in which I found the Girls' Clubs, and that the girls themselves are most fortunate
in their careful selection of officers, as both at that time, and since, the officer?
have done their parts with the greatest of enthusiasm and wisdom. I was pleased
to note also that there were several Supervisors present at this Convention— Mrs.
Kjorsvik, of Eagle H i l l ; Mrs. Thompson, Coaldale; Mrs. Brunsdale, Manyberries;
Mrs. Urquhart, Balmoral; Mrs. Wirt, Standard, and Mrs. Johnson, Endiang—
as well as a good attendance of girls, with many clubs camping on the grounds.
The program was splendid: demonstrations, Table Setting and Table Decor­ation
by Miss C. Mclntyre; Crepe Paper Articles, Jane Popham; Eggshell Finish­ings,
Jean Moore, and Textiles, Miss Switzer. There was physical training on the
campus each morning, community singing, reports from each District, showing
how great is the activity of each Club. Mr. Kemp addressed the girls on " Fruits
We All Can Grow." There was an illustrated lecture on " Canadian Arts and
Artists", by Frank H. Norbury; an address by Mrs. Wood on " Club Financing",
and Miss Mclntyre spoke on " Why People Act That Way."
Every year there is a short story contest, original stories on any theme
located in Canada. Lois Cassidy. of Coaldale, won in 1935, with Muriel Lee,
second; and in 1936, Heather Allen was first and Lois Cassidy, second. And
while on this topic, I want to urge you mothers to encourage your young daugh­ters,
eighteen or under, to take part in this contest, with a view to encouraging
literary talent among our Club members. The " Mrs. J. A. Rodell Cup" is the
award for this, with the winners name engraved upon it, and if won three times
in succession it becomes the property of the winner. The sports contest was
won by Pearl McBride, and again in 1936, so she won the Emily Murphy Cup
outright, as she had won in 1934 also. The public speaking contest was very
good. Agnes McKerrow won in 1935 with the topic, " Vocational Schools,"
with Mae Haws, second. Anola Thompson was first in 1936, with " A Prominent
Canadian Woman, Nellie McClung," as her subject. Agnes McKerrow was
second with the topic, " The Value and Use of Free Radium to Those Suffering
From Cancer." The masquerade is a yearly feature, and we have a grand time.
In 1935, Florence Current wont the prize for the prettiest ( Scotch Lassie);
Hazel Haslett won the comic, and Anola Thompson, the original. Last year,
Avis Eaton was awarded the prize for the most beautiful dress; Jean Moore, the
most original; Muriel Lee, the comic, and Marjorie Burdett, the best character
costume.
Mr. Fisher was a great help in both Conventions, as he took charge of the
sports clay, the treasure hunt, and gave a most interesting address on " Macbeth",
in 1935, and on " Klondike Experiences", last year. Last year we had an amateur
contest before the masquerade, and Agnes McKerrow won first place with a solo,
and Elva Easterbrook, second, with a vocal solo. At the 16th Annual Convention
greetings were brought from the following Supervisors: Mrs. Wirt, Mrs. Stranr
burg, Mrs. Mitchell and Mrs. Slinn,
Our demonstrations varied. Miss C. Mclntyre gave one on " The Magic That
Comes From Bottles and Jars"; Miss Switzer on " Practical Points in Dress­making";
Florence Current on " Beautifying Vases With Salt and Flour and
Crepe Paper Paste", and Jane Popham on " Making Cellophane Flowers." We
have most interesting demonstrations planned for the Convention in Olds on
July 13th to 16th.