Fonds - Hawley Women's Institute fonds

The Hawley Women’s Institute was founded on October 18, 1967 with Mrs. Zellah Parks as the first President. Twenty-one members attended the first meeting. This branch was a part of the Lennox District Women’s Institute, which later amalgamated with Addington District to make Lennox and Addington District Women’s Institute. As of 2009, the Tweedsmuir histories of Hawley branch are in the possession of the members since the branch continues to meet regularly. In the branch’s early years, they were given possession of a hall by a local Church. This hall is where the branch meetings are still held. The members worked hard to make a difference by learning new skills and by making contributions. To benefit the Federated Women's Institute of Ontario, they collected “Pennies for Friendship” at each meeting to be given to Associated Country Women of the World, and contributed to the MacDonald Institute Expansion Fund. To improve their skills, the members of Hawley participated in a number of “Short Courses”, such as Vegetables with a Flair and Bedroom and Bath; as well as a few workshops, such as on how to make ‘Quillows’. In later years, the branch found it effective to promote a monthly motto or proverb which related to the theme of the month. The Hawley branch enjoys contributing to their community. The branch has helped at the Napanee Fair for many years, namely by serving tea. Also, the members provided entertainment to patients of Lenadco as part of a district-wide community project. To support the local economy, the Hawley branch went on a number of ‘field trips’ over the years to local attractions instead of their regular meeting. Some of the places they visited were the nylon plant, Lanark Woolen Mills, Gibbard’s Furniture Factory, Upper Canada Village, and Hastings County Museum of Agriculture. The branch has held numerous euchre games over the years as their preferred means of raising funds. Other ways to raise funds include drawing tickets for a mystery parcel donated by a member at each meeting, and selling tickets for quilt raffles. They held paper drives within the community, selling the collection to the Strathcona Paper Company. Originally, Hawley branch refused to cater, unlike many of their counterparts, since they felt the workload too much, but due to many requests, they decided to consider catering on a situational basis with great success. The members would often host a family night with games and a meal, also a dessert party was well-attended. The branch has held an annual bake and craft sale. In 2008, a pancake brunch fundraiser was held by the branch to raise funds for the Hall Restoration Project. The members dedicated many hours to restoring their hall. Locally, the Hawley branch gave donations to the Lennox and Addington Swimming and Water Safety Committee, 4-H Club Achievement Day, Lennox and Addington Association for Respiratory Diseases, ARC Industries, and the Reg Whitty Scholarship Fund at Sydenham High School. Nationally, the branch contributed to Children’s Aid, Cancer Society, Arthritis Society, Christian Neighbourhood, Heart Fund, and the Terry Fox Foundation. Also, the branch sponsored a refugee child for many years. The group disbanded on April 24, 2012. Some of the past Women’s Institute Presidents of Hawley were: Mrs. Zellah Parks (1967-1970), Mrs., Eleanor Stapley (1970-1972), Mrs. Edna Myers (1972-1974; 1991-1993), Mrs. Ruth Huyck (1974-1976), Mrs. Lois Huyck (1976-1978; 1983-1985; 1990-1991; 1993-1995), Mrs. Kay Galt (1978-1980), Mrs. Gwen Lowry (1980-1983; 1989-1990), Mrs. Helen McLaughlin (1985-1987), Mrs. H. (Doreen) Creighton (1987-1989), Mrs. Faye Holland (1995-1997; 2003-2005), Mrs. Jacqueline Hughes (1997-1998), Mrs. Christa Huyck (1999-2001), and Mrs. Helen Huff (2001-2003).