Fonds - Mount Pleasant Pioneer Women’s Institute fonds

The Mount Pleasant Pioneer Women’s Institute located in the Township of Richmond, Lennox and Addington County was founded on March 18, 1933 with Mrs. Fred (Grace) Henderson as the first President. This branch was a part of the Lennox District Women’s Institute. Sixteen members attended the first meeting. They disbanded on May 10, 1978, likely due to low membership. The original name of this branch was Mount Pleasant, but the members were told that this name was taken already. At the second meeting, one of the members suggested that the name should illustrate the branch’s connection to the Loyalist District; hence adding Pioneer to the name was suggested by Mrs. A.R Sexsmith. The branch purchased a hall for a meeting place in 1933, making renovations to suit their needs. Some of the community work that Mount Pleasant Pioneer branch was involved in was sponsoring a 4-H group, collecting funds for people who have been victim to a fire, hosting chicken or pot luck suppers, and holding euchre tournaments along with a dance. Suppers and tournaments also functioned as fundraisers. During World War II, the branch sent hundreds of cigarettes and gifts to local boys serving overseas. They also contributed to the Red Cross. All three schools in the area were given First Aid kits from Mount Pleasant Pioneer branch. Over the years, donations were given to the Heart Foundation, Arthritis Society, Sick Children’s Hospital, Lennox and Addington County Hospital, “Pennies for Friendship”, 4-H Achievement Day, and the Jim Hunter Fund. The Mount Pleasant Pioneer branch was concerned with issues facing Canadians which could impact their community, showing how seriously the branch took the Institute motto. They stood up for what they believed in, such as voting to protest the legislation of marijuana in the 1970s. Mount Pleasant Pioneer branch often participated in the Napanee Fair with exhibits and hosting teas. In the latter years, the members slowed their activities down. These meetings consisted mainly of members giving readings and reports. Some of the past Women’s Institute Presidents of Mount Pleasant Pioneer were: Mrs. Fred (Grace) Henderson (1933-1934), Mrs. Harold (Millie) Putman (1934-1935), Mrs. Vernon Oliver (1935-1936), Mrs. Fred Mowbray (1936-1938; 1955-1957), Mrs. Arthur Sexsmith (1938-1939; 1942-1945), Mrs. Walter (Grace) Hudson (1939-1940; 1976-1979), Mrs. J. (Frances) Doyle (1940), Mrs. J. (Margaret) Murphy (1940-1942), Mrs. Garnet (June) Dupre (1945-1948), Mrs. Tom (Frances) McCambridge (1948-1950; 1954-1955), Mrs. Manley (Myrtle) Hart (1950-1951; 1967-1969; 1979), Mrs. F.D. Oliver (1951-1952; 1953-1954), Mrs. Harry (Ethel) Uens (1957-1959), Mrs. Ross (Helen) Oliver (1959-1967), and Mrs. Ruth Rosenblath (1969-1971; 1973-1976).