​Purple Grove Women’s Institute celebrates 75th anniversary

The Purple Grove Women’s Institute welcomed members, former members, dignitaries, guests and members of the Bervie and Kinloss Kairshea W.I.s, to the 75th anniversary celebration, held Wednesday afternoon, Nov. 1, in the Ripley-Huron Community Centre social room.

President Bren de Leeuw opened the event with the national anthem, followed by the Opening Ode and the Mary Stewart Collect.

She then introduced the special guests, including Kincardine mayor Kenneth Craig, Federated Women’s Institutes of Ontario (FWIO) president Michelle Phillipi, Bruce District W.I. president Ellen Waye, and Grey Bruce Area W.I. president Rosanne Judge.

“The day of our 75th anniversary is finally here and as we cast a glance back over the past few months, what a journey it has been,” said de Leeuw. “We’ve learned so much more about Purple Grove, the start of our Women’s Institute branch, our charter members and those who followed in their footsteps, the activities, the fellowship, the interests, causes and advocacy issues that were acted upon in our local community, our area and beyond!

“Thank goodness we have come a long way from party-line telephones to the modern age of technology that enabled us to search on-line on our computers for clues to the past. And how amazing is it that we can actually utilize digital versions of the Tweedsmuir histories now.”

As the ladies set out to identify all the members of the Purple Grove W.I. since it began in April, 1947, they found it a challenge because in the early days, women were identified by their husband’s name, as in Mrs. Bill Robertson and Mrs. George Stewart. And since many of the surnames were the same, as were the husband’s first name, some remained a mystery. They managed an 84-per-cent success rate, with a chart on the wall, depicting all the names that were found.

“As we reviewed our collected memorabilia from events gone by, and took stock of all that we have accomplished, it is hard not to be incredibly humbled by the virtues and values of joining the Women’s Institute, and for the 26 charter members who had the foresight and opportunity to recognize that and forge forward as the Purple Grove W.I.,” said de Leeuw. “We thank those wonderful ladies who set the foundation for us to grow upon.”

The charter members from April 23, 1947 include:
 

• Gladys Arnold
• Olive Boyle
• Pearl Boyle
• Kay Collins
• Lulu Collins
• Nettie Dore Sr.
• Fannie Emerson
• Marion Emerson
• Minnie Emerson
• Pearl Emerson
• Wanda Gawley
• Agnes Leeson
• Anne McCosh
• Norine MacKay
• Yvonne Morgan
• Janet Needham
• Olive Needham
• Martha Patterson
• Margaret Robertson
• Catherine Scott
• Helen Swann
• Kay Thacker
• Marjorie Thompson
• Wilda Thompson
• Annie Wall
• Sarah Walsh

Huron-Bruce MPP Lisa Thompson was unable to attend but sent greetings and noted that the final words in the Mary Stewart Collect say it all: “O Lord God let us not forget to be kind.”

Craig congratulated the Purple Grove W.I. and said that the values of rural Ontario, espoused by this organization, cannot be overlooked. He said he was looking through one of the Tweedsmuir history books from April, 1972, and the minutes indicate that it had been a difficult month with expenses of $9.94 and collection of only $3.66.

“A grant came in, plus a dear lady by the name of Wilda Thompson, made up the difference by donating $2 to the cause, leaving a surplus of four cents,” he said. “Congratulations on your 75th birthday and I look forward to many more years of achievements by the Purple Grove W.I.”

Phillippi and Waye each presented a certificate of recognition to de Leeuw, followed by congratulations from Judge who said, “Pat yourself on the back for all your accomplishments, and celebrate this great achievement.”

Marilyn Reid read the minutes of the first meeting of the Purple Grove W.I. which was held Jan. 14, 1947, with 11 members and four visitors. It was held at the home of Mrs. T. E. Morgan. At the time of the W.I.’s 50th anniversary, there were 25 members and some meetings were held at night to accommodate members’ schedules.

Today, the W.I. has 16 members, with a total cumulative involvement of 414 years.

The current members include:
 

• Bonnie Boyle
• Cheryl Bridge
• Christine Bridge
• Robyn Bridge
• Diane Clifford
• Bren de Leeuw
• Katya Dobrynska
• Fran Farrell
• Betty Johnson
• Mary Anne Kukoly
• Janet Nixon
• Marilyn Reid
• Christine Robertson
• Deanna Scott
• Dianne Simpson
• Wilma Sutton

The longest-serving member, Wilma Sutton, has been involved since 1960. She said Wilda Thompson brought her to a meeting and she found it a good way to get to know people since she and her husband had moved there in 1959.

“We have good people in the W.I.,” she said. “They’re ready to help you if you need help. This group is important to our community. You become friends in the W.I., you learn about your neighbours and you’re all like family.”

Janet Nixon, who has been involved since 1968, remembered being invited by Irene Boyle to a meeting. She then outlined some of the events, activities and advocacy that the W.I. has enjoyed throughout the 75 years, including having milk pasteurized, getting flashing lights on the school buses, and getting yellow lines painted on the roads.

Locally, the group supports the Ripley-Huron Fall Fair and the Paisley Farm Show, makes quilts for those in need, and writes the weekly column, the Purple Grove News, for the Kincardine Record.

Deanna Scott conducted the In Memoriam, followed by past-president Cheryl Bridge and de Leeuw cutting the anniversary cake and everyone enjoying refreshments.

“Thank you all for joining us today,” said de Leeuw.