Federated Women's Institutes of Ontario:
The Birth of a New Organization for Women
"To Better the Lives of Women & Families
through Personal Growth and Community Action"
The first Women's Institute was founded in 1897 in Saltfleet Township,
Wentworth County, Ontario by Erland and Janet Lee, and with the help of
Adelaide Hoodless. This branch of the WI is known today as the Stoney
Creek Charter Women's Institute.
In 1919, the Federated
Women's Institutes of Ontario (FWIO) was established under The
Agricultural Associations Act by an Order-In-Council of the Government
of Ontario as an umbrella organization for the various WI's springing
up around the province. In 1929, the Federated Women's Institutes of
Canada was formed, and in 1933, the Associated Country Women of the
World was organized.
Preserving History
In
1972, a museum, the Erland Lee Home, was founded as a 75th Anniversary
Project of the FWIO. The house, located at 552 Ridge Road in Stoney
Creek, Ontario, was purchased by the FWIO and was originally known as
Edgemont Farm. Erland Lee cofounded the Women's Institute on the belief
that there should be an organization for women similar to the Farmers'
Institute, which he also attended. The Women's Institute founded in
Stoney Creek was the first of its kind in the world.
In 1994, the FWIO Board acquired its own offices in an 1885 stone house in Guelph Township.
Learn more...
The FWIO celebrated its 100th anniversary in 1997 with a conference in Hamilton, a book, "For Home and Country: The Centennial History of Women's Institutes in Ontario"
written by Linda Ambrose, and a video, "Indebted to the Past -
Committed to the Future (1897-1997): Past, Present and Future of
Women's Institute", produced by Steve Hagarty.
The Wilton Women's Institute shares in this rich tradition.
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