CAYUGA—Educational programming, meeting community needs, promoting life skills, sharing fellowship: the Women’s Institute (WI) has been serving and enhancing the life of rural communities for more than 100 years.
An exhibit currently on display at the Cayuga Heritage Centre (CHC) celebrates the contributions and legacy of this vital organization.
The work of the WI began in the early 1900s with the Federated Women’s Institute of Ontario (FWIO) organizing in 1919.
CAYUGA—The Canfield WI contingent attending the CHC exhibit included an “honouring member” who has volunteered his services at many of their events. Pictured (l-r): Geoff and Lynda Brooker, Ellen Guenther, and Nancy Turnbull. 
CAYUGA—Many of these Sims Locks WI members are also seen in the photos on display at the Cayuga Heritage Centre. Pictured (l-r): Marg Crawley, Eva Lynn, Joyce Smith, Liz Hurkmans, Donna Tansley, and Lorna Greenlees. —Haldimand Press photos by Sheila Phibbs.
For more than a century, FWIO has advocated for issues such as the pasteurization of retail milk, proper food labelling, painting white lines on highways, installing flashing lights on school buses, and much more.
The mandate of the WI is to serve “For Home and Country” – and members have been making a difference in Haldimand for generations. Geneva Gillis, Curator at CHC, got the idea of creating this tribute to the WI while researching for other exhibits.
She recalls, “I kept noticing how many WI’s were in Haldimand at one point.”
In fact, there were 32 WIs throughout Haldimand in the branches of Walpole; Rainham; Oneida and Seneca; North and South Cayuga Townships; Moulton, Dunn and Sherbrooke; and Canboro.
Gillis says, “It was like there was one on every corner.”
The exhibition showcases the history and work of the WI provincially and at the local level.
Gillis says, “They’ve done so many community projects and have a long legacy of supporting the community. They don’t like to brag about it so I thought I would for them.”
A special viewing was held on November 24, 2024 with members of Haldimand’s three remaining active WI groups – Canfield, Cayuga, and Sims Locks – attending. While reminiscing over the displays and memorabilia, it was agreed that the exhibit is a sign of recognition.
It also highlights the continued efforts of the current WI members in their respective communities. This is important as Liz Hurkmans of Sims Locks WI shared, “I would like it if (the public) knew what we do now – the education portion of the program and the fellowship.”
One such initiative is the ROSE – Rural Ontario Sharing Education – program launched in 1999. Marg Wilson of Cayuga WI says, “We offer programs on any topic like cooking, computers, and any current issues.”
Though the number of WI’s in Haldimand is smaller, they continue to work and advocate for the community. With this ongoing legacy of service in mind, Gillis says, “We wanted to celebrate and give back as well as help to promote the wonderful things the WI members have done over the years.”
For more information on the Women’s Institute visit fwio.on.ca.
The Cayuga Heritage Centre is located with the Cayuga Library at 19 Talbot St., Cayuga.
