W.I. history more than Grand-Pre gossip

BY WENDY ELLIOTT

welliott@kentvilleadvertiser.ca

NovaNewsNow.com

Acadia University graduate Kate Akerman, who just completed an honours history degree, recently informed the Grand-Pre Women’s Institute about its past.

Last fall, the WI branch, one of the three oldest in the province, donated 24 minutes books to the university archives, going back to 1913. Akerman called the records amazing and vulnerable, and it was a wise choice to send them to a safe place.

Taking one year from each decade, Akerman read from the handwritten minutes. She also perused the records of the North Grand Pre branch, which operated from 1935 to 1958.

“The Women’s Institute is an important organization in Canada. It still meets to promote rural life and has spread worldwide.”

She noted Grand-Pre women were advocates for education, social welfare, community development and public health. The branch was admirable, Akerman said, as it helped the needy in the community.

“I was astounded. It was there in every book. They were not conservative. They looked at aspects of the community that were basically neglected and added positive voices for change.”

The branch had an average of 48 members up until 1940. In 1963, the branch was instrumental in turning the old schoolhouse into a community centre.

The achievements of one branch member, Annie Stuart, impressed Akerman.

“She was a remarkable woman.”

A dedicated Liberal, Stuart was a forward-thinking farmer and businesswoman. Akerman also praised the volunteer efforts of the late Iris Fraser, a national W.I. president.

During two world wars, the women of Grand-Pre mobilized to recycle and send boxes overseas.

“That was very inspiring for me,” Akerman said. “I hope the W.I. will be around a long time.”

She also noted the social benefits of WI. “Before cars and telephones, they made lifelong friends.”

Akerman received a $1,500 scholarship toward her M.A. from the Wolfville branch of the Canadian Federation of University Women for her research abilities. Her thesis was titled, “More Than Juicy Gossip.”