Celebrating 100 years of Women's Institute in King Township

In the spring of 1908, ladies in Nobleton and Laskay got together and formed a branch of Women's Institute (WI).

The Laskay ladies realized the trip across the King Road would be difficult in the winter, so in the fall, they formed their own branch.

The concept of Women's Institute had started in Stoney Creek 11 years earlier and spread rapidly across Ontario.

During this centennial year of 2008, opportunities for the public to learn more about WI will be available. To start the celebrations, the ladies of Nobleton WI are inviting the public to join them at 7:30 p.m. March 20 at the Nobleton Community Hall on Old King Road. Copies of the Tweedsmuir history books will be on display and Louise DiIorio will talk briefly about the collection of Tweedsmuir books from Nobleton and the other seven Women's Institutes in King (Kettleby, King City, King Ridge, Laskay, Schomberg, Snowball and Temperanceville).

An important part of this meeting will involve participation by members of the community, who are invited to bring stories (and have them taped), letters and photos (and have them scanned by King Township Public Library staff). The idea is to add new historical information to the Tweedsmuir Books. This is a chance to contribute to the history of the whole township, not just the Nobleton area. There are stories out there that need to be told, such as the information about the greenhouses where Wilsen Street now is.

It would be wonderful to hear from members of King Township and other Women's Institutes, so that these ladies could be contacted to receive an invitation to the June anniversary celebration.

This is a community get together, with an opportunity to meet and talk and tell stories and a chance to enjoy refreshments, courtesy Nobleton Women's Institute.

If you are unable to attend but wish to tell your story or share photos, contact Joan Jackaman at (905) 859-5010 or Mary Anne Merritt at (905) 859-0709.