History of the Alberta Women's Institutes

Source: AWI Collection

Transcript: History of the Alberta
Women's Institute LES DUNFORD
T& C Editor T he Alberta Women's In­stitute
( AWI) has been
around since 1909. The
AWI movement began in On­tario
100 years ago.
Now, there is a book just
recently out about the fasci­nating
story of the Alberta
Women's Institute.
" Many and Remarkable,"
written by Catherine C. Cole
and Judy Larmour is that sto­ry,
and explores Alberta
women's role in the events
that have marked our history.
Esther Brown, who works
on the farm with her husband
Earl, has been an AWI mem­ber
for many years. She re­cently
read the book and says
" There sure was a lot of work
done by AWI members
through the years from wel­coming
immigrants, war
brides, helping with food,
clothing, etc., to other coun-
B a r r h e a d L e a d e r , J u l y 2 8 , 1997
The book talks about
the beginnings of
AWI in Alberta in
1909 as a small group
of isolated women around Lea Park,
to an extensive network of branches
throughout the province today
tries in war years, and much
more."
She feels it is a well writ­ten
book that allows the read­er
to familiarize themselves
in what WI has done and
what they stand for.
" Many and Remarkable"
contains stories of pioneering
and the challenges and
achievements of women.
Through their efforts, they
have advocated on behalf of
the legal rights of women and
children.
The book also talks about
the development of public ed­ucation
and health care sys­tems;
and homefront activity
during the First and Second
World Wars. It looks at the
AWI role in international
peace and development, and
their consistent interest in
agricultural issues and farm
safety.
It is a remarkable record
of service by and for women
throughout the province, and
includes a complete list of
AWI branches in Alberta.
The book talks about the
beginnings of AWI in Alberta
in 1909 as a small group of
isolated women around Lea
Park, to an extensive network
of branches throughout the
province today.
Many and Remarkable is
the result of extensive
archival and oral history re­search
and makes an impor­tant
contribution to both
women's history and to the
history of Alberta.
Copies are available while
they last at $ 24.95 each, plus
shipping, handling and
tax/ and can be obtained from
any AWI member, or ordered
through the AWI office at
Suite 220. 10403 - 172 Street,
Edmonton, Alberta, T5S 1K9.
If you have any questions,
you are asked to please call
the AWI office at ( 403) 469-
1254*