the meetings and shipping them back when completed. In
1962 the report showed over 400 sewn articles and well
over 200 knitted articles forwarded to the Red Cross
headquarters.

In 1925 the Institute assumed the responsibility for
improving and caring for the Oak River Cemetery. Mrs.
Wm. Short and her husband were especially interested in
this proiect and gave freely of their time to organize bees
for tree-planting, levelling and many other improvements
that helped make the cemetery appear as it does today.
Later, Mrs. F. Bowman gave many years in carrying on the
good work.

Another heavy undertaking had its beginnings in I925.
That was the year that the W.|. decided to start a fund for a
fitting memorial to the soldiers of the first world war. This
resulted in the leasing of part of the Methodist Church
property. During the next seven years the W.|. worked
steadily to raise money for the construction of a hall. The
official opening of the Memorial Hall was held on
Armistice Day and the ladies had reached another goal.

In I935, Mrs. Peter Thompson, who was then president,
interested the W.I. in Drama Festivals. They sponsored the
play “Joan of Arc" which Mrs. Thompson directed; she
became president of the North West Drama Festival.
(Drama Festivals are fully covered in Volume II.)

In I939 new calls were made on the Institute for W.W. II
was in progress. The members during these years raised
funds for Bundles for Britain, Victory Bundles, Milk for
Britain and made numerous quilts for war use. After the
war requests for help continued for relief for the
homeless. In 1948 clothing and quilts valued at $352.00
were sent in one shipment.

The library in the Memorial Hall was renewed in I948
when the Institute bought $25.00 worth of new books and
each member was requested to donate one new book.
Rev. and Mrs. Palmer donated 35 books; Mr. and Mrs.
Chas. Benthan I4 books. In I949 $40.00 was spent on the
library. The members acted in turn as librarian, keeping
the Hall open in the evenings for the convenience of
country readers.

The W.|. was responsible for sponsoring the formation of
the Hospital Aid in Oak River. The guild still functions,
supplying funds and articles that make hospital life more

I24