1. Photocopy of an article by Verna Black of White Lake, “The Women’s Institute Hall: 1925-2000”, from “White Lake — The Later Years” (2000). History of the building and the organization.
2. Photocopy of handwritten notes (3 pages) by Mrs. Duncan G. Stewart (Ethel Stewart nee Stewart) of Waba, dated June 21, 1915, with handwritten notes and highlighting by Peter Hessel. This records the first meeting of the White Lake Women’s Institute. It was not recorded where this first meeting was held. The second meeting (in July) was held at the stone house in Waba, the home of Robert Stewart and his wife. The third meeting (in August) was held in Waba at Ethel Stewart’s house (In 1929, this house was moved to the west, when the Stewarts built a new larger house).
3. Certificate of life membership “in recognition of much appreciated service”, issued by the Ontario Women’s Institute, in the name of Mrs. Duncan G. Stewart (Ethel Stewart) of Waba, dated July 31, 1962.
4. Envelope containing
(a) a handwritten note by Ethel Stewart and a copy of the minutes of the first meeting of the White Lake Women’s Institute on June 21, 1915. It was organized by a Mrs. Parsons of the “Department of Agriculture Institute Branch”. First president was Mrs. Robert Stewart;
(b) two black and white photographs of the 60th anniversary meeting in 1957. This was not the anniversary of the White Lake branch, but of the founding of the whole Women’s Institute organization by Adelaide Hoodless of Stoney Creek. The women are in “period costumes”.
5. Clipping from a local newspaper (Nov. 1957) of a photo (see Item 4 b), with identification of the ladies.
6. Clipping of a newspaper report about the above anniversary, from a Renfrew paper, December 5th, 1957. Of interest also: at the bottom of the report is a note that the McNab Company was taken over by Bell Company of Canada as of December 1, 1957. Ella Robertson, the local operator, was to continue at the switchboard.
7. Envelope with various documents pertaining to the White Lake Women’s Institute including programs and clippings. John Box.
8. Typed letter from the South Renfrew Women’s Institute, signed by Margaret Hamilton of Glasgow Station, dated Nov. 13, 1952, addressed to Mrs. Duncan E. Stewart (Bessie Stewart) re the latter’s resignation as vice president of the district. Also mentions an activity at the Glasgow Women’s Institute (highland dancing; St. Andrew’s Night).
9. Typescript of a “debating speech” by Mrs. D.E. Stewart (Bessie Stewart) on the subject of ready-made versus home-made clothing. No date (approx. 1950s?).
10. Memo book (by Bessie Stewart of Waba?) with hand-written notes on various practical subjects discussed at the White Lake Women’s Institute. 1950s?