Summary information
| Repository: | South Peace Regional Archives |
| Title: | Sexsmith Women’s Institute fonds |
| Reference code: | 0054 |
| Date: | 1929-1962 (date of creation) |
| Physical description: | 10 cm of textual records
1 photograph |
| Language: | English |
| Dates of creation, revision and deletion: | Exported from AoR and added to new database April 2022 – TD |
Administrative history / Biographical sketch
The Sexsmith Women’s Institute was organized in July, 1917, eight years after the formation of the first Women’s Institute in Alberta. The main objective of the organization was to improve community services in the town of Sexsmith. In 1928, they assisted Miss Johanna Haakstad in opening a Maternity Home in Sexsmith, and continued to sponsor it for many years. In 1934 and 1945, they hosted Constituency Conferences at which they raised issues concerning child health, public welfare and education. They also supported the local library, school, cemetery, Red Cross, Red Shield, and Children for Britain. In 1953, they opened a rest room for women coming into Sexsmith to do their shopping, operating it until water and sewer were installed in the village in 1955. In the 50s, they supported the Cancer Society, Red Cross, and the Unitarian Services Committee. After the closure of the Maternity Home in the late 50s, and the formation of other women’s clubs, the membership of the Sexsmith Women’s Institute dwindled, and in January 1962 it was disbanded.
Custodial history
The records were preserved by Kathleen Gathercole, long-time secretary and member of the Sexsmith Women’s Institute when it disbanded in 1961. They were donated to Grande Prairie Regional Archives by her daughter, Lynne Braseth.
Scope and content
The fonds consists of four minute books which include lists of committee members, roll call and secretary expenses; accounts ledgers which detail the receipts and disbursements; and publications from the Alberta’s Women’s Institute. The photograph is of a Alberta Women’s Institute Convention held in Edmonton.
Notes
Title notes
- Source of title proper: Title based on the contents of the fonds
Restrictions on access
There are no restrictions.
Access points
- Textual record (documentary form)
- Graphic material – photograph (documentary form)
- Women (subject)
- Agriculture (subject)
- Organizations* (subject)
Series descriptions
| Reference code | Title | Dates | Physical description |
| 0054.01 | Item – Alberta Women’s Institutes 25th Biennial Convention Wells Photo Service, Edmonton |
1949 | 1 photograph : b&w ; 8 x 20 in. |
| Scope and content:
Attendees at the 25th Biennial Alberta Women’s Institute Convention at the University of Alberta from May 25-27, 1949. |
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