Feature Article December 11, 2002
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Sydenham Women's InstituteSouth Frontenac Township needs more office space for its building department, and a staff lunchroom, so Council recently accepted an agreement with the Sydenham Womens Institute to provide that group with alternate meeting facilities, in return for use of the hall and kitchen beneath the library. Whats so special about the Institute, that they get this sort of consideration?" grumbles the man beside me at a township meeting. So I dump a load of history on him, and later phone a long-time member for more details.
Inda Spafford admits with a chuckle that shes been attending the WI since she was four years old, and was taken to meetings by her mother. She reminds me that the WI paid for the downstairs kitchen and the glassed-in front entrance to the township hall a few years ago. Some of the buildings furnishings also belong to the group. Even more important for the community, it was the Womens Institute and the Board of Trade that together bought that part of McCallums farm now known as The Point. Traditionally a picnic site, it was none the less private property, and could easily have been developed as housing had these two groups not been farsighted and generous. Several members put in their own money to help make the purchase. A plaque in the Township Hall commemorates the gifting of the Point property to the Township by these groups.
Although not as large a group as it was when few women worked outside home, the WI is still active in the community: last year they donated $1,000 to the Meadowbrook lift fund, and presented a $400 High School scholarship, as well as accomplishing several smaller community projects. They meet the second Monday of every month except July and August, usually in the Township hall, for friendship, program and refreshments. A recent evening featured the proprietor of Wilton Creek Fabrics, with a presentation about sewing, quilting and crafts.
The WI is non-denominational, and welcomes new members. For further information, phone Inda Spafford, 376-6440, or Mary Shook, 376-3530.
