Recognizing local Women’s Institutes in Norfolk

The 38 branches, past and present, of the Norfolk County Women’s Institutes were inducted into the Norfolk County Agricultural Hall of Fame in September. From left are Phyllis Buchner, Cynthia Bishop, Waterford Heritage Agricultural Museum assistant curator Angela Ferreira, Diane Salter, and Sharon Beausaert at the Hall of Fame award presentation. 

Brenda Moser

Advocate Correspondent

Norfolk County is well known for its ideal soil and growing conditions for a variety of crops.

To showcase developments in the agricultural field over the decades, one can visit the Waterford Heritage Agricultural Museum (WHAM), located on Nichol Street. The facility once served as ‘The Pickle Factory’ and to this day is still referred to as such by many residents.

Today, WHAM houses a variety of permanent displays depicting the history of local agriculture and ‘groundbreakers’ in that field. To honour many of these agricultural achievements, WHAM launched the Norfolk County Agricultural Hall of Fame awards. More than two dozen hall of fame inductees have been recognized since it started in 2014.

Each year a nomination committee selects the inductees from applications received from the public to honour “achievements, results, benefits and innovations accrued to agriculture and rural development on a local and/or broader basis as a result of the nominee’s volunteer and paid activities.”

At a September event hosted by WHAM and Assistant Curator Angela Ferreira, the 38 branches of the Norfolk County Women’s Institutes, past and present, were inducted.

Founded by Adelaide Hunter-Hoodless and Janet and Erland Lee over a century ago, the Institutes served as a ‘robust’ platform for women in their communities. The Women’s Institutes were honored on Sept. 14 for ‘their advocacy for agriculture education, reform and their contributions to the prosperity and well-being of rural communities and families.’

Today, there are five active local WI branches - Marburg, Lynedoch, Walsingham, Vittoria and Langton. As a young girl growing up in this area, I remember well my grandmother’s involvement with the Institute and what it meant to her.        

Jenny Chanda, District President, spoke to those gathered for the Sept. 14 ceremony.

“I am very proud and privileged to be here... Thank you very much for this recognition.”

MPP Bobbi Ann Brady sent congratulations in the form of greetings as did Mayor Amy Martin.

One attendee in particular was very happy for this recognition - Carol Grosvenor, who has been involved with the Women’s Institute for many years. Recognizing the importance they served, especially during the war, Grosvenor chose to nominate them for this very special award. Thank you Carol.

If you would like to check out this display or any of the many others there you can do so by stopping by WHAM, 159 Nichol St., Waterford. They are open Wednesdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is by donation.