A very special group of women in Prince Edward County is celebrating a significant milestone later this month.
The Demorestville Women’s Institute is celebrating their 100th anniversary on June 20.
The group, one of six Women’s Institute groups in the Prince Edward District, was created in 1919 according to branch secretary Brenda DeCastris. She says despite all their research, they haven’t been able to identify when they were established but says they believe it was in the spring.
Two members of the Demorestville Women’s Institute serving the Annual Mess Dinner for our local Air Cadet Squadron 851. (Submitted photo)
DeCastris says the group has seen an ebb and flow in membership over the years.
They currently are 13 members strong and continue to serve up meals seven times a year, plus cater other area events.
DeCastris says they take pride in their community involvement as they support the Prince Edward Food Hub, the Sophiasburg 4H clubs, the Royal Canadian Air Cadets in Picton, their seniors dinners seven times a year which involve a full course meal for up to 75 people, funeral and anniversary luncheons, Sophiasburg Recreation, Hospice Prince Edward and participate in the annual Women’s Institute art and craft sale.
Mayor Steve Ferguson made an announcement during the County’s regular council meeting on Tuesday night regarding the celebrations planned for June 20.
DeCastris says there will of course be finger foods served, and the group is working on recreating some of the dishes the group would have served during each of the decades they’ve been in existence.
She says they are also working on what they call Tweedsmuir History.
The celebration will take place at the Demorestville Town Hall from 1 – 4 p.m. on June 20, and will feature some of the history of their branch, some entertainment and members from the Ontario Women’s Institute Head Office and Prince Edward County mayor and councillors. They have also sent out invitations to groups whom they support and those which support them. The event is also open to the public.
A newspaper clipping of the Demorestville Women’s Institute’s $1,000 donation to Glenwood Cemetery after last year’s vandalism. (Submitted photo)
