Pictured above are Past Presidents of New Dundee WI. Front row (L-R) Marie Shantz, Shirley Poll, Gladys Cressman and Elva Fried. Back row (L-R) Pauline Stirling, Jean Rickert, Audrey Sararas, Joan Good, Joanne Rush, Linda Stoltz and FWIO Representative Winnie Trachsel.

On June 19, 2007 at 7pm, New Dundee Women's Institute celebrated its 100th Anniversary. Exactly 100 years earlier, on June 19, 1907, twenty-eight Members gathered in the Chipman's Hall, located at the east end of Main Street in New Dundee, for the Branch's very first meeting.

The program for the 100th Anniversary celebration was held at the New Dundee Community Centre, where the group meets the third Tuesday of every month for their regular meetings. Special guests from the community and other Women's Institutes were present when each of the Members received their special 100th Anniversary pin from Winnie Trachsel, a representative of FWIO.

Greetings and congratulations were brought by MPP Michael Harris, Regional Chair Ken Seiling, Mayor Wayne Roth of Wilmot Township, and New Dundee Councillor Elliot Fung. MP Harold Albrecht sent a congratulatory certificate.

The minutes of the very first meeting were read by secretary Karen Weber.

 

President Joanne Rush then acknowledged the contributions of all the

Past Presidents who led the Branch with grace and strong commitment. Past President Linda Stoltz highlighted the accomplishments of New Dundee WI over the last 100 years. Greetings were also extended by Waterloo District President Emilie Klages and by Guelph Area President Pauline Weiland.

A slide show of "100 Years of Action and Interaction" (a walk down memory lane depicting Members and events of the last century in WI) was also presented. A musical interlude featured the playing of "Bringing in the Sheaves" which was sung at the first meeting in 1907.

The meeting closed with the singing of O Canada, and everyone was asked to stay and enjoy fellowship and lunch and to view the Tweedsmuir History Books that were on display. Other celebratory plans ahead for New Dundee WI are the 4th edition of Homemakers Delight Cookbook, available for $10, and a commemorative quilt.