Sous-fonds consists of records of the Cortes Island Women's Institute. It is arranged in nine series: Minutes, Reports, Financial, Administrative Records, Correspondence, Subject Files, Ephemera, Photographs and Artifacts.
The Cortes Island Women's institute was formed in 1984. Although Cortes Island had historically been difficult to traverse, and the communities consequently insular, by the 1980s the road systems were such that "a Women's Institute for the whole of Cortes Island" seemed to make sense.
CIWI was founded with the bank balance of a Manson's Landing service group called the Ladies Guild, which was founded in the 1940s. When membership and activity in the guild declined in the 1970s, the focus was shifted to a renovation and addition to Manson's Hall. Once the Hall had been sufficiently updated, it was thought that the remaining funds might be put to use "creating an instrument for better communication between all our women and a chance to work together in the community".
Charter members of the CIWI were Heather Berry, Peggy Newsham, Maryann McCoy, Linda Hendricks, and Mary Block.
Custodial History
Records were donated to CIMAS by the Island Women's Club in 2009.
Scope and Content
Sous-fonds consists of records of the Cortes Island Women's Institute. It is arranged in nine series: Minutes, Reports, Financial, Administrative Records, Correspondence, Subject Files, Ephemera, Photographs and Artifacts.
"The old barn at Smelt Bay. Ann Dewar (Robertson) in green pants. Sue Ellingsen in blue sweater and corner of barn. Maybe Ann or MaryAnn could identify more."
"MaryAnn's dad Jack Parry hung his nets in this barn (can see in right opening of barn). Was down near far end of Smelt Bay park where end fence is--on other side of chain link fence. Barbara Parker brown sweater, long hair. Charlie Jeffery squatting (L) with striped sweater."
"The old barn at Smelt Bay. Ann Dewar (Robertson) in green pants. Sue Ellingsen in blue sweater and corner of barn. Maybe Ann or MaryAnn could identify more."
"MaryAnn's dad Jack Parry hung his nets in this barn (can see in right opening of barn). Was down near far end of Smelt Bay park where end fence is--on other side of chain link fence. Barbara Parker brown sweater, long hair. Charlie Jeffery squatting (L) with striped sweater."
Signpost with directions to Squirrel Cove Store, Cortes Bay Marina, Lakeview Guest Ranch, Manson's Landing General Store, Graham's Confectionary, Cold Mountain Institute
Photo is from a group given to CIMAS by Hilary Stewart, author of nine books on Northwest Coast First Nations art and culture. Photograph attributed to Anthony Pomoroy.
Photo is from a group given to CIMAS by Hilary Stewart, author of nine books on Northwest Coast First Nations art and culture. Photograph attributed to Anthony Pomoroy.