IODE ONTARIO - A Proud History
By Honorary Vice-President Bonnie G. Rees
"The use of history is to give value to the present hour and its duty." (Ralph Waldo Emerson). This quote from the book The Imperial Order Daughters Of The Empire, Golden Jubilee 1900 – 1950, provides the inspiration for this presentation.
We have drawn on excerpts from this book as well as IODE ... A History in Step with Canada’s 20th Century and other documents. We gratefully acknowledge these sources of information.
There is a wealth of information at hand. Far too much to present here, unfortunately. Picking and choosing from this vault of good deeds and interesting stories has been a challenge. IODE Ontario has played a large part in the history of IODE due to our large membership as well as having the honour of having the IODE Canada office in Toronto. As a result, our members have played significant roles in leadership and the decision making process of both IODE Ontario and IODE Canada. We can be proud that our province has had such a major role in the accomplishments of IODE in general.
The IODE story is about one women’s vision to improve the lives of others. One idea, one thought ... that changed the lives of so many people around the world. One thought ... that built a national association of caring and committed women that has endured into its second century.
"The use of history is to give value to the present hour and its duty." (Ralph Waldo Emerson). This quote from the book The Imperial Order Daughters Of The Empire, Golden Jubilee 1900 – 1950, provides the inspiration for this presentation.
We have drawn on excerpts from this book as well as IODE ... A History in Step with Canada’s 20th Century and other documents. We gratefully acknowledge these sources of information.
There is a wealth of information at hand. Far too much to present here, unfortunately. Picking and choosing from this vault of good deeds and interesting stories has been a challenge. IODE Ontario has played a large part in the history of IODE due to our large membership as well as having the honour of having the IODE Canada office in Toronto. As a result, our members have played significant roles in leadership and the decision making process of both IODE Ontario and IODE Canada. We can be proud that our province has had such a major role in the accomplishments of IODE in general.
The IODE story is about one women’s vision to improve the lives of others. One idea, one thought ... that changed the lives of so many people around the world. One thought ... that built a national association of caring and committed women that has endured into its second century.
ORIGINS
Margaret Polson was born in 1844, the daughter of a prosperous manufacturer in Paisley, Scotland. Married to a young Scottish professor, John Clark Murray, she came with him to Canada, first settling in Kingston, Ontario. Later they moved to Montreal where Professor Murray held a post in McGill University.
During the last years of the reign of Queen Victoria, war was declared between the Boers of South Africa and the British - October 1899. Mrs. Clark Murray was in England at the outbreak of war where she met many women who were anxious to help on the home front but were handicapped by lack of channels through which to work. Upon her return to Canada, she resolved to form an organization based on the foundation of Patriotism, Loyalty and Service.
Wide publicity was given the movement through the medium of telegrams, which Mrs. Murray sent to the Mayors of the Capital cities in the Dominion. She requested them to call together prominent women of their communities to organize Daughters of the Empire "Societies”. Consequently, women in various provinces became interested even before definite plans were laid in Montreal.
The story is told that, after considerable delay and a realization of the enormity of the undertaking, the Montreal group was on the point of abandoning the project, when word came from New Brunswick that Mrs. John Black, Frederickton, had formed a chapter on January 15th, 1900. It is with justifiable pride that New Brunswick claims the first Chapter of the Order in Canada.
The encouraging news from New Brunswick gave fresh impetus to the movement and Mrs. Clark Murray called a meeting on Tuesday, February 13th, 1900. Mrs. Murray explained the proposed Federation and in doing so, gave an account of the scenes she had witnessed in England the year before; when the first reverses of British soldiers in South Africa were made known.
Mrs. Murray had prepared a draft for a Constitution, including the Aims and Objects, which form the basis of the Charter. The Badge was simpler than the one now in use, not having the points of the seven divisions of the Empire. The motto chosen was “For Queen and Country."
The second meeting took place in the Hall of the Y.W.C.A. on February 27, 1900. A large representative gathering attended and Mrs. Clark Murray was called to the Chair.
The original resolution was duly carried: "That the women of Montreal here present heartily, approve of the formation of a Federation of the Daughters of the Empire with the objects suggested in the Constitution and do hereby constitute themselves as a Committee for the furtherance and promotion of the same, accepting the Constitution now read as a basis of organization for the present."
Margaret Polson was born in 1844, the daughter of a prosperous manufacturer in Paisley, Scotland. Married to a young Scottish professor, John Clark Murray, she came with him to Canada, first settling in Kingston, Ontario. Later they moved to Montreal where Professor Murray held a post in McGill University.
During the last years of the reign of Queen Victoria, war was declared between the Boers of South Africa and the British - October 1899. Mrs. Clark Murray was in England at the outbreak of war where she met many women who were anxious to help on the home front but were handicapped by lack of channels through which to work. Upon her return to Canada, she resolved to form an organization based on the foundation of Patriotism, Loyalty and Service.
Wide publicity was given the movement through the medium of telegrams, which Mrs. Murray sent to the Mayors of the Capital cities in the Dominion. She requested them to call together prominent women of their communities to organize Daughters of the Empire "Societies”. Consequently, women in various provinces became interested even before definite plans were laid in Montreal.
The story is told that, after considerable delay and a realization of the enormity of the undertaking, the Montreal group was on the point of abandoning the project, when word came from New Brunswick that Mrs. John Black, Frederickton, had formed a chapter on January 15th, 1900. It is with justifiable pride that New Brunswick claims the first Chapter of the Order in Canada.
The encouraging news from New Brunswick gave fresh impetus to the movement and Mrs. Clark Murray called a meeting on Tuesday, February 13th, 1900. Mrs. Murray explained the proposed Federation and in doing so, gave an account of the scenes she had witnessed in England the year before; when the first reverses of British soldiers in South Africa were made known.
Mrs. Murray had prepared a draft for a Constitution, including the Aims and Objects, which form the basis of the Charter. The Badge was simpler than the one now in use, not having the points of the seven divisions of the Empire. The motto chosen was “For Queen and Country."
The second meeting took place in the Hall of the Y.W.C.A. on February 27, 1900. A large representative gathering attended and Mrs. Clark Murray was called to the Chair.
The original resolution was duly carried: "That the women of Montreal here present heartily, approve of the formation of a Federation of the Daughters of the Empire with the objects suggested in the Constitution and do hereby constitute themselves as a Committee for the furtherance and promotion of the same, accepting the Constitution now read as a basis of organization for the present."
These are the original Aims and Objects of the organization set out by our founders.
THE AIMS AND OBJECT OF THE ORDER
THE AIMS AND OBJECT OF THE ORDER
- To stimulate and give expression to the sentiment of patriotism which binds the women and children of the Empire around the Throne and person of their Gracious and Beloved Sovereign.
- To supply and foster a bond of union amongst the daughters and children of the Empire.
- To provide an efficient organization by which prompt and united action may be taken by the women and children of the Empire when such action may be desired.
- To promote in the Motherland and in the Colonies the study of the history of the Empire and of current Imperial questions; to celebrate patriotic anniversaries; to cherish the memory of brave and heroic deeds and last resting places of our heroes and heroines, especially such as are in distant and solitary places; to erect memorial stones on spots that have become sacred to the Nation, either through great struggles for freedom, battles against ignorance, or events of heroic and patriotic self-sacrifice.
- To care for the widows and orphans and dependents of British soldiers or sailors and heroes during war, in time of peace, or under sickness, accident, or reverse of fortune.
- Members are pledged to promote unity between the Motherland, the sister colonies and themselves, to promote loyalty to King and Country, to forward every good work for the betterment of their country and people, to assist in the progress of art and literature, to draw women’s influence to the betterment of all things connected with our great Empire and to instill into the youth of their country patriotism in its fullest sense.
In the original planning, it was hoped that the Imperial Chapter would be formed in England making it the Governing Body and that branches would be formed in all parts of the Empire. Upon investigation however, it was learned that the Victoria League for Commonwealth Friendship was well established in England with branches in South Africa, Australia and New Zealand and as the work was somewhat similar, a "Gentlemen’s Agreement" was made between the two organizations to the effect that neither would encroach upon the other's priority by forming chapters or societies.
National Chapters were organized very early in Bermuda and in the Bahamas. While they are termed "National Chapters”, they recognize the Canadian National Chapter as the Head of the Order and they operate under its Constitution.
A branch of the Order, which later became a National Society, was formed of British born women resident in the United States. This is now called "The National Society Daughters of the British Empire in the United States." The principal work of this Society has been to establish and maintain homes for indigent men and women of British birth living in the United States.
This is a brief picture of the wide interest taken in this venture. During the short period of less than two years, Primary and Children of the Empire Chapters were formed in Quebec and Ontario and soon after in other provinces. Women hastened to demonstrate their patriotism by forming local chapters.
National Chapters were organized very early in Bermuda and in the Bahamas. While they are termed "National Chapters”, they recognize the Canadian National Chapter as the Head of the Order and they operate under its Constitution.
A branch of the Order, which later became a National Society, was formed of British born women resident in the United States. This is now called "The National Society Daughters of the British Empire in the United States." The principal work of this Society has been to establish and maintain homes for indigent men and women of British birth living in the United States.
This is a brief picture of the wide interest taken in this venture. During the short period of less than two years, Primary and Children of the Empire Chapters were formed in Quebec and Ontario and soon after in other provinces. Women hastened to demonstrate their patriotism by forming local chapters.
THE FIRST & SECOND DECADES - 1900 – 1919
In the original planning, it was hoped that the Imperial Chapter would be formed in England making it the Governing Body and that branches would be formed in all parts of the Empire. Upon investigation however, it was learned that the Victoria League for Commonwealth Friendship was well established in England with branches in South Africa, Australia and New Zealand and as the work was somewhat similar, a "Gentlemen’s Agreement" was made between the two organizations to the effect that neither would encroach upon the other's priority by forming chapters or societies.
National Chapters were organized very early in Bermuda and in the Bahamas. While they are termed "National Chapters”, they recognize the Canadian National Chapter as the Head of the Order and they operate under its Constitution.
A branch of the Order, which later became a National Society, was formed of British born women resident in the United States. This is now called "The National Society Daughters of the British Empire in the United States." The principal work of this Society has been to establish and maintain homes for indigent men and women of British birth living in the United States.
This is a brief picture of the wide interest taken in this venture. During the short period of less than two years, Primary and Children of the Empire Chapters were formed in Quebec and Ontario and soon after in other provinces. Women hastened to demonstrate their patriotism by forming local chapters.
In the original planning, it was hoped that the Imperial Chapter would be formed in England making it the Governing Body and that branches would be formed in all parts of the Empire. Upon investigation however, it was learned that the Victoria League for Commonwealth Friendship was well established in England with branches in South Africa, Australia and New Zealand and as the work was somewhat similar, a "Gentlemen’s Agreement" was made between the two organizations to the effect that neither would encroach upon the other's priority by forming chapters or societies.
National Chapters were organized very early in Bermuda and in the Bahamas. While they are termed "National Chapters”, they recognize the Canadian National Chapter as the Head of the Order and they operate under its Constitution.
A branch of the Order, which later became a National Society, was formed of British born women resident in the United States. This is now called "The National Society Daughters of the British Empire in the United States." The principal work of this Society has been to establish and maintain homes for indigent men and women of British birth living in the United States.
This is a brief picture of the wide interest taken in this venture. During the short period of less than two years, Primary and Children of the Empire Chapters were formed in Quebec and Ontario and soon after in other provinces. Women hastened to demonstrate their patriotism by forming local chapters.
The Royal Connaught Hotel
THE FORMATION OF IODE ONTARIO 1920
The great patriotic services rendered by the IODE members in Ontario during the First World War pointed out the need for co-operation and direction. A meeting of representatives of Municipal and Primary chapters was held in Hamilton on February 6, 1920. The members present agreed to apply for a Provincial Charter, which was granted on April 23, 1920.
Margaret Gage Burkholder, the First President of IODE Ontario served from 1920 – 1928. Her officers came from Ottawa, Perth, London, Kingston and St. Catharines. These ladies brought a true spirit of dedication to their task. At that time Ontario had nine Municipal, 248 Primary and 4 Junior chapters. Many of these chapters had been operating independently for as long as twenty years. Great diplomacy and patience was needed to weld these groups into an efficient organization. The first Provincial Secretary, Mrs. Selwyn Rhodes, (Frances), in her first report made this clear. "In this the first year of our existence as a Chapter, there have been mistakes of course, and difficulties to overcome but none insurmountable and we thank the many members of Provincial Chapter for their patience and kind help in making this what we trust has been a successful year."
The first Annual Meeting of IODE Ontario was held at the Royal Connaught Hotel in Hamilton where it was to be an annual event for 57 years. There were 500 members present to hear the reports and to be billeted by the Hamilton members. The Hamilton ladies were so generous that a motion was passed stating that in future the host city members should not feel responsible for comprehensive entertaining of delegates. During that decade, annual meetings were three days long. Reports were read from every Municipal and Primary Chapter. It would take three days to do it.
The newly established home of the Hamilton Municipal Chapter, 168 Jackson Street, West, was the stately manor Fonthill. In 1937, Provincial headquarters moved there as well. They had always met at the Y.M.C.A.
The members in the 20's were vocal as consumers, too. In 1922 they passed a motion to urge the government to lift the ban on margarine and urged the members to read Canadian and British books. Especially they were entreated not to read the publications of William Randolph Hearst - too anti British!
The Provincial Chapter provided a great impetus to Organizing - in the first year 4 Municipal and 17 Primary - in the second year 21 Primary and 1 Junior were organized. No membership figures are shown until 1939 when 10,175 members were reported. In 1945, the membership had increased to 15,970. Contrary to popular opinion, the peaks of membership were in times of peace - 17,125 members in 1965 and 415 Primary chapters in 1960.
Although many Junior Chapters had been formed, there had sprung up another children's organization - the Boy Scouts and the Girl Guides, which asked for co-operation in work for the Guides. By 1923, the National Executive Committee had debated the proposal to the extent of recommending to the National Chapter; "That there should be formed IODE. Girl Guide Companies, officered by members of the Order, in close co-operation with the Dominion Girl Guides. Thus supplying an adequate and interesting programme and policy of work for the children, supporting a strong patriotic movement which is assuming an important place in the National life. This would give a great opportunity to draw the girl life of the country within the influence of the Order." This recommendation was adopted by the 1923 annual meeting in session and the first committee, which was a joint one known as "The Children's Chapter and Girl Guide Committee" was set up. Subsequently many IODE Girl Guide Companies and Brownie Packs were formed and flourished as such until 1946, when the affiliation between the two organizations was dissolved. IODE Ontario, itself, sponsored some 54 IODE Girl Guide Companies.
Following World War I, Chapters turned their efforts to providing War Memorials. Chapters in Fort William purchased a plot in the local cemetery at a cost of $2,000. Annual maintenance for the up keep of this was met by the chapters. Graves were decorated and memorial services held annually. While the Navy League Hostel was in existence in Halifax, chapters maintained many cots that have the names of outstanding members of the Order in Ontario. Ontario's full share of the First War Memorial was raised by the chapters.
A great many bursaries were provided for sons and daughters of war veterans.
A unique piece of child welfare work was undertaken by one Toronto chapter in 1927. Through the generosity of Canadian Pacific Railroad, a Pullman Car was renovated for living quarters for Dentist and wife. The chapter gave all Dental equipment including chair and instruments, as well as furniture, linen, dishes and kitchen utensils. The car, attached usually to fast freight trains, toured all northern Ontario rail lines, being left off at stations where previous notice of its arrival had been sent to the schools; dental work was done free of charge under the Health Department of Ontario which paid the Dentist. Hundreds of children and occasionally an adult living far away from towns or cities, benefited by this service. The chapter kept the car well supplied with household needs as well as magazines and Christmas treats.
There are motions and complaints in the yearbooks of the 20's expressing dissatisfaction with the constitution and the free structure. The complicated formula is interesting, $0.52 a member in chapters of less than 25, $0.28 for chapters of 100 and $0.22 for 400! After two years of wrangling it was resolved that fees would be equal for all $0.20.
We are always looking for ideas on how to raise money. Maybe some from the 30's would be new today. How about a table-setting contest? A horoscope party would be back in fashion. There were intriguing titles for fund raising, with no explanation, such as a silhouette tea or a radio garden party. Many decks of cards with the IODE Crest were sold and card parties of all kinds were prevalent.
The great patriotic services rendered by the IODE members in Ontario during the First World War pointed out the need for co-operation and direction. A meeting of representatives of Municipal and Primary chapters was held in Hamilton on February 6, 1920. The members present agreed to apply for a Provincial Charter, which was granted on April 23, 1920.
Margaret Gage Burkholder, the First President of IODE Ontario served from 1920 – 1928. Her officers came from Ottawa, Perth, London, Kingston and St. Catharines. These ladies brought a true spirit of dedication to their task. At that time Ontario had nine Municipal, 248 Primary and 4 Junior chapters. Many of these chapters had been operating independently for as long as twenty years. Great diplomacy and patience was needed to weld these groups into an efficient organization. The first Provincial Secretary, Mrs. Selwyn Rhodes, (Frances), in her first report made this clear. "In this the first year of our existence as a Chapter, there have been mistakes of course, and difficulties to overcome but none insurmountable and we thank the many members of Provincial Chapter for their patience and kind help in making this what we trust has been a successful year."
The first Annual Meeting of IODE Ontario was held at the Royal Connaught Hotel in Hamilton where it was to be an annual event for 57 years. There were 500 members present to hear the reports and to be billeted by the Hamilton members. The Hamilton ladies were so generous that a motion was passed stating that in future the host city members should not feel responsible for comprehensive entertaining of delegates. During that decade, annual meetings were three days long. Reports were read from every Municipal and Primary Chapter. It would take three days to do it.
The newly established home of the Hamilton Municipal Chapter, 168 Jackson Street, West, was the stately manor Fonthill. In 1937, Provincial headquarters moved there as well. They had always met at the Y.M.C.A.
The members in the 20's were vocal as consumers, too. In 1922 they passed a motion to urge the government to lift the ban on margarine and urged the members to read Canadian and British books. Especially they were entreated not to read the publications of William Randolph Hearst - too anti British!
The Provincial Chapter provided a great impetus to Organizing - in the first year 4 Municipal and 17 Primary - in the second year 21 Primary and 1 Junior were organized. No membership figures are shown until 1939 when 10,175 members were reported. In 1945, the membership had increased to 15,970. Contrary to popular opinion, the peaks of membership were in times of peace - 17,125 members in 1965 and 415 Primary chapters in 1960.
Although many Junior Chapters had been formed, there had sprung up another children's organization - the Boy Scouts and the Girl Guides, which asked for co-operation in work for the Guides. By 1923, the National Executive Committee had debated the proposal to the extent of recommending to the National Chapter; "That there should be formed IODE. Girl Guide Companies, officered by members of the Order, in close co-operation with the Dominion Girl Guides. Thus supplying an adequate and interesting programme and policy of work for the children, supporting a strong patriotic movement which is assuming an important place in the National life. This would give a great opportunity to draw the girl life of the country within the influence of the Order." This recommendation was adopted by the 1923 annual meeting in session and the first committee, which was a joint one known as "The Children's Chapter and Girl Guide Committee" was set up. Subsequently many IODE Girl Guide Companies and Brownie Packs were formed and flourished as such until 1946, when the affiliation between the two organizations was dissolved. IODE Ontario, itself, sponsored some 54 IODE Girl Guide Companies.
Following World War I, Chapters turned their efforts to providing War Memorials. Chapters in Fort William purchased a plot in the local cemetery at a cost of $2,000. Annual maintenance for the up keep of this was met by the chapters. Graves were decorated and memorial services held annually. While the Navy League Hostel was in existence in Halifax, chapters maintained many cots that have the names of outstanding members of the Order in Ontario. Ontario's full share of the First War Memorial was raised by the chapters.
A great many bursaries were provided for sons and daughters of war veterans.
A unique piece of child welfare work was undertaken by one Toronto chapter in 1927. Through the generosity of Canadian Pacific Railroad, a Pullman Car was renovated for living quarters for Dentist and wife. The chapter gave all Dental equipment including chair and instruments, as well as furniture, linen, dishes and kitchen utensils. The car, attached usually to fast freight trains, toured all northern Ontario rail lines, being left off at stations where previous notice of its arrival had been sent to the schools; dental work was done free of charge under the Health Department of Ontario which paid the Dentist. Hundreds of children and occasionally an adult living far away from towns or cities, benefited by this service. The chapter kept the car well supplied with household needs as well as magazines and Christmas treats.
There are motions and complaints in the yearbooks of the 20's expressing dissatisfaction with the constitution and the free structure. The complicated formula is interesting, $0.52 a member in chapters of less than 25, $0.28 for chapters of 100 and $0.22 for 400! After two years of wrangling it was resolved that fees would be equal for all $0.20.
We are always looking for ideas on how to raise money. Maybe some from the 30's would be new today. How about a table-setting contest? A horoscope party would be back in fashion. There were intriguing titles for fund raising, with no explanation, such as a silhouette tea or a radio garden party. Many decks of cards with the IODE Crest were sold and card parties of all kinds were prevalent.
Beginning the Second Half Century
Following the cessation of the National War Memorial Bursaries in 1937, Ontario established a Coronation Bursary but later this together with other educational assistance for students was included in the Lucy Morrison Memorial Fund. This Fund was so named in memory of a beloved Provincial President, whose sudden demise in 1940, brought to a close a long term of valued service to the Order.
During World War II, all overseas parcels and books for camp libraries, which were handled by the National Conveners, were dependent on local help from the Municipal Chapter of Toronto, but a large packing depot also was manned at the Ontario Headquarters by Hamilton members.
The statistics regarding the Order's total War effort were staggering: $5,365,440 and over 2 million of that figure came from the chapters in Ontario. However, the real worth lay not in the material values, but in the spirit that inspired and sustained members through the years of the war. A large part of the work was to fill the Service Libraries. Books and magazines were gathered for every camp, station and on every ship and sent through Geneva to the prisoners of war camps and this continued until 1948. This was the first time the Order had ever gone to the public for money. Members went door to door to raise $300,000 for the libraries.
Active Service Clubs and Hospitality Houses were opened in many sections, all being a part of a tremendous Provincial war effort programme.
From 1951 to 1953, Canada again had troops at war, politely named a police action in Korea and comforts including cigarettes were sent to the forces. Following the armistice, the Korean Projects Fund was established. Ontario members shared in buying a Willy's Cargo Carrier for transporting our goods there and sometimes to serve as an ambulance. A TB X-ray machine and its film were provided and tons of milk powder was shipped for Korean children. More than $22,000 was raised over the years of the work in Korea from the Ontario chapters.
In the field of Citizenship, the chapters involved themselves with the new citizens who flocked to Canada after the two world wars. Groups of boys were brought to Canada to work on farms and were given some training at the Agricultural College in Guelph.
Submissions were presented to the government urging that greater immigration from Great Britain be encouraged.
Ontario IODE established the first classes in English for new Canadians and the Provincial Convener wrote the textbook that was used until this work was taken over by the Department of Education. Receptions for new citizens were introduced by Ontario chapters.
Under Services, chapters in Ontario have rendered many and varied services to their communities. Before the establishment of government assistance, welfare and Christmas cheer were provided for needy persons. Hospitals, day nurseries and well-baby clinics were established and staffed. After social welfare grants were introduced, members continued to provide assistance to needy people, to flood victims and to hospitals both at home and abroad in the form of money, equipment and thousands of knitted and sewn articles.
One of the past projects of the Services department of Ontario was the program known as "Mend". Members who live in centres where the Provincial Government has established Children's Psychiatric Research Institutes for emotionally disturbed children perform many volunteer tasks.
In Education, Ontario chapters have always donated generously to the First and Second War Memorial Funds of the National Chapter. The Lucy Morrison Fund for Education has granted scholarships, bursaries and loans to hundreds of brilliant Ontario scholars. Those gifted in the Arts have received many awards with scholarships in the fields of art, music, ballet, home economics and library science. An annual Short Story Competition was an interesting event under the Education department. Schools in Newfoundland, the West Indies and the Northwest Territories are given assistance. The Junior Chapters sponsor "Books for Dominica" and in 1968 brought two students from Dominica to Ontario for a visit. Interest had grown in the provision of assistance for India schools and scholarships for Indian students.
Following the cessation of the National War Memorial Bursaries in 1937, Ontario established a Coronation Bursary but later this together with other educational assistance for students was included in the Lucy Morrison Memorial Fund. This Fund was so named in memory of a beloved Provincial President, whose sudden demise in 1940, brought to a close a long term of valued service to the Order.
During World War II, all overseas parcels and books for camp libraries, which were handled by the National Conveners, were dependent on local help from the Municipal Chapter of Toronto, but a large packing depot also was manned at the Ontario Headquarters by Hamilton members.
The statistics regarding the Order's total War effort were staggering: $5,365,440 and over 2 million of that figure came from the chapters in Ontario. However, the real worth lay not in the material values, but in the spirit that inspired and sustained members through the years of the war. A large part of the work was to fill the Service Libraries. Books and magazines were gathered for every camp, station and on every ship and sent through Geneva to the prisoners of war camps and this continued until 1948. This was the first time the Order had ever gone to the public for money. Members went door to door to raise $300,000 for the libraries.
Active Service Clubs and Hospitality Houses were opened in many sections, all being a part of a tremendous Provincial war effort programme.
From 1951 to 1953, Canada again had troops at war, politely named a police action in Korea and comforts including cigarettes were sent to the forces. Following the armistice, the Korean Projects Fund was established. Ontario members shared in buying a Willy's Cargo Carrier for transporting our goods there and sometimes to serve as an ambulance. A TB X-ray machine and its film were provided and tons of milk powder was shipped for Korean children. More than $22,000 was raised over the years of the work in Korea from the Ontario chapters.
In the field of Citizenship, the chapters involved themselves with the new citizens who flocked to Canada after the two world wars. Groups of boys were brought to Canada to work on farms and were given some training at the Agricultural College in Guelph.
Submissions were presented to the government urging that greater immigration from Great Britain be encouraged.
Ontario IODE established the first classes in English for new Canadians and the Provincial Convener wrote the textbook that was used until this work was taken over by the Department of Education. Receptions for new citizens were introduced by Ontario chapters.
Under Services, chapters in Ontario have rendered many and varied services to their communities. Before the establishment of government assistance, welfare and Christmas cheer were provided for needy persons. Hospitals, day nurseries and well-baby clinics were established and staffed. After social welfare grants were introduced, members continued to provide assistance to needy people, to flood victims and to hospitals both at home and abroad in the form of money, equipment and thousands of knitted and sewn articles.
One of the past projects of the Services department of Ontario was the program known as "Mend". Members who live in centres where the Provincial Government has established Children's Psychiatric Research Institutes for emotionally disturbed children perform many volunteer tasks.
In Education, Ontario chapters have always donated generously to the First and Second War Memorial Funds of the National Chapter. The Lucy Morrison Fund for Education has granted scholarships, bursaries and loans to hundreds of brilliant Ontario scholars. Those gifted in the Arts have received many awards with scholarships in the fields of art, music, ballet, home economics and library science. An annual Short Story Competition was an interesting event under the Education department. Schools in Newfoundland, the West Indies and the Northwest Territories are given assistance. The Junior Chapters sponsor "Books for Dominica" and in 1968 brought two students from Dominica to Ontario for a visit. Interest had grown in the provision of assistance for India schools and scholarships for Indian students.
1960’S and 1970’S
Canada's Centennial in 1967 provided a focus for Ontario members' talents, energy, originality and patriotism and their communities benefitted accordingly. In addition to their local enterprises, chapters responded with customary generosity to the National Centenary Fund appeal, subscribing, within one year approximately one half of the total. The event arranged by the Provincial Chapter to celebrate Canada's Centennial was a Travel and Exchange project, "Know Ontario First" for boys chosen by their high school principals. As an inter-provincial gesture of good will, the Provincial Chapter sponsored a series of performances, in southern Ontario, of a Prince Edward Island group, "Ladies of the Provinces”, who’s production of tableaux representing the wives of the Fathers of Confederation was appropriate to Centennial year.
Ontario pioneered in IODE Travel and Exchange with financial assistance from the Department of the Secretary of State, Centennial Commission, when "Seminar 65" brought together sixty junior chapters. This highly successful undertaking resulted in a revival of junior chapters and subsequent Travel and Exchange events, arranged by provincial chapters and by the National Chapter.
The first "September Sojourn", a weekend get-together for Ontario juniors, was held in 1968.
The generosity of the Government of Ontario allowed the Provincial Chapter to host gala dinners at both the 1960 and 1967 National Annual meetings held in our Province.
As noted in 1977, there had been a growing sense of nationalism in Canada, together with the need for a national identity and the achievement of national unity. The emphasis of IODE work had shifted to a desire for greater service to our communities and our province as well as country. The flowered hats, which always charmed a Mayor of Hamilton at the annual meetings, and the white gloves, have given place to the informality of "no hats" and even pant suits.
This easy and friendly approach led to the development of special activities in which Ontario members may participate. The Flights program of tours to other parts of the world, the annual Bonspiel and a Golf Tournament provided opportunities for members to become better acquainted. So, too, have the Area Conferences that have replaced the former Semi Annual Meetings. These make it possible for more Ontario members to meet with Provincial Officers and thus gain a more direct knowledge of IODE concerns.
The more casual atmosphere, however, had not altered the ideas of service to which Ontario members subscribe. The Queen and Commonwealth were held in the same devoted loyalty. The chapters were still aware of pressing world problems and were anxious and willing to be of service wherever it is needed. However, the stress on Canadian programs continued to grow and to manifest itself in a number of new projects. This was true of work with native Canadians of both Indian and Eskimo backgrounds. It was equally true of other projects initiated by the Provincial Chapter of Ontario.
An important new development was the construction of a Community Hall in the Indian village of Attawapiskat on James Bay. Great enthusiasm was aroused among Ontario members for this venture. Because of their generous financial support, not only building materials, but also furnishings and equipment were provided. On September 29, 1973, the hall was officially opened by Chief Emile Nokogee. A plaque that was presented to him read in Cree and English, "This Hall is a gift to the people of Attawapiskat from the members of the IODE in Ontario."
The interest was carried forward into the Attawapiskat Phase II program that included courses in sewing, nutrition, child health care and other homemaking skills. A further program in agricultural development and the provision of a greenhouse engaged the attention of Ontario members. All this has resulted in these Indian people not only developing a better understanding of our ways but also having a feeling of friendship with the IODE.
Another outstanding service to the people of Ontario has been sponsored by the IODE in its presentation of the Anti-V.D. program. The Order always has shown a concern for the incidence of disease and its prevention. In 1973, the Provincial Chapter initiated an educational program for chapters throughout the province. It was planned to give information about V.D. and its treatment to the general public. Volunteers manned the booths that were set up in shopping malls, libraries, universities and other institutions. This program was developed with the co-operation of the Ministry of Health, and has made a great impact wherever it has been seen.
The profits accruing in the Provincial Chapter from the sale of IODE 75th Anniversary Rose was used to express our "Concern for Children" and in this connection, an interesting project in the field of Genetic Medicine had been accepted. Inherited disease is a major health problem about which more information and knowledge were needed. Research, treatment and genetic counselling services were undertaken in the Province of Ontario. Ontario members sold over 22,500 bushes.
Canada's Centennial in 1967 provided a focus for Ontario members' talents, energy, originality and patriotism and their communities benefitted accordingly. In addition to their local enterprises, chapters responded with customary generosity to the National Centenary Fund appeal, subscribing, within one year approximately one half of the total. The event arranged by the Provincial Chapter to celebrate Canada's Centennial was a Travel and Exchange project, "Know Ontario First" for boys chosen by their high school principals. As an inter-provincial gesture of good will, the Provincial Chapter sponsored a series of performances, in southern Ontario, of a Prince Edward Island group, "Ladies of the Provinces”, who’s production of tableaux representing the wives of the Fathers of Confederation was appropriate to Centennial year.
Ontario pioneered in IODE Travel and Exchange with financial assistance from the Department of the Secretary of State, Centennial Commission, when "Seminar 65" brought together sixty junior chapters. This highly successful undertaking resulted in a revival of junior chapters and subsequent Travel and Exchange events, arranged by provincial chapters and by the National Chapter.
The first "September Sojourn", a weekend get-together for Ontario juniors, was held in 1968.
The generosity of the Government of Ontario allowed the Provincial Chapter to host gala dinners at both the 1960 and 1967 National Annual meetings held in our Province.
As noted in 1977, there had been a growing sense of nationalism in Canada, together with the need for a national identity and the achievement of national unity. The emphasis of IODE work had shifted to a desire for greater service to our communities and our province as well as country. The flowered hats, which always charmed a Mayor of Hamilton at the annual meetings, and the white gloves, have given place to the informality of "no hats" and even pant suits.
This easy and friendly approach led to the development of special activities in which Ontario members may participate. The Flights program of tours to other parts of the world, the annual Bonspiel and a Golf Tournament provided opportunities for members to become better acquainted. So, too, have the Area Conferences that have replaced the former Semi Annual Meetings. These make it possible for more Ontario members to meet with Provincial Officers and thus gain a more direct knowledge of IODE concerns.
The more casual atmosphere, however, had not altered the ideas of service to which Ontario members subscribe. The Queen and Commonwealth were held in the same devoted loyalty. The chapters were still aware of pressing world problems and were anxious and willing to be of service wherever it is needed. However, the stress on Canadian programs continued to grow and to manifest itself in a number of new projects. This was true of work with native Canadians of both Indian and Eskimo backgrounds. It was equally true of other projects initiated by the Provincial Chapter of Ontario.
An important new development was the construction of a Community Hall in the Indian village of Attawapiskat on James Bay. Great enthusiasm was aroused among Ontario members for this venture. Because of their generous financial support, not only building materials, but also furnishings and equipment were provided. On September 29, 1973, the hall was officially opened by Chief Emile Nokogee. A plaque that was presented to him read in Cree and English, "This Hall is a gift to the people of Attawapiskat from the members of the IODE in Ontario."
The interest was carried forward into the Attawapiskat Phase II program that included courses in sewing, nutrition, child health care and other homemaking skills. A further program in agricultural development and the provision of a greenhouse engaged the attention of Ontario members. All this has resulted in these Indian people not only developing a better understanding of our ways but also having a feeling of friendship with the IODE.
Another outstanding service to the people of Ontario has been sponsored by the IODE in its presentation of the Anti-V.D. program. The Order always has shown a concern for the incidence of disease and its prevention. In 1973, the Provincial Chapter initiated an educational program for chapters throughout the province. It was planned to give information about V.D. and its treatment to the general public. Volunteers manned the booths that were set up in shopping malls, libraries, universities and other institutions. This program was developed with the co-operation of the Ministry of Health, and has made a great impact wherever it has been seen.
The profits accruing in the Provincial Chapter from the sale of IODE 75th Anniversary Rose was used to express our "Concern for Children" and in this connection, an interesting project in the field of Genetic Medicine had been accepted. Inherited disease is a major health problem about which more information and knowledge were needed. Research, treatment and genetic counselling services were undertaken in the Province of Ontario. Ontario members sold over 22,500 bushes.
Lord Dufferin Hospital, Orangeville, 1913
THE IODE CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL, known originally as the Preventorium, started in 1912 in a large home and property in north Toronto donated by the late Sir Albert Gooderham. For almost twenty years, it provided treatment in a homelike atmosphere for children who had been exposed to tuberculosis. In 1941 it was thought desirable to use it as a convalescent hospital and in 1948 its role was changed to that of a children's sanatorium of 115 beds. By 1958, due to the great decrease in the incidence of tuberculosis the hospital was advised that the sanatorium was no longer needed and that as a result, provincial government grants would be discontinued.
The possibility of building a general hospital for children on the property was well studied. Shortly after this a survey done in Metropolitan Toronto resulted in the recommendation that future hospital beds for children should be units of general hospitals in selected areas.
In June 1963, the Board of Trustees of the IODE Children's Hospital, by letters of intent, amalgamated with the North York General Hospital to build a children's wing of approximately 120 beds with the possibility of future expansion, the wing to be known as the IODE Children's Centre. As agreement was drawn up with North York General Hospital in which the Board of the Children's Hospital pledged to it the total of ninety-nine years rent from the old property.
From the opening of the campaign for funds to build North York General Hospital, the members of the Toronto Chapters have worked hard and enthusiastically. Following the opening of the Hospital in 1968, this support has continued. Chapters, to date, had donated over $66,000 for equipment and services and many IODE members work in the hospital as volunteers.
In the summer of 1974, the IODE Children's Centre of the North York General Hospital was the proud recipient of a sculpture for the garden from the Sir John Gibson Chapter of Toronto in memory of the late Mrs. Albert Edward Gooderham Jr. a member of the Chapter since 1912 and its founder.
Mrs. Gooderham was a member of the Board of Governors of the North York General Hospital of which the IODE Children's Centre is a part and subsequently became an Honorary Patron.
Following her death in 1969, the members of her chapter commenced a fund in her memory, the result of which is the sculpture for the Hospital. This is in the form of a young girl with arms outstretched holding two birds and it is the intention to have this surrounded with the red IODE anniversary roses. The structure is now relocated in the first corridor of the hospital.
IODE has been involved in the establishment of hospitals in a number of cities across Ontario, notably;
The possibility of building a general hospital for children on the property was well studied. Shortly after this a survey done in Metropolitan Toronto resulted in the recommendation that future hospital beds for children should be units of general hospitals in selected areas.
In June 1963, the Board of Trustees of the IODE Children's Hospital, by letters of intent, amalgamated with the North York General Hospital to build a children's wing of approximately 120 beds with the possibility of future expansion, the wing to be known as the IODE Children's Centre. As agreement was drawn up with North York General Hospital in which the Board of the Children's Hospital pledged to it the total of ninety-nine years rent from the old property.
From the opening of the campaign for funds to build North York General Hospital, the members of the Toronto Chapters have worked hard and enthusiastically. Following the opening of the Hospital in 1968, this support has continued. Chapters, to date, had donated over $66,000 for equipment and services and many IODE members work in the hospital as volunteers.
In the summer of 1974, the IODE Children's Centre of the North York General Hospital was the proud recipient of a sculpture for the garden from the Sir John Gibson Chapter of Toronto in memory of the late Mrs. Albert Edward Gooderham Jr. a member of the Chapter since 1912 and its founder.
Mrs. Gooderham was a member of the Board of Governors of the North York General Hospital of which the IODE Children's Centre is a part and subsequently became an Honorary Patron.
Following her death in 1969, the members of her chapter commenced a fund in her memory, the result of which is the sculpture for the Hospital. This is in the form of a young girl with arms outstretched holding two birds and it is the intention to have this surrounded with the red IODE anniversary roses. The structure is now relocated in the first corridor of the hospital.
IODE has been involved in the establishment of hospitals in a number of cities across Ontario, notably;
- Gravenhurst Sanitorium: a ward was equipped and maintained by Hamilton chapters until a sanitorium was established in Hamilton. Hamilton Municipal was the first chapter to respond to this need.
- Local sanatoria were established or supported by chapters in Galt, Kitchener, London, Ottawa, Brantford, St, Catharines and Kingston.
- Windsor Western Hospital was commenced as the Essex County Sanitorium by the Border Chapter IODE in 1909. The Sanitorium was always known as the IODE Hospital until it was amalgamated with other local hospitals.
- IODE Lord Dufferin Chapter, Orangeville, was organized in October 18, 1907, with the goal to establish a hospital to serve the needs of the community. Lord Dufferin Hospital became a reality on October 12, 1912, with 12 beds and nurses for a newly formed Nurses' Training School whose pin was fashioned from the IODE Badge. In 1922, the chapter was granted an official charter to run the hospital - this it held for 32 years. This chapter continues to provide substantial support for their local hospital.
SPECIAL PROJECTS
Empire Day: It is a matter of great pride to the Imperial Order Daughters of the Empire in Canada, that this great patriotic movement was inspired by one of its members.
The late Mrs. Clementine Fessenden, in whose memory the Order erected some years ago a tablet in St. John's Church, Ancaster, Ontario, of which her husband, the late Rev. F.J. Fessenden, was Rector for many years. This tablet bears the simple inscription "In Memory of Clementine Fessenden, Founder of Empire Day 1897. Erected by the Imperial Order Daughters of the Empire". Celebrated for decades in the Commonwealth, Empire Day was observed on the last school day proceeding Victoria Day. Due to the singular zeal of Mrs. Fessenden, Empire Day was established to encourage children to honour the great deeds of those who had given their lives for the Empire at home and abroad. It was not until seven years later that Empire Day came to be recognized in England. 
Concern For Children: IODE Canada introduced the Concern for Children project to recognize the 75th Anniversary of the founding of IODE in Canada. Each province was asked to determine how the children in its region could be served in the most beneficial manner using the proceeds from the sale of IODE roses. This red floribunda rose had been propagated to commemorate the seventy-five years of service given across Canada and overseas. Thousands of roses were sold and Ontario's share of the National proceeds was almost fifty thousand dollars. Together with the continual support each year from the chapters across Ontario, the Concern for Children committee in Ontario has been able to support and encourage many genetic programmes.
With guidance and co-operation of the Association of Genetic Counsellors of Ontario, a Sudbury clinic was established in 1975 and supported until 1978 when the Ministry of Health assumed funding. Satellite clinics were established in Sault Ste. Marie 1978-80, Thunder Bay 1980-82, Timmins 1983-84, North Bay and Sturgeon Falls 1984-86. Travel and other extenuating circumstances including costs were augmented from time to time to make it possible for some clients to attend the nearest clinic. Financial support has been provided for: three fellowships in clinical genetics
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The Hewitt Bequest: In 1963 Miss Mabel Hewitt, a member of the LaSalle Chapter IODE, Kingston, died and bequeathed her residence to that chapter to be used as a home for indigent IODE members. As there were no funds sufficient to convert or operate the house for that purpose, LaSalle Chapter was allowed to use it as a meeting place for all the chapters in Kingston. Eventually all the chapters were disbanded and La Salle Chapter disbanded, the proceeds flowed to the next jurisdictional chapter, in accordance with the IODE constitution, thus the Provincial Chapter received the funds. The Supreme Court of Ontario ruled that the Provincial Chapter could use the funds for the general charitable work of IODE.
Trip to Attawapiskat: September 1971, Provincial President Judy Craik, First Vice-President Evelyn MacKay, Secretary Marion Lowe and Public Relations Secretary Cecilia Furness embarked on this epic journey in September 1971. They flew first to Timmins via Sudbury and met and had tea with members of the Timmins Golden Chapter. Northern College had partnered with IODE to build the Hall providing the experience and instruction to seven men of the Community while IODE provided the material and arranged shipping (by barge in the summer from Moosonee). The knowledge gained by the men assured them of future employment when an new school and hospital were built several years later. They then flew to Moosonee where they stayed overnight at Polar Bear Lodge. They spent the day touring Moosonee and Moose Factory. The next day they flew to Attawapiskat in a single engine Otter. Of course, it poured rain. As they had to fly visually, they were only barely above ground level, following the shoreline. They landed on the river, out on the pontoons, somehow into canoes to thankfully arrive on shore. They stayed in the church rectory. In the town, there was mud everywhere. In addition, they were fog bound for an entire week. One of the photographs of the trip showed six-day-old Michael wearing an IODE layette at his baptism.
The local community was very impressed by the arrival of the southern ladies. For the official opening of the hall, President Judy Craik gave opening remarks before formally transferring the Hall to the community. Other presentations included a plaque, flag and picture of Queen Elizabeth. ECCCE: The Enrichment Computer Camp For Communications Exceptionalities was established at the Robarts School in London. This 2 week, residential summer camp provided sophisticated computer training to students who were profoundly deaf or learning disabled. Funding support was provided starting in 1990.
In 1978, the Provincial Annual Meeting was held for the first time elsewhere than the city of Hamilton. We moved bag and baggage to London and a record number of delegates followed suit - 900 members registered during the two days. 
Robarts School in London
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INTERESTING FACTS & TIDBITS
Alexandra Gates Plaque
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1900- 1909
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Halifax Explosion
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1910 - 1919
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Haileybury Fire
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1920 - 1929
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1930 - 1939
- 1931,The National Endowment Fund was established through the depression Chapters opened relief centres and provided clothing, food and medical care
Bolingbroke Bomber
Mrs. Margaret Polson Murray
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1940 - 1949
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Queen Mary’s needlepoint carpet
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1950 - 1959
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1960 - 1969
- The Far North was the focus of IODE during its 60th Anniversary. Assistance was provided in the building of community halls in Frobisher Bay, Tuktoyaktuk and Baker Lake, Northwest Territories
- In 1967, as a guest of the government, the National Education Secretary visited the Arctic to present awards and visit adopted schools
- The IODE Pen Pals program was initiated. More than 6,000 Canadian school children communicated at home and abroad
- Ontario began its Toys For the North programme
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1970 - 1979
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Newfoundland - Labrador
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1980 - 1989
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International Peace Garden
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1990 - 1999
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Yak Board
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2000 - 2010
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This is only an overview of the activities of IODE members across Ontario over the first 9 decades. There is much more which could be said. Our history is rich in both colourful anecdotes and meaningful detail. We are proud of our history both for what has gone before, and for what we are doing now. All of it fulfills the Mission of IODE, to help those in need. For over 90 years we have, indeed, been - women dedicated to a better Canada.
In 1900 Margaret Polson Murray had an idea ... one thought that has improved the lives of so many Canadians and people around the world. It has also improved our lives. We are all better people because IODE is a part of our lives.
In 1900 Margaret Polson Murray had an idea ... one thought that has improved the lives of so many Canadians and people around the world. It has also improved our lives. We are all better people because IODE is a part of our lives.