Big Lake Women’s Institute turns 120

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Big Lake Women’s Institute turns 120

The Big Lake Women's Institute celebrated 120 years of Manitoulin community service. As the island's last active branch, they fundraise, preserve local history, and support charities.

Expositor Staff

Jul 21, 2026 - 5 min read

BIG LAKE TRADITION—From left are: Current Big Lake Women’s Institute members Gertrude Aelick, Lorene Martell, seated Diane Melville, Marlene Dewar, back Angie Small, Pat Dryden, Brenda Knowles-Thompson, Linda Farquhar, Betty Heis, Pat Costigan and Marilyn Holmes. Missing from photo is Gwen Bond. This is Manitoulin’s last WI group.

Big Lake Women’s Institute turns 120 — BIG LAKE TRADITION—From left are: Current Big Lake Women’s Institute members Gertrude Aelick, Lorene Martell, seated Diane Melville, Marlene Dewar, back Angie Small, Pat Dryden, Brenda Knowles-Thompson, Linda Farquhar, Betty Heis, Pat Costigan and Marilyn Holmes. Missing from photo is Gwen Bond. This is Manitoulin’s last WI group.

SANDFIELD—There was a time when every community had their own Women’s Institute (WI). Originally founded in 1897 in Stoney Creek, Ontario, the organization was created to bring isolated women together, provide education in domestic science and agriculture and to champion rural living. Today, the organization operates globally but has dwindled down on Manitoulin to just one.

Members of the Big Lake WI gathered in the Sandfield Community Hall to celebrate 120 years of service.

“We ladies, as members of the Big Lake WI are very proud of accomplishing 120 years of continuous service in our community,” said President Linda Farquhar. “Of the original 26 branches of the WI on Manitoulin—we are the only branch still active.”

Plenty of photographs and displays illustrated the Big Lake Women’s Institute legacy. —photos by Michael Erskine

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