Keeping history alive

Crescentwood

Winnipeg

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 25/09/2024 (404 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

At the University Women’s Club of Winnipeg, members have made Ralph Connor House a place of gathering for its inner community. So, it’s only natural the group would go in a historic direction to help keep its home in good shape.

On Oct. 5 and 6, the club, in partnership with the Canadian Costume Museum, will host a vintage hat and afternoon tea fundraiser, with proceeds going to maintenance of the house. Entry is $75 per person over the two days, and spots must be reserved in advance. Doors will open at 1 p.m., with tea service beginning at 1:30 p.m. The two-day event will take place on-site at Ralph Connor House, located at 54 West Gate.

“They (Canadian Costume Museum) have been very good about offering up their vintage hats,” said Carolynne Presser, past-president of the UWC. “They need a place to display their collection, and this house fits in very nicely with that. We couldn’t do the costumes, because that’s a little bit more work than we can handle. But having, I think somewhere between 16 and 20 hats on display should make it an interesting afternoon.”

The UWC was established in 1909, “fuelled by a desire to maintain relationships after graduation and advance women’s place in the community,” according to its official website. Members also serve as stewards of the historic Ralph Connor House, which was built in 1913-14 by Rev. Charles Gordon, who wrote 22 adventure novels under the pen name Ralph Connor. The stately home in Armstrong’s Point is a popular venue for weddings and other events, as well as a space for the club to host speakers and club get-togethers. The national historic site regularly participates in Doors Open Winnipeg, and is often rented out to movie productions.

“The University Women’s Club is about what we call discovery learning and community,” Presser said. “As women who valued learning throughout their own educational and career journeys, members promote and foster education for women at home and around the globe. Through numerous programs, we offer scholarships and all kinds of supportive action, including friendship and networking. Our members, (most of whom) have reached retirement age, have been working for a long time and are missing that element in their lives where they can meet and discuss and help other women.”

Presser originally caught wind of the club after she retired and was looking for new opportunities and ways to occupy her time. She says it’s given her another life.

“I mean, we’re the least intimidating group of people, a fun-loving group.

The club is open to women of all ages, as well, from retirement to those still in school, she said.

Alongside activities and events t— which range from talks at the Canadian Museum For Human Rights to the regularly occurring Bar 54, a mingling opportunity for new members and thoseconsidering joining — the UWC also provides a number of scholarships, open to women attending the University of Manitoba, he University of Winnipeg, RRC Polytech, and more.

“We recognize that a lot of women have families and they can’t get away, but there are a lot of women who are approaching retirement age, like I was, and wondering, ‘What am I going to do with myself?’ Well, here’s something you can do and get have fun and and keep your brain going,” Presser said.

For more info on the fundraiser and the club, call 204-954-7880 or visit www.uwcwpgmb.com