As Women’s History Month comes to a close, we would like to acknowledge the contribution of women’s oragnizations in Albert County with a photo of the Mildred Bennett Chapter IODE (Imperial Order Daughters of the Empire) at the Albert County Museum in 1967. The IODE has a long history in New Brunswick, with the first IODE meeting being held in Fredericton on January 15th, 1900 when Margaret Polson of Montreal encouraged the formation of a federation of women to promote patriotism, loyalty, and service to others.

As part of the the Mildred Bennett Chapter’s (IODE) centennial project, a flag pole, a Canadian flag, and a plaque were presented to the Albert County Museum, as seen in the photo. Shown left in the photo to the right are Mrs. Borden Steeves and Mrs. George MacIntyre, both member of the committee working on the project, Borden Steeves, president of the Albert County Historical Society, and Mrs. I.M. McQuinn, regent of the Mildred Bennett Chapter I.O.D.E.

The Mildred Bennett Chapter was formed in early 1947, when a group in the Gunningsville area met to discuss the idea of establishing a chapter of the Imperial Order Daughters of the Empire. The Charter members, following the policy of the National Chapter of naming chapters for a person, place or event, chose the name "Mildred Bennett." Mildred Bennett was, of course, the sister and official hostess for Richard B. Bennett, who was the 11th Prime Minister of Canada. Both Mildred and her brother were born and raised in Hopewell Cape, New Brunswick, and much of their many accomplishments are showcased here at the Albert County Museum and R. B. Bennett Centre.