Photograph of Mrs. Jessie D. Monkman and her grandson Brian. Mrs. Monkman joined the Cookstown Women's Institute in October 1920 and participated in various standing committees and local committees. These included: Home Economics and Health, Agriculture and Canadian Industries, and Citizenship and Education. The Women's Institute also carried a large financial load in re-modelling town hall; convened a bazaar, and organized Hallowe'een and Valentine dances and concerts, teas, sales etc. as well as short courses in leather and reed weaving. They also provided Officer's training classes. Mrs. Monkman acted as the Cookstown Women's Institute Secretary from 1933 to 1935; District Director from 1934 to 1936; President from 1936 to 1938; Treasurer from 1942 to 1945; District Secretary Treasurer from 1940 to 1945; District President from 1945 to 1948; and Member of County Area Board from 1940 to 1948. She was also nominated F.W.I.O. member 1956 and retired from active services in all Women's Institutes in 1956-1957. She was again nominated for F.W.I.O 1956-1957-1958 but refused the nominations due to illness. She was also a Life Member of the local Women's Institute as of approximately 1954.
