OUR HISTORY

It all started in February 1957 when a group of ten tenacious women met to discuss plans for a university women’s club. The first AGM was held in May 1957 at Kingscrafts House in King City and attended by 33 women who each paid a membership fee of $2. By the 1960s, membership quickly rose to over 60 women, and the start of community outreach, interest groups, and a speaker series began.

“We are a unique organization founded by early women leaders in higher education who offered friendship, community engagement, and lifelong learning.”

Dianne Dodd, author of Our One Hundred Years:The Canadian Federation of University Women

Remembering our 50th Anniversary in 2007

For over six decades, the CFUW Aurora/Newmarket has shown its commitment to education. The first scholarship was given to a young woman beginning her studies at the newly established York University. The legacy of giving continues with the proceeds from our annual Home & Garden Tours supporting our educational awards.

50th Anniversary Bench Dedication Ceremony

Honouring Friendship and a Love of Nature

“‘Friendship is a sheltering tree’, said Samuel Taylor Coleridge. The CFUW 50th Anniversary Bench honours friendship and the love of the natural world by dedicating this bench so that all can enjoy walking, talking with friends, or just quietly resting and appreciating the marvels of nature.”

Catherine Brydon, CFUW member

A Prayer to Mother Nature

“Dear Mother Nature, 

May this bench rest lightly upon your breast and may we tread softly upon your heart.

May many travellers pause here to contemplate the beauty and joy of your creation.

May we all explore your world together in peace and harmony.”

Lorraine Hill, CFUW member

Inspired?

Visit CFUW’s 50th Anniversary Bench located in Sheppard’s Bush, Aurora.

 

Plan a visit with CFUW members, friends and family. The CFUW Anniversary Bench is located at Sheppard’s Bush Conservation in Aurora, along the Sheppard’s Bush Trail near Vandorf Sideroad.

A Special Thanks

With much thanks to the Geri Adam, Lin Clunie and Pat Parker for creating the 50th-anniversary videos.

A Piece of Our History Rediscovered

Nearly 20 years after its publication, our 50th anniversary cookbook found its way into the University of Guelph archives.

Created by club members to celebrate five decades of friendship, community service and shared meals, Fifty Years of Food & Friendship offers a warm glimpse into the traditions that have shaped CUW Aurora/Newmarket.

"Welcome to your first Christmas in your new home."

HANDWRITTEN BY "AUNT NOREEN" INSIDE THE COOKBOOK

Read the Full Article
Newsletter Article

Meet the Women of Note who helped create and preserve this legacy in the Membership section of the newsletter. Scroll down to “A Cookbook’s Journey into the Archives”.

Celebrating Our Past, Present and Future

  • A Lasting Legacy

    Members of the 50th Anniversary Commemorative Bench Committee at the dedication ceremony. Left to right: Diane Emo (Walkers Leader), Catherine Brydon (Vice-President), Becky Haggith (President), Janet Atkinson (Co-Hike Leader), Valerie Hume (Past President), and Diane Hughes (Co-Hike Leader).

  • Celebrating 50 Years

    This commemorative plaque was installed on the Club's 50th Anniversary bench in 2007, celebrating the members whose dedication helped shape CFUW Aurora/Newmarket's first fifty years.

  • Still Bringing Members Together

    Many years after its dedication, the CFUW Aurora/Newmarket commemorative bench remains a welcoming gathering place. Members Adele Matsalla and Fulvia Cantarutti enjoy a winter visit in 2022. The bench continues to be a favourite destination for CFUW's walking and hiking groups, reflecting the enduring friendships that have always been at the heart of the Club.

  • Celebrating Past, Present & Future

    Pat Innes visits the CFUW 50th Anniversary Bench with her granddaughter, Naia, and friend and fellow member, Lin Clunie.

  • Era Banner 1965

    In 1965, University Women's Club member Dorothy Walden of Aurora became the first woman appointed to the Board of Governors of the newly established University of Guelph. Her groundbreaking achievement exemplified the values of lifelong learning, leadership, and service that continue to inspire CFUW Aurora/Newmarket today.

  • 25 Years of Friendship and Service

    Doreen Hiltz and Mary Jeanne Oliver celebrate CFUW Aurora/Newmarket's 25th Anniversary in 1982, marking a milestone in the Club's history of friendship, service, and lifelong learning.

  • A Legacy of Community Support

    CFUW York Region members have long supported literacy and education through community fundraising. In this example, proceeds from a club card party were donated to the King Township Library to purchase new books, reflecting CFUW's enduring commitment to learning and community service.

  • New List Item

    Nearly 20 years after its publication, our 50th anniversary cookbook found its way into the University of Guelph archives.Created by club members to celebrate five decades of friendship, community service and shared meals, Fifty Years of Food & Friendship offers a warm glimpse into the traditions that have shaped CUW Aurora/Newmarket.