Adelaide Sophia Hoodless, 1857-1910, Family Educator

Two centennials are being celebrated in 1993: the founding of the National Office of the Young Women's Christian Association (YWCA), and of the National Council of Women of Canada (NCWC). It is also the 50th anniversary of the first federally appointed woman judge in Canada. Honouring these events, four stamps are being issued depicting outstanding Canadian women. One of the founders of the Victorian Order of Nurses, Adelaide Hoodless spent her life dedicated to the welfare of women and their families. The teaching of domestic science to all women was her goal. She pushed for schools to include domestic science, saying: "Educate a boy and you educate a man. But educate a girl and you educate a family." By the turn of the century, Ontario schools were teaching domestic science and college classes followed a few years later. She was instrumental in establishing the Hamilton chapter of the YWCA, but her ultimate achievement was a unified national organization dedicated to improving women's lives. The National YWCA was born December 7, 1893. After attending an International Council of Women meeting in Chicago, she returned determined to establish a similar body in Canada. Whit the support of Lady Aberdeen, the National Council of Women of Canada was formed.