Birth of the May Court Club On the afternoon of April 30th, 1898, Lady Aberdeen, wife of the then Governor General, assembled at Rideau Hall over one hundred Ottawa women and, in a most interesting address, suggested to them a revival of an ancient custom: that of celebrating May Day, "a day of high festival and glory among our ancestors ...". Lady Aberdeen urged the women to use their resources to help those less fortunate than themselves. "It is in the power of women everywhere," she said, "to make society what they will." History of the Barrie Club On February 16, 1970, a group of local women gathered at the home of Edna Anderson, a then St. Catherines Club May Courter.  The result of this assembly was the formation of the Barrie branch of the May Court Club.  Co- founder Barb Rising, a former Oakville member, became the Club’s first President. Membership soon grew, as well as the scope of the Club’s involvement in the community.  Committed to each performing 100 hours of service a year, the founding members became aides at facilities such as Grove Park Nursing Home and IOOF Senior Homes.  A few years later, the first Odds and Sods jumble sale took place and in 1975 The Gingham Door opened for business from it’s original location, a house on Maple Avenue. The tradition continues today, the Club is now 125 plus members strong.  A dedicated group of women giving back to those in need in Barrie and the surrounding area. Other Interesting Facts about Lady Aberdeen *She was president of the International Council of Women for thirty-six years (1893 - 1936) and the National Council of Women of Canada for six years (1893 - 1899) *She founded the Victorian Order of Nurses for Canada. * She was the first woman to receive an honorary degree in Canada. *She is credited with introducing the Golden Retriever to Canada. *Her motto was “Onward and Upward!” Onward and Upward!