Edna Haviland

Edna Marie Haviland (March 1896 - April 27, 1981) was a Canadian industrial chemist who spent her career researching rubber properties for the Dominion Rubber Company.

Biography Haviland was born in Toronto in March 1896. Her father was a Baptist minister and the family moved frequently. After graduating from Riverdale Collegiate she pursued a science degree at McMaster University, graduating with honours in 1918.

Recruited by Dominion Rubber Company in 1918, Haviland began her career with the company as a lab assistant in Montreal. The following year she relocated to Kitchener, Ontario where she advanced to Technical Assistant of the lab, becoming the first woman in the industry to obtain the type of position.

Haviland worked with rubber compounds and synthetic materials identifying the best formula or 'recipes' for rubber tires. Her work was particularly important during World War II when a shortage of natural rubber supplies hindered regular production schedules and processes requiring new approaches to tire production in order to support troops overseas.

Haviland died at Sunnyside Home in Waterloo, Ontario on April 27, 1981. Haviland, along with ten other women, helped found the branch in 1922. She served as President during the 1926-1927 and 1934-1935 terms and was the first member to be awarded a lifetime membership.