The Year 1940 in Hamilton, Wentworth County
1940 was an exciting year in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. This is a piece of history for my hometown and family. Nana wrote in it every day, and portrays this special year, the homey day-to-day concerns and life here in Steel Town (Stelco just shut down, so it may be the end of an era *partly running). It covers the excitement, entertainment, and fears as my Nana witnesses as the young soldiers prepare and leave for war, how our family business survives this trying time, the war effort, some of the headlines, and making sense of events through newspapers, radio and letters from England about what was really going on. Check back...I will add the rest of the days whenever I get a chance!
1940 movie
1940 movie
About my hometown
City of Waterfalls
On the tip of Lake Ontario, one of the Great Lakes. I was born here but I've been away since turning one year old. I returned the third week in August 2007. The weather is intense (summer electrical storms), but somewhat modified by the effects of the huge lakes. We get snow, but it's not on the snow belt. Our summers are very nice, and hot, somewhat humid (not as bad as Hong Kong and some other places). I missed all four seasons living out on the West Coast for so long. I just couldn't get used to the weather there. And unless you've actually seen it, and lived here you won't quite know what I'm talking about, but the escarpment is part of my heart, soul, and mind. It's beautiful.
Fast Facts from Hamilton Past & Present
Fast Facts from Hamilton Past & Present
The best restaurants in town
Asian Fusion, Bar Food, Seafood, Slowfood
I haven't been back that long...but recently I went to the newly opened Spice Avenue, on Upper James near Mohawk Road. It's all brand new in black leathers, black with pale green accent, with a lovely bright ceiling display of gold traditional canary cages, posh and trendy. Went there on the second day: good food, excellent service (young, polite), with a large parking lot all around, and a very nice patio...hope to go there again soon. We had ginger tea, satay, pho, and green tea ice cream for dessert (nice counterpoint to the optional heat).
Okay, this restaurant is also new, too new maybe or the owners are too traditional to have a website. No worries, Blue Sky Bar & Grill at 870 Upper James Street (905-296-9192) has excellent calamari, and fries that go great with a cold Bud in a cold glass. The bar maid is young. But who cares? Elena is great (Greek), she knows what she's doing in the kitchen and comes out to make sure we like the food and comes in close and looks in my eyes, wants to know if we like the music...then if we like the food, smiles for real. She's very wonderful to people. I have one beer because I can't drink more than that. It's all brand new in there and it's got a flying TV. Soon they'll get their okay to let us drink outside on the outdoor patio. Elena says in Greece people live life to the full and when I came in with my daughter we were two flowers :) And she loves Hamilton!
Also, about a week ago I went to Fishers down by the water. I had been by on the number 4 bus for a month going by every weekday to a temp assignment. The bus turns at that corner, and I was scared to go by myself because there was always this guy outside with his buddies and he has this great big old white beard and he was always there. So, finally my friend made me go in there when she was visiting, and I stayed inside and didn't have to talk to the man with the beard. I really liked it in there, you feel very relaxed because the decor is like a favourite pair of jeans that are just over a year old, just nice. We had the powdery cajun wings, which came with some crunchy carrots and celery so I felt like I was eating healthy. And a beer, of course. Normally I don't drink beer at home because it's not fun all by myself so it's special for me. Anyways, the man that looks like an old fisherman might be the Ancient Mariner that would scare us with a story about a big albatross around his neck, make us miss our party and go home and think.
My other friend and I ended up at The Old Mill Restaurant in a big reserved room, downstairs, for the FB Waterfalling Group in the middle of winter, and had hot coffee, chicken watercress sandwiches, and wild greens salad. I pretty much thought I was in heaven. Although the coffee almost broke my face because I didn't realize I was frozen. That place is posh. The women just inside the front door had 3 inch heels on. We had just arrived from a 2-hour hike in snow boots, it was cool to see the workings of the mill gears and stones behind the plexi glass, and through the windows of the thick foundation to little falls.
Binh Minh where you can get Pho for what? $6. Wonderful aromatic complimentary tea. They have dim sum at lunchtime, too. It's all renovated and new (about a year now) at 740 Upper James. Vietnamese food (and you can smell the 4 kinds of curry all around and coming up to the restaurant, and you know it has the French influence, too). The servers are sweet. And they give you a form to write the menu numbers on and you can pass it up to the bar. Good food! I liked the beef tendon pho.
Okay, this restaurant is also new, too new maybe or the owners are too traditional to have a website. No worries, Blue Sky Bar & Grill at 870 Upper James Street (905-296-9192) has excellent calamari, and fries that go great with a cold Bud in a cold glass. The bar maid is young. But who cares? Elena is great (Greek), she knows what she's doing in the kitchen and comes out to make sure we like the food and comes in close and looks in my eyes, wants to know if we like the music...then if we like the food, smiles for real. She's very wonderful to people. I have one beer because I can't drink more than that. It's all brand new in there and it's got a flying TV. Soon they'll get their okay to let us drink outside on the outdoor patio. Elena says in Greece people live life to the full and when I came in with my daughter we were two flowers :) And she loves Hamilton!
Also, about a week ago I went to Fishers down by the water. I had been by on the number 4 bus for a month going by every weekday to a temp assignment. The bus turns at that corner, and I was scared to go by myself because there was always this guy outside with his buddies and he has this great big old white beard and he was always there. So, finally my friend made me go in there when she was visiting, and I stayed inside and didn't have to talk to the man with the beard. I really liked it in there, you feel very relaxed because the decor is like a favourite pair of jeans that are just over a year old, just nice. We had the powdery cajun wings, which came with some crunchy carrots and celery so I felt like I was eating healthy. And a beer, of course. Normally I don't drink beer at home because it's not fun all by myself so it's special for me. Anyways, the man that looks like an old fisherman might be the Ancient Mariner that would scare us with a story about a big albatross around his neck, make us miss our party and go home and think.
My other friend and I ended up at The Old Mill Restaurant in a big reserved room, downstairs, for the FB Waterfalling Group in the middle of winter, and had hot coffee, chicken watercress sandwiches, and wild greens salad. I pretty much thought I was in heaven. Although the coffee almost broke my face because I didn't realize I was frozen. That place is posh. The women just inside the front door had 3 inch heels on. We had just arrived from a 2-hour hike in snow boots, it was cool to see the workings of the mill gears and stones behind the plexi glass, and through the windows of the thick foundation to little falls.
Binh Minh where you can get Pho for what? $6. Wonderful aromatic complimentary tea. They have dim sum at lunchtime, too. It's all renovated and new (about a year now) at 740 Upper James. Vietnamese food (and you can smell the 4 kinds of curry all around and coming up to the restaurant, and you know it has the French influence, too). The servers are sweet. And they give you a form to write the menu numbers on and you can pass it up to the bar. Good food! I liked the beef tendon pho.
Not to be missed...
120+ Waterfalls, B&B, Things to do
You simply must see the waterfalls! I used to play at Tiffany Falls. I like to go with the City of Hamilton Waterfall Facebook Group Waterfall Capital of the World, because they're a great bunch...kind of a core group with lots of different visitors. They will quite often read a small description of the falls on the walk, usually taking in 4 or 5 waterfalls / cascades. The website rates how difficult / long the walk is and there are midway points to end your walk or go further. Great photographers, wonderful scenery, sometimes a meet 'n greet just before the walk with coffee, hot chocolate, hot dogs. You can buy the fabulous waterfall books which supports the events which are weekly. The leaders go in advance and check out the terrain...there must be at least 120 waterfalls, and they sure are different in each of the four seasons we have going on here in Hamilton! You can meet "mini" celebrities, visitors and Hamiltonians alike. We are a likable, industrious people, and care in a practical way. Glad to be one :)
For wonderful B&Bs click here
The Battle of Stoney Creek (hop-skip-and-a-jump from Hamilton) re-enactment of the battle every year takes place on the ground on which it was fought (Battlefield House this year, 2009, June 6 & 7). Headline from the Hamilton Spectator (Weekend Reader) May 23, 2009 Battle in the dark. With the Niagara Peninsula seized by the American Forces, the British launched a daring night attack that would stem the tide of the American invasion and change the course of the War of 1812.
"Thanks to the blackness of the night, the British were within a few yards of the battery before being discovered." It's an exciting story setting the stage, an excerpt (new book: Strange Fatality) from the American point of view.
For wonderful B&Bs click here
The Battle of Stoney Creek (hop-skip-and-a-jump from Hamilton) re-enactment of the battle every year takes place on the ground on which it was fought (Battlefield House this year, 2009, June 6 & 7). Headline from the Hamilton Spectator (Weekend Reader) May 23, 2009 Battle in the dark. With the Niagara Peninsula seized by the American Forces, the British launched a daring night attack that would stem the tide of the American invasion and change the course of the War of 1812.
"Thanks to the blackness of the night, the British were within a few yards of the battery before being discovered." It's an exciting story setting the stage, an excerpt (new book: Strange Fatality) from the American point of view.
A bit of background
Leading up to 1940
My family brought their love of power sports over from England. Actually my Grandad and Nana met because in the old days families would buzz around on their motorcycles in the countryside and that's how they met. The family business is still going strong in its 100th year (1910) Sturgess Cycle. Nana was taught by her father to be a motorcycle stunt driver around age 16. She sold the bike after she married, to pay the hospital bill when they had their only child, my mother. This Nana rode the bike to her 8th month, she had good financial sense and did the bookkeeping for the family business. Nana was a nurse, as well. Grandad worked in the same hardware shop (Wood Alex) for his entire career.
My Dad's mother was a nurse raising the four children after she was widowed at age 37. My father was 11 when he lost his Dad, so I never knew him but he was a fiddler in the area of Apsley, Colehill, and Parkhill. Grandpa had a sugarbush on a few hundred acres. [When I was a kid we'd visit a family adjacent to the property who ran their cows through: seven brothers and sisters with bright blue eyes, and none of them married. They sure did make good pies]. This Nana lived next door to a very young man that was her babysitter. When she grew up they were married, and these were my Dad's parents. I believe their initials are still carved in the tree on the old property at Chandos Lake. On that side of the family, a patent was registered for the glass insulators you see on tops of telephone poles. I remember visiting the older relatives in the mansion on the factory property, the lily pads in the pool, the wide staircase with the electric chair to go up and down on. Mr. Goddard, Aunt Alice and Aunt Min (sisters) were already pretty old when I was a child. Dad was in Bell all his working life, started off putting in the poles, then to hook-ups, on up to middle management, retired now.
Meanwhile, my Mum, being born of a risk-taking mother herself, roller skated down Hamilton Mountain when she was about 8, in shorts, with skates clamped on to her blue saddle-shoes :)
My parents met through a sleighride put on by the business college my Mum attended while my Dad went to Westdale.
I was born in Saint Joe's hospital in 1957, lived at 45th and 9th Avenue, on the mountain, fourth born of six. We moved when I was one to near Montreal, then to Ancaster when I was 3 years old, to London at almost 10, to outside Ottawa, where I graduated from high school. That's when I left home at age 18, back to London, then, on to Vancouver BC when I was 22, back to my hometown at "jubilee".
At the time of the diary in 1940, my Mum was turning 9.
My Dad's mother was a nurse raising the four children after she was widowed at age 37. My father was 11 when he lost his Dad, so I never knew him but he was a fiddler in the area of Apsley, Colehill, and Parkhill. Grandpa had a sugarbush on a few hundred acres. [When I was a kid we'd visit a family adjacent to the property who ran their cows through: seven brothers and sisters with bright blue eyes, and none of them married. They sure did make good pies]. This Nana lived next door to a very young man that was her babysitter. When she grew up they were married, and these were my Dad's parents. I believe their initials are still carved in the tree on the old property at Chandos Lake. On that side of the family, a patent was registered for the glass insulators you see on tops of telephone poles. I remember visiting the older relatives in the mansion on the factory property, the lily pads in the pool, the wide staircase with the electric chair to go up and down on. Mr. Goddard, Aunt Alice and Aunt Min (sisters) were already pretty old when I was a child. Dad was in Bell all his working life, started off putting in the poles, then to hook-ups, on up to middle management, retired now.
Meanwhile, my Mum, being born of a risk-taking mother herself, roller skated down Hamilton Mountain when she was about 8, in shorts, with skates clamped on to her blue saddle-shoes :)
My parents met through a sleighride put on by the business college my Mum attended while my Dad went to Westdale.
I was born in Saint Joe's hospital in 1957, lived at 45th and 9th Avenue, on the mountain, fourth born of six. We moved when I was one to near Montreal, then to Ancaster when I was 3 years old, to London at almost 10, to outside Ottawa, where I graduated from high school. That's when I left home at age 18, back to London, then, on to Vancouver BC when I was 22, back to my hometown at "jubilee".
At the time of the diary in 1940, my Mum was turning 9.
January 1940
1940
Jan. 1 ~ Mon. - Up at 3 pm again get ready to convey New Years wishes to Dad and Art & Eileen but Dad arrives & tells us they are up to their neck. Bailiff or Landlord says their time is up. Dad at New Years dinner with us. Later Fred, Doreen, I went to Royal at night. heavy snow falls again. home at 12.
Jan. 2 ~ Tues. - Snow & more snow. Up at 10. Fred stashes his suit out in preparation for Wood Alex "Social" tonight. washed floors & had general clean up. Ted called for check. Ada & Kay came up while we went to party. everyone there. Fred & I won floor prize & had good time. home at 12:30. too full for sleep.
Jan. 3 ~ Wens. - more snow. Doreen is back at school today. I went over & visited Mrs. Ray for a while & we spent a quiet evening at home & were tickled to death to do it. Bed early. Finland & Russia fighting these days & Finland seems to be leading so far.
Jan. 4 ~ Thurs - Letter from Uncle Tom & answer (ans) it. Fred got tickets for Ice revue at Arena for tomorrow night, took tree down at night. Doreen seems a little better today.
Jan. 5 ~ Fri. - colder. more snow and more snow. I shoveled it off & when I was finished it had all blown back. sewed in afternoon. remade pajamas for Doreen & bed jacket for me. didn't take Doreen for dancing lesson. went to see Ice Revue at Arena. Very good. pxxxxxxxd.
Jan. 6 ~ Sat. - cold & more snow. cleaned up house & woodwork in general. Fred's late Sat. had afternoon tea. went to Regent at night, saw "Maizie". colder still at night. home at 11 p.m. ran out of gas on way home. British cabinet shuffle. Hore-Belisha resigns.
Jan. 7 ~ Sun. - colder & more snow. put extra blankets on bed. made pie (lemon). washed clothes but didn't stir out. Ironed.
Jan. 8 ~ Mon. - Washed sheets, shoveled more snow & its real nippy out. cleaned up.
Jan. 9 ~ Tues. - Washed again & ran out of soap. milder today so hiked down to Library & to store. Dad gave me 3/4 of Loan money & he has good prospects of Norton Motorcycle contract for Canada.
Jan. 10 ~ Wed. - Finished washing at last. Ironed and read. Got our storm & screen door (at last). Letter from Sis. Milder today.
Jan. 11 ~ Thurs. - Ironed - read. returned storm door as it has a flaw. Finland defending herself very well.
Jan. 12 ~ Fri. - went down town in afternoon. Paid loan R.H. etc. home at 5. more medicine for Doreen & me. Barbara stayed for supper. milder today.
Jan. 13 ~ Sat. - Doreen & Barbara went down to Capital with Fred to see Gulliver's Travels. They are to come home alone. Fred brings new storm door (again). Wrote down grxxm. about Doreen's lessons. Worked on storm door till 7 & it still doesn't fit. Got groceries and went to Regent see Honeymoon in Bali.
Jan 14 ~ Sun. - rain almost continually night & day. Do farmers good in district as wells are dry. Worked on storm door all afternoon & most of evening & finally got it up.
Jan 15 ~ Mon. - cold - rain gone now it's hail. had to file off some more of storm door. I filed all "in"door and got them to close. wash clothes, baked brownies.
War loan starts.
Reggie Ernton's wife died Sat.
Jan. 1 ~ Mon. - Up at 3 pm again get ready to convey New Years wishes to Dad and Art & Eileen but Dad arrives & tells us they are up to their neck. Bailiff or Landlord says their time is up. Dad at New Years dinner with us. Later Fred, Doreen, I went to Royal at night. heavy snow falls again. home at 12.
Jan. 2 ~ Tues. - Snow & more snow. Up at 10. Fred stashes his suit out in preparation for Wood Alex "Social" tonight. washed floors & had general clean up. Ted called for check. Ada & Kay came up while we went to party. everyone there. Fred & I won floor prize & had good time. home at 12:30. too full for sleep.
Jan. 3 ~ Wens. - more snow. Doreen is back at school today. I went over & visited Mrs. Ray for a while & we spent a quiet evening at home & were tickled to death to do it. Bed early. Finland & Russia fighting these days & Finland seems to be leading so far.
Jan. 4 ~ Thurs - Letter from Uncle Tom & answer (ans) it. Fred got tickets for Ice revue at Arena for tomorrow night, took tree down at night. Doreen seems a little better today.
Jan. 5 ~ Fri. - colder. more snow and more snow. I shoveled it off & when I was finished it had all blown back. sewed in afternoon. remade pajamas for Doreen & bed jacket for me. didn't take Doreen for dancing lesson. went to see Ice Revue at Arena. Very good. pxxxxxxxd.
Jan. 6 ~ Sat. - cold & more snow. cleaned up house & woodwork in general. Fred's late Sat. had afternoon tea. went to Regent at night, saw "Maizie". colder still at night. home at 11 p.m. ran out of gas on way home. British cabinet shuffle. Hore-Belisha resigns.
Jan. 7 ~ Sun. - colder & more snow. put extra blankets on bed. made pie (lemon). washed clothes but didn't stir out. Ironed.
Jan. 8 ~ Mon. - Washed sheets, shoveled more snow & its real nippy out. cleaned up.
Jan. 9 ~ Tues. - Washed again & ran out of soap. milder today so hiked down to Library & to store. Dad gave me 3/4 of Loan money & he has good prospects of Norton Motorcycle contract for Canada.
Jan. 10 ~ Wed. - Finished washing at last. Ironed and read. Got our storm & screen door (at last). Letter from Sis. Milder today.
Jan. 11 ~ Thurs. - Ironed - read. returned storm door as it has a flaw. Finland defending herself very well.
Jan. 12 ~ Fri. - went down town in afternoon. Paid loan R.H. etc. home at 5. more medicine for Doreen & me. Barbara stayed for supper. milder today.
Jan. 13 ~ Sat. - Doreen & Barbara went down to Capital with Fred to see Gulliver's Travels. They are to come home alone. Fred brings new storm door (again). Wrote down grxxm. about Doreen's lessons. Worked on storm door till 7 & it still doesn't fit. Got groceries and went to Regent see Honeymoon in Bali.
Jan 14 ~ Sun. - rain almost continually night & day. Do farmers good in district as wells are dry. Worked on storm door all afternoon & most of evening & finally got it up.
Jan 15 ~ Mon. - cold - rain gone now it's hail. had to file off some more of storm door. I filed all "in"door and got them to close. wash clothes, baked brownies.
War loan starts.
Reggie Ernton's wife died Sat.
February 1940
1940
Feb. 1 ~ Thurs - mild - but more snow. stayed in all day waiting for Doreen's coat to arrive & it didn't.
Feb. 2 ~ Fri. - a substitute coat arrived in morning for Doreen. to bank at York & Queen to change money over for Doreen. went downtown shopping called at Haxtors on way home. got home about 5:45.
Feb. 3 ~ Sat. - Beautiful day. Doreen & Barbara went to see Wizard of Oz. I went down to Fenah's to see coat sale & they send up 2 on app. baked most afternoon. medium success at it. at night we went to Regent - after trailing out to Westdale & they are filled up. made Doreen's pettycoat when we got back.
Feb. 4 ~ Sun. - Doreen's Birthday & she is all enthused over the Eaton's coat & it's years too old for her & we are in a dilemma about the green. Barbara came for supper & Daisy stayed as she brought up a gift for Doreen. Sis sent a card. & so Doreen's 9th Birthday is over.
Feb. 5 ~ Mon. - Mrs. Temple died. walked down town & back & couple called to take Bert McKie's car away but it is frozen in.
Feb. 6 ~ Tues. - walked down town to take the rust coat back. slushy out & I get just about drowned. walked up to see new MacIntosh store open - went down to store & Dad had write up in last night's Telegram so I got the paper on my way home & saw Bill Drury's picture in it. he's a Flying Officer.
Feb. 7 ~ Wed. - wine coat arrives from Eaton's & it isn't any good - return it and pay for the green one at Finch's. come home have lunch & walk back down again & we meet Fred at the Grand. went in at 5:35 & came out at 10:40. Doreen wore her new outfit & did our "dogs" bark.
Feb. 8 ~ Thurs. - went over to Mrs. Haxtons & helped her arrange plates & she gave me a box of cakes & sandwiches. Mrs. Temple buried today.
Feb. 9 ~ Fri. - Wrote to Mr. Little about Bank trans. London Life. sent plans of House. went as far as store & took tea paraphernalia & had some. paid Light R.H. ordered groceries & went home on street car. got medicine for 3 of us. bed early. sent laundry out.
Feb. 10 ~ Sat. - Sleet. Doreen went downtown with Isabel & her Dad. I made macaroons. didn't go out at night to our usual Saturday night show as nothing worthwhile on. Sleet storm.
Feb. 11 ~ Sun. - Doreen cleaned off walk. She & Barbara went to Sunday School. Fred went for a walk. Vera over & Mrs. Y. called in at night. Lord Tweedsmuir died after a fall on Tues. & did not regain cons. (consciousness)
Feb. 12 ~ Mon. - washed curtains & bedspreads. Letter from Uncle Tom. cleaned up house in general. Ironed above articles. Fred called at store for car door glass & Dad gave him loan money. went to bed early. not feeling so hot.
Feb. 13 ~ Tues. - went down to store in afternoon about loan notes. Had tea with Dad and spilt one all over Ted & then went up and paid loan. Came home by streetcar. Lord Tweedsmuir service held in Montreal & body is sent on to Ottawa for state ceremony. Read Ted's Valentine's thyxxx sending.
Feb. 14 ~ Wens. - St. Valentine's Day. Got Valentine from Fred & Doreen. Didn't go out. Listened to state funeral ceremony for Lord Tweedsmuir and body goes on back to Montreal for cremation and prepares for trip to Scotland for internment. Woman calls about house as Sis interested in building. Cold & more snow.
Feb. 15 ~ Thurs. - went back to bed in morning - went down town in afternoon. Met Mrs. Copra there. walked down and back. Doreen got 19 Valentines. No paper again so I phoned Spec. Bed early again. Cold out. Saw Connie Paqavot's new Baby.
Feb. 16 ~ Fri. - Fred went to Toronto. got tickets for Earl Carralis Vanities. Doreen to I_O.F Birthday party. Fred met us at King & James. later Fred & I went to Royal and called for her at 9:30 playing a few lousie games. home via street car at 11 pm.
Feb. 1 ~ Thurs - mild - but more snow. stayed in all day waiting for Doreen's coat to arrive & it didn't.
Feb. 2 ~ Fri. - a substitute coat arrived in morning for Doreen. to bank at York & Queen to change money over for Doreen. went downtown shopping called at Haxtors on way home. got home about 5:45.
Feb. 3 ~ Sat. - Beautiful day. Doreen & Barbara went to see Wizard of Oz. I went down to Fenah's to see coat sale & they send up 2 on app. baked most afternoon. medium success at it. at night we went to Regent - after trailing out to Westdale & they are filled up. made Doreen's pettycoat when we got back.
Feb. 4 ~ Sun. - Doreen's Birthday & she is all enthused over the Eaton's coat & it's years too old for her & we are in a dilemma about the green. Barbara came for supper & Daisy stayed as she brought up a gift for Doreen. Sis sent a card. & so Doreen's 9th Birthday is over.
Feb. 5 ~ Mon. - Mrs. Temple died. walked down town & back & couple called to take Bert McKie's car away but it is frozen in.
Feb. 6 ~ Tues. - walked down town to take the rust coat back. slushy out & I get just about drowned. walked up to see new MacIntosh store open - went down to store & Dad had write up in last night's Telegram so I got the paper on my way home & saw Bill Drury's picture in it. he's a Flying Officer.
Feb. 7 ~ Wed. - wine coat arrives from Eaton's & it isn't any good - return it and pay for the green one at Finch's. come home have lunch & walk back down again & we meet Fred at the Grand. went in at 5:35 & came out at 10:40. Doreen wore her new outfit & did our "dogs" bark.
Feb. 8 ~ Thurs. - went over to Mrs. Haxtons & helped her arrange plates & she gave me a box of cakes & sandwiches. Mrs. Temple buried today.
Feb. 9 ~ Fri. - Wrote to Mr. Little about Bank trans. London Life. sent plans of House. went as far as store & took tea paraphernalia & had some. paid Light R.H. ordered groceries & went home on street car. got medicine for 3 of us. bed early. sent laundry out.
Feb. 10 ~ Sat. - Sleet. Doreen went downtown with Isabel & her Dad. I made macaroons. didn't go out at night to our usual Saturday night show as nothing worthwhile on. Sleet storm.
Feb. 11 ~ Sun. - Doreen cleaned off walk. She & Barbara went to Sunday School. Fred went for a walk. Vera over & Mrs. Y. called in at night. Lord Tweedsmuir died after a fall on Tues. & did not regain cons. (consciousness)
Feb. 12 ~ Mon. - washed curtains & bedspreads. Letter from Uncle Tom. cleaned up house in general. Ironed above articles. Fred called at store for car door glass & Dad gave him loan money. went to bed early. not feeling so hot.
Feb. 13 ~ Tues. - went down to store in afternoon about loan notes. Had tea with Dad and spilt one all over Ted & then went up and paid loan. Came home by streetcar. Lord Tweedsmuir service held in Montreal & body is sent on to Ottawa for state ceremony. Read Ted's Valentine's thyxxx sending.
Feb. 14 ~ Wens. - St. Valentine's Day. Got Valentine from Fred & Doreen. Didn't go out. Listened to state funeral ceremony for Lord Tweedsmuir and body goes on back to Montreal for cremation and prepares for trip to Scotland for internment. Woman calls about house as Sis interested in building. Cold & more snow.
Feb. 15 ~ Thurs. - went back to bed in morning - went down town in afternoon. Met Mrs. Copra there. walked down and back. Doreen got 19 Valentines. No paper again so I phoned Spec. Bed early again. Cold out. Saw Connie Paqavot's new Baby.
Feb. 16 ~ Fri. - Fred went to Toronto. got tickets for Earl Carralis Vanities. Doreen to I_O.F Birthday party. Fred met us at King & James. later Fred & I went to Royal and called for her at 9:30 playing a few lousie games. home via street car at 11 pm.
March 1940
1940
Mar. 1 ~ Fri - Our 10th wedding anniversary. Fred brought me chocolates and sent me lovely roses. met him downtown & we had supper out! Due to a Fri I sported "fish", went to Palace. Donanube in Swanee River. Vaudville etc. Guino Seby has prominent orchestra part. home in street car. darn cold.
Mar. 2 ~ Sat. - made a chocolate cake for our weekend. it was "lousy". Fred came home at noon with a bad ankle after he and another chap dropped "Hamilton" on it. ended up with cold compresses & vinegar on it. I went over to Locke St. for groceries & we forgo our movie.
Mar. 3 ~ Sun. - I got breakfast this morning. Fred gets up later & his foot has improved. by the time the furnace needs relighting Fred hits himself in the eye with the wood. raining almost all day.
Mar. 4 ~ Mon. - slushy & raining out but I walk down town & call at Mrs. Haxton's on way home & again have a lovely tea & bring home sandwiches & cookies. -boy! but it's damp & wet out.
Mar. 5 ~ Tues. - still sloppy out. walked down & back to see how Dad is doing. Eileen has telegraphed to come home. things in general are in a mix up down there. have afternoon tea with donuts. Isabell gave Doreen shoes, much to my amazement.
Mar. 6 ~ Wens. - cooler so streets a trifle dryer. stayed home this afternoon & wrote letters to Leo, Uncle Tom & Mrs. Ketchin. Doreen & I walked down town & met Fred at the Linale. home late. Letter from Uncle Tom.
Mar. 7 ~ Thurs. - went down town in afternoon & looked materials over for a dress for Doreen. walked home & called in at Mrs. Haxton. they are very busy getting a shipment ready for Finland.
Mar. 8 ~ Fri. - Pay day. went down town by street car. paid gas. Robinson's R. H. & got groceries & home by street car. had coffee down town. mild out.
Mar. 9 ~ Sat. - Fred, Doreen & I went down town about 4:00. went through Eatons & looked at House coat. had a lovely supper out & went to Lyric. home late. dreadful cold out. bought Doreen rubbers. Finland & Russia negotiating peace terms.
Mar. 10 ~ Sun. - Very cold. Dad called with two fellows to look motorcycle parts over. No change in Sunday routine.
Mar. 11 ~ Mon. - Cold. Fred took Library books back as it far too cold for me to venture out.
Mar. 12 ~ Tues. - went down to store for loan money & Dad didn't have it. had tea with them. Left there late & went looking for a present for Dad. got a shirt & went around looking for a card suitable. came home by street car & it's darn cold out. Russ - Finnish peace terms. Annasenaad.
Mar. 13 ~ Wens. - Dad's birthday. Very cold wind out. Walked down to store fxx tie to go with shirt & he's out when I get there. Grandma sent for him. On way home got housecoat. Sleet, wind, hail & rain end day.
Mar. 14 ~ Thurs. - Heavy snow. Made brown dress for Doreen in (evening) & finished it.
Mar. 15 ~ Fri. - Doreen decides to enter Haley Fair so I spend afternoon dressing her little doll & she took it over after school.
Mar. 1 ~ Fri - Our 10th wedding anniversary. Fred brought me chocolates and sent me lovely roses. met him downtown & we had supper out! Due to a Fri I sported "fish", went to Palace. Donanube in Swanee River. Vaudville etc. Guino Seby has prominent orchestra part. home in street car. darn cold.
Mar. 2 ~ Sat. - made a chocolate cake for our weekend. it was "lousy". Fred came home at noon with a bad ankle after he and another chap dropped "Hamilton" on it. ended up with cold compresses & vinegar on it. I went over to Locke St. for groceries & we forgo our movie.
Mar. 3 ~ Sun. - I got breakfast this morning. Fred gets up later & his foot has improved. by the time the furnace needs relighting Fred hits himself in the eye with the wood. raining almost all day.
Mar. 4 ~ Mon. - slushy & raining out but I walk down town & call at Mrs. Haxton's on way home & again have a lovely tea & bring home sandwiches & cookies. -boy! but it's damp & wet out.
Mar. 5 ~ Tues. - still sloppy out. walked down & back to see how Dad is doing. Eileen has telegraphed to come home. things in general are in a mix up down there. have afternoon tea with donuts. Isabell gave Doreen shoes, much to my amazement.
Mar. 6 ~ Wens. - cooler so streets a trifle dryer. stayed home this afternoon & wrote letters to Leo, Uncle Tom & Mrs. Ketchin. Doreen & I walked down town & met Fred at the Linale. home late. Letter from Uncle Tom.
Mar. 7 ~ Thurs. - went down town in afternoon & looked materials over for a dress for Doreen. walked home & called in at Mrs. Haxton. they are very busy getting a shipment ready for Finland.
Mar. 8 ~ Fri. - Pay day. went down town by street car. paid gas. Robinson's R. H. & got groceries & home by street car. had coffee down town. mild out.
Mar. 9 ~ Sat. - Fred, Doreen & I went down town about 4:00. went through Eatons & looked at House coat. had a lovely supper out & went to Lyric. home late. dreadful cold out. bought Doreen rubbers. Finland & Russia negotiating peace terms.
Mar. 10 ~ Sun. - Very cold. Dad called with two fellows to look motorcycle parts over. No change in Sunday routine.
Mar. 11 ~ Mon. - Cold. Fred took Library books back as it far too cold for me to venture out.
Mar. 12 ~ Tues. - went down to store for loan money & Dad didn't have it. had tea with them. Left there late & went looking for a present for Dad. got a shirt & went around looking for a card suitable. came home by street car & it's darn cold out. Russ - Finnish peace terms. Annasenaad.
Mar. 13 ~ Wens. - Dad's birthday. Very cold wind out. Walked down to store fxx tie to go with shirt & he's out when I get there. Grandma sent for him. On way home got housecoat. Sleet, wind, hail & rain end day.
Mar. 14 ~ Thurs. - Heavy snow. Made brown dress for Doreen in (evening) & finished it.
Mar. 15 ~ Fri. - Doreen decides to enter Haley Fair so I spend afternoon dressing her little doll & she took it over after school.
April 1940
1940
Apr. 1 ~ Mon - April Fools Day - put note on both doors & as Doreen and the garbage can spoiled it, I put soap in his rice. Doreen put on knee socks. Wonderful day out. our yard all mud & someone did us dirt & tracked in it.
Apr. 2 ~ Tue - Grand spring day. planted tulip bulbs out front (ft) & didn't need coat. made lemon pies, washed clothes, made lunch. Fred called in at 4:45 & we all ate & later met at Royal lupare 6. came home via st. car. furnace went out.
Apr. 3 ~ Wens. - raining. Letter from Uncle Tom. England & Germany intensifying war. rained most of day & night. Fred went down to store & asked them to move Bert McKie's car. started on cellar shelves at night.
Apr. 4 ~ Thurs. - rainy & dull & chilly. Was to have gone down to store to get them to come up and move car but bathed & washed my hair & a cold started in - did more work on shelves at night.
Apr. 5 ~ Fri. - right out of coal to the last piece & didn't come till afternoon. went down town to store, city hall & R.H. about stove. dashed home & had found 5 had tried to move car & couldn't. Ted had bath & got clean shirt. I went to bed early as my cold isn't so hot. men started work on house across the road.
Apr. 6 ~ Sat. - Lovely day. gang came & moved car away. new stove arrived & we fitted it & saw the last of our old one & then couldn't light new one. gas man came to our rescue, moved ice box too. after a late supper & a ruined Sat. evening we went to bed half dead.
Apr. 7 ~ Sun. - Fred cooks first meal on new stove & he worked on cellar shelves. mild day. sent first tax papers to London. Art called at night & gave us the lowdown on things. Sounds bad.
Apr. 8 ~ Mon. - Man called to check stove. Lovely spring day. raked ashes in driveway. washed & waxed floors. wrote Sis & employment office at Zimmerknits. cold still hanging on. worked around cupboard in cellar till 9:30 pm.
Apr. 9 ~ Tues. - Norway declares war on Germany. Germany takes possession of Denmark & Norway. all world is in uproar. Extra got me out of bed. cleaned up in the afternoon & worked on cellar cupboards. made raisin & kidney pie. Ted called for shirt.
Apr. 10 ~ Wens. - Start washing & went to store for meat & Mrs. Ray called me in results "chips". washed clothes in afternoon & bring them out. Briton raid Norway. Heavy sea battle. Ted called for Dad's shirt at night so ironed a few -- bed early, lovely mild day.
Apr. 11 ~ Thurs. - war still raging in sea & air battle on Norway shores. Went downtown to Library & Dad's store in afternoon. Eileen & Barbara there. got some meat. rained so hard I was part drown. Ted came up for bath & we all went roller skating to Alex. to McClub. went & had a very nice evening & we had a heavy snow storm. Art drove us home.
Apr. 12 ~ Fri. - Snow everywhere. Man came to readjust stove. went down town & called at Library for books. Turns very cold out. coming home books got heavier with every step. dashed home & heated house up. went to bed at 10:30pm.
Apr. 13 ~ Sat. - Cold day. Baked chocolate cake & was fair success. Supper early -- went to Regent at night & I was the coldest I've been all winter. Slept with jacket on at night. George Jessel & his baby bride married.
Apr. 14 ~ Sun. - up late as usual. England bombs & lands troops at Narnic. Admiral Schrur Germany's last battleship hit also. 7 cruisers sank. Very windy & cold. Do my usual ironing last thing at night.
Apr. 15 ~ Mon. M. - went down town in afternoon. had no luck at store for Loan money. Met Uncle Harry, Aunt Blanche & Mrs. Gray down at Eaton's. mild but cool out.
Submarines sighted outside New York & Halifax.
Apr. 1 ~ Mon - April Fools Day - put note on both doors & as Doreen and the garbage can spoiled it, I put soap in his rice. Doreen put on knee socks. Wonderful day out. our yard all mud & someone did us dirt & tracked in it.
Apr. 2 ~ Tue - Grand spring day. planted tulip bulbs out front (ft) & didn't need coat. made lemon pies, washed clothes, made lunch. Fred called in at 4:45 & we all ate & later met at Royal lupare 6. came home via st. car. furnace went out.
Apr. 3 ~ Wens. - raining. Letter from Uncle Tom. England & Germany intensifying war. rained most of day & night. Fred went down to store & asked them to move Bert McKie's car. started on cellar shelves at night.
Apr. 4 ~ Thurs. - rainy & dull & chilly. Was to have gone down to store to get them to come up and move car but bathed & washed my hair & a cold started in - did more work on shelves at night.
Apr. 5 ~ Fri. - right out of coal to the last piece & didn't come till afternoon. went down town to store, city hall & R.H. about stove. dashed home & had found 5 had tried to move car & couldn't. Ted had bath & got clean shirt. I went to bed early as my cold isn't so hot. men started work on house across the road.
Apr. 6 ~ Sat. - Lovely day. gang came & moved car away. new stove arrived & we fitted it & saw the last of our old one & then couldn't light new one. gas man came to our rescue, moved ice box too. after a late supper & a ruined Sat. evening we went to bed half dead.
Apr. 7 ~ Sun. - Fred cooks first meal on new stove & he worked on cellar shelves. mild day. sent first tax papers to London. Art called at night & gave us the lowdown on things. Sounds bad.
Apr. 8 ~ Mon. - Man called to check stove. Lovely spring day. raked ashes in driveway. washed & waxed floors. wrote Sis & employment office at Zimmerknits. cold still hanging on. worked around cupboard in cellar till 9:30 pm.
Apr. 9 ~ Tues. - Norway declares war on Germany. Germany takes possession of Denmark & Norway. all world is in uproar. Extra got me out of bed. cleaned up in the afternoon & worked on cellar cupboards. made raisin & kidney pie. Ted called for shirt.
Apr. 10 ~ Wens. - Start washing & went to store for meat & Mrs. Ray called me in results "chips". washed clothes in afternoon & bring them out. Briton raid Norway. Heavy sea battle. Ted called for Dad's shirt at night so ironed a few -- bed early, lovely mild day.
Apr. 11 ~ Thurs. - war still raging in sea & air battle on Norway shores. Went downtown to Library & Dad's store in afternoon. Eileen & Barbara there. got some meat. rained so hard I was part drown. Ted came up for bath & we all went roller skating to Alex. to McClub. went & had a very nice evening & we had a heavy snow storm. Art drove us home.
Apr. 12 ~ Fri. - Snow everywhere. Man came to readjust stove. went down town & called at Library for books. Turns very cold out. coming home books got heavier with every step. dashed home & heated house up. went to bed at 10:30pm.
Apr. 13 ~ Sat. - Cold day. Baked chocolate cake & was fair success. Supper early -- went to Regent at night & I was the coldest I've been all winter. Slept with jacket on at night. George Jessel & his baby bride married.
Apr. 14 ~ Sun. - up late as usual. England bombs & lands troops at Narnic. Admiral Schrur Germany's last battleship hit also. 7 cruisers sank. Very windy & cold. Do my usual ironing last thing at night.
Apr. 15 ~ Mon. M. - went down town in afternoon. had no luck at store for Loan money. Met Uncle Harry, Aunt Blanche & Mrs. Gray down at Eaton's. mild but cool out.
Submarines sighted outside New York & Halifax.
May 1940
1940
May 1 ~ Wens - raining most of the day. "power" trouble in afternoon & so I came home at 5:12. heavy rain storm in afternoon. cleaned up house at night. decidedly heavy fighting in Norway.
May 2 ~ raining again. Very first pay day at Zimms. got 11.64. planned to do everything & don't do anything.
May 3 ~ (no entry, begins correcting the dates for rest of month)
May 4 ~ Sat. - went down town & rushed all over the place. doing everything. got sheets & groceries etc. walked to store to see how dad made out & met him half way. walked to Westdale & show at night.
May 5 ~ Sun. - up at 12:15. cleaned house. did lot of sewing. grand day but busy all day & tired when its over. bathed & bed late.
May 6 ~ Mon. - Lovely warm summer day bady & his brother start their gardening. evening Muries & McCrays get sail. walk down Locke St. & bought Doreen dress. Fred & I had pop & cookies. British troops recalled in Norway.
May 7 ~ Tues. - started on war order of shorts. Let furnace out & its a little coal at night. took Doreen's dress back. very tired at night. phone Griffin about refrig. Fred started painting kitchen.
May 8 ~ Wens. - coal cold day. relit furnace. sent Doreen down to Locke St. for her dress. Chamberlain government called show-down meeting & he has 8-1 majority. things look bad.
May 9 ~ Thurs. - 2nd day war order of "shorts". did 17 doz. lovely day - didn't feel as "hot". phoned Spence about refrig. Muric's get more. did feel extremely tired. Fred painted a while. Spence didn't come.
May 10 ~ Fri. - nice day, went to Library at night & called at Haxtons on way back. Fred painted while I was gone. Home at 11 very tired. Germany invades Holland & Belgium. World in an uproar. Chamberlain gives up premiership to Churchill.
May 11 ~ Sat. - 1/2 day at work. dash off at noon to have hair done. out at 5 pm. went to R.H. about refrig. called at store. went around for Mother's Day flowers etc. Ted picked me up at market. we went to Regent at night to see The Real Glory,
May 12 ~ Sun. - Germany seems to have a good edge with parachute troops. things look bad. Mother's Day. Doreen gave me chocolates & cake. Dad called for breakfast and we went to cemetery. Dad put in ivy. Dad goes to Toronto to try P.A. for the government job. Fred went downtown to his mother's to see soldiers troop colors. Doreen took gift down. I cleaned house.
May 13 ~ Mon. - War getting worse. Germans advance in Holland, Belgium & Luvenburg. Lovely day. Talked to Mrs. Ray on my way home from work. Ironed until 11 pm. Very tired.
May 14 ~ Tue. - Cooler today but bright. Ice box not fixed yet. Holland taken. Wielhelmenia & Julianna fled to England. Germans advance in France about 5 miles. Belgium Royal children go to England, too. World badly in terror.
May 15 ~ Wens. - Coal.
War. deadly & serious. Germans advance in France & threaten England. United States & Canada Alarmed. Kaiser still at Doarn awaiting his fate. home at 5:12 pm. painted at night inside cupboards. Fred did doors.
May 1 ~ Wens - raining most of the day. "power" trouble in afternoon & so I came home at 5:12. heavy rain storm in afternoon. cleaned up house at night. decidedly heavy fighting in Norway.
May 2 ~ raining again. Very first pay day at Zimms. got 11.64. planned to do everything & don't do anything.
May 3 ~ (no entry, begins correcting the dates for rest of month)
May 4 ~ Sat. - went down town & rushed all over the place. doing everything. got sheets & groceries etc. walked to store to see how dad made out & met him half way. walked to Westdale & show at night.
May 5 ~ Sun. - up at 12:15. cleaned house. did lot of sewing. grand day but busy all day & tired when its over. bathed & bed late.
May 6 ~ Mon. - Lovely warm summer day bady & his brother start their gardening. evening Muries & McCrays get sail. walk down Locke St. & bought Doreen dress. Fred & I had pop & cookies. British troops recalled in Norway.
May 7 ~ Tues. - started on war order of shorts. Let furnace out & its a little coal at night. took Doreen's dress back. very tired at night. phone Griffin about refrig. Fred started painting kitchen.
May 8 ~ Wens. - coal cold day. relit furnace. sent Doreen down to Locke St. for her dress. Chamberlain government called show-down meeting & he has 8-1 majority. things look bad.
May 9 ~ Thurs. - 2nd day war order of "shorts". did 17 doz. lovely day - didn't feel as "hot". phoned Spence about refrig. Muric's get more. did feel extremely tired. Fred painted a while. Spence didn't come.
May 10 ~ Fri. - nice day, went to Library at night & called at Haxtons on way back. Fred painted while I was gone. Home at 11 very tired. Germany invades Holland & Belgium. World in an uproar. Chamberlain gives up premiership to Churchill.
May 11 ~ Sat. - 1/2 day at work. dash off at noon to have hair done. out at 5 pm. went to R.H. about refrig. called at store. went around for Mother's Day flowers etc. Ted picked me up at market. we went to Regent at night to see The Real Glory,
May 12 ~ Sun. - Germany seems to have a good edge with parachute troops. things look bad. Mother's Day. Doreen gave me chocolates & cake. Dad called for breakfast and we went to cemetery. Dad put in ivy. Dad goes to Toronto to try P.A. for the government job. Fred went downtown to his mother's to see soldiers troop colors. Doreen took gift down. I cleaned house.
May 13 ~ Mon. - War getting worse. Germans advance in Holland, Belgium & Luvenburg. Lovely day. Talked to Mrs. Ray on my way home from work. Ironed until 11 pm. Very tired.
May 14 ~ Tue. - Cooler today but bright. Ice box not fixed yet. Holland taken. Wielhelmenia & Julianna fled to England. Germans advance in France about 5 miles. Belgium Royal children go to England, too. World badly in terror.
May 15 ~ Wens. - Coal.
War. deadly & serious. Germans advance in France & threaten England. United States & Canada Alarmed. Kaiser still at Doarn awaiting his fate. home at 5:12 pm. painted at night inside cupboards. Fred did doors.
June 1940
Germany bombs Marselleus
1940
Jun. 1 ~ Sat - rain -- rain - didn't work in the afternoon as expected. went downtown. Fred painted. bought umbrella the rain is so heavy. went down to store. Ted is touring Penn. & VA racing. home at 2:30. went to Renmau at night. Doreen & I got raincapes. 3/4 of men saved.
Jun. 2 ~ Sun. - lovely day. painted kitchen. Doreen went to Dundurn with Ellen's family. finished the second coat on kitchen. bathed & bed late.
Jun. 3 ~ Mon. - B.E.7 trying to get out of German spear-head trap in Belgium - some Belgiums stay with Britain. Fred started on kitchen chairs. I sort out clothes from laundry.
Jun. 4 ~ Tues. - off work at 5:12 -- lovely day. Thousands leaving mid Dunquerque (Dunkirk). mired tragic affair. Iron at night.
Jun. 5 ~ Wens. - Spence called. Lovely day. 3/4 of men saved from Belguim - 60,000 killed. Spence called & had new valve in total cast for us 8.95. bed late & very sleepy.
Jun. 6 ~ Thurs. - M. Ironed at night. Fred gave the chairs another coat. bed early. All Britains retreat except a few trying to hold rear adnama attacks on Calais.
Jun. 7 ~ Fri. - German bombs La Hxxxx & Paris. 1000 dead & injured at Paris. Letter from Uncle Tom. Italy threatening to come into war. Doreen's school had Field Day at Hdaa grounds. bed early.
Jun. 8 ~ Sat. - intense heat. got Doreen 2 new prs of shoes. dressed to go down town & called at Reg's over on Honewood to see his park & get "bagged" & so stayed home. made arrangements for free dist. walked down town & bought dress & purse. rained.
Jun. 9 ~ Sun. - up at 1 pm. Doreen went for walk with Ellen & her father. I ironed, Fred painted. Dad called for supper. King Haakon gives up in Norway. Germans giving full advance in France & gaining towards Paris.
Jun. 10 ~ Mon. - Italy enters war against Briton. Fred & Mrs. Ray got dirt (cancelled). Europe indeed looks black. Ireland threatens conscription through lack of volunteers. Went to store for bread & Fred & I got caught in a terrific down pour & we really got wet.
Jun. 11 ~ Tues. - Dull day. Mixed work. Italian are fired at different jobs & some put in Don Jail for internment. Princess Julianna & children arrive in Canada. wrote Auntie Min. cleaned up & bed.
Jun. 12 ~ Wens. - cleaned & opened windows at night. most were stuck. washed living room curtains & put them back up. Fred worked down in cellar on cupboards.
Jun. 13 ~ Thurs. - World agog with German advances. Millions dead. Refugees rushing everywhere. Boatloads of children on way to Canada. Princess Julianna and children arrive at Halifax.
Jun. 14 ~ Fri. - nice day, cool in evening. Germany advancing steadily in France. First sign of Home Guard drilling in school yard. Bruce Druffis in lineup.
Jun. 15 ~ Sat. - Fred's late day. cleaned up house & went down town did my usual rounds but got hat & shoes (white went to store got finance check phoned Haxton's hxxxtie has casxna. Art & Eileen drove me home & us all down town. Fred got nuchshaes for Father's Day. Bob Massey drove us home.
Jun. 1 ~ Sat - rain -- rain - didn't work in the afternoon as expected. went downtown. Fred painted. bought umbrella the rain is so heavy. went down to store. Ted is touring Penn. & VA racing. home at 2:30. went to Renmau at night. Doreen & I got raincapes. 3/4 of men saved.
Jun. 2 ~ Sun. - lovely day. painted kitchen. Doreen went to Dundurn with Ellen's family. finished the second coat on kitchen. bathed & bed late.
Jun. 3 ~ Mon. - B.E.7 trying to get out of German spear-head trap in Belgium - some Belgiums stay with Britain. Fred started on kitchen chairs. I sort out clothes from laundry.
Jun. 4 ~ Tues. - off work at 5:12 -- lovely day. Thousands leaving mid Dunquerque (Dunkirk). mired tragic affair. Iron at night.
Jun. 5 ~ Wens. - Spence called. Lovely day. 3/4 of men saved from Belguim - 60,000 killed. Spence called & had new valve in total cast for us 8.95. bed late & very sleepy.
Jun. 6 ~ Thurs. - M. Ironed at night. Fred gave the chairs another coat. bed early. All Britains retreat except a few trying to hold rear adnama attacks on Calais.
Jun. 7 ~ Fri. - German bombs La Hxxxx & Paris. 1000 dead & injured at Paris. Letter from Uncle Tom. Italy threatening to come into war. Doreen's school had Field Day at Hdaa grounds. bed early.
Jun. 8 ~ Sat. - intense heat. got Doreen 2 new prs of shoes. dressed to go down town & called at Reg's over on Honewood to see his park & get "bagged" & so stayed home. made arrangements for free dist. walked down town & bought dress & purse. rained.
Jun. 9 ~ Sun. - up at 1 pm. Doreen went for walk with Ellen & her father. I ironed, Fred painted. Dad called for supper. King Haakon gives up in Norway. Germans giving full advance in France & gaining towards Paris.
Jun. 10 ~ Mon. - Italy enters war against Briton. Fred & Mrs. Ray got dirt (cancelled). Europe indeed looks black. Ireland threatens conscription through lack of volunteers. Went to store for bread & Fred & I got caught in a terrific down pour & we really got wet.
Jun. 11 ~ Tues. - Dull day. Mixed work. Italian are fired at different jobs & some put in Don Jail for internment. Princess Julianna & children arrive in Canada. wrote Auntie Min. cleaned up & bed.
Jun. 12 ~ Wens. - cleaned & opened windows at night. most were stuck. washed living room curtains & put them back up. Fred worked down in cellar on cupboards.
Jun. 13 ~ Thurs. - World agog with German advances. Millions dead. Refugees rushing everywhere. Boatloads of children on way to Canada. Princess Julianna and children arrive at Halifax.
Jun. 14 ~ Fri. - nice day, cool in evening. Germany advancing steadily in France. First sign of Home Guard drilling in school yard. Bruce Druffis in lineup.
Jun. 15 ~ Sat. - Fred's late day. cleaned up house & went down town did my usual rounds but got hat & shoes (white went to store got finance check phoned Haxton's hxxxtie has casxna. Art & Eileen drove me home & us all down town. Fred got nuchshaes for Father's Day. Bob Massey drove us home.
July 1940
1940
Jul. 1 ~ Mon - holiday - still off work. beautiful day. dug & raked yard. put wash out, bathed & went to Regent at night. got check ready to send for rent. Germany accuses Channel Islands vacated by Britain. Ted won 100-mile race $150.
Jul. 2 ~ Tues. - coal day. Doreen's first day home. wrote Mrs. Peast about her holidays - here Zimms may not ever order. still on odd jobs. raked back yard lxxl at night. Art & Eileen called at night. Listened to fight. had lunch.
Jul. 3 ~ Wens. - coal day. off at 5:12 pm. cleaned house at night. Fred raked yard finished work early but bed late as usual. haven't made B's in 2 weeks. new section hand started. 1000 prisoners drown on trip to Can.
Jul. 4 ~ Thurs. - nice day. worked till 6:12. Remade some of my shorts for Doreen. Britain attacks French fleet and wins battle after (Marshal Henri-Philippe) Petain of France giving order to fight Britain.
Jul. 5 ~ Fri. - Joan at work starts on Flat Rack. work till 6:12. nothing much doing. don't feel so hot. made shorts & nightie for Doreen at night. Fred made screens.
Jul. 6 ~ Sat. - M. very hot. Letter from Mrs. Peart - rush Doreen's things together. Art away & Ted going so Fred takes her out by bus & she has a nice hike. I snooze & go for meat at 9:30 & meet Fred coming home & he relates his exploits.
Jul. 7 ~ Sun. - Fred painted screens. I clean up, get supper & go for a walk along reservoir & it is lovely. got through new house at back. quite warm.
Jul. 8 ~ Mon. - Duke of Windsor elected Gov. General of Bahamas. England German & Italy playing "you bomb me, I'll bomb you". went down town at night to see grand Home Defense parade & demonstration.
Jul. 9 ~ Tues. - off work in afternoon. went down town. bought green paint. called at store. around town in general. at Regent at night. Fred & I both weight 125 lbs.
Jul. 10 ~ Wens. - off work in afternoon so painted cellar steps & started kitchen partition in cellar. England still being bombed.
Jul. 11 ~ Thurs. - Well -- got laid off due to fact I'm married but - I had a spell of it anyway. painted cellar again with white - (water effect) bed early. Britain bombed dawn till dusk. rain rain. letter from Doreen.
Jul. 12 ~ Fri. - slept till 10:30pm. Just got up & alive & Yno called. They are off till Mon. went in for pay at 3pm. Painted cellar. went down town. got groceries etc. looked around for bed for Doreen's room. wrote Doreen. felt punk due to cold.
Jul. 13 ~ Sat. - Lovely day. Slept till 10:15 am. Did general housework. Gave cellar another coat. Walked downtown at night. Went in several stores for a coat for work for Fred. Had enjoyable lunch downtown. Walked home and wore Fred's new windbreaker home.
Jul. 14 ~ Sun. - slept late. Washed Fred's work pants. Went for walk through Ainslie's woods home - had supper - sat on veranda. Art, Eileen & Mrs. Mason called. Ironed & bed - Eileen had arm in sling. Terrific headaches these days.
Jul. 15 ~ Mon. - went down town. called at store. Sid in Michigan. went to different stores about Doreen's bed. Terrific rain storm. I took refuge in Adlu's doorway. Fred picked me up. went to war saving stamp store. Show at Regent. Spent night on chesterfield.
Jul. 1 ~ Mon - holiday - still off work. beautiful day. dug & raked yard. put wash out, bathed & went to Regent at night. got check ready to send for rent. Germany accuses Channel Islands vacated by Britain. Ted won 100-mile race $150.
Jul. 2 ~ Tues. - coal day. Doreen's first day home. wrote Mrs. Peast about her holidays - here Zimms may not ever order. still on odd jobs. raked back yard lxxl at night. Art & Eileen called at night. Listened to fight. had lunch.
Jul. 3 ~ Wens. - coal day. off at 5:12 pm. cleaned house at night. Fred raked yard finished work early but bed late as usual. haven't made B's in 2 weeks. new section hand started. 1000 prisoners drown on trip to Can.
Jul. 4 ~ Thurs. - nice day. worked till 6:12. Remade some of my shorts for Doreen. Britain attacks French fleet and wins battle after (Marshal Henri-Philippe) Petain of France giving order to fight Britain.
Jul. 5 ~ Fri. - Joan at work starts on Flat Rack. work till 6:12. nothing much doing. don't feel so hot. made shorts & nightie for Doreen at night. Fred made screens.
Jul. 6 ~ Sat. - M. very hot. Letter from Mrs. Peart - rush Doreen's things together. Art away & Ted going so Fred takes her out by bus & she has a nice hike. I snooze & go for meat at 9:30 & meet Fred coming home & he relates his exploits.
Jul. 7 ~ Sun. - Fred painted screens. I clean up, get supper & go for a walk along reservoir & it is lovely. got through new house at back. quite warm.
Jul. 8 ~ Mon. - Duke of Windsor elected Gov. General of Bahamas. England German & Italy playing "you bomb me, I'll bomb you". went down town at night to see grand Home Defense parade & demonstration.
Jul. 9 ~ Tues. - off work in afternoon. went down town. bought green paint. called at store. around town in general. at Regent at night. Fred & I both weight 125 lbs.
Jul. 10 ~ Wens. - off work in afternoon so painted cellar steps & started kitchen partition in cellar. England still being bombed.
Jul. 11 ~ Thurs. - Well -- got laid off due to fact I'm married but - I had a spell of it anyway. painted cellar again with white - (water effect) bed early. Britain bombed dawn till dusk. rain rain. letter from Doreen.
Jul. 12 ~ Fri. - slept till 10:30pm. Just got up & alive & Yno called. They are off till Mon. went in for pay at 3pm. Painted cellar. went down town. got groceries etc. looked around for bed for Doreen's room. wrote Doreen. felt punk due to cold.
Jul. 13 ~ Sat. - Lovely day. Slept till 10:15 am. Did general housework. Gave cellar another coat. Walked downtown at night. Went in several stores for a coat for work for Fred. Had enjoyable lunch downtown. Walked home and wore Fred's new windbreaker home.
Jul. 14 ~ Sun. - slept late. Washed Fred's work pants. Went for walk through Ainslie's woods home - had supper - sat on veranda. Art, Eileen & Mrs. Mason called. Ironed & bed - Eileen had arm in sling. Terrific headaches these days.
Jul. 15 ~ Mon. - went down town. called at store. Sid in Michigan. went to different stores about Doreen's bed. Terrific rain storm. I took refuge in Adlu's doorway. Fred picked me up. went to war saving stamp store. Show at Regent. Spent night on chesterfield.
August 1940
1940
Aug. 1 ~ Thurs. - up at 9 am. made rose box in cellar, washed blankets, walked down to market. raspberries too dear & went to store. Dad gave us back $2.00. got wallpaper & had tea there. Duke & Duchess of Windsor sailed for N.Y.
Aug. 2 ~ Fri - sent rent. Up at 11:30 am. Yno & Olive called over to tell me they have tough time at work & Olive B. got a another job - worked on cellar & papered it & it looks a mess. went over to work at noon & got stockings & socks. 2nd division soldiers arriving in England. George expected with them (th).
Aug. 3 ~ Sat. - M. hung washing out. did some general cleaning - pretty sore about ice box not being fixed. man gone on his holidays. very hot. Doreen home from Beverly's.
Aug. 4 ~ Sun. - Ironed & did general clean up. Dad came up to see if we'd bail Bill Rallib out from his second sentence. rained so Dad stayed all night. lightning storm. Dad stayed overnight, slept downstairs. Ted away racing.
Aug. 5 ~ Mon. - Holiday hire Dad. Left here for Toronto to get Agnes, Uncle Tom, Jimmy & Adelaide. arrived at 2 pm. Annesly didn't show up. went down to races. had fair day. came out even. had supper at Magestic. called at store. all had beer at Somay with Dad. Ted raced at Dunville. restarted out cellar. sleep.
Aug. 6 ~ Tues. - chatted part of day. I waited in in afternoon for refrigerator Mon. They went downtown at night. took drive around Beach & Rock Garden. took snaps.
Aug. 7 ~ Wens. - Duke of Windsor lands. stayed in for ice man & he finally called & practically burnt me up. Jim, Adelaide & Tom went to races. did fairly well. at night went to Mountain Park & danced. I did a little Jitter Bugging. Had coffee at Magestic.
Aug. 8 ~ Thurs. - called at Cappley Nagra Randals. Eileen & Art called up. Uncle Tom got drinks for them. I made preserves, played ping pong etc. bed rather late. beach in afternoon for swim. Uncle Tom didn't come. had hot dogs & pop there.
Aug. 9 ~ Fri. - went to the Capital at night. down town shopping in afternoon. Adelaide & Jimmy came with me. Fred home before us. Uncle Tom at races & did his "plunge" & last - & is quite peeved about it. went for fish & chips & chop suey.
Aug. 10 ~ Sat. - last day of races & Fred, Jimmy & Uncle Tom last. Uncle Tom sore. I washed, scrubbed & waxed. met Eileen & Art at Wondergrove. Uncle Tom too sore to go & sorer because he didn't. Left Doreen at Fred's place. got her at 1 pm.
Aug. 11 ~ Sun. - supposed to go on picnic but Eileen & Art called here & we had lunch & went on to beach. Uncle Tom too sore to come. Annessly didn't come as we expected him at night. So sat around in evening.
Aug. 12 ~ Mon. - Blitz Rrig started on Britain. Up late. Ironed & baked. Uncle Tom pulled weeds & was it hot. made the kitchen too hot. went up on Mountain for drive. had flat tire. met "Annie" & she & Uncle Tom talked "legs". home & returned to Magestic for coffee & pie.
Aug. 13 ~ Tues. - Up at 1 x. Adelaide slept through breakfast. Thunder storms so I postponed my trip down town. They all go to Eileen's for supper & after arriving later - Eileen phoned Wood Alex's. Mary & Lorne came in for evening. Blitzxrig started in England.
Aug. 14 ~ Wens. - Up late. Went downtown in afternoon and to birthday shop for Fred. Came home at 5:45 to find Amnesly had been here all the time. Went for mountain drive - Eileen & Art come up but I feel punk & go to bed. Fred & I had soup in cellar. Cooler.
Aug. 15 ~ Thrus. - Uncle Tom, Jimmy, Adelaide. Left at 9:35 am and I spent rest of day washing sheets etc. & rearranging our household. It is Fred's birthday.& we gave him a slack suit & a belt. Talked to Mary in morning & afternoon. didn't have a fussy supper. bed early.
600 planes over England.
Aug. 1 ~ Thurs. - up at 9 am. made rose box in cellar, washed blankets, walked down to market. raspberries too dear & went to store. Dad gave us back $2.00. got wallpaper & had tea there. Duke & Duchess of Windsor sailed for N.Y.
Aug. 2 ~ Fri - sent rent. Up at 11:30 am. Yno & Olive called over to tell me they have tough time at work & Olive B. got a another job - worked on cellar & papered it & it looks a mess. went over to work at noon & got stockings & socks. 2nd division soldiers arriving in England. George expected with them (th).
Aug. 3 ~ Sat. - M. hung washing out. did some general cleaning - pretty sore about ice box not being fixed. man gone on his holidays. very hot. Doreen home from Beverly's.
Aug. 4 ~ Sun. - Ironed & did general clean up. Dad came up to see if we'd bail Bill Rallib out from his second sentence. rained so Dad stayed all night. lightning storm. Dad stayed overnight, slept downstairs. Ted away racing.
Aug. 5 ~ Mon. - Holiday hire Dad. Left here for Toronto to get Agnes, Uncle Tom, Jimmy & Adelaide. arrived at 2 pm. Annesly didn't show up. went down to races. had fair day. came out even. had supper at Magestic. called at store. all had beer at Somay with Dad. Ted raced at Dunville. restarted out cellar. sleep.
Aug. 6 ~ Tues. - chatted part of day. I waited in in afternoon for refrigerator Mon. They went downtown at night. took drive around Beach & Rock Garden. took snaps.
Aug. 7 ~ Wens. - Duke of Windsor lands. stayed in for ice man & he finally called & practically burnt me up. Jim, Adelaide & Tom went to races. did fairly well. at night went to Mountain Park & danced. I did a little Jitter Bugging. Had coffee at Magestic.
Aug. 8 ~ Thurs. - called at Cappley Nagra Randals. Eileen & Art called up. Uncle Tom got drinks for them. I made preserves, played ping pong etc. bed rather late. beach in afternoon for swim. Uncle Tom didn't come. had hot dogs & pop there.
Aug. 9 ~ Fri. - went to the Capital at night. down town shopping in afternoon. Adelaide & Jimmy came with me. Fred home before us. Uncle Tom at races & did his "plunge" & last - & is quite peeved about it. went for fish & chips & chop suey.
Aug. 10 ~ Sat. - last day of races & Fred, Jimmy & Uncle Tom last. Uncle Tom sore. I washed, scrubbed & waxed. met Eileen & Art at Wondergrove. Uncle Tom too sore to go & sorer because he didn't. Left Doreen at Fred's place. got her at 1 pm.
Aug. 11 ~ Sun. - supposed to go on picnic but Eileen & Art called here & we had lunch & went on to beach. Uncle Tom too sore to come. Annessly didn't come as we expected him at night. So sat around in evening.
Aug. 12 ~ Mon. - Blitz Rrig started on Britain. Up late. Ironed & baked. Uncle Tom pulled weeds & was it hot. made the kitchen too hot. went up on Mountain for drive. had flat tire. met "Annie" & she & Uncle Tom talked "legs". home & returned to Magestic for coffee & pie.
Aug. 13 ~ Tues. - Up at 1 x. Adelaide slept through breakfast. Thunder storms so I postponed my trip down town. They all go to Eileen's for supper & after arriving later - Eileen phoned Wood Alex's. Mary & Lorne came in for evening. Blitzxrig started in England.
Aug. 14 ~ Wens. - Up late. Went downtown in afternoon and to birthday shop for Fred. Came home at 5:45 to find Amnesly had been here all the time. Went for mountain drive - Eileen & Art come up but I feel punk & go to bed. Fred & I had soup in cellar. Cooler.
Aug. 15 ~ Thrus. - Uncle Tom, Jimmy, Adelaide. Left at 9:35 am and I spent rest of day washing sheets etc. & rearranging our household. It is Fred's birthday.& we gave him a slack suit & a belt. Talked to Mary in morning & afternoon. didn't have a fussy supper. bed early.
600 planes over England.
September 1940
1940
Sept. 1 ~ Sun. - nice day. Doreen & Barbara to Sunday School. Art & Eileen called at night & drove us out to George's in Beverly Swamp, bought chickens, went to Eileen's & plucked them. had lunch. Art drove us home at 1 am. Germany torpedoed refugee ship, everyone saved, all prisoners caught to date.
Sept. 2 ~ Mon. - Labour Day & Athenian Anniversary. terrific battles over London & areas. did nothing in particular. went to Regent at night. home at 9:45. wrote rent check.
Sept. 3 ~ Tues. - First day back at school for children. nice day again. talked with Mrs. Ray on veranda a while & ended up cutting Mary & our grass. burned out "hot". Doreen to bed early.
Sept. 4 ~ Wed. - down to library in afternoon. got Anthony adxxxx Suton Crown & Haliburtons (one of). Mrs. Ray taken sick.
Sept. 5 ~ Thurs. - Dorothy Luch married. went over to Zimmerknits in morning about ad in paper & in afternoon again & was shown around by Dave. possibilities of getting in. Yno called in on her way home. she's sick. (crossed out: cut grass & Mrs. McElroy's very...) King Carol abdicates. King Michael takes throne.
Sept. 6 ~ Fri. - Yno called over at noon to tell me I was to go to work Monday. went down town to do pay day chores & called in at Stanton's & watched girls work. King Carol leaves Romania. Fred & I walked to drug store.
Sept. 7 ~ Sat. - Ted raced at Ex (Exhibition) & got 2 firsts last day of Ex. did chores & washing etc. to prepare for work Monday. Doreen to show. Went to Regent at night. Saw Northwest Passage. I went over in afternoon to see Mrs. Ray & chatted with her until Mr. Ray came home at 4:30 pm. Mayor Morrison's wife died.
Sept. 8 ~ Sun. - intense air battles exceed all others. reach London. Elaine's birthday. Bathed, ironed & bed.
Sept. 9 ~ Mon. - started work on Dressmaker bathing suits. made five first day - like work. another woman started with me - nice day. England suffers burning raids & casualties. Fires burning continually out as guides to bombers.
Sept. 10 ~ Tues. - second day of work. did 5 in 5 hours. tired in afternoon & find that's all there is, there isn't anymore. I'm told to come in in morning. very coal. Intense fierce raids in London. hundreds of casualties. Bob Gladding called at night and stayed till 12:40. timed in afternoon at work & am to be kept on but they lack orders.
Sept. 11 ~ Wens. - Furnace let for first time. in to work at 9 am. Buckingham Palace bombed. Coal. More terrific air raids in England. many hundreds killed in bombing.
Sept. 12 ~ Thurs. - went in to work at 1pm. cleaned house in morning. doing labels. finished at 4:30pm. Intense raids on London. Germany preparing for invasion. put furnace on with wood.
Sept. 13 ~ Fri. - Con Alt died. Buckingham Palace bombed for second time. Chapple (Chapel) damaged. Made preserves and peach jam in morning. In to work at 1 pm. Only worked till 3:30 (on labels). Talked to Mrs. Ray & McElroy for while before supper. Went down to Fred's place at night. Only his father there.
Sept. 14 ~ Sat. - No work at all today. England bombs Germany. Barges ready for invasion. Cool. Fred's late day. - baked - rained all afternoon. Between pours we went to see Con Alt & then to store. Dad has had rooms two weeks. Art drove us home. Mr. White called with caddy price.
Sept. 15 ~ Sun. - Art called & took us up to Barrie. poured rain. had lovely time there. Met Art's relatives. got evergreens. stayed to supper. (Irene Goodall along too). home dead tired about 12. called at store on way home. Bob Easton there. Fred tells me Kxx Haxton's xx liver cancer..
England brought down 185 planes.
Sept. 1 ~ Sun. - nice day. Doreen & Barbara to Sunday School. Art & Eileen called at night & drove us out to George's in Beverly Swamp, bought chickens, went to Eileen's & plucked them. had lunch. Art drove us home at 1 am. Germany torpedoed refugee ship, everyone saved, all prisoners caught to date.
Sept. 2 ~ Mon. - Labour Day & Athenian Anniversary. terrific battles over London & areas. did nothing in particular. went to Regent at night. home at 9:45. wrote rent check.
Sept. 3 ~ Tues. - First day back at school for children. nice day again. talked with Mrs. Ray on veranda a while & ended up cutting Mary & our grass. burned out "hot". Doreen to bed early.
Sept. 4 ~ Wed. - down to library in afternoon. got Anthony adxxxx Suton Crown & Haliburtons (one of). Mrs. Ray taken sick.
Sept. 5 ~ Thurs. - Dorothy Luch married. went over to Zimmerknits in morning about ad in paper & in afternoon again & was shown around by Dave. possibilities of getting in. Yno called in on her way home. she's sick. (crossed out: cut grass & Mrs. McElroy's very...) King Carol abdicates. King Michael takes throne.
Sept. 6 ~ Fri. - Yno called over at noon to tell me I was to go to work Monday. went down town to do pay day chores & called in at Stanton's & watched girls work. King Carol leaves Romania. Fred & I walked to drug store.
Sept. 7 ~ Sat. - Ted raced at Ex (Exhibition) & got 2 firsts last day of Ex. did chores & washing etc. to prepare for work Monday. Doreen to show. Went to Regent at night. Saw Northwest Passage. I went over in afternoon to see Mrs. Ray & chatted with her until Mr. Ray came home at 4:30 pm. Mayor Morrison's wife died.
Sept. 8 ~ Sun. - intense air battles exceed all others. reach London. Elaine's birthday. Bathed, ironed & bed.
Sept. 9 ~ Mon. - started work on Dressmaker bathing suits. made five first day - like work. another woman started with me - nice day. England suffers burning raids & casualties. Fires burning continually out as guides to bombers.
Sept. 10 ~ Tues. - second day of work. did 5 in 5 hours. tired in afternoon & find that's all there is, there isn't anymore. I'm told to come in in morning. very coal. Intense fierce raids in London. hundreds of casualties. Bob Gladding called at night and stayed till 12:40. timed in afternoon at work & am to be kept on but they lack orders.
Sept. 11 ~ Wens. - Furnace let for first time. in to work at 9 am. Buckingham Palace bombed. Coal. More terrific air raids in England. many hundreds killed in bombing.
Sept. 12 ~ Thurs. - went in to work at 1pm. cleaned house in morning. doing labels. finished at 4:30pm. Intense raids on London. Germany preparing for invasion. put furnace on with wood.
Sept. 13 ~ Fri. - Con Alt died. Buckingham Palace bombed for second time. Chapple (Chapel) damaged. Made preserves and peach jam in morning. In to work at 1 pm. Only worked till 3:30 (on labels). Talked to Mrs. Ray & McElroy for while before supper. Went down to Fred's place at night. Only his father there.
Sept. 14 ~ Sat. - No work at all today. England bombs Germany. Barges ready for invasion. Cool. Fred's late day. - baked - rained all afternoon. Between pours we went to see Con Alt & then to store. Dad has had rooms two weeks. Art drove us home. Mr. White called with caddy price.
Sept. 15 ~ Sun. - Art called & took us up to Barrie. poured rain. had lovely time there. Met Art's relatives. got evergreens. stayed to supper. (Irene Goodall along too). home dead tired about 12. called at store on way home. Bob Easton there. Fred tells me Kxx Haxton's xx liver cancer..
England brought down 185 planes.
October 1940
1940
Oct. 1 ~ Tue - In to work in morning, made Elaine's shirt in afternoon - later at 4:30 Doreen & I went downtown, looked around for material, patterns etc. beautiful day. letter from Uncle Tom.
Oct. 2 ~ Wens. - sent Elaine's shirt over with Doreen. Sod men started. Just got yard ready - steady stream of soldiers entire Hamilton all day ready for deployment. Down town got Doreen's tartan. met her at Library at 4 pm. saw soldiers all over town.
Oct 3 ~ Thurs. - In to work. tough day. worked on zig zag & strap machine. worked till 4:00. pay day & I got 16.85.
Oct. 4 ~ Fri. - no work. slept a while. Mary came in & I showed her how to make xxxx bxxx. then went downtown got meat & Doreen's jacket--home about 6. cut out Doreen's dress at night. a little more sodding done.
Oct. 5 ~ Sat. - sodding continues. worked on Doreen's dress. Home all day. sent to Carralls for groceries. Fred didn't get into work till late due to his eye. called at Playfairs in the afternoon & morning but no luck so when Art & Eileen took us truck hunting to Burnlington we dropped in at Applefords & Fred finds its Sxxxs - all bad. lunch here - late.
Oct. 6 ~ Sun. - up late. worked on finishing touches on Doreen's dress & we walked to Westinghouse. project working on leveling. Beautiful day. went through Ainsley's Woods.
Oct. 7 ~ Mon. - went in to work but only lasted till noon. (Man started on back lawn but didn't finish it--this is crossed out). Man did a little more sod laying & then left about 10 yards to be done.
Oct. 8 ~ Tue. - went down town in afternoon & while gone men called & finished our back lawn. also Ray's place. went down town with Mary McElroy & had nice time. Ada called to tell me no work till Thurs. bought more material for Doreen's dress.
Oct. 9 ~ Wens. - gave veranda a coat of paint & sanded it also. did front door. did a little washing in afternoon.
Oct. 10 ~ Thur. - went into work & worked all day. lit a small fire in furnace at night. St. Paul Cathedral dome was bombed. Also Canterbury Cathedral.
Oct. 11 ~ Fri. - gave veranda second coat. Beautiful day. went down town in afternoon at night. Fred went down to his place for Doreen & I worked on another plaid for Doreen. lit small fire in furnace for evening.
Oct. 12 ~ Sat. - washed in the morning but am off till Wens. I made Doreen's hat & blouse in afternoon. baked & cleaned up. Fred's late day. he brought home chicken 7 all the trimming. went to Regent at night.
Oct. 13 ~ Sun. - My birthday. Fred gave me a dress & choc. & Doreen red slippers. We plan to have our chicken today so I make ice cream cranberry sauce etc. for a lovely dinner. Beautiful day. Doreen went to Sunday school with Barbara. The princess spoke from England.
Oct. 14 ~ Mon. - Thanksgiving so we ate remainder of our birthday dinner but had over done it & didn't feel so good. Went down to Regent & then downtown. Every show filled. Ended up at Capital & came out in rain & home in street car.
Oct. 15 ~ Tues. - no work. card (talking) from Art & Eileen. finished up our chicken & mince pie etc. and ended up at night with Liver.
Started furnace at night & kept it going.
Oct. 1 ~ Tue - In to work in morning, made Elaine's shirt in afternoon - later at 4:30 Doreen & I went downtown, looked around for material, patterns etc. beautiful day. letter from Uncle Tom.
Oct. 2 ~ Wens. - sent Elaine's shirt over with Doreen. Sod men started. Just got yard ready - steady stream of soldiers entire Hamilton all day ready for deployment. Down town got Doreen's tartan. met her at Library at 4 pm. saw soldiers all over town.
Oct 3 ~ Thurs. - In to work. tough day. worked on zig zag & strap machine. worked till 4:00. pay day & I got 16.85.
Oct. 4 ~ Fri. - no work. slept a while. Mary came in & I showed her how to make xxxx bxxx. then went downtown got meat & Doreen's jacket--home about 6. cut out Doreen's dress at night. a little more sodding done.
Oct. 5 ~ Sat. - sodding continues. worked on Doreen's dress. Home all day. sent to Carralls for groceries. Fred didn't get into work till late due to his eye. called at Playfairs in the afternoon & morning but no luck so when Art & Eileen took us truck hunting to Burnlington we dropped in at Applefords & Fred finds its Sxxxs - all bad. lunch here - late.
Oct. 6 ~ Sun. - up late. worked on finishing touches on Doreen's dress & we walked to Westinghouse. project working on leveling. Beautiful day. went through Ainsley's Woods.
Oct. 7 ~ Mon. - went in to work but only lasted till noon. (Man started on back lawn but didn't finish it--this is crossed out). Man did a little more sod laying & then left about 10 yards to be done.
Oct. 8 ~ Tue. - went down town in afternoon & while gone men called & finished our back lawn. also Ray's place. went down town with Mary McElroy & had nice time. Ada called to tell me no work till Thurs. bought more material for Doreen's dress.
Oct. 9 ~ Wens. - gave veranda a coat of paint & sanded it also. did front door. did a little washing in afternoon.
Oct. 10 ~ Thur. - went into work & worked all day. lit a small fire in furnace at night. St. Paul Cathedral dome was bombed. Also Canterbury Cathedral.
Oct. 11 ~ Fri. - gave veranda second coat. Beautiful day. went down town in afternoon at night. Fred went down to his place for Doreen & I worked on another plaid for Doreen. lit small fire in furnace for evening.
Oct. 12 ~ Sat. - washed in the morning but am off till Wens. I made Doreen's hat & blouse in afternoon. baked & cleaned up. Fred's late day. he brought home chicken 7 all the trimming. went to Regent at night.
Oct. 13 ~ Sun. - My birthday. Fred gave me a dress & choc. & Doreen red slippers. We plan to have our chicken today so I make ice cream cranberry sauce etc. for a lovely dinner. Beautiful day. Doreen went to Sunday school with Barbara. The princess spoke from England.
Oct. 14 ~ Mon. - Thanksgiving so we ate remainder of our birthday dinner but had over done it & didn't feel so good. Went down to Regent & then downtown. Every show filled. Ended up at Capital & came out in rain & home in street car.
Oct. 15 ~ Tues. - no work. card (talking) from Art & Eileen. finished up our chicken & mince pie etc. and ended up at night with Liver.
Started furnace at night & kept it going.
November 1940
1940
Nov. 1 ~ Fri. - rainy but mild. went over for my pay, got $6.20. went downtown & back with st. car. bought new hat & wore it home despite rain. Canada loses more ships - Greeks holding out against Italy.
Nov. 2 ~ Sat. - Fred takes Jimmy's late day. Doreen to Regent in afternoon with Barbara. we all walked down town. last paid for Fred's coat & went through stores & went down to see Dad awhile. came home via st. cars. turned coal at night. all bathed before we went out.
Nov. 3 ~ Sun. - Super lovely day. put window in car. Britain admits landing troops at Greek Island Crete. start to feel a cold coming on in evening. Listened in on Wilkie Company for presidency.
Nov. 4 ~ Mon. - Super-duper-lovely day but I spent it in bed with a bad head. get up late in afternoon. listened to Campaign Speeches at night & Lux Theatre. bed late. ordered storm windows. Frank Pearce's Father died.
Nov. 5 ~ Tues. - mild but - wet. don't feel so good. Election day in U.S. very keen voting. Wilkie one minute, Roosevelt the next. still under the weather. Mrs. Ray called over to see me. Listened to Election Results at night. Johnny (Silvie) wrestling at pool while we ate veal sandwiches.
Nov. 6 ~ Wens. - Roosevelt re-elected. turned quite cold. still don't feel so hot but resuscitated myself & cleaned the house up. Greeks still driving the Italians back in Albania. Mrs. McElroy called over with maternity dress to make.
Nov. 7 ~ Thurs. - 2 men drifting in Atlantic 77 days land in Bermuda. Refrigerator quit. spent most of day in bed. got up only to get meals. Germany says she sank whale convoy. King & Queen visit Chamberlain who is seriously ill. got up in evening to listen to program. Fred got bonus at work.
Nov. 8 ~ Fri. - new refrigerator belt. called Mary over & cut out her dress & it doesn't seem to fit very stream line. sewed dress in afternoon. Hitler was to speak on radio but it was cancelled due to his beer hall getting bombed. ?
Nov. 9 ~ Sat. - refrigerator vibrating violently. tried Mary's dress on again, & it still looks rough. Doreen to Regent in afternoon. Fred & I have afternoon tea etc. All to Regent at night. Chamberlain sinking. Ireland getting tough with England & is acting suspicious. Tower of London hit. Chamberlain died.
Nov. 10 ~ Sun. - terrific earthquake in Romania. up extra late. raining all day but mild. Neck stiffening up. Washed hair at night. Doreen bathed in afternoon.
Nov. 11 ~ Mon. - rained all day. terrific winds. wrote to Adelaide. Uncle Tom. Westinghouse. Doreen off school. Went to Regent at night to see Waterloo Bridge. winds reach new high. seems they are sweeping entire continent. Fred cut finger.
Nov. 12 ~ Tues. - Winds still high. bright out. worked on Mary's dress in pleat style this time. Molatoff. Russian envoy & Hitler meet to talk over more invasions. many boats & casualties lost in U.S. & Canada due to gales. got heart pain at night & longest yet. 20 min. Fred went out to call playfair but no luck.
Nov. 13 ~ Wens. - Gales subdued and all is quiet. Molatoff & Hitler still in conference. Must be cooking up something. Good???? Raids still going on. Went down town via st. car & waited to see Gene Autry then went over to Connaught to see Carmen atixs. Spoke to Ally Jackson. Walked home. Letter from Sis.
Nov. 14 ~ Thurs. - wrote Sis in morning. Laundry came. Hung it out. World agog with heroic news of (Cpt. Fergus) Yervis Bay of the sacrifice it made in attacking enemy & letting convoy escape. Slept in afternoon. Coventry bombed. 1000 dead. Taranta & most of Italy's naval force gone.
Nov. 15 ~ Fri. - Ironed in morning. down town in afternoon & it's pay day. real snow storm. very heavy. called at Library. visit Jean Sibey. came home in St. car due to load of groceries & deep snow. Mr. & Mrs. Kincade came to look house over. George Sturgess married tonight.
Nov. 1 ~ Fri. - rainy but mild. went over for my pay, got $6.20. went downtown & back with st. car. bought new hat & wore it home despite rain. Canada loses more ships - Greeks holding out against Italy.
Nov. 2 ~ Sat. - Fred takes Jimmy's late day. Doreen to Regent in afternoon with Barbara. we all walked down town. last paid for Fred's coat & went through stores & went down to see Dad awhile. came home via st. cars. turned coal at night. all bathed before we went out.
Nov. 3 ~ Sun. - Super lovely day. put window in car. Britain admits landing troops at Greek Island Crete. start to feel a cold coming on in evening. Listened in on Wilkie Company for presidency.
Nov. 4 ~ Mon. - Super-duper-lovely day but I spent it in bed with a bad head. get up late in afternoon. listened to Campaign Speeches at night & Lux Theatre. bed late. ordered storm windows. Frank Pearce's Father died.
Nov. 5 ~ Tues. - mild but - wet. don't feel so good. Election day in U.S. very keen voting. Wilkie one minute, Roosevelt the next. still under the weather. Mrs. Ray called over to see me. Listened to Election Results at night. Johnny (Silvie) wrestling at pool while we ate veal sandwiches.
Nov. 6 ~ Wens. - Roosevelt re-elected. turned quite cold. still don't feel so hot but resuscitated myself & cleaned the house up. Greeks still driving the Italians back in Albania. Mrs. McElroy called over with maternity dress to make.
Nov. 7 ~ Thurs. - 2 men drifting in Atlantic 77 days land in Bermuda. Refrigerator quit. spent most of day in bed. got up only to get meals. Germany says she sank whale convoy. King & Queen visit Chamberlain who is seriously ill. got up in evening to listen to program. Fred got bonus at work.
Nov. 8 ~ Fri. - new refrigerator belt. called Mary over & cut out her dress & it doesn't seem to fit very stream line. sewed dress in afternoon. Hitler was to speak on radio but it was cancelled due to his beer hall getting bombed. ?
Nov. 9 ~ Sat. - refrigerator vibrating violently. tried Mary's dress on again, & it still looks rough. Doreen to Regent in afternoon. Fred & I have afternoon tea etc. All to Regent at night. Chamberlain sinking. Ireland getting tough with England & is acting suspicious. Tower of London hit. Chamberlain died.
Nov. 10 ~ Sun. - terrific earthquake in Romania. up extra late. raining all day but mild. Neck stiffening up. Washed hair at night. Doreen bathed in afternoon.
Nov. 11 ~ Mon. - rained all day. terrific winds. wrote to Adelaide. Uncle Tom. Westinghouse. Doreen off school. Went to Regent at night to see Waterloo Bridge. winds reach new high. seems they are sweeping entire continent. Fred cut finger.
Nov. 12 ~ Tues. - Winds still high. bright out. worked on Mary's dress in pleat style this time. Molatoff. Russian envoy & Hitler meet to talk over more invasions. many boats & casualties lost in U.S. & Canada due to gales. got heart pain at night & longest yet. 20 min. Fred went out to call playfair but no luck.
Nov. 13 ~ Wens. - Gales subdued and all is quiet. Molatoff & Hitler still in conference. Must be cooking up something. Good???? Raids still going on. Went down town via st. car & waited to see Gene Autry then went over to Connaught to see Carmen atixs. Spoke to Ally Jackson. Walked home. Letter from Sis.
Nov. 14 ~ Thurs. - wrote Sis in morning. Laundry came. Hung it out. World agog with heroic news of (Cpt. Fergus) Yervis Bay of the sacrifice it made in attacking enemy & letting convoy escape. Slept in afternoon. Coventry bombed. 1000 dead. Taranta & most of Italy's naval force gone.
Nov. 15 ~ Fri. - Ironed in morning. down town in afternoon & it's pay day. real snow storm. very heavy. called at Library. visit Jean Sibey. came home in St. car due to load of groceries & deep snow. Mr. & Mrs. Kincade came to look house over. George Sturgess married tonight.
December 1940
1940
Dec. 1 ~ Sun. - Bob Easson called about 2 pm. took Fred out to Turkey Run & returned half frozen . we had tea then all went out to Host Gibson's for turkey dinner as guests of the club - a lovely evening & Bob brought us home about 12:30. Art not there. trouble seems brewing in the Mason household.
Dec. 2 ~ Mon. - Very cold. more snow & shanty town has started down Stanley Ave. baked our X-mas cake. the first one. I am doubtful but hopeful it will be good. all bathed & to bed early. Election day but no great activity.
Dec. 3 ~ Tues. - Doreen not well so she goes to bed at noon. very cold out. heavy taxes put on all U-S goods 25% which will make things bad for some things at Christmas especially. Doreen's temperature higher at night. Greeks take Porto Elda & still going strong. Knox church burnt down.
Dec. 4 ~ Wens. - very cold. can't seem to warm place. broke the thermometer so no more temperatures. washed living room rug in afternoon & it looks much brighter. Doreen still in bed. Beverly called to see her late in afternoon.
Dec. 5 ~ Thurs. - more snow but not so cold today. Doreen got up at noon for a while. I walked up to store for a few days meat supply. broke thermometer.
Dec. 6 ~ Fri. - Doreen back to school. went down town in afternoon. got Barbara's present. heavy buying down town. plenty of snow around. Greeks still gaining.
Dec. 7 ~ Sat. - Nice day. Doreen took birthday present down to Fred's mother. Fred's late day & he worked till 5 & he got home at 5:20. went to Regent at night. nice night. Chevrolet Salis fire. Greeks take new town.
Dec. 8 ~ Sun. - up late as usual. Doreen to Sunday School. Made Doreen blue mitts & parka. all bathed. heard two Atlantic survivors & Duke Windsor on Ripley program.
Dec. 9 ~ Mon. - nice day. washed hair. went down town. did rounds of refrigerator stores & find price has jumped & sales men are indifferent due to government tax etc. Doreen has fever yet as nurse checked her.
Dec. 10 ~ Tues. - The Duke & Duchess of Windsor enter the USA. A salesman called about refrig. offered $60 for ours. went down town in afternoon after short nap. got Xmas wrapping. Doreen taken with croup. called Dr. Webster. he shocks us talking us appendicitis & he may have to operate but leaves things till next day.
Dec. 11 ~ Wens. - Doreen's pains gone but inflammation still there. She's about stained waiting for Dr. he still agrees to let it go. made flashie cake in afternoon. Doreen on diet. English capture Sidi Barano & Lovoo / Italiois. debating new frig.
Dec. 12 ~ Thurs. - Doreen up & around sparingly. letter from Auntie Lin thru Uncle Tom & delighted to find snaps. Lord Lothian, British Ambassador to Washington. Fred goes down town to get fitted for suit. wrote Liz/Min & X-mas cards.
Dec. 13 ~ Fri. - Cold. Doreen up all day. Greeks still rushing. Italian in Albania & the British capture 20,000 Italians & gain more territory in Egypt. Wrote Bet & London Life - also May Evans.
Dec. 14 ~ Sat. - Colder. Doreen & Fred go down town to do their shopping & neither one did anything. Posted my letters & cards. Ordered groceries & meat when through stores & home via st. car & had late supper. Merchant Prince missing.
Dec. 15 ~ Sun. - News that most persons on Merchant Prince saved (Hawe & Party of Canadian Munitions on board). New gains for English Fxxks. Doreen to Sunday school.
Dec. 1 ~ Sun. - Bob Easson called about 2 pm. took Fred out to Turkey Run & returned half frozen . we had tea then all went out to Host Gibson's for turkey dinner as guests of the club - a lovely evening & Bob brought us home about 12:30. Art not there. trouble seems brewing in the Mason household.
Dec. 2 ~ Mon. - Very cold. more snow & shanty town has started down Stanley Ave. baked our X-mas cake. the first one. I am doubtful but hopeful it will be good. all bathed & to bed early. Election day but no great activity.
Dec. 3 ~ Tues. - Doreen not well so she goes to bed at noon. very cold out. heavy taxes put on all U-S goods 25% which will make things bad for some things at Christmas especially. Doreen's temperature higher at night. Greeks take Porto Elda & still going strong. Knox church burnt down.
Dec. 4 ~ Wens. - very cold. can't seem to warm place. broke the thermometer so no more temperatures. washed living room rug in afternoon & it looks much brighter. Doreen still in bed. Beverly called to see her late in afternoon.
Dec. 5 ~ Thurs. - more snow but not so cold today. Doreen got up at noon for a while. I walked up to store for a few days meat supply. broke thermometer.
Dec. 6 ~ Fri. - Doreen back to school. went down town in afternoon. got Barbara's present. heavy buying down town. plenty of snow around. Greeks still gaining.
Dec. 7 ~ Sat. - Nice day. Doreen took birthday present down to Fred's mother. Fred's late day & he worked till 5 & he got home at 5:20. went to Regent at night. nice night. Chevrolet Salis fire. Greeks take new town.
Dec. 8 ~ Sun. - up late as usual. Doreen to Sunday School. Made Doreen blue mitts & parka. all bathed. heard two Atlantic survivors & Duke Windsor on Ripley program.
Dec. 9 ~ Mon. - nice day. washed hair. went down town. did rounds of refrigerator stores & find price has jumped & sales men are indifferent due to government tax etc. Doreen has fever yet as nurse checked her.
Dec. 10 ~ Tues. - The Duke & Duchess of Windsor enter the USA. A salesman called about refrig. offered $60 for ours. went down town in afternoon after short nap. got Xmas wrapping. Doreen taken with croup. called Dr. Webster. he shocks us talking us appendicitis & he may have to operate but leaves things till next day.
Dec. 11 ~ Wens. - Doreen's pains gone but inflammation still there. She's about stained waiting for Dr. he still agrees to let it go. made flashie cake in afternoon. Doreen on diet. English capture Sidi Barano & Lovoo / Italiois. debating new frig.
Dec. 12 ~ Thurs. - Doreen up & around sparingly. letter from Auntie Lin thru Uncle Tom & delighted to find snaps. Lord Lothian, British Ambassador to Washington. Fred goes down town to get fitted for suit. wrote Liz/Min & X-mas cards.
Dec. 13 ~ Fri. - Cold. Doreen up all day. Greeks still rushing. Italian in Albania & the British capture 20,000 Italians & gain more territory in Egypt. Wrote Bet & London Life - also May Evans.
Dec. 14 ~ Sat. - Colder. Doreen & Fred go down town to do their shopping & neither one did anything. Posted my letters & cards. Ordered groceries & meat when through stores & home via st. car & had late supper. Merchant Prince missing.
Dec. 15 ~ Sun. - News that most persons on Merchant Prince saved (Hawe & Party of Canadian Munitions on board). New gains for English Fxxks. Doreen to Sunday school.
Diary 1940 in the news
- The Rum Diary
- Based on the novel by gonzo journalist Hunter S. Thompson, The Rum Diary follows journalist Paul Kemp (Johnny Depp) on an alcohol-fueled journey across the pristine island of Puerto Rico. Adopting the rum-soaked life of the island, Paul soon becomes ...
- That Dog From Red Dog awarded
- The Executive Council of Australian Jewry had sought to stop DVD sales and promotion of the British-made drama following its screening late last year, likening it to the 1940 Nazi propaganda film Jud Suss. But the council's complaints were dismissed by ...
- Castle Recap: Season 4 Episode 14 'The Blue Butterfly' 2/6/12
- Rick found a diary that belonged to Stan from the 1940?s and he wonders why Stan had the diary. Rick asks Kate if he can take the diary home with him tonight. At his desk, Rick starts reading the diary again from June 18, 1947.
- Kiwi troops disobeyed war orders
- He had arrived in Egypt in September 1940. He was included in the first furlough draft of soldiers brought home for a break after the Germans had been defeated in North Africa in June 1943. Nicholson's diary speaks of the excitement among the men when ...
Pictures of my hometown, on Flickr
Hamilton On, Canada
City of Waterfalls, Steeltown (pic by Hot Meteor)
curated content from Flickr
Residents, speak out!
I am absolutely fascinated by our varied architecture...we have walking tours and I want to join...new buildings are not as nice and do not last. Some of it is alright, and I know it's horrendously expensive for upkeep to safety standards, and the city doesn't have unlimited funds. Preserve the old! Love and education, new ideas, resourcefulness. So much has changed, and we can't get it back. An amazing mix in structure...to see more: Historical Hamilton
What to do with our amazing architecture?
Fetching blurbs now... please stand byMake way for the new
Papier says:
Such simple entries of family life linked by devastating world situation. This is priceless.
Posted August 10, 2011
cathyfletcher says:
Okay, the thought of a new vision for the waterfront is intriguing as well, & it would be a mix of the old & new.
Stelco-free Steeltown?
Posted June 24, 2009
Preserve the old
cathyfletcher says:
Thanks, Dan, I know I responded to you via email, but thought I would say "thanks" here as well. I made some changes, & appreciate the feedback!
Posted June 24, 2009
DanBrawn says:
Possibly link together with Bed and Breakfast offering discounts on tours when staying at B & B's, Looks like a great place to visit, getting listed in B & B's directories too.
Posted May 25, 2009
Reader Feedback
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Jim_BoB
Oct 30, 2009 @ 10:12 am | delete
- Great History. Thanks for including so much of your self.
JIm
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cathyfletcher
Oct 10, 2009 @ 12:34 am | in reply to SamanthaGardner | delete
- There's a movement Baby Boomers returning to their hometowns...the escarpment is part of my DNA! Thanks for your comment :)
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cathyfletcher
Oct 10, 2009 @ 12:28 am | in reply to pronetguy | delete
- Wow, Howie, what were you doing here? I was just on Chris Ecklund's blog (leading the branding of our city as Waterfall Capital of the World), he let go on Facebook just now that a song called "Canadian Heroes" is going to be released on Nov 11, Remembrance Day...the best of the best Hamilton talent just got out of the studio this morning :)
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pronetguy
Oct 9, 2009 @ 7:15 am | delete
- Thanks for the article Cathy. Interesting idea to give us the diary to read. I've actually been to Hamilton - spent a little time there about 10 years ago. Definitely a lot of history in the area. - Howie Rosenberg
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Oct 9, 2009 @ 6:04 am | delete
- Very interesting lens. Sometimes we forget that we all do come from somewhere. RBMP
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cathyfletcher
Aug 5, 2009 @ 1:34 pm | in reply to DanBrawn | delete
- Thanks, Dan, & your welcome...one of the places up for debate is called "the Lister block" (downtown) which is this really dark brown brick with white ornate trim. Stands out because most of the brick is red.
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DanBrawn
May 25, 2009 @ 1:49 am | delete
- thanks for your lens it's good history still lives in places.
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I wanted to publish on-going installments of my Nana's diary from 1940...I hope you like it!
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