Text
Velma’s Diaries - 1933
1933
Village View Farm, Varney, Ontario
Blyth(e) family home
Sarah (Ritchie) and Wilbert Blyth(e) – Mother and Dad
Velma (Blythe) Grant’s Diary - 1933
1
DAY
Friday
MONTH
September 1
Saturday
September 2
Sunday
September 3
Monday
September 4
Tuesday
September 5
Wednesday
September 6
COMMENT
Baked for Sunday. Went to Anna’s in afternoon & to the
Tennis Club dance at night.
Went to Owen Sound with Mother & Elgin. Got a new pair of
shoes, decorated the church at night.
Alie Sim spoke at the Anniversary services, was real good.
Ruby & her boyfriend were down for dinner, just back from
California. Went to church & for ride at night.
Was busy all day preparing for supper & play in Hall. Went
to dance at Boothville after.
Started to school. Came home with Alma Kress at noon as
we were threshing. Went out to Anna’s at night to get
books.
Started to school, great disappointment, couldn’t take
U.S.Fr. Went to Teacher Training at night, was made
secretary.
Knox United Church, Durham
Velma (Blythe) Grant’s Diary - 1933
2
Thursday
September 7
Friday
September 8
Saturday
September 9
Sunday
September 10
Monday
September 11
Tuesday
September 12
Wednesday
September 13
Thursday
September 14
Velma (Blythe) Grant’s Diary - 1933
Winnie had institute. Aunt Lillie was up. Went to ball game
at night, walked home with Allan MacL.
Winnie decided to go to Nova Scotia on Saturday. Went to
dance at Ayton with Schenk’s. Had a swell time.
Got up abut 8 & baked. Had a sleep in aft. & then went to
town at night.
Uncle Irving was here, read the “Gold Shoe”. Anna came
down in aft. & went to Anniversary at night with Wallace &
James.
Started staying at Aunt Eva’s as Winnie was away. Stayed
home at night & went to bed early.
Very cold. Had to wear coats in school. Went to Teacher
Training at night.
Durham Fall Fair. We got a holiday so I went to fair with
Berniece & Elizabeth. Went down to Ries’ at night for
awhile.
Just a usual school day. Aunt Eva & I went over to Sally’s in
evening.
3
Sally and Vic Blythe
Sally Hope’s and Vic Blythe’s wedding 1932
Ruby on left, children are Jean Lauder and Lorne Blythe
Velma (Blythe) Grant’s Diary - 1933
4
Friday
September 15
Saturday
September 16
Sunday
September 17
Monday
September 18
Tuesday
September 19
Wednesday
September 20
Thursday
September 21
Friday
September 22
Saturday
September 23
Sunday
September 24
Monday
September 25
Tuesday
September 26
Wednesday
September 27
Thursday
September 28
Friday
September 29
Saturday
September 30
Sunday
October 1
Monday
October 2
Tuesday
October 3
Wednesday
October 4
Thursday
October 5
Velma (Blythe) Grant’s Diary - 1933
It is Fri. so came home at night. Dance at Rav (Rahn de
Voo) but did not go. Went to bed early.
Busy in morning. Went to Sunday S. Picnic at Knox in aft. &
to a corn roast at Bogle’s at night. New teacher was here.
Got up about 10:30, helped Lorne with writing for School
Fair, went to Church and S.S. & up to town at night with
Elgin.
Rained all day. Lorne got 3rd prize for writing at school fair.
Went to Mission Circle at Mrs. Alder’s at night. Had swell
eats & I ate too much.
Wasn’t feeling well all day – went to hospital & then up to
Hodge’s at night. Saw all their house & had more to eat.
Wasn’t feeling very well, but however, I went to Teacher
Training Class, & then to wiener roast at Allan Morrison’s
cottage.
Rained again, a dreary day. Went to Hanover after 4 with U.
Cameron. Stayed home at night & did homework & wrote a
letter.
After school I got a present for Charlotte Patterson & came
home. Went to Young People’s at night.
Was busy in morning. Mother & I went to Charlotte
Patterson’s shower in aft. Jean Allan’s were over at night.
Finished reading book. Went to Church Sunday School.
Anna & I were out with Orville & Freddie & Arnett at night.
School again! Went down to Berniece’s at night & made
candy & played bridge.
Had a busy day. Aunt Eva went to lodge. I stayed home
and did a lot of homework.
Went to Teacher Training at night. Anna came up to help
me with Trig., but after working an hr. on 1 question, we
gave up.
Rained. It has been wet all week. Went over to see Sally &
Mrs. Hope after 4. Went up to Library at night to get Sally a
book but it was closed.
Holstein Fall Fair & Mother’s birthday. Went to play “Apple
Blossom Time” in Holstein with the family & Anna. Stayed
for dance after & came home with Earl Hunt. Had a good
time.
The day after the night before, slept all afternoon. Went up
town at night.
Church & Sunday School as usual. Came up town at night
with Elgin & went to bed early.
Went to Young People’s. Reorganized, decided to have a
membership drive.
Worked hard to try & have homework done as went to
Charlotte Patterson’s reception. Some time – didn’t get
home till 3.
Rained. Had to go at 8:30. Sure was hard to get up. Went
to Teacher Training, decided to have a banquet for Dr. Mc.
Berniece & I went to Anglican Bridge. Peter Ramage & Miss
Scarf got the prize.
5
Friday
October 6
Saturday
October 7
Sunday
October 8
Monday
October 9
Tuesday
October 10
Wednesday
October 11
Thursday
October 12
Friday
October 13
Saturday
Sunday
October 14
October 15
Monday
October 16
Tuesday
October 17
Wednesday
October 18
Thursday
October 19
Friday
October 20
Saturday
October 21
Sunday
October 22
Monday
Tuesday
October 23
October 24
Wednesday
October 25
Thursday
October 26
Friday
October 27
Velma (Blythe) Grant’s Diary - 1933
Went home with Uncle Cameron. Winnie & Ruby came
home & were at our place for supper. Went to Leeson’s at
night with Marj.
Worked hard. Mother was trying to get my suit finished.
Washed my hair & went up town at night.
Thanksgiving Day. Went to church. Mr. Maut ( from Drew)
spoke. All of us went up to Winnie’s for supper.
Had Thanksgiving dinner art Aunt Eva’s. Elgin got a duck at
shooting match. Went to dance at nite with Allan. Had a
very good time.
Everyone was sleepy at school. Mission Circle – Norma
was away so I was president.
A nice day. Teacher Training at nite & Anna & Eliz. & Barb
came down. Did some trig. questions & then played bridge.
Winnie was up to Owen S.
Took the day off to go to Plowing Match at Owen Sound.
Was terrible cold. Went to play “Turning the Tricks “ with
Woodburn & Schenk – best ever seen.
Finished all my homework. George Schenk asked me to go
to a dance in Ayton but didn’t go.
Mother made my blouse. Stayed home at night.
Had a duck dinner for Rev. & Mrs. Mather from Caledon.
Went to bed early as Wil. Ross was here to see Winnie.
Lovely in morning but rained all aft. Winnie went to Zion.
Went to bed early & read “Game & the Candle(?)” by
Hocking.
Martin Lauder got 5yrs. Saw a bear after 4. Mother & Aunt
Lillie & Sally & Vic were here for supper.
Went to show in Hanover, “Voltaire” with Jean Webster. It
was great – think I will always remember Fr. Rev.
An ordinary day. We went up to see Uncle John after 4. It
rained so I went to bed early.
A swell day. Winnie, Anna & I went to dance in Holstein.
Dorothy Foster’s orchestra – had a swell time. Wil. Ross
brought us home.
Didn’t get up till late. Winnie stayed all day. Vic & Sally
were down for supper.
An inspiring day. Dr. Mc. spoke to Teacher Training class at
both services. He was wonderful, speaking of the
challenges of youth. Had a social hour after. Zion was there
also.
Went up to Library with Winnie.
The day of “Rebecca’s Birthday Party”, had a good time,
came home with Freddie Arnett – no key, went back & got
ride home with Bill Firth.
Tired. Got nearly all homework finished in school. Went
over to Sally’s for dinner at night. Mother was there.
A Community Party. I stayed up at Eva’s all night. Read
“Coming Thru the Rye”, a great book.
Snowed & very cold. Our Young People had a Halloween
Social.
6
Saturday
October 28
Sunday
October 29
Monday
October 30
Tuesday
October 31
Wednesday
November 1
Thursday
November 2
Friday
November 3
Saturday
November 4
Sunday
November 5
Monday
November 6
Tuesday
Wednesday
November 7
November 8
Thursday
November 9
Friday
November 10
Saturday
Sunday
November 11
November 12
Monday
November 13
Tuesday
Wednesday
November 14
November 15
Thursday
November 16
Friday
November 17
Saturday
November 18
Sunday
November 19
Monday
November 20
Tuesday
November 21
Velma (Blythe) Grant’s Diary - 1933
Reg Fowler called into our place on way up north. I wasn’t
up ha! Went in to town at night & played bridge at B.
Much warmer. Studied Algebra. Went to Sunday School &
came up to Winnie’s at night. D. Bogle was over for supper.
A lovely warm day. Had our Algebra exam. Wasn’t hard but
made foolish mistakes.
Halloween. Winnie & I stayed home & watched door. Put
furniture of veranda up on garage roof.
Had Physics exam. Had Teacher Training class. Alma took
us for a ride after.
Another gorgeous day. Indian summer. Got 62 in Algebra.
Studied Modern History at night.
Mod. History exam. Winnie came down to our place – the
Fowl Supper in Knox Church.
Reg Fowler called in on his way home from north & left us 2
wild ducks – played cards for awhile at night.
Uncle Irving came up for Aunt Lillie. I went to church twice –
to Durham at night.
I got highest mark in Hist. & 57 in Physics which was a great
surprise. Heard Rev. Howard speak on conditions in west.
Very inspiring.
Young People’s. We had a social & a very good time.
The inspector called at school. Mother was up fixing overcoat. Teacher Training at night.
Winnie, Barbara, Anna & I went to a dance at Holstein at
night. Had a swell time - & never missed a dance.
Had Trig. Exam – got 64. Had a terrible cold. Winnie took
me home at night & I went to bed early.
Was in bed nearly all day with the cold.
Studied for Lat. Auth. exam. Went to church in afternoon,
snowed a lot at night.
Cold & snowy. Had our Latin exam, was terrible hard.
Winnie & I went over to Sally’s at night to play bridge.
Mission Circle at Rudd’s. Came home & read a book.
The coldest Nov. 15 since 1840. Went to Teacher Training
class & then to Red Cross dance – came home with Allan.
Another cold, snowy day. Stayed home & studied at night
for Latin exam on Monday.
Went home with Mother & Dad. Went to Young People’s &
a meeting of New Canada Movement in Hall.
Baked in morning. Went down to store in aft. & to
Robinson’s at night.
Studied in morning. Went to church in aft. & at night. Mr.
Smith spoke on “Oxford Movement Sharing”.
Got 53 in Lat. which was a great shock as I was sure I failed.
Tried my last exam. Winnie went to Auxiliary. Charlie
Fursman called around for Winnie.
Went to Young People’s. We had a great discussion on
Poverty & Wealth.
7
Wednesday
November 22
Thursday
November 23
Friday
November 24
Saturday
November 25
Sunday
November 26
Monday
November 27
Tuesday
November 28
Wednesday
November 29
Thursday
November 30
Friday
December 1
Saturday
December 2
Sunday
December 3
Monday
December 4
Tuesday
December 5
Wednesday
December 6
Thursday
December 7
Friday
December 8
Saturday
December 9
Velma (Blythe) Grant’s Diary - 1933
Got all homework done in school. Got off last period.
Winnie had bunch over from Hanover.
A lovely day but terrible ice. Listened to Rudy Vallee. Went
to bed early.
Winnie, Barbara, Anna & I went to Holstein dance with
Arthur. Had a terrible time getting there ha! But some time
after getting there.
Didn’t get up very early, baked a cake. Uncle Will & Winnie
were down at night. We played bridge.
Went to church in aft. Read a book. Miss Cook was over for
supper. Mr. Smith spoke on “atheism” – wonderful sermon.
A cold snowy day. Winnie went up to church at night. I
stayed home & went to bed early.
Negroes were here to put on concert. We had 2 of them,
Dan Davie & Jimmie Stokes for supper & all night. They
were great. Concert was wonderful.
Poured rain all day. Terrible slippery. Losing all snow. We
wrote the assignment questions at Teacher Training.
Nothing much doing. Listened to Rudy Vallee & went to bed
early.
The big night event to Hanover to Speers Hall. Had swell
time. Woodburn & Jasper & Anna & I sure enjoyed it. The
same bunch as we had over here.
Ruby came home. Ed Millon was here. She had an
accident coming home at Mt. Forest. Knocked down 2 gas
tanks. Woodburn & I went to Hanover to dance with Ruby &
Ed. Ran out of gas coming home – some time.
Didn’t go home this weekend. Managed to get up & go to
church. Laid down all aft. Went to church at night. Mr.
Smith spoke on “Is God a person”. Good. Went to bed as
soon as came home.
Had a terrible headache. Did a lot of homework & worked at
assignment questions.
Winnie went to IODE. Did a lot more homework and worked
at questions. Fixed clothes. Aunt Lillie is very sick.
Colder to-day. Went to Teacher Training & then over to
Sally’s for a game of bridge. She is leaving for Toronto
tomorrow.
Winnie, Eva, Mother& Dad went to Hamilton to-day to see
Aunt Lillie who is very sick. I went up to Aunt Eva’s & helped
kids get dinner & supper.
Real cold. Winnie & I took our car & went to dance in
Holstein. Had great time, had lunch & went home with Bob
Christie. A terrible crowd. Woodburn was there & Earl Hunt.
Winnie stayed at our place. I went down to church in aft. to
help practice. Elgin brought us up town at night. Berniece &
I went to library.
8
Sunday
December 10
Monday
December 11
Tuesday
December 12
Wednesday
December 13
Thursday
December 14
Friday
December 15
Saturday
December 16
Sunday
December 17
Monday
December 18
Tuesday
December 19
Wednesday
December 20
Thursday
December 21
Friday
December 22
Saturday
December 23
Sunday
December 24
Monday
December 25
Tuesday
December 26
Wednesday
December 27
Thursday
December 28
Friday
December 29
Velma (Blythe) Grant’s Diary - 1933
Got up & went to church & then out to Anna’s for dinner &
supper. Mr. Smith spoke on “What God is Like” & was good
as usual. Wibb was up, so I stayed up & talked for awhile.
A terrible windy, snowy cold day. Wibb & Bob Christie were
coming up for a good dinner but phoned & said they couldn’t
come. I addressed Xmas cards.
Still cold. Mission Circle, I was made President. Went up to
? after for awhile.
Tried our final Teacher Training exams, weren’t extra hard –
subject - Message of Jesus for life of to-day.
A nice day but cold. Wibb Ross & Bob Christie were up for
goose dinner, played bridge, had a swell time.
A terrible day, roads were icy. I came home with Uncle Cam
& we were sliding all over. Went to bed early.
Santa Claus Day. The family went up to town but I stayed
home & finished the work & read the book “20 dollars a
week”.
Went to church at Varney & to Durham church at night. Mr.
Smith spoke on “Is God law or love?”.
Everyone is busy practicing for commencement. Winnie & I
went to Young People’s & took part. Had a real discussion
on Xmas.
Winnie & I went to the Sunday School Concert. It was real
interesting to hear the kids.
Addressed some Xmas cards, did homework & then went up
to library.
The day of our commencement. We just had school in the
morning. I went to Toronto with Winnie & Vic in aft. We
stayed at Lee’s apart.
Lee & Ruby had to go to school so W. & I went to shop – did
very well for greenhorns. I got a new coat, a real bargain.
Went to Ruby’s concert in aft.
Started home. Called in at Hope’s. Roads were terrible &
we had a flat tire on road. Didn’t get home until 5:30.
Christmas Sunday. Read a book in morning, went to church
in aft. Marjorie was up & we went up town & then came
home & had lunch.
We had Xmas at our place. I got some nice things. Had our
Xmas concert in church at night, had big crowd – Helen
Socket was there. We went for a ride after.
Went down to clean church in morning & to Durham in aft. I
went to Tennis Club Dance with Allan – terrible cold.
Orchestra couldn’t get there.
Didn’t get up till 11, a terrible cold, blowing day. Elgin came
up for me at noon. I washed my things out in aft.
Elgin & I had a party – had a good time – danced & played
games. D. Bogle got nose frozen on way over.
The night of dance in Holstein but roads were blocked &
terrible cold – read & went to bed early.
9
Saturday
December 30
Sunday
December 31
Baked & read in aft. Went down to store for walk at night.
Got a Xmas present from Bob.
Ruby, Ed Milton & Winnie were down for chicken dinner at
night. Went to church. Wrote a letter to Bob thanking him
for the bag full of bath salts ha! Read till it was sort of late.
The end of another year.
For more information on Velma Irene Blythe, check out the “Meet the Diarists” section
under “Discover” on our website: ruraldiaries.uoguelph.ca.
Velma (Blythe) Grant’s Diary - 1933
10
1933
Village View Farm, Varney, Ontario
Blyth(e) family home
Sarah (Ritchie) and Wilbert Blyth(e) – Mother and Dad
Velma (Blythe) Grant’s Diary - 1933
1
DAY
Friday
MONTH
September 1
Saturday
September 2
Sunday
September 3
Monday
September 4
Tuesday
September 5
Wednesday
September 6
COMMENT
Baked for Sunday. Went to Anna’s in afternoon & to the
Tennis Club dance at night.
Went to Owen Sound with Mother & Elgin. Got a new pair of
shoes, decorated the church at night.
Alie Sim spoke at the Anniversary services, was real good.
Ruby & her boyfriend were down for dinner, just back from
California. Went to church & for ride at night.
Was busy all day preparing for supper & play in Hall. Went
to dance at Boothville after.
Started to school. Came home with Alma Kress at noon as
we were threshing. Went out to Anna’s at night to get
books.
Started to school, great disappointment, couldn’t take
U.S.Fr. Went to Teacher Training at night, was made
secretary.
Knox United Church, Durham
Velma (Blythe) Grant’s Diary - 1933
2
Thursday
September 7
Friday
September 8
Saturday
September 9
Sunday
September 10
Monday
September 11
Tuesday
September 12
Wednesday
September 13
Thursday
September 14
Velma (Blythe) Grant’s Diary - 1933
Winnie had institute. Aunt Lillie was up. Went to ball game
at night, walked home with Allan MacL.
Winnie decided to go to Nova Scotia on Saturday. Went to
dance at Ayton with Schenk’s. Had a swell time.
Got up abut 8 & baked. Had a sleep in aft. & then went to
town at night.
Uncle Irving was here, read the “Gold Shoe”. Anna came
down in aft. & went to Anniversary at night with Wallace &
James.
Started staying at Aunt Eva’s as Winnie was away. Stayed
home at night & went to bed early.
Very cold. Had to wear coats in school. Went to Teacher
Training at night.
Durham Fall Fair. We got a holiday so I went to fair with
Berniece & Elizabeth. Went down to Ries’ at night for
awhile.
Just a usual school day. Aunt Eva & I went over to Sally’s in
evening.
3
Sally and Vic Blythe
Sally Hope’s and Vic Blythe’s wedding 1932
Ruby on left, children are Jean Lauder and Lorne Blythe
Velma (Blythe) Grant’s Diary - 1933
4
Friday
September 15
Saturday
September 16
Sunday
September 17
Monday
September 18
Tuesday
September 19
Wednesday
September 20
Thursday
September 21
Friday
September 22
Saturday
September 23
Sunday
September 24
Monday
September 25
Tuesday
September 26
Wednesday
September 27
Thursday
September 28
Friday
September 29
Saturday
September 30
Sunday
October 1
Monday
October 2
Tuesday
October 3
Wednesday
October 4
Thursday
October 5
Velma (Blythe) Grant’s Diary - 1933
It is Fri. so came home at night. Dance at Rav (Rahn de
Voo) but did not go. Went to bed early.
Busy in morning. Went to Sunday S. Picnic at Knox in aft. &
to a corn roast at Bogle’s at night. New teacher was here.
Got up about 10:30, helped Lorne with writing for School
Fair, went to Church and S.S. & up to town at night with
Elgin.
Rained all day. Lorne got 3rd prize for writing at school fair.
Went to Mission Circle at Mrs. Alder’s at night. Had swell
eats & I ate too much.
Wasn’t feeling well all day – went to hospital & then up to
Hodge’s at night. Saw all their house & had more to eat.
Wasn’t feeling very well, but however, I went to Teacher
Training Class, & then to wiener roast at Allan Morrison’s
cottage.
Rained again, a dreary day. Went to Hanover after 4 with U.
Cameron. Stayed home at night & did homework & wrote a
letter.
After school I got a present for Charlotte Patterson & came
home. Went to Young People’s at night.
Was busy in morning. Mother & I went to Charlotte
Patterson’s shower in aft. Jean Allan’s were over at night.
Finished reading book. Went to Church Sunday School.
Anna & I were out with Orville & Freddie & Arnett at night.
School again! Went down to Berniece’s at night & made
candy & played bridge.
Had a busy day. Aunt Eva went to lodge. I stayed home
and did a lot of homework.
Went to Teacher Training at night. Anna came up to help
me with Trig., but after working an hr. on 1 question, we
gave up.
Rained. It has been wet all week. Went over to see Sally &
Mrs. Hope after 4. Went up to Library at night to get Sally a
book but it was closed.
Holstein Fall Fair & Mother’s birthday. Went to play “Apple
Blossom Time” in Holstein with the family & Anna. Stayed
for dance after & came home with Earl Hunt. Had a good
time.
The day after the night before, slept all afternoon. Went up
town at night.
Church & Sunday School as usual. Came up town at night
with Elgin & went to bed early.
Went to Young People’s. Reorganized, decided to have a
membership drive.
Worked hard to try & have homework done as went to
Charlotte Patterson’s reception. Some time – didn’t get
home till 3.
Rained. Had to go at 8:30. Sure was hard to get up. Went
to Teacher Training, decided to have a banquet for Dr. Mc.
Berniece & I went to Anglican Bridge. Peter Ramage & Miss
Scarf got the prize.
5
Friday
October 6
Saturday
October 7
Sunday
October 8
Monday
October 9
Tuesday
October 10
Wednesday
October 11
Thursday
October 12
Friday
October 13
Saturday
Sunday
October 14
October 15
Monday
October 16
Tuesday
October 17
Wednesday
October 18
Thursday
October 19
Friday
October 20
Saturday
October 21
Sunday
October 22
Monday
Tuesday
October 23
October 24
Wednesday
October 25
Thursday
October 26
Friday
October 27
Velma (Blythe) Grant’s Diary - 1933
Went home with Uncle Cameron. Winnie & Ruby came
home & were at our place for supper. Went to Leeson’s at
night with Marj.
Worked hard. Mother was trying to get my suit finished.
Washed my hair & went up town at night.
Thanksgiving Day. Went to church. Mr. Maut ( from Drew)
spoke. All of us went up to Winnie’s for supper.
Had Thanksgiving dinner art Aunt Eva’s. Elgin got a duck at
shooting match. Went to dance at nite with Allan. Had a
very good time.
Everyone was sleepy at school. Mission Circle – Norma
was away so I was president.
A nice day. Teacher Training at nite & Anna & Eliz. & Barb
came down. Did some trig. questions & then played bridge.
Winnie was up to Owen S.
Took the day off to go to Plowing Match at Owen Sound.
Was terrible cold. Went to play “Turning the Tricks “ with
Woodburn & Schenk – best ever seen.
Finished all my homework. George Schenk asked me to go
to a dance in Ayton but didn’t go.
Mother made my blouse. Stayed home at night.
Had a duck dinner for Rev. & Mrs. Mather from Caledon.
Went to bed early as Wil. Ross was here to see Winnie.
Lovely in morning but rained all aft. Winnie went to Zion.
Went to bed early & read “Game & the Candle(?)” by
Hocking.
Martin Lauder got 5yrs. Saw a bear after 4. Mother & Aunt
Lillie & Sally & Vic were here for supper.
Went to show in Hanover, “Voltaire” with Jean Webster. It
was great – think I will always remember Fr. Rev.
An ordinary day. We went up to see Uncle John after 4. It
rained so I went to bed early.
A swell day. Winnie, Anna & I went to dance in Holstein.
Dorothy Foster’s orchestra – had a swell time. Wil. Ross
brought us home.
Didn’t get up till late. Winnie stayed all day. Vic & Sally
were down for supper.
An inspiring day. Dr. Mc. spoke to Teacher Training class at
both services. He was wonderful, speaking of the
challenges of youth. Had a social hour after. Zion was there
also.
Went up to Library with Winnie.
The day of “Rebecca’s Birthday Party”, had a good time,
came home with Freddie Arnett – no key, went back & got
ride home with Bill Firth.
Tired. Got nearly all homework finished in school. Went
over to Sally’s for dinner at night. Mother was there.
A Community Party. I stayed up at Eva’s all night. Read
“Coming Thru the Rye”, a great book.
Snowed & very cold. Our Young People had a Halloween
Social.
6
Saturday
October 28
Sunday
October 29
Monday
October 30
Tuesday
October 31
Wednesday
November 1
Thursday
November 2
Friday
November 3
Saturday
November 4
Sunday
November 5
Monday
November 6
Tuesday
Wednesday
November 7
November 8
Thursday
November 9
Friday
November 10
Saturday
Sunday
November 11
November 12
Monday
November 13
Tuesday
Wednesday
November 14
November 15
Thursday
November 16
Friday
November 17
Saturday
November 18
Sunday
November 19
Monday
November 20
Tuesday
November 21
Velma (Blythe) Grant’s Diary - 1933
Reg Fowler called into our place on way up north. I wasn’t
up ha! Went in to town at night & played bridge at B.
Much warmer. Studied Algebra. Went to Sunday School &
came up to Winnie’s at night. D. Bogle was over for supper.
A lovely warm day. Had our Algebra exam. Wasn’t hard but
made foolish mistakes.
Halloween. Winnie & I stayed home & watched door. Put
furniture of veranda up on garage roof.
Had Physics exam. Had Teacher Training class. Alma took
us for a ride after.
Another gorgeous day. Indian summer. Got 62 in Algebra.
Studied Modern History at night.
Mod. History exam. Winnie came down to our place – the
Fowl Supper in Knox Church.
Reg Fowler called in on his way home from north & left us 2
wild ducks – played cards for awhile at night.
Uncle Irving came up for Aunt Lillie. I went to church twice –
to Durham at night.
I got highest mark in Hist. & 57 in Physics which was a great
surprise. Heard Rev. Howard speak on conditions in west.
Very inspiring.
Young People’s. We had a social & a very good time.
The inspector called at school. Mother was up fixing overcoat. Teacher Training at night.
Winnie, Barbara, Anna & I went to a dance at Holstein at
night. Had a swell time - & never missed a dance.
Had Trig. Exam – got 64. Had a terrible cold. Winnie took
me home at night & I went to bed early.
Was in bed nearly all day with the cold.
Studied for Lat. Auth. exam. Went to church in afternoon,
snowed a lot at night.
Cold & snowy. Had our Latin exam, was terrible hard.
Winnie & I went over to Sally’s at night to play bridge.
Mission Circle at Rudd’s. Came home & read a book.
The coldest Nov. 15 since 1840. Went to Teacher Training
class & then to Red Cross dance – came home with Allan.
Another cold, snowy day. Stayed home & studied at night
for Latin exam on Monday.
Went home with Mother & Dad. Went to Young People’s &
a meeting of New Canada Movement in Hall.
Baked in morning. Went down to store in aft. & to
Robinson’s at night.
Studied in morning. Went to church in aft. & at night. Mr.
Smith spoke on “Oxford Movement Sharing”.
Got 53 in Lat. which was a great shock as I was sure I failed.
Tried my last exam. Winnie went to Auxiliary. Charlie
Fursman called around for Winnie.
Went to Young People’s. We had a great discussion on
Poverty & Wealth.
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Wednesday
November 22
Thursday
November 23
Friday
November 24
Saturday
November 25
Sunday
November 26
Monday
November 27
Tuesday
November 28
Wednesday
November 29
Thursday
November 30
Friday
December 1
Saturday
December 2
Sunday
December 3
Monday
December 4
Tuesday
December 5
Wednesday
December 6
Thursday
December 7
Friday
December 8
Saturday
December 9
Velma (Blythe) Grant’s Diary - 1933
Got all homework done in school. Got off last period.
Winnie had bunch over from Hanover.
A lovely day but terrible ice. Listened to Rudy Vallee. Went
to bed early.
Winnie, Barbara, Anna & I went to Holstein dance with
Arthur. Had a terrible time getting there ha! But some time
after getting there.
Didn’t get up very early, baked a cake. Uncle Will & Winnie
were down at night. We played bridge.
Went to church in aft. Read a book. Miss Cook was over for
supper. Mr. Smith spoke on “atheism” – wonderful sermon.
A cold snowy day. Winnie went up to church at night. I
stayed home & went to bed early.
Negroes were here to put on concert. We had 2 of them,
Dan Davie & Jimmie Stokes for supper & all night. They
were great. Concert was wonderful.
Poured rain all day. Terrible slippery. Losing all snow. We
wrote the assignment questions at Teacher Training.
Nothing much doing. Listened to Rudy Vallee & went to bed
early.
The big night event to Hanover to Speers Hall. Had swell
time. Woodburn & Jasper & Anna & I sure enjoyed it. The
same bunch as we had over here.
Ruby came home. Ed Millon was here. She had an
accident coming home at Mt. Forest. Knocked down 2 gas
tanks. Woodburn & I went to Hanover to dance with Ruby &
Ed. Ran out of gas coming home – some time.
Didn’t go home this weekend. Managed to get up & go to
church. Laid down all aft. Went to church at night. Mr.
Smith spoke on “Is God a person”. Good. Went to bed as
soon as came home.
Had a terrible headache. Did a lot of homework & worked at
assignment questions.
Winnie went to IODE. Did a lot more homework and worked
at questions. Fixed clothes. Aunt Lillie is very sick.
Colder to-day. Went to Teacher Training & then over to
Sally’s for a game of bridge. She is leaving for Toronto
tomorrow.
Winnie, Eva, Mother& Dad went to Hamilton to-day to see
Aunt Lillie who is very sick. I went up to Aunt Eva’s & helped
kids get dinner & supper.
Real cold. Winnie & I took our car & went to dance in
Holstein. Had great time, had lunch & went home with Bob
Christie. A terrible crowd. Woodburn was there & Earl Hunt.
Winnie stayed at our place. I went down to church in aft. to
help practice. Elgin brought us up town at night. Berniece &
I went to library.
8
Sunday
December 10
Monday
December 11
Tuesday
December 12
Wednesday
December 13
Thursday
December 14
Friday
December 15
Saturday
December 16
Sunday
December 17
Monday
December 18
Tuesday
December 19
Wednesday
December 20
Thursday
December 21
Friday
December 22
Saturday
December 23
Sunday
December 24
Monday
December 25
Tuesday
December 26
Wednesday
December 27
Thursday
December 28
Friday
December 29
Velma (Blythe) Grant’s Diary - 1933
Got up & went to church & then out to Anna’s for dinner &
supper. Mr. Smith spoke on “What God is Like” & was good
as usual. Wibb was up, so I stayed up & talked for awhile.
A terrible windy, snowy cold day. Wibb & Bob Christie were
coming up for a good dinner but phoned & said they couldn’t
come. I addressed Xmas cards.
Still cold. Mission Circle, I was made President. Went up to
? after for awhile.
Tried our final Teacher Training exams, weren’t extra hard –
subject - Message of Jesus for life of to-day.
A nice day but cold. Wibb Ross & Bob Christie were up for
goose dinner, played bridge, had a swell time.
A terrible day, roads were icy. I came home with Uncle Cam
& we were sliding all over. Went to bed early.
Santa Claus Day. The family went up to town but I stayed
home & finished the work & read the book “20 dollars a
week”.
Went to church at Varney & to Durham church at night. Mr.
Smith spoke on “Is God law or love?”.
Everyone is busy practicing for commencement. Winnie & I
went to Young People’s & took part. Had a real discussion
on Xmas.
Winnie & I went to the Sunday School Concert. It was real
interesting to hear the kids.
Addressed some Xmas cards, did homework & then went up
to library.
The day of our commencement. We just had school in the
morning. I went to Toronto with Winnie & Vic in aft. We
stayed at Lee’s apart.
Lee & Ruby had to go to school so W. & I went to shop – did
very well for greenhorns. I got a new coat, a real bargain.
Went to Ruby’s concert in aft.
Started home. Called in at Hope’s. Roads were terrible &
we had a flat tire on road. Didn’t get home until 5:30.
Christmas Sunday. Read a book in morning, went to church
in aft. Marjorie was up & we went up town & then came
home & had lunch.
We had Xmas at our place. I got some nice things. Had our
Xmas concert in church at night, had big crowd – Helen
Socket was there. We went for a ride after.
Went down to clean church in morning & to Durham in aft. I
went to Tennis Club Dance with Allan – terrible cold.
Orchestra couldn’t get there.
Didn’t get up till 11, a terrible cold, blowing day. Elgin came
up for me at noon. I washed my things out in aft.
Elgin & I had a party – had a good time – danced & played
games. D. Bogle got nose frozen on way over.
The night of dance in Holstein but roads were blocked &
terrible cold – read & went to bed early.
9
Saturday
December 30
Sunday
December 31
Baked & read in aft. Went down to store for walk at night.
Got a Xmas present from Bob.
Ruby, Ed Milton & Winnie were down for chicken dinner at
night. Went to church. Wrote a letter to Bob thanking him
for the bag full of bath salts ha! Read till it was sort of late.
The end of another year.
For more information on Velma Irene Blythe, check out the “Meet the Diarists” section
under “Discover” on our website: ruraldiaries.uoguelph.ca.
Velma (Blythe) Grant’s Diary - 1933
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