Velma’s Diaries - 1936
1936
DAY
Wednesday

MONTH
January 1

Thursday

January 2

Friday

January 3

Saturday

January 4

Sunday

January 5

Monday

January 6

Tuesday

January 7

Wednesday

January 8

Thursday

January 9

Friday

January 10

Saturday

January 11

Sunday

January 12

Monday

January 13

Velma (Blythe) Grant’s Diary - 1936

COMMENT
Went up to Aunt Eva’s for New Year’s. Swell day, played
cards all day (great day). Laddie, Jim, George, Florence,
Jean Brown & I went to New Year’s dance in Mt. Forest. A
wonderful time. Never missed a dance. Lovely dances,
mistletoe, ginger ale. Bad roads.
Washed in morning. Went down for mail – felt tired so went
to bed sort of early.
Marjorie & I went up town. Stayed at Marj’s for supper.
Roads icy so we sleigh rided till 10 & then went to hockey
game with Milverton. D. beat 11-2 – didn’t pay – thought it
was 3rd period instead of 2nd.
I fell off the sleigh last night & skinned my cheek and chin.
Saw an ad for a stenographer in O.S. paper so went right
up. I got the 1st interview – asked a lot of questions.
Glenna came home. Glenna, Susie, Marion & I were around
town in aft. I went out to Anna’s for supper & to church with
her. Laddie, George, Earl, Anna & Barb came down home
after & we had lots of fun. Sang.
Laddie went away to-day. Started some knitting & began
studying. Went down for mail. Mother was sewing on my
windbreaker.
Lovely weather – so warm. Was to town to Marj’s in aft. &
over to Leeson’s. Mary & I went to Mission Circle. Planned
to have a sleigh riding party with horses.
Mother had the Ladies’ Aid. I had to amuse the kids. We
went up to Vera’s after for dinner & then played cards.
Aunt Mary Ann sprained her ankle so I went out there &
baked & cleaned the upstairs. Knit at night. Had letter form
Laddie – more poetry.
Did some scrubbing & cleaning for Aunt Mary Ann. Went
over town in aft. Marj & I went to exhibition hockey game
with Fergus. D won. Good game. Sat in reserved seats,
had lots of fun.
Did some baking. Knit in aft. & then Mother & I went for a
walk. Real warm & soft. George Glass, Marj, Elg & I went
to show “Here Comes the Band” – good.
Wrote to Laddie. Went to church. Went for a ride with
Leeson’s. Marj & I were in to Rhan’s for awhile. Went to
bed early.
Washed in morning. Knit some more at my scarf. Read at
night.

1

Tuesday

January 14

Wednesday

January 15

Thursday

January 16

Friday

January 17

Saturday

January 18

Sunday

January 19

Monday

January 20

Tuesday

January 21

Wednesday

January 22

Thursday

January 23

Friday

January 24

Saturday

January 25

Sunday

January 26

Monday

January 27

Tuesday

January 28

Wednesday

January 29

Thursday

January 30

Friday

January 31

Velma (Blythe) Grant’s Diary - 1936

Cold. Mother finished my jacket – looks real nice. Got a
letter from Laddie – lonesome. Marjorie was up at night –
made candy.
Did the ironing in morning. Went up town in aft., talked to
Barbara in telephone office. Knit at night.
Was to serve at bridge at Sally’s but Ritchie’s were coming
down for fowl dinner. We played “500”.
Finished my scarf – looks nice. Went down to Rahn’s (Rahn
de Voo) in aft. Got letter form Lad. Went to crokinole at
McCabe’s, got 1st prize – a table reflector.
Had fun about the crokinole as the only game I lost was the
one I played with Dad. Elg said he gave me the last game.
Went up town in aft. – to Winnie’s.
Real cold, went to church. Elg moved radio downstairs –
listened to Major Bowes Amateur hour at night. Wrote to
Laddie while Elg made up poetry about crokinole party.
Sent it along.
King George the V died. Ed VIII made king. Finished a
brown hat with white angora. Marjorie & I were at Leeson’s
for supper. Got letter from Laddie. Had church meeting
here. Vic smashed demonstrator.
Went up to Durham. Went to school in aft, stayed with
Nadine. Young People’s entertained Hanover – played
crokinole – Granby boys were over. Bill Renwick, Anna,
Barb & I cleaned up after.
Real cold. Below zero. Miss Moore is at Winnie’s. Went to
school in aft. Took down Mr. Harrington’s speech at Poultry
Association at night. Mr. Richardson gave me a quarter.
Cold. Typed out speech & went over to station to get Mr.
Thomas to censor it. Typed all day- a lot of work for all you
get out of it - $1.00. Came home at night- got letter.
Went up again & finished the 15 copies – worked till after 5 –
had supper at Aunt Eva’s. Went to hockey game with Anna.
D. beat O.S. 5-3 – great game.
Ran over 15 copies. Went up town in aft. – down at
Winnie’s. To cold to go skating so stayed home & read –
popped corn.
Cold & stormy. Went to church. Wrote to Laddie at night &
listened to radio. Amateur program was good.
Washed in morning. Baked. Went down for mail in aft.
Miss Heard, George, Mansfield, Jamie were over for supper
– played games.
Washed my sweater & scarfs. Had letter from Laddie &
Evelyn. Went down for mail. Elg & I listened to the radio till
late.
Went up to school in aft. Stayed at Winnie’s. Took down
speech at poultry meeting. Went to a hockey game with
Palmerston – 9-3 for Durham – goalkeeper tight.
Typed out speech & Mr. Harrington corrected it in afternoon.
Elgin came up for me at night, knit.
Had a sore foot. Did some baking & stayed in all day. Got

2

Saturday

February 1

Sunday

February 2

Monday

February 3

Tuesday

February 4

Wednesday

February 5

Thursday

February 6

Friday

February 7

Saturday

February 8

Sunday

February 9

Monday

February 10

Tuesday

February 11

Wednesday

February 12

Thursday

February 13

Friday

February 14

Saturday

February 15

Sunday

February 16

Monday

February 17

Tuesday

February 18

Wednesday

February 19

Thursday

February 20

Velma (Blythe) Grant’s Diary - 1936

letter form Laddie- also a sweater instruction folder, knit.
Real stormy – didn’t feel very well. Baked a Banana Cake –
lovely. Wrote 3 letters. Read paper & Chatelaine.
Lovely day but cold. Read in morning. Went to church. Mr.
Mercer & Marjorie were here for supper. Listened to radio.
Went up town in aft. Finished some typing over at station.
Read funnies & a magazine & did some knitting.
A terrible storm – all roads are blocked – no school – terrible
wind. Started at my bookkeeping. Art McCabe was up at
night. Played “500”. Had letter from Laddie.
Even worse than day before, as much colder. Did more
bookkeeping. Mother made me some underwear. Knit &
wrote a letter.
Went down to Marjorie’s. She started her harebell sweater.
Stayed for supper. Came home & did some bookkeeping.
Mother worked on my underwear. Went down for mail.
Worked at my bookkeeping. Pipes got on fire – some time.
Durham beat Arthur 11-2.
Terribly cold & stormy again- roads blocked again. Washed
my hair & fixed my clothes. Knit some on my bed socks.
Listened to hockey game.
Mother had a terrible cold. Read in morning. Went to
church. Terribly cold & stormy. Listened to radio at night.
Frosty. Did the work as Mother wasn’t feeling well. Got my
yarn for my sweater – pink. Did some bookkeeping.
Went down to Marjorie’s in aft. Marjorie & I went up town –
went to Mission Circle at D. McDonald’s & then to Anglican
skating party. Stayed at Anna’s.
Went out town at noon with Anna. Went to school in aft.
Stayed at Winnie’s. We went up to Alec Hayes at night –
played cards. Got our cups read.
Came home in aft., bought some Valentines. Mrs. Schenk &
I sent 4 to Winnie. Started my sweater. A terrible storm.
Stormy – huge banks of snow, cold. Dolphie Lawrence was
here to cut wood. Finished ribbing in my sweater. Got box
of chocolates for Valentines.
Prepared for wood bee. Just had them for dinner. Knit.
Marjorie & I , Elg & Dave Rahn went up town at night – got
pattern for a dress.
Frosty. Went to church. Claire was up for supper. Wrote a
letter & read at night.
Washed in morning. Knit in afternoon & did bookkeeping at
night.
Another storm. Made a mistake in my sweater – ripped it
out. Had letters from Evelyn & Laddie.
Cold and stormy. Elg & I went up town in aft. Saw Mrs.
Dargeval. Knit at night.
Mother finished my underwear. Baked. Marj, Miss Heard &
I knit till 12 o’clock at Kerr’s & then had lunch.

3

Friday

February 21

Saturday

February 22

Sunday

February 23

Monday

February 24

Tuesday

February 25

Wednesday

February 26

Thursday

February 27

Friday

February 28

Saturday

February 29

Sunday

March 1

Monday

March 2

Tuesday

March 3

Wednesday

March 4

Thursday

March 5

Friday

March 6

Saturday

March 7

Sunday

March 8

Monday

March 9

Velma (Blythe) Grant’s Diary - 1936

Frosty. Mr. Morice died suddenly. Went up to Durham in
aft. Saw Glenna. Went up to Mrs. Dargeval’s. Miss
MacPhail was there – went up to Queen St. Skating Party.
Applied for hydro job. Came home in aft. Aunt Sadie was
here. Went down to Morice’s. Knit. Marj & I went to hockey
game – Palmerston vs. D. D. won – got group title. 20
below zero.
Aunt Sadie was here. Read. Went to funeral in aft. Murray
& Maude Layman were here for supper. Wrote a letter.
Went up to Durham in morning. Worked all day typing for
Mrs. Dargeval. Knit and read all night.
Worked hard all day, typed till six – statements for town
(audit books). Anna and I went to Rebecca “at home”,
played euchre & danced. Bill & Alba were there.
Thawing. Typed on Mr. Thomas’ machine. Came home at
night. Had letter from Laddie. Helped Lorne with
Composition.
Mother was sick - had Dr. Burnett, has secondary anaemia.
Not to do anything. Lorne sick also & stayed at home. Real
stormy. Worked all day.
Mother in bed all day. Baked. Finished front of my sweater.
Had a terrible cold, Lorne & I took lemonade & went to bed
early.
Lorne helped me with the work. Mother got up in aft. Marj
was up, had her sweater finished. Claire Bogle & Aunt Mary
were here, stayed for supper, got letter. Knit & listened to
hockey game.
Cold. Listened to King Ed. VIII’s 1st radio broadcast. Wrote
a letter. Went to church. Listened to radio at night.
Did the washing – scrubbed. Mother doesn’t seem to be
much better, weak. Knit on my sweater at night.
Baked. Aunt Sadie came down in aft. Knit at night. Cold.
Got goods (tea rose) for a dinner dress.
Mild. Baked a banana cake for Ladies’ Aid. Went to Ladies’
Aid at Janie’s. Marj & I went to hockey game with O.S.
Reyner’s. D. won.
Ironed. Went up town in aft., took Aunt Sadie home.
Finished my sweater, all but sleeves – fits well. Miss Heard
& Marj were up to knit.
Baked. Mother got a box of fruit from Ladies’ Aid. Started
on one sleeve of my sweater. Listened to radio & read at
night.
Cleaned the house. Lorne helped me. Got letter. Marj & I
went to hockey game, wonderful game. Clinton 1, Durham 1
in finals. Our Mission Circle sold hot dogs. Brought
leftovers home.
Jim’s birthday. Went to church. Had a lot of company at
night. Aunt Eva’s & Winnie & neighbours. All came over at
once to see Mother.
Lovely day. Milder. Baked. Went down to Marjorie’s in aft.

4

Tuesday

March 10

Wednesday

March 11

Thursday

March 12

Friday

March 13

Saturday

March 14

Sunday

March 15

Monday

March 16

Tuesday

March 17

Wednesday

March 18

Thursday

March 19

Friday

March 20

Saturday

March 21

Sunday

March 22

Monday

March 23

Velma (Blythe) Grant’s Diary - 1936

– knit. Marj & I went to Leap Year Party in church – played
crokinole. D. vs. Clinton tied again 2-2.
Baked tarts for Mission Circle in morning. Marj & I went up
town in aft. Mission Circle at Winnie’s. Sally resigned –
some meeting.
Finished my first sweater. Aunt Mary Ann & Aunt Jane
came down early in morning. Cut out a dress (tea rose
crepe). Mother feeling a little better but not able to do
anything.
Worked in morning, had sleep in aft. Elg, Ethel Hargrave,
Barb, Winnie, Shirley & I went to game in Galt – 3rd game
between D. & Clinton. D. winning 6-2. A wonderful game.
A swell trip. Marvellous rink.
Felt tired. Cleaned the house. Read some of book “Visitors
to Hugo” & went to bed early. Stormy.
Colder. Baked. Went over to Leeson’s in aft. & made
arrangements for St. Patrick’s supper. Read at night.
Finished my book. Myrtle was up for dinner. Went to
church. Marj & Dorothy Bogle were here at night. Listened
to radio.
Swell day. Took my washing up to Leeson’s, tried out their
new machine, works great. Worked at my dress & went
down to Hall to decorate in aft. Ironed at night, had a bath &
went to bed early. D. lost 7-2 to Ayton.
Baked in morning. Went down to Hall in aft. to prepare for
St. Patrick’s Irish Stew Supper. Sally & Nadine were down.
Went to supper- served. Got letter.
Mother was up to Aunt Mary Ann’s. Ironed & started
sweater for Nadine. Laddie sent me his picture. Elgin didn’t
come home till 8. Couldn’t go to game. So disappointed. D.
Beat Ayton 7-1 (exciting game).
Went up to town. Everybody talking about hockey. D. now
enters finals. Great comeback. Wrote a letter & knit at
night. Went down to Keller’s for awhile.
Baked in morning. Worked at my dress & went up to Marj’s
in aft. Knit at night & went to bed early.
Cleaned the house – lovely day. Knit all aft., finished back
of sweater. We went up to Catton’s at night, played cards &
had lunch. Anna came home with us.
Anna & I slept in. Lovely day. Went to church & for walk.
Wrote a letter, wrapped up Laddie’s birthday present. Anna
& I went to bed early.
I got the hydro job. Ralph Catton called up about 11 – I was
in bed. What a shock. $45 a month with increase if suited.
Start Apr. 1st. Hardly slept rest of night. Great feeling.

5

Tuesday

March 24

Wednesday

March 25

Thursday

March 26

Velma (Blythe) Grant’s Diary - 1936

Laddie’s birthday. Wrote to Laddie to tell him the good
news. Several called up. Went over to Hanover & got my
eyes tested. Short sighted. Anna & I went to Rebecca’s
euchre & dance in Hall – stayed at Anna’s at nite.
Terribly tired. Slept a while in aft. & also in morning. Knit
some on Nadine’s sweater. Went to bed early. Hoarse –
sort of lost my voice. Harry Aldred home.
Laddie wrote to congratulate me – everybody tells me I am
lucky so I am beginning to think I am. Finished Nadine’s
sweater, cleaned out my drawers.

6

Friday

March 27

Saturday

March 28

Sunday

March 29

Monday

March 30

Tuesday

March 31

Wednesday

April 1

Thursday

April 2

Friday

April 3

Saturday

April 4

Velma (Blythe) Grant’s Diary - 1936

Went over to Hanover in aft. Got my glasses fitted & went
into hydro office to get some pointers. Got a new pair of
brown oxfords. Got goods for a new swagger suit.
Baked in morning. Washed my burgundy dress. Went to
dentist in aft. & talked to Glenna & George Glass.
Lawrence’s sold their farm – moving into town.
Marj & I went over to Leeson’s in morning. Went to church.
Was at Marj’s for supper. Elg, Marj, Dave & I went to Mt.
Forest for drive, swell night, talking to Burnett.
Cut out my suit & made skirt. Marj was up in aft. Went to
Galt to see Durham & Whitby play finals. D. won 3-2 in
overtime – great excitement.
Got my clothes packed. Went up to Winnie’s in aft. & to
dentist. I thought I would have to start tomorrow but Ralph
called & said not till Mon. or Tues.
Snowing. Colder. Went up town for Winnie in morning. A
Mr. Black & Cliff James were here talking stocks, Winnie
having trouble over stocks. Went up to Ralph’s at night, had
great talk, made out forms.
House cleaned. Raining all day. Winnie went to Institute.
Went up town in aft. Boys played in Whitby – won 6-3 to get
to O.H.A. championship – 1st time ever in this district.

A great time in the old town to-day. Band and a lot of cars
met players at Mt. Forest. Celebration in Durham in aft. A
great victory. Winnie worked at my dress – did shirring at
night & we listened to radio.
Worked at dress. Mother came up. They finished my dress
and started on my suit. Got my hair cut at night. Elgin came

7

Sunday

April 5

Monday

April 6

Tuesday

April 7

Wednesday

April 8

Thursday

April 9

Friday

April 10

Saturday

April 11

Sunday

April 12

Monday

April 13

Tuesday

April 14

Wednesday

April 15

Thursday

April 16

Friday

April 17

Saturday

April 18

Sunday

April 19

Monday

April 20

Velma (Blythe) Grant’s Diary - 1936

up for Mother & I.
Wrote a letter and read in morning. Went to church in aft.
Elg & I went up town at night. Stayed at Winnie’s.
Winnie worked at my suit in morning & went to Hanover in
aft. I did some baking for her and read. Elg was up at night
– got offer of a job with Lorne Smith.
Winnie finished my suit. Snowing and real stormy. Read &
listened to the radio at night.
At last I started to work. Mr. Conn, auditor, started me off.
Began making out hydro bills, got along pretty well. Had my
hair finger-waved.
I got a big kick out of the auditor – very droll and witty. He
went home in aft. Laddie came home and we went to the
Easter dance together – wore my new dress. Ruby & Cy
came home.
Good Friday. Didn’t get up till noon. Went up street in aft.
Glenna, Susie, Marion, Jean & I were around together at
night. Hiram(?) Dean treated us!
Worked all day. Arrears started to come in so I was busy.
$255 came in aft. Laddie, Anna, Barb, Elg & I went to show
in Mt. Forest, “Cardinal Richelieu” & “Curly Top”.
Easter Sunday and a lovely day. Wore my new suit to
church. Went to Durham church at night. Laddie, Earl & I
went out to Anna’s – went for a drive, talked & had lunch.
Elgin started to work to-day. Worked all day. Laddie, Anna,
Earl, Mac, Barb & I went to Easter dance in Hanover. Had a
very good time but there was a terrible crowd there.
Laddie went back to-day. Worked hard all day and had
Commission meeting at night. Certainly kept me busy.
Snowing. Winnie & Ruby called in to office in aft. to see me.
I am getting to know where things belong by now. Listened
to radio & went to bed early.
Didn’t feel quite so tired to-day. Winnie, Ruby & I went up to
Aunt Eva’s at night – played bridge & had lunch.
Ground covered with snow – terrible weather for this time of
year. Glenna had a party. Shirley, Susie, Marion, her
girlfriend & I played poker (with Matches), danced, gossiped
& had a great lunch.
Real busy to-day. Bills are coming in now. Ruby & Winnie
& I came down home for supper. Went to Mt. Forest for
Elgin at night.
Elgin thinks his job is great & also his boarding house – has
talked of nothing else. No church so slept most of day. Marj
was up for supper & we went up to Anna’s at night. Jim
Sullivan went with us.
Came up in morning. Real busy as money is coming in now.
Went to Aunt Eva’s for dinner. Winnie was in Toronto so
stayed alone at night, rained.

8

Tuesday

April 21

Wednesday

April 22

Thursday

April 23

Friday

April 24

Saturday

April 25

Sunday

April 26

Monday

April 27

Tuesday

April 28

Wednesday

April 29

Thursday

April 30

Friday

May 1

Saturday

May 2

Sunday

May 3

Monday

May 4

Tuesday

May 5

Wednesday

May 6

Thursday

May 7

Velma (Blythe) Grant’s Diary - 1936

Couldn’t get money to come out right in till ($1.94 out) not so
good. Went to Aunt Eva’s for dinner. Winnie came home in
aft. Real cold. Went to bed early.
Men who had been entrapped in Nova Scotia mine for over
a week were rescued to-day. Last discount day so terribly
busy. Went to party at Ethel’s at night – for Reg Arnett.
Good time. Played cards & danced.
Sort of tired. Days go in so fast. Read some of my book “
The Sheik” at night. Winnie gave me some lessons in
bridge.
Lovely day but not very warm yet. Winnie had a bridge.
Very good time – 4 tables. I filled in for awhile.
Made out the water bills. Always someone in the office so
not a bit lonesome. Went to Mt. Forest at night to show –
good.
Elgin went to Toronto in morning. Went to church in aft. &
night. Went down to Mt. Forest with Anna and Earl – picked
up another kid and went out to Anna’s.
Made a list of the arrears. Went to Mission Circle at night at
Middleton’s. Mrs. Wright, Owen Sound, the special speaker.
Warmer. Mrs. Dargavel was into office on way home. A
swell spring night. Anna & I went up town at night, waited
till Barbara & Winnie came out of lodge.
Real warm. Anna brought a salesman up to try to sell me a
fur coat. He called around at night. I ordered a muskrat
coat $85\monthly payments. Anna & I went up town.
Terribly warm. Winnie, Barbara, Ethel & I went to show in
Mt. Forest, “Broadway Melody of 1935” – good.
Changed office around. Moved stove out: Can see
everything that goes on. Anna & I went up town at night.
Was with Bill Renwick. Barb took us for ride. Jim came
along & wanted me to go with him – some time.
Raining. Balanced my books and they came out O.K. All
ready for auditor. Terrible accident last night. Ed Sweeney
killed. Went up town at night.
Elgin was home. I drove over to Hanover for the first this
year. Went to church & Sunday School. Elgin, Jim, Marjorie
& I went to Holstein for a drive & then went out to Anna’s.
Wrote to Laddie at noon. Wasn’t very busy to-day. Went to
Young People’s at Queen street. Played games.
Lovely day. Went to Commission meeting at night. Made
arrangements about arrears. Elgin & Bobby Gardiner called
but I was away.
Terribly busy, didn’t know which way to turn, making out
cheques, writing up minutes etc. First open night but rained.
Went up town with kids for awhile.
Had letter from Laddie. First half holiday. Got my fur coat
fitted. Had sleep in aft., knit & read a book. Real hot.

9

Friday

May 8

Saturday

May 9

Sunday

May 10

Monday

May 11

Tuesday

May 12

Wednesday

May 13

Thursday

May 14

Friday

May 15

Saturday

May 16

Sunday

May 17

Monday

May 18

Tuesday

May 19

Wednesday

May 20

Thursday

May 21

Friday

May 22

Velma (Blythe) Grant’s Diary - 1936

Terribly hot to-day – warmest day in May for 80 years.
Auditor was there. Made out power bills. Also last day for
water accounts so real busy. Jim, Earl, Anna & I went to
dance in Holstein. Good time only terribly warm.
Hot. Got water accounts straightened up. Winnie & I & Mrs.
Schenk went to Hanover, got a new dress & blouse, also a
new hat in Durham.
Warm. Elgin didn’t come home. Went to Sunday School &
church & at night. Mother’s day. Went up to McGirr’s at
night with Winnie.
Raining. Sent out arrear notices, over $800 in arrears. Had
letter from Laddie. Winnie painted kitchen. Read and
listened to radio at night. Went up town for bread.
Warmer. Put out fountains. People hate to pay the discount
as they never had been used to it. Some get quite angry.
Winnie went to lodge. I got my hair cut.
Presbyterial in Knox church. I went up to Aunt Eva’s for
dinner & went to church for supper & evening program –
slides on India. Real cold.
Cold frost last night. Winnie & I went to Hanover with Aunt
Eva, got a new pair of white shoes. Washed my hair & had
it waved at night. Came home with Bill Renwick.
Some time with people settling up their accounts. All kinds
of stories & excuses. Anna & I went to library at night. High
School Banquet – looked in on it – came home & read.
Did a lot of little jobs, cleaned cupboard & drawers. Laddie
came home. Was with him at night. Ate & talked to Anna &
Florence for awhile – a lovely night but cold.
Elgin brought a roadster up. He took Mother & I for a ride in
it. Went to church & Sunday School. Winnie was down.
Marj & I went to church at night & then went to Holstein with
Elg & Laddie – had to ride in rumble.
Warmer. Read over correspondence file. Mr. Flannery was
in. Went up town for awhile at night. Came home & read.
Raining all day and very cold. Had a headache. Put in the
day some way. Winnie & I read & listened to the radio at
night.
Warmer to-day. Laddie called in. Read a book inn aft.
Laddie, Jim, Mac, Barb, Anna & I went to show in Mt. Forest
to see “Tale of Two Cities”.
Half holiday. Winnie made a blouse & did some sewing for
me. Went to Hanover with Uncle Cameron’s in aft. Laddie,
Jim & I walked out to Anna’s & played “500”.
Not much doing this week. Mr. Flannery was up yesterday.
Glenna often calls in. Mrs. Dargavel, Winnie & I went to
banquet at Pres. church. Miss MacPhail spoke on “Our
Idiosyncrasies”.

10

Saturday

May 23

Sunday

May 24

Monday

May 25

Warm. Last day for the arrears. Quite a few people in.
Winnie went to Toronto in morning & came back with Ruby &
Cy in aft. Was with Laddie at night, had argument on
religion with Jim.
Lovely day. Elgin came home. Went to Sunday School &
church & then for drive. Anna, Marj, Marg Leith, Frank
Cowan, Earl, Elg & Laddie went to Holstein & then out to
Anna’s – swell time on 24th.
Fowler’s were up, brought me a tennis racket. Bunch of us
went fishing – took lunch. Caught 2 chubs, lots of fun.
Anna, Earl, Laddie & I went to dance at Pike – great time.

May 25th, 1936

Tuesday

May 26

Wednesday

May 27

Thursday

May 28

Velma (Blythe) Grant’s Diary - 1936

Colder. Felt tired. Mr. Levi washed the walls. Last day for
arrears. Went up town at night. Came home with Laddie.
Real cold. Mr. Levi started to paint office – cream & brown.
Have a great time with the two of them – not much work to
do. Laddie was down at night – played cards.
Was glad it was the half holiday as the smell of paint
certainly gets you down. Read in aft. Laddie got his results
– passed. Laddie & I went for a walk.

11

Friday

May 29

Saturday

May 30

Sunday

May 31

Monday

June 1

Tuesday

June 2

Wednesday

June 3

Thursday

June 4

Friday

June 5

Saturday

June 6

Sunday

June 7

Monday

June 8

Tuesday

June 9

Wednesday

June 10

Thursday

June 11

Friday

June 12

Saturday

June 13

Sunday

June 14

Monday

June 15

Velma (Blythe) Grant’s Diary - 1936

Office is going to look real nice. I polished furniture &
cleaned windows. Ab & I went over to Hanover in aft. to look
at a typewriter. Laddie, George & I went to dance in
Holstein – good time.
Still cold. Mr. Levi finished painting. Winnie went to Mrs.
Morice’s sale. Bob Gardiner, Alma McDougal, Elg, Laddie &
I went to Rav (Rahn de Voo).
Didn’t get up till 1pm. Went to church & Sunday School.
Marj & I went to anniversary service in Knox. Laddie, Elg,
Marj & I went out to Aberdeen for a ride.
Rained. Got things ready for Com. meeting. I stayed with
Glenna all night as her father was away.
A thunderstorm. Stated making out bills. Had Com. meeting
& it lasted till eleven.
Busy day. Winnie went to I.O.D.E. tea. I got my own
supper. Berniece came home. Went up town with Anna &
Berniece – met Laddie.
Still cool. Half holiday. Went over to Sally’s in aft. & read. I
stayed with Glenna all night. Laddie & Louie(?) were up.
A swell day. Made out bills all day. Dad & Jonie(?) were up
for dinner. Laddie & I went to library at night.
Warmer. Winnie gave me a white purse for my birthday.
Busy making out bills. Went up town at night. Laddie & I
went for a walk. He gave me a compact for my birthday.
20 to-day. Got some nice handkerchiefs. Went to Sunday
School. Anna & Florence were down for supper, had cake.
Went to Presb. Anniversary. Florence, Jim, Anna, Earl,
Laddie & I went to Holstein.
Auditor was around. He said I was getting along very well
with the bills. George & Laddie gave me a ride home.
Decided to go out & see Florence tomorrow. Went over to
Sally’s & listened to radio.
Real Hot. Busy all day. Tea in church. Laddie, Jim, George
& I went out to Florence’s school. Went to Neustadt for a
drive.
Raining all day. Busy making out bills. Stayed home at
night as it was such a dirty night. We planted flowers at the
office to-day – at least Mr. Innes did.
Cold. I washed my hair & had it waved. Anna & I played
tennis – first time I tried out my new racket. Went to see
Carrie Mitchel. Came home with Laddie.
Nice day. Quite warm. Laddie, Florence, George & I went
to dance in Holstein. Very good time. Had to take Florence
back to her school after.
Terribly stiff after playing tennis. Finished hydro bills. Went
up town at night. Laddie & I went for a walk.
Dr. Burnett in accident. Girl in car real badly hurt. Didn’t go
home until this morning. Went to church & Sunday School &
for drive. Anna, Earl, Laddie, Carrie & Berniece & I went out
to Haywood Falls.
Worked in morning & finished reading book in aft. Went up

12

Tuesday

June 16

Wednesday

June 17

Thursday

June 18

Friday

June 19

Saturday

June 20

Sunday

June 21

Monday

June 22

Tuesday

June 23

Wednesday

June 24

Thursday

June 25

Friday

June 26

Saturday

June 27

Sunday

June 28

Velma (Blythe) Grant’s Diary - 1936

to tennis courts with Berniece – came home with Laddie.
Didn’t feel well all day. Winnie says I am getting terribly thin.
We went on a hike to flat rock – gang of girls, great time –
came home with Laddie.
Winnie, Dad & them went to Uncle George Ribey’s(?)
funeral at Port Elgin. Lot in paying bills – great bawling out
from Mrs. Blair. Went to Berniece’s for supper – had several
girls. Alyna Kress was there – some gossip.
Real warm. Went to church for dinner – Institute rally. Real
Hot. Talked to Berniece in Aft. Half holiday. Played tennis.
Came home with Laddie.
A big celebration for hockey boys, horse races in aft.
Laddie, George & Florence sat in office with me nearly all
aft. Florence stayed with me for supper. Street dance.
Went out to Anna’s to eat – took Florence home with Geo &
Laddie & Jim & D. Taylor.
Everybody tired to-day. A lot of people in. Terrible time with
Mrs. Blair & Mrs. Barbour! Never saw any woman as mad
as Mrs. Blair. Went up town at night & was around with kids.
Didn’t get up till 11. Evelyn Ross called & I went over to
Hanover with her. Went to decoration service in aft. Geo,
Laddie, Jim, Florence, D. Taylor & I went to Holst., Mt.
Forest, Pike Lake – Durham band concert, etc.
Last discount date so I was terribly busy all day. Real cool.
I wrote a letter, listened to radio, had bath & went to bed
early.
King’s birthday – busy all day. Went up to Berniece’s.
Came home with Laddie, met Elgin & we came down to
house.
Real cool. Winnie went to O.S. to bowl. Mr. Conn called today. Played tennis at night. Open night so we stayed up
town for awhile & then Laddie & I came down to house.
Lovely day. I went to Rebecca picnic at Wasaga. Lovely
day – went in swimming. Had lunch in Miss Fettis’ cottage.
Real warm. I got a Remington typewriter up on trial – nice
machine. I went to dance in Holstein with Laddie, George,
Jim, Dot Taylor & Florence.
Felt a little tired. Made out some water bills. Read a book in
aft. Went to Mt. Forest at night with Mother & Dad &
Marjorie.
Didn’t get up till late. We went to Inverhuron on a picnic, had
McCrea’s cottage. We went with George, Laddie, Jim,
Shirley & Florence – Earl took his car too. Went to Dromore
after.

13

Inverhuron, 1936

Velma front left, Laddie back left

Laddie

Velma (Blythe) Grant’s Diary - 1936

14

Monday

June 29

Tuesday

June 30

Wednesday

July 1

Thursday

July 2

Friday

July 3

Saturday

July 4

Sunday

July 5

Monday

July 6

Velma (Blythe) Grant’s Diary - 1936

Terribly cool. Worked quite a bit all day. Went to show in
Mt. Forest – “Rose Marie” with Winnie, Aunt Eva, Mother &
Dad – good.
Christie Levi’s wedding – across from the office. They were
half an hour late & Ab had to take them up to church. They
gave us a piece of wedding cake. Went to ball game in
Neustadt with Schenks.
Slept till noon. Went to U.F.O. picnic with girls. Ruby & Cy
came home. Went to dance at night with Laddie. Bob
Gardiner asked me to go to Southampton but refused.
Lovely day. Made out some bills. Had half holiday. Went in
swimming. Played tennis at night. Came home with Laddie.
Made out water bills. Went to girls ball game with Cy &
Ruby. Went for walk with Laddie. Came home & played
“500”.
Cooler to-day. Elgin was in to see me. Had a great game of
tennis as there was no one else on the course. Sat. night so
Laddie & I fooled around up town to eat – great.
Elgin came up for me in morning, drove down to Mt. Forest.
Uncle & Addie came up, brought eats galore. Went to
church. Laddie, Florence, Elg & I went to Little’s & Ritchie’s
- lots of fun.
Real hot. Did some more water bills. Got off at 5 – went to
Owen Sound with Winnie, Ruby & Cy. Had lunch in park &
went to show “Yonder Two Flags”.

15

Tuesday

July 7

Wednesday

July 8

Thursday

July 9

Friday

July 10

Saturday

July 11

Sunday

July 12

Monday

July 13

Tuesday

July 14

Wednesday

July 15

Thursday

July 16

Friday

July 17

Saturday

July 18

Sunday

July 19

Monday

July 20

Tuesday

July 21

Velma (Blythe) Grant’s Diary - 1936

Terribly hot & dry – no rain for ages. Busy getting things
ready for meeting to-night. Had supper at Sally’s. Bought
Remington typewriter. Ab got raise - $100.
Sweltering heat – almost unbearable. Hottest day on record
in Toronto – 104.7. Did very little all day but tried to keep
cool. Went in swimming at night. Laddie & I went for walk open night – Winnie & I slept on veranda.
No better. Over the 100 mark. I went to Owen Sound in aft.
to get a permanent at Miss Dutton’s(?). Got a new brown
suit. Went down home with Mother & Dad for awhile.
Did nothing all day. Heat is terrific. Over 200 dead in
Ontario from it. Had some ice cream in aft. Winnie washed
& baked about 2. Went to street dance. Came home with
Laddie. Ellen Marshall here for supper. Went in swimming
at nite.
Still as hot as ever. Ab went to 12th in Hanover. I read a
book nearly all day. Laddie & Geo. brought me up ice cream
in aft. We went to Midway in Hanover then Laddie,
Florence, Elg & I went in swimming at lake.
Florence stayed all night. Went in swimming in morning.
Went to Sunday School, ate out on lawn. 3 bricks ice
cream. Went in swimming at night again & then Laddie,
Florence, Elg & I went to Hayward Falls.
No let up yet. Everything is burnt up. Did some work in
morning to try & forget about heat. Laddie & I went to walk
out to Anna’s, Planned about boat excursion on Thurs. night.
Cooler to-day – what a relief. Read Openheim’s “Jeanne of
the Ranches”. Played tennis at nite with Laddie, Ruby & Cy.
Slept upstairs for first since hot spell.
Lovely day. Winnie & Ruby went to Sauble. Cy & I kept
house, played tennis with Laddie. Florence & Dot can’t go
on excursion. Anna stayed with me all night. Allan came up
& 4 of us had ice cream.
Lovely day but a little warm again. Put screen door on at
office. Laddie & I played tennis in aft. Went on moonlight
excursion at Owen Sound. Danced on boat – stayed at
Anna’s all nite.
Read most of the day. Cooler. Winnie & Ruby came home.
Glad to see them as Cy & I were sort of hungry. Elgin was
up & took us for a drive. Anna & I went to library. Came
home with Laddie – Read.
Worked in morning – got a lot of little jobs done. Played
tennis at night. Elg, Florence, Laddie & I went to Rav at
night – ate.
Lovely day. Mother & Dad went to Anniversary at Knox.
Went down to Marjorie’s for dinner. Went to church.
Winnie, Ruby & Cy were down for supper. All the kids came
down at night, had a sing song.
Cool. Worked hard all day – typing, getting ready for new
bookkeeping system. Winnie went bowling. Ruby & I
stayed home for a change & listened to Lux Radio Theatre.
Cool. Worked some & also finished a book. Went to ball

16

Wednesday

July 22

Thursday

July 23

Friday

July 24

Saturday

July 25

Sunday

July 26

Monday

July 27

Tuesday

July 28

Wednesday

July 29

Thursday

July 30

Friday

July 31

Saturday

August 1

Sunday

August 2

Monday

August 3

Tuesday

August 4

Wednesday

August 5

Velma (Blythe) Grant’s Diary - 1936

game at night & then Laddie, George, Elsie Hunter & I went
to Southampton to dance. Ferdy Mowry’s orchestra.
Rained hard. First rain for ages & everything was certainly
dried up. Played tennis, came home & played cards with
Winnie & Ruby. Big thunderstorm. Conn was up & will I
ever have to work hard till end of month.
Real busy – changing all account nos. & meter slips. Ritchie
reunion in aft. at Holst. Cool & looked like rain all day. Went
in swimming. Came home about 6:30, rained. Anna came
up with me till 9.
Cool. Worked hard all day. Had supper at Sally’s. Played
tennis & then Ruby, Anna , Berniece & I went to show
“Transatlantic Tunnel” in Hanover.
Still real cool. Worked hard changing meter slips. Laddie,
Elg, Florence & I went over to Hanover. Elg & Florence
went to show & we put in time.
Went to Sunday School & church – went for a drive –
another lesson in driving. Went to church at night. Laddie,
Elg, Florence & I went out to Anna’s.
Worked hard all day. Time goes in fast when busy. Ruby,
Winnie & I went to supper meeting of the Auxiliary at Myrtle
McKechnie’s.
Real cool. Busy all day. Played tennis at night. Laddie & I
went for a walk after.
Cool. Finished meter slips. Played tennis and then Ruby,
Winnie & I went up to Aunt Eva’s. Played cards, had lunch.
Busy all morning. Real cool but we went to church picnic at
Brigham’s Grove. Played at Anna’s after – came home with
Laddie.
Still cool. Ruby went to Toronto this morning. Conn was in.
had Commission meeting at night.
Terrible traffic on road to-day. I was real busy & the whizz of
the car certainly drives you nuts. Elg, Laddie & I were
around town at night.
Civic holiday tomorrow. Went out to anniversary services at
Dromore. Stayed at Patterson’s all day, went in swimming in
aft. Boys came out at night. Went for long drive.
Civic holiday. Went to Owen Sound in truck in morning with
Elgin. Had sleep in aft. Fowlers were in. Went to play at
Dromore, “Girl From Out Yonder”. Came home with Laddie.
Conn came up in morning & we started a new bookkeeping
system. Remington man was here too. Busy. Played
tennis at night. Laddie & I went for walk.
Conn still here auditing books. Started typing bills. He took
me down town and had malted milk in aft. Played tennis at
night. Open night. Laddie & I fooled around.

17

Thursday

August 6

Conn left yesterday. Busy in morning. Went to Young
People’s picnic in Owen Sound. Leith in swimming.
Campbell’s truck. Laddie & I went to tattoo in Mt. Forest.
Sat in car most of time.
Young People’s picnic at Leith,1936

Anna Ritchie and Velma

Laddie

Laddie and Velma

Velma (Blythe) Grant’s Diary - 1936

18

Friday

August 7

Saturday

August 8

Sunday

August 9

Monday

August 10

Tuesday

August 11

Wednesday

August 12

Thursday

August 13

Friday

August 14

Saturday

August 15

Sunday

August 16

Monday

August 17

Tuesday

August 18

Wednesday

August 19

Thursday

August 20

Friday

August 21

Saturday

August 22

Velma (Blythe) Grant’s Diary - 1936

Real busy. Water bills coming in – time flies. Played tennis
at night. Came home & read & went to bed sort of early.
Last discount day for water, so busy. Went up to tennis
courts at night, local tournament. Elg, Laddie & I went out to
Florence’s.
Read in morning. Went to Sunday School & to church at
night. Went for a drive with car. Anna & Laddie met other
kids & we all went down to our other place.
Real busy all day. Laddie, Cy, Ruby, Winnie & I went to
Owen Sound to see House of David play ball – long beards
& hair, smart players.
Busy all day. Mr. Colclough(?) was in & took electric adding
machine away. Winnie & Ruby went on boat trip. Had
dinner at Sally’s. Laddie was down at night.
Warm. Worked hard. Florence came in about 4 in aft.,
stayed for supper. She drew pictures while I worked. Open
night. Fooled around up town with kids.
Busy in morning. Half holiday. Went with Elgin in truck to
Markdale. Played tennis at night. Came home with Laddie,
read after.
Looked like rain all day. Worked hard. Went to ball game
with Anna. Started to rain. Went to Varney with Elgin.
Florence & I drove up a new car.
Just sprinkled last night. Everything is terribly dry.
Finished bills. Laddie, Florence, Elg & I went to show in
Hanover “Fury” with Spencer Tracey.
No Sunday School or church. Went out to Aunt Charlotte’s
for dinner. Had picnic in aft. (all the Ritchies). Read a book
“Man(?) this world dreams of!”. Went to church at nite.
Laddie & I went with Anna & Earl (great talk together).
Cooler. Busy. Balanced up recap sheets. Played tennis at
night. Laddie, Anna, Bill Renwick & I went for walk.
Little warmer to-day. Ruby & Cy came home last night.
Time goes fast when busy. Conn called me up from
Chesley. Went up to tennis courts at night. Ate in Calder’s.
Came home with Laddie.
Looked like rain all day but kept off. Got my own supper.
Went up to tennis courts. Open night. Anna, Berniece & I
went around together.
Mr. Flannery was up. Brought me home. Half holiday.
Went to tennis tournament with Owen Sound. Had lunch at
club house. Tennis club dance at Rav. Laddie & I went.
Had swell time.
Rain at last – real busy to-day as to-morrow is last disc. day.
Conn was in. Aunt Eva was here for supper. Went to show
in Hanover “Private Number” – real good.
Busy. Last discount day. Florence & Laddie stayed at our
place all night. We left for Tobermory in morning.

19

Sunday

August 23

Monday

August 24

Tuesday

August 25

Wednesday

August 26

Thursday

August 27

Friday

August 28

Saturday

August 29

Sunday

August 30

Monday

August 31

Tuesday

September 1

Wednesday

September 2

Thursday

September 3

Friday

September 4

Saturday

September 5

Sunday

September 6

Monday

September 7

Tuesday

September 8

Velma (Blythe) Grant’s Diary - 1936

Left for Tobermory about six. Had dinner along way. Visited
at Mercer’s cottage. What roads & barren county, got
terrible bumps. Had supper at Wiarton.
Terribly tired all day. My back was sore from the bumps.
Anna & I played tennis at night. Went over to Inez’s after.
Jim Palmer came over last night. I read a book in aft. Jim,
Ruby & I played tennis. It was cool so we came home &
played “500” – I had great luck.
Raining & cold nearly all day. Went up town for awhile &
went for walk with Laddie. Then I went up to Aunt Eva’s with
Jim, Ruby & Winnie, played bridge.
Warmer to-day. Half holiday. Winnie & Ruby went to picnic
at Aberdeen. Jim, Laddie & I played tennis. I had 7 sets.
Laddie stayed for supper. We played cards at night.
Cold and raining. Took off list of arrears. Read in aft.
Rained most of day. We had a wiener roast out at Anna’s.
Played bridge & ate.
Jim went home in morning. Laddie called & wanted to see
me alone at night (I wasn’t…). I went to show “San
Francisco” in Han. Jeanette MacDonald & Clark Gable –
thrilling.
Varney anniversary. Church was packed in morning to hear
Rev. Hill on “Why go to church”, wonderful. Barbara, Anna,
Freda, Winnie & Ruby stayed all day. Preached at night on
“What Christianity means to me”. Came home with Laddie.
Worked hard all day. Real cold. Went to anniversary
supper at Varney & play.
Conn was up all day, balancing books. He said I picked up
the new system fine. Played tennis at night & then went to
Commission meeting.
Rained terribly hard. Got thing straightened around after
meeting. Winnie, Mother, Janet Kerr, Marj & I went to
Dundalk – picked out rust yarn for a suit.
Lovely day. Half holiday. Played tennis in aft. Went out to
Anna’s for supper. Laddie came down at night.
Busy in morning. Read in aft. Got my own supper. Laddie,
George & I went to dance in Holstein.
Tired in morning. Got off at noon. Mother, Winnie & I went
to Port Elgin in aft. Stayed at Ribey’s. Went around the
town at night.
Went to church in morning. A lady stays there, Mrs. Kelly,
who is 81 but very spry & witty. We had a great time with
her. Aunt Jenny’s sister is there also. Went for drive in aft.
to beach, read, talked.
Had a good rest over week-end. We came home in aft.
Ruby, Cy & Mrs. Fulton had been here. Stayed for supper.
Laddie came down at night.
Worked hard all day. Pressed my clothes at night. Went
over to Florence MacDonald’s with some notices. Came
home with Laddie.

20

Wednesday

September 9

Thursday

September 10

Friday

September 11

Saturday

September 12

Sunday

September 13

Monday

September 14

Tuesday

September 15

Wednesday

September 16

Thursday

September 17

Friday

September 18

Saturday

September 19

Sunday

September 20

Monday

September 21

Tuesday

September 22

Wednesday

September 23

Thursday

September 24

Friday

September 25

Saturday

September 26

Sunday

September 27

Velma (Blythe) Grant’s Diary - 1936

Went to Georgian Bay Convention at Meaford in truck. Met
a Miss Dale in Meaford office. Conn showed me around &
introduced me to some people. Had luncheon at cabins.
Caught one fish in aft. on boat trip, banquet at night. Sir
Arthur Roebuck spoke – grand time.
Mr. Bond, accountant, was in for a chat on his way to
Toronto, also 4 travelers talking over Convention. Played
tennis at night. Went for a walk with Laddie. Gave him my
favour (2 cigarettes & a cigar).
Made out arrear notices in morning. Rained. Durham Fall
Fair. Winnie & I went to fair – good exhibits. Laddie, Jim &
Elgin were down at night, played cards. Started my sweater.
Warmer. Mailed hydro notices. Knit for awhile at night.
Went up town. Sat with Laddie & Barbara in car & talked.
Went to Sunday School & church. George, Freda, Laddie,
Earl & I went for a drive to Mt. Forest at night & then went
out to Anna’s & ate.
Real hot – a great change. Busy most of day. Started a
book “Problems of Youth”. Stayed home at night & knit.
Hot. Finished a book. Anna & I played tennis at night.
Laddie came down after. Winnie finished Ruby’s skirt – knit
it in less than 2 weeks.
Rained most of day. Not very busy to-day. Read. Knit at
night. Went to Library & came home with Laddie, fixed my
clothes.
Lovely day. Not very busy. Played tennis at night. Laddie &
I went up to Smith’s with Anna.
Nice day but cool. Played tennis all aft. Laddie, Florence,
Elg & I went to hockey club dance at Rav.
Cool but bright. Worked in morning not busy . Read in aft.
Knit for awhile. Went up town. Anna had a dinner at night
for Carrie Mitchell – is being married next Sat. Swell eats.
Played bridge, Wilma (Socket) was there – lovely time.
Went to Orchardville anniversary. Went to Anna’s for dinner.
Laddie & I went to church at night. Winnie went to Toronto.
Lovely day. Am reading “Scarlet Woman” by Joseph
Hocking. Catholic Story. Good. Went to shower at Anna’s
that Auxiliary had for Carrie Mitchell.
Nice day again. Lot in to-day as last day for arrear notices.
Laddie & I went to Library at night.
Nice day but sultry. Read most of day. Terrible
thunderstorm at night. Stayed in & knit.
Turned real cold. Half holiday. I baked a cake & knit in aft.
Went over to Schenk’s at night & played cards.
Busy most of day. Earl, Anna, Laddie & I went to play in
Holstein “Sold For a Bargain” & to dance after, real good
time. I fell down a hole during the day so had a sore leg.
Busy. Knit for awhile at night & then went up town. Was
with Laddie. Ate in restaurant. I came home with Kerr’s.
Terrible day. Raining all the time. Mr. Smith spoke at
Varney. Laddie was down at night. He goes away

21

Monday

September 28

Tuesday

September 29

Wednesday

September 30

Thursday

October 1

Friday

October 2

Saturday

October 3

Sunday

October 4

Monday

October 5

Tuesday

October 6

Wednesday

October 7

Thursday

October 8

Friday

October 9

Saturday

October 10

Sunday

October 11

Monday

October 12

Tuesday

October 13

Wednesday

October 14

Thursday

October 15

Friday

October 16

Velma (Blythe) Grant’s Diary - 1936

tomorrow. Earl & Anna called so we went out there.
Laddie went away to-day, felt sort of lonesome. Worked
hard all day. Knit at night & listened to radio.
Busy. We took out meters to be tested. I went to Rebecca
birthday party – played euchre – had contests, lunch,
entertained Owen Sound.
Real cold. Frost last night. Had letter from Laddie. Busy.
Anna & I went to Young People’s conference in Queen st.
Rev. Mr. Parks of Elora spoke – good.
Bright in morning but rained in aft. Half holiday. Anna came
home in aft. & we knit. Rained at night so knit also.
Real busy. Very nice day but cold. Knit for awhile at night
then went to library & to Aunt Eva’s.
Terribly busy. Made out reports to send to Toronto. Winnie
& I walked to Varney & went to play in Ayton “Nothing but
the truth”, real good.
Brought Winnie up in morning. Read. Went to church in aft.
& for drive in aft. Went to church at night. Barbara,
Berniece & I sat up town & talked after.
Nice day but I had a terrible cold along with other things.
Stuck it out in morning. Came home in aft. Knit for awhile.
Went to bed early & took hot lemonade.
Cold not much better, felt miserable. Real busy making out
bills. Went to Hear Ellsworth Toll speak & show slides on
his trip around the word hitch-hiking – wonderful.
Had a letter from Laddie, not coming home for Thanksgiving.
Terrible headache & cold – got ready for meeting. Meter
inspector came. Got my hair cut, went to bed early.
Lovely day. Half holiday. Mother, Lorne, Winnie & I went to
Owen Sound. I got new hat, shoes, etc. Mother stayed for
supper. I got my hair waved, at night came home and knit.
Busy all day. Winnie went to choir practice. I finished all my
sweater except neck. Winnie finished my skirt.
Raining. Ruby & Cy came home. Finished suit. I didn’t
think Laddie was coming home but he landed along about 8.
Florence & Elg came down to Winnie’s also, some played
cards.
Terribly cold. Thanksgiving Sunday. We bought a new
radio $40. Went to church twice. Laddie, Barb & Mac were
down at night.
Thanksgiving Day. First snow – terribly cold. Geo. & Laddie
were down in morning. He went back in aft. Washed
clothes & did odd jobs. Went to show “Little Lord
Fauntleroy” in Mt. Forest with Uncle Camerons.
Cold. Started to work again. Busy. Knit at night. Anna
came in & we went to library.
Busy all day. Miss MacPhail was here for supper, also Mrs.
Dargavel. Had Commission meeting at night.
Lovely day. Half holiday. Went over to Schenk’s in aft.,
read. Community Party – I played at Calder’s. Had lunch &
dance after. Blaine McFarlane wanted to bring me home.
Winnie went to Missionary meeting in Hanover. I wrote to

22

Saturday

October 17

Sunday
Monday

October 18
October 19

Tuesday
Wednesday

October 20
October 21

Thursday

October 22

Friday

October 23

Saturday

October 24

Sunday

October 25

Monday

October 26

Tuesday

October 27

Wednesday

October 28

Thursday

October 29

Friday

October 30

Saturday

October 31

Sunday

November 1

Monday

November 2

Tuesday

November 3

Velma (Blythe) Grant’s Diary - 1936

Laddie at noon. Real busy. Went to library at night.
Terrible day – raining, did a lot of work. Went up town at
night. Came home with Mother & Dad. Listened to radio.
Elg came home also.
- Got mixed up in this book so will start again.
I was elected sect. of the 2 Young Peoples – 1st joint
meeting.
Started a dress for Nadine to-night.
Real busy to-day. Knit at night & then went up to Aunt Eva’s
for awhile.
Last discount day so real busy. Cold. Knit at night & wrote
to Laddie.
Got money ready for the bank. Don Flannery called. Went
to executive meeting in church.
Busy. Real cold. We were just eating our supper when in
walked Geo. & Marj & Mr. Stack. I went up town at night &
then went home.
Geo. & Marj were down for dinner. Read in aft. Went to
church at night. Raining so went to bed early.
Snowing & terrible cold. Busy. Mother was up to help
Winnie with a quilt – nearly finished it to-day. She stayed for
supper, & listened to Lux Program.
Busy making out water bills. Cold. Went to Young People’s
at night. Mr. Smith said minutes were very well written &
very well read. I came home with Bill Renwick.
A lot of travellers in to-day. They all stayed a long while &
talked so I didn’t get much done. Knit at night. Went up to
Ethel’s for awhile with Winnie, listened to radio.
The last half holiday. Knit & started my first fancy work – a
card table cover. Went over to Schenk’s for awhile in aft. It
rained at night. Wrote to Laddie.
Real busy – finished water bills. Elgin was in. Anna & I
went up to hospital to see Wallace Adam who was hurt in an
accident.
Real busy. Halloween. Winnie & I bought candy but no one
called on us. Went to show in Hanover with Elg & Florence
to see Robt. Taylor & Barbara Stanwyck in “His Brother’s
Wife”.
Sunday is a great day – lots to talk about. Went to church in
aft. & at night. Mr. Smith spoke on “Why it pays to be
honest”. Rained so came home & read.
Terribly busy – getting ready for meeting. Had long letter
from Laddie – he thinks I’m not writing often enough.
Started my purse at night & wrote to Laddie.
Busy – the Red Cross are putting on a play “It’s a Knockout”.
I am a chorus girl in it – about 100 in it. Got off at 5 to go to
practice. Had com. meeting. Had letter from Addie.

23

Wednesday

November 4

Thursday

November 5

Friday

November 6

Saturday

November 7

Sunday

November 8

Monday

November 9

Tuesday

November 10

Wednesday

November 11

Thursday

November 12

Friday

November 13

Saturday

November 14

Sunday

November 15

Monday

November 16

Tuesday

November 17

Wednesday

November 18

Thursday

November 19

Velma (Blythe) Grant’s Diary - 1936

Busy making out reports to send to Toronto. Went to
practice. We are “Sweethearts” in the play & have to dance.
Busy. Water bills are coming in. Ab went home about 5.
Had headache & chills. Went to practice & stayed out with
girls for awhile & then did fancy work.
Ab had pneumonia – is in hospital. Real busy. Bill
McTavish is helping us. Baufont(?) is sick too. Went to
practice & then to dance in Hall. Community Club put on
swell time – old time dance.
Last discount day – real busy. I got my fur coat yesterday.
Winnie went over to George’s. Bill Renwick, Florence, Elgin
& I went to show “Piccadilly Jim” in Hanover & came down to
house to eat after.
Real tired to-day. Slept in late. As Winnie was away I didn’t
come up at night. We took Elgin to Mt. Forest – listened to
radio.
Ab is still in hospital. Busy all day. Had letter from Laddie.
Went to practice at night. Came home & listened to Lux
program, did fancy work.
Busy. Went to practice at night, then Berniece, Anna, Freda
& I played bridge. Wrote to Laddie.
Armistice Day – we had a holiday. Fixed up my clothes,
washed my hair & had it finger-waved. Anna & I went to
service at monument. Played bridge at Berniece’s after.
Busy. Ab came home from hospital to-day. Went to practice
at night. Came home & did fancy work. Tony Rahn turned
our car over last night, a great looking wreck – take $70 to
fix it.
Lovely day. Warm. Ab came up to office for a little while –
terribly thin. Went to practice & then Anna & I went to dance
in Holstein with Mac & Barb.
Raining & dull all day. Winnie went to Toronto in aft. I got
my clothes ready to go up to Aunt Eva’s next week. Barb
drove me home.
Mother & Dad went to Hamilton this morning. Elg & I went to
church. Barb, Marg, Carl & Anna were here for supper & the
evening.
Came up in morning. Busy. Went to practice & then to
Young People’s after. We are going to get our costumes tomorrow.
Mr. Conn came in to-day. We got our costumes – black &
white striped pinneys, white skirts & bonnets. Had first
rehearsal. Play is great. Rennie, Tom Webb, Norman
Gagnon, Cassidy & Jean Rowe in it.
Busy all day. Quite a few travellers. Had a dress rehearsal
at Hall. Didn’t go over as well as night before but never
does. Laddie sent me a box of Hunt’s chocolates.
Working on waterworks books. Got off in aft. for matinee &
then had first performance at night. It went over big. What a
rush! Had to get make up on.

24

Friday

November 20

Saturday

November 21

Sunday

November 22

Monday

November 23

Tuesday

November 24

Wednesday

November 25

Thursday

November 26

Friday

November 27

Saturday

November 28

Sunday

November 29

Monday

November 30

Tuesday

December 1

Wednesday

December 2

Thursday

December 3

Friday

December 4

Velma (Blythe) Grant’s Diary - 1936

Hard to settle down to work. Final performance & went over
bigger than ever. Laddie came home, wasn’t expecting him.
Also Winnie, Ruby & Ann Constable had dance after – great
time.
A little tired. Raining. Came home about 5. Played bridge
with Anna, Ruby & Winnie. Then they went up to Aunt Eva’s
& Laddie came down. Had a very enjoyable evening until
Walter called for me about 9:30.
Felt tired all day, stayed in & read. Laddie went back with
Ruby. Went to church at night. Mr. Smith spoke on “How to
get a thrill out of life” – wore my fur coat for 1st.
Cold. Busy all day. Last disc. day for power. Mother & Dad
went to Winter Fair with uncle Camerons. I stayed with Jean
& Vera all night.
Snowing & cold. Office seemed cold. Made out financial
statements. Got my hair cut, had letter form Laddie to-day &
answered it. Read.
Real slippy, cars were getting stuck on hill, some travellers
were in. Winnie, Mrs. Schenk, Mabel & I went up to Hay’s at
night. Played cards & had lunch – got cup read.
Busy typing names on bills & making out financial
statements. Conn was in. Went to fowl supper in church,
good eats. Came home & knit.
Busy all day. Lots of snow now. Winnie & I went over to
Sally’s at night, played bridge & had lunch. Vic is selling
Chev’s now.
Ab went to Toronto. Typed out financial statements – had
letter form Laddie. Came home & went down to Mt. Forest
for Elgin. We got our car back but it has a few knocks in it.
It was real stormy yesterday & the snow is real deep. Went
to church in aft. and at night. Came home, listened to radio
& read.
Real busy making out financial statements. Went to Young
People’s at night – a long program. Mr. Winters spoke, real
cold – about 12 below. Laddie wrote.
What a day! I was rushed to death & felt tired but had to
come back to meeting at night. Winnie had I.O.D.E. meeting
here.
Real busy – (3.07) out in receipts so trying to find it. Not
feeling very well as seem to be getting a cold. Went to a
bridge at Anna’s, had lovely time. Elsie Goodchild got prize.
Laddie wrote.
Had a terrible cold but stuck it out all day. Joe Tethie(?) was
in. I went over to Schenks’ for supper, had company from
Ayton. A great time in Eng. as to whether King will marry
Mrs. Simpson or not.
Started to make out bills again. King has to either decide
against Mrs. Simpson or give up the throne. Baldwin
objects. She has been twice divorced. Flashes coming over
the radio all the time. Stayed home & knit & listened to
radio.

25

Saturday

December 5

Sunday

December 6

Monday

December 7

Tuesday

December 8

Wednesday

December 9

Thursday

December 10

Friday

December 11

Saturday

December 12

Sunday

December 13

Monday

December 14

Tuesday

December 15

Wednesday

December 16

Thursday

December 17

Friday

December 18

Saturday

December 19

Sunday

December 20

Velma (Blythe) Grant’s Diary - 1936

Busy most of day. Had letter from Laddie. Went to dance in
Hall put on by Community Club. What a time! From 8 to 12,
had home waltz with Bill Renwick. Barb drove me home.
Talked over Christmas presents. Wrote a letter. Went to
church in aft. & at night. Came home & listened to radio.
Made out bills all day. Real cold. Winnie & I knit at night &
listened to Lux program. King still hasn’t given his decision.
Made out bills. Ab had an X-ray taken in aft. Got my hair
done at night as I am going to get my picture taken tomorrow.
Milder. Went to Mt. Forest in morning & got my picture
taken 4 positions, wore a blouse. Worked in aft. Wrote to
Laddie at night, knit & went up to drug store.
I got proofs back. Busy making out bills. Listened to radio
at night & did fancy work. Ethel & Anna were in. King
abdicated for love of Mrs. Simpson – twice divorced. His
brother to be King.
Finished bills. We finished Pegg’s sweater to-day & I took it
over at night. I ran over to Mrs. Hay’s to hear King’s farewell
speech – real sad.
Grand day. George the VI crowned King. Santa Claus day
in Durham. Saw the parade in aft. Florence stayed with me
in aft. & for supper. Mother was here too. We did some
Christ. Shopping & then went to show in Han., saw “The
Devil Is a Sissy”.
Uncle Will has been in hospital. Mother & Dad went up to
see him. Elg, Lorne & I went to church in aft. I went at night
again with Anna. Went to Mt. Forest with Anna & Earl. They
drove. Elgin down.
Busy getting ready for meeting. We had meeting at 7 & then
I went to Young People’s – a social. Had lots of fun. Uncle
Will went to Toronto to-day & has to have an operation.
Grand day – thawing. Made out power bills. Knit on
sweater for Nadine. Stayed up till Winnie came home from
Auxiliary.
Got a great surprise this morning when Conn walked in,
stayed all day auditing books – lots of fun with him. Went to
practice at Renwick’s for X-mas concert.
Conn was here all day. Ab got him a Christmas tree to take
back with him to-morrow. I finished my fancy work &
listened to radio.
Uncle Will was operated on to-day. Got along better than
they expected. Anna stayed down. Conn called in for tree.
I went to Commencement at night – play was real good.
Finished my Christmas shopping to-day. People are coming
in with bills. Laddie came home to-day & we went to show in
Mt. Forest, saw “Nevada” and “Whipsaw”. Florence stayed
all night.
Wrapped up parcels and addressed cards. Went to church
in aft. & at night. Laddie came down after church.

26

Monday

December 21

Tuesday

December 22

Wednesday

December 23

Thursday

December 24

Friday

December 25

Saturday

December 26

Sunday

December 27

Monday

December 28

Tuesday

December 29

Wednesday

December 30

Thursday

December 31

Terribly snowy. Real busy, People coming in to pay bills. I
had to go to play practice to-night. Did some shopping.
Came home with Laddie.
Last discount day, real busy. Had to go to practice again for
Sunday School concert. Laddie came down for awhile.
Mild. Ruby came home at noon to-day. Busy getting money
ready for bank. Ruby, Winnie & I went to Sunday School
concert in church.
Real mild. Mr. Innes gave me a box of handkerchiefs & Ab
chocolates. Made out a report for Ralph. Elgin came up for
me. Saw Laddie & he gave me his present.
Christmas day – rained all day, had it down here – great
time. I got a watch from Laddie. Had a big feed – ate fowl,
unloaded tree & then had plum pudding. Played cards.
Went down to dance in Varney about 12.
I got a holiday – boxing day. Rained all day – didn’t get up
till late. We went up to Winne’s in aft. I got my hair washed.
Florence, Elg, Laddie & I went to show in Hanover,
“Kamovey”(?).
Still raining. Funny weather. Went to church in aft. We all
went up to Winnie’s for supper. Elg & I went up town & saw
Laddie & then came home & listened to radio.
Lovely day – so mild. Laddie & I went out to a goose dinner
at Anna’s. Played bridge & then went to Christmas dance.
Good time. It was nomination night also. Ralph & Bob
Campbell nominated for Commissioner.
Ralph is going to run against Bob Campbell & Sammy Lowe
against the old council. Winnie, Ruby & Cy went skating.
Laddie was down. We played bridge after.
Making reports out for hydro. Rained heavy all day – the
funniest weather. Uncle Camerons were down for supper,
we played cards at night.
Still real mild. Felt tired doing waterworks books. Ruby &
Cy went to dance in Mt. Forest. Laddie was down. We went
up town for awhile & then came in & listened to radio.

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 - 1936

27