Velma’s Diaries - 1939
1939
DAY
Sunday

MONTH
January 1

Monday

January 2

Tuesday

January 3

Wednesday

January 4

Thursday

January 5

Friday

January 6

Saturday

January 7

Sunday

January 8

Monday

January 9

Tuesday

January 10

Wednesday

January 11

Thursday

January 12

Friday

January 13

Velma (Blythe) Grant’s Diary - 1939

COMMENT
Aunt Eva & I went to church in morning & then I went home
with Elgin – had to walk up from corner – roads blocked.
Had chicken dinner. Went to church at night. Young
People’s installation of officers. I took part. Laddie came up
to house last night.
Slept in. Ruby went back this aft. Also Laddie. I went down
to Anna’s for a turkey dinner & then Anna & I went skating.
1st for 2 years. Had Jean Grant’s skates.
Stormy again. Busy taking off controls. Read at night &
then we played table tennis.
Real busy – taking off controls. Stormy. I went to show in
Hall. Deanne Durvin in “Three Smart Girls” – real good.
Roads were blocked yesterday again – thawing. Snow is
going away fast. Read at night & played table tennis. Had
letter from Florence.
Still thawing – real mild. Highway is bare now. Started
making out report for Hydro. I went down to Anna’s at night
– had game of bridge – lunch.
Nice day – mild. Busy in morning. George, Dorothy
Pickering & I went to Toronto in aft. Arrived about 4:15.
Laddie & I had supper at Mrs. Greenwood’s & then we went
to a show, “You Can’t Take it With You” – real good. Had
swell time.
No snow in Toronto. Laddie, Geo. & I went to Carlton Street
United Church in morning. Communion. Ate at Mrs.
Greenwood’s. Laddie & I went for a walk about 8:30. Came
by George in town – stopped in at Dr. Watson’s. The four of
us ate at Murray’s. Left for home.
Grand day. Tired but real busy making out reports. Laddie
has albumin – has to find out the cause of it. Wrote to
Laddie at night – didn’t go to Young Peoples’, listened to
radio – Lux program.
Didn’t feel a bit well – couldn’t eat any dinner. Felt better in
aft. Got a permanent at night – 3.50 at McArthur’s – hope it
will take.
Flannery was up in morning. Called a meeting of the
Commission about arrears. Wrote Florence. Stayed in at
night. I have been busy making out hydro reports – finished
now.
The inspector inspected our place to-day. Nice day. Made
out power bills. Went to bridge club at Berniece’s – the first
one of the new year.
The Hydro gang started the line up to our place to-day – the
wiring is finished. It is costing us a lot more than we thought
but will be worth it - $200. Laddie wrote. Hilda & I went to
hockey game.

1

Saturday

January 14

Sunday

January 15

Monday

January 16

Tuesday

January 17

Wednesday

January 18

Thursday

January 19

Friday

January 20

Saturday

January 21

Sunday

January 22

Monday

January 23

Tuesday

January 24

Wednesday

January 25

Thursday

January 26

Friday

January 27

Saturday

January 28

Sunday

January 29

Velma (Blythe) Grant’s Diary - 1939

Nice day but frosty. Wrote Jean Grant & thanked her for the
skates - $3.00. Real busy. I went down to Mt. Forest with
Elgin at five & had supper at Margaret’s. Grace Evans is
there. Elg & I came home after.
Talked Hydro. Went to church in aft. & at night. Listened to
radio at night. The play, “The Citadel”, was on. Read.
Wrote to Laddie. Made out Workmen’s Compensation
Report. Went to Young People’s at night. Listened to Lux
program after.
Cleaned office & did odd jobs. Had a Commission meeting
at night. Read “In the Steps of the Master” by H.V. Morton
after.
Cold. I had bridge club, served soup, little cakes & cocoa.
Rita got prize, salt & pepper shakers. Barb got Booby –
powder puff.
Frosty. Hydro was turned on at noon to-day at farm. We
are gong to be having a celebration to-morrow night. Winnie
got it up. I went to I.O.D.E. Military Bridge.
Busy cleaning out drawers. Geo. Noble was in for dinner –
has a baby girl. Hydro installation cost us $94 each. We
went home at night. Big celebration. About 35. Gave
Mother & Dad a table lamp. Lights certainly look nice.
Played cards.
Milder. Cleaned out cupboard. Had letter from Laddie.
Went to show in Hanover “Marie Antoinette” with Barb.
Terribly sad but a grand picture – good acting & beautiful
costumes. Anna came down with me for week-end.
Terribly stormy. Anna & I got up about ten. We have a new
Q Forest Crossley (?) Electric radio in on trial. Listened to it
& read. Came up in time for church. Started a new book,
“Rebecca” – it is grand.
Real cold. Started water bills. Went to Young People’s at
night. Read.
Real Frosty. Finished typing names on bills. Read
“Rebecca” at night – a wonderful book. Jean & I were alone,
went down town & had a treat.
The coldest morning this winter. Busy with water bills. Went
to bridge club at Hargrave’s. It was 16˚ below zero when we
came home.
Not quite so cold. Finished water bills. Stayed in at night &
read “Rebecca”.
Had letter form Florence. Typed arrears on bills. Quite
busy. Went to Young People’s Skating Party at night. Good
time.
Real mild & windy. Took off controls. Went home at five.
Went out to barn to see lights. We bought the new radio –
listened to it.
Mild. Mother is sick with the cold. Elgin, Bob, Muriel Wells,
Gertie Kline & Alma McGuire came up in aft. I went up to ski
club with them & then they all came back here for supper.
Some lunch. Good time.

2

Monday

January 30

Tuesday

January 31

Wednesday

February 1

Thursday

February 2

Friday

February 3

Saturday

February 4

Sunday

February 5

Monday

February 6

Tuesday

February 7

Wednesday

February 8

Thursday

February 9

Friday

February 10

Saturday

February 11

Sunday

February 12

Monday

February 13

Tuesday

February 14

Wednesday

February 15

Thursday

February 16

Velma (Blythe) Grant’s Diary - 1939

It’s terribly stormy to-day. I finished “Rebecca” by Daphne
DuMaurier. It’s a wonderful story – told in such an exciting &
unexpected way – think I will buy it later on.
Real busy. Cold. Had Commission meeting at night. Went
to library and to Young People’s after. Played Ping Pong at
Young People’s.
Turning milder. Busy. Went to show in Hall with girls,
“Wings Over Honolulu”.
Mild. Took off controls. Had letter form Laddie – he is real
busy. Went to bridge club at Helen’s.
Wrote to Laddie. Typed names on bills. Had my hair done
at night – an oil treatment, $1. Makes your hair very soft &
shiny.
Lovely day but real cold. Went home at five. Baked a cake.
Listened to radio.
Lovely day. Mother is sick – high blood pressure. I did the
work. Went to church at night & for walk.
Real mild. Doctor was down to see Mother to-day. She has
to stay in bed for a few days. Clara Morice is there. Went to
Young People’s & listened to Lux program, “The Count of
Monte Cristo”.
Ab went to the Convention yesterday. I am terribly busy.
Com. had a meeting this aft. to see about firing Mr. Innis.
He has been out on a spree for 4 or 5 days. Gave him a
good scolding. Went to carnival in Rink.
Sally & Vic left for Florida this morning for a month – went
with Lorne & Frankie. Real busy. Lovely day. Mother is still
quite weak. Went to bridge club at Anna’s. Got prize – a
lovely picture – a nice ornament.
Icy. Still very busy. Ab isn’t back yet. It was terribly windy
all night. Hail – weird.
Ab came back to-day. Finished light bills. Shirley, Aleida,
Lorraine & I went to Ski Club dance in Hall – wore my
evening dress – a wonderful time. Never missed a dance –
a lot there from Mt. Forest – Betty McIntyre crowned Snow
Queen. Vera & I talked over dance until 4.
Terribly stormy. Tired. Went home at five. Mother is still in
bed – is terribly weak.
I cooked several things – trying to get Mother to eat. Elgin
came home. Came up to town about 8 o’clock. Vera & I
talked until twelve. She is having her trouble with boys. It is
all over with Keith.
Real mild. Made out power bills. Went to hockey match.
First playoff with Chesley. Durham won 5-2.
Wrote to Florence. Real mild. We had Walkerton Young
People’s over for a Valentine’s social – good time. Went up
to Rebecca dance after. Laddie telephoned – has been too
busy to write.
Stormy. Not so busy to-day. Went to bridge club at
Traynor’s – Valentine salad.
Real frosty. Did odd jobs. Vera, Anna & I went skating.

3

Friday

February 17

Saturday

February 18

Sunday

February 19

Monday

February 20

Tuesday

February 21

Wednesday

February 22

Thursday

February 23

Friday

February 24

Saturday

February 25

Sunday

February 26

Monday

February 27

Tuesday

February 28

Wednesday

March 1

Thursday

March 2

Friday

March 3

Saturday

March 4

Velma (Blythe) Grant’s Diary - 1939

Made lunch after.
Stormy. Alex Murdoch was found dead in garage to-day.
Had letter from Laddie – wants me to come down soon.
Stayed in at night – did fancy work – had bath, etc.
Milder. Fowlers came up to-day – Harold’s and Reg’s – we
weren’t expecting them. Mother is up now but still not able
to do anything. I went home at five. Fowler’s left about ten.
I made them lunch. They brought us a toaster. Elgin was
home too.
Sleeting. Was in house all day. Aunt Sadie died to-night.
She hasn’t been well for some time but took a heart attack &
died quite suddenly to-night.
Mild but slippery. Wrote to Laddie. Dad & I went down to
Ritchie’s at night. Aunt Sadie looks lovely.
Real cold. Quite busy. Went to Aunt Sadie’s funeral in aft.
in church. Stayed in at night – did fancy work.
Frosty. Last day. Very busy. Laddie wrote & wants me to
be sure to come down this week-end. Dr. Smith & Miss
Renwick were married to-day. Berniece & I went to show in
Hall, “My Old Kentucky Home”.
Busy. Wrote to Laddie & Florence. Went down to Anna’s
for supper and stayed all night.
Stormy – don’t know whether I dare go to Toronto to-morrow
or not. Got ready to go anyway.
Lovely day. I didn’t go down on morning bus – thought
roads were too bad. Went down in aft. with Jack Grierson –
arrived about 6:30 – got a pair of shoes & then we went to
show “Kentucky”. Our anniversary – 4th – stayed up until
late.
Terribly stormy – we stayed in house most of the day. I
came home on bus. It was an hour late – roads were terribly
drifted. Sat with Winnifred Gordon from Mt. Forest.
A grand day. Wrote to Laddie – not very busy. Watched a
man pull a 4 ton truck with his teeth. Went to Young
People’s - I had meeting – Citizenship.
Milder. Windy. Cleaned files. Aunt Eva & I went up to the
school at night, “Parent’s night”. The New Course of Study
is certainly different. Children make some wonderful things
– had tea after.
Terribly stormy – did odd jobs. Went to show in Hall, “Love
before Breakfast”. Quite a time with Ross – Aunt Eva didn’t
like it because Dad hired Murray Morice instead of Ross.
A grand day. Took off water controls. Went to bridge club at
Hilda’s. Laddie wrote. Sick in night – too many sandwiches.
Grand day. Washed my hair & had it waved. Went down to
show in Mt. Forest after with Ethel – saw the grandest
picture, “Alexander’s Rag Time Band” – Tyrone Power, Alice
Faye.
Real mild. Took off hyro controls. Elgin & I went home
about 8. We changed our car – got a 1933 Ford V-8.

4

Sunday

March 5

Monday

March 6

Tuesday

March 7

Wednesday

March 8

Thursday

March 9

Friday

March 10

Saturday

March 11

Sunday

March 12

Monday

March 13

Tuesday

March 14

Wednesday

March 15

Thursday

March 16

Friday

March 17

Saturday

March 18

Sunday

March 19

Monday

March 20

Tuesday

March 21

Wednesday

March 22

Velma (Blythe) Grant’s Diary - 1939

Nice day – busy all morning. Winnie & Jack were down in
aft. I went to church at night & then went to Berniece’s after.
Vic & Sally came back from Florida to-day.
A terrible day – windy – power off & on in morning. Wrote to
Laddie. Mr. Ferguson here in aft., finished by 5. He has
been sick –an inch of decayed bone in his cheek caused
from a bad tooth. Went to Young People’s at night. A Bible
student spoke.
Stormy. Got ready for meeting. Went to library after
meeting. Did fancy work.
A little milder – real busy. Aunt Eva had quilting. Nadine &
Nora were over for Jean’s birthday. Went to bridge club at
Rita Willis’.
Snowing. Barb has been sick – has to stay in bed for a
week – nerves. I went to a party the Business Men had in
Hall. Bingo & Dancing.
Nice day but cold. Real busy. Aunt Eva & I went down to
see Barbara at night.
Cold wind. Made out power bills. Nadine is having a
birthday party to-day – I went over at noon to see her table –
real cute – balloons, cake, animals, snowmen, dolls, etc.
Went home with Dad. Had letter from Laddie – he has been
off 3 days with flu.
Windy. Mother is still not able to do anything. Sally & Mrs.
Hope were down in aft. Everybody is worried about Ross
(not capable of working on a farm). Read at night – not
feeling very well.
Nicer to-day. Wrote to Laddie. Finished power bills. Went
to Young People’s at night. St. Patrick’s Social – played
Ping Pong, Chinese Checkers, Shuffle Board.
Thawing. Made out waterworks report. Bridge club at
Hilda’s.
Terribly windy. Finished waterworks report. Went to show
in Hall. Jackie Cooper in “Boy of the Streets”.
A terrible day – real stormy. Wrote to Florence. Stayed in at
night, read & did fancy work.
Real stormy again. Filed away records. Went to library at
night – read & had bath.
Bright but cold. Did odd jobs. Went home at five. Baked a
cake. Did fancy work & listened to radio.
Stormy again. Came up in time for church at night. Went in
to Berniece’s after.
Cold. I have a bad cold in my head. Went to Young
People’s at night.
A little milder. I still have a terrible cold. Filed away records.
Berniece & I went to a party the Business Men had in Hall.
Bingo & dancing.
A little milder. Filed away records. Wrote to Laddie & Ruby
– Vera & I got a chance down this week-end with Bob
Gardiner. Berniece & I went to show in Hall, “There Always
To-morrow”.

5

Thursday

March 23

Friday

March 24

Saturday

March 25

Sunday

March 26

Monday

March 27

Tuesday

March 28

Wednesday

March 29

Thursday

March 30

Friday

March 31

Saturday

April 1

Sunday

April 2

Monday

April 3

Tuesday

April 4

Wednesday

April 5

Thursday

April 6

Friday

April 7

Velma (Blythe) Grant’s Diary - 1939

Mild. Got ready to go to Toronto at night & then Laddie
phoned to say that he was having exams & had to study &
Ruby wrote to say that she was coming home, so our trip
was off.
A wonderful day. Wrote Laddie to say that we wouldn’t be
down. Gave him Romeos, socks & subscription to Popular
Science magazine for his birthday. Went down to see Barb
at night. She is a lot better.
Raining. Ruby & Cy didn’t come up. Winnie & Jack came in
for supper & brought a chicken. I went home with Elgin
after.
Real warm but raining all day. We took Elgin down to Mt.
Forest in aft. & then came up to Uncle Will’s for supper.
Norman Greenwood was there. We went to Pres. Church –
Young People’s Service.
Cold but bright. Typed names on bills. Had letter from
Laddie. Went to Young People’s at night – slides. Ruby
didn’t come home because she thought we were going
down.
Nice but cold. Wrote Laddie & Ruby. Went over to Hilda’s
for awhile, to library & listened to radio.
Cool. Started bills. Berniece had bridge club, last one for
season. I helped with lunch – fruit salad in shape of candle
– lettuce, pineapple, ½ banana for candle – cherry flame,
fruit salad around bottom. Looked swell. I got booby –
Easter egg.
Snowing. Sally, Aunt Eva, Vera, Jean & I went to Guelph to
shop – away all day. Ate in Peacock. I got beige goods for
suit, 6.50, hat 5.00, ascot. Couldn’t get a ready made suit to
fit. Snowing all the way home – some drive.
Snow on ground again. Made out bills. Ross is bothering
Aunt Eva about job on milk route. Stayed in – had bath.
Cold. Real busy. Berniece, Hilda & I went down to Mt.
Forest at night. Shopped.
Ruby & Cy came up. Ruby brought up a pink figured dress
for me, 3.00. Anna, Barb & Uncle Will were down for
supper. Anna & I went to church at night.
Real cold & windy. Took off controls. Vera is sick. Had
toothache – went to dentist. Went to Young People’s at
night.
Cold. My tooth is still aching. Got a hole made in it to let
pus out. Had Commission meeting – went to library &
listened to radio.
Real busy. My tooth is still aching. Washed my hair & had it
finger-waved. Read after. Things are bad in Europe again.
Hitler keeps taking more territory.
Cold, snowing. My tooth is better to-day. Made out bills.
Had my suit fitted. Read at night.
Good Friday. Real cold. Washed clothes in morning. Ruby
& Cy came up at noon. Expected Laddie but didn’t hear
from him. Ruby, Cy, Aunt Eva & I played bridge at night.

6

Laddie called about 10:30 – just got home on bus.

Velma (Blythe) Grant’s Diary - 1939

7

Saturday

April 8

Sunday

April 9

Monday

April 10

Tuesday

April 11

Wednesday

April 12

Thursday

April 13

Friday

April 14

Saturday

April 15

Sunday

April 16

Monday

April 17

Tuesday

April 18

Wednesday

April 19

Thursday

April 20

Friday

April 21

Saturday

April 22

Velma (Blythe) Grant’s Diary - 1939

Cold. Laddie came up to office & stayed nearly all aft. I got
my suit, $3.50 for making it – cost $10.00 all told – I like it
very much. Laddie came up at night – rest went to show. I
went home about 9:30.
Easter Sunday. Bright but too cold to wear spring clothes.
Laddie came down in aft. We went to church. Elg, Laddie &
I were alone for supper – family at Vic’s. Elgin went back to
Mt. Forest. We were alone & then Elg came back later with
two girls.
A little milder. Tired & my tooth still bothers me at times,
especially at night. Laddie & I went to Easter dance. Cy &
Laddie went back to Toronto after dance. Snowing – terrible
drive, didn’t arrive until 6:30.
Cold. Typed arrears on bills. My tooth still aches. Have to
take aspirin at night to sleep. Listened to radio.
Real stormy. Busy. Listened to radio at night & Aunt Eva,
Ruby & I played dummy bridge.
Cold. I had to go to dentist in morning. My tooth is
abscessed – coming to a head in the roof of my mouth.
Nothing can be done until it breaks. Broke in aft – what a
relief! Vera, Aunt Eva & I went to show in Owen Sound,
“Mother Casey’s Chickens”.
Feel fine again. Had nice letter form Laddie. Played bridge
at night with Aunt Eva & Ruby – had bath.
A little milder to-day. Florence came in. We had lunch
together down town. Bought black purse, 1.95. Winnie &
Jack came in at night. We played cards. Cy & Ruby drove
me home – talked about Ross – a great problem. Aunt Eva
blames all her relatives.
Cold. Listened to radio most of day. Went to church at night
& for walk.
A terrible day – real windy & raining. Wrote to Laddie. Went
to Young People’s at night. Cleaned drawers after.
A little milder. Wore my spring coat for first. Went to library
at night & then listened to radio.
Raining – colder – snow at night. Started water bills. Went
to show in Hall, Deanna Durvin in “One Hundred Men & a
Girl”, real good.
Cool but nice in aft. Our bridge club went to Mt. Forest. Had
dinner in Mount Royal hotel room – 50¢ each – 2 bottles
beer in dresser drawer. Went to show after. Wm Powell &
Myrna Loy in “Double Wedding”. I saw it before.
Raining all day. I sort of lost my voice to-day. I think I have
flu as I ache all over. Stayed in at night – took soda &
aspirin & went to bed early.
Cold & damp. Not feeling very well but busy as last day.
Mother is sick again too. Went home at 6 with Elgin, got
supper, baked cookies & 2 pies – ironed.

8

Sunday

April 23

Monday

April 24

Tuesday

April 25

Wednesday

April 26

Thursday

April 27

Friday

April 28

Saturday

April 29

Sunday

April 30

Monday

May 1

Tuesday

May 2

Wednesday

May 3

Thursday

May 4

Friday

May 5

Saturday

May 6

Sunday

May 7

Monday

May 8

Tuesday

May 9

Velma (Blythe) Grant’s Diary - 1939

A grand day. The first nice Sunday this spring. Mother is
still quite sick. Dad isn’t feeling well either. A terrible lot of
flu around. Went to church at night – wore my new suit for
first.
Grand to-day – real warm. Busy with money. Went to
Young People’s concert in church. MacDuff Copeland
troupe – Scotch entertainers.
Real warm, like summer. Elgin & Mother are both in bed
with flu. Berniece & I went to library & for walk at night.
Warm. Finished water bills. Berniece, Anna, Freda & I went
to show in Mt. Forest. Saw “Suez” with Tyrone Power,
Loretta Young & Annabella. Swell. Ate after.
Cooler to-day. Busy. Went over to see Sally at night – she
has flu & then I went over to Hilda’s – Annie Campbell (Mrs.
Ron McGillvary) had a son to-night.
Cool but nice. Wrote Laddie. Went to dentist & had tooth
filled. Went for walk at night with Barbara. Had bath.
Grand day. Ab is painting office windows & doors green &
white. I took out insurance on the car, Dom. Of Can. Elg &
Mother are up again but still not the best. I went home after
supper with Elg. Cut out a slip.
Cold to-day. Real busy in morning. We took Elg to Mt.
Forest in aft. I drove. Marj Kerr (in training at Owen Sound
Hospital) was up for supper – she is home for 2 weeks
holidays. I brought car up to church at night. Marj took it
home.
Cool. Finished water controls. Went to Tennis Club meeting
at Hahn’s. I was elected one of four on Governing
Committee. Went for walk after.
Cool. Real busy. Com. Meeting. Went to library after.
Went to dentist after work also.
Warmer. Took off controls. Went to dentist. All finished 4.50, but I am going to get 4 front ones out soon. First open
night. Berniece, Hilda & I went for a walk.
Nice day. First half holiday but I worked until about four.
Washed my hair. Berniece & I went to Business Men’s
dance in Hall. Not many there. Came home early, ate.
Grand day, real warm. Busy. Played 2 sets of tennis at
night for first. Went to Pres. Play, “Aunt Susie Shoots the
Works”. Good.
Hot. Almost too nice to work. Fowlers came up to-day. I
went home with them for supper. Came up town at night
again.
Real hot. I brought the car up town in aft. – took Anna &
Barb out to the cemetery & then brought them down for
supper. Berniece & I went to church at night & then for walk.
Still real warm. Wrote Laddie. Last day for water bills.
Laddie wrote – real busy – 2 exams a day. Played tennis at
night & then went to a Young People’s Rally in church – lots
of fun – lunch.
Rained in morning but nice in aft. Played tennis at night &

9

Wednesday

May 10

Thursday

May 11

Friday

May 12

Saturday

May 13

Sunday

May 14

Monday

May 15

Tuesday

May 16

Wednesday

May 17

Thursday

May 18

Friday

May 19

Saturday

May 20

Sunday

May 21

Velma (Blythe) Grant’s Diary - 1939

then went for a walk.
Cooler. Made out power bills. Played tennis at night. Open
night – went down town & shopped.
Cool. My first half holiday. Shirley & I played tennis in aft.
Went to a meeting of the Tennis Club Executive at night.
Went over to Hilda’s – a dance in town but didn’t go – ate.
Cool. Finished power bills. Played tennis at night. Hilda & I
went to the library.
A little warmer. Not very busy. Went home with Elgin about
4:30. Tried on clothes, getting them shortened. Elg, Muriel,
Shirley & I went to Rav (Rahn de Voo). Had grand time.
Raining off & on all day. Mother’s Day. I gave Mother a
white scarf. Elg, George, Elsie & I went for drive to Pike
Like. I drove. Went to church at night & went in to
Berniece’s after. Planned to go & see King & Queen.
Raining. Got estimates of cost for lights for Tennis Court
from Mr. Currie. We had Tennis Club meeting at night. As
lights are going to cost us $200, we decided to make $100
first.
Cool. Copied figures into a New General Ledger. Played
tennis at night. Berniece & I went for a walk after.
Still real cool. King George VI & Queen Elizabeth arrived in
Canada to-day. Played tennis at night & then went over to
the show in Hanover in Jack McKechnie’s car. Saw
“Submarine Patrol”.
Bright but cold. Half holiday so I went out & spent aft. with
Aunt Mary Ann. Had long letter form Laddie. He is finished
now & taking summer course. He was at Buffalo over weekend. Sent Elg cigarettes. Played tennis. Went to show in
Mt. Forest with Jack McKechnie, Norm & Anna. Saw Robt.
Taylor in “Stand Up & Fight” at show.
Lovely day. Wrote Laddie. Had impression taken for 4 front
teeth. Played 3 sets of tennis at night. Went down to
Berniece’s. Florence was up also. Planned trip to Toronto
on Monday to see King & Queen.
Raining. Clarence Ritchie was married to-day to Frances
Riseborough. Everybody is excited about King & Queen’s
visit. Main topic of conversation. Papers full of it, also radio.
Lorne got first prize for his bird house, $5.00 given by Rotary
Club. Went home at five.
Went to Brantford. Left about 7:30. Had dinner at Harold’s grand house & apart. upstairs. We all went to Niagara Falls
in aft. Tulips & other flowers beautiful at falls. Saw boats
gathering at locks at the (?). Elg & I climbed 235 steps to
the top of Brock’s monument at Queenston Heights. Had
lunch. Stayed for illumination. Home 12:30.

10

Monday

May 22

Tuesday

May 23

Wednesday

May 24

Thursday

May 25

Friday

May 26

Saturday

May 27

Sunday

May 28

Monday

May 29

Tuesday

May 30

Wednesday

May 31

Thursday

June 1

Friday

June 2

Saturday

June 3

Sunday

June 4

Monday

June 5

Velma (Blythe) Grant’s Diary - 1939

I left at 7:00 on C.P.R. excursion to Toronto with girls.
Arrived at Riverdale Park at 12:00. Saw King & Queen
(close view) Queen is beautiful, dressed in powder blue –
waving her hand. They were both standing up in car. Went
down town after – saw decorations – marvellous. Met
Laddie. We ate together & then came out to Riverdale Park
again. Train left 3:00. Didn’t arrive until 1:00 PM. Jack
Bagnall new banker on train. Lots of fun but terribly
tiresome ride.
Raining. Everybody is tired after holiday. Went to library at
night & to bed early.
As Monday was a holiday I had to work on 24th. Played
tennis at night. Jack McKechnie, Hilda, Geo. Glass, Dorothy
MacDonald, Kay Renwick & I went to Pike Lake – terrible
crowd.
A beautiful day. Half holiday. Hilda, Anna, Freda & I cooked
our supper out at Beaver Meadow. We took Nadine & Nora
Jean Darling along to entertain us. Played tennis. Berniece
& I went for a walk.
A great day. Not very busy. Played tennis at night. Anna,
Norman, Jack & I went to show in Hanover, “Huckleberry
Finn” – real good. Ate after, big feed.
Another warm day. I went up to Owen Sound in aft. with
Sally. I got a new white coat, $10.00, white shoes, $5.00.
Barb drove me home about 11 – we had lunch together.
Raining. Slept in aft. Came up to town early. Aunt Eva & I
went to church. Geo. Prue preached the sermon. Berniece
& I went for a walk after.
Cooler. Played tennis at night. Berniece & I went up to see
Elsie Whitmore & her baby. Went for a walk after with Mel
Kerr. CN Rail agent here.
Lovely day. Busy. Played tennis at night & then went to
Young People’s wiener roast at McGirr’s. Ross went – was
terrible.
Hot. I got a permanent at 5:00 at Ruth Myles’, $3.50. Open
night. Sat down at McIntyre’s with Shirley & Lorraine.
Warm in morning. Real busy. Half holiday. Aunt Eva & I
went over to see Mrs. Roy Adams in aft. Had nice letter
from Laddie. Played tennis. Went to Business Mens dance
in Hall – had swell time. Jack, Hilda & I ate after.
Laddie’s results were in paper to-day – passed. Played
tennis at night & then came to Commission meeting.
A terrible thunderstorm Sat. aft. Got off work at 3. I got my
four front teeth out – didn’t hurt hardly any – got fine new
ones in right away. Ruby & Cy were down for supper.
Played Chinese Checkers.
My gums are swelled but not a bit sore. I never had to take
plate out. Think they are gong to look nice. Aunt Jane and
George Ritchie, Uncle Will were down for supper. Aunt Eva
& I went for walk at night. Listened to a Royal broadcast.
Nice day but quite windy. Real busy. Mr. Fergusson was
here in aft. finished in 1 ½ (?). Berniece & I went for a walk

11

Tuesday

June 6

Wednesday

June 7

Thursday

June 8

Friday

June 9

Saturday

June 10

Sunday

June 11

Monday

June 12

Tuesday

June 13

Wednesday

June 14

Thursday

June 15

Friday

June 16

Saturday

June 17

Sunday

June 18

Monday

June 19

Velma (Blythe) Grant’s Diary - 1939

at night & then I went home with Mother & Dad.
Holiday. Real hot. Winnie, Jack, Mother, Dad, Lorne & I
went to Gueph to see King & Queen. Had dinner in
restaurant. Stood out in hot sun for over an hour, saw Royal
train – we had a very good view of King & Queen. They
were standing on observation platform of train as it went
past. Queen wore pink. Came home, played tennis, went
for walk.
Nice day. 23. Laddie sent me flowers – lovely – all kinds.
Mother & Dad gave me a dresser lamp. Went to library at
night & for walk.
Hot. Half holiday. Anna & I went swimming in aft. Laddie
wrote. Worrying about finances – only thinks he should see
me once a week in summer. Going to spend a week with
Ivy. Played tennis. Went to tennis club dance at Rav with
Elg & Norma. Good time.
Warm. Wrote Laddie in morning. Busy making out bills.
Played tennis at night – tennis meeting after. Went down
town.
Real busy. Finished bills. Played tennis at night. Went to
Rav with Bill Patterson, Florence, Florence’s cousin from
Hamilton & Vera. Good time.
Terrible day. Raining & real windy. Slept & read most of
day. Mr. & Mrs. Wolfe – Varney store-keepers – were up for
supper. Went to church at night. Went to Berniece’s for
awhile, came home & read.
Real cold. Busy finishing bills. Mr. Saunders washed walls.
Rained at night so stayed in & listened to Lux program.
Read.
Cool. Mr. Saunders shellacked & waxed the floor. Looks
real nice. I had a grand letter from Laddie – terribly
lonesome. We had a bee to clean up tennis courts at night.
I got a blister from raking.
Wrote Laddie. Finished bills. Went up to tennis courts at
night. Aunt Eva & I went to Library after.
Cool. Half holiday. We had supper up at tennis courts.
Shirley & I went to Business Men’s dance. Good time but
not too many there – ate after.
Cool. Busy. Played tennis at night. Hilda & I went for a
walk, talked to bankers etc.
Dull & cool. Paid for my teeth 17.50. I took Aunt Eva & Aunt
Mary Ann out to cemetery, drove Frank’s car. Went down
town at night & went home with Mother & Dad
A nice day but a real high wind. I came up to town with car
myself & brought Berniece down for supper. Took pictures.
We went to Knox anniversary at night. Dr. Archer Wallace
spoke – splendid.
Real warm. I am reading a good book, “The Mortal Storm”
by Bottome. Played tennis at night. Anna & I went up to
Hospital and took Nurses Course – how to make bed.

12

Tuesday

June 20

Wednesday

June 21

Thursday

June 22

Friday

June 23

Saturday

June 24

Sunday

June 25

Monday

June 26

Tuesday

June 27

Wednesday

June 28

Thursday

June 29

Friday

June 30

Saturday

July 1

Sunday

July 2

Monday

July 3

Tuesday

July 4

Wednesday

July 5

Thursday

July 6

Velma (Blythe) Grant’s Diary - 1939

Nice day. Read my book. Played tennis at night. Mrs.
Evans won her case. Went to library. Berniece & I went for
a walk – talked to Jack Bagnall.
Grand day. Wrote Laddie. Real busy. Lorne passed the
Entrance on his year’s work, 66%. Went to show in Hall,
“Mad about Music”.
Last day so worked on Half Holiday. Played tennis at night.
Went for walk after. They are moving the fence back at the
tennis courts.
Cool. Busy. Played tennis at night. Went to show in
Hanover with girls, “Confessions of a Nazi Spy”, real good.
Ate after. Smitty asked me to go to Mt. Forest with him.
A beautiful day – not very busy. Went to Amateur Contest
over at Park. Went home after with Mother & Dad.
A grand day. Read & slept in aft. We have lots of
strawberries now. Went to church at night. Berniece & I
went to band concert after.
Warm. Busy cleaning up. Vera & Jean both went to beach
to-day. Had meeting to make arrangements for beach.
Went to Home Nursing Class. Learned how to take
temperature & pulse. Laddie wrote – won’t be home until
Thurs.
Hot. Real busy. Had meeting at night. Went up to see Aunt
Mary Ann after. Berniece & I went for a walk. Ate after.
Hot again. Terribly busy. Had my hair waved at night.
Went down town & did some shopping.
Made out power bills in morning. Raining real hard. Worked
awhile in aft. George & I went out for Florence. Laddie
came home. The four of us went to street dance in Durham.
Real busy as I start my holidays to-morrow. Laddie & I went
to Amateur Concert at park. I went home after.
Washed clothes & worked all day. Laddie, Geo., Florence &
I went to Old Boys reunion in Walkerton – on ferris wheel,
saw Niagara Falls. Went to Rav after. Ate at home – had
watermelon at Patterson’s - lots of fun – didn’t get home until
3.
Nice day. Geo., Laddie, Elg, Florence, Mary Leith & I went
to Hamilton. Marg & Florence are going to summer school.
Ate in Hamilton & then came back to apart. – home about
1am.
Nice day. Real busy. Elg, Geo., Shirley, Lorraine, Florence
& I went to Old Boys in Walkerton – around midway &
dance.
Ironed in morning. Nadine is here. Mother, Nadine & I went
up to Uncle John’s in aft. Listened to radio at night – rained.
Went to bed early.
Lorne, Laddie, Bonnie & I went to Owen Sound in morning –
shopped – had lunch in park. Went out to Presque Isle Girls
Camp in aft. Had supper there. Visiting day.
Real Hot. Busy. Laddie was coming down but had a terrible
cold so couldn’t come. I washed clothes etc. Ruby & Aunt

13

Friday

July 7

Saturday

July 8

Sunday

July 9

Eva were down at night.
Very hot. Elgin & George left on a trip North & home by
States. Mother & I went up town in aft. for Laddie. Lad & I
went for walk at night – grand time. He stayed all night.
Cooler to-day. Laddie is here. We picked strawberries in
morning. Went up town & up to Winnie’s in aft. Laddie & I
went to Mt. Forest, home at night. Lorne went to show.
8am. I came to Port Elgin beach with Berniece, Hilda, Barb,
Anna & Freda. We have a very nice cottage, Riviera $18.00
a month. Went in swimming & to church – down to beach
after. Read.

Port Elgin, 1939

Velma second left, Barbara Ritchie on right

Velma (Blythe) Grant’s Diary - 1939

14

Velma back left
Monday

July 10

Tuesday

July 11

Wednesday

July 12

Thursday

July 13

Cool. We went around investigating in morning. Decided to
Join Port Elgin tennis courts, 50¢ a week. Played tennis &
swam in aft. Went to show at night, “The Cowboy & the
Lady”, real funny. Went dancing after.
We left about 8am on trip. Went to Goderich, shopped, had
lunch at park. Went on to Bayfield. Water was too cold to
swim there. Came back to Goderich to swim. Had lake trout
dinner at Kincardine. Went to show there & to dance at
Inverhuron.
Real warm. Wrote letter & cards. Went down town &
shopped in morning. Bought Mother a dress. Went
swimming. Took pictures. Went down to see Mrs. Riley.
Had our tea cups read. Played bridge at night – Rained.
Some boys from park & Elgin came in. Ate peanuts.
Grand day. Played tennis in morning. Went swimming. I got
letter form Laddie. Went riding at 7pm – lots of fun – rode on
Babe. Got out pictures taken on horses & played tennis &
Miniature Golf. Went to dance at pavilion.

Velma and Babe second from left
Velma (Blythe) Grant’s Diary - 1939

15

Friday

July 14

Saturday

July 15

Sunday

July 16

Monday

July 17

Tuesday

July 18

Wednesday

July 19

Thursday

July 20

Friday

July 21

Saturday

July 22

Sunday

July 23

Monday

July 24

Tuesday

July 25

Wednesday

July 26

Thursday

July 27

Friday

July 28

Saturday

July 29

Sunday

July 30

Monday

July 31

Velma (Blythe) Grant’s Diary - 1939

Cooler. We go for a morning dip every morning. Played
tennis, shopped. Went swimming in aft. Went to show at
night. Had sundae after. Boys came up to cottage after but
we didn’t let them in.
Cool. Anna & Freda went home this morning. Berniece & I
are cooks to-day. Shopped in aft. Went down town at night
& to beach – real cool. Had hot dogs.
A grand day. Went for morning dip. Expected Laddie but
Elgin came up for us. Went home in aft. Fowlers were at
our place. Laddie & I took Elg down to Mt. Forest. Lad & I
had a lot to tell each other.
Started to work again. Anna & I went to Nurses Course at
night. Bathed Mrs. Wallace’s baby. Saw Laddie after –
went for walk.
Grand day. Real busy typing names on bills. Mr. Ferguson
called. Laddie & I went to library at night & for walk.
Swell weather. Not too hot. Cy came up to-day. Went up to
tennis courts at night & did some raking. Will soon be ready
for playing now. Laddie & I went down town – open night.
A swell day. Half holiday. Had my hair washed & an oil
treatment. Went to church picnic at Holstein after with Anna.
Street dance in Durham at night. Laddie & I stayed until
end.
Grand weather. Busy typing names on bills. Berniece
asked Lad & I to go to show but we couldn’t go. Went for a
walk. Met Earl Hunt.
Another week almost over. Busy. Went to Amateur Hour at
night in park. Laddie came home with me for week-end.
Laddie & I had breakfast about 10. We all went to Pike Lake
in aft. for picnic. Went swimming. Played golf for first. Late
when we got back to town – tired.
Hot. Making out water bills. Went to Nurses Course at
night, for walk with Laddie after.
Hot. Busy. Went up to tennis courts at night – pulled
weeds. Laddie, Geo. & I went to Pike Lake – picked up Elg
in Mt. Forest.
Still real hot. Elgin bought Mother an Apex Washing
Machine. Open night. Lad & I went to library & sat in our
car after.
Real hot. Half holiday. Laddie, Nadine & I went down home
on train. Stayed for supper. Laddie, Geo., Reg Gilmour,
Vera & I went to Tattoo in Mt. Forest – real good program.
Very hot. A hydro representative was here all aft.
Estimating cost of changing lighting in school. Lad & I went
for walk at night. Had bath & went to bed early.
Cooler. Raining now & then. George, Laddie & I went to Mt.
Forest at night. Street dance. George took Dorothy Hunter
home. Elg had Muriel.
Raining nearly all day. Skeltons were up in aft. Kimber went
home & George stayed. Elg, Laddie & I went to church in
Mt. Forest, Baptist church – 2 hrs but grand service.
They took Ross to Hamilton to-day again. He wanted to go.

16

Tuesday

August 1

Wednesday

August 2

Thursday

August 3

Friday

August 4

Saturday

August 5

Sunday

August 6

Monday

August 7

Tuesday

August 8

Wednesday

August 9

Thursday

August 10

Friday

August 11

Saturday

August 12

Velma (Blythe) Grant’s Diary - 1939

Went to Nursing Class at hospital. Saw Laddie after.
Jimmie Palmer called on me when I was away.
Grand day. Finished a book & did quite a bit of work. Went
out to Wilder’s Lake for drive with Ruby after supper.
Laddie, George & I went to dance at Pike Lake – good time.
Lovely day. Not too hot. Ruby, Cy & I played bridge. Lad &
I went down town. Open night.
Cooler. Half holiday. I went home at noon. Did some
baking. Mother is making me a brown dress. Lad & I went
for walk at night – talking to George.
A nice day. Took off controls. Went to hospital at night.
John Webster spoke on “Food”. Met Laddie after. Went
down to Anna’s. Norman was there.
Grand day. Elg & Dorothy Hunter were in office in morning.
Laddie, George & I went to Amateur Hour. Ticket drawn for
baby beef. Saw Florence. Aunt Jennie Grietmeir came up
to-day. Also Donald Blythe.
A grand day. Laddie, George Glass, George Skelton, Don
Blythe, Lorne & I went to Owen Sound for picnic, in
swimming. Elg & Muriel were up there. Stayed for band
concert.
Civic holiday. Don & I played tennis & went swimming in
morning. Aunt Jenny & Don went home in aft. Laddie came
down for supper. Fowlers landed in for supper too. Laddie
& I went over to Hanover with Norman Glass – ate in
restaurant.
Warm in morning – rained in aft. Last discount day so busy.
Rained real hard at night so stayed in & read. Laddie filled 2
of Cy’s teeth.
A nice day. Busy. Went down town at night. Lorne is up
this week.
Half holiday. Went to Owen Sound & Wiarton with Elgin.
Worked up at tennis courts at night. Laddie & I went for a
walk after.
Nice day. Finished bills. Laddie & Allen were up in aft.
Worked at tennis courts at night & then went up to hospital
to hear Dr. Burnett speak on “Communicable Diseases”.
Met Lad after. Anna took us down home to get apples.

Raining all aft. Lad & I went to Amateur Hour at night –

17

Sunday

August 13

Monday

August 14

Tuesday

August 15

Wednesday

August 16

Thursday

August 17

Friday

August 18

Saturday

August 19

Sunday

August 20

Monday

August 21

Tuesday

August 22

Wednesday

August 23

Thursday

August 24

Friday

August 25

Saturday

August 26

Sunday

August 27

Monday

August 28

Velma (Blythe) Grant’s Diary - 1939

started to rain, a terrible storm. Leonard McComb lineman
was killed. Muriel Walls came up for week-end. Muriel, Elg,
Lad & I went down home & had lunch.
Muriel, Elg & I went up town after church for Lad. Had lunch
& went out to Eugenia. Nadine went with us: grand aft.
Came home for supper. Lay on lawn after.
A lovely day. Aunt Eva was stung with an insect at berry
patch. Has blood poisoning in her arm. Has to bathe every
hour in salt & water. Went to Nursing Class – last one. Dr.
Brad spoke. Lad & I went for walk.
I was sick at my stomach last night & all day. Lad was sick
& also everybody at home. Laddie was over for a few
minutes at night.
Grand day. Ruby, Aunt Eva, Vera & Jean went to Oliphant.
I am feeling much better. Laddie & I went to Vic’s for supper
– had nice time. I stayed at Anna’s all night. Am reading,
“Young Dr. Galahad” by Eliz. Seifert.
Nice day. Half holiday. Not feeling very well yet. Laddie & I
played tennis at night. I was over at Grant’s for supper played Monopoly. Street dance in Durham.
Warm. Feeling better to-day. Finished reading “Young Dr.
Galahad”. R.M. Bond called in. Played tennis. Laddie & I
went to library.
Very sultry to-day. Busy. Finished reading “The Horse &
Buggy Doctor”. Rained at night. Laddie & I went to Amateur
Hour. Dr. Ross spoke on “Cancer”. We went to Rav after
with Geo., Elg & Dorothy Hunter.
Rained off & on all day. Skel. was up for George. Lorne went
out back with them. Laddie, Anna & Norman came down in
aft. for supper. We went out to Florence Patterson’s for
drive. Laddie & I went to band concert at night.
Raining. Real busy. Had my hair waved at night. Family
went to show. Laddie came up to house.
Real busy. Got ready for meeting & last disc. day also –
called meeting off. Played tennis & then Laddie & I went
over to Grant’s, watched rest playing Monopoly.
Raining in aft. Ruby, Jean & Cy went to Toronto to-day.
Open night. Laddie & I went for walk.
Half holiday. Laddie & I went to Shelbourne to play tennis.
It rained all aft. over there. Danced in curling rink. Lunch in
restaurant. We went to a corn roast at Schenk’s cottage at
night – good time.
A nice day but cool. Had Com. meeting at night. Typed out
articles for Lad all day. We went for a walk at night.
A beautiful day. Some drunk transient came to office –
wanted Dr. He frightened me but Harry Scott finally picked
him up. Laddie & I went to Amateur Hour at night. Florence
was with us. I stayed in town, up all night.
Went to church in morning. Rev. Hill spoke – splendid.
Went down to Anna’s – a beautiful day. Anna, Norm, Laddie
& I took our lunch out to Mighten’s (near Allan Park).
Lovely day. Not very busy. Another crisis in Europe. Hitler

18

Tuesday

August 29

Wednesday

August 30

Thursday

August 31

Friday

September 1

Saturday

September 2

Sunday

September 3

Monday

September 4

Tuesday

September 5

Wednesday

September 6

Thursday

September 7

Velma (Blythe) Grant’s Diary - 1939

wants Poland. Played tennis at night. Laddie & I went for
walk after.
Nice in morning but rained in aft. Ruby, Jean & Lorne came
home from Ex to-day – also Rita Cave. Talked over Ex.
Laddie was supposed to call but didn’t – playing pool.
A grand day. Mother & Dad, Aunt Eva, Winnie & Jack went
to Ex to-day with Sally. I went to kitchen shower for Jean
Murdoch at Renwick’s – had a mock wedding – nice time.
Swell day. Shelbourne were to play tennis here this aft. but
phoned saying they couldn’t come. Laddie & I played in aft.,
had lunch at courts.
German troops entered Poland last night. Britain & France
are going to aid Poland unless he (Hitler) ceases fighting at
once. All Eng. Troops mobilized. Women & children have
been moved out of London. Family went to Hamilton to-day.
Lad & I played tennis. He was supposed to go to Earl’s for
week-end but didn’t go. We went to library.
Eng. has formed a War Cabinet – irrespective of party or
creed. Nice warm day. Played tennis. Lad & I went to last
Amateur Hour. Mrs. Thornell & Howard came up from
Detroit to-night. Laddie stayed at our place all night. Also
Thornells.
Sunday real hot. War declared. As Eng. didn’t get any
answer to their letter to Germany demanding that German
troops be removed from Poland they (Eng. & Fr.) declared
war on them, 11am. One can hardly realize it. We went to
Owen Sound for picnic. Laddie stayed to-night too.
Listened to news on radio.
Labour Day. Raining. Lad & I drove Elg down to Mt. Forest
in morning. Bought a paper. Anxiously following war news.
Br. ship, Athenia, was torpedoed. A number of Can. on
board. Thornells left in aft. Harper McGirr’s & Murray Hay
called in. Laddie, Lorne & I went to show, “Union Pacific” in
Mt.Forest.
Real cool. Can. parliament is meting Thurs. to decide what
action they will take in the war. Lorne started to High
School. Laddie & I played tennis at night. Went to library
after.
Still cool. 3 Nazi ships sunk. Laddie & I went to Plunkett
dinner in church. Plenty of courses. Cereal, vi-tone –
cheese, soup, pork & beans, peas, cabbage salad with
Miracle Whip, macaroni & cheese, sausage, bread, biscuits,
pineapple salad, cake, coffee. I got a box of gelatine & a
recipe book after – given to one to be married next. Ha!
Warmer to-day. Half holiday. Laddie & I played tennis in aft.
Went to wiener roast at night at Scheck’s cottage.

19

Friday

September 8

Saturday

September 9

Sunday

September 10

Monday

September 11

Tuesday

September 12

Wednesday

September 13

Thursday

September 14

Friday

September 15

Saturday

September 16

Sunday

September 17

Monday

September 18

Tuesday

September 19

Wednesday

September 20

Velma (Blythe) Grant’s Diary - 1939

We got a letter from Hydro saying we have to give 10%
rebate, rates changed also. Durham Fall Fair. Looked like
rain but kept off. Laddie & I went down home for supper &
then went to concert, “Peggy’s Brain Wave” in Hall with Elg
& Norma, real good. Ate at home after.
Quite busy. Harold Fowlers & Beatrice Smith came up. I
went over to Grant’s at night to play Monopoly. We played
so long Mother & Dad went home without me. They came
up for me again.
A miserable day. Wet & cold. Canada declared war on
Germany to-day. Went up town in aft. with Fowlers. Laddie
& I went to church at night.
A little warmer. Real busy. Flour & sugar, butter have gone
up in price. Laddie & I went to show in Mt. Forest with Anna
& Norman. Saw Sonja Henie & Tyrone Power in “Second
Fiddle” – real good.
Rained all morning. Ab went to Hydro Convention at
Penetang to-day. Extra tax put on tobacco, beer & wine,
etc. We had Com. meeting at night. War is chief topic.
Laddie & I went to library & for walk after. Ate in Calder’s.
Warmer to-day. Real busy. Laddie & I went up to library at
night & for walk.
Half holiday. Terribly hot – hotter than all summer. Laddie,
Mother, Vera, Aunt Eva & I went to Owen Sound in aft. I got
a new pair of shoes $6 & a new coat $22.50. We went down
to Anna’s & played bridge at night.
Another terribly hot day – real close & sticky. I started
rebates. Vera & I went swimming. Laddie & I went for walk
at night. Had ice cream.
Still hot. Busy with rebates. A (?) Hahn was married this
morning. Turned cooler in aft. Laddie & I went down town
at night. Laddie came home with us for week-end.
A nice day but cooler. Russia entered Poland to-day.
Laddie & I went down to Mt. Forest for Norma & Elg. We
went up to near Chatsworth to see Margaret Evans before
she goes in training. Had lunch there & in Owen Sound
after. Lad goes away to-morrow.
Laddie went to Toronto to-day with Boyd Flett. They took
our car. I certainly miss him terribly. Had my hair waved at
night. Went to Young Women’s Auxiliary for first after. Mrs.
Dargavel spoke on “Books”.
Cool. The gov’t has put an 8% tax on all domestic
consumers of electricity. Busy with rebate. Anna & I played
tennis at night. Stayed in & read. Lonesome.
Raining. Real busy with rebate. Berniece & I went for walk
at night.

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 - 1939

Mr. Fergusson was in this morning explaining 8% DOM. War
Revenue Sales Tax to start 11 Sept. 8 members of the Nazi
iron (?) Guard were assassinated in Romania to-day. Mt.
Forest played tennis here – we loft 5-3. I won & lost a set.
Went to Rotary Carnival at night in rink, Floor Show, dance.
Girls were up from Mt. Forest.
Still cool. I have so much work to do don’t know where to
start, 8% tax for 19 days; new rates & rebate. Had tooth
filled. Went to Rotary Carnival at night again.
Raining. Real busy but tired. Expected letter from Laddie
but didn’t get any. Went out to McGirr’s for awhile with
Mother & Dad.
Slept until nearly noon. Looked over books, fancy work, etc.
Read. Went to church at night with Berniece & went into
Whitmore’s after.
Dull. Busy. Had long letter form Laddie. Went to Young
People’s at night. We gave Bill & Jean Murdock a bedroom
lamp.
Real cold. Very busy typing names on bills. Finished
reading Lloyd C. Douglas’ book, “The Disputed Passage”,
real good. Went to library. Wrote Laddie after.
Mr. Fergusson was here in aft., finished books. I went to
show at night with girls in Hanover. Saw Alice Faye &
Tyrone Power in “Rose of Washington square” also “The
Elephant Boy”.
A little nicer to-day. The half holiday. I went down home in
aft. Went to Tennis Club party at Eunice McGirr’s at night.
10¢ - played euchre.
Warmer to-day. I got Mother 3 plates for her sherbets.
Worked hard all day. Cut out my cut work luncheon cloth &
read at night.
Cold & dull. Took off controls. Worked real hard. Had nice
letter form Laddie. Went home at night – real cold.
A grand day. We decided to go to Brampton to see Mrs.
McClure. Lorraine is 20 & Ethelyne 16. Left about 1 p.m.
We stopped for Elg in Mt. Forest but he was out. I drove all
way down – went by Ayton & picked up Mrs. Mooney. Mrs.
McClure is terribly thin, has cancer of stomach had supper at
Ayton.
A nice day. Real busy. Went to Young People’s at night &
wrote to Laddie.
Nice day. Got ready for meeting but they didn’t have it.
Went to Auxiliary at Anna’s. Played Chinese Checkers.
They gave Mrs. Jas. Rutherford a present. Nice time.
Nice to-day. Real busy. Had meeting at night. Vera & I
went for a walk after.
Grand day. Half holiday. Anna & I played tennis in aft.
Read “Green Pastures” by Hudson at night.

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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

October 14

Sunday

October 15

Monday

October 16

Tuesday

October 17

Wednesday

October 18

Thursday

October 19

Friday

October 20

Saturday

October 21

Velma (Blythe) Grant’s Diary - 1939

Cooler & dull. Made out power bills. Had letter from Laddie.
Doesn’t think he will be home. He called at night and
wanted me to go down. Ruby & Cy came home about 10.
Had lunch.
A beautiful day. Rushed around. Tried to find somebody
going to Toronto. Went with Mr. McQuarrie at 5:30. He ate
in Brampton. Talked of romance all way down. Arrived
about 9:30. Laddie & I shopped. Got a fir tree, green wool
dress, 12.95, purse & gloves, ate after.
We didn’t get up very early & no breakfast. Had dinner &
rest & then went out to Skelton’s, a long walk & then nobody
home but Kimber. We went to Bloor St. United Church at
night. Ate after.
Thanksgiving Day. We got up at nine, had breakfast & went
down to see Union Station & Royal York & window shopped
on way back. Had dinner & then went to see “The Rains
Came” at Uptown. Met Mr. McQuarrie at 6 and started for
home. Grand week-end.
Raining to-day. Started typing rebates on bills. Stayed in at
night & read.
Cold. Busy with rebates. Wrote to Laddie at night & then
went down to Tennis Club. Euchre at Anna’s. I was tied for
prize but lost out. Ice cream & cake after.
Cold & drizzling part time. Half holiday. I took Aunt Eva to
Hanover to get her eyes tested. I bought pendant, 1.50 &
rubbers, 1.25.
Raining. Busy. Washed my hair & had it waved at night.
Aunt Eva went to reception for Hazel Moore. Reg Ries was
with Vera. We made candy.
Snow on ground in morning. Finished rebates. Went to
library at night & went home with Mother & Dad.
Not quite so cold. Went to Varney church in aft. & then we
went out to Winnie’s for supper. Went down to Berniece’s at
night. Elg & Norma came up to see me.
Nice in morning but turned cold again in aft. Had letter from
Laddie. Went to Young People’s at night. Started a pair of
bed socks.
Cold. Typed names on water bills. Went up to Young
People’s Rally in Owen Sound with Anna. Had supper in
church - went up to hospital – had election of officers.
A little milder. Wrote to Laddie. Had tooth filled. Went to
bridge club at Berniece’s first one – I got prize – a cup &
saucer.
Raining. Half holiday but I worked – did some adding for
Anna. Vera went down to Motor Show in Toronto with
Glasses. Berniece & I went for walk.
A beautiful day. Field Day in Durham. Had letter from
Laddie. Sent some pictures. Read at night.
Nice in morning but rained in aft. Real busy – lots of people
in. Went down town at night & went home with Mother &
Dad.

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Sunday

October 22

Monday

October 23

Tuesday

October 24

Wednesday

October 25

Thursday

October 26

Friday

October 27

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

November 7

Wednesday

November 8

Thursday

November 9

Velma (Blythe) Grant’s Diary - 1939

A terrible day – never stopped raining. Didn’t go out at all –
tried on clothes, looked up dishes, recipes, etc. Wrote to
Laddie at night.
Real cold. Still very busy. Mr. Cushie was up from Mt.
Forest to find out how we did tax. Went to Young People’s
at night & then played Chinese Checkers at Berniece’s.
Bright but still cold. Real busy – not feeling the best. Laddie
sent me a pin of my name. Went to Tennis Club Euchre at
Kearney’s – 7 tables – good time.
Nice in morning but rained rest of day & night. Had letter
from Laddie. I entertained the bridge club at night. Had
cinnamon toast.
Last half holiday. Sally, Nadine & I went down home in aft.,
talked over bedrooms, etc. We went to Fowl Supper at St.
Paul’s.
Raining. Wrote to Laddie. Aunt Eva & Sally went to
Hamilton to-day. Ross is better. They have finished
treatments & done all they can for him. I went to show with
McKechnie’s. Saw Rosalind Russell, Joan Crawford, Norma
Shearar in “The Women” – lots of laughs, no men in it, got a
big kick out of it.
Snowing – ground is covered. Did odd jobs. Went home at
night. Did fancy work, etc. I got a coffee spoon in 1847
Rogers “Adoration” pattern – sent in to radio program.
Cold. Looked at magazines. Went to church at night – good
sermon on “Is Religion Just Wishful Thinking? Read “The
Three Musketeers”.
Raining. Took off controls & tax – balanced. Stayed in at
night & read. Listened to Lux Radio Theatre.
Cold – snow. Sent in War Tax forms. Went to bridge club at
Traynor’s. I got a booby prize for first – a bottle of Jergen’s
lotion. Halloween passed very quietly.
Snowing. Quite busy. Had letter from Laddie. Went to
Mission Circle “Mother & Daughter” Banquet. Served.
Very cold. Posted in General Ledger. Stayed in at night &
read, “The Three Musketeers”, very interesting & exciting.
Wrote to Laddie. Went to Pres. Fowl Supper. Lots to eat.
Went to Fireman’s Ball with girls – had a grand time.
Terribly large crowd there.
Nice day but cold. Went home at five – baked cake. Went
to Mt. Forest at night. Got new brown hat, 2.75. Saw Elgin.
Mother wasn’t feeling very well. I was busy all morning.
Barb, Anna & Uncle Will were down for supper. Went to
church at night. Went in to Berniece’s after.
Nice but cold. Made out power bills. Went to Young
People’s at night. Priceville & Flesherton Young People’s
were here – played Chinese Checkers.
Raining. Had letter form Laddie – wants me to go down.
Had our Commission meeting at night.
Snowed all day. Real busy. Wrote to Laddie. Last discount
day. We had bridge club at Anna’s – plenty of snow.
Not quite so cold. Very busy. I haven’t felt the best this

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Friday

November 10

Saturday

November 11

Sunday

November 12

Monday

November 13

Tuesday

November 14

Wednesday

November 15

Thursday

November 16

Friday

November 17

Saturday

November 18

Sunday

November 19

Monday

November 20

Tuesday

November 21

Wednesday

November 22

Thursday

November 23

Friday

November 24

Saturday

November 25

Velma (Blythe) Grant’s Diary - 1939

week. Mother has flu. Washed hair & had it waved at night.
Had bath etc.
Rained all day. Quite busy doing odd jobs. Went to Roast
Goose Fowl Supper at Varney – a very large crowd. Grand
supper. Came home & got ready to go to Toronto.
Stores not closed but I took a holiday. Went to Toronto with
Mr. McQuarrie at 10am. Ate at Brampton. Arrived about
1:30 pm. Laddie & I went down town & went through
Eaton’s & Simpson’s. Had supper at Mrs. Greenwood’s &
went to show after, “In Name only” – real good.
A grand day. We went to Bloor St. United Church in
morning (without our breakfast). Rested in aft. Came back
on bus. Alone to Guelph (lots to think about). Etta Swanley
got on same bus at Guelph.
Nice but cold. Finished power bills. Got my fur coat
shortened & sleeves altered, 3.00. Went to concert in Hall at
night – Swiss Bell Ringers – wonderful. Hall was packed,
30¢.
Nice day but cold. Sent out notices. Went to church to hear
“Wm. Watson” the man without any arms speak – ate with
his toes.
Grand day. Indian summer. Wrote to Laddie. Went to
bridge club at Ethel Hargrave’s – everybody nearly froze.
Lovely day. Made out list of silverware, dishes, etc. Aunt
Eva is canvassing for Red Cross. Red Cross week’s
objective 3,000,000. Berniece & I went up to Whitmore’s to
see Donny play – real cute.
Lots to do filing away stubs. Had bath etc. at night & went to
Tennis Club Euchre at Seymour’s. Good time – lots of
lunch.
Grand day but cold. Laddie came up with Ruby & Cy & Joan
Caw. Wasn’t expecting him. He came up to office in aft. He
went down home with us at night & I brought him up after.
Lovely day. Laddie came home in aft. – stayed for supper.
Ruby & Cy here too. Ruby has new Chev car with radio.
They left for Toronto about 7:30. Went to bed early.
Colder. Real busy. Went to Young People’s at night.
Listened to Lux after, “Good-bye Mr. Chips” – good. I
ordered Spode in Billingsley Rose: 6 plates, 3 bread &
butters, 3 cups & saucers.
Bright but cold. Mrs. Arthur Jackson died to-day. Started
Financial Statements. Went to Junior Red Cross. Got yarn
for a sweater. Went up to Berniece’s after – played Chinese
Checkers.
Real busy. Aunt Eva & I went up to see Mrs. Jackson.
Went to bridge club at Anna’s.
Nice weather but cold. Finished Financial Statements up to
Nov. 1st. Stayed in at night & read.
Cold but bright. Typed names on bills. Read at night & fixed
clothes.
Frosty. Went home after supper with Mother & Dad, baked
& listened to radio.

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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
Thursday

December 6
December 7

Friday

December 8

Saturday

December 9

Sunday

December 10

Monday

December 11

Tuesday

December 12

Wednesday

December 13

Thursday

December 14

Friday

December 15

Velma (Blythe) Grant’s Diary - 1939

A grand day. Elgin was up for awhile. Went for walk in
afternoon. Read at night.
Real mild. Finished typing names out on bills. Went to
Young People’s. Representatives from all other Young
People’s in town were there & took part.
Still mild. Laddie’s grandmother, Mrs. Blackburn, died today – 87. I stayed with Nadine all night. Started to knit a
sweater for the Red Cross.
Grand day. Wrote Laddie. Took off controls. Went to
bridge club at Hilda’s.
Still real mild. Mrs. Blackburn was buried in Durham this
afternoon. Laddie was up for funeral – called me on phone.
Knit at night.
Raining. Real busy. Got a permanent at night, 3.50. Had
bath etc. after. Russians entered Finland – doing same as
Germany did with Poland.
Raining but real mild. Doing Financial Statements. Had
letter from Laddie. Went home at five, cleaned cupboard &
baked.
Raining. We went out to Aunt Mary Ann’s for supper. Went
to church & in to Berniece’s after. Wrote to Laddie.
Colder. Very busy. Did some Christmas shopping after
work. Went to Young People’s at night. Mr. Sharp spoke on
“Christmas Customs”.
Real mild. Got ready for meeting. Went to Pork & Beans
supper at church for Junior Red Cross, came to meeting
after.
Still mild. Very busy. Went to bridge club at Rita Willis’.
Raining. Busy making out bills. Had letter from Florence. A
terrible night but Young People’s went to Priceville, had real
good time.
A little colder. Busy with bills. There have been a lot of
travellers in this week. Aunt Eva & I went down town at
night.
Milder again. Had letter from Laddie, he is real busy.
Varney Ladies Aid had sale of homemade baking & fancy
work in library to-day. Went home after supper.
Raining – talked over presents. Elgin bought a car, 1935
De-Luxe Ford. He took us for a ride – went out to see
Florence Patterson. Went to church in aft. Winnie & Jack
were here for supper.
Frosty. Wrote Laddie. Ordered bed lamps for X-mas
presents. Went to Young People’s at night. Election of
officers – was elected Fellowship Convener.
Mild again. Vera had Mission Circle. Went to Junior Red
Cross. We are selling 10¢ tickets on a Christmas cake.
Raining. Finished bills. Vera & I did some shopping. Went
to bridge club at Anna’s – last for this year.
Colder. Aunt Eva & Sally went to Hamilton to-day to see
Ross. He is just the same as when he went down.
Addressed Christmas cards at night.
Clear & cold. Not so busy. Did some shopping at 5. Aunt

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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

Velma (Blythe) Grant’s Diary - 1939

Eva & I went to Sunday School concert in church.
Milder. Jim Sullivan did books in aft. A cousin of ours,
Walter Baines came down from the west to look for work.
Got Laddie smoking jacket, 6.50. Real busy at night – made
shortbread.
Raining and dull. Lorne and I wrapped up Christmas
parcels. Elgin came up for supper, had chicken.
The crew of the Graf Spee, a big German battleship, sunk
ship rather than fight when British had them corned at
Uruguay. Real mild. Did odd jobs. Elgin, Norma & Florence
McIntyre & Alma McGuire & I went up to Owen Sound at
night to shop.
The 1st Canadian regiment landed in England. Still mild.
Did some more shopping & wrapped up some presents.
Went over to Hilda’s. Lost my watch.
Looked all over street for my watch but finally found it at
McFadden’s among cards. Colder. Snowing at night. Aunt
Eva & I went to Public School Concert in Hall – real good.
Quite a lot of snow – had to get galoshes out for first. Mr.
Merklinder covered our settee, 2.50 & old chair, 2.00 for
4.50. Laddie came home on night bus. He came up to
house. Rest were at Commencement. We went down town
to eat, met Geo., Alma & Berniece. Went for drive.
A lovely winter’s day. Very busy. Laddie & Reg were in at
night. We played games. Aunt Eva made lunch.
Grand day. Quite busy. Al Watson gave me a box of
chocolates, card & handkerchief – quite a surprise. Ab is
celebrating. Lad & I went down town at night & then I went
home with Mother & Dad.
A lovely day but frosty - only a little snow. Walter, Lorne & I
went to Durham church. Laddie came home with us. Elg
came in afternoon, had chicken dinner. Brought Lad home
about 11:30.
A beautiful day. Walter Baines was here for X-mas. I got 2
dinner plates in Spode, 2 cups & saucers, hymnary &
McCall’s from Laddie, also more Spode from Mother & Dad,
Winnie & Elg, bath salts, Tweed toilet water from Ab, Writing
paper etc. Had Christmas at Aunt Eva’s – grand turkey
dinner. Played games – nice day.
Still lovely weather but frosty. Laddie came down in aft.,
also Ruby & Cy & Aunt Eva – stayed for supper. We played
cards. Lots of fun.
Real frosty. Got ready for Commission meeting. No change
in Com. this year. Mr. Sarney(?) gave me a box of Hunts
chocolates. Had meeting. Laddie & I went to Christmas
dance in Hall – a very good time – a lot of married people
there.
Milder – grand day. Quite busy. Washed my hair & had it
waved at night. Saw Berniece’s presents. Laddie & I went
down to Anna’s & played bridge with Anna & Norma. Had
lunch.

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Friday

December 29

Saturday

December 30

Sunday

December 31

Took off water controls. Went over to see Nadine’s presents
at 5. Laddie, George & I went to dance in Mt. Forest – very
good time. Somebody stole my compact, rouge, lipstick &
comb out of my coat pocket.
Blistery to-day. Took off hydro controls. I had a letter form
Fergus asking me to put in an application for Secy-Treas.–
have been paying $75. Laddie came over. I went home
about 9.
Quite stormy. Laddie came down in aft. Also Elgin & Norma
– stayed for supper. Laddie stayed all night as it was so
stormy out. We stayed up until 1:30 listening to orchestra on
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 - 1939

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