Velma’s Diaries - 1940
1940
DAY
Monday

MONTH
January 1

Tuesday

January 2

Wednesday

January 3

Thursday

January 4

Friday

January 5

Saturday

January 6

Sunday

January 7

Monday

January 8

Tuesday

January 9

Wednesday

January 10

Thursday

January 11

Friday

January 12

Saturday

January 13

Velma (Blythe) Grant’s Diary - 1940

COMMENT
Laddie, Mother and I played Chinese Checkers in morning.
Came up to Uncle Will’s at noon – had a grand turkey
dinner, played cards. Laddie came down after supper,
talked. We came home about 11.
Laddie, Ruby and Cy went back to-day. Real frosty. Quite
busy. Cleaned up my room and clothes at night.
A grand winter day. Closed hydro books. Went to Bridge
Club at Anna’s, 1st one of 2nd round robin, had chicken
salad and hot tea biscuits, pickles, coffee.
Nice day. We took Inventory, made out hydro report. I went
skating at night with Freda and Barbara – really enjoyed it.
Ate downtown after.
Balanced Waterworks books. Had letter from Laddie. Dental
At Home is on 8th of February. Aunt Eva & I went down to
Mrs. Schenk’s at night, talked, had lunch.
Real busy – straightened out Lamps & Supplies in morning.
Closed Waterworks books in aft.
Real cold -20ₒ below zero last night. Went to church at night.
Installation of Officers for Young People’s. Douglas
Cameron is at Aunt Eva’s – 85, talks about old times.
Still frosty. Wrote to Laddie. Marg. Evans won $4,200 in
accident case. Filled out reports. Read the “Hound of the
Baskervilles” by A. Conan Doyle at night, knit and listened to
Lux program.
Frosty. Looked over arrears. Commission meeting at night.
I told them that I might send my application to Fergus for
Secy-Treas. They said they couldn’t blame me as any step
up was worth taking.
Wrote out an application to send to Fergus. Larry Miller was
held up in the bank in Baden to-day. – robbers escaped with
$900. Went to Bridge Club at Berniece’s. Won booby prize
– a handkerchief holder.
Real mild. Made out power bills. Art Hardy was in. Was
going to go to Mission Circle Skating Party but didn’t feel like
it. Aunt Eva and I went up & watched for awhile.
Mild. Finished power bills. Had letter from Laddie. He is still
bound I will go to the At Home. Aunt Eva and I went down to
Whitmore’s to play bridge.
Real mild. Walter Baines went back home to-day. Jim
Sullivan was here auditing books. Went home at five, did
fancywork & listened to radio.

1

Sunday

January 14

Monday

January 15

Velma (Blythe) Grant’s Diary - 1940

A terrible day, raining and windy. Walter’s girlfriend sent him
back the ring, thus the reason for his leaving so suddenly. I
went to church at night. Mr. Smith spoke on 10 results of the
Fast Pace:
1. lose self-respect
2. lose Divine approval
3. health hindered
4. lose will power
5. lose your birthright
6. dulls conscience
7. find gates of heaven closed
8. lose happiness
9. hardens heart
10. drunkenness, gambling, sensuality
Bonds can be bought for new War Loan. Interest 3¼% = 12
years. Wrote Laddie. Terribly stormy. I got a letter from the
Reeve of Fergus saying they had appointed someone the
day before my letter came. Went to Young People’s at
night.

2

Tuesday

January 16

Wednesday

January 17

Thursday

January 18

Friday

January 19

Saturday

January 20

Sunday

January 21

Monday

January 22

Tuesday

January 23

Wednesday

January 24

Thursday

January 25

Friday

January 26

Saturday

January 27

Sunday

January 28

Monday

January 29

Tuesday

January 30

Wednesday

January 31

Velma (Blythe) Grant’s Diary - 1940

Still stormy. Elgin was in. I went to Auxiliary at Elsie
McGirr’s - joined for first. Started to knit a mat for my room.
Below zero. Typed names on bills & made new name
sheets. Bridge Club at Ethel’s I won prize, a cake late in
Royal Albert “Greenwood Tree”.
Still real cold. Quite busy, had letter from Laddie telling me
all about his new dress suit (tails), overcoat shoes, gloves,
hat, tie, socks, handkerchief, etc. that his aunts bought him.
Went to executive meeting & skating after.
Very cold & windy. Wrote Laddie, told him I would be down
8 of Feb. if weather permitted. Stayed in at night, read &
played cards. The girl in Fergus was arrested – 7 charges
against her for stealing money from Public Utilities.
Quite stormy and cold did odd jobs. Couldn’t get home as
we can’t get car out. Went down to Berniece’s at night &
played bridge.
A terrible storm. We didn’t go to church in morning as snow
was up to your knees. All roads blocked. Went over to
Sally’s for dinner. We went to church at night. New
organist, Mr. Newton played FOR FIRST. Real good.
Still snowing but not cold. Wrote for samples for an evening
wrap. Had letter from Laddie. Went to Young People’s at
night, listened to Lux after, “Bachelor Mother”, real good.
Nice day. Larry Miller & Elizabeth were held up last night
again but fire siren frightened robber. Went to Junior Red
Cross supper. Berniece & Hilda came up after. Knit.
Colder again. Typing names on water bills. I had Bridge
Club at night. Served hot dogs. Rita got prize – a picture.
Frosty. Wrote to Laddie. Started water bills. Finished
sweater for Red Cross. Listened to radio & read.
A grand day but cold. Got the samples for an evening wrap.
Went to the Junior Red Cross Box Social – took a box.
Bowman Jamieson bought it for 50¢ and took it with him.
The Hill Billies Wingham played for the dance. A large
crowd. Highest box $1.25, bought 3, gave it to Reg Gilmour
so I had lunch.
Nice day. We had a letter from Walter – he is back home
now. Engagement broken. Girl wanted more riches than he
could give her. Dad, Moher & I went over to Mrs. Levine’s in
aft. I got a new mauve evening dress. 15.95.
Mother was sick to-day. Elgin & Bob came up for supper. I
went to church at night & up to Berniece’s after.
Milder to-day. Typed arrears on bills. Wrote to Ruby. Got
my dress. Went to Young People’s skating party at nite.
Lunch at church – pork & beans.
Colder again. Wrote Laddie. Mother is still in bed. Mary
Seymour here for supper – had pancakes. Went to Red
Cross at night. Knit & listened to Radio Reads – a book on
etiquette. Jean home from school.
Grand day. Started hydro bills. Bertha was at Aunt Eva’s
for supper. She is going to London on Sat. to work. Had

3

Thursday

February 1

Friday

February 2

Saturday

February 3

Sunday

February 4

Monday

February 5

Tuesday

February 6

Wednesday

February 7

Thursday

February 8

Bridge Club at Barbara’s – pancakes.
Milder – snowing. Mother had doctor yesterday – anemia
again. Oscar? bought Royal Hotel in Mt. Forest. Stayed in
at night - fixed clothes & listened to radio.
Frosty. Real busy. Mrs. Art MacDonald died to-day,
suddenly in Acton – heart trouble. Had letter from Laddie.
Aunt Eva & I went to hockey game at night. Owen Sound
won 7-3.
A grand day. Wen home at five. Mother is still sick. I baked
a cake & little cookie at night. Both real good.
Real mild. Real busy. Lorne helped me with work. Rev.
Mercer? Jack & Winnie were here for supper. Went to
church at night. Texas & Trail Rangers were at service.
Maris Chow, Rev. Smith spoke on “Being a Good Sport”.
Still real mild. Wrote to Laddie. Terribly busy. They had
Com. Meeting at 4 o’clock. Mr. & Mrs. Hardy were in. I got
evening wrap in mail, $25 – a grand one. Fits perfectly but I
can’t decide whether to keep it. Went to Young People’s.
Ab and Bob Campbell went to Convention. Mr. Innes on
spare. Some time real buy. Took my wrap over to Sally’s to
show her, decided to keep it. Went to Auxiliary Skating
Party.
Still mild. I have a cold & feel tired – decided not to go to
Bridge Club. Got my hair done at night. Went to bed at
nine.
My cold is still with me. Real busy. Ab not back yet. Elgin,
Bob Gardiner and I left for Toronto about 5:30. Laddie and I
got ready to go to Dental-At-Home at Roof Gardens, Royal
York. Some time getting dressed. Laddie wore new dress
suit, I wore new orchid dress & new wrap, corsage of 2
orchids. 11 o’clock before we were ready to go. We had a
grand time at dance. I was thrilled with it all. Ate at Murray’s
after.

Laddie at Dental College, Toronto, 1940

Velma (Blythe) Grant’s Diary - 1940

4

Friday

February 9

Saturday

February 10

Sunday

February 11

Monday

February 12

Tuesday

February 13

Wednesday

February 14

Thursday

February 15

Friday

February 16

Saturday

February 17

Sunday

February 18

Monday

February 19

Tuesday

February 20

Wednesday

February 21

Thursday

February 22

We left for home about 8:30 - hated to come home. Worked
in afternoon, put away clothes at night & went to bed early.
Mild. Still have a cold. Went home at five. Baked a cake,
made pancakes for supper. Mother is feeling some better
now.
Real mild – busy. Aunt Eva & I went to church at night.
Wrote to Laddie & Ruby after.
Made out power bills. Looked up games for Young
People’s. Went to Young People’s. Knit afterwards.
Nice day – finished bills. Harry Aldred is here – called in to
see me. Went to Red Cross at night – got yarn for games
for Young People’s knee caps Anna and I planned.
Wrote Florence. Wrote out recipes. Went to Valentine Tea
in church - served salad, tomato jelly, and little cakes & tarts.
Real nice. Wrote out games at night.
Frosty. Got a nice valentine from Laddie. Went to A.Y.P.A.
skating party – had band. Aunt Eva made lunch after.
Frosty. Did odd jobs. Went to hockey match at night with
girls. Owen Sound won 6-4. Vera went to Ski Club dance.
Shirley Smith stayed all night.
A grand day. Went home at five. Mother is feeling better
now. Baked salmon loaf and cookies at night. Had letter
from Laddie.
A grand day. Elgin was up. Aunt Eva and I went to church
at night. Listened to radio after. Vera made candy.
Stormy. Wrote to Laddie. Turned out real mild. Holstein
Young People (25) came up at night. I looked after games.
Everything went off OK.
Grand day. Wrote out recipes, etc. Went to Red Cross
supper at night. Had hot dogs. Stayed for Auxiliary after.
Norma Gagnon is engaged to Kenneth Wilson again – she
has a grand diamond.
A beautiful day. Real busy. Went to Bridge Club at Hilda’s.
We went over to hall after – Bingo – but they had finished
playing when we got there.
Another grand day. Nadine’s birthday (6). Real busy – last
day. Stayed in at night & went to bed early.

Nadine
Velma (Blythe) Grant’s Diary - 1940

5

Friday

February 23

Saturday

February 24

Sunday

February 25

Monday

February 26

Tuesday

February 27

Wednesday

February 28

Thursday

February 29

Friday

March 1

Saturday

March 2

Sunday

March 3

Monday

March 4

Tuesday

March 5

Velma (Blythe) Grant’s Diary - 1940

Mrs. Hardy & Miss Muir were here. Mrs Muir put on Cooking
Demonstration in High School – large crowd – real good.
Opening of Home Economics & Manual Training rooms –
wonderful equipment.
Stormy. Elgin was down to Toronto yesterday – saw Laddie.
Had letter from Laddie. Went home at five. Made
doughnuts for first time – were very good.
Bright but very frosty. Lorne is sick. Mother went to church
to-day. Miss Heard was up for supper. Laddie & I have
been going together 5 years to-day.
Not quite so cold. Did odd jobs. Went to Mt. Forest at night.
Young People’s were invited to a Skating Party. I went to
show, Greta Garbo in “Ninotchka” – good. Played games
and had lunch at church. Geo. asked Muriel Wells to go to
Toronto with us on Sat.
Stormy. Wrote to Laddie. Mr. Ferguson called to say he
wouldn’t be able to be here for about 2 weeks yet, has been
busy in Fergus. Had my hair done at night.
A grand day. Cleaned out cupboard. Aunt Eva went down
to see Ross – just about the same. George, Muriel Wells & I
went to hockey game. Durham beat Owen Sound 5-2 – a
good game.
Lovely day. Took off Water Controls. Went to Bridge Club
at Anna’s. Nice time.
Real busy. Took off Hydro Controls. Had letter from
Laddie. Went to shower for Florence. MacDonald in Hahn
house at 5. Took her jelly molds on rack. Got ready to go to
Toronto to-morrow. Hockey game in Walkerton between
Durham and Owen Sound was a tie.
George and I left for Toronto at 1pm. Picked up Muriel Wells
in Mt. Forest. Starter locked about a mile out of Mt. Forest –
lost about an hr. Muriel and I shopped (window) when
through Union Station & Royal York. Danced at Palais Royal
and then met boys again and ate. Bert N?, Laddie came
home with us. 3am.
Laddie stayed at our place all night. We got up about noon.
He went up to Durham to see family – got stuck with our car
and had to get horse out? A terrible day, raining. George,
Muriel, Laddie and I left for Guelph at 7 but when we arrived
train had left so Laddie had to come back with us.
Pavement very icy – took us 3 hrs. to come home. Had to
shovel several times. Some night!
Glenna McCook has a baby girl. Still mild. Laddie went
back on bus this morning. I went over to hockey game in
Walkerton with McKechnie’s. We went to show first.
Durham won 3-2 from Owen Sound. 10 minutes overtime.
Wow.
Mr. Ferguson came at noon to-day. Told us all about Grace
Stewart in Fergus. We had our Mission meeting at night.

6

Wednesday

March 6

Thursday

March 7

Friday

March 8

Saturday

March 9

Sunday

March 10

Monday

March 11

Tuesday

March 12

Wednesday

March 13

Thursday

March 14

Friday

March 15

Saturday

March 16

Sunday

March 17

Monday

March 18

Tuesday

March 19

Wednesday

March 20

Velma (Blythe) Grant’s Diary - 1940

Nice day. Quite busy. Went to Florence MacDonald’s
trousseau tea at 5. Lots of nice things. Went to Bridge Club
at Rita Willis’. Got booby prize – an Easter egg.
Nice day but colder. Looked over arrears. Stayed in at night
for a change. Listened to radio and knit.
Cold wind. Posted to Hydro General Ledger & closed
accounts. Jean’s birthday. Laddie wrote. Marg and Nora
were in for supper. Aunt Eva and I wet to Presbyterian play,
“The Million Dollar Butler”.
Jim Sullivan was here in aft. doing books. I went home at
five. Baked cake for anniversary & some little cakes. Lorne
made candy. Elgin came home.
Mother & Dad’s 25th Wedding Anniversary. We gave them
silver cream and sugar & salad forks & 3 tablespoons. Anna,
Barb, Uncle Vic, Aunt Eva &Aunt Mary Ann were here for
chicken dinner at night. Gave Mother & Dad silver salt &
pepper shakers.
Real frosty, away below zero last night. Wrote to Laddie.
Ordered a week-end bag for his birthday. Young People’s
went to Holstein at night – they had a real good program,
games, lunch.
Cold. Finished power bills. Went to Red Cross at night.
Berniece & I planned lunch for Bridge Club after. We are
going to have creamed peas & asparagus in pastry shells.
A terrible windy day. Mr. Long’s house & Varney hall were
burnt down to-day. Rained all night. Berniece and I had
Bridge Club at her place.
Mild. Cleaned out safe. Nadine was at Aunt Eva’s for
supper – took her home after & stayed for awhile. Came
home & knit. Durham beat Listowel in hockey.
Real stormy - busy filing away records. Stayed in at night.
Read ‘Anthony Adverse”, looked over clothes, etc. Bill &
Jean Renwick have a daughter.
Real stormy – Winnie & Jack were in for dinner, had Italian
spaghetti. Went home at five. Elgin was up for supper.
Baked Brownies & Gingerbread.
A grand day – like spring. Went to church in aft. & at night.
Went in with Berniece after church.
Not a very nice day, cold & windy. Had letter from Laddie coming home Thurs. night with Ruby & Cy. Went to Young
People’s at night.
Wrote to Laddie. Finished cleaning desk. Went to Red
Cross at night & Auxiliary.
Still snowing. Had my hair washed and waved at night.
Went to Red Cross Euchre, Box Social & dance. Pat
Trafford bought my box for 65¢. We made about $25.

7

Thursday

March 21

Friday

March 22

Saturday

March 23

Sunday

March 24

Monday

March 25

Tuesday

March 26

Wednesday

March 27

Thursday

March 28

Friday

March 29

Saturday

March 30

Sunday

March 31

Monday

April 1

Tuesday

April 2

Wednesday

April 3

Velma (Blythe) Grant’s Diary - 1940

Ab was away – filed away stubs. Got Laddie’s week-end
bag, 6.25 – real nice. Laddie was supposed to come home
with Ruby & Cy but didn’t. I got a seat at the hockey game
for him thinking he would be home. We all went to hockey
game. 5-5 but Seaforth won on round – put Durham out –
fight.
Good Friday. Real cold & stormy. Laddie came home on
bus. We went for walk in aft. Laddie came over at night &
we played Bridge & Hearts.
Still very frosty – more like Christmas than Easter, got
terribly stormy in aft. Cy drove Laddie and I down to corner
– it was so stormy. Dad didn’t want to come out. Played
cards at night. Laddie stayed all night.
Easter Sunday – Laddie’s birthday. Very cold & snowy – no
Easter parade to-day. Laddie and I came up to Mrs. Hope’s
for a chicken dinner. Vic & Sally were away. I went over to
Grant’s for supper. I got 10¢ in Laddie’s birthday cake.
Laddie and I went to church at night. I gave Laddie a weekend bag for his birthday.
Still stormy & cold. Laddie came up in aft. He went back on
C.P.R. train. Stayed in at night. Played bridge. & listened to
Lux Radio theatre.
Not quite as cold. Dominion Election Day. Miss MacPhail,
Cons. Karl Knechtel & Lib. W.E. Harris running. Listened to
election results over radio. Liberals swept back into power
with largest majority ever known, 175 seats to 38 for Cons. –
still to hear from Miss MacPhail – was defeated by W.E.
Harris after 18 years in House of Commons.
Dr. Manion, head of National Conservative Party was even
defeated in his own riding. Mackenzie King again Prime
Minister. Went to Bridge Club at Anna’s – won prize – a
sponge powder puff. Ying, the Chinaman, was locked in
vault for about an hour and a half – great excitement.
Florence was up to see me in aft. Hardy was in.
Milder. Several travellers in. Had letter from Laddie. I got
the supper as the rest went to Rebecca’s Mother & Daughter
banquet. Anna came up at night & we played games for
Young People’s.
Still mild. Wrote to Laddie. Wrote out games. Aunt Eva,
Ruby & Cy went to Oddfellows dance. Jean, Vera, Reg and
I played “500”.
Still mild – snow is going fast – took off controls. Went home
at five, baked at night & read.
Colder. Ruby & Cy went back to-day. Went to church at
night. Read “The Yearling” after.
Nice day – sent away for Mary Lou quilt blocks. We had
Mount Forest Young People’s up at night. Good program,
games went over O.K. We auctioned off lunch with beans.
A grand day – got ready for meeting. Went to Bridge Club at
Hilda’s after meeting.
Windy & raining. Quite busy. Went to a social in church at
night – a program and lunch afterwards. Marion House got

8

Thursday

April 4

Friday

April 5

Saturday

April 6

Sunday

April 7

Monday

April 8

Tuesday

April 9

Wednesday

April 10

Thursday

April 11

Friday

April 12

Saturday

April 13

Sunday

April 14

Monday

April 15

Tuesday

April 16

Wednesday

April 17

Thursday

April 18

Friday

April 19

Velma (Blythe) Grant’s Diary - 1940

a diamond for her birthday from Gordon McGirr.
Real damp. Started to make out bills. Had letter from
Laddie. Stayed in at night. Learned to hemstitch – doing
breakfast set. Laddie sent in an article on “Sulphanilamide
in Dentistry” to Oral Health to see if they will publish it.
Cool. Still making out bills. Read at night, fixed clothes &
did fancy-work. Reg Reis left to-day to attend the Aircraft
School at Galt for 6 mos.
Bright but cool. Wrote to Laddie. Went home at five. Made
candy & wrote out recipes. Mother is quilting a Rose &
White quilt for me.
A lovely day. Elgin came home. I took the car out for a
drive – haven’t driven all winter. Went to church at night.
Vera misses Reg.
Raining. Went to Young People’s at night, conducted a
couple of games. Rev. Smith spoke on “Boy & Girl
Friendships”.
Colder. Germany entered Norway. Mr. Flannery was in.
Went to Red Cross Supper – scalloped potatoes, meat loaf
& cabbage salad. Listened to radio & did fancywork after.
Still cool. Made out power bills. Went to Red Cross Euchre
at Gagnon’s. Had a good time – swell lunch – 10 tables.
Snowing. Laddie wrote. He is going to Blyth to-morrow to
look at practice. Gemans & Br. Are fighting a naval battle
along Norwegian Coast. Several German ships sunk. Went
to Club at Clara’s – last for season.
Ground covered with snow & real cold. Norwegian towns &
villages mercilessly bombed by Nazis last night. Ruby has
moved to 184 Lee Ave. as Mrs. Cave wanted to raise her
board. Cy was appointed District Manager of PeterboroughLindsay District – vacuums. Wrote to Laddie.
Vera, Jean & I went to Owen Sound in aft. I got dusty pink
dress (7.95), hat (2.95), purse (1.95), curtains (6.00). We
couldn’t get the car unlocked when we were ready to go
home – we got a mechanic but he couldn’t open it either.
Finally, another fellow got it open.
Cold. Snowing. Made something to eat. Went to church at
night. Read a book. Margaret Palk died to-day.
A little milder. Had a letter from Laddie – he didn’t think
much of office equip. in Blyth. Went to a party at Mary
Firth’s at night. Played Bridge – nice time. Got material for
Mary Lou quilt.
Real bright. Dad, Aunt Eva & Winnie went to Toronto to
Marg Palk’s funeral. Mr. Hardy was in – cleaned store-room.
Went to Auxiliary. Thank Offering. Mrs. Baily of Dundalk
spoke. Vera & I went to I.O.D.E. Bingo and Dance in hall
after – had real good time.
Lovely day. Wrote to Laddie. Washed my hair at night and
had it waved. Went to bed early.
Windy & raining. Started to type names on water bills.
Stayed in at night & read.
Grand Day. Ab took Joe to London to-day – started to train

9

Saturday

April 20

Sunday

April 21

Monday

April 22

Tuesday

April 23

Wednesday

April 24

Thursday

April 25

Friday

April 26

Saturday

April 27

Sunday

April 28

Monday

April 29

Tuesday

April 30

Wednesday

May 1

Thursday

May 2

Friday

May 3

Saturday

May 4

Sunday

May 5

Velma (Blythe) Grant’s Diary - 1940

for flying, has joined Air Force. Had letter from Laddie – he
wants me to go down to-morrow but I can’t get away.
Nice day. Lots of people in. Went home after work. Baked
a light cake and did a quilt block.
Nice day. Wrote to Laddie. Went to church at night and for
walk with girls.
Real busy. Took in 950.00. Went to Young People’s then
for a walk. Mother brought up my coat – she dyed the rust
one blue & put a new white collar on it. Looks nice.
A grand spring day but still not very warm. Went to Red
Cross at night & then Berniece & I went for a walk. Finished
hemming Mother’s table napkins.
Nice Day. Quite busy. Our Bridge Club went to Owen
Sound to see “Gone With the Wind” – a wonderful picture –
lasted from 8 to 12. Ate after. Couldn’t get car started,
didn’t get home until 2:30.
Lovely spring day. Had letter from Laddie. Mrs. Greenwood
is moving Sat. to 604 Huron. He is going up to Pembroke
over week-end to look over a practice. Went to Tennis Club
meeting at night.
Swell day. Typed arrears on water bills. Laddie called at
night & wanted me to go to Toronto to-morrow. I got ready
to go.
A beautiful day. Worked in morning. Went to Toronto in aft.
with Arnold Noble. Had supper at Greenwoods – at 604
Huron. St. – have moved. Laddie and I went uptown to see
“Rebecca” – real good, ate after. I slept in living room.
A perfect spring day – real warm. Laddie & I went to Avenue
Road United in morning. Toronto went to Daylight Savings
to-day. We went out to Sunnyside in aft. – boardwalk
parade. We had supper & then I met bus, 6:15EST. I
arrived home at 11pm.
A grand day. Looked up games for Young People’s.
Games went over O.K. but not many there. Popped corn &
told ghost stories.
Wrote to Laddie. Went to a dinner for Dorothy MacDonald at
Mrs. Chas. Moore’s. She was presented with a cake plate –
grand dinner.
Raining. Mr. Ferguson came at noon to do books. I went
down to Berniece’s at night for a game of bridge. Bobbie
Saunders has sold his store to Stedman’s.
Cold & wet. First half holiday. Went home – baked for
mother. Came up about five – fixed clothes at night.
Raining. Real busy. Laddie wrote. His article on
“Sulphanilamide in Dentistry” was published in “Oral Health”
Cold – took off controls. Went to Dorothy MacDonald’s
trousseau tea. Reg & Mary Fowler came up. They came up
for me at night. Norma & Elgin were in.
A beautiful day – real warm. Went to Varney Church – a
minister spoke for a call. I came up to Uncle John’s &
Charlie’s with Fowlers for a visit. We came back home for
supper.

10

Monday

May 6

Tuesday

May 7

Wednesday

May 8

Thursday

May 9

Friday

May 10

Grand day. Mr. Henry, the lawyer, died suddenly. Wrote to
Laddie. Played tennis for first. Went to Young People’s at
night. Mother & I went shopping after work – she got a new
hat. We gave her kid gloves for Mother’s Day.
Very busy getting ready for meeting & Vic got me to do
some typing for Rotary Club. Had meeting. Went to Red
Cross dance after – swell time.
Last Discount day – quite busy. Laddie sent me a copy of
“Oral Health” in which his article was printed. Aunt Eva and I
went down town at night to shop – sale of dishes in
Bobbies’.
Half Holiday. Went home. Cleaned silverware & all
cupboards. Mother has living room papered & is going to do
dining room to-morrow.
Lovely day. High School banquet. Lorne went. Mother got
a permanent. Mother & Dad waited at Aunt Eva’s for Lorne
– we played cards.

Lorne
Saturday

May 11

Velma (Blythe) Grant’s Diary - 1940

Chamberlain resigned yesterday & Winston Churchill was
appointed Prime Minister, formed National Govn’t. Germans
entered Belgium & Holland. Dorothy MacDonald’s wedding.
Ruby & Mrs. Fulton came up. George, Elgin & Norma came
down home after wedding. We went to show in Hanover,
“Too Many Husbands” and to Rav (Rahn de Voo).

11

Sunday

May 12

Monday

May 13

Tuesday

May 14

Wednesday

May 15

Thursday

May 16

Friday

May 17

Saturday

May 18

Sunday

May 19

Monday

May 20

Tuesday

May 21

Wednesday

May 22

Thursday

May 23

Friday

May 24

Velma (Blythe) Grant’s Diary - 1940

Raining. Went to church in aft. Rev. Clark from Eden Mills
spoke for a call. Mother’s Day. Elgin came up for supper.
Read at night.
Real warm. Wrote to Laddie. An aeroplane landed near
Durham – ran out of gas. Slightly damaged. Went up to see
it. Went to Young People’s. Berniece & I went for walk.
Raining - nice in aft. Went to Red Cross supper – looked
after lunch. War news is terrible to-day. Holland has
surrendered & Germans are about invade France – severe
battle on Western Front. Rita & I went in to see Hilda after
Red Cross.
Real windy. Posted to Waterworks General Ledger.
Pressed clothes at night & read.
Half holiday. Mr. Saunders is doing office floor. I went
home & helped Mother iron curtains – we got new ones for
front room, 50¢ a yard – look nice. I had my hair done at
night & got ready to go to Toronto.
We varnished furniture. Vera, Lorne and I left for Toronto
about 3:30. We had a flat tire near Kenilworth. Got
garageman, cost $1. Laddie met us in Brampton. Laddie
and I went to dance in Roof Garden of Royal York. Paterson
from New Zealand and his girl friend went with us.
Lorne, Laddie & I went down town in morning – went through
stores, etc. Left for home about 3 o’clock. Stopped at
Sunnyside. We had a flat tire between Orangeville and
Arthur. Had to buy a new one. $13.85. We only had $12.00
all together. We have to send Bal. Florence Anderson
stayed all night.
Florence & I had a great talk in bed. She is going to be
married. Her boyfriend, Bill Walsh, & Laddie came for
supper – chicken & dumplings. Laddie & I brought car up to
town at night – had swell time.
War is still bad. Hitler trying to invade France putting
everything he has forward. Laddie went to St. Thomas today to see about renting an office. We went to a Young
People’s Rally at Crawford at night. He thinks he will
practice in St. Thomas.
Laddie went back this morning – has some practical work
(gold) to do. Real warm. Shirley & I played tennis at night.
Did Fancy work. Mother & Dad were up.
Got Lorne socks for his birthday. Ab went to Toronto.
Rained. I got a permanent at night at Ruth’s - $3.50.
Grand day. Quite busy. Went to a bridge at Rita Willis’ for
Norma Kelsey. German are getting nearer English Channel.
A terrible day for the holiday, never stopped raining all day.
Went down to Anna’s in aft. We played bridge & had our
supper (that we were to have outside). Went to show in Mt.
Forest. Deanna Durban in “First Love”.

12

Saturday

May 25

Sunday

May 26

Monday

May 27

Tuesday

May 28

Wednesday

May 29

Thursday

May 30

Jim Sullivan was up to do books. Sale at Wolfe’s. Went
over after work. Mother bought a lawn mower, some sheets,
etc. Went home with them.
Nice in morning but rained in aft. Went to church in aft. Rev.
Kippin spoke for a call. We went out to Winnie’s for supper.
Aunt Eva & I went to church at night. Mrs. Howard
Bumstead spoke.
A very nice day after all the rain. Ab is taking out meters to
be tested. I went over to see Sally & Mrs. Hope at night.
Belgium King has surrendered, called a traitor. Things aren’t
very bright. I played tennis at night & then went to Choir
concert – swell – a boy violinist, 13, from Meaford played –
Mrs. Wallace Adams recited.
As I haven’t received a letter from Laddie since he went
back, I wrote to see what was the matter. Aunt Eva and I
went to show in hall at night.
Still didn’t get a letter to-day. Mr. Innis put in flowers. Aunt
Eva, Vera & I went over to Hanover in aft. I got a figured
dress, 4.95. Went down to Whitmore’s at night. Jean
enrolled as Girl Guide – excited over uniform.

Velma on left, Jean and Eva Lauder (Aunt Eva)
Friday

May 31

Saturday

June 1

Sunday

June 2

Velma (Blythe) Grant’s Diary - 1940

Took off controls. Laddie wrote. He had written the week
before but forgot to post the letter. Mr. Tremblay is dead, so
went over there at night. Laddie phoned. He passed all his
exams but clinical dentistry Incomplete so he had some
more practical work to do.
A beautiful day. Real busy. A White Elephant Sale on in
hall for War Work. People donated furniture, fruit, etc.
A swell day, real warm. Stayed outside nearly all day. Vic &

13

Monday

June 3

Tuesday

June 4

Wednesday

June 5

Thursday

June 6

Friday

June 7

Saturday

June 8

Sunday

June 9

Monday

June 10

Sally, Nadine, Jeannie McLean, Winnie & Jack were down –
had lunch outside – boys went fishing. Went for walk at
night.
A grand day – quite hot. Have to get out summer dresses.
Played tennis at night & then Berniece & I went for a walk.
Another swell day. I got ready for meeting but they didn’t
have it. Played tennis at night. Berniece & I went for walk
after. Beautiful night. Elgin brought down a pr.of white
shoes, $4.
I have been expecting word from Laddie to hear if he was
going to graduate to-morrow but Bonnie says he won’t be
able to until later. Wrote him a letter. Played tennis. Aunt
Eva & I went to show in hall.
Half holiday. Worked up at tennis courts. Berniece and I
went for a walk at night. The news first got out that Bertha &
Gib eloped & got married on the 24th of May. Vera & Reg
stood up with them. Vera told us all about it to-night (Bertha
only 17 in May).
My birthday – 24. Mother gave me a plate in spode &
Laddie sent a card & letter – can’t afford present. Elgin &
Norma called & took me down home for supper. Went
shooting groundhogs after. Wrote to Laddie.
Quite busy making out bills. Went to first Amateur Hour of
season at night. Went home after.
Raining in morning but turned out grand in aft. Mother & I
went down to Arthur? place for a walk. Read. Aunt Eva & I
went to church at night. Anniversary. Went for a walk with
girls.
Italy declared war on Allies. Part of Germany army only 35
miles from Paris. Rained for Young People’s wiener roast
so we had it in church.

Laddie

Velma (Blythe) Grant’s Diary - 1940

14

Tuesday

June 11

Wednesday

June 12

Thursday

June 13

Friday

June 14

Saturday

June 15

Sunday

June 16

Monday

June 17

Tuesday

June 18

Wednesday

June 19

Thursday

June 20

Friday

June 21

Saturday

June 22

Sunday

June 23

Monday

June 24

Velma (Blythe) Grant’s Diary - 1940

Had Commission meeting – nearly a fight – gave Mr. Innes a
$8 raise. Laddie came home to join Masons – he came up
to see me after – about 12:15 – swell time. He is going to
start in St. Thomas next week – won’t be home again before
he goes - gave him his graduation present.
Made out power bills – raining. We decorated clothes
basket pink & white for Bertha’s shower & then went down
town to buy presents.
Cool but nice. We made sandwiches for shower in aft.
Everything went off OK. Bertha was completely surprised.
She got some nice gifts. Sandwiches & angel cake for lunch.
Lovely day – had letter from Laddie. Saw Florence after
work – she might be married in fall. Played tennis. The
Executive of the Young People’s presented Mr. & Mrs. Jack
Atchison? with a gift, a what not – they have a fine
apartment.
Cool. Wrote to Laddie. Paris has been abandoned &
French army forced to move lines back. Germans in
possession. Went to Amateur Hour at night & then went
home.
A wonderful day. Went to Decoration Service at cemetery in
aft. Uncle Will came down for supper. Went to Band
concert at night. Read.
Warm. Quite busy – did 1/3 topic for Auxiliary also. France
has given up - things look terrible to-day. Played tennis at
night & then Shirley and I went for a swim.
There is to be conscription of men up to 45 for home
defense.
Aunt Eva, Sally, Winnie & Mother went to Hamilton to-day. It
is real cool. Stayed in at night – read & did fancy work.
Very cold – just like winter. Worked Half Holiday, bills are
coming in. Stayed in at night & did fancy work. France is
waiting Hitler’s & Mussolini’s peace terms.
Not quite so cold. Very busy. Had my hair done at night.
Laddie called me – expects to be home Sunday. He just got
to St. Thomas to-day.
Last Discount Day – very busy. Laddie called from St.
Thomas – wants me to meet train in Hanover to-night.
Lorne & I went to Hanover after Amateur Hour to meet train
but were 10 minutes late. Couldn’t find Laddie – had to
come home without him.
Laddie got a chance home from Hanover last night – he was
looking for us over town but we missed him. Laddie, Freda,
Uncle Charlie & Aunt Charlotte were here for supper. Rained
all day. Laddie and I went out to Florence’s at night, brought
car up to Durham.
Still raining – horrid weather. French have given up but
colonies will fight on. I went down to Anna’s at night – we
planned what we would take to beach. Laddie at Masonic
meeting.

15

Tuesday

June 25

Wednesday

June 26

Thursday

June 27

Friday

June 28

Saturday

June 29

Sunday

June 30

Monday

July 1

Tuesday

July 2

Wednesday

July 3

Thursday

July 4

Friday

July 5

Saturday

July 6

Sunday

July 7

Velma (Blythe) Grant’s Diary - 1940

Still raining. New budget came out – heavy income tax.
Laddie came up to office in aft. Went to Red Cross at night.
Met Laddie after – went for walk & then he came up to
house.
Sun is shining to-day. Quite busy. I went to Military Tea in
Hall – made $76. Laddie came over at night. We went for a
long walk. Open night. Saw Florence, Jean, ? is here
Cool. Laddie was going back to-day but changed his mind –
his Aunt Frances came up. We went for walk. In aft. Anna &
Norman came down - home with us at night. We played
cards – strawberries for lunch.
Laddie took a notion to go back on the train to-day. We had
Commission meeting at night. A terrible heavy rain storm
shortly after.
Very busy getting everything done before going on my
holidays. Worked until six. Went to Amateur Hour at night &
then came home.
Rained in morning but cleared up. Winnie & Jack were
down. Went to Rev. Mercer’s farewell sermon. Went up to
Berniece’s at night. She came down & stayed all night.
Nice but cool. Berniece, Lorne & I went to Carlsruhe in aft. –
big celebration there – we saw softball game & then came
home for supper – all Germans and Catholics there. I had a
letter from Laddie – he got a boarding place – 46 Horton St.
Berniece, Barb & I went to show in Mt. Forest, “Bachelor
Mother”.
A little warmer to-day. Wrote to Laddie, ironed & did odd
jobs. Went to a Farewell Party for Rev. Mercer in Holstein
Town Hall at night - good program – presented them with a
cabinet of silverware “Community Plate”, also 2 lifebags? for
children.
Nice day – baked in morning. Mother went to Ladies Aid. I
read & did fancy work. Took mother uptown at night, dinged
fender coming through mill yard- hit log.
Grand day. Dad took car up to get fixed. Sally came down
for berries. I went over to Boyle’s – Dorothy is being married
on 24th – she showed me all her things.
Nice & warm. I went to Meaford in morning with Elgin. Had
letter from Laddie. Went to Winnie’s in aft. Ruby is there. I
took the car over to Hanover at night with Barb, Anna,
Berniece to hear the “Happy Gang” – swell.
Real warm. Baked in morning. Ruby & Winnie were down
in aft. I stayed home at night & packed for beach. Two men
were killed to-day at Glen – train accident.
Swell day. Came up to Wasaga Beach with Elg & Norma,
Florence & Soonie in aft. Had supper & then we went down
town at night & looked around. (Anna, Barb, Freda, Mary
Tobin, Ethel & Berniece here.) Wrote to Laddie.

16

Monday

July 8

Tuesday

July 9

Real warm in morning – morning dip. We walked down to
Post Office, then went biking. I am learning to ride. A
shower in aft. We went down town & had our palms read. I
am to be married to someone with initial M or W – going to
move in fall, have a happy married life. Watch cold on
chest. Went swimming again. Went to show in
Collingwood, “Vigil in the Night”.
Swell day. Mother, Ruby, Winnie & Aunt Eva came up to
Sally’s cottage. We all went bicycling in morning.
Swimming. Freda, Mary and I hitchhiked down town – lots of
fun. Looked through gift shops. Went dancing at night at
Cedar Grove Inn.

Velma in centre

Wednesday

Velma on right
July 10

Velma (Blythe) Grant’s Diary - 1940

Nice day. Went into Stayner to shop in morning. Went

17

riding in aft., didn’t enjoy it very much as I was too
frightened. Went swimming after. After supper, we went on
boat trip up Nottawasaga River. Watched roller skating &
then went to dance at Dardanella.

Thursday

July 11

Friday

July 12

Saturday

July 13

Sunday

July 14

Velma (Blythe) Grant’s Diary - 1940

Rained all day so we were glad of a rest. Cleared up at
night so we went bowling – indoor alley bowling – enjoyed it.
A swell day. Went biking in morning & in aft. – can ride now.
I bought a sheet & pair of pillow cases, hand worked for
$6.50. Had letter from Laddie. Berniece, Ethel & I went
bowling while the other kids went to dance. Walked home
after – 2 miles.
Real warm. We went biking in morning. Freda, Anna &
Berniece went home in aft. We went swimming & then went
down town – got a ride with a nice chap both ways, in Air
Force. We had Peter Ramage over for supper. He took us
bowling at night & then up town.
Wrote to Laddie. Real warm to-day. Dad, Lorne & Uncle
Will came up in time for dinner. I went bicycling &
swimming. We went down in aft. Came home after supper.
Berniece, Freda & Barb stayed up for another week – took a
cabin. We have had a wonderful week – I enjoyed it – the
best of any holiday at the beach so far.

18

Velma

Velma second on left
Monday

July 15

Tuesday

July 16

Wednesday

July 17

Velma (Blythe) Grant’s Diary - 1940

Came up to town in morning. Started to work again. Laddie
opened his office for business to-day. Played tennis at night
& then unpacked clothes. I cracked frame on my racket.
Lovely day – finished power bills. Ruby sprained her ankle
playing tennis, can’t walk on it. Played tennis at night. Went
to library.
Warm – did odd jobs. Mother had a shower for Dorothy
Bogle. Ruby & I went down to it – she had a table decorated
with umbrella & streamers.

19

Thursday

July 18

Friday

July 19

Saturday

July 20

Sunday

July 21

Monday

July 22

Tuesday

July 23

Wednesday

July 24

Thursday

July 25

Friday

July 26

Saturday

July 27

Sunday

July 28

Monday

July 29

Tuesday

July 30

Wednesday

July 31

Thursday

August 1

Velma (Blythe) Grant’s Diary - 1940

Quite warm. Anna & I went to Wasaga in aft. We went by
Owen Sound. Anna saw a nose specialist. We went in
swimming at beach. Had grand supper, then went down
town. I won a blanket at Bingo. Barb, Freda & Berniece
came home with us – holidays over.
Nice in morning but rained in aft. – typed names on water
bills. Washed my hair. Went to show with Barb & Berniece
in Hanover – Spencer Tracy in “Edison the Man”..
Rained. Finished typing names on bills. Jean went to
Oliphant. Ruby, Aunt Eva & I went to Dorothy Bogle’s
trousseau tea after five – went to Amateur at night.
Warm. Lorna Brockelbank is staying at our place. Went to
church in aft. Rev. Knox’s first Sunday. Mr. & Mrs. Stanley
Telford, Dorothy & her boy friend were here. We went out to
McGirr’s at night. Uncle Irving was at Aunt Eva’s when I got
back.
Real hot. Uncle Irving came up to see me before he went
home. I had a letter from Laddie – he had a few patients last
week. Wrote him. Played tennis & then Ruby, Vera & I went
for a swim at the Rockée. Vera and I ? on porch for awhile.
Very, very hot. Aunt Eva & Ruby went to Oliphant. I made a
salad after work & went to Auxiliary supper at Mrs. Harlod
McKechnie’s. I slept down at Anna’s (downstairs) as it was
too hot at home.
Hot but a little breeze - Elgin’s birthday – 23. Mr. Ferguson
was here in morning. Went to Dorothy Bogle’s wedding in
aft., 2:30. Served at bride’s table – got home about 8.
Stayed at home all night.
Lorne & I came up town in morning. Aunt Eva came back
last night. Shirley came back with them. Went home at
noon. Managed to keep nice & cool out on veranda. Rotary
Carnival & Steel dance at night. I worked in Junior Red
Cross booth. It rained about 11:30 so danced in hall.
Hot. Typed arrears on hills. Had letter from Laddie. We
had our supper at the Rockee’s & then went to the show in
Mt. Forest after – 2 features. Laddie telephoned when I got
home. Wanted to know if I could come down for a weekend.
Wrote Laddie. Finished bills. Lorne Smith was here for
supper. Ruby went up to Oliphant with him. Aunt Eva & I
went to Amateur Hour with us. Dale & Annie came home.
I brought Lorne up to Sunday School. Real hot. We sat out
on veranda all aft. Dale is cute. Elgin & Norma came up for
supper – had it outside. I went for walk with girls at night.
Raining. Vera went down to our place for a few days.
Turned out very hot. Berniece & I went for a walk at night.
Thunder storm.
A little cooler – typed names on hydro bills. Played tennis.
Aunt Eva & I took Ruby’s car & went down home for awhile –
took down Vera’s mail.
Cooler – started to make out bills. Not feeling very well.
Went down town for awhile at night. Read & knit.
Lovely day. I heard that Jessie had the mumps so wrote to

20

Friday

August 2

Saturday

August 3

Sunday

August 4

Monday

August 5

Tuesday

August 6

Wednesday

August 7

Thursday

August 8

Friday

August 9

Saturday

August 10

Sunday

August 11

Monday

August 12

Tuesday

August 13

Velma (Blythe) Grant’s Diary - 1940

tell Laddie to stay at our place over weekend. Went to
Ritchie Re-union in Owen Sound – about 150 there. Went
swimming. Vera & I drove Jack Smith down to Mt. Forest at
night.
Ruby went up north for a week. Lorna went home to-day.
Had letter from Laddie – he is coming home to-morrow night.
– to meet him in Hanover. Played tennis. Reg came home
to-night. He has o go to England soon.
Quite busy – took off controls. Laddie came home with
George. Swell to see him again. We went to Amateur Hour
& then to Ran? With Elgin & Norma. Had our car afterwards.
Mother, Dad & Lorne went to Port Elgin for a picnic with
Fowlers. Laddie came down about two. We got Anna &
Norma & went to Wasaga Beach & came back by Owen
Sound – had our lunch in park. Went out to “Martin’s”.
Rained so came home. Swell time.
Real warm. Laddie went back on train. Fowlers were here
for supper. I took car to show in Mt. Forest. A terrible storm
– lights went out in Mt. Forest as we got there. No show so
had to come home again.
Lovely day. Got ready for meeting. Aunt Eva, Vera & I went
to show in Mt. Forest after. Swell picture – Bette Davis &
Charles Boyer in “All this and heaven too”. Went to Carnival
after. Terribly foggy coming home – I drove.
Quite warm. Real busy. Aunt Eva & I went down town at
night. Sat in car. Saw Florence.
Last Disc’t Day so I worked half of holiday. Went out to
Rebecah picnic for supper at Schenk’s cottage. Inez
Twamley?, Berniece & I went to a garden party at Reeve
MacDonald’s at Crawford.
Real hot. Had letter from Laddie. I went up to Williamsford
for ride with Elgin at night. Went to library & for walk after.
Still hot. I have an ache in my side – under my right breast.
Went to doctor at night – he said I had either strained it or it
was neuralgia – told me to put mustard paste on it. Went to
Amateur Hour. Saw Florence.
Real warm. Pain still bothers me, rested most of day. Went
to church at night. Wrote to Laddie.
Hot – typed arrears on bills. Elgin & Norma were in on their
way home from Oliphant. Pain is still bothering me. Cy &
Ruby came up. I went down home with Cy for awhile at
night. Put a mustard plaster on & went to bed early.
Very hot. Laddie called up this morning to see how I was.
Pain is still bothering me so I went to doctor again. He says
it is neuralgia of the nerve between 2 ribs. Only thing that
will help it is to strap it but too hot for that. Put mustard
plaster on every night.

21

Wednesday

August 14

Thursday

August 15

Friday

August 16

Saturday

August 17

Sunday

August 18

Monday

August 19

Tuesday

August 20

Wednesday

August 21

Thursday

August 22

Friday

August 23

Saturday

August 24

Sunday

August 25

Monday

August 26

Tuesday

August 27

Wednesday

August 28

Thursday

August 29

Friday

August 30

Velma (Blythe) Grant’s Diary - 1940

Cooler. Ruby & Jean & girls went to Wasaga yesterday for a
week. Didn’t do much all day. Had a long letter from
Laddie. He had dinner at the Minister’s on Sunday. Mr.
AWH? Lauder is dead so Aunt Eva and I went over there at
night.
Lovely & cool. Wrote to Laddie. Half holiday. Didn’t do
much all aft. – hot in aft. Mrs. Schenk came up – we had ice
cream. Went to show in Hanover at night with Aunt Eva –
“New Moon”, Nelson Eddy & Jeanette MacDonald.
Very hot. Washed & had my hair waved. Over 2,500 planes
over Eng. to-day. Berniece & I registered – everybody has to
– carry card around with you all the time.
Still very hot. Pain still bothers me but not as bad as it was.
Laddie had his mother call Mother yesterday to see how I
was. Went to Amateur Hour & home afterwards.
Rained all aft. & evening. Elgin was up. I had a rest – read.
Ruby & girls came home at night – told us all about swell
time they had.
Very cool – a great change in the weather. Mon., Tues.,
Wed. of this week are registration days. Not very busy. I did
my fancy work at night & then we played cards.
Still cool but bright. Vera went on boat trip from Queen?
Sound. Did fancy work & read at night.
Cool. Ruby went down to our place for a week. Quite busy
at office. Aunt Eva & I went down town at night.
Cool & raining. Half Holiday but I had to work as last Disc’t
Day. Went to wiener roast at Schenks’ cottage. Very good
time but too wet for a bon-fire.
Still cool. I had a lovely letter from Laddie – he wants me to
come down over Labour Day. Florence came up to see me
in aft. Went to Library at night.
Wrote to Laddie. Uncle Irving was in an accident yesterday
near Hepworth – lady in other car was killed. Had my teeth
looked over – one filed & cleaned, $2. Went to Amateurs
and then home. Ruby is still at our place.
A little warmer. Mother is sick – flu. Ruby & I went to church
in aft. Winnie, Jack & Elgin were here for supper. I brought
the car up at night.
Took car down to garage to be greased. Fixed meter book.
Did fancy work & read at night – real cool.
Still cool. Had letter from Laddie – sent a map of how to find
Horton St. I went to Pike Lake with John Flynn from Toronto
(Laddie’s cousin), Freda, Bill & Anna & Norman – had a real
good time. John is in 3rd year university – languages.
Cool – filed away stubs. Went down to garage for car –
charged $3.25 for painting fender. Went down town for
awhile at night.
Half holiday. Went down home in aft. Mother had ladies
quilting – for Ladies’ Aid. I made a cake for lunch. Made
plans to go to St. Thomas.
Raining. Aunt Eva, Ruby & Vera went to Hamilton. I wrote

22

Saturday

August 31

Sunday

September 1

Laddie. Uncle Irving was in to see me on way home from
trial. Nadine stayed with Jean & me. We went to bed before
they came home.
Quite busy taking off controls – Lovely day. Got ready go to
St. Thomas to-morrow. Connie & Charles Thornell? came in
aft. We went to Amateur Hour at night. They stayed at our
place all night.
Mother, Dad, Lorne & I left home about 8 o’clock – arrived at
Harold’s in time for dinner. After dinner I drove to St.
Thomas myself & the rest went to Harold’s cottage at Port
Dover. People at Mrs. Ball’s took pictures? My first visit to
St. Thomas – arrived about 2:30. Laddie & I went over to his
office. I like it very much. He had a patient. We met another
couple, Alf McGaw & Jean Webster. Went to Waterworks &
Pinafore Park. Went to Port Stanley at night.

City of St. Thomas Waterworks Park, 1940

Velma (Blythe) Grant’s Diary - 1940

23

Monday

September 2

Very nice day. We went down town in morning to officesstores, met some boys. Went to Port Stanley again, saw Air
School. Laddie had another patient in aft. We then picked
up Alf & Jean & went to Wonderland & Springbank Park in
London, lots of fun. Lots of amusements. I won $2.35 on
slot machine. Laddie then came back to Port Dover with me
– decided to stay all night & leave early in morning. Saw
Port Stanley – played golf, etc.
Springbank Park, Labour Day 1940

Velma (Blythe) Grant’s Diary - 1940

24

Velma (Blythe) Grant’s Diary - 1940

25

Tuesday

September 3

Wednesday

September 4

Thursday

September 5

Friday

September 6

Saturday

September 7

Sunday

September 8

Monday

September 9

Tuesday

September 10

Wednesday

September 11

Thursday

September 12

Friday

September 13

Saturday

September 14

Sunday

September 15

Monday

September 16

Tuesday

September 17

Velma (Blythe) Grant’s Diary - 1940

We got up at five & left for home. We left Laddie at
Waterford and he caught the Michigan Central back to St.
Thomas. We arrived home in time for work – 9am. Got
ready for meeting – had long one. Had bath when I went
home – wrote to Laddie & went to bed.
Lovely day. Quite busy. Elgin & Norma were in to see me.
Laddie sent me a ring – coral stone dinner ring.
Beautiful day. Real warm. Half holiday. Aunt Eva & I went
up to Mabel Moore’s in aft. Jane is cute. Anna & I played
tennis. Stayed in at night. Ironed, read, etc.
Durham Fall Fair and a beautiful day – real warm. Berniece
and I went to concert at night but it wasn’t up to much. I got
a new bracelet on my watch & had it cleaned - $2.25
Nice day – did odd jobs. Germans are still continuing to
bomb England but are not getting very far. I went down
town at night & then went home.
Raining off & on all day. I read old diaries, etc. Aunt Eva & I
went to church at night. Read “Doctor, Here’s Your Hat”
after.
Quite busy. I had a letter from Laddie – he sent me the
snaps we took last week-end. Some are very good. Stayed
in at night. Read & did fancy work & knit.
Ab went to Convention at Owen Sound. A terrible day –
cold, windy and raining. Everything seemed to go wrong.
Power was off in aft. Peck Daniels is looking after things
while Mr. Innes is sick. I stayed with Nadine for supper & all
night. Sally went to Toronto for wedding. Bob Campbell &
little Bobby McGillivray were up.
Still cold. Made out power bills. Ab not back from
Convention. Stayed in at night – knit & did fancy work. Aunt
Eva isn’t going to sell Dairy just now but Girlie? thought she
was & had Clifford taking his place.
London is being bombed continually every night, many
killed, wing of Buckingham Palace struck. Half Holiday. I
went home, baked biscuits, pies, cake, jelly roll. I went down
to Berniece’s at night to play bridge.
A little warmer. I am trying to make a list of trousseau
needs. Dr. Burnett entered army. Had my hair washed &
waved. Went to library.
Raining. I bought a file, 85¢ & am getting notes ready to file
in it – my own personal one. Went down town at night &
then went home.
Varney Anniversary. Not a bad day. Church in aft at 2.
Rev. Knox spoke. Winnie, Jack, Nadine, Mr. & Mrs. Sims &
Mrs. Hunter were here for supper. I went to church at night
with Elgin & Norma. Rev. Pratt spoke on, “Reasons for
Going to Church”. Real good. Durham graduation.
Nice to-day.175 German planes were downed in raids over
Eng. Yesterday. Getting material – reading for my file.
Concert at Varney but I didn’t go.
Grand day. Busy working on my file. Vera & I played tennis.
Went to Red Cross & to Auxiliary at Mrs. Roy Laurence’s.

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Wednesday

September 18

Thursday

September 19

Friday

September 20

Saturday

September 21

Sunday

September 22

Monday

September 23

Tuesday

September 24

Wednesday

September 25

Thursday

September 26

Friday

September 27

Saturday

September 28

Sunday

September 29

Monday

September 30

Velma (Blythe) Grant’s Diary - 1940

Lots of fun. We went for walk after.
Nice day – had letter from Laddie – he is taking 2nd degree
on Masonic work to-morrow night. Went to a shower for
Marion House – took cup & saucer.
The Grey & Simcoe Foresters marched through town this
morning about 8:00 – sort of sad but thrilling. Everything
closed. I went to Owen Sound with Elgin & went down to Mt.
Forest with him, had supper at Mrs. Mrs. Harris’. Went over
to Carrie’s for awhile. First night of show – concert. We
went through Show House – concert. Went back to
McIntyre’s, had lunch – lots of fun.
Real warm. Wrote to Laddie. Quite busy finishing material
for file. Went to dentist – filing came out of a tooth. Had
bath, etc. at night.
Raining but cleared up in aft. Went down town at night –
met Florence and we had a nice time together. Went home.
A grand day. Cleared out drawers in my room, read, etc.
Went to church at night and in to Berniece’s after. A Br.
Ship was sunk without warning – 248 drowned, including 80
children on way to Canada.
Another swell day- had letter from Laddie. He has been
quite busy. Typed names on bills, had tooth filled. Fancy
work & read at night.
Rained very heavily & turned cold at night. Went to Red
Cross & up to library with Hilda – then pressed clothes.
London is being bombed every night.
Real cold. Wrote to Laddie. Mr. Ferguson called in for a
chat. I had a letter from Ruby – she is going to take a
Business Course. Sally had us all for dinner. Winnie and
Jack’s 3rd wedding anniversary. I went over to see Marion
House’s things.
Still cold. Wrote to Ruby. We went up to Owen Sound to
shop in aft. I got brown shoes, $5, brown crepe dress, $8
and wine goods, $4. Jean got a new coat and Mother got a
hat.
Nice day but cool. Uncle Irving got off yesterday at trial.
Read at night & finished Mary Lou quilt blocks. Went to
library.
A grand fall day. Cleaned up office. George called me at
night to see if I would like to go to St. Thomas to-morrow.
Went down town & met Florence & we made arrangements.
Florence stayed all night.
Grand day. Mother’s birthday - 55 - gave her silver candle
holders & sticks & recipe book. We left for St. Thomas at
6:30. George had to be at work (Ordinance Corp.) at 9 in
London. Florence and I took his car to St. Thomas. – had to
get Laddie out of bed. Saw Premier Hepburn’s farm., office,
etc. Came back to London at noon. Met Geo., had dinner &
came home. Laddie came back with us. I went up for
Laddie after supper with car. Swell time.
Laddie went back with George in morning. Busy taking off
controls. Went to Young People’s at night – knit afterwards.
I had fur collar put on my wine coat, $2.

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Tuesday

October 1

Wednesday

October 2

Thursday

October 3

Friday

October 4

Saturday

October 5

Sunday

October 6

Monday

October 7

Tuesday

October 8

Wednesday

October 9

Thursday

October 10

Friday

October 11

Saturday

October 12

Sunday

October 13

Monday

October 14

Tuesday

October 15

Wednesday

October 16

Thursday

October 17

Velma (Blythe) Grant’s Diary - 1940

Lovely day. Went to Red Cross supper at night & then to
Com. Meeting – great discussions – decided to keep Percy
Daniels on for another month in Mr. Innis’ place.
Much warmer. Very busy. Aunt Eva, girls & I went to the
show in Hanover. Jeffry Lynne & Olivia de Havilland in “My
Love Came Back”. Foggy coming home.
Grand day. Very busy in morning. Anna drove me down
home in aft., looked over books & magazines in my room,
tried on clothes, etc.
Another swell day. Very busy – started bills. Had bath etc.
at night & then went down to Whitmore’s, played cards & knit
– lunch. Their cousin was there from Vancouver.
Dad’s birthday -53. Another swell day. Very busy- didn’t
hear from Laddie since he went back. Met Florence at night
& we put in evening. Went home. Mother & I finished a
knitting bag for me.
A swell day. We went up to Aunt Charlotte’s in aft. & stayed
for supper. It rained at night so I read Pathfinder, looked up
some games for Young People’s & went to bed early.
A wet day – busy at bills. Went to Young People’s at night –
a social – had apples & peanuts to eat.
Busy. Had letter from Laddie – he was up to London & put
his name in for army. Went to Red Cross at night – planned
booth for Carnival. Wrote to Laddie.
Quite busy. Washed my hair at night & had it waved. I am
embroidering a pr. of cutwork pillow cases now.
Mr. Ferguson came in morning to audit books. Half Holiday.
Went out to McGirr’s & stayed for supper. Jennie is nice.
Went to Rotary Carnival at night in rink.
I have a terrible cold. Mr. Flannery was in about arrears.
Didn’t go to Carnival at night as my cold was too bad, had
bath, etc., took hot lemonade & aspirin.
The Junior Red Cross made about $60 at booth at Carnival.
Cold is still with me. Laddie missed Geo. He called me from
Palmerston & I met him in Hanover. He came down home –
had lunch.
Grand day. Reg & Mary, Helen, Bud, Doris & Geraldine &
her boyfriend, Lee Reise, are here. Elgin came up, took us
for a drive – country is lovely now. Laddie came down in aft.
for supper. We went up to Anna’s at night. Had lunch.
Laddie & I stayed out until 2.
Rained all day. Laddie went back with George. Fowlers
went home in aft. Ruby & Cy, George, Marj. Constable here
in aft. – for supper had 14. Little Ann (3) is certainly a
darling & can she ever talk. I came up to town with them at
night.
Very cold. Didn’t do much. Went to Red Cross at night.
Got yarn for an Aero? Cap. Did fancy work.
Like winter – typed names on bills. Went up to Owen Sound
to Auxiliary Rally with Mrs. Sharpe – had supper
(sandwiches). Ate in restaurant after meeting.
Quite busy. Went home for Half Holiday. Mother went to

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Friday
Saturday

October 18
October 19

Sunday

October 20

Monday

October 21

Tuesday

October 22

Wednesday

October 23

Thursday

October 24

Friday

October 25

Saturday

October 26

Sunday

October 27

Monday

October 28

Tuesday

October 29

Wednesday

October 30

Thursday

October 31

Friday

November 1

Saturday

November 2

Sunday

November 3

Monday

November 4

Velma (Blythe) Grant’s Diary - 1940

Port Elgin with Elgin. Nadine is here. We pasted snaps in
photograph album.
Very cold. Finished one pillow slip at night – had bath, etc.
Snowed all day for first – very cold. Mrs. Hargrave died
today. We went down there at night. I went home after.
Snowing. Mother & Dad went out to Dorothy Bogle’s.
Laddie came up with Geo. About 2. I got him some dinner.
We were alone all aft. After supper, I went up home with
him – then we came back. Elg. & Norma were here.
Still cold. Very busy. Tired at night so didn’t go to Young
People’s. Listened to Lux program.
Last Disc’t Day – very busy. Quite a few complaining about
their bills – such is life! Aunt Eva went to Hamilton. Went to
Red Cross & to Berniece’s after – ice cream. Laddie took
his last degree in Masonry. His Dad went down.
A beautiful day – much warmer. Still busy. Went to
Auxiliary at night. Thank offering. Mrs. Dr. Pilkie spoke.
A grand day. Half Holiday. Went home in aft., did a little
painting. Mother started to make a wine dress for me. Went
to Berniece’s at night to play bridge.
A nice day – busy making out water bills. Had a letter from
Laddie. Did fancy work at night & read. Joe Noble
graduated as an Observer to-day.
Grand day. Very busy. Went downtown at night & then went
home.
Nice but cool. Read. Went to church in aft. – a missionary
from China spoke. Atcheson’s were her for supper. Went to
church at night. Wrote to Laddie.
Cold. Went to Young People’s at night – election of officers
– Kay Renwick is President. I conducted the games.
Raining. Went to Red Cross at night & then to Rebeccah
euchre & dance – 30 tables. Very nice time.
Raining – dirty day. I had Bridge Club, first for this season.
Had wagon wheel salad. Everything went off OK.
A grand day. Last Half Holiday. I went down home in aft.
We went to show at night in Hanover, “Boom Town” – real
good. Hallowe’en but everything very quiet.
A terrible day – windy & wet. Not very busy. Stayed in at
night. Did fancy work – had bath, etc.
A very nice day. Had letter from Laddie. Went down town
for awhile at night & then went home.
A grand day. Went to church in aft. Communion Sunday.
Wrote to Laddie. Elgin & Norma came up for supper.
A swell day – real mild. Got cheques eady for meeting.
Went to Young People’s at night. Listened to Lux program.

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Tuesday

November 5

Wednesday

November 6

Thursday

November 7

Friday

November 8

Saturday

November 9

Sunday

November 10

Monday

November 11

Tuesday

November 12

Wednesday

November 13

Thursday

November 14

Friday

November 15

Saturday

November 16

Sunday

November 17

Monday

November 18

Tuesday

November 19

Wednesday

November 20

Velma (Blythe) Grant’s Diary - 1940

We got word to-day that Ralph Constable had been shot
accidentally by his brother Blake while hunting. Went to Red
Cross supper. I was on Committee to get supper ready.
Went to show afterwards, “Swannie River”, life of Stephen
Foster. Grand.
Very cold. Mother & Dad & Aunt Eva went to funeral – a very
sad affair. Went to Bridge Club at Anna’s – got prize – a
flower. I was made Sec’y of Badminton Club at organization
meeting. Joe Noble went away to-day – going overseas as
an Observer.
Still very cold. Quite busy. Val Hahn was buried to-day.
Phil Morgan (Kearney? Traveller) was in - very smart. I had
my hair finger-waved at night.
Last Disc’t Day. Ruby came home. Had letter from Laddie.
Went to Firemen’s Dance - all Durham soldiers home for it –
not a bad time. Berniece went with a new boy friend from
Markdale.
Nicer to-day. Ruby, Aunt Eva & I played cards at night.
Went home afterwards. Mary Pickering was married at 7
o’clock.
Rained all day. We all went out to Winnie’s (14) for a
chicken dinner. Came home & read afterwards.
A terrible day – raining. No holiday. Wrote to Laddie.
Terrible wind & rain at night. Hydro was off all night.
Another terrible windy day. A lot of damage was done all
over Western Ont. Last night. Went to Red Cross, did fancy
work.
Nicer to-day. Had letter from Laddie. Had Com. Meeting –
what a headache! I am getting fed up with it – they are
thinking about advertising for one man for Hydro &
Waterworks. Went to Bridge Club after at Traynor’s.
Nice day but cold. I told Ab they were thinking about
advertising for the job. Did fancy work at night.
Wrote to Laddie. Very cold but no snow yet. I stayed in at
night – finished my first pair of cutwork pillow cases.
Cold & snowing. Went home at five. Worked on a pr. of
pillow cases and read at night.
Quite sloppy. Elgin & Norma were up for awhile in aft. Went
to church at night – Ladies Choir.
Ab is in Toronto – lost key of car & had to get one made.
Power off on Rural – some time. Went to Young People’s
Crokinole Social at night – made $10.
Nice day. I am making out reports for Fin. Statement. Joe
Noble is on his way to Eng. I read a letter from him. Went
to Red Cross & Auxiliary.
I played my first game of badminton. I think I will like it – got
a new racket & press, $4 wholesale. Went to I.O.D.E.
Community party – played bridge at Kearney’s – lunch &
dance at hall afterwards. Laddie telephoned when I was out.

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Thursday

November 21

Friday

November 22

Saturday
Sunday

November 23
November 24

Monday

November 25

Tuesday

November 26

Wednesday

November 27

Thursday

November 28

Friday

November 29

Saturday

November 30

Sunday

December 1

Monday

December 2

Tuesday

December 3

Wednesday

December 4

Thursday

December 5

Friday

December 6

Velma (Blythe) Grant’s Diary - 1940

Had letter from Laddie. He is going to change his boarding
place Sat. to Cook’s. Alf McGirr & Jean have broken their
engagement. Went to badminton meeting. We played for
about two hours afterwards. Wrote to Laddie.
Elgin went to camp at Kitchener for a month’s compulsory
training. Went to Bridge Club at Berniece’s – grand fruit
salad for lunch.
Raining. Went home after supper. Read.
Very nice day. Elgin was up for supper from Kitchener camp
-had uniform on – he was telling us all about camp life.
Went o church at night.
Nice day but cold. Joe Noble landed in Eng. He spoke over
the radio at night. Went to Young People’s – worked on a
cushion afterwards.
Reg Reis graduated in wireless operating, landed home from
Calgary but only has until to-morrow & then has to go to
Halifax & from there to England. Vera stayed home from
school to be with him. Mr. Flannery was up & met the
Commission about combining 2 jobs. Laddie wrote. Went to
an opening social at the Badminton Court – played & had
lunch.
Snowed last night – had to get galoshes out. Reg went
away to-day. Wrote to Laddie. Went to Bridge Club at Mary
Firth’s – lots of fun. I got a booby – a package of Christmas
seals.
Quite a lot of snow now. Berniece, Hilda & I invited 5 tables
of girls for a Red Cross Euchre on Mon. night. I went to a
bridge at Shirley’s at 6:30 – grand meal. We played
Michigan Poker. I put in 5¢, at end had 10¢
Not feeling very well. Mother went to doctor – her blood
pressure is up to 170 again – has to rest and no tea. Laddie
wrote. I got a machineless permanent at Ethel’s 7 was there
from 6 to 121;15. A military Ball was held in the Town Hall.
Snowing. Quite busy. Went home at five, baked a pie & a
cake. It snowed all night.
Nice day but we have plenty of snow. Laddie came up with
George but roads were so heavy they didn’t get up until
4:30. He came down after supper. We went up to Durham
about 10 – he came up to Aunt Eva’s for awhile.
Al kinds of snow. All back roads are blocked. The most for
this time of year for quite a number of years. Berniece, Hilda
& I had a euchre at Whitmore’s for the Red Cross. 5 tables
of girls. 25¢ each.
Very frosty. Went to Red Cross super, then to Com. Meeting
& then to Auxiliary at Mrs. Irvin Sharp’s.
Very stormy. Went to Bridge Club at Hilda’s. I ordered a
ring for Laddie for Christmas, $10.
Cold. Made out bills. I bought several Christmas presents
after work. Played badminton at night – swell time.
The Com. Fired Mr. Innes to-day. I had letter from Laddie.

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Saturday

December 7

Sunday

December 8

Monday

December 9

Tuesday

December 10

Wednesday

December 11

Thursday

December 12

Friday

December 13

Saturday

December 14

Sunday

December 15

Monday

December 16

Tuesday

December 17

Wednesday

December 18

Thursday

December 19

Friday

December 20

Saturday

December 21

Sunday

December 22

Velma (Blythe) Grant’s Diary - 1940

Finished a cushion for Mother. Played badminton.
Raining. I have finished my Christmas shopping. I baked a
dark Christmas cake at night as Mother is still not able to do
anything.
Nice day. Elgin & Norma were up for supper. Elgin was
telling us all about camp. I wrote to Laddie at night.
Making out bills. Nice day. Went to Young People’s at
night. Started a green luncheon set.
Busy. Went to Red Cross at night. Reg called Ries’ to say
he landed in England yesterday. Played badminton after
Red Cross.
Lovely winter day. Stayed in at night – first for ages. Did
fancy work & read. The Greeks are driving the Italians back.
Snowing. Did some shopping after work. Played badminton
at night. Addressed Christmas cards afterwards.
A grand day but frosty. Finished bills. Talked to travellers.
Berniece and I went to Sunday School concert in hall. Very
good.
A grand day. Mother & I did some shopping. Went home. I
made a knitting bag for Vera for Christmas. Made some
hand lotion – cost 50¢- made a lot.
A lovely day. Lorne and I decorated tree, etc. Went to
church at night. Read afterwards.
Raining & very slippery. Expected letter from Laddie but
none. Went to Young People’s at night. Mr. Glass spoke on
the “Good Samaritan idea” – splendid.
A beautiful day. Mrs. Brad Jamieson died to-day in Toronto.
I got a surprise Christmas present from Aunt Mary Ritchie in
London - doilies and lace for pillow cases that she did
herself. Vera went to Owen Sound & got a new powder blue
evening dress. Played badminton at night.
Real mild. Germans came to aid of Italians as they are
getting badly beaten in Egypt & Albania. I went to Public
School concert in hall – it was splendid.
Mild. Still no letter from Laddie. I washed my hair at night
and had it waved. I had my green wool dress cleaned $1.00.
Mild -hardly any snow left now. I wrote to Laddie to see why
he hasn’t written. Mother got a nice scarf from Geraldine &
Leo. Went to High School Commencement. It was real
good. Vera had to give President’s speech. Play was swell
- Norah Kearney was a scream.
Mild. Elgin came home from camp to-day. He called for me
at work. He has signed up as a driver mechanic in the Air
Force. Lorne & I wrapped up Christmas presents until
12:00.
Mild. Went to church in aft. and at night. Christmas cantata,
“In Quest of the King”. Read afterwards.

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Monday

December 23

Tuesday

December 24

Wednesday

December 25

Thursday

December 26

Friday

December 27

Saturday

December 28

Sunday

December 29

Monday

December 30

Monday

December 31

A grand day – sun shining & mild. Mrs. Grant called to ask
me if I would meet Laddie in Hanover Tues. night. Went
down town at night, delivered parcels & finished shopping for
Elg. Listened to Lux, “Young Tom Edison”.
Still mild and bright. Laddie sent me a doz. Roses. Mother,
Dad, Lorne & I went over to Hanover at night to meet
Laddie. Train was 11/2 hrs. late. Laddie is getting fatter,
weighs 135 now.
Mild – just like spring. I got some lovely presents – cute
apron, 2 plates Spode, cup & saucer, 2 pr. stockings,
snuggies, 3 handkerchiefs, towel, card table cover, cutex set
from Ab. Laddie gave me Tweed bath salts & toilet water,
vanity set, cutex set, Forever Yours perfume & samples
tooth paste. We spent Christmas at Winnie’s. Laddie and I
went to Christmas dance – didn’t get in until four.
Slept until noon. Jean is here. Laddie came down in aft. &
stayed for supper. He went back with Geo. About 8. I had
bath & went to bed early.
Still mild. I had office cleaned yesterday. Mr. Sarney? Gave
me a box of chocolates. Had Com. Meeting at night, played
badminton & went in to see Berniece’s parents, had lunch.
Mild. I went home at five. Read and did some ironing at
night.
Rained all day. Read and lay around all aft. Went to church
at night – Cantata. Went down to Anna’s afterwards, saw
parents & had lunch.
Snowing and a little colder. Nomination night. Jas.? Duffield
was elected Mayor by acclamation. Played badminton &
then we played cards & cracked nuts.
Ground is covered with snow again but it is real nice. Quite
busy taking off controls, etc. Laddie didn’t come home –
was quite disappointed. Mother & Dad came up. We played
cards, waited until 2 for Lorne to come home from skating,
listened to radio. Ruby came home with us – when we got
tired.

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 - 1940

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