Velma’s Diaries - 1942
1942
DAY
Thursday

MONTH
January 1

Friday

January 2

Saturday

January 3

Sunday

January 4

Monday

January 5

Tuesday

January 6

Wednesday

January 7

Thursday

January 8

Friday

January 9

Saturday

January 10

Sunday

January 11

Monday

January 12

Tuesday

January 13

Wednesday

January 14

Velma (Blythe) Grant’s Diary - 1942

COMMENT
Stormy but raining at night. We spent New Year’s at Uncle
Will’s – had a nice turkey dinner. I got two parcels from
Laddie – a nice tablecloth & 6 coffee spoons. Barb & I went
to show in Hall. Wrote to Laddie afterwards.
Took off controls. Busy. Stormy. I went down to Grant’s
and showed them my presents. Played badminton.
Finished Laddie’s sweater. Had bath, etc. – late getting to
bed.
A lovely winter day. Busy. Elgin, Norma, Burnett & his
girlfriend, Doris MacCrae, called & took me to show in
Hanover- two features. We had lunch at home afterwards.
Slept until noon. Elgin sold his car last week. Reading a
swell book, “The Blind Man’s House”, by Hugh Walpole.
Went to bed early & read.
A very cold day. Busy with report. I got a 4th cable from
Laddie. A Christmas one – 18 days in coming. Vera had a
chance to start in Bank of Commerce. Went to bridge at
Shirley’s, nice time. Wrote to Laddie.
Very cold. Aunt Eva’s house isn’t very warm. Played
badminton at night. We are out of soft water.
Still cold. I got Letter No.6 from Laddie. He received 3 of
mine the day he wrote it. I am busy with hydro inventory.
Went to library at night – dropped in at Grant’s.
Still cold. I got 3 letters from Laddie to-day, one written on
boat (menu). Nos. 2 & 3 - very interesting letters. I went
down to Grant’s at night & talked for ages. Wrote to Laddie
afterwards.
Cold & stormy. Reg McFadden is here auditing books. I got
Letter No.1 from Laddie. Stayed in at night. Read good
book & knit on socks – put cable up side.
Very frosty. I got Letter No.5 from Laddie so now I haven’t
missed any. He sent some good snaps. Wilma was in to
see me. I got a Scottish calendar that Laddie sent me from
Edinburgh. Read at night.
Not as stormy as it has been the past week. Read. I went
to church at night & to Grant’s afterwards. Wrote a long
letter to Laddie.
Milder. Made out power bills. Elgin took me down to farm at
night. Florence & Norma were up with him. We played
cards – had Italian Spaghetti for lunch.
Mild. Balanced Waterworks books. Went to Red Cross
supper, Com. meeting & played badminton afterwards.
Cleaned out drawers. Lorne quit school yesterday. I stayed
in at night. Finished sock. Read.

1

Thursday

January 15

Friday

January 16

Saturday

January 17

Sunday

January 18

Monday

January 19

Tuesday

January 20

Wednesday

January 21

Thursday

January 22

Friday

January 23

Saturday

January 24

Sunday

January 25

Monday

January 26

Tuesday

January 27

Wednesday

January 28

Thursday

January 29

Velma (Blythe) Grant’s Diary - 1942

Wrote to Laddie. Had my hair done. Aunt Eva had ladies in
for aft. tea. I met Mrs. Lynn Grant. Went to Bridge Club at
Anna’s. Got prize – cup & saucer.
Nice winter day, clear & frosty. Cleaned out cupboard.
Went to library at night & got 4 books. Had bath etc.
A lovely day – like spring. No letters this week. Went home
at 5. Nadine is at our place. Mrs. Smith gave me a film &
card to send to Laddie.
Raining. I entertained Nadine. Elgin was up. I didn’t go up
to town at night. Read.
Very mild. I came up with Vic in morning. Norman was up
to see me in aft. Phil Morgan here too. We had letter from
Fowler’s – they were up to see Norman Glass. Listened to
Lux – wrote to Laddie.
Mr. Ferguson was here to-day. Thinks this will be his last
trip. I went to Auxiliary at night. Walked home with Mrs. Ball
– she is real nice.
Mild – like spring. Reg McFadden was here. I went to
Bridge Club at Ethel’s. Pineapple dessert & chocolate cake
for lunch.
Very mild. Still no more letters. A plebiscite of the Can.
people is to be taken on the conscription issue. Aunt Eva & I
called on Mrs. Teeter. Played badminton at night. Wrote to
Laddie.
I got two letters to-day, Nos.10 & 11. Quite busy. Shopped
after work as I am sending box to Laddie. Finished socks.
Went to library – got books for Lorne.
Very spring-like. I got four letters to-day, No.7, 8, 9, 12 –
swell ones. I feel as if I am living in diff. world altogether.
Got mauve Eng. handkerchief with dental crest on it. Lorne
got his $17 – Donny Pust, 8 yrs ago, stole it. Elg & Norma
were up at night – stayed over night.
Mild – beautiful day. Packed 3rd box for Laddie – read over
letters. Went to church & then to Grant’s afterwards to read
Edinburgh letter (dairy). I wrote to Laddie afterwards until
1:30 am – very long letter.
Mild. Making out water bills. Went to Auxiliary executive
meeting at Mrs. Padfield’s. Tired so went to bed early.
Busy. Dr. Burnett came home from Eng. to-day. Went to
Red Cross. Went over to Drug Store afterwards – we talked
for ages & got all het up about joining Air Force or Army.
Shirley & Norman are engaged – he gave her the ring before
he left for overseas.
A little colder. Busy. Went to Bridge Club at Berniece’s,
sandwiches for lunch. Sugar rationing came into effect today, ¾ lb. week.
Wrote to Laddie. Hilda & I called on Mrs. Mike Wanamaker
in aft. Played badminton at night. Read.

2

Friday

January 30

Saturday

January 31

Sunday

February 1

Monday

February 2

Tuesday

February 3

Wednesday

February 4

Thursday

February 5

Friday

February 6

Saturday
Sunday

February 7
February 8

Monday

February 9

Tuesday

February 10

Wednesday

February 11

Thursday

February 12

Friday

February 13

Saturday

February 14

Sunday

February 15

Monday

February 16

Tuesday

February 17

Velma (Blythe) Grant’s Diary - 1942

Colder. I was home alone at night when Inez called up. She
was home for week-end so wanted me to go over – we
chatted & had lunch until midnight.
Marg Derby is here for week-end. I saw Florence down
town. I got two more letters, No.13 & No.14. Laddie regrets
that he didn’t get married. Norman came up to see me in
aft. Inez, Berniece & Barb came down to farm for a game of
bridge.
Cold. Slept until noon. Read in aft. Went to church at night
& then was invited to Hilda’s.
Frosty. Wrote long letter to Laddie. Stayed in at night. Knit
& listened to Lux.
Milder. Busy. Had Com. meeting at night. Talked to Shirley
afterwards; then Hilda & I went to a party at Odd Fellows
Hall.
Had a cable from Laddie – he got my 2nd parcel. Very busy.
Went to Bridge Club at Hilda’s.
Sent an airgraph & airmail letter to Laddie. Hilda & I went up
to Mrs. English’s to plan Auxiliary crokinole. Went to Red
Cross skating party.
Very mild. Busy – worked until six. Tired. Went to library,
had bath & went to bed early.
Stormy. Real busy. Went home after work. Read at night.
Slept until noon. Elgin came up – he is taking a week’s
holidays. Read. Wrote to Laddie at night. We have to go on
Daylight Savings time to-night – lose 1hr’s sleep.
Frosty. Dark when have to get up in mornings now. Busy. I
was out $4 but Geo. Tracey gave it to me. Read & knit at
night.
Nice day. Busy. Went to Red Cross supper & then to show
in Hall, “Britain at War”. Hilda & I are trying to plan crokinole
for Thurs. night.
Busy. Went to Bridge Club at Anna’s – we talked & talked.
War news very black. Singapore has almost fallen. We are
losing in Libyan campaign too.
Wrote to Laddie. Had my hair done in aft. Hilda & I had
Crokinole Party for Auxiliary at Mrs. English’s. Lots of fun.
Played peanut game. Lunch at church.
Finished bills. I got a nice long letter from Laddie, No.15. It
is cold in his room- fireplace doesn’t heat it enough. Went to
library – got a good book, “The Keys of the Kingdom” by A.J.
Cronin.
An easy day for a change. Went home at five. Elgin &
Norma came up – we played cards & had lunch.
Lovely mild day. Read. Churchill spoke in aft. Singapore
has fallen – things terribly black. Went to church at night.
Read in bed – swell book.
Raining. Wrote to Laddie. I got Letter No.16 telling me all
about his first visit to London – very interesting. I went down
to Grant’s at night & had a nice chat with them.
Made out gov’t report. Went to Red Cross & to Auxiliary.

3

Wednesday

February 18

Thursday

February 19

Friday

February 20

Saturday

February 21

Sunday

February 22

Monday

February 23

Tuesday

February 24

Wednesday
Thursday

February 25
February 26

“The Keys of the Kingdom” is a swell book.
Cold wind. I entertained the Bridge Club, gave them Italian
Spaghetti for lunch.
Wrote to Laddie. Read in aft & finished a pr. of socks.
Played badminton at night.
Cold. Busy. Had letter from Florence. Had bath, etc. after
work then Vera and I went to “Cavalcade of Canada” put on
by high school students – speech by Judge Morley re:
Victory Loan.
Very cold. Real busy. Iced Laddie’s Birthday Cake. Mother
made 2 kinds of cookies for him at night. Elgin was up,
stayed all night.
Nice day. Packed Laddie’s birthday box – had it over 11 lbs.
so had to take out a tin. Went to church at night. Wrote to
Laddie.
Lovely day, sun shining. Phil Morgan was in. We talked &
talked about war marriages. He doesn’t know what to do
about the matter. Read & then went to Auxiliary Skating
Party. Jack, Bob Ball, Berniece & I played badminton
afterwards.
Grand day. Busy getting everything straightened up after
billing. Went to Red Cross & to library.
Nice day. Read old diary. Went to Bridge Club at Ritchie’s.
Elgin got his call for Air Force – to start at Galt Mar 3. I got
three letters, Nos. 17, 18, 20. Laddie is with 7th Field
Ambulance now & likes it – looking after Straths. Shirley & I
went to I.O.D.E. military bridge.

Elgin
Friday

February 27

Velma (Blythe) Grant’s Diary - 1942

Wrote to Laddie. I got four more letters, Nos. 19, 21, 22, 23
& a sliver butter dish for our Anniversary. Went down to
Grant’s at night for a visit.

4

Saturday

February 28

Sunday

March 1

Wrote to Laddie – answered letters – sent a cable. Went
home at five. Elgin got a swell gladstone bag from the men
at Smith’s as he starts at Galt on Mon.
Lovely spring day. Elgin & I went down to Mt. Forest in aft.
We had a lot of fun at McIntyres – a lot of girls there – one in
Air Force. Norma, Elgin & I came up home for a chicken
dinner.

Norma and Elgin
Monday

March 2

Tuesday

March 3

Wednesday

March 4

Thursday

March 5

Friday

March 6

Saturday

March 7

Sunday

March 8

Velma (Blythe) Grant’s Diary - 1942

Mild. Elgin started at the Galt Air Training School this
morning. Wrote Laddie. Knit at night & listened to Lux.
Got ready for meeting. Went in to see Mrs. Steinacher.
Went to meeting & then to Rebecca Bridge at Berniece’s.
Good luck – almost got prize. Lunch & dance at Hall
afterwards.
Lovely day, very spring-like. I got 2 letters, Nos. 24, 26 –
also cheque for our acc’t. Went to Bridge Club at Rita’s.
Grand day. Wrote Laddie. Knit in aft. Hilda & I took some
pictures. Read at night & played badminton.
Lovely day. I got 2 more letters, Nos. 25 & 27 – also
negatives. Lonesome at night & then Lucille Trafford came
in with Vera – made candy.
Lovely spring day. Snow is going away very quickly.
Looked at patterns for suit. Elgin came home from Galt. He
& Norma were up for supper – he likes course – very
interesting – a lot of studying, about 3 hrs. every night –
airplane mechanics.
Raining all day. Went down to Mt. Forest with Elgin in aft. &
brought up Norma for supper.

5

Monday

March 9

Tuesday

March 10

Wednesday

March 11

Thursday

March 12

Friday

March 13

Saturday

March 14

Sunday

March 15

Monday

March 16

Tuesday

March 17

Wednesday
Thursday

March 18
March 19

Friday

March 20

Saturday

March 21

Sunday

March 22

Monday

March 23

Velma (Blythe) Grant’s Diary - 1942

Java has fallen to Japs. Very windy & much colder. Wrote
to Laddie. Stayed in at night & knit until late as I am helping
Vera with a sweater (baby) for the Red Cross.
Lots of snow now. The Eng. prisoners at Hong Kong have
been brutally bayoneted by Japs. Went to Red Cross at
night & then to Hilda’s afterwards. Brockelbanks moved
next door to us.
Milder. Had my hair done at night. Wilma was in to see me
in aft. Vera & I knit until 1am to finish sweater for tea tomorrow.
Mild. Our Red Cross St. Patrick’s tea at Norma Gagnon’s
made $32 – I served – we had layette on display. Went to
bridge at Mary Firth’s at night.
Wrote to Laddie, got samples for a brown suit & went over to
Mrs. Wrights. Went to High School Commencement – an
operetta, “The Moon Maiden”, real good.
I had Letter No.28 from Laddie. Went home after work with
Elgin & Norma. Nadine was down for week-end. Elgin is still
terribly thrilled with his course. We took Norma to Mt. Forest
about 11.
A lovely day. Helped Elgin fill out his income tax form.
Read & amused Nadine. Went to church at night & visited
Berniece afterwards.
Wrote to Laddie. Got Letter No.29. Went to a bridge at Mrs.
Mike Wanamaker’s – a terrible night, a thunderstorm &
windy.
Mr. Wheeler was here most of aft. Very windy. Wrote
Laddie at night, then went to Auxiliary at Marg McGirrs’ & to
Militia dance with Wilma – had a good time – danced until 3.
Tired to-day. Filed away stubs. Went to bed early at night.
Mother has flu so I went down home in aft. – cleaned
upstairs, baked & did some washing. Went to Bridge Club at
Anna’s – got prize – a relish dish.
Wrote Laddie. Got Letter No.32 from him, also 2 snaps.
Took suit goods over to Mrs. Wright’s. Visited at
Brockelbank’s next door at night.
Raining in morning, then turned to snow in aft. I went home
after work. Norma, Elgin, Lorne & I went to show in
Hanover. Gary Cooper in “Sergeant York” – good.
Real stormy. Got meals, etc. as Mother was sick. Tired at
night so went to bed early.
I got 3 letters to-day, Nos. 30, 31 & one written to three of us
on leave, also 3 play programs. I went down to Grant’s at
night & took letter that Laddie wrote to three of us while on
leave in London & Penzance. Stayed until after eleven.

6

Monday, Feb.16, 1942
Dear Dad, Mother & Velma
This will be a letter to all three of you, to tell you how I spent my seven days leave. I
am addressing it to Velma because I sent the letter about my landing leave to Dad &
Mother. So, Velma, when you get this letter (around the middle of March) will you take it
down for Dad & Mother to read?
7 page letter about trip to London & Penzance
I will write again very soon, to let you know you three are always in my thoughts.
Laddie
Tuesday

March 24

Wednesday

March 25

Thursday

March 26

Friday

March 27

Saturday

March 28

Sunday

March 29

Monday

March 30

Tuesday

March 31

Wednesday

April 1

Thursday

April 2

Friday

April 3

Velma (Blythe) Grant’s Diary - 1942

Wrote to Laddie. He is 27 to-day. I got a cable from him
(dated 23rd) thanking me for parcel. Went to Red Cross at
night & then to Sally’s – Mrs. Knowles & Beth McLean there.
A new selective service program brought out. I got a parcel
from Laddie – Serpentine stone gifts & atlas & napkin ring
for Charles. Went to Mrs. Wright’s after work to get suit
fitted & then Shirley & I went to military bridge.
A lovely day. Norma & I went to Guelph to shop. I got hat &
2 blouse materials. We had dinner at Peacock & then went
to show afterwards. Saw Cary Grant & Joan Fontaine in
“Suspicion”.
Lovely day – sidewalks bare now. Wrote to Laddie. Went
down to Grant’s at night & got 2 decks of cards that Laddie
sent me. Mrs. McFadyen was there.
Ruby came up yesterday for a week. Elgin brought a Bob
Gun of Windsor up with him for the week-end, a real cute kid
– 18. We went to Mt. Forest at night, had lunch at
McIntyre’s.
Slept in. Talked, slept and read in aft. We went up town &
brought Vera down for supper. Boys left afterwards & we
came up to town.
Dull & cool. Ruby is having a great time getting things ready
for the expected baby. I got a letter from Laddie, No.33 & 3
snaps. Went to Mrs. Wright’s at night – knit & read.
Cool. Wrote to Laddie. Busy getting Ins. books ready to
send in. I got 2 more letters, No. 34 & No. 36. Went to Red
Cross supper – my turn to help.
Nice day but cool. Busy. Washed my hair at night. Had
bath, etc. afterwards.
Nice day. Wrote Laddie. I got Letter No.37 telling me about
reunion in London. I went home after work for Good Friday
to-morrow.
Good Friday & a beautiful day. Winnie & Jack were down,
also Nadine. Ruby went back in aft. Elgin was home.
Mother & Winnie made my pink blouse. Played cards &
crokinole. Elgin, Lorne & I went to show in Mt. Forest at
night.

7

Saturday

April 4

Sunday

April 5

Monday

April 6

Tuesday

April 7

Wednesday

April 8

Thursday

April 9

Friday

April 10

Saturday

April 11

Sunday

April 12

Monday

April 13

Tuesday

April 14

Wednesday

April 15

Thursday

April 16

Friday

April 17

Saturday

April 18

Sunday

April 19

Velma (Blythe) Grant’s Diary - 1942

Grand day – real warm. I got 2 swell letters, Nos. 35 & 39.
Wrote to Laddie in morning. Evelyn Aljoe was in to see me
in aft. I went to Grant’s for a turkey dinner – girls home, also
a Jean Williams. Afterwards Elgin, Allan, George, Vera,
Evelyn & I went to Speer’s Hall to dance – ice cream at farm.
A lovely day, but cool. I like my brown suit real well. Went
to church at night & for walk with Berniece.
Wrote to Laddie – 10 pages. Started bills. Stayed in at
night. Knit and read.
Busy. I got 2 letters, Nos. 40 & 44 from Laddie & also some
snaps of boys at reunion. He writes 4 or 5 times a week
now. Vera & I went down to visit Mrs. Glass & Bertha.
Wrote to Laddie after.
Nice spring day. I got Letter No.41 from Laddie & some
snaps of Wellington’s monument. Went to Com. meeting &
to bridge at Berniece’s – got prize – a candle lamp.
Half holiday. I got 3 letters from Laddie, Nos. 42, 43 & 45,
also reunion snaps. Had my ring cleaned in Hanover.
Spent rest of aft. writing him a long letter. Everybody wants
to see snaps – they are swell. Went to show in Hall put on
by I.O.D.E.
Snowing. Real busy. Went visiting at night – to Violet’s &
Emily’s – showed them snaps – had bath etc. afterwards.
Snowing – horrid weather. Busy. Norman was up to see me
in aft. Is leaving for Manitoba next week. I went home with
Mother & Elgin. Read.
Cold wind but bright. Norma was up for week-end. Murray
Ritchies & Miss Smith were down at night. About 9 word
came that Bob Hunter had been killed in Eng. – 1st Durham
casualty. Takes heart right out of you.
Nice day. Wrote Laddie. Bob’s death casts gloom over
town. Stayed in at night – read, knit & listened to Lux.
Nice day. Dr. Brad took the reunion snaps out to Hunters.
Went to Red Cross at night & then up to Jamieson’s.
Presented Louise with nurse’s watch before leaving for
Africa.
Nice day. Busy. Played badminton & then Berniece, Hilda
& I went for a walk – called on Jean Scott. Grand spring
evening.
A beautiful day, warm as summer. Wrote to Laddie in
morning. Read & went over town in aft. Ethel, Hilda & I had
last Bridge Club at Ethel’s – toasted sandwiches.
Colder. Busy. Stayed in at night. Read, “How Green Was
My Valley” and knit.
Real cold. Keith Hunter was up for dinner – home on leave
– has plenty to say. Elgin came up with mumps. I kept my
distance from him.
Elgin had Dr. Campbell come down to give him certificate.
Has to stay home 21 days. Will miss class he has been
with. He isn’t a bit sick, eats every meal & is up talking as
usual. Just has to keep warm. I went for a walk at night &

8

Monday

April 20

Tuesday

April 21

Wednesday

April 22

Thursday

April 23

Friday

April 24

Saturday

April 25

Sunday

April 26

Monday

April 27

Tuesday

April 28

Wednesday

April 29

Thursday

April 30

Friday

May 1

Saturday

May 2

Sunday

May 3

Monday

May 4

Tuesday

May 5

Velma (Blythe) Grant’s Diary - 1942

read.
Nice day but still cool. Wrote to Laddie. Busy. Stayed in at
night. Listened to Lux. Cleaned dresser drawers.
Nice day. Busy. Went to a Tennis Club meeting & to
Auxiliary at Mrs. Sharpe’s afterwards. Norma Gagnon got a
new bicycle to ride to work instead of using car.
Lovely & warm. Busy. Some of us wanted to go on our
Bridge Party to-morrow night but Berniece didn’t like show.
Some time! Washed my hair & had it waved.
A wonderful day. I got 2 letters, Nos. 49 & 53 from Laddie.
Some of the kids had a ball game on Bruce St. We sat on
veranda & watched. I went down to Grant’s afterwards &
then wrote to Laddie.
Grand day. Elg went out to-day – first since Sat. I got 2
more letters, Nos. 47, 48 telling about my parcel that was
“salvaged from the sea”. Dr. Grant finished my teeth. I
wrote Laddie, had bath etc.
A lovely day – quite hot. Busy. I went down to Mt. Forest for
week-end with William Vollett. Norma & I went down town at
night. Had a nice time, ate in restaurant.
A swell day but actually hot. Mrs. McIntyre, Norma & I went
to church Young People’s service. We took pictures in aft.
and went down town. Soonie, Ruth, Ken, Merv there. Ruth
& Norma brought me home. We stopped in to see Elg.
A grand day. I got a post-letter telegram from Laddie, also
Letter No.50. We voted on conscription issue to-day –
plebiscite, “Yes” majority. Berniece & I went for a walk.
Wrote Laddie. I got Letter No.52 – wants me to send snaps.
Went to Red Cross supper. Knit afterwards.
Grand day. Seeding, gardening way ahead of other years.
Wrote Laddie. Got Letter No.51. I went to show in Hanover
with Barb & girls. Saw James Cagney, Dennis Morgan &
Brenda Marshall in “Captain of the Clouds” – swell.
A beautiful day. Sat out on veranda all aft. & knit. Trees
lovely on Bruce St. now. Went to Thank-offering meeting in
church. Mrs. Dr. Pilkey spoke.
Wrote Laddie. Swell day – hot. Knit at night, read, had
bath, etc.
Lovely day- like summer. Reg, Mary, Violet, Harold & Betty
came up. Betty stayed with Vera. We were over town at
night.
Windy and a little cooler. Vic, Elgin & Lorne went fishing.
Sally, Nadine & I went to Winnie’s. Mr. & Mrs. Watson,
Joan, Jack & his boyfriend from Toronto were there. They
called on us at night.
Cold. A great change. Wrote Laddie. Busy. Listened to
Lux at night & knit.
Cold. Busy. Not feeling very well. I think I might have a
light case of mumps – my jaws ache but there is no swelling
of any account. Went to Com. meeting.

9

Wednesday

May 6

Thursday

May 7

Friday

May 8

Saturday

May 9

Sunday

May 10

Monday

May 11

Tuesday

May 12

Wednesday

May 13

Thursday

May 14

Friday

May 15

Cold & wet. I got letter No.59 from Lad – came in 2 ½
weeks time. Busy all day. Answered letter at night. My
jaws still ache at times.
Cold & wet. Harry Schenk died to-day from heart condition –
21. Our Bridge Club went on our annual spree. I took car.
We had dinner in Chatsworth hotel – grand one – chicken &
strawberry shortcake. Went to show Academy Award
picture, “How Green Was My Valley”.
Much warmer to-day. I got letters No.54, 55 from Laddie,
also some snaps. A swell one of him. Aunt Eva had a
Vanishing Tea for Red Cross. Mother was at it. Went down
to Schenk’s.
Cool. Busy. Got Letter No.58 from Laddie. Wrote him.
Went home at five. I am feeling better now. Read.
Mother’s Day – gave her stockings & Elgin & I went out to
lake for drive. Boys gave chocolates. Cleaned out drawers.
Elgin went back to Galt to-day.
Went to bank & made out power bills. I got letters No.56 &
57 from Laddie. Snaps of G.C.O’s inspection. Typed out
Rotary list. Went down to Grant’s at night & showed them
pictures.
Raining. Wrote Laddie. Went to Red Cross. Read
afterwards.
I got 3 letters from Laddie, Nos. 60, 61, 62. Spent the
evening answering them & reading.
Mr. Saunders was here washing walls. Anna, Barb, Hilda &
I went to Owen Sound in aft. Shopped. I got pr. of white
shoes & novel for Laddie. Had supper in restaurant.
Raining. Mr. Saunders finished office. I got letters Nos. 64
& 65 from Laddie, Also parcel of books, cards & map for
Charles. Letter No.65 came in 2 weeks 2 days. I got
Reunion snaps.

Letter #64
England, Tues., April 28,1942
My dearest Velma:
… Friday morning, as I told you before, was the date set for the inspection of certain
units of our division by their Majesties. Consequently, it is needless for me to tell you that
the clinic was closed, and the three of us accompanied the 7th L.F.A. to the inspection
field where we were lined up to await the inspection.
Being an officer, I was a couple of paces ahead of the men, so was assured of being
able to see all that there was to see.
The day was chilly and cloudy with quite a raw wind, and as no gloves were to be
worn, our hands were soon quite chilly. But soon the sun broke through the clouds and it
turned a little warmer. The hour drew closer to the time for inspection, and soon a cheer
broke at the far end of the lines (there were several thousand troops there). Then the
strains of the national anthem came to us on the morning air, while the Royal Standard
was unfurled. That was the first big thrill of the day. Then away in the distance orders
were shouted, and cheers arose as their Majesties finished inspecting each unit. Our unit
was one of the last in the line, and we became more and more excited as the King and
Queen drew near. At last, Col. Elder (the A.D.M. S.) gave the order “ten-shun”. Then
came “Order Arms”, and the Service Corps men attached to our unit responded smartly.
Then the fateful moment arrived, and order came “Royal Salute – Salute!”. Smartly the
Velma (Blythe) Grant’s Diary - 1942

10

men with rifles presented arms, while the officers saluted and the remainder of the men
smartly at attention. After this, the inspecting party passed between our lines, walking
very slowly. First came the King, surrounded by many aides & brass hats, include our
own General Sanram. Then came the Queen, likewise escorted. I was very fortunate as
they both were looking my way as they passed. The King looked very well but was no as
tall as I had thought. But my biggest thrill came when the Queen walked past me. She
was almost past, but then turned directly towards me and looked me up and down,
smiling that gracious smile of hers. Unfortunately, I was at attention, and didn’t dare even
to smile back, but I felt myself blushing furiously.
As the Royal Party came to the end of our lines, we all gave three hearty cheers for
their Majesties, and stood at ease until the other units had been inspected.
All the C.O.s shook hands with the King, including our Col. Brom,?, who was in the
inspection somewhere. The C.O.s also had lunch with the King and Queen in the camp,
so next time I come overseas, remind me to be a C.O.
10 page letter includes description of his weekend in London
and from his Durham family and friends
… No, dear, I don’t want you to join up in the Airforce,or the Army or Navy either. They
are no place for you, and I know what I’m talking about. So, please don’t do it, Velma, for
I don’t think you would be happy there.
…
Well, Velma, take care of yourself until I come back to take care of you myself.
I love you, angel, with all my heart.
Good night, angel,
Laddie
Saturday

May 16

Sunday

May 17

Monday

May 18

Tuesday

May 19

Wednesday

May 20

Thursday

May 21

Velma (Blythe) Grant’s Diary - 1942

Cold. Wrote to Laddie. I went home after work. Elgin & I
went to show in Hanover. I saw “How Green Was My
Valley” again. I called Mrs. Grant but she was too tired to
go.
A nice day. Elgin hasn’t been to see Norma for two weekends now. One side of Mother’s face began to swell a little
after eating fresh strawberries. I guess she has mumps on
one side. I went to church & for walk with girls. Had ice
cream & cake at Whitmore’s.
Cool. Wrote to Laddie. Raining at night so stayed in.
Listened to Lux & read.
Warmer to-day. Not very busy, looked over notes. Went to
Auxiliary at Mrs. Roy Lawrence’s.
No oil heating this winter. Cool. Looked over notes. Went
over town & did some shopping at night. Hilda & I ate in
Mel’s.
Nice day. I went down home in aft. & helped Mother with
house cleaning. Mother’s face swelled a little on both sides.
Howard Watson reported missing over Germany. Anna &
Norman to be married on June 19th.

11

Friday

May 22

Saturday

May 23

Sunday

May 24

Monday

May 25

Tuesday

May 26

Wednesday

May 27

Thursday

May 28

Friday

May 29

Saturday

May 30

Sunday

May 31

Monday

June 1

Tuesday

June 2

Wednesday

June 3

Thursday

June 4

Friday

June 5

Velma (Blythe) Grant’s Diary - 1942

Raining. Busy. Wrote Laddie. Stayed in at night. Evelyn
came home & was over at house. Finished reading “Mr.
Bunting in Peace & War” – good.
Raining. Bill Patterson & Emily were married at Manse at
noon. Norma came up with Elg for week-end. We played
“500” at night, had ice cream, etc.
A miserable day. Damp & wet. I have a cold. I made
pineapple dessert for supper. Winnie & Jack were down.
Cleaned up at night. Elg, Norma & I went for a walk. Read
afterwards.
Nicer to-day but cool. A holiday. I had a cold. Got meals
etc. as Mother wasn’t feeling very well. Elgin & Lorne
caught a lot of fish. I went to show at night with Anna &
Barb, Mickey Rooney in “Babes On Broadway”.
Raining. Wrote to Laddie. Stayed in at night & read and
knit.
A little warmer. Busy taking out meters. I got a permanent
at night. Hair short (feather bob).
Nice day. I met Marion Moore over town in aft. – she is on
furlough – Moncton, N.B. so we went for a walk & had nice
chat. Went for walk with girls at night – had ice cream –
finished socks.
Wrote Laddie. I had two letters from Laddie - 70 & 71 came in 2 ½ weeks. Went to bridge at Mrs. Kearney’s for
Red Cross.
A lovely day – real warm. Wrote Laddie. Rained at night.
Went down & visited Mrs. Grant.
Br. Used 1000 planes in a big raid over Germany – city of
Cologne wiped out completely – 1000 Canadians took part
in flight. Went to church at night & then visited Sally & Vic.
Rev Smiths were there.
Raining. I got 2 letters, 66 & 67, and a birthday card from
Laddie. We, Bridge Club, bought present for Anna after
work (clock). Went to rehearsal of Public School’s
participation in Music Festival, ate in Ying’s afterwards with
Marion Moore & Janet Robb.
Decided not to have Com. meeting. Got Birthday cable.
Wrote Laddie. Norma was up in aft. At night Norma,
Dorothy MacD. & little Bobby went for a walk. Bridge Club
had party for Anna at Ethel’s. She was getting a permanent
– surprised her – gave her bedroom clock.
Busy. I got Birthday present from Laddie – solid silver salt &
peppers & mustard dish. Went to I.O.D.E. Birthday tea.
Went over town at night. Wrote Laddie.
A nice day. I went to Owen Sound with Aunt Eva’s. Got
white hat & brown & white shoes. Stayed for show, Spencer
Tracy & Katharine Hepburn in “Woman of the Year”.
Real busy. Visited with Elsie Hunter at night. She is gong to
be married soon. Had bath, etc.

12

Saturday

June 6

Sunday

June 7

Monday

June 8

Tuesday

June 9

Wednesday

June 10

Thursday

June 11

Friday

June 12

Saturday

June 13

Sunday

June 14

Monday

June 15

Tuesday

June 16

Raining in morning then cleared. Busy. Lorne, his girlfriend,
Barb & I went to show in Hanover. Grand picture, Ann
Sheridan & Robert Cummings in “King’s Row”.
Cool. 26 to-day. Mother gave me Spode cup & saucer,
Aunt Eva handkerchiefs & Lorne sandwich tray. Norma was
up for week-end. We went to Winnie’s & stayed for supper.
I went down to Grant’s at night, showed them my presents &
had nice visit.
Lovely June day. Wrote Laddie. Busy. Visited Helen
Renwick at night – she has been in bed for a month. Started
a sweater for Ruby’s baby.
A beautiful day. Got ready for meeting. Nothing unusual
happened at meeting. Read afterwards. Mrs. Dr. David
Jamieson died to-night.
Hot. Storm later. I got 2 letters from Laddie, Nos. 68 & 72,
& one from Ruby. Went over town at night & did some
shopping with Mother. She bought Anna a comforter. Wrote
to Laddie.
Sent congratulation cards to Marg Evans & Jean McGirr.
Got Letter No.69 from Lad. Went to dinner for Anna at
Freda’s. She was completely taken by surprise. Grand
dinner. Handkerchief shower. Wrote Laddie.
Busy. Raining. We have had a lot of rain lately – nearly
every day. I went over to Miss Gerrie’s at night. Her house
& furnishing are real nice.
Lovely day. Finished bills. I wrapped up toaster & iron for a
wedding present to Anna from Laddie & me. Cy called to
say they had daughter. Ruby & baby fine. I went over town.
Cool. Vera went to Toronto to-day to look for job. Mother &
I did some decorating for shower to-morrow night. I stayed
home at night as Lorne had car away.
A nice day but cool. Wrote to Laddie & Ruby. Mother had a
kitchen shower for Anna. 12 – good time.
Cool. Went to Auxiliary at Etta’s. They gave Anna silver
cream & sugar, 4 salad plates & cake plate. We had 19
page letter from Ruby – calling baby Jacqueline Lee.

Ruby and Jackie
Velma (Blythe) Grant’s Diary - 1942

13

Wednesday

June 17

Thursday

June 18

Friday

June 19

Gasoline cut to 4 gals. a unit. Hilda & I went down to Anna’s
& saw her things.
Vera got a job in Toronto. Jean got medal. Harry Wilson
was in to see me. Going overseas soon. I wrote to Laddie.
Went down to Anna’s in aft. & helped – made a salad. I got
3 letters from Laddie, Nos. 73, 74, 75. Shirley, Lorraine & I
went to see Beryl’s things.
Wrote Laddie. A nice day – not too hot. Anna’s wedding at
2pm. We decorated their bags while they were in Hanover
having pictures taken. I served. Anna looked nice in long
blue dress. They left on 6 bus.

Anna Ritchie’s and Norman Greenwood’s wedding, June 19th, 1942

Norman second from left, Anna, Barbara

Velma (Blythe) Grant’s Diary - 1942

14

Sarah and Wilbert Blyth
Saturday

June 20

Sunday

June 21

Monday

June 22

Tuesday

June 23

Wednesday

June 24

Thursday

June 25

Friday

June 26

Saturday

June 27

Sunday

June 28

Monday

June 29

Velma (Blythe) Grant’s Diary - 1942

Real warm for a change. Wrote Laddie & told him about
wedding. Finished a sweater for Ruby’s baby. Went over
town. Reg & Mary & Jake & his wife were up.
Word came that Joe Noble was missing. Fowlers here.
Aunt Eva & I went to church – anniversary. We went down
to Nobles afterwards. I visited Inez too.
Lovely day. Aunt Eva went to Ruby’s for 2 weeks. I got a
post-letter telegram from Laddie saying he got my egg
parcel. Wrote him an air letter. Busy. Visited Mrs. Schenk
at night.
Cool. Clarence Ritchie’s baby died – 7 weeks old – he had
growth in thyroid gland. War news very black. Eng. lost in
Libya. Germans entering Egypt.
Cool. Furnace on. Jean & I are getting along fine. Nadine
is staying with us this week too. Quite a time braiding her
hair in morning. Went to library at night.
A nice day but cool. Wrote Laddie. I had my hair done in aft.
Jean Brocklebank was here for supper. Had long letter from
Laddie telling about leave in London. Berniece was over at
night – had lunch.
A lovely day. I finished a sock for Elgin. Went over to drug
store. Came home, read and had bath.
Perfect day. Wrote Laddie. Busy. Elgin brought Joan
Brayshaw, 12, up with him for week-end. He came up for
me at 5. We went fishing after supper. Came up town.
A lovely day. We all went to Galt – Norma & H. Becker too –
to church parade. Elgin was in it. Had lunch in park
afterwards. Home 9:30.
Nice day. Busy. Read at night & went down to Grant’s to
show them letter Laddie wrote while on leave in London.
Got Letter No.77.

15

Church parade at Galt – June 1942
London, Sat.., May 23rd,1942
Dear Velma, Mother and Dad:
… This time I am spending all my leave in London, so I should have plenty of time to see
everything I want to see. Especially as I have a 48 hour leave tacked on the seven days.,
and won’t have to be back at camp until Sunday night, May 31st!
…walked around town, took underground, double decker buses, saw movie, play,
Madame Tussaud’s Waxworks, Chinatown, the Tower (saluted by a Beefeater), St.
Paul’s…
Wed., May 24th,1942
…Walked around Piccadilly Circus, shopped, saw movie, play…
As you know, our letters home can’t be too heavy, so I’ll be on the safe side and send two
instead of one.
Love,
Laddie
Thursday., May 28th,1942
Dear Dad, Mother and Velma:
… This is the second half of my letter to you concerning my activities on my “London
Leave”
…got hair cut, visited the Zoo Regent’s park, Lords’ Cricket Field, saw movie…
Friday., May 29th,1942
…packed my stuff. For I am going to stay at the Delaney’s until Sunday night
travelled underground to Waterloo, visited Westminster Abbey (most of it closed),
saw movie, met friend Alex; they “took the tube” out to Edgewater, were welcomed
by Delaneys
Monday, June 1, 1942
…relaxed in the Delaney’s garden by fishpond - … brass plaque in garden:
“The kiss of the sun for pardon,
The songs of the birds for mirth,
One is nearer God’s hart in a garden,
Than anywhere else n earth”
I thought that verse very lovely. Do you agree?
Alex and I enjoyed our week-end there very much.
…on Saturday, loafed, then left for London – I had a few tickets to see musical comedy
“The Maid of the Mountains”. It was a grand play and we all enjoyed it.
…supper at restaurant, walked along the Embankment, passed Cleopatra’s Needle
Velma (Blythe) Grant’s Diary - 1942

16

to Westminster Bridge.…
…Sunday morning after breakfast, the for of us set off with our lunch, and went for a long
walk…heard a cuckoo – “gave me quite a thrill”…
It was a grand holiday for me, and a lovely rest. I saw everything I wanted to see and did
everything I wanted to do…
Love from,
Laddie
Tuesday

June 30

Wednesday

July 1

Thursday

July 2

Very busy. Lovely day but hot. I wrote to Vera at night &
sent Birthday card & handkerchief. Went home. War news
is very bad. Battle of Egypt is on now.
Holiday. Grand day. Jean Brocklebank is visiting at our
place. Real busy. Mother made me green dress. Did
ironing & packed chest. Went to show in Hanover at night.
Took Hilda, her sister & Eliz. Seymour. “Ball of Fire” – swell.
I slept at Hilda’s last night as Jean had me locked out. I got
2 letters from Laddie in morning. Very busy making out
power bills. Hilda, Mary & I took some pictures in park.
Went down to Grant’s at night. Wrote Laddie.

Durham Park Velma on right, Nadine in centre
Friday

July 3

Saturday

July 4

Velma (Blythe) Grant’s Diary - 1942

Very busy. Com. meeting at night – only Mr. Cross present.
Went to a reception for Mr. & Mrs. Vaughan (Irene Atkinson)
at Clarence Barfoot’s.
Nice day. Busy. The neighbours had a presentation for
Elgin at our place. It was a great surprise for him. Norma,
Jean Brocklebank, Elgin & I went to Mt. Forest. When we
came back all calm. Then they gave him army wrist watch,
sweater & 2 prs. socks.

17

Sunday

July 5

Monday

July 6

Tuesday

July 7

Wednesday

July 8

Thursday

July 9

Friday

July 10

Saturday

July 11

Sunday

July 12

Monday

July 13

Tuesday

July 14

Wednesday

July 15

Thursday

July 16

Velma (Blythe) Grant’s Diary - 1942

Lovely day but cool. We had fun with Jean. I came down to
Galt with Elg Sunday night. Ross Kearney & 2 other boys
came back with us – I stayed at Mrs. Brayshaw’s.
Cool. I got up about ten. Joan & I went to visit her married
sister. After dinner we went to show. Saw Red Skelton &
Eleanor Powell in “Ship Ahoy”. I came over to Brantford with
Mr. Fleming. Had supper with Mary, Reg. We went to
Helen’s at night.
Cool but bright. Ironed in morning. Wrote to Laddie in aft.
We went for a drive to airport & called on Norman at San.
Visited Marson’s & then Harold’s.
Norman was to have met me in aft. & we were going to show
& he was coming here for supper. The nurse called to say
he couldn’t get a pass. Mary & I went up town in morning &
shopped. I went to show in aft. myself. Saw Ann Sheridan
& Ronald Reagan in “Juke Girl”. We went to Jake Anguish’s
for supper. Played checkers.
Lovely day. Wrote Laddie. Went up town in aft. Did some
shopping. Got braces & comb - file case for Laddie, one for
Elgin too. Went for drive at night through residential section,
Mohawk Park, picked cherries at Anguish’s, called at
Helen’s & Violet’s.
Raining. Wrote Laddie. Mary & I went to Violet’s in aft.
Stayed for supper & evening. Met Bob’s girlfriend, Isabel for
first.
Went up town in morning. Reg drove me to Galt at noon to
meet Elgin. Great load coming home – cherries, apples, etc.
We went up town to get mail. Got 1 Letter – No.78. Joe
Noble reported prisoner of war. I stayed home at night.
Unpacked etc. Florence came home with Mother & Dad.
Made lunch, talked.
Florence & I got up about noon. Sat on veranda in aft.
Beautiful day. Vic, Sally & Nadine here for supper. Lorne &
I drove Florence home at night. Wrote to Laddie.
Hot. Mother & I washed. I cleaned pantry, etc. Real busy.
I ironed. Uncle Irving came just after supper. He stayed all
night.
Nice day. Windy. Busy. Ladies here in aft. to do war work.
I went up town for mail – got 5 letters. Pasted in snaps etc.
at night.
Nice but cool. Busy. Answered letters in aft. Saw twins
(Davey’s). Read, etc. at night.
Mother & I were away all day. Dinner (chicken) at Uncle
John’s. Supper at Aunt Charlotte’s & out to McGirr’s at
night. I got five letters, Nos. 79, 80, 81, 82 & 88. 6 snaps of
Delaney’s. Did nails etc. after I came home.

18

Friday

July 17

Saturday

July 18

Sunday

July 19

Monday

July 20

Tuesday

July 21

Wednesday

July 22

Thursday

July 23

Friday

July 24

Saturday

July 25

Sunday

July 26

Monday

July 27

Tuesday

July 28

Wednesday

July 29

Thursday

July 30

Friday

July 31

Saturday

August 1

Velma (Blythe) Grant’s Diary - 1942

Wrote Laddie. Went to Mt. Forest. Arrived at Norma’s in
time for dinner. Went down town in aft. & then we went for a
drive to Woodlands Springs & Pike Lake – took Mr. & Mrs.
McIntyre along.
Real hot. Busy – have all my jobs finished up now. Went up
town in aft. for mail. Norma & Elgin came up. I read at
night.
Hot. Lorne & I went swimming in morning. Elg. & I went
down to Mt. Forest for Norma in aft. Got box ready for
Laddie. Sat out on veranda, lovely. Came up to Aunt Eva’s
at night, unpacked & wrote to Mary.
Started back to work after holidays. Dull & cool. Busy – a
lot of jobs to be done – had two parcels from Laddie – books
& dresser scarves. Inez & I went down to Anna’s for walk.
Saw wedding photo.
Lovely day. Wrote Laddie. Finished up odd jobs. Went to
Auxiliary supper meeting at Myrtle McKechnie’s.
Lovely day. Typed names on bills. Don’t have to pay
Unemp. Ins. Any longer. Visited Mrs. Grant at night. Then
Aunt Eva & I went over town – finished Elgin’s socks.
Beautiful day. Wrote Laddie in morning. Went to Sunday
School picnic at Holstein – swam, good lunch. Read after I
came home.
Elg – 25 to-day. Lovely day. Inez & I played tennis – my
first this year. We went to library & then called at Hilda’s,
chatted until 11:00, had bath.
Beautiful day. Wrote Laddie in aft. Went over town at night
– went home with Elgin & Norma. Mr. Brayshaw & Jack
came up for week-end with Elg.
A beautiful day. Helped Mother with meals. Lay out on the
lawn in the aft. Norma came up for supper. Read at night.
Swell day. I got 2 letters from Laddie, No.95 & No.97 – 97
came in 13 days. Inez & I played tennis at night.
Grand day. Wrote Laddie. Took off water controls. War
news very black these days. Rostov has fallen & Germans
getting very near oil wells in Caucasus. Got 3 letters from
Lad, Nos. 91, 92 & 96. Played tennis & went swimming.
Inez, Elsie & I talked at Aunt Eva’s until 11.
Wrote Laddie. Raining. Washed my hair & had it waved.
Met Florence over town. Had ice cream & talked.
Half holiday. Went home in aft. Aunt Mary Ann, Mrs. Hay &
Dale there. Mr. Rubin called on me. I bought a mink-tone
collar from him. Traded in my fur coat - $10. I got 2 letters,
Nos. 93 & 94.
Nice day but cooler. Busy. Inez, Anna, Shirley & I played
tennis at night. Read, had bath, etc.
Nice day. Wrote Laddie. Ruby, Cy, little Jackie, Mrs. Fulton
& Vera came up in morning. First time I saw baby (1½
months old) – very cute, well formed, smooth face, dark
eyes & a little curl on top of head. Vera likes it in Toronto.

19

Ruby, Cy and Jackie
Sunday

August 2

Monday

August 3

Tuesday

August 4

Wednesday

August 5

Thursday

August 6

Friday

August 7

Saturday

August 8

Sunday

August 9

Monday

August 10

Tuesday

August 11

Wednesday

August 12

Thursday

August 13

Velma (Blythe) Grant’s Diary - 1942

We had a family party – Ruby & Cy, Aunt Eva’s, Winnie &
Jack all here. Had picnic lunch. Nadine is staying with us
Read at night.
Nice day but fairly cool. Civic holiday. Spent it quietly at
home. 1 oz. of tea or 4 oz. of coffee per week per person –
tea & coffee rationed. We washed & ironed, did Mrs.
Davies’ washing too. Little, 1 ½ yrs., Frank came up in aft. &
stayed for supper. We had letter from Elg, from Lachine.
Berniece & I went for walk at night. Wrote to Elgin & Laddie.
Cool. I had two letters from Laddie, 89 & 90 - also postletter telegram. Sales Tax auditor was here in aft. Aunt Eva
& I went for walk. I wrote Laddie afterwards.
Cool. Busy. Inez & I played tennis at night. Read. I got a
parcel for Laddie – books & negatives.
Lovely day. Inez & I lay out in sun. Then Aunt Eva & I went
to Rebecca picnic in park. Played tennis at night & read,
“This Above All”.
Lovely day. Very busy. Had letter from Elgin. Likes it at
Lachine. Played tennis at night. Wrote Laddie an airletter.
Raining in aft. Busy – last discount day. Went over town at
night. Met Florence & had chat. Mother made me yellow
pyjamas & yellow aprons this week.
Cool. Bert Chapman here. Slept in late. Read & had a
snooze in aft. Went down to Ritchie’s at night. Anna & Barb
walked home with me. Had ice cream.
Busy. Aunt Eva’s birthday – gave her a cup & saucer.
Played tennis. Wrote Laddie.
Busy. Com. meeting at night. Lot of business. We are to
get 60¢ a week cost-of-living bonus.
Lovely weather but cool. Played tennis at night & then Aunt
Eva & I went over town & shopped. Brought home some ice
cream.
Nice day. Lay out in the sun in aft. Wrote to Laddie. Rotary
Carnival at night. Large crowd. Worked in Red Cross
booth. Anna won $50 War Savings Certificate.

20

Friday

August 14

Saturday

August 15

Sunday

August 16

Monday

August 17

Tuesday

August 18

Wednesday

August 19

Thursday

August 20

Friday

August 21

Saturday

August 22

Sunday

August 23

Monday

August 24

Tuesday

August 25

Wednesday

August 26

Thursday

August 27

Friday

August 28

Saturday

August 29

Sunday

August 30

Velma (Blythe) Grant’s Diary - 1942

Hydro convention. Ab went. Lovely day. Finished bills.
Inez had a dinner – Wilma, Shirley, Barb, Anna, Freda,
Berniece & myself – good time. Looked at old snaps.
Wrote to Laddie in aft. Not very busy. Inez & I played
tennis. Vera came home. Inez came down with me for
week-end.
Inez & I got up about 10:30, looked at snaps. Lay out in sun
in aft. Norma, Mr. & Mrs. McIntyre were up. We went for a
walk after supper. Packed a box for Laddie – No.10. Inez &
Etta gave me candy to put in it.
Vic started working for Massey Harris. Nadine is at our
place this week. I got four letters from Laddie – Nos. 98, 99,
100, 101 & 17 snaps. Going to work on his B.A. Inez & I
played tennis at night.
Cool. Wrote to Laddie. Went to show in Hanover with girls.
Sam Dinger(?) took us. We saw Rosalind Russell & Fred
MacMurray in “Take a Letter Darling”, good witty & clever.
Cool. Aunt Eva went down to help Mother with threshing.
Canadians & other troops invaded France at Dieppe (1 day),
many casualties but raid successful. Many German planes
destroyed. Played tennis, visited Berniece.
Wrote Laddie. Spent aft. at Twamley’s. Read at night.
Loud crack of thunder – lighting struck transformer at
factory.
Dad finished threshing yesterday. Hot. Got letter No.106
from Laddie. Played tennis.
Hot. Very busy. Vera came home. Aunt Eva & I went over
town & waited until family were ready to go home.
Cool & raining. Very quiet day. Went to Varney church in
aft., only 9 there. Wrote to Laddie at night.
Very cold. Not very busy. Read. Played tennis at night &
then went down to Grant’s – took Laddie’s album & showed
it to them. Harry McCaslin missing in Dieppe raid.
Very cool. Got 4 letters from Laddie, Nos. 101, 102, 103,
104 (2 censored). Answered them. They call him “Bitsy” in
Eng. Played tennis at night & then Inez & I went to library.
Duke of Kent killed in plane crash.
Nice day. Harry McCaslin reported safe in Eng. in morning
& 5 o’clock in the aft. they got word he was killed. Went over
town at night.
Had letter from Elgin. Rained in morning but cleared up in
aft. cool. Auxiliary picnic at Mrs. McLachlan’s, played
baseball. Went to meeting at Berniece’s re: Labour Day
week-end. She served angel cake, ice cream & ginger ale.
Cool. Wrote Laddie. Had my hair waved at night. Got coat
samples.
Did a lot of odd jobs. Reg & Mary Fowler came up for a
week’s holidays. I went home with them at night. Got letter
No.107 from Laddie.
A beautiful day. Quite warm. Reg & I went fishing in aft.
(rubber boots & all). Swell time. Lorne went back to Toronto
at night with Vic to look for a job – only 16. Got

21

Monday

August 31

Tuesday

September 1

Wednesday

September 2

Thursday

September 3

Friday

September 4

Saturday

September 5

Sunday

September 6

Monday

September 7

recommendation from Mr. Sharpe. Anna, Barb & Uncle Will
came down at night.
Grand day. Wrote to Laddie & Elgin. Reg, Mary & Mother
came up to office in aft. & brought me ice cream. Berniece
& I went for a walk at night.
A beautiful day. Mother had letter from Lorne. Got a job in
Massey Harris. Jean got a job in Royal Bank - only fifteen,
but they couldn’t get anyone else. She has 3 years at High
School. I had a letter from Elgin. Com. meeting at night.
Wrote Laddie. Busy. Shirley & I played tennis with two
English girls visiting at Rev. Jones’.
Cool. Aunt Eva, Jean and I went to Owen Sound in aft. I
got brown & black suede shoes, brown skirt goods.
Real cool. Took off controls. Wrote to Laddie. Went over to
Twamley’s at night to make arrangements for week-end.
Inez got a new bike to-day.
Raining & cold in morning but nice in aft. Eunice & Hap
have a son. Inez, Barb & I went to Owen Sound Park after
work Sat. afternoon. Got 2 double cabins. We shopped &
then went to show, Wallace Bury in “Jackson Mail”. Others
– Sammy, Bern., Jean Scott, Marg Little & Freda arrived at 1
– had lunch.
We brought 2 electric heaters & hot water bottles up with us.
Cabins were terribly cold & damp but soon warmed up.
Sunday – grand day – much warmer. Went to Division St.
church – day of intercession. Lay out in sun & played tennis
in aft. Grand big supper. Walked down town at night &
window shopped.
A beautiful day for Labour Day. I wrote Laddie airletter.
Read, lay in sun, and played tennis. We had our supper
beside water on way to Martin’s. Went to show at night,
Abbott & Costello in “Pardon my Sarong”. Home at twelve.
Swell holiday.

Owen Sound Tennis Court, Labour Day, 1942

Velma
Harriston Park, Labour Day, 1942

Velma (Blythe) Grant’s Diary - 1942

22

Barbara and Velma in centre
Tuesday

September 8

Wednesday

September 9

Thursday

September 10

Friday

September 11

Saturday

September 12

Sunday

September 13

Monday

September 14

Tuesday

September 15

Wednesday

September 16

Thursday

September 17

Friday

September 18

Velma (Blythe) Grant’s Diary - 1942

Raining. I had letter from Elgin & 1 from Laddie, No.108 –
long letter. Wrote Elgin. Raining, so stayed in at night &
cleaned room, etc.
Raining again. I got a cable from Laddie saying, “Everything
under control – fit as a fiddle”. Howard Thornell & a friend
landed along. I went down home with them after supper,
until they went to Owen Sound.
Raining. I got a parcel from Laddie – books & pictures.
Went down to Grant’s at night. Sally & Nadine stayed here
all night as their furniture went to Toronto to-day.
A lovely day & Durham Fall Fair. I have Lorne’s bicycle now
& went for ride on it – got along fine. Sally & Nadine stayed
again.
Aunt Eva, Jean, Sally & Nadine went to Toronto. Vera
brought car back. Wrote Lorne. Elg. Was moved to St.
Thomas to-day. Went home with Mother & Dad.
Nice day. Varney Anniversary. Rev. Harris from Conn
spoke – good. Went in aft. & at night. Norma came up &
stayed for supper & went to church.
Raining. I got an airgraph from Laddie – came in 13 days –
first one I have ever received. Wrote him. Inez & I took
bicycles over to show grounds. She was learning to ride her
new one. Listened to Lux – “This Above All”.
Grand Day. Warm. I got letter from Elg & 3 from Laddie,
Nos. 109, 110 & 112. No.109 censored & names cut out.
Rode on bicycle at night. Went down to Ritchie’s on it. Knit.
Lovely day – real warm. I got Letter No.111 from Laddie.
Wrote Laddie. Mr. Conn coming tomorrow. Jessie up to see
me. Jean started in Royal Bank to-day. Jessie Grant visited
me. She & Bonnie are slanting(?) to Norma. Inez & I went
to see Elaine Hunter’s trousseau – grand.
Lovely day. Hot. Mr. Conn was moved back to this territory.
He & Mr. McKie came to audit books in aft. I was at office all
aft. in spite of holiday. Lots of fun. Had supper at
Whitmore’s.
Wrote Laddie. A swell day. Hot. Inez & I went bicycling at
night & then went over to Mrs. Wright’s. Norma’s birthday.

23

Saturday

September 19

Sunday

September 20

Monday

September 21

Tuesday

September 22

Wednesday

September 23

Thursday

September 24

Friday

September 25

Saturday

September 26

Sunday

September 27

Monday

September 28

Tuesday

September 29

Wednesday

September 30

Thursday

October 1

Friday

October 2

Saturday

October 3

Sunday

October 4

Monday

October 5

Tuesday

October 6

Velma (Blythe) Grant’s Diary - 1942

Rained in aft. Elsie Hunter married at four. I got cable from
Laddie saying he got my 10 parcel. Went to presentation at
Keelar’s for Ross – gave him a watch.
A quiet day. Cold but bright. Read & knit. Finishing booties
for Eunice’s baby. Went to church at night.
Very cold. Wrote Laddie. We can’t use our electric heater
beginning to-day – have fire in stove. Visited Eunice & Hap
at night & saw new baby, Leslie – gave him blue booties.
Cold & wet. Washed my hair & had it waved. Knit on my
sweater until late. Elg & Lorne both coming home this weekend.
Cold & wet. Wrote Elgin & Lorne. Went to I.O.D.E bingo in
Hall, proceeds for soldiers’ Christmas boxes. Good crowd.
Played several games.
Cold. Wrote Laddie. Went home in aft. & helped Mother
bake a Tomato Soup Cake to send Laddie. Knit at night.
Cold & wet. Russians are still holding Stalingrad. Did some
shopping after work.
Cold & wet. Lorne came home. He came up for me after
supper. I packed a box for Laddie. Elgin came home after
we got to bed.
Elgin, Norma & Lorne here. It was the first time we had
seen Elgin in his uniform as he hadn’t been home since he
got it 2 months ago. He talked & talked, telling us all about
the Air Force. We went out to Winnie’s for a little while in aft.
Ground was covered with snow this morning. Wrote Laddie.
Listened to Lux at night, knit & read.
Cold. Norman was moved to Aylmer so Anna won’t be
going out West now. She finishes at store to-morrow. Went
to Red Cross & then Auxiliary at Mrs. Colton’s. Shower for
Marg Storrey.
Cold. Got Letter No.114 from Laddie & was I ever glad to
get it! Swell letter. Knit & Read at night.
Nice day. Wrote Laddie. Aunt Eva & I went out to Winine’s
in aft. as they were threshing.
Lovely day. Busy. Finished sleeve of sweater. Lorne is
working for Rogers’ Silverware Co. now. I stayed with Hilda
all night. She has moved to Hartley house.
Lovely fall day. Busy. Wrote Laddie. Read some
magazines at night & did some shopping. Went home with
Mother & Dad.
Windy & cool. Looked over clothes. Read. Went to church
at night & in to Berniece’s afterwards.
Wrote Elgin & Lorne. Dad’s birthday – 54. Knit at night.
Jean had Mission Circle. Wrote to Ruby.
Busy. Went to Red Cross supper. Got up enough nerve to
ask them for a raise. Got $10 a month more. Wrote to
Laddie after I came home.

24

Wednesday

October 7

Thursday

October 8

Friday

October 9

Saturday

October 10

Sunday

October 11

Lovely day. I am very happy about raise. Went for a ride on
bicycle – visited at Ritchie’s. Knit.
Lovely day. Aunt Eva, Jean, Joan & I went to Owen Sound.
I got red & brown dress goods. We ate at Scopi’s & then
went to see “Mrs. Miniver” – a marvelous show – the best
war picture I have ever seen. Car ran out of water on way
home – had to get farmer.
A grand day. My coat goods came – took it over to Mrs.
Wright’s. Vera came home after supper. We talked until
midnight. Finished my brown cardigan.
Grand day. Wrote Laddie. Aunt Jennie Ribey was at Aunt
Eva’s. Elgin & Lorne home. Lorne cut his finger in a ?
machine. Has to stay home for 6 weeks. Norma, Elg & I
went to Mt. Forest at night. Mr. & Mrs. Watson landed
along.
A beautiful day. Thanksgiving Sunday. Elgin, Norma, Lorne
& I went for a drive through country in morning. All went to
church in aft. We had 11 for chicken dinner at night. Winnie,
Jack & Aunt Jennie here. Watsons went back at night. Aunt
Jennie stayed all night.

Velma and Norma
Monday

October 12

Tuesday

October 13

Velma (Blythe) Grant’s Diary - 1942

Thanksgiving Monday. Beautiful day. Very busy fixing
clothes (brown sweater & skirt). I took Aunt Jennie up to
Twamley’s in morning. Reg, Mary, Lizzie & Jake called on
us in aft. on way home from Wiarton. Aunt Eva, Jean, Nora
& I went to show in Hanover. Saw, “This Above All”.
A grand day. Got 2 letters from Laddie via airmail. Nos. 115
& 116. Also got letter written on leave in Wales. Went to
Red Cross at Schutz’s & then went down to Grant’s.
Tuesday, Sept.9 – Sat. Sept.12/1942

25

Dear Velma, Mother and Dad:
…I have been having a wonderful time to date, and although I haven’t been doing
anything very exciting, I have seen some of the most beautiful country in the world…If
only you three were here to enjoy it with me, everything would be perfect. … The reason
North Wales was chosen was because Jim, Frank and Phil knew a family there and had
arranged for our party to stay there.
17 page letter about trip to north Wales
– travelled by train to Abersoch to stay with Davies family in their “summer home”,
explored area and seashore, rowed in Davies’ boat; took bus to Pwllheli and then to
Beaumaris, enjoyed stay at Buckeley Arms hotel, toured about, visited a ruined
castle, played snooker, chatted with other visitors, then returned to London Sept. 14,
went to a movie
…So that is the end of my account, and now I am all set for another three months work,
before another seven days leave comes up.
…Ill write to you in a day or two, so, until then, I’ll leave you.
All my love,
Laddie.
Wednesday

October 14

Thursday

October 15

Friday

October 16

Saturday

October 17

Sunday

October 18

Monday

October 19

Tuesday

October 20

Wednesday

October 21

Thursday

October 22

Friday

October 23

Saturday

October 24

Velma (Blythe) Grant’s Diary - 1942

Lovely day. Wrote Laddie. Busy. Went down to see Marg
Storrey’s trousseau at night.
Cloudy. Mother, Dad & Aunt Eva went down to see Ross today. He is much thinner. I had supper at Ritchie’s & then
went to a re-organization of the Badminton Club. Secy.
again.
Busy. Went to library at night & got “The Unknown Country”
by Bruce Hutchison. Had bath, etc. Laddie sent $110.50.
Wrote Laddie an airletter. Raining. Marg Storrey’s wedding.
Went home after work. Mother & I cut out scalloped collar.
Nice day. Read. Aunt Eva & I went to church at night &
stayed for meeting afterwards on connection with 3rd Victory
Loan. Geo. Noble made wonderful speech.
Nice day. I had an airletter from Laddie, No.117, written
Sept. 25. Read & knit at night.
Lovely day. Wrote Laddie. I got another airletter to-day,
No.121 – two weeks time. Letter from Elgin too. Went to
Red Cross at Ruth Miles’ & to Auxiliary afterwards.
Nice aft. but rained at night. Busy. Went to Berniece’s at
night to play bridge.
Last disc’t day so I worked in aft. Rained all day. Spent aft.
writing Laddie. Aunt Eva, Jean, Nora & I went to show in
Hanover. Saw Jean Arthur & Cary Grant in, “Talk of the
Town”.
Busy. Went to Mrs. Wright’s to have my coat fitted; washed
my hair & had it waved.
Cold but bright. Busy. Aunt Eva came down with me for
week-end as Jean was in Owen Sound. We stayed up until
Elg & Norma came home – had lunch.

26

Sunday

October 25

Monday

October 26

Tuesday

October 27

Wednesday

October 28

Thursday

October 29

Friday

October 30

Saturday

October 31

Sunday

November 1

Monday

November 2

Tuesday

November 3

Wednesday

November 4

Thursday

November 5

Friday

November 6

Saturday

November 7

Sunday

November 8

Monday

November 9

Tuesday

November 10

Wednesday

November 11

Velma (Blythe) Grant’s Diary - 1942

Elg, Norma & I went to Mt. Forest church in morning. Had
dinner at McIntyre’s. Came home in aft. & had supper. Elg
went back about 7 & we came up to town. Read.
Cold. Wrote Laddie. I received 2 letters from him, Nos. 119
& 120. Listened to Lux & knit at night.
Ground covered with snow. Busy. I went to Red Cross at
Norma Gagnon’s. Helped pack overseas box. Floyd Kearns
got it.
Cold. Got No.118 from Laddie. Finished water bills. Went
to Community Party – played bridge at Oddfellows Hall.
Dance after. We ate in restaurant afterwards.
Milder to-day. Wrote Laddie long letter in morning. Went
home in aft. Ironed. Auxiliary Thank-offering meeting at
night. Mrs. (Dr.) Gordon Agnew spoke – good.
Mild. Busy. Went over to Mrs. Wright’s after work. Stayed in
at night. Tired. Read & knit.
Mild. Went home after supper. Knit & planned Laddie’s
Christmas box. Halloween night. Lorne played a joke on us
– put lights out.
Nice day. Read. Went to church at night & down to Anna’s
afterwards. Her birthday – 30.
Raining. Wrote Laddie & Elgin. Listened to Lux at night, knit
& read.
Snowed a little. No meeting to-night. Went to Red Cross
meeting at Mortley’s.
Nice day but cool. Finished Laddie’s socks. Went to
Rebecca Euchre & dance.
Wrote Laddie. Went home in aft. Ironed 4 pairs of curtains.
Tired at night so read & went to bed. I got my new winter
coat. Mrs. Wright only charged $3.25.
Allies won a great victory in Egypt – defeated Rommel’s
forces. Might be turning point of war. Finished reading,
“The Unknown Country” – a wonderful book. Went to library.
A year ago to-day since I last saw Laddie. Sent him an
airletter. Busy. Elgin came home. We went down to Mt.
Forest to the show. Norma came back with us.
A lovely day. I packed Laddie’s Christmas box. Uncle
Charlie & Aunt Charlotte were here for supper. Elgin left
shortly after supper & I came up town.
American troops are landing in North Africa. Allied offensive
has begun. Went to see Mrs. Whitmore at night, as she fell
on the sidewalk & injured her leg – has it in a cast.
Raining. War news is still very good. Went to Red Cross at
Mrs. Wanamaker’s & to trousseau tea for Mary Whitmore at
Mrs. Roy Lawrence’s.
Snowing. Ground covered. Wrote to Laddie. Went to a
recipe shower at Mrs. Irwin Sharpe’s for Marg Storrey.
Played bridge. Nice lunch of little cakes & sandwiches.

27

Thursday

November 12

Friday

November 13

Saturday

November 14

Sunday

November 15

Monday

November 16

Tuesday

November 17

Wednesday

November 18

Thursday

November 19

Friday

November 20

Saturday

November 21

Sunday

November 22

Monday

November 23

Tuesday

November 24

Wednesday

November 25

Thursday

November 26

Friday

November 27

Saturday

November 28

Sunday

November 29

Velma (Blythe) Grant’s Diary - 1942

Germans marched into unoccupied France. A dirty day –
raining & snowing. I went home in aft. Ironed. Real busy.
Mother is making me a red dress.
Everything is going O.K. for Allies in Africa. Very stormy.
Plenty of snow. Had to get galoshes out. George was up to
see me in aft. I got a permanent at Ethel’s.
Clear but cold. War news is swell these days. Went home
after work. Knit & did odd jobs – cleaned cupboards.
Nice day. Quiet aft. Read. Barbara & Uncle Will came
down for supper.
Mild. Went to Dr. Grant & had my teeth cleaned. Listened to
Lux, knit & read.
Mild. I got 2 letters, 122 & 127, from Laddie – 3 weeks since
I had any. Came air mail & No.122 took 5 ½ weeks. Went
to Auxiliary at Norma Gagnon’s.
Wrote Laddie. Mild. We had our Commission meeting. Read
afterwards. You can only travel 50 miles on bus now.
Mild. Had nice rest in aft. Visited Mrs. Whitmore. Finished a
pr. of ankle socks. Played badminton at night for first this
season.
I got 3 letters from Laddie, Nos. 123, 124, 125. Aunt Eva
went to Toronto this aft. for week-end. Militia dance. Jean
went but I didn’t. Inez came over & we talked until midnight
& had lunch.
Colder. Wrote to Laddie. Went home at five. Read & did
odd jobs.
Elg & Norma were here. We went out to Winnie’s for
chicken dinner – dumplings.
Mild. I bought a chesterfield ($25) 2nd hand on spur of the
moment from McTavish (Bill Firth). We are going to give it to
Mother & Dad for Christmas. Went to Red Cross at Allen’s.
Mild. Aunt Eva came home at noon. I received letter No.126
from Laddie. I went down to Grant’s at night & had nice visit
with them.
Mild. Busy. Finished planning hope chest & did other work.
Had letter form Ruby – 10 pages – all about Jackie. Stayed
in at night. Knit & read. Bought “The Keys of the Kingdom”.
Snowing. Went home in aft. for holiday. Mother is making
me a brown dress. Started a pr. of mitts for Jackie for Xmas.
The French scuttled their navy so the Germans wouldn’t get
it – over 60 ships. Busy. Wrote Laddie at night, knit, went to
library. Finished “The Moon is Down” by John Steinbeck.
Good book.
Quite a lot of snow on ground. Busy. Went home after
work. Elg wrote examinations to-day. Lorne stayed in
Hanover all night.
Nice day. Slept in. Lorne brought Shirley & Lois Weigner
over for supper. Went to church & down to Anna’s
afterwards.

28

Monday

November 30

Tuesday

December 1

Wednesday
Thursday

December 2
December 3

Friday

December 4

Saturday

December 5

Sunday
Monday

December 6
December 7

Tuesday

December 8

Wednesday

December 9

Thursday

December 10

Friday

December 11

Saturday

December 12

Sunday

December 13

Monday

December 14

Tuesday

December 15

Wednesday

December 16

Thursday

December 17

Friday

December 18

Velma (Blythe) Grant’s Diary - 1942

Wrote Elg. We sent him a writing kit for graduating. He
phoned at night to say he got B grouping (which is highest
you can get at St. Thomas). Gives him his L.A.C. – came
6th in class. Went to Red Cross at Mrs. Ball’s.
Busy. Played badminton at night – a lot of fun. Wrote to
Laddie & Vera afterwards. Elgin being sent to Winnipeg
Thurs.
Very stormy. Busy. Stayed in at night. Read & knit.
Terribly stormy. Back roads are blocked now. I had my hair
finger waved in aft. Played badminton at night. Aunt Eva
entertained ladies.
Still very stormy. Busy. Aunt Eva & I went to Oddfellows
euchre at night. Aunt Eva got prize.
Still storming, but not as badly as yesterday. Went home
after work. Fixed clothes, etc.
Quiet day. Went to church at night. Read afterwards.
Wrote Laddie. Received Letter No.128 from him. He has
been sick – benign pneumonia, wrote letter while in hospital
– nothing serious he says. Jake Anguish died suddenly from
heart arttack. Mother had letter from Brantford. Went to
Red Cross at Clushey’s.
Wrote Laddie. Busy. Nice day. Bright & sunny. Norma
Gagnon is going to be married on Christmas Day. Went to
Auxiliary at night. We decided to dispense with lunch at our
meetings, owing to shortage of butter.
Nice day. Busy. Went to Bridge Party at Anna & Barbara’s
– 3 tables.
Mother, Dad, Lorne & I went up to Owen Sound at noon.
Mrs. Caswell cleaned office. Mother & I shopped & Dad &
Lorne went to show. I got my picture taken at Meyers’.
Played badminton.
Finished bills. I had letter from Elgin, written in Winnipeg.
Stayed in at night.
Wrote Laddie. Santa Claus Day in town. Sent Laddie his
watch. Went home after.
Very frosty. We were going to Uncle Charlie’s for supper but
couldn’t get car started. Uncle Charlie came down for us.
We had grand chicken dinner. Uncle Will’s there too.
Wrote Elgin. Very stormy – terrible weather. I got the proofs
of my picture – not so good. Stayed in at night.
Addressed Christmas cards. Got Letter No.130 from Laddie.
He is out of hospital now & feeling fine. Played badminton at
night.
Got Letter No.129 from Laddie. Had final Com. meeting.
Got $3 Xmas box. Elg coming home for Xmas. Nadine
came up to-day for Xmas holiday. Called in at Grant’s on
way home from meeting.
Cold. Worked all day. Finished Christmas shopping. Hilda
& I collected for a present for Norma Gagnon from Auxiliary
Girls. Sent Laddie a cable.
Busy. Bought present (crystal vase for Norma). Went to

29

Saturday

December 19

Sunday

December 20

Monday

December 21

Tuesday

December 22

Wednesday

December 23

Thursday

December 24

Friday

December 25

Saturday

December 26

Sunday

December 27

Monday

December 28

Tuesday

December 29

Wednesday

December 30

Thursday

December 31

Public School concert.
Very frosty. Wrote Laddie. Went home after work.
Wrapped up presents until midnight.
Very frosty, 15O below zero. Came up town in aft. Went to
church at night. Read.
A little milder. Busy. Went over town at night & bought
some cards, etc.
Busy. Aunt Eva & I went to Norma Gagnon’s trousseau tea.
We went over town at night. Word came that Art Allen was
missing, presumed dead, in Scot.
Mild. Elg came home to-day. Dad & Lorne met him at
Midhurst. I got a lovely sterling silver compact from Laddie.
Got a lot of nice cards.
Mild. Elg came up in morning. We bought Norma’s Xmas
present at noon. A lovely blue dressing gown - $11.95.
Went home after work. Real busy until after midnight. Got
card from Lad’s Aunt Grace & Aunt Edith.
Christmas Day. Bright & cold. Ground covered with snow. I
got some nice gifts – 2 cups & saucers, 5 handkerchiefs,
sachets, $2 from Rick & $2 from Ab, plate in Spode, writing
paper, stockings- 2 pr., doily, guest towels. We were at Aunt
Eva’s for Christmas dinner. Vic, Sally, Nadine & Mrs. Hope
came up. Norma Gagnon & Sandy Taylor married to-day.
Elg, Vera, Jean, Nora, Evelyn & I went to show in Mt. Forest.
Saw Clark Gable & Lana Turner in, “Somewhere I’ll Find
You”. Norma came back with us – had lunch.
We had Aunt Eva’s, Vic’s & Winnie’s down here for dinner 7
aft. Busy day. Mrs.Hope & Nadine stayed for week-end.
Norma, Elg, Dad & I played “500” at night.
Raining. Streets & roads a mess. Norma, Elg & I went up to
Ritchie’s for a turkey dinner. I went to church with Norman &
Anna – cantata. I went in with Inez after church. Saw her
gifts.
Colder again. Back to work. Wrote Laddie. Had cable from
him saying he got my Christmas parcel, cable & card. Elg
went back to Winnipeg on train to-day. Went to a dinner at
Berniece’s – 8 girls – played bridge after.
Got Letter No.134 from Lad. Busy. Played badminton at
night & went over to Inez’s afterwards for lunch. Oliver
Hunter new mayor & Art McGowan new Commissioner.
Got Letter No.132 & Christmas card from Laddie. Inez & I
went down to Allen’s early in the evening. Then Aunt Eva &
I went to Whitmore’s to play bridge. Then Berniece, Anna,
Barb & I went to Militia dance.
Wrote a long letter to Laddie. Nice day. Busy. I got No.131
& No.133 from Lad – airmail. Spent New Year’s Eve at
Berniece’s. We played bridge & then had lunch sent up from
Chinamen’s at midnight.

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 - 1942

30