Velma’s Diaries - 1944
1944
DAY
Saturday

MONTH
January 1

Sunday

January 2

Monday

January 3

Tuesday

January 4

Wednesday
Thursday

January 5
January 6

Friday

January 7

Saturday

January 8

Sunday

January 9

Monday

January 10

Tuesday

January 11

Wednesday

January 12

Thursday

January 13

Friday

January 14

Saturday

January 15

Velma (Blythe) Grant’s Diary - 1944

COMMENT
Real mild. Slept until noon. Wrote Laddie an airletter & then
went to Ritchie’s for dinner. Feel confident will see Laddie in
1944. Barb & I took Norman to Mt. Forest in aft. I came
home at six & spent rest of evening Knitting & playing
Rummoli with Jean & Aunt Eva.
Aunt Eva & I went to church in morning. Read & knit in aft.
& went over to Berniece’s at night. Mother & Dad & Lorne
came home from Toronto. Lorne had suitcase stolen while
waiting for bus to O. Sound.
Russians advanced into Poland. Grand day. Weather
perfect. Had letter from Laddie. Wrote him at night & then
went to Nursing Class – taught how to make mustard &
linseed plasters & enema. Ate in Chinamen’s afterwards.
A beautiful day. Very busy. We started our Bridge Club tonight at Bernice’s.
Mild. Half holiday. Knit in afternoon & at night.
Very busy. Jean & Nora went to Toronto for holidays. Went
to Executive meeting at Miss Gerrie’s & into Irla’s
afterwards. Stayed until one.
Wrote Laddie. Very busy filling out reports. Went to concert
in Knox church – Ruth Blane, harpist. Went into Irla’s
afterwards.
We (Peck & I) took stock. Cleaned up stock room – have
been at it for 3 days. Lorne & I went up town for few minutes
at night.
Winnie & Jack, Mr. & Mrs. Cecil Barber & Barry were here
for a chicken dinner.
Mild. Very busy with inventory. Had 2 letters from Laddie –
One from Gordon McCrae & card saying auditor would be
here on Thurs. Wrote Laddie. Went to Nursing Class –
communicable diseases.
Mild. Very busy. Went over to Schutz’s at night as Clara
called & wanted me to come over for game of bridge.
A lot of snow fell. Norman Greenwood’s mother died.
Washed my hair in aft. Went to Bridge Club at Hilda’s.
Mr. MacKay was here. Stormy day but mild. Busy. Had 6
letters – 2 from Elg & 4 from Laddie – telling about Xmas.
Very tired at night. Wrote Elg & Laddie & went to bed early.
Aunt Eva had ladies.
Mild. Real busy. Had another letter from Laddie to-day.
Lorne saying he has passed his I.Q. tests, etc. for Air Force.
Medical Jan. 25. Irla came over at night. We talked then
had lunch when Aunt Eva came from skating.
A beautiful day. Busy. Went to a bridge at Irla’s – 2 tables.
Mrs. Rumble & friend, Mrs. Armstrong, Norma & Myrtle,
Ruth & Clara. I stayed to help with dishes.

1

Sunday

January 16

Monday
Tuesday

January 17
January 18

Wednesday

January 19

Thursday

January 20

Friday

January 21

Saturday

January 22

Sunday

January 23

Monday

January 24

Tuesday

January 25

Wednesday

January 26

Thursday
Friday

January 27
January 28

Saturday

January 29

Sunday

January 30

Monday

January 31

Tuesday

February 1

Wednesday

February 2

Velma (Blythe) Grant’s Diary - 1944

A lovely day. I went to church in morning with Aunt Eva.
We then went down home for aft. & supper. Wrote Laddie at
night.
Nice day – grand winter so far. Went to Nursing Class.
Busy. Went to Com. meeting & Auxiliary at Mrs. Wilfred
Barbour’s & to Irla’s afterwards.
Mild. Clara asked me over in aft. to see Paul. Went to Red
Cross at Ruth Myle’s. Was put in for Pres. much to my
sorrow. Irla & I went to Clara’s afterwards, had lunch.
Busy. I entertained Clara, Irla & Mary Webb at night.
Played bridge. Had egg, ham & peanut butter sandwiches &
chocolate sundaes for lunch.
Nice day. Tired. Went over to Twamley’s at night as Mrs.
MacMurray is dead, then went to Bridge Club at Rita’s.
Mild. Lorne came home. Irla, Lorne & I went to show in Mt.
Forest – 2 features. Went up to telephone office in aft. to
see Norma. Had lunch at Ball’s - home at two.
A lovely day. Fowlers arrived for a surprise visit – Mary,
Reg, Bus., Helen, Doris & Lloyd & baby Jack. I packed
Laddie’s box. Visited at Grant’s at night.
Grand day. Wrote Laddie. Nursing Class at night. Got
bonds that Laddie bought.
Mild. Got parcel from Laddie – blue gloves, 2 compacts,
cameo handkerchief & picture. Went to play bridge at Mary
Webb’s at night.
Mild. Raining. Wrote Laddie & Elgin. Went to Red Cross at
Hilda’s. My first meeting as President. Ate in Chinamen’s &
then went in with Irla afterwards – until one.
Very mild. Busy. Stayed in at night & accomplished a lot.
Mild. Busy. Went over to Irla’s at night – there until one.
Bob brought Bob Christie in with him.
Mild. Norma came up for week-end. We went to Irla’s at
night. Irla, Myrtle, Norma & I played bridge. Norma played
piano. Lorne went over to restaurant & bought us fish &
chips. Had a swell time.
Grand day. Norma & I slept until one. I packed a box in aft.
We drove Norma to Mt. Forest at night. I wrote Laddie &
went to bed early.
Snowing. Busy. Went to Bridge Club at Ethel’s. Booby –
measuring spoons.
Busy. Com. meeting at night. Had letter from Laddie. He
hinted that he would like me to to write him oftener.
Clarence Ritchie dropped dead to-night. Wrote Laddie.
Grand day. Had hair done in aft. Went to Red Cross at
Jean Steed’s. Ate in Chinamen’s afterwards.

2

Thursday

February 3

Friday

February 4

Saturday

February 5

Sunday

February 6

Monday

February 7

Tuesday

February 8

Wednesday

February 9

Thursday

February 10

Friday
Saturday

February 11
February 12

Sunday

February 13

Monday

February 14

Tuesday

February 15

Wednesday

February 16

Thursday

February 17

Friday

February 18

Saturday

February 19

Velma (Blythe) Grant’s Diary - 1944

Went down to Frankie Ritchie’s after work. She and Freda
asked me to stay for supper. Marion McGirr stayed too.
Frankie is keeping up wonderfully – even said grace. Wrote
to Laddie when I went home & then Irla called & asked me
over. There until one.
Very mild. Busy. Tired at night so had bath, did nails &
went to bed early.
Busy. Went home after work. Did odd jobs at night.
Raining.
Lorne called to say he got in Air Force – to be sworn in
tomorrow. Made a dessert for supper. Aunt Eva & I went to
church. Called at Irla’s afterwards but she was going to
Clara’s.
Cold. Busy. Lillian Falkingham & I shopped for something
to put in overseas Red Cross box after work. Went to
Nursing Class. Listened to Lux. Wrote Laddie.
Busy. Went to dinner at Irla’s at 6:30 – Ruth & Clara there
too. Lobster in patty shells, fried potatoes, tomatoes, dutch
pie & cheese. We played bridge until midnight, then had
lunch. Swell time.
Not feeling very well. Had a lazy aft. Called on Mrs. Grant.
Went to Red Cross at Lillian Falkingham’s. Went in with Irla
afterwards.
I got 6 letters & a parcel from Laddie – parcel contained
purse, 2 pr. gloves, collars &, best of all, a photo of himself.
Photo was taken in Italy & is perfect. So happy to get it.
Went down to Grant’s at night.
Cold. Wrote to Laddie & Elgin at night & knit.
Very cold. Busy. Vera came home for week-end. Our Red
Cross dance. Big crowd. We cleared $33. Lorne & I had
lunch at home afterwards.
Cold. Wrote Laddie. Irla & I went to church. I went in with
her afterwards. Vera, Jean & I talked until two.
Busy. Went to Nursing Class. Lecture on Feeding Infants
and making formula.
Stormy. Went to Auxiliary at Hilda’s. Mike Wanamaker
came home from England to-day.
Wrote Laddie. Had 3 letters from Laddie – he thinks I
haven’t been writing often enough. Visited at Ritchie’s &
Frankie’s. Then went to Red Cross at Norma Allen’s.
Quite cold. Wrote Laddie. Had 2 more letters from him & a
handkerchief from Elg bought in Scotland. Went to Bridge
Club at Mary McTavish’s – got prize – writing paper.
Very frosty. Had letter from Laddie. Busy. Stayed in at
night.
Still very cold. Wrote Laddie. Irla, Lorne & I went to Owen
Sound. Saw show, Olivia DeHavilland in “Govt. Girl”, picked
up Jean, Nora & Helen on way home as they had flat tire.
Had lunch at Irla’s.

3

Sunday
Monday
Tuesday

February 20
February 21
February 22

Wednesday

February 23

Thursday

February 24

Friday

February 25

Saturday

February 26

Sunday

February 27

Monday

February 28

Tuesday

February 29

Wednesday

March 1

Thursday
Friday

March 2
March 3

Saturday

March 4

Sunday

March 5

Monday

March 6

Tuesday

March 7

Wednesday

March 8

Velma (Blythe) Grant’s Diary - 1944

A little milder. Read and knit. Wrote Laddie at night.
Busy. No Nursing Class so knit & read at night.
Very busy – quite a few complaints this time. Had seven
letters from Laddie – most I ever had in one day. Went to
Rebecca euchre.
Busy. Had my hair done in aft. Had another letter to-day –
8 this week. Went to Red Cross at Mabel Sharpe’s. Wrote
Laddie.
Nice day. Busy. Went over to Clara’s at night & helped her
with tallies – about 2 hrs. figuring out schedule.
Very mild. Beautiful day. Wrote Laddie. Delbert Moore
came home to-day from overseas. Went to bridge at Clara
Schutz’s – 3 tables. Chicken a la king (chicken & peas in
patty shells), tomato jellies, relishes, tarts & cookies. Mrs.
Duffield got prize.
Windy. Wrote Laddie. Went home at five. Lorne & I both
stayed in.
Mild. Read & finished green sweater. Lorne went to Toronto
on bus – reports on Wed. I went to church & in with Irla
afterwards. Yawk Burnett & Cam McLachalin dropped in.
Finished letter to Laddie. Went to gathering in Town Hall to
pay tribute to Delb. Moore for winning George Medal. Sat
on platform – speeches & sing song. Ate in restaurant after
with Norma, Myrtle, Mary.
Busy. Wrote Laddie. Entertained Bridge Club – sandwiches
& little cakes. Clara called at ten to-night to say she couldn’t
come & Hilda was late – played 3 handed at one table for
awhile – Elsie came.
Nice day but cold. Aunt Eva worked on my jumper in aft.
Went to Red Cross at Mrs. Cluchey’s – ate in Chinamen’s
afterwards.
Wrote Laddie. Stayed in at night & read, etc.
Quite cold. Had letter from Elgin. Went to High School
Commencement with Berniece.
Very cold. Wrote Laddie. Went home at five. Read, etc. at
night.
Nice day. Mother, Dad and I were invited to Cliff Ritchie’s
for supper. Freda, Frankie, Uncle Charlie & Aunt Charlotte
were there. They have grand home now.
Very windy. Had letter from Elg – he seems to be getting
lonesome. Went to Nursing Class. Dr. Grant gave lecture.
Good.
Cold & windy. Had letter from Lorne so answered it before
going to Com. meeting, then went to Bridge Club at
Barbara’s.
Cold & stormy. I broke my glasses – let case fall. Eunice &
I walked out to McGirr’s in aft. Went to Red Cross at Ruth
Myle’s – ate in Chinamen’s afterwards & then went in with
Irla.

4

Thursday

March 9

Friday

March 10

Saturday

March 11

Sunday

March 12

Monday

March 13

Tuesday

March 14

Wednesday

March 15

Thursday

March 16

Friday

March 17

Saturday

March 18

Sunday

March 19

Monday

March 20

Tuesday

March 21

Wednesday

March 22

Thursday

March 23

Friday

March 24

Velma (Blythe) Grant’s Diary - 1944

Very cold. Quite a lot of snow. I had a letter from Laddie –
he is within sound of the German guns now. Went down to
Grant’s at night.
Had 2 letters from Laddie. Dad took me over to Hanover to
get glasses. Clara invited me over at night to play bridge.
Irla & Myrtle were there.
Mild. Wrote Laddie. Went home at five. Did odd jobs at
night.
Raining & dull. Quiet day. Went to church at night. Read
afterwards.
Nice day. Had 9 letters from Laddie – most I ever had in
one day. Answered them at night & went to Nursing Class –
last one. Dick Jones & Stan Simons came home from
overseas to-day.
Nice day but cool. Snow almost all gone. I went over to
Hanover with Bogle’s & got my glasses – like them. 2 sizes
smaller than my old ones.
Raining & freezing. Streets are terrible. I had my hair done
& then went over to Clara’s in aft. Navy League concert was
cancelled on account of icy roads.
Raining. Streets very icy. Berniece 30 to-day. Mrs.
Whitmore had a surprise party for her – 2 tables of bridge.
Red Salmon sandwiches for lunch.
Busy. Wrote Laddie & Elg. Went over to Irla’s at night.
There until after one.
Cold. Typed out Rotary list for cigarettes. Went home after
work. Russians are entering Rumania.
Cold. Winnie & Jack were down for supper. I went to
church at night. Wrote Laddie afterwards. Rev. Smith is
leaving.
Cool. I had 2 letters from Laddie – one written Dec. 4 & the
other March 3rd. The airletter was 3 ½ months in coming. I
had Red Cross to-night. We packed 4 boxes & 1 layette. I
went over town with girls to eat afterwards.
Lovely day. Irla & Bob’s 4th wedding anniversary. I helped
Bob buy gloves for her. Wrote Laddie. 2 letters to-day.
Paul is sick (vomits frequently). Irla & I went to Auxiliary at
Henderson’s. I went in with her afterwards. 1:30 when got
home.
Cold wind. Wrote Laddie, Vera & Lorne. Had letter from
Laddie. I went over to Clara’s in aft. Went to Navy League
concert in Hall at night.
Raining. I called Art McG. to tell him I was going to Toronto
over week-end & he told me to ask for a raise at the next
meeting - good news. Had 3 letters from Laddie.
A beautiful spring day. Laddie 29. Wrote him. Busy. Went
over to Irla’s at night. Met Mr. Ball, Shirley & her girl friend.

5

Saturday

March 25

Sunday

March 26

A grand day. I left for Toronto with Ritchie’s at 10 – they
were going to Brantford so I went across from there on train.
I got a dress at Foster’s. Vera & Lorne met me at Union
Station. Ate in Honey dew. Shopped – bought hat & shoes.
Vera & I went to show, Ginger Rogers in “Tender Comrade”.
A beautiful spring day. Vera, Lorne & I went up to Sally’s.
Ruby, Cy & Jackie were there. We all had dinner together.
Sally took us for a drive in aft. Lorne, Vera & I ate at
Panama on Bloor & then went to church. Centennial on
Dover excerpt(?). Came back to a party – had lunch &
talked to kids.
March, 1944

Lorne
Monday

March 27

Tuesday

March 28

Wednesday

March 29

Thursday

March 30

Friday

March 31

Saturday

April 1

Velma (Blythe) Grant’s Diary - 1944

Raining – damp & cold. Barb, Anna, Uncle Will & Shirley
called for me at Vera’s apart. At 10. We ate at Eaton’s
College St. store. Uncle Will went to see Dr. Ross Jamieson
– heart specialist. Barb & I shopped & had a nice dinner in
Child’s. Left for home about 6:30.
Back at work again. Wrote Laddie. Irla called. Carla invited
Irla, Ruth & me for game of bridge at night. 2 letters from
Laddie.
A terrible day – windy with rain & sleet. Power off in
morning. Had a sleep in aft. Went to Red Cross at
Eunice’s. Went with Irla afterwards.
Cold & snowing. Stayed in at night & went to bed early.
Wrote Laddie.
Busy. Stayed in at night. Cleaned clothes closet. 94
bombers missing after last night’s raid.
A wet snow. Wrote Laddie. Went to our Red Cross dance.

6

Sunday

April 2

Monday

April 3

Tuesday

April 4

Wednesday

April 5

Thursday

April 6

Friday

April 7

Saturday

April 8

Sunday

April 9

We made $32 at dance & $49.50 on quilt draw. Ate in
restaurant afterwards.
Cold. I went home in morning for day. Tried on clothes etc.
Went to church at night. Read afterwards. Met Irla’s Aunt,
Miss Ball.
Cold. Wrote Laddie. Went to Bridge Club at Clara’s – last
one for this season.
Cold & snowing. No Com. meeting. I had my hair done at
Ruth’s. Went to Irla’s afterwards.
Cold. Knit in aft. & went over to Clara’s. Went to Red Cross
at Irla’s. Ate at Chinamen’s afterwards.
Cool. Busy. Wrote Laddie at night. I had No.300 from him
to-day – a grand letter. Lorne came home & came up for
me. We made lunch.
Good Friday – a beautiful day. I came up town with Lorne in
aft. Had letter from Laddie & Easter card from Elg. Clara & I
took some Cokes & ice cream to Irla’s. I went over to Irla’s
at night & she, Clara & I talked until 11 then went to
Chinamen’s. Miss Sparling died.
A beautiful day. Wrote Laddie & Elg. Dr. Grant is sick –
high blood pressure – 238 – might be a slight stroke. I went
to show at night with Aunt Eva & Vera. Saw “Corvette 225”
in Hanover.
Easter Sunday. Real warm - rained at night. Aunt Eva,
Jean, Vera & I went to church. Took some pictures. All
went out to Winnie’s for dinner. Sally, Vic, Nadine & Mrs.
Hope there at our place for supper.
Easter, 1944

Velma

Monday

April 10

Velma (Blythe) Grant’s Diary - 1944

Cooler. Wrote Laddie. Busy. Went over to Clara’s for
awhile at night.

7

Tuesday

April 11

Wednesday

April 12

Thursday

April 13

Friday

April 14

Saturday

April 15

Sunday

April 16

Monday

April 17

Tuesday

April 18

Wednesday

April 19

Thursday

April 20

Friday

April 21

Saturday

April 22

Sunday

April 23

Monday

April 24

Tuesday

April 25

Wednesday

April 26

Thursday

April 27

Friday

April 28

Velma (Blythe) Grant’s Diary - 1944

Cool. Busy. Aunt Eva, Jean & I were invited to Twamley’s
for dinner. Went to Com. meeting afterwards – asked for a
raise. Hunter to see War Time Price & Trade Board.
Cool. Wrote Laddie. Had 7 letters from him to-day. I went
down to Grant’s in aft. Dr. Grant is much better. Read at
night.
Cool & windy. Wrote Laddie – told him about his father’s
illness. Bonnie has measles. Inez & Irla were over at night.
Cold. I had a representative from War Time Price & Trade
Board in to see me re: raise. Went over to Irla’s at night.
Cold & wet. Wrote Laddie. Went home after work. Nadine
& I played double solitaire – went to bed about ten.
Cold. Lorne & Nadine went back in afternoon. Read at
night.
A grand spring day. Wrote Laddie. I got 2 letters from him.
Special Com. meeting at night. I got raise of $15 a month.
Hunter didn’t sign motion. Called at Irla’s.
A lovely day. Went to Auxiliary at Eunice’s with Irla. We had
a banana split afterwards. I went in with her on way home.
A grand day. Mr. Flannery here in morning. Wrote Laddie &
Elgin. Helped Aunt Eva with rugs. Started a white suit
(cable) for Paul. Went down to Grant’s. Dr. Grant is
improving. Went to Red Cross at Mortley’s.
Lovely day. Busy. Went over to Clara’s at night. Irla there
too.
Rained in morning but nice in aft. Wrote Laddie. Knit & read
at night.
Nice day. Busy. Went shopping with Mother at night. We
had sundae in Mel’s.
Windy & raining. We went out to Aunt Charlotte’s for awhile
in aft. Their house is swell since they remodelled it. Freda
came down with us for supper. Wrote Laddie at night.
Raining. Busy. 6th Victory Loan opened. Went to show in
Hanover with Aunt Eva & Jean. Fred MacMurray & Paulette
Goddard in “Standing Room Only”. Not much.
Raining. Got new brown umbrella. Wrote Laddie. Went
over to Clara’s at night.
The Allies are bombing Germany very heavily every night &
day – leading up to invasion. Had my hair done in aft. &
cleaned dresser drawers. Went to Red Cross at Mrs.
Diebel’s. Am reading “Hungry Hill”, Daphne Maurier.
Bright – cool wind. Had letter from Elg. Wrote Laddie.
Went to Auxiliary Thank-offering supper meeting. Mrs.
Wilson speaker. Irla, Norma, Myrtle & I ate in Chinamen’s &
went to Irla’s afterwards.
A nice day but still cool. Went down to Grant’s after work.
Had bath, etc. at night. Alone. Irla came over about 10:30 &
brought cokes & ice cream.

8

Saturday

April 29

Sunday

April 30

Monday

May 1

Tuesday

May 2

Wednesday

May 3

Thursday

May 4

Friday

May 5

Saturday

May 6

Sunday

May 7

Monday

May 8

Tuesday

May 9

Wednesday

May 10

Thursday

May 11

Friday

May 12

Saturday

May 13

Sunday

May 14

Monday

May 15

Tuesday

May 16

Velma (Blythe) Grant’s Diary - 1944

A beautiful day. Wrote Laddie. Had a letter from him. He
says he is restless – spring fever. I went to Owen Sound at
4:30 with Barb & Anna. Saw the grandest show – Robert
Taylor & Susan Peters in “Song of Russia” – one of the best
shows I ever saw.
A grand day. Cleaned dresser drawers. Went to Ritchie’s
for chicken dinner. Went to church & at 10:30 went to
Hanover with Barb when she took Norman over.
Another grand day. Wrote Laddie & Elgin. Went over to
Freda’s at night to play bridge. Got booby – a coaster.
A grand day. Had four letters from Laddie. Went to Com.
meeting – wrote him afterwards.
A beautiful day – hot. Spent aft. at Clara’s & Grant’s. Had
letter from Laddie. Went to Red Cross at Norma’s – planned
dance for next week.
A nice day. Had 4 letters from Laddie – 1 in 6 days. Bob
Webster reported missing. Went to show in Mt. Forest with
Sharpe’s. Walter Pidgeon & Greer Garson in “Madame
Curie”.
Raining. Wrote Laddie a long letter – told him not to worry
about finances at home – saw his mother at noon. Aunt Eva
went to Toronto to-day – Jean & I alone. Irla came over at
night.
Dull. Wrote Laddie. Rained at night. I stayed up as Aunt
Eva away. Knit & read. Tired so glad to stay in.
Quite cool. Jean & I didn’t get up until noon. Clara came
over with Paul. I went over to Irla’s in aft. Mr. & Mrs. Ball &
Mr. & Mrs. Moore took us for a drive. Irla came over for
supper. We went to church.
Wrote Laddie. We got word that Lorne was sent to Brandon
Man. I went over to Clara’s at night.
Raining. Took mail down to Grant’s – Dr. Grant had Mr.
Smith in to see him to-day. Masonic supper – Red Cross. I
helped serve – not provided.
Nice day. Wrote Laddie. Got permanent in aft. Went over
to our Red Cross dance – we cleared $55.
Nice day. Geo.Glass has daughter. Saw Dr. Grant for first
since he took sick 5 weeks ago – he looks fine. I went up to
Webster’s at night.
Offensive began in Italy. Real warm. Finished Paul’s suit
(cable) – took it over at night. Clara & I sat on veranda –
walked over town for some cokes.
Paul’s first birthday. Wrote Laddie. Went to Owen Sound
after work – took car. Had my teeth cleaned - $2. Barb
fainted. A Mr. Reid ran into us in front of Aunt Eva’s.
Packed box for Laddie. Marj Kerr was up in aft. A
temperance minister for supper. Went to church at night.
A grand day. Wrote Laddie & Elg. Visited at Grant’s. Went
to show in Mt. Forest, Errol Flynn in “Northern Pursuit”. Had
letters from Laddie & Elgin.
A grand day. Nora got ring. I went down to Dorothy

9

Wednesday

May 17

Thursday

May 18

Friday

May 19

Saturday

May 20

Sunday

May 21

Monday

May 22

Tuesday

May 23

Wednesday

May 24

Thursday

May 25

Friday

May 26

Saturday

May 27

Sunday

May 28

Monday

May 29

Tuesday

May 30

Wednesday

May 31

Thursday

June 1

Velma (Blythe) Grant’s Diary - 1944

MacDonald’s at night (she is home with 2 children). Came
home about nine & went in to Clara’s. Irla came over.
Raining. Wrote Laddie. Went down to Grant’s in aft. Red
Cross at Wilder’s.
Cool. Had letter from Lorne. Made up list for chocolates.
Cassino captured. Allies making great headway in Italy.
Went over to Clara’s at night & then down to MacD’s –
Norma there.
Cool but bright. 47 prisoners were shot while attempting to
escape from German prison camp Joe Noble is in – 14 still
at large. High school is closed – 1 case of infantile
paralysis. Norma went home after supper. I had bath &
then went over town for a walk.
A grand day. Fowler’s came up last night but went back tonight. Vera came home. I went over to Irla’s after supper.
We went over town. Went home at 11:30.
A beautiful day. I went fishing. Caught one – then lost hook.
Bob took Irla & me for a little drive, then we went into
Clara’s. She has a terrible cold – lost voice – Jack
celebrating.
Vera didn’t go back as she has infection in her eye. Wrote
Laddie. Went to Auxiliary at Norma Taylor’s. Irla & I went
for a walk afterwards.
A nice day – real mild. Went to see Dr. Grant after work. I
took Irla, Clara & Mary to show in Mt. Forest, Spencer Tracy
& Irene Dunne in “A Guy Named Joe”.
A holiday. A lovely day. Baked a chocolate cake in
morning. Berniece & Catharine Mayor came down in aft.
We went fishing. I didn’t get any. We cooked our supper up
at bush – bacon & eggs, asparagus, tomatoes, bananas &
cake, coffee. Came up at 9. Had bath & went to bed.
Wrote Laddie & Lorne. At night Irla & I went down to Grant’s
& then I went over with her & had lunch.
Very hot to-day. Still no mail from Laddie. Bob McGowan
reported missing. Took ice cream down to Dr. Grant. Clara
came over. Sat on veranda at night.
Cooler. Wrote Laddie. Irla & I went to show in Town Hall,
“My Sister Eileen”. Ate in Chinamen’s afterwards.
A beautiful day. Lay outside in aft. for 2 hours. Went to
church at night.
A beautiful day. Wrote Laddie. Ronald Rudd is missing.
Got the proofs of my picture. Don’t like them. I was over at
Clara’s at night. Jack took us for drive.
Another grand day. Busy. Went over to Irla’s at night. We
sat outside & talked until dark – then went over to
Chinamen’s.
Very warm. Wrote Laddie. Lay out in sun. Clara & I went
over town & got ginger ale – sat on her lawn. Went to Red
Cross at Norma Allen’s – last one for the summer.
Real warm. Irla’s birthday. I went over at night. The Ball’s
were there. We talked & had ice cream & ginger ale.

10

Friday

June 2

Saturday

June 3

Sunday
Monday

June 4
June 5

Tuesday

June 6

Wednesday

June 7

Thursday

June 8

Friday

June 9

Saturday

June 10

Sunday

June 11

Monday

June 12

Tuesday

June 13

Wednesday

June 14

Thursday

June 15

Friday

June 16

Saturday

June 17

Sunday

June 18

Velma (Blythe) Grant’s Diary - 1944

Warm. Still no mail from Laddie. I got my hair done at
night.
Cooler. Wrote Laddie & Elg. Took proofs up to Hillcrest.
Read until Mother & Dad called for me.
Rome has fallen. Read in aft. & night. Wrote Laddie.
A birthday cable from Laddie & 2 letters – first in 3 weeks.
Sleeping in trench, on move all the time, excited at what is
happening. Clara & I went over to Mrs. Wright’s & then sat
on her veranda.
Invasion began at midnight last night. 11,000 planes, 4,000
ships. Troops landed at Normandy, France. Wrote Laddie.
Went to prayer service in Knox in commemoration of
invasion.
Invasion casualties lighter than expected. 28 to-day. I had
Irla & Clara for supper. Busy all aft. Got $3 from Mother,
toilet water from Lorne, cream & powder form Vera & Jean ,
handkerchief from Aunt Eva, pillow cases from Mrs. Grant,
cup & saucer form Clara & chocolates form Irla. We went to
show in Hanover, “The Gang’s All Here” after.
Cool. Wrote Laddie. I went over to Clara’s at night & we
talked until after eleven.
I had 3 letters from Laddie. Lillian & I packed rem. of Red
Cross boxes (3) at night.
Allies are making great progress in Italy as well as France.
Wrote Elgin. Busy. I went to Owen Sound with Ritchie’s.
Bought white oxfords, a purse & sport shoes.
A grand day. Lay out in sun. Aunt Charlotte & Uncle Charlie
were down. I went to Hanover at night with Balls. Irla & I
visited her Mother & Father. I met them for first. Lot of fun.
Wrote Ruby to see if it would be O.K. for Irla and me to
come to Peterborough for our holidays. I got a cable from
Laddie, also letter. Clara, Irla & I sat out on Clara’s veranda.
Allies have 60 mile beaches established now. Jackie 2 today. Another letter from Laddie & one from Elgin. Went to
Com. meeting – a very quiet one.
Raining. Cleared at night. Jean Steeds came over. We
talked & had a banana split over town.
Lovely day. Wrote Laddie & Lorne. Clara & I sat out on her
veranda until eleven.
Nice day. Jack Grierson got Consv. nomination here. I had
a letter from Ruby & she says she will be tickled pink to have
Irla & me. Wrote Laddie. Clara & I went over to Irla’s at
night – she just came back from Druggist’s Convention.
Busy. Germans started to use a new weapon over England
– a pilotless bomber – comet bomb – they have done quite a
lot of damage. I went to Mt. Forest on bus. Norma & I went
down town. Talked until 2.
Norma, Mrs. McIntyre & I went to Pres. church. Faye
Armstrong was baptised. Went down town in aft. Went to
church at night & then went to Marg Armstrong’s. Came
home on bus at eleven.

11

Monday

June 19

Tuesday

June 20

Wednesday

June 21

Thursday

June 22

Friday

June 23

Saturday

June 24

Sunday

June 25

Monday

June 26

Tuesday

June 27

Wednesday

June 28

Thursday

June 29

Friday

June 30

Saturday

July 1

Sunday

July 2

Monday

July 3

Tuesday

July 4

Wednesday

July 5

Thursday

July 6

Velma (Blythe) Grant’s Diary - 1944

Raining. Had letters from Elg & Laddie. Went over to
Clara’s at night as Jack was in Toronto.
Cool. Wrote Laddie. Ronald Rudd prisoner, Jennie McGirr’s
brother killed in France. I went to Auxiliary at Mrs. Geo.
Wilson’s – good meeting. Gave Mrs. Smith a plate.
Grand day. Clara and I sat out in sun for 2 hrs., then I went
to help Mrs. Morton pack a layette. 14 Can. Battalions in 1st
week of invasion. Visited Irla at night. Wrote Ruby & Lorne.
A grand day. Wrote Laddie. I had a letter from him – he had
dysentery for 5 days caused from flies. I saw in the paper
that Phil Morgan was killed in France. Burnett Wilkinson
wounded (false report). Went to social gathering for Smith’s
in church – quite an emotional but nice affair.
Raining. Busy. Had my hair done at night. Called in to see
Irla on way home – she hasn’t been very well this week.
Wrote Laddie. Cool. Russians launched their big summer
offensive. I took Irla over to Hanover. Her father’s birthday
to-morrow. Mrs. Plantz made us a lunch.
A lovely day. Went to church twice. Mr. Smith’s farewell
sermon – marvellous. Chairs in aisle in morning. He
certainly hates to leave. His friends hate to see him go too –
many tears. Was here for 24 yrs. Went to Irla’s after
church.
Warm. Wrote Laddie. I got my photos – don’t care much for
them. Went to Com. meeting. Talked to Irla & to Clara on
way home.
Very warm. Busy. Cherbourg has fallen so Allies now have
a Fr. port at which to send in men & supplies. Sally, Vic &
Nadine came up on holidays. I went over to Clara’s at night.
Terribly hot – 90. Clara & I lay out in shade in our shorts.
Read, etc. at night.
Cooler. Busy. Went over to Irla’s at night & made
arrangements for going to Peterborough.
Busy, as my holidays start to-morrow. Went over to Irla’s at
night.
A grand day. Irla & I got a ride to Toronto with Mrs. Moore.
Had a fish dinner at Honey dew. Went to Toronto General to
see Mr. Moore, then went to show – Charles Boyer & Ingrid
Bergman in “Gaslight”. Took train to Peterborough.
A beautiful day. Cy took us for drive around city. In aft. we
all went for a drive up north through Kawartha Lakes. Ate in
a restaurant.
Grand day. We all went to C.G.E. picnic in park. Jackie is
real cute but shy - she can talk quite plainly for 2.
Nice day but hot. We went down town & then had our lunch
in park. Ruby & I went swimming.
Real warm. Ruby had a bridge party (2 tables) for us so we
were busy all day. Lot of fun at party. Weren’t ready when
our guests arrived (electric razor).
Hot. We went down town in aft. At night Cy, Irla & I went to
show, “Princess O’Rourke”. Went for drive afterwards.
Peterborough, July, 1944

12

Jackie

Jackie, Velma, Irla

Velma (Blythe) Grant’s Diary - 1944

Velma

Irla, Ruby, Jackie, Velma

13

Friday

July 7

Saturday

July 8

Sunday

July 9

Monday

July 10

Tuesday

July 11

Wednesday

July 12

Thursday

July 13

Friday

July 14

Saturday

July 15

Sunday

July 16

Monday

July 17

Tuesday

July 18

Wednesday

July 19

Velma (Blythe) Grant’s Diary - 1944

Hot. We all went out to cottage at Lake Chemong & stayed
until after midnight. I had letter from Mother saying Bill
Webb has been killed. Mary on holidays.
Couldn’t help think about Mary Webb – she & Judy are at
Nappanee. Irla & I went down town in aft. & had a swell time
shopping. Hot so we sat outside at night.
Hot. Cy took us for a drive to Cobourg on Lake Ontario – it
rained so we ate our lunch in car. Jackie points to
everything along way.
Ruby got a permanent & Irla & I cleaned house & packed.
We all left on 5 o’clock train for Toronto – train terribly hot &
dirty. Irla went to Mabel’s & Ruby & I stayed at Fulton’s.
Hot. We came home to-day. We were lucky to get a ride up
with Mabel & Bill. In aft. we all went out to Winnie’s for a
picnic lunch. Wrote Laddie. Rained.
Raining. Bob Webster is presumed dead. Bob Gray killed.
Pat Morris was drowned in Saugeen last Sun. Ironed at
night & read.
Nice day. I had Irla, Mabel, Clara & Paul down for supper –
chicken salad, tomato aspic, bananas, lemon chiffon pie.
Ruby & Jackie here too. Played bridge. Lots of fun. Mabel
a scream, listening telephone, etc.
A grand day. Gordon McGillvray killed in France. 2 parcels
from Laddie. Al Wells wounded. I washed my hair & Ruby
waved it. We went up town & bought Freda’s wedding gift
mirror for me & chair for Mother. Mother & I went to misc.
shower for her at Sadie Ritchie’s.
A grand day. Norma came up on bus. We went up town in
aft. & at night. Norma & I went over to Irla’s, stayed until
1:30.
Nice day. Norma, Mother & I picked berries along road.
Norma, Mabel, Irla & I had our supper in Chinamen’s
(terrible), spent evening at Irla’s.
Started back to work again. Wrote Laddie. Visited at
Grant’s – Mrs. Grant away but Dr. Grant & Bonnie there.
I got a terrible letter from Laddie, No.333 – he was angry
with me about something I said about him not writing for 3
weeks when he was in action. It took the heart out of me.
Wrote Laddie a 13 page letter asking forgiveness – felt
terrible about whole thing, some last night – finished to-day.
I kept Jackie in aft. We visited Mary Webb. Mary is keeping
up wonderfully well. Determined not to cry in front of Judy –
says only one of thousands. She wants to see if Laddie can
find out what happened to Bill. Went to dinner at Barbara &
Anna’s for Freda.

14

Thursday

July 20

Friday

July 21

Saturday

July 22

Sunday

July 23

Monday

July 24

Tuesday

July 25

Wednesday

July 26

Thursday

July 27

Friday

July 28

Saturday

July 29

Sunday

July 30

Monday

July 31

Tuesday

August 1

Wednesday

August 2

Velma (Blythe) Grant’s Diary - 1944

Raining. Wrote Laddie. Top Japanese general has been
discharged. Mr. Conn was here in aft. Went out to Freda’s
to see her things at night. Conspirators of the German High
Command tried to kill Hitler by a bomb – slightly injured.
Cool. Wrote Lorne. Berlin in state of siege. Hundreds of
officers shot. Busy. Clara & I went for a walk & then went
out to Hanover for ride with Yawk Burnett & some others.
Nice day. Freda & Bill were married at noon. We went up to
parsonage. Went to Muskoka on honeymoon. I wrote
Laddie & Elg. I didn’t go home. Went over to Clara’s for
awhile at night & then over town.
Aunt Eva & I went to church in morning. In aft. we took her
car & went down to our place for supper. I went to Irla’s at
night. Mr. & Mrs. Fairley from Guelph were there.
Elg 27. Wrote Laddie. Paul can walk by himself now. Sat
on veranda with Clara & her mother at night. We had
sundaes.
Cool. Aunt Eva went picking berries, so Clara asked me for
dinner – huge steak. Over at Clara’s at night – we walked
over town & had sundae.
Rained all day. Wrote Laddie & Lorne. I had letter No.334
from Laddie. He says he isn’t at all certain whether he still
wants to marry me, waiting until he received my answer to
No.333. I thought about him continually all night, knit etc.
Answered Laddie’s letter. Called in to say goodbye to Irla’s
mother on way home at noon. Went over to Clara’s at night.
We walked over town & had sundae.
Germans being encircled on all fronts. Robot bombs doing a
lot of damage in Eng. Irla & I were at Clara’s for supper –
talked after.
Cool. Wrote Laddie & Elgin. Violet & Harold up. Ruby & I
went to Irla’s for dinner. I stayed until 11, then Irla came
over with me & waited until Fowlers called.
A nice day. Harold, Violet, Mother, Dad & I had dinner at
Barb’s. We went out to Uncle Charlie & John’s in aft. &
Barb, Anna & Uncle Will came down for supper. I went to
Clara’s at night to say goodbye.
Clara & Paul went to Uxbridge to-day for 2 mos. Wrote
Laddie a 13 page letter. Had one from Elg & Lorne. Ruby,
Cy, Aunt Eva, Jean, Evelyn & I played Rummoli at night.
800,000 homes have been damaged by robot bombs in Eng.
Warm. Busy. Com. meeting at night. Talked to Irla on way
home. Laddie’s two Aunts from Toronto (Edith & Grace)
were in to see me.
Allies are making progress on all fronts. Very warm. Rained
in aft. I had my hair done. Wrote Laddie & Lorne at night.
Had snaps from Lorne. Irla & Bob called about 10:00 for me
to go to Hanover with them – visited at Ball’s.

15

Thursday

August 3

Friday

August 4

Saturday

August 5

Sunday

August 6

Monday

August 7

Tuesday

August 8

Wednesday

August 9

Thursday

August 10

Friday

August 11

Saturday

August 12

Sunday

August 13

Monday

August 14

Tuesday

August 15

Wednesday

August 16

Thursday

August 17

Velma (Blythe) Grant’s Diary - 1944

Hot. Uncle John Ritchie died this morning from a heart
attack. Bob Fowler wounded in France. Ruby, Cy & Jackie
went to Oliphant to-day for a week. I went out to Uncle
John’s at night.
Very hot. Busy. Wrote Laddie. Ned Burnett wounded in
France. I had bath at night & went overt to Irla’s. I had card
from Clara form Musselman’s Lake.
Very hot. Went to Uncle John’s funeral in aft. Very large
one. Went out there for supper afterwards. Reg & Mary,
Violet & Harold stayed at our place all night.
A grand day. I went out to McGirr’s with Fowlers in aft.
They went home after supper. I wrote Laddie at night. Bob
Fowler not wounded very seriously – below 1st rib. Wrote
grand letter to his parents.
A grand day. Civic holiday. Mother & I washed & ironed. I
spent evening at Irla’s. 1st all Can. Army has been formed &
is in action in France.
Grand day. Busy. Wrote Laddie. Went over to Inez’s at
night.
Grand day. Lay out in sun in aft. Ruby, Cy & Jackie came
back from Oliphant. Inez & I went to Rotary Carnival at
night. Perfect night for it.
Aunt Eva’s birthday. Very, very hot. Ruby, Cy & Jackie
went away to-day. Aunt Eva went with them for 10 days. I
had 2 letters from Laddie – made me very happy, 1 in
answer to mine asking forgiveness. Irla, Berniece & I spent
evening at Twamley’s.
I got 3 wines glasses Laddie sent from Rome (1 broken).
Very hot. Busy. Called at Grant’s after work. Had bath etc.
at night & then went over to Twamley’s – Inez entertained
Marg Hunter & her niece from Vancouver.
A little cooler. Wrote to Laddie. Edith Edge married In
Knox. His son best man. War news extremely bright these
days. We got our car back to-day (new engine) $115. Irla
came over at night.
Very hot. I took Irla to Hanover in aft. We had supper at
Plantz’s. We were home at 9 & spent rest of evening sitting
outside.
Very hot. Allies have German 7th Army trapped in France.
Lorne was at Banff – told me about it in his letter. Jean & I
ate at Mrs. Nichol’s for first. Read at night, then Irla came
over. We sat out until 11.
Terribly hot. American, Fr. & Br. Troops invaded Southern
France. Allied troops from Italy invaded Southern France.
Wrote Clara a long letter. Mrs. Duffield & Irla over at night.
Very, very hot. Went home in aft. Murray Hays at our place.
German 7th Army trapped in France. Jean & I went to
Hanover at night with Irla & Bob – ate in restaurant.
Not quite so hot. Cool at night. Stayed in & read my book.
Jack Schutz is in Toronto General – sore back & perhaps
sun stroke.

16

Friday

August 18

Saturday

August 19

Sunday

August 20

Monday

August 21

Tuesday

August 22

Wednesday

August 23

Thursday

August 24

Friday

August 25

Saturday

August 26

Sunday

August 27

Monday

August 28

Tuesday

August 29

Wednesday

August 30

Thursday

August 31

Friday

September 1

Saturday

September 2

Sunday

September 3

Velma (Blythe) Grant’s Diary - 1944

Quite cool. I had a nice cable from Laddie. Read at night.
Irla came over.
Cool. Wrote Laddie & Elg. Allies are nearing Paris. Irla
came over at night. We had lunch & waited until Mother &
Dad called for me.
Nice day. We started out to visit Ritchie’s at Bruce Beach
but had a flat tire between Walkerton & Kincardine so turned
around. Berniece stayed with me for supper – grand meal,
corn, cake, etc. Geo. & Betty Glass came down at night.
Nice day. Aunt Eva came home to-day. Read my book,
“The Bent Twig” at night – it is swell.
Nice day. Had 2 long letters from Laddie. Went to show in
Hanover at night with George & Betty Glass – saw Orson
Welles & Joan Fontaine in “Jane Eyre”.
Paris surrendered to Allies – freed by Fr. underground.
Wrote Laddie, had my hair done. Had letter from Clara.
Went over to Irla’s at night. Helen Renwick there.
Cold. Wrote Lorne. I finished “The Bent Twig” by Dorothy
Canfield – a swell book. I went over to Irla’s at night. We lit
fireplace, pulled up two easy chairs, put out lights, listened to
radio, then toasted wieners, swell time!
Great progress being made in Fr. Robot Bombs still doing
lots of damage in Eng. Nice day but cool. Clara & Jack
came home to-day – Clara terrible thin. Jack got out of
hospital this week. Had bath, read, etc. at night.
A little warmer. Mother & Mary & Reg had nice time at
Bruce Beach. Had 6 letters from Laddie – all about
finances. Swell letters. Went over to Irla’s at night.
Cool. Mary & Reg at our place spent all aft. figuring out
finances as Laddie outlined in letter. Wrote him 12 page
letter. Went to church at night.
Raining. Wrote Laddie & answer rem. of letters. Howard
Thornell landed along. I went over to Clara’s after supper,
then Inez & Berniece came over for evening.
I had 2 letters from Laddie – 1 contained Bob Hunter’s letter
about Bill Webb. Went to Berniece’s at night & played
bridge. Inez & I called on Mary Webb.
Wrote Laddie. Inez & I lay out in sun, then went to Sunday
School picnic in park. I went to Walkerton at night with Clara
& Jack, brought back Mrs. Gahill(?).
Raining. Eisenhower predicted war would be over in 1944 if
everyone did their duty. I visited at Grant’s at night.
Nice day but cool. Wrote Laddie & Lorne. Howard Thornell
called & stayed at Aunt Eva’s for supper. Irla came back
from Hanover this aft. so called & asked me over at night.
Dorothy & Al Cliffe there.
Canadians in Italy went into action again (Aug.24). Have
deeply penetrated Gothic line. Busy. Vera home. Went
over to Irla’s for awhile at night & then went home with
Mother, Dad, Mary & Reg.
Allies have entered German territory. Bulgaria & Finland to
sign armistice. A lovely day. Mary, Reg & I went to Baptist

17

Monday

September 4

Tuesday

September 5

Wednesday

September 6

Thursday

September 7

Friday

September 8

Saturday

September 9

Sunday

September 10

Monday

September 11

Tuesday

September 12

Wednesday

September 13

Thursday

September 14

Friday
Saturday

September 15
September 16

Sunday

September 17

Monday

September 18

Tuesday

September 19

Wednesday

September 20

Thursday

September 21

Velma (Blythe) Grant’s Diary - 1944

church. I had Bonnie & Jessie down for supper. Lake trout
dinner (Reg caught fish at Lion’s Head). Wrote Laddie at
night.
½ of Belgium has been liberated. Labour Day. Nice day.
Inez & I went out to Florence’s in aft. & stayed for supper. At
night Barb, Inez, Florence & I went to show in Mt. Forest –
Spencer Tracy in “The Seventh Cross”.
Raining. There was an earthquake last night – felt in
Toronto. Did a lot of damage in Cornwall (chimneys blown
off etc.). Had 2 letters from Laddie. Went to Com. meeting
& then to show with Irla, “Pot of Gold”.
Busy in morning. Spent most of aft. at Clara’s. At night
visited Dorothy Cliffe.
Cold & wet. Wrote Laddie. Did odd jobs. Went over to
Clara’s at night.
Cold & drizzling rain all day. Durham Fall Fair. Stayed in at
night. Br. & the Army is meeting stiff resistance at the
Gothic line in Italy.
Nice day. Wrote Laddie & Elg. Geo. Constable’s came.
Uncle Tom McGirr took stroke – in hospital. Irla & I went to
show in Hall: Ronald Coleman in “Lost Horizon” – lunch at
Irla’s after.
Nice day. Aunt Eva & I went to church in morning. I went
home in aft. At night Clara & I went over to Irla’s.
Lovely day. Americans are fighting on German soil.
Churchill & Roosevelt landed in Quebec City for conference.
Allies meeting stiff opposition in battle for Northern Italy.
Stayed in at night. Knit & read.
Raining. Letters from Lorne & Elgin. Clara had Irla & me for
supper. Ruth Myles came over after & told us all about her
trip out West. Played bridge.
Had a little snooze in aft. Irla & I called on Ruth MacDonald
at night. Uncle Tom McGirr died in hospital.
Nice day. Wrote Lorne. Had 2 letters from Laddie. I went
out to McGirr’s at night & stayed until about eleven.
Dull. Busy. Had my hair done at night.
Dull but fairly warm. Uncle Tom’s funeral. 6 sons carried
casket. Stayed at Aunt Mary Ann’s for supper.
Americans have broken through Siegfried line in some
places. Nice day. Read. Dorothy Cliffe came over at night.
We called at Irla’s for awhile.
Warm. Busy. Radio inspector in re: Rev. March licence.
Our Nursing Classes started again - Mrs. Grant in charge
now.
Sill warm. I had 9 letters from Laddie. Went to Auxiliary
wiener roast at Wilma Coutt’s – midnight when we got home.
Nice day. I went down home in aft. & brought up car. Took
Clara, Irla & Dorothy Cliffe to show in Hanover, “Home in
Indiana” – grand. Lunch at house afterwards. Jean & Aunt
Eva went to Toronto – I am staying at Clara’s.
Rimini has fallen to Allies and so things looking better in
Italy. Staying at Clara’s. Ruth was over at night.

18

Friday

September 22

Saturday

September 23

Sunday

September 24

Monday

September 25

Tuesday

September 26

Wednesday

September 27

Thursday

September 28

Friday

September 29

Saturday

September 30

Sunday

October 1

Monday

October 2

Tuesday

October 3

Wednesday

October 4

Velma (Blythe) Grant’s Diary - 1944

Got 4 more letters from Laddie – sketches for dental office &
apartment. Had dinner at Mrs. Nichol’s. Clara had Ruth &
Irla in for game of bridge.
Cold. 2 more letters from Laddie. 18 altogether this week.
Jack didn’t come home so I stayed with Clara all week-end.
We went over to Irla’s at night for game of bridge.
A nice day. I have a terrible cold in my head. Clara, Paul, &
I went for a walk in aft. – called at Zilliax’s Mrs. Rumble &
Bill Lawson down at night.
Still have had head cold. Wrote Laddie. Gothic line in Italy
has been smashed & Allied Troops are pouring into Po
Valley. Went to Nursing Class & to bed at ten.
Busy. I bought Paul a wheelbarrow. Cold better. Went to
show in Hanover with Ronald McQueen & others. Saw Paul
Lucas & Bette Davis in “Watch on the Rhine”. Grand.
Raining. Wrote Laddie. I had Red Cross at night – first
since summer. Lot of girls out. We have 90 diapers & 90
sanitary pads to make.
Rained all day. Visited Irla at night. We made cookies for
party she is having to-morrow night.
Nice day. Busy. Visited at Grant’s & Clara’s at night.
Mother’s birthday.
Word came that Vic Goodchild was killed in France. Had 4
letters from Laddie. Marsh Donnelly wounded. Shopped for
overseas Xmas parcels at night.
Nice day. Busy. Finished Jackie’s sweater. Went to church
at night. Wrote Laddie & Elgin afterwards.
Lorne came home to-day. He looks well – in fact, fat. He
has until Friday. Washed my hair at night & then went to
Nursing Class. Had letter from Laddie.
Lovely day. Lorne, Mother, Dad & I went to Owen Sound in
aft. I got 2 hats – brown & green felts. Had our supper up
there. Arrived home around eight.
A lovely day. Busy in morning. Took some pictures in aft.,
then Lorne took Clara, Paul & me for drive through country.
Went to Red Cross at Jack Sharpe’s, then to presentation
for Lorne at our house – gave him watch.

19

October, 1944

Sarah

Velma, Lorne, Sarah

Velma

Velma (Blythe) Grant’s Diary - 1944

Nadine

20

Lorne on right
Thursday

October 5

Friday

October 6

Saturday

October 7

Sunday

October 8

Monday

October 9

Tuesday

October 10

Wednesday

October 11

Thursday

October 12

Friday

October 13

Saturday

October 14

Sunday

October 15

Velma (Blythe) Grant’s Diary - 1944

Americans have made a breach in Siegfried line. A swell
day. Real busy. Went to show in Mt. Forest at night with
Aunt Eva’s – a grand picture. Irene Dunne in “The White
Cliffs of Dover”
A nice day. We decided to take Lorne to Toronto to catch
11p.m. train. Irla, Marjorie, Mother, Dad, Lorne & I went.
Arrived around nine. Irla & I stayed with Mabel & Bill all
night.
A grand day. Irla & I went down town in morning. We both
bought brown shoes. I bought Mabel Spode “Rose Brier”.
Nadine & Clara came back with us. Had dinner at Child’s
then went to Shea’s to see “Going My Way”. Left for home
around 4. Ate at Brampton. Had a flat tire near Mt. Forest.
I had a cup of tea at Irla’s.
Raining. I didn’t get dressed all day. Read, packed Laddie’s
Christmas box, wrote letters etc.
Thanksgiving day. Raining part of day. I came up town at
five. Clara, Irla & I played 3 handed bridge at night.
Busy. Went to Com. meeting at night. Supposed to have
Red Cross in Queen St. church but couldn’t get door open.
Irla came over for awhile.
Cold. Stared a blue cardigan for Mother in aft. Cleaned out
dresser drawers. Clara & I went to Rotary Carnival on Rink
– worked in refreshment booth.
A nice day. Wrote Laddie. Irla and I went to graduation
exercises of an Emergency Nursing Reserve Class from the
country in Pres. church. The two of us & Vera Anderson &
Jean Steeds ate in Chinamen’s.
Nice day. Wrote Sally, Ruby & Elgin. Jackie had her tonsils
out – 2 yrs. Stayed in at night & went to bed early.
Colder. Wrote Laddie. Cold at night so stayed in house until
Mother & Dad called for me.
A quiet day. Went to church at night & to Berniece’s
afterwards.

21

Monday

October 16

Tuesday
Wednesday

October 17
October 18

Thursday

October 19

Friday

October 20

Saturday

October 21

Sunday
Monday

October 22
October 23

Tuesday

October 24

Wednesday

October 25

Thursday

October 26

Friday

October 27

Saturday

October 28

Sunday

October 29

Monday

October 30

Tuesday

October 31

Wednesday

November 1

Velma (Blythe) Grant’s Diary - 1944

Nice day. No mail for 2 weeks now. Went to Nursing Class
at night. Aunt Eva gave me bed bath. Irla & I went to
Clara’s afterwards.
Nice day. Went to Auxiliary at Winnie’s.
Nice day. 3 letters from Laddie. Worked at church aft. &
night helping with overseas Xmas parcels (175). Clara & I
went in to Irla’s afterwards.
A nice fall day. Had letter from Lorne – he says meals are
terrible. Went over to Clara’s at night. Clara & Irla baked
Xmas cake.
Nice day. Busy. Went down to Grant’s at night. Dr. Grant &
I had talk re. building.
Nice day. Busy. Wrote letters. Stayed in at night until
Mother & Dad called for me.
Lovely day. Read & knit. Wrote Laddie at night.
Nice day. Busy. 7th Victory Loan opened – bought small
one. Norma Taylor has resigned – going to have baby.
Went to Red Cross – gave Aunt Eva bed bath. Finding
course more interesting now.
Nice day. Mild. Mrs. Rumble in & invited me up sometime.
I got 2 parcels from Laddie – one books & other souvenirs
(statues from Rome). Went to Red Cross at night. Irla’s
afterwards – ate at Chinamen’s.
Very mild. Busy in morning. 1st Eng. war bride to land in
Durham, Mrs. Bryson Jelach(?), came to-day. Had letter
from Laddie – is sending me $25 for my Xmas present. Irla
& I went Clara’s at night.
A big part of Jap. fleet defeated. Tired. Busy. Had rest
after supper & then Clara, Irla & I went to Rumble’s – grand
home – saw through downstairs. Bob’s baby there.
Nice day. Busy. Stayed with Paul at night while Clara got
hair done. Got snaps Lorne took – real good.
Nice day. Wrote letters, etc. Went to Owen Sound with
Aunt Eva’s – got brown galoshes. Saw show, “The Climax”.
Aunt Eva & I went to church I morning. Barb, Uncle Will,
Aunt Mary Ann, Jennie & Clifford & I went down to our place
in aft. for chicken dinner. Went to Irla’s at night.
Lovely day. Busy. Went to Nursing Class & to Clara’s
afterwards. Had letter from Lorne – he says he gets so fed
up at times doesn’t care what happens.
Grand day. Tired. Went to Red Cross & to Clara’s
afterwards. A nice night for Halloween.
Nice day. Busy in morning. Clara & I went for walk in aft.
At night we visited Norma Taylor – she is in bed. Went to
bed early.

22

Thursday

November 2

Friday

November 3

Saturday

November 4

Sunday

November 5

Monday

November 6

Tuesday

November 7

Wednesday

November 8

Thursday

November 9

Friday

November 10

Saturday

November 11

Sunday

November 12

Monday

November 13

Tuesday

November 14

Wednesday

November 15

Thursday

November 16

Friday

November 17

Saturday

November 18

Velma (Blythe) Grant’s Diary - 1944

Busy. Col. Ralston resigned & McNaughton minister of Nat.
Def. Our Red Cross dance. We made (cleared) almost
$100. Nice time. Sold lunch sandwiches & coffee. Ticket
draw. Mrs. Clark, English war bride, made draw.
A grand day. Tired & busy. Auxiliary Thank-offering
meeting – supper meeting – took salad. Went to party at
Clara’s afterwards – older ladies.
Raining. Busy. A Goldsmith boy killed overseas. Mother,
Dad, Aunt Mary Ann, Barb & Uncle Will went to Toronto &
Brantford west. For week-end. Stayed in at night.
Snowing – first this fall. Aunt Eva & I went to church.
Armistice service. Knit, read & wrote Laddie in aft. Visited
Grant’s at night.
Cold. Busy. Had letter from Elgin. Went to Nursing Class
at night. McNaughton against sending “zombies” overseas.
Terribly busy – last disc’t day. Sales Tax auditor, Mr. Conn
called; traveller, Peter with Public Opinion questionnaire; &
Emily Clark, Victory Loan. Went to Irla’s for dinner – she
had Clara & me. Red Cross afterwards.
Mild again. Roosevelt was elected for another term. Clara
& I went over town in aft. I went down to Grant’s at night to
see Mrs. Grant about stove – Laddie’s Xmas gift.
Real busy. Went to a bridge party at Clara’s at night. I got
prize – apple blossom toilet water. 2 tables.
Raining. Accomplished a lot to-day. Stayed with Paul at
night while Clara had hair done. Had letter from Ruby.
Had a nice letter from Lorne. Went home after work. Busy
at night.
Nice day. Grace, Walter, Bruce & Aunt Mrya(?) were down
for supper. I came up with them. Read at night.
A swell day. Like Oct. weather. Went to Com. meeting,
Nursing Class & to Clara’s afterwards.
Another grand day. Sent in $15 to join Book-of-the-Month
club. Went to Red Cross & then played bridge at Clara’s
afterwards – didn’t get home until one.
Tired. Busy. I got a permanent in aft. Aunt Eva had Mrs.
Sharpe & Mabel in for game of cards.
Busy. Had a letter from Laddie – first in 3 weeks. He was
going on leave to Florence. Stayed in at night. Those
overseas getting home if 5 yrs. service – double time in Italy
or France.
A nice day. Aunt Eva went to Toronto. Clara had Jean &
me for dinner. I had Ruth, Irla & Clara in for game of bridge
at night.
Mild. I had 4 letters from Laddie. Dr. Grant took a heart
attack – fainted in bathroom – just partly his heart – might be
a flu germ. Irla & I went to show in Hall. When I came home
Mother called to tell me Dad had taken bad attack of
appendicitis – has to have operation.

23

Sunday

November 19

Monday

November 20

Tuesday

November 21

Wednesday

November 22

Thursday

November 23

Friday

November 24

Saturday

November 25

Sunday

November 26

Monday

November 27

Tuesday

November 28

Wednesday

November 29

Thursday

November 30

Friday

December 1

Velma (Blythe) Grant’s Diary - 1944

I went down home in aft. with Barb & Uncle Will. Norma,
Winnie & Jack there too. Dad isn’t suffering much to-day.
Mother has to keep cola bottles on him, can’t have anything
to eat. Went to church – Anniversary in aft. Pres. of
Conference spoke. Wrote letter & read at night.
Snowing. Dad isn’t going to have operation for few days
until inflammation goes out. I had 2 letters from Laddie.
Took Grant’s mail in on my way home. Dr. Grant has
diarrhoea. Dr. thinks he might have picked up a germ.
Went to Red Cross & Clara’s afterwards.
Dad went to hospital about 4 a.m. this morning. Has
diarrhoea so Dr. wanted him up there for observation. Wrote
Laddie & boys. Went to Red Cross, Auxiliary & 50th wedding
celebration at Tom Ritchie’s. Mother stayed all night.
Dad was operated on at 9:30 this morning – bad appendix
but not ruptured. Put a tube in as a precaution against
infection. Mother stayed with me all night. Went to bed
early.
Dad is getting along as well as can be expected. Mother
went home this morning – Aunt Mary Ann with her. Liberal
Gov. passed an order-in-council to send 16,000 draftees
(zombies) overseas for infantry reinforcements. Good news
– public opinion & press have really been putting pressure
on King Govt. to have conscription as there is a shortage of
reinforcements overseas. Went to bridge party at Ruth’s.
Nice day. Dad still has special nurse – he is feeling better –
Mrs. Barbour nights & Mrs. Roe days for Dad - but still has
gas pains. Dr. Grant is much better. Went over to Clara’s at
night, then Aunt Eva & I walked up to hospital with some ice
cream.
A nice day. Dad is feeling better – no special nurse to-day.
Barb & Uncle Will took us home & stayed for supper. Cut
out toy for Shirley’s birthday. Ruby called.
Mother and I went up to hospital in aft. Dad is getting along
fine. We had supper at Barb’s. I read at night.
Raining. Busy. Didn’t have to go to Nursing Class at night –
really a treat. I had letter from Lorne. He has met another
girl – Dutch.
Nice day. I went up to hospital after supper, then went to
Red Cross. We ate in Chinamen’s afterwards.
Raining. I went to a tea at Mrs. MacDonald’s for Mrs.
Delbert Moore. Very nice – salad plate (chicken, potato, jelly
moulds), little cakes, light cake & frozen lemon pie.
Lonesome for Laddie when I came home.
Stormy. Busy as Mr. MacKay was here all day. Went up to
hospital for awhile at night. Dad has had a lot of boxes of
fruit given to him – one from Mrs. Grant.
Stormy. I visited at Grant’s after supper. Dr. Grant still in
bed but getting up soon. Went to Irla’s afterwards & Ruth,
Clara, Irla & I played bridge.

24

Saturday

December 2

Sunday

December 3

Monday

December 4

Tuesday

December 5

Wednesday

December 6

Thursday

December 7

Friday

December 8

Saturday

December 9

Nice day but very cold. Mother & I went up to Owen Sound
with Barb. I got a new paddy green dress, 16.95, with
money Lad sent me for Xmas present.
Lovely day but cold. Mother, Aunt Eva & I went to hospital in
aft. Dad can come home on Wed. – 2 weeks from day of
operation. Went to church at night & wrote Laddie & Ruby.
Milder. Went down to see Dr. Grant at night & then to
Nursing Class. Went over to Irla’s afterwards for sandwich.
Mild. Busy. Dad came home from hospital to-day. Went to
Red Cross – last meeting for this year. Irla, Clara & I played
bridge at Ruth’s afterwards.
Don Knight came home from overseas to-day. Had my hair
done. Read & knit at night.
A nice day. Busy. Cy has pneumonia. Visited Mrs.
Grabill(?) at night & then went to Rebecca dance in Hall.
Had lunch with Irla & Bob.
Busy. Irla had Miss Gerrie, Miss Morton & me for game of
bridge – didn’t get home until quarter to two. Finished
Mother’s sweater.
I had 2 letters from Laddie – one written about leave in
Florence – he saw Louise – dinner & dance. Bought me 2
broaches, change purse, 2 water colours, but so glad to get
letters. Went home at 5 – Uncle Charlie, Aunt Charlotte,
Grace & Mother down at night.

Tuesday, Nov.14/44
My dear Velma:…As Phil and I had ”unofficial” leave, we could not stay at the regular leave centre hotel,
but through the good offices of the town of the Town Major, found a nice place close to
the middle of the city…
8 page letter about trip to Florence
– shopped (bought heart-shaped brooch, silver filigree butterfly pin, leather change
purse with Florentine crest and Velma’s initials, Borsaline felt hat form Canadian
Officers’ Club, 2 Florentine watercolour prints), went to tea dance, attended Division
Medical Society dance, introduced South African nurse, Louise, to his friends,
enjoyed Italian Orchestra and singer, visited Leaning Tower of Pisa, Cathedral returned to camp by Florence, “High snow covered mountains overlooking deep
rocky canyons through which many streams raced! It was simply marvellous!”
Good night, my love, and sweet dreams –
Your own
ch. Laddie ch.
xxx
CGB Grant

Velma (Blythe) Grant’s Diary - 1944

25

Sunday

December 10

Monday
Tuesday

December 11
December 12

Wednesday

December 13

Thursday
Friday

December 14
December 15

Saturday

December 16

Sunday

December 17

Monday

December 18

Tuesday

December 19

Wednesday

December 20

Thursday

December 21

Friday

December 22

Saturday

December 23

Sunday
Monday

December 24
December 25

Tuesday

December 26

Wednesday

December 27

Velma (Blythe) Grant’s Diary - 1944

Mild. Wrapped up Christmas presents in aft. Winnie & Jack
down for supper. Addressed cards & wrote Laddie at night.
Busy. Com. meeting at night – visited Clara afterwards.
A terrible snow storm in Toronto & district – the worst since
the 1800’s. We only got the tail end of it here. No
newspapers for 2 days, schools closed, stores closed, etc.
Irla, Clara & I went up to Mrs. Rumble’s at night & had game
of bridge.
Busy in morning. Went over town in aft. with Mother & Aunt
Eva & finished Xmas shopping. I got two beautiful broaches
from Laddie – a mosaic one & a silver filigree piece – grand,
also change purse. Visited Grant’s.
Very cold. Went over to Irla’s at night & spent evening there.
Cold. Busy. 5 year men who are getting Xmas leave arrived
in Canada to-day. Irla, Ruth, Bill Lawson & I were at Clara’s
at night playing bridge – a lot of fun.
Had a nice letter & Xmas card from Laddie. Barb, Anna,
Shirley, Uncle Will & I went out to Freda’s for a chicken
dinner. Anna has to go to bed for 3 weeks with goitre.
Stormy. Wrapped up Xmas gifts. Clara invited me for
supper – Jack away.
Frosty. Germans have launched a big winter offensive –
have advanced 20 miles into Belgium. Had letter from
Laddie. Listened to Lux, etc.
Stormy. Busy. Irla, Clara & I invited to Mrs. Rumble’s for a
game of bridge – a lot of fun – we were really wound up.
Frosty. Worked all day. Nelly Weidner died to-day – 38.
Visited at Grant’s at night & at Irla’s.
Very frosty. The German winter offensive still advancing into
Belgium unchecked. Mrs. MacDonald, Aunt Eva & I played
3 handed bridge.
Busy. Had my hair done at Ruth’s. 2lb. box of toffees form
Geo. Murray. Nelly Weidner’s funeral. Irla & Clara came in
later & we had game of bridge.
Snowing. Very busy. $3 from Peck, $3 office. Went to
Clara’s & Irla’s after supper & delivered gifts. Went home
about eight.
Did odd jobs. Read & listened to Christmas programmes.
Christmas Day. Nice day. Got 2 pr. stockings, make up
case, soap, slip, cup & saucer (Lorne), recipe book, pictures,
etc. Razor from Ruth. Anna, Shirley, Uncle Will & Barb here
for Christmas. Clara & Irla both called. An extremely quiet
day – boys away. I got a nice letter from Laddie. Wrote
letters at night.
Cold. Busy in morning. Came up in aft. Visited Clara in aft.
& at night went to Irla’s. I got my Borsalino felt hat (form)
from Laddie. Grand - wine material.
Snowy. Wrote letters, etc. Clara dropped in at night & three
of us chatted & had lunch.

26

Thursday

December 28

Friday

December 29

Saturday

December 30

Sunday

December 31

Cold. Snowed a lot. I visited at Grant’s at night. German
winter offensive has been checked by Americans.
Had a letter from Laddie. Aunt Eva & I went to Whitmore’s &
played bridge.
Busy. I stayed up. Irla invited me for game of bridge. Had
Mrs. Knowles & Mrs. A.W.H. Lauder.
Aunt Eva & I went to church. Laddie joined by certificate.
Mother & Dad came up in aft. & we went out to McGirr’s at
night. Inez, Etta, Berniece & Barb came down & we sat Old
Year out.

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 - 1944

27