“Although Lorna’s brother was killed, she was at school and is a regular brick. “ Monday, November 20, 1944
18 Sat. Up at 8.45. Puttered around this morn. Mom, Dad, Isabelle & Wilma went to town this afternoon. I kept Shirley. Had a sleep then did some homework, & got supper. Wrapped Christmas presents this evening.
19 Sun. Did some bookkeeping this morn. Mom & Dad took Mr. & Mrs. S. to Mr. Guest’s funeral this afternoon. I did work, etc. Miss Farrell came over & we talked Christmas concert. Mom & Dad got back just when she was leaving. We had a grand chicken supper — lemon pie. I studied shorthand. Bed early.
20 Mon. Dad brought us to town. We wrote a Brief Form test. Although Lorna’s brother was killed, she was at school and is a regular brick. Jack Cook was here for dinner. He’s funny. We were down town a few minutes after school. I went to Mrs. Johnson’s for a dress fitting. Was gone an hour before supper. Late with supper. We did our work, went down town & had a hamburger, then came back & went to bed.
21 Tues. Stayed til 4.30 & typed. We then met the men. It was snowing very hard but was quite warm. Mrs. Stuart was out for supper, so Mr. S., Doris & I got it ready here. Did homework for awhile, then played the piano so didn’t get to bed early as planned.
22 Wed. I had so much work today. I really got behind in everything, but I guess I’ll pull through. Stayed after school an hour (typed). Did some book k. after school. Did more work tonight them went down town. I had ice cream. Doris a ham sandwich.
23 Thurs. Grand day. Did a little shopping after school. Had a bad shorthand class this morn. Met Charlie after school. He wanted me to play with them at the I.O.O.F. I did my work, went down at ten, they weren’t ready. Came back, walked with Louise for ginger ale. Had that and sandwiches, then went at 10.30. Real good dance.
24 Fri. Feel pretty sleepy. Didn’t accomplish much this morn. Came home & tried to have a sleep after school. The folks came in to the agricultural dance tonight. Doris upset ink all over the place, so we didn’t get down there til later. Had a pretty good time — better than I expected. Raisin pie alamode for lunch at the Com. Home after 2.
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These are the diaries of a seventeen-year-old teenager from a farm near Weyburn, Saskatchewan. Her name is Lorraine. She eventually was a church organist in Colgate. In 1944 she was the piano player for a dance band in Weyburn. In these days before school busses she, and her sisters, each had to move from the farm into town to attend school for Grades 11 & 12. This is the darkest time in World War II. Weyburn hosted an airbase for BCATP (British Commonwealth Air Training Plan). In other words, the town is filled with eligible young airmen from all over the world …
For more information on BCATP see a blog site dedicated to “Paying homage to those who stayed behind to train those who fought overseas.”