“Victory in Europe = VE Day” Tuesday, May 8, 1945
6 Sun. The wind & dust were terrific. Mom & we girls went to church. The opening service of the season. Fair Congregation. We had to take Mr. Stewart into town as he came out in a taxi. We went and saw Uncle Tom at the house. Came home & had supper which included Wilma’s birthday cake. I took an aspirin to get to sleep.
7 Mon. Mr. Stutt took Dad & we girls to town. When we got there, there was a sign on the school door declaring two days holiday because of peace in Europe. It isn’t official. Ross, Doris & I went shopping. Were loaded down so heavy —- dropped mustard & broke it on Post Office steps. Ross talked to us for about an hour & 1/2 this aft. Connie was over this eve awhile. We took pictures at 11.30. Finally got to bed. Arlene & Ross were packing.
8 Tues. Victory in Europe = VE Day. Up at 6.30. Said good bye to Ross & Arline, who left on the train. Heard Mr. Churchill & Truman speak on radio. Went to church at 10.30. Mom & girls were in. They came up & had lunch at the house. Stewarts were away. Heard the King speak, went downtown to see the parade, then attended service in the Legion. I came out home as we have a holiday tomorrow.
9 Wed. Woke up at 10. Mom did the washing. I did other work, got dinner. Wilma stayed home from school, as she was sick. Mom sewed on my dress today. Wilma dictated some shorthand to me. Miss Farrell went to Freidts tonight. I went to bed early again.
10 Thurs. Mom brought us to town. Back to School. Mr. Garner phoned for me to go over about 10.30. Told me I could try with them for a week if I wished. I went down town & found Mom. Decided to try. Went to work after dinner at one. Mr. Floran is grand to work with. I don’t know what to think of the work. Got off at five. Did some shopping. Doris & I went to the first show, “Maisie.” It was quite dumb but good.
11 Fri. Worked again today. Went over to the coal shed to do the books there. I told them I would rather have a job with shorthand & typing. So quit. Went to Griffin with Sherm tonight in Miss MacGregor’s big car. Novelty dance. Good until 1.30 when Mike Rogal started a fight with the floor manager.
12 Sat. Woke up after 11. Had breakfast then went down town for about an hour. Did some shopping. Went to the Review to see about a job, but it is bookkeeping too. Was talking to Charlie awhile. Came home and washed my hair & clothes (Stewarts). Had supper early. About 4.15. went down for the mail. Came back & bathed & read. I played in the I.O.O.F. from 9 til midnight. Mom, Doris & the girls were in for me. Dean came up to the piano & talked.
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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.”