“A terrific day for heat.” Thursday, June 21, 1945
17 Sun. A beautiful day. Uncle Tom is out here. He, Dad, Isabelle & Mr. S. went fishing this morning. I was up at 8. Dad a lot of odd things. Read a chapter of Socialism. Wilma & I lay in the trees and read. Doris & I sang at church. “Out of the Ivory Palaces.” We went to Bowditches after church to visit with the old folks & Helene & Babe. Stayed til about 5.30. Came home, had supper. Miss Farrell was at Jack Hawtons for supper, so they brought her back about 9.30.
18 Mon. Mom brought us to town this morn, also took Uncle Tom back home. It rained quite a bit today. Doris & I walked over to Sorrells tonight to practice with Mr. S. & Laura B. who are going to sing out home on Sunday. We strolled home, & walked around the block, then sat on front step, talking.
19 Tues. Grand day. Mrs Strumn, M. P. for Qu’Appelle was down to the C.C.F. Convention so she spoke to the C.C.Y.M. in the I.O.O.F. Hall. After which, we went to the Hostess Club for Business & lunch. Had a pretty good meeting, with a very good attendance. Mrs. Strumn’s address was very good. Bed at 12.10.
20 Wed. I went out with Grace for coffee this morn. Shirley was up to see me. She finished school yesterday. Work was fine this morning. I took my half-holiday. Doris went to school & Stewart’s went to Wawota. I was here alone, so lay down from 2 til four, then did dishes & cleaned the kitchen, bathed, washed stocking and got supper. Cleaned room, listened to radio, etc & retired.
21 Thurs. A terrific day for heat. We just about sweltered! I tried to get a balance today, but no luck. I went back & worked after supper. Doris came down & met me, & we went to the show. It was fair. Frank Sinatra & George Murphy.
22 Fri. It was at least midnight when we got to sleep last night. The heat was terrific, especially in our bedroom. Today was terrible, both heat & work. I still didn’t get a balance. We both drank pop until we looked like it. About 4.45 it started to rain, & just pelted down. Really a cloud burst, but grand, & Doris & I went for a short walk after supper, then I bathed, washed & set my hair, did clothes, etc.
23 Sat. Put in a terrific day. Ivy worked on my ledgers all day, and still hadn’t found anything at 9 tonight. I’m just about crazy. Bought a pair of work shoes at noon & instead of coming home, just had a lunch at Snelgroves (a Club Sandwich.) Mom & girls were in tonight for me. Got off at 9.45. Met the folks, had lunch & came home.
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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.