“Easter Cantata tonight. “Penitence, Pardon & Peace.” “ Sunday, March 23, 1947
23 Sun. Beautiful day. Isabelle was still sick in bed this morn, so didn’t go to Church. I was in the Choir, but couldn’t sing very well. Went to the Communicant Class this afternoon in the Church Basement & we (choir) had an Easter Cantata tonight. “Penitence, Pardon & Peace.” No practice after. There weren’t enough seats, so I got pushed around.

24 Mon. Things have sure changed since a year ago, ha (two nights in a row.) Dad came in with Mr. Stutt this morn, so was up to see me. We bowled against Charlie Norman’s team & took 3 points. Isabelle was bowling for Vanity Cleaners.
25 Tues. Didn’t have much to do. My voice was actually back to normal tonight, so I practiced vocal for an hour. We went to C.C.Y.M. There were about 15 of us there. Had 5 films, all of which were very good. Home at 11.30. Doris & I talked for ages after we got in bed.
26 Wed. Had my lesson. A little better than it has been lately. Set my hair. Was very tired, so went to bed early, Isabelle & I listened to the radio awhile after supper first.
27 Thurs. Terrible Choir Practice tonight. Mr. Sorrell didn’t know he was supposed to sing certain parts, and it upset everyone. A lot left at 9 o’clock to Dr. Campbells Party at the Mental, but the rest of us practiced until 9.30.
28 Mr. Stewart gave us a ride to the Drama Night at the Collegiate. There were two plays, & concert items in the middle. They were all very good. I enjoyed the whole thing. Home about 10.40. I set my hair after that.
29 Sat. I wore my yellow sweater to work, & my hair looked quite nice. Went to the bank at 11.30, & Keith was there. He invited me to go to dinner with him. Which I did at 12.30. Went to the Commercial & did enjoy it. Dad offered to come in for us to Church tomorrow. Isabelle is sick so went home with them tonight. I went to the show with Keith at 7, Red Skelton. It was stupid. We met Margaret & Mr Boyle at the train, who were coming back from Regina, & then they brought me up to the house.
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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.