“ to get the little chickens.“ Monday, May 12, 1947
11 Sun. Mother’s Day. Dad, Mom, Isabelle & Shirley went to the other place after dinner, so Wilma and I stayed home. Wind is miserable. Keith came shortly after four. We had supper, then he took Mom & I out, we picked up his folks, & all went to Church at Colgate. Mr Claire preached a wonderful sermon. We had lunch at Boyles, back home about 11.15. Keith & I talked & laughed. So carefree. I am crazy about him. He is so grand to me.
12 Mon. Mom brought us to town. Edna came with us. Isabelle & Wilma skipped school & went shopping, with Mom. She & Wilma were in until this aft, to get the little chickens. Isabelle & I went to the show. “Little Mr. Jim,” with Butch Jenkins. It was very good. Comical in places and sad in others. I shed a few tears.
13 Tues. There were just eight at C.C.Y.M. tonight, but Mrs. Remple spoke, very informal, about the School for the Deaf in Saskatoon. She is wonderful. Her personality stands out all over her. She played the piano for us. Doughnuts & Coffee for lunch.
14 Wed. Wilf wasn’t there this morn. Grace & I had a good morning. After my lesson this aft, I bathed, washed & set my hair, etc. Is & I had a sleep before supper. It rained about 6. She & I talked tonight. I finished my pillow slips & did some more on my glove.
15 Thurs. Wilf not here all day, just before nine. Got along fine. Isabelle & I went to the Dance Revue in the Legion. Very good, but so long. We didn’t get home until nearly 11.30.
16 Fri. Sleepy today, but Isabelle & I went to Sorrells tonight, as all the single Staff, “9” girls & Pete were there. Pete & Alf dressed as women, and were perfect screams. We played Rummoli and Bingo, and had a wonderful lunch. Laughed until we nearly died, at lunch. Home at 12.30
17 Sat. Dad has mumps today. We worked tonight until 9.30. Wilf wasn’t there, so I was alone in the Office, & last one out. Keith came up & met me. We went to the house & got my things, then out home. Mom & girls were up. Keith & I talked about our feelings last time we met. It is easy to talk to him.
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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.