DIARY OF BOB TIVY, RIVERS MANITOBA APRIL 15TH TO JULY 25TH 1938 (BOOK 2) April 15 1938, Friday I did very little in the morning but after dinner I played twice around the golf course getting into the seventies the first time and the fifties the second. I rode around town on the bike most of the time after supper. April 16 1938, Sunday I got up real early to call on Phil Charron for a round of golf in which he beat me thus retaining the old glass inkwell which we use for a championship cup. I then piled wood for a time until I played Donald McKenzie a round just before dinner. He also defeated me. After supper I took a bath at the shops with Hanny and Gunny. April 17 1938, Sunday I wasted most of my morning doing nothing but I beat Donald McKenzie at golf after Sunday School. Both before and after church I walked and talked with Jack Aitken who came over for the day to Harland's with the rest of the family. He Lloyd Wareham, and I planned a bike trip to Brandon tomorrow. The weather was been very warm and sunny so far this Easter holidays. April 18 1938 Monday As soon as my alarm went off at 6:30 I went downstairs where I made breakfast and a lunch for the trip to Brandon. I called for Lloyd about 8 o'clock and we left town soon after. We met Jack at the junction south of Forrest after a few minutes wait. We went through the Canadian Pacific roundhouse soon after arriving in Brandon. We ate our lunches just behind it. Then we rode to the Canadian National roundhouse which we also went all through. We left for home not long afterwards when it began to start raining. As the rain stopped a few miles out of Brandon Lloyd and I decided to go home by Rapid City where we would leave Jack. As number 2 was late Jack and I climbed to the platform at Knox bridge to watch her come and go. We ran through a second shower before reaching Rapid City and we made poor headway against the North-west wind. Jack wanted us to stay with him for supper but we sent right through getting home about 7:30pm. I was not very tired after having traveled 72 miles during the day. April 19 1938 Tuesday I wakened to find a light covering of snow on the ground which soon disappeared because of the sun. I helped dad finish up the back fence during the afternoon. During the evening I listened to the St. Boniface Seals win the Canadian Junior championship by defeating the Oshawa Generals. April 20 1938 Wednesday It snowed fairly heavily around breakfast time but before it could be all melted in the early afternoon another colder snow flurry came up from the West while I was "enjoying" a round of golf. We had intended to go to Winnipeg tomorrow but decided not to because of the inclement weather. I made a tiny start on writing up Physics experiments after supper. April 21 1938 Thursday The day began cold but moderated toward the evening. I did a little Physics before dinner but played a round of golf afterwards covering the course in 55 to defeat Donald McKenzie. I also played two half rounds with him after supper. During the latter part of the afternoon I helped dad saw ties. April 22 1938 Friday We got to the station soon after number 4 came in. I rode most of the way to Winnipeg with Pete Lepp who was returning to his school at Gretna. As soon as we arrived in Winnipeg I walked to the Canadian Pacific depot with Pete. From there he and I looked for the Palace theatre which was advertising a show I wanted to see, but when we found it after a long walk the sign "doors open at 6pm" greeted us. Pete then went to another show under my persuasion and I preceded alone in search of the CPR Weston shops. I walked about two miles along the railroad yards before finally arriving. Before entering the locomotive shops I took the number of the engines outside waiting for repairs and those already repaired. The men were away for dinner when I got into the shops but I asked a noon watchman where I could get a pass to go through the whole outlay. He told me to go to the main gate to which he directed me, but on arriving there the policeman on duty to me to go to the Works Manager's office in the stores building. After waiting for several minutes outside Mr. J. Lee the works manager game me a pass when he had asked me a few questions. Then feeling very safe from everything including bum's rushes, I covered the locomotive, boiler, freight car, passenger car and switch shops from end to end. There were quite a few engines under heavy repair in the locomotive shop from all the way from the new streamliners to the lowly D-10's. I was very much interested by the tossing of rivets, the heating and placing of tires, and the hydrostatic tests for air reservoirs. While exploring the large boneyard west of the shops I had a short but interesting chat with several CP shops officials who were nosing around out there. As I felt the afternoon was getting short and as it began to look like rain I headed back toward Winnipeg proper soon afterwards. On the way back I located the roundhouse, but before I could get to it a railroad bull stopped me and told me I could get a pass from the General Yardmaster. After visiting the latter gentleman I was shown the direction of the Locomotive Foreman's office and told I would be able to obtain a pass there. As I had no more time for that little detail however I walked through the open doors and all around the roundhouse without being molested. I say all around because the roundhouse is a complete circle with only one track to the turntable from the outside yards. When I had taken all the available engine numbers I walked back to Eaton's store guiding myself with my map of Winnipeg and meditating on why the CP would send a small streamlined engine out on a freight as I was in the course of my day's journeys. It was a tired boy who reached Eaton's after having walked all afternoon since Weston is at the very outside of the city. Mary picked me up at the Metropolitan lunch counter where they had agreed to meet me and after eating at the 15 cent store we walked to the train. I got in a little sleep as the way home so I wasn't tired on leaving the train at the old home town once more. I smiled to myself in my own bed at home when I thought about the 200 or more engines I had seen during the day. April 23 1938 Saturday I decided it was time to start on my Physics notes as I made a small beginning during the day. I also sawed a couple of ties. I took a bath after supper. April 24 1938 Sunday I lit the Sunday School fires after noon, cursing all the time the trouble I had with them. After Sunday School was over I stayed in to do school work. April 25 1938 Monday School began at 9:00 sharp and what amounted to my very last Easter holidays were over. I was sorry that they are to be my last for I have had a great deal of fun in these holidays for the past 11 years. Three was supposed to be a hardball meeting after supper but I didn't get there until it was over which didn't worry me one little bit. April 26 1938 Tuesday After a humdrum school day which included nasty weather I delivered my Liberties. Danny and I, having got quite worried about our lack of Physics notes and Mr. Knappe's impending arrival, got together for the evening in an effort to do some. April 27 1938 Wednesday I spent my spare time during the day and evening working at Physics not paying much attention to anything else, resulting in a little friction with the teachers. April 28 1938 Thursday I didn't manage as much Physics during the day as I would have cared to but I am not yet alarmed about the probability of my finishing before Monday. April 29 1938 Friday I almost landed the Tribune paper route after school but as dad wasn't very encouraging to the agent I lost it. I didn't know what to think because even though there is good spending money connected with it there is also considerable trouble. Bert Shylega skipped town with considerable company money a few days [ago] leaving the job open. I resumed my Physics after supper completing my eleventh experiment by train time. April 30 1938 Saturday I got out of bed fairly early intending to tear a big hole in the remaining 9 Physics experiments before tomorrow. However when I only did 2 before dinner I wasn't so confident. I must have eaten a good dinner because I went to town during the afternoon completely finishing by 6:30 after a slight interlude for super. It was probably the most school work I have ever done in a day. As soon as the supper dishes were done I defeated Mary 6-4, 6-0, in my first tennis games of the season. Even here my good luck didn't stop as I beat Hanny later on in a small game of Dutch Snooker. About 9pm I went to a 15 cent dance in the Ukrainian Hall where I had a real good time with the young crowd which was there. I was in the mood for celebrating because I had finished the last Physics experiments. I will ever write up that is providing I pass the exam next week. When the strains of 'Home Sweet Home' finally died away about 12:15 I took Eileen Cumming home to end a perfect day, weather included. May 1 1938 Sunday I stayed in bed late so I had breakfast as soon as I got downstairs. The weather was very windy out but notwithstanding that I played Jack Hanlon a round of golf each of us doing the course in lousy 66's. We replayed the first hole for the round and I won it by one point. When I arrived home I fixed a flat which Mary got on the bike on Friday. I had no Sunday School to bother me all afternoon as we had it in the morning. I dispensed with church during the evening to buck the heavy wind out to Grant's cut where tow contractors are working on an overhead bridge there. One has a bridge proper almost half built while the other has just begun the approaches. The building of the approaches is much the bigger job of the two requiring 3 caterpillar tractors, 4 gravel dump tucks, and one elevating road builder. The place looks not unlike a gypsy camp what with four small circus marquees to house the men and two cook houses on wheels. I was paid for my heavy work on the way out by being able to sail home in record time with the wind. May 2 1938 Monday It rained considerably last night and considerably more to day. Inspector Knappe didn't arrive during the morning but came early enough after dinner to give us all our Practical Chemistry exam. It almost broke my heart earlier in the day to pay 10 dollars for examination fees for this year even though it wasn't my own money. Mr. Knappe must be a benevolent old mind reader because he gave me the very experiment to do that I have been wishing for, that of electrical conductivity of solutions. Besides doing our experiments we had to write them up on examination folders provided. I passed most of my time after school reading my monthly 'Railroad Magazine' although I did do a little Algebra before rolling in. May 3 1938 Tuesday Mr. Knappe was at school before it started so when it did start we performed our Physics practical exam. Little did the inspector dream as I handed up my notebooks how much time I had spent on them during the past weeks. I was not afraid of any Physics experiment in the book and as expected I found the one on light which I had to do very easy. During the first period after dinner we had Physical Drill in the schoolyard. It was too wet to play ball at recess so the boys mad human pyramids of amusement. I read most of the time after school. May 4 1938 Wednesday I felt very relieved all day because I won't have to write up any more experiments as I am sure I passed in both my practical exams. I worked at Algebra after dark although I had intended to go to the last session of the district drama festival being held here this year. I didn't go because it was too late when I returned from the golf course after supper. Mr. Jarman, who adjudicated the plays in the drama festival spent all morning at school watching the girls' folk dances as he is physical education inspector for our province. During the time between four o'clock and super supper Bill went with me on the bike to the bell crossing where we watched the contracting outfits at work. Dupont the bridge contractor was just building a falseworks on the North side of the cut to carry his pile driver while Mr. Kenny's the approach contractor's outfit was started piling dirt on the south approach. May 5 1938 Thursday The weather was real cold and cloudy all day but after supper I played the last five holes on the golf course almost freezing my hands. I did a trifle of homework after I returned before dark. May 6 1938 Friday There were 10 degrees of frost during the night and it remained cold and cloudy all day. I helped dad saw up a few ties before supper. During the evening I stayed home to get soundly beaten in checkers several times by Lloyd Wareham. I am looking forward to tomorrow when I intend to fully overhaul the bike. May 7 1938 Saturday By noon I had the bike completely apart in the garage where I was able to work only by virtue of a nice warm sun which was very welcome after the past frigid week. The afternoon I spent cleaning and putting the bike together. I played Mary two sets of tennis before dark taking the first 6-1 but losing the second 7-5. May 8 1938 Sunday I managed to take a bath at the station before Sunday School. After noon Jack Hanlon and I attempted to wrest our glass inkwell golf cut from Donald McKenzie but he turned in a round of a dazzling 48 which completely annihilated my 56 and Jack's 55. However after returning to cat and then going around again minus Donald who skipped out I made the round in 50, my lowest thus far. By virtue of this compared to Jack's 57 I won a tee from him. I attended church for part of the evening and listened to the radio for the rest. May 9 1938 Monday I was pleased by a very bright patch on the wall when I first awakened because it meant a sunshiny day which would be welcome after all the recent cloudy weather. However although it was still clear two hours later when mother called me to get up there were many dark clouds by the end of the day. We began playing hardball at school today and I felt rather disgusted with myself over my errors. I dug the garden for an hour after school before I rode out to the golf course with Jack Hanlon whom I beat in the round because I repeated my 50 of yesterday. I turned to tennis after supper playing with Mr. Levielle to defeat Doug Morrow and Miss Macdonald 6-2. 7-5, 6-4. I did approximately an hour's homework before I hit the hay for the night. May 10 1938 Tuesday Contrary to my performance yesterday morning I got up at 6:45 today with the help of the alarm. Because of this I managed to do a bit of Trigonometry before school. We had a drill period just before recess which helped the morning pass more easily. After school I delivered my Liberties and spaded the garden for a while. In the evening I played around the golf course with Jack Hanlon making it in 51. We are having a hard time to get Donald to come out because he is scared of losing the cup. I tried to improve the rotten brakes on the bike just as darkness was falling. May 11 1938 Wednesday I fell almost back to my usual late rising schedule this morning not being downstairs until almost 8 o'clock. The team on which I play at school beat John Lusney's team in the recess hardball which was very acceptable to us because they beat us badly in softball last week. I helped dad dig the garden most of the time after school. As soon as supper was over I went to the tennis courts where Mr. Levielle and myself defeated Doug Morrow and Miss MacDonald 7-5, 6-1, and 6-3. I stayed home for the rest of the evening to do homework while the others went to a farewell social for Mr. and Mrs. Whiting who are leaving soon for a new parish. May 12 1938 Thursday I started the day at 6:30 by digging into some Trigonometry homework. I played basketball at noon until school began. The weather has turned sour again because of a high wind but in a way was glad of it because I didn't have to work in the garden. Instead I tried to take the cup off Donald McKenzie but failed to do so by one point. My driving is improving however as I made a 200 yard smack on the 6th hole with the wind behind me. After supper I took a bath at the roundhouse before getting ready to go to the softball girls dance starring the Elkhorn orchestra. It was the first time I ever danced to them and they sure lived up to their good reputation. I had a fair time staying until the very end which took place at 2 am. May 13 1938 Friday There were plenty of sleepyheads in school but as far as I know Stewart had nothing to say. Friday the 13th may be unlucky for some guys but it certainly isn't for me because I took our golf cup from Donald McKenzie after school beating him by 9 strokes. We had to play in the wind after school but when 'Hanny' and I played the first 6 holes after supper the weather was calm. I was pleased to learn at school during the day that the hockey men have decided to boost us next year despite all the petty thievery some of the players have carried out in the towns we visited this past winter. May 14 1938 Saturday Soon after breakfast I set out for the new airport south of Wheatland on my bike with Lee Trudel. The new field is a great deal larger than the old with concrete and steel field markers. The beam light is the same one as before. There is a nice office building there also. Four 140 foot radio towers have been erected 4 miles from the landing field. When Lee and I got there I climbed more than halfway up one but thought I'd wait for a calm day before going right to the top. I found out later during the day that I had almost taken my life in my hands because the whole of the upper part of each tower is usually charged with 4500 volts when the radio beam is operative. Lee and I found it pretty stiff work bucking the wind most of the way home but I got back in time for dinner. I wasted most of my afternoon reading at home. I completed the round of golf begun yesterday with Jack Hanlon and he took the ink well from me by one stroke. I spent the evening planting a row of parsnips and riding my bike. May 15 1938 Sunday It was late when I got up but not too late to get to Sunday School. I did very little all day but read. In the evening I went to church where Mr. Whiting preached his last sermon here because he is moving to Bethany, North of Minnedosa. I was never as friendly with him as with Mr. Williams but he wasn't such a bad little guy. I went to bed fairly late cussing myself for not having done any homework for the weekend. May 16 1938 Monday I was up in time to comfortably get to school and I managed to get off without a roasting for being minus homework. I played part of a round of golf after school. I did a little homework during the evening. May 17 1938 Tuesday The sun was shining brightly on my wall when I awakened so I got out of bed to work at school work. After school I delivered a portion of my Liberties. I played a few sets of tennis before dark when I came home to do homework. May 18 1938 Wednesday Again I was up shortly after 6am slaving away at school work. I was able to finish my French grammar completely because of the pressure I have applied this week. That meant a small triumph because after trailing since last November I finished with the class. To celebrate I played a round of golf for the cup after school but Jack Hanlon took it from Donald McKenzie due to a rotten 61 on my pat. I started to catch up on Algebra during the evening. May 19 1938 Thursday I slept in this morning because I have not such a great object in early rising now. I managed to get through the school day with no trouble. After 3:30 I tried to beat Jack Hanlon at golf but I failed by two strokes. While out there we met the fireman off the yard engine who in his braw scotch gave us some useful hints on driving. After supper I set out to ride to the bell crossing to see how the bridge is progressing and I picked up Anna Blandford with her bike downtown. When we got to the bridge we rode up the now completed south approach and I rode across the bridge as far as the deck was laid claiming to be the first guy to do that. From there I rode to Bowman's with Anna where she decided to stay for the night on being persuaded by Doris. When I returned to the bridge I found a large number of kids on bikes there so I stayed for a time amusing myself by hand over handing up and down the guy ropes of Dupont's pile-driver. Just as we got to the bridge over the river I spotted a campfire up the river and knowing it belonged to a wiener roast to which Pat Shamas invited me I rode down there. Maw was a bit peeved about my coming at that time but I got something to eat notwithstanding. After riding Pat home on the bike I went to the train where I had a chat with Sam Reid. May 20 1938 Friday The sun shining in my face brought me to consciousness just as the morning train whistled. Because it was a nice day I grabbed my clothes got, out the bike and went down to see it pull out. I stayed over at the roundhouse until about 8am riding the yard engine and 03's engine out of the roundhouse. After school I beat Harriett Bell 3 straight sets in tennis this being her first time out for the year. I met the train at 10:40 where I cooked up a deal with 'Kinky' to help him pile wood in the bush all day tomorrow. May 21 1938 Saturday We left in Kryvenki's new Ford V-8 about 9:15 and started work as soon as we arrived. John Gibbons being there besides Kinky and myself. Stella Kryvenki drove the car back home. During the morning we each limbed and piled a load of poles repeating the same for the afternoon. I found the work much harder in the morning than in the afternoon. On the whole I felt quite satisfied with the 60 cents which I earned and the meal we ate in the bush. It was almost 6pm when Mr. Kryvenki called for us in the car. I spent the evening riding the bike around town and working Jack Hanlon's siren on it. I had a bath earlier in the evening. May 22 1938 Sunday My brief morning was taken up by breakfast and Sunday School After dinner I put the handlebar grips tightly on the bike and also installed Jack Hanlon's siren. During the evening I either listened to the radio programs or worked a little at Algebra. The day was rather nasty and cold outside. May 23 1938 Monday I was so tired from Saturday's work that I slept until 8:45 before deciding it was almost school time. Final exams are not far off as ominous warnings have already begun to come from the teachers about what happens to those who don't study. It was a lovely day after school so I played a round of golf with Donald, Jack and Hiyah Taylor finishing second lowest to Donald who thus retained the cup. However I came back at him after supper and took the old mug by covering the course in 48. Before I went out I defeated Mary 6-2 at tennis. May 24 1938 Tuesday The day was just about ideal for a holiday, warm but cloudy with no wind. I went to the golf course before 10 o'clock to play 13 holes for junior honors in the tournament plus a 75 cent golf ball. Because of a rather humdrum performance Donald McKenzie beat me by one stroke. As soon as I got back home I ate my dinner before returning to play the two-ball foursome with Marie Collingwood, my partner. We did a 57 exclusive handicap. Later on Marie Henderson and I played Mr. Stewart and his mother. They beat us by 51-57. Donald McKenzie and Mr. Bartlett were the foursome winners. May 25 1938 Wednesday I was out of bed just as the 2nd school bell rang. I helped dad spade the garden in the flats after school was over for the day. I played a last round of golf before I settle down to study for exams during the evening. Gordon Taylor took the cup from Donald McKenzie by covering the course in 48. I did it in 49. After doing a couple of hours of Algebra I went to number 3 where I bought some Liberties from the newsy because the company didn't send me enough this week. May 26 1938 Thursday I spent a quiet day at school wishing I weren't there because of the lovely weather. Dad and I finished spading the garden in the flats before supper. After supper I met Kinky who asked me to come out to the bush with him tomorrow. After consenting I went over to ask Mr. Stewart for permission to take the day off as playing hooky has gotten to where it is a risky pastime. May 27 1938 Friday I had my breakfast over with and was down at Kryvenki's by 8:00. We worked in the bush all day coming home in the car for dinner. Mr. Kryvenki, Emil, John Gibbons and myself piled 10 loads in all during the day. I wasn't nearly so tired as last time although I had done more work. In fact I felt spry enough to ride to the bell crossing after supper. I was disappointed by he fact that the whole thing was as good as completed, cars having already passed over it robbing me of what I had hoped might have been my privilege on the bike. May 28 1938 Saturday The day was much the same as yesterday except that it threatened rain in the afternoon. I was glad of the clouds because they made the bush work more comfortable. We had Steve 'Chip' Lusney with us after dinner so we managed to pile 10 loads again today. I was fairly tired after supper but I rode the bike around for a time at any rate. A fellow by the name of Bert Vines slept with me for the night. He is to take the church service tomorrow and is staying at our place. He uses a bike for transportation as he is quite young having completed but one year at Saskatoon in Emmanuel College. May 29 1938 Sunday I had some time to spare before Sunday school but I just wasted it. I did some homework during the afternoon and went to church during the evening. May 30 1938 Monday Mr. Stewart called a meeting of grades 11 and 12 after school to decide about school closing exercises at which meeting I was placed on the general committee. I tackled homework after supper. May 31 1938 Tuesday I got up soon after Mr. Vines who went out to Roseville district after dinner for the remainder of the week. I did the chores after school and delivered my magazines. About 7:30pm I called for Ruth Wareham to go for a bike ride. They got a brand new CCM crescent like mine this morning. We rode out to the airfield first where the operator invited us in and showed us everything. All the equipment is highly modern with Teletype machines, remote control radio etc. After listening to the operator send in his weather report to the pilots Ruth and I rode back through town to the bridge at the bell crossing. It is all finished but for the railings. By the time I got home it was bedtime. June 1 1938 Wednesday Here it is June the 1st with only 20 days until exams begin and I haven't studied a bit. School is a terrible bore at this time of year. I spent my time during the evening writing a farewell address for Mr. Morrison the public school inspector who will pay his last official visit here tomorrow. I read a magazine for a time before bed. I put the cyclometer on the bike over 4000 miles after supper. June 2 1938 Thursday I was a few minutes late for school because I had to ride to the yard office to get the typewritten copy of my address. After an extra long morning recess I took it around to the various school rooms to have a pupil from each grade sign it. Just before dinner we all assembled in the hall while Mr. Stewart gave an address along with mine and one by Mr. Henderson. After a reply by Mr. Morrison and the singing of 'For He's a Jolly Good Fellow' we went home for dinner I spent my time after 4 adjusting the bike siren but after supper I did homework. June 3 1938 Friday I hardly realize that it is Friday already because the week as gone so fast. After supper I rode to the overhead bridge with a few of the boys. We fooled around with the detour flares for a time and watched McFadden's hired man fixing his bike (which also has a siren) before returning home. June 4 1938 Saturday I was up early in order to leave for the bush at 8 am. We expected to finish during the day but didn't quite manage it. I took the camera out in order to snap a couple of pictures of us. I also took a picture at noon of CN 360, a little old standard, which is down by the coal dock. She is probably on her way to the scrap yards. I took a bath after supper. June 5 1938 Sunday I attended Sunday School in the morning and worked at homework during the afternoon. I took Jack Hanlon to our church after supper. Mr. and Mrs. Whiting were there as they have no evening service to take in Bethany, their new parish. They came to our place after church until about 11pm. We finished up the camera film during the day. June 6 1938 Monday Back to the tiring drudge of school I am, enjoying less every minute. I will have to work hard now on to make a fair showing in the finals. I plugged away at Algebra during the evening. June 7 1938 Tuesday I try to work during school hours but find it rather hard. I don't seem to be able to work at night either not getting started until about 8:30. June 8 1938 Wednesday So far the June weather has been terrible with terrific winds all day. They went down enough before four o'clock to play tennis but they may as well have kept blowing as Mary humiliated me 6-2, 6-4. The queer part about our sets were that she was sore all the time although always ahead. I managed to start homework a little earlier but it did no good as I knocked off earlier to go to bed and read. Dad has gotten some wood wool insulation for the roof of the house so he has a job on his hands now. June 9 1938 Thursday I got up early to play tennis against Percy Bellamy but he didn't get up as he though it was too windy so I had no tennis. We had a roaring good day at school because Mr. Stewart was away and we as the senior grade had no teacher most of the time. I listened to the radio most of the morning and part of the afternoon. The girls worked all morning but did as little as Danny and myself after dinner. Miss Brooker the provincial French inspector spent about a hour in the morning and another in the afternoon lecturing grade 11 which enticed me to join in to learn some French as she is a real good teacher. Other than this my day's work was nil. We were particularly rowdy between recess and 4 o'clock because we had 4 grade elevens with us in our room. There was a heavy and much needed rain during the evening. June 10 1938 Friday I got the key to the lunch room last night so I put in a good morning's work alone down there as "the boss" is still unable to come to school. After dinner the whole school attended a free safety and national parks show sponsored by the board of trade in the oddfellows' hall. I rather enjoyed most of it. As soon as it was over I went up to the golf course where Johnny Morrow gave we kids a few hints on our respective swings after which we played a round. I was leading Donald McKenzie by two on the ninth hole and the young son-of-a-gun beat me by one stroke. It took plenty of cussing to get over that. I went to a girls softball game during the evening where I watched them defeat a Brandon team. June 11 1938 Saturday I fully intended to devote the day to study but instead I devoted it to tennis. I played Perce Bellamy 6 sets in the morning defeating him 6-3, 6-1, 6-0, 6-0, 6-0. He is a real good player for a beginner and it won't be long until he will make a good opponent for me like Phil Charron used to be. I derived tremendous satisfaction after dinner from annihilating Mary 6-1, 6-0, after having vowed I would beat here 6 love last time she beat me. I beat Miss Macdonald 6-4 after supper but lost several sets of doubles with Betty McConachie against her and Mary. June 12 1938 Sunday After Sunday school I wrote two letters before I started to do a tiny bit of homework. I went to United Church after supper with Jack Hanlon because he came to our church with me last Sunday. I rather enjoyed the guest speaker's sermon. June 13 1938 Monday As Mr. Stewart is dangerously sick with some kind of boils we had no teacher all day which I spent working at Trigonometry in the lunch room. I continued in the same way during the evening. Ruth Wareham and I drew up a school closing exercises schedule after four. June 14 1938 Tuesday I spent the morning in the lunchroom working at Trig. At noon I went to Forman's to get a new set of Gibson pedals which I put on the bike at mileage 4156. The old ones which are still in good shape, I sold to Bill Wareham to put on Lloyd Wareham's old bike which he bought. Between recess and 4pm I attended a grade 11 and 12 general meeting to talk over the graduation affair. There is not much interest but we are going through with it anyhow. I felt very dejected during the evening as I cussed my Trig and wished I had worked harder throughout the year. June 15 1938 Wednesday I switched to drama as a working subject for today spending the whole day in solitary confinement in the lunchroom. I permitted myself the relaxation of a game of tennis after supper before I started back on the homework. June 16 1938 Thursday I continued working on drama all day as we write it on Monday. I worked in the lunchroom while at school and upstairs at home after supper as I wrote a letter after 4 to Jack Corbett inviting him to come on July 9th. June 17 1938 Friday I spent more time fooling upstairs today than I have most days but I did a fair amount of work in the school basement notwithstanding. However I wasted all my time after school doing absolutely nothing. Every day now I say only so many more days of school for me and I'm finished for good. Today it is only 8 more school days until June 29th last day's school for me. I wasted my time during the evening when I should have been doing valuable work. June 18 1938 Saturday I half plugged at Physics all day but as it has been the warmest day so fat this year I got pitifully little done. I wasted my evening downtown until about 10pm when I took a bath in the shops. Mr. Vines was supposed to come but I couldn't find him. June 19 1938 Sunday I broke my Sabbath and the 4th commandment wide open by studying Physics and English all day to the exclusion of both Sunday School and Church. However, as God forgives us our sins, (or at least so we're told) and as I'd never forgive myself if I failed, I feel rather pleased over the day as a whole. My final lap of school commences tomorrow. I feel confident I shall pass clear if I work in between exams but as its often been said 'Anything can happen'. I had a chat after dinner with Donald McPherson who is working out at Hank's just now. He intends to take his grade 12 next year if they have it here. June 20 1938 Monday I woke up refreshed because of a 9:30 retirement last night. I found myself looking forward to our exam in English drama which on the whole was very reasonable. I felt great at noon feeling that now the exams were well begun they were half done. At noon I rode the bike over to the yards to watch sixteen men beginning to unload coal for a 1300 ton coal pile to be stationed here. This is the first time there have been coal piles here since 1929. It certainly will be a good thing for the town as 16 unemployed men are now working. I studied Trigonometry for tomorrow's exam during the afternoon and evening turning in at 9:30 as before. June 21 1938 Tuesday We wrote two exams today, Physics in the morning and Trig in the afternoon. This writing two exams per day is all right in that you get over them faster but it certainly leaves too little time to study both. I felt that I did very well in both despite the too great length of the Physic paper. I still stuck to my early bedtime hour studying Algebra until that time. June 22 1938 Wednesday Again we had two exams only this tie only one of them got studied. The French which we wrote in the afternoon I did fairly well in despite the lack of studying. I felt I had done real well when I completed the morning Algebra paper. I spent part of the evening studying English Novels for tomorrow. I took time out of course to listen to the famous Schmelling-Louis world heavyweight bout but the fates didn't want me to miss any studying on any account so they let Louis knock Schmelling out in two minutes. Today was the day of the sports day which on the whole was rather successful. There was a real show outfit with a Ferris wheel, something new for a Rivers sports day. I only saw the thing when I rode up there after dark. I spent quite a while riding around the car crowded town before looking in at the big dance in the freight shed with the Elkhorn orchestra playing. It took one heck of a lot of will power to get to bed by 10:30 instead of going to the dance as some of the class did. June 23 1938 Thursday I spent the morning at school spasmodically studying the English Novel. We wrote it in the afternoon and I wrote more than I ever wrote before, filling 16 sides of foolscap. I studied Analytics until bedtime when I got home from school. I almost forgot to mention that today I am 17 years old. I feel that I am growing old too fast. I would rather I was still 16. June 24 1938 Friday I made a poor mess of the Analytics exam. It was the first exam so far that I have stumbled on at all. I spent the most of the afternoon riding around on the bike. I delivered a few paper for Kinky after number 1 left. I did only a very little studying when I did get to school. As I passed through the gate coming home I turned to look at the old building knowing that today was the last Friday I would ever walk home from it – the end of my last complete week at school. June 25 1938 Saturday Today was my last Saturday that would have the special significance of a holiday from school. It was the last member of an illustrious line almost 500 Saturdays which I have looked forward to during the past eleven years. However I couldn't enjoy it as I have some of the others because I felt I should be working every moment I wasted. I read some Chemistry during the morning and afternoon but scarcely enough. I spent the early part of the afternoon down at the railroad. I watched 3 trains come and go while I was sitting on a bank opposite Messel's house. The road was real busy just then as 4 trains arrived at once. They were 403, 404, and number 1, and a fish special. It sure was great to see a whole pile of engines outside the roundhouse waiting to be hostled. Business on the road right now is the lowest ever despite sporadic little rushes like the one just mentioned. I visited 2 dead engines before coming home to read until 5pm when I rode to the Sunday School picnic at Westwood's. While out there I saw number 2 come by 4 hours late. I never saw a train travel so fast before. She must have been 'batting along' at about 65 or 70 per. I played in a ball game against a Wheatland team after the supper part was over and I believe we won. I missed the races because I went for a little bike ride with one of the Westwood boys. Before leaving I played a little at horseshoes. I derived immense satisfaction from beating Steve Mills home in his model T. I was pretty puffed and I had to pass him twice to do it. I hung around town and kidded some farmer's daughters for a time until I went for a bath at the shops. It was long after train time when I got home. June 26 1938 Sunday I spent the day in genuine study of my English poetry. The more I studied the more I was how little I knew until in the evening I was afraid for the first time in my life that I wouldn't pass. June 27 1938 Monday The poetry exam came off better than I expected it to as I feel I passed. I also wrote Composition after dinner. I studied French after supper for tomorrow's exam although I did ride down to the roundhouse once for fun after oiling up the bike a bit. It sure needed it too being sadly neglected of late. June 28 1938 Tuesday I got along fairly well in my French exam so I ought to get my usual average mark. I spent what time I had in the afternoon and evening reading over Chemistry which is tomorrow. June 29 1938 Wednesday My last day of school forever! For eleven years this day has been looked forward to. It dawned cloudy but cleared up toward afternoon. I wrote a very easy Chemistry paper in the morning for my very last exam. During the afternoon I helped bring chairs over from the United Church and wrote out my valedictory address for the closing exercises. I got cleaned up about 5:30. There were only about 20 at our function as some kids went to Rapid City sports. 'Danny' and I certainly enjoyed it although my valedictory had all the earmarks of little preparation. Olive Boles took a picture of 'Danny', Aldea Charron and I after the banquet while Mr. Grummeett took a class picture before. When it was all over I helped take the chairs back. Mr. Stewart was unable to be there as he can't sit down because of the boils he had during his recent sickness. Although this day has been looked forward to for years I felt very sorry that I will never go back to school again when it was all over. I never dreamed I'd feel like that but I do. Mary beat me 6-2 at tennis just before dark. I had a lovely swim afterwards, my first this year. Lloyd Wareham and I tried to get to the crossing bridge in time for number 3 but she beat us by half a minute. I retired soon after we got home. June 30 1938 Thursday I was supposed to help Charlie Nowe put the tables we used last night back in the basement but I just missed him because I took Olive Boles for a ride on the bike to the traffic bridge. I wasted most of my time after dinner whittling with and sharpening Bill's hunting knife. I had another swim after supper. I helped dad fix the pump after 2:30. July 1 1938 Friday I did a little work on my engine number book in the morning. I helped dad hoe up the gardens both behind the school and behind the house during the afternoon. After supper I took a ride out to John Shanks' with Lloyd and Ab Goodeve to see 'Maccy' who is working out there . We played a few hands of Rummy but spent the rest of the time gassing after jack Aitken arrived from Rapid City. It was after 11pm when we got home. July 2 1938 Saturday As soon as breakfast was over I began my annual yard cleanup including a complete mowing. It was roaring hot all day consequently I enjoyed a good swim late in the afternoon. I played tennis after supper again defeating Mary 6-0 as she was feeling tired. After I had beaten Mr. Vines 6-1 he treated me to a soft drink. He is going to summer school on Pelican Lake on Monday. He wanted me to go but as there is only swimming I felt I could better enjoy myself at home. July 3 1938 Sunday I got up too late to do much in the morning but soon after noon I began to clean up my room which has been littered with paper, books, and junk ever since Easter. However as the cleanup progressed I felt the desire for a round of golf creeping on, and no wonder, because when I succumbed to the desire I shot a 47, my lowest score so far. I was a little late for Church after supper because I rode out to play the last five holes. When I came back to the house after church I found conductor Elliot from Melville with his son Howard who had kept goal for Melville's hockey team in the four times we have played them. When dad came home he asked the boy to stay until his dad's next trip so I will have someone to bum with for the next few days. Howard has a fair opinion of himself but notwithstanding he is not a bad guy. July 4 1938 Monday Howard and I got up before 8:30 so we could get his windbreaker and bathing suit before the caboose left on 403. However as 403 was late it was 11 o'clock before she left. We sat around in the caboose listening to the brakemen 'chew the rag' almost until leaving time. As a result we were only able to play one set of tennis which I won 6-1 as Howard was out of practice and playing with a strange racket. During the afternoon we helped dad insulate the attic floor. Before dark we managed to play five holes of golf. We had a flat on the bike just as we started home from a rush swim before supper but we got home in time anyway. July 5 1938 Tuesday After fixing the bike flat we finished off the round of golf. Naturally I won by considerable as Howard has only played a very little. It showered off and on most of the day so we couldn't do much in the afternoon. However we all went for a swim after supper. July 6 1938 Wednesday I was up fairly early to find out what time 403 would leave as Howard went home on her. As it wasn't until 11am I let him have a good sleep. Before she pulled out he asked me up some day as did Mr. Elliot. I would like to go because Melville is a real town, furthermore I know quite a few people there including of course, a rather nice girl. However I don't suppose I will have the time to go up. I rode the yard engine until noon with 'Scotty' McPherson the general fireman after 403 had pulled out. I first met 'Scotty' some time ago out on the golf course. I had a swim after dinner before I dug into the task of cleaning up the terrible mess in the garage. I left it half done after supper to play a round of golf with Don McKenzie in which I took the coveted 'Tivy Trophy' from him. The 'Tivy Trophy' is a cup for international competition mother being the donor. I won it on behalf of England. July 7 1938 Thursday I wasn't up very early so I had just enough time to finish the garage cleanup before noon. I played Mary two good hard sets of tennis right after dinner securing well earned 6-4, 6-3, victories. After that I hoed nine rows of potatoes for dad in the garden in 'the flats'. I got Sunness' cow before supper. I talked to Mr. Bellany at the roundhouse while I was waiting for the herd to come in. After a hurried meal I rode to the golf course where I joined a bunch of men including 'Scotty' McPherson and dad. I didn't enjoy the round very much as there were too many. July 8 1938 Friday I got up early enough to play tennis with Minnie 'Chuck' Harrichuik at 7am. She has just come back to town after a year at Rainy River. As this is her first year at tennis I was too much for her. I got a letter from Jack Corbett in the mail but it was very disappointing in that it informed me he would be unable to visit me for next week. I cleaned the back hub on the bike and got the brakes working good before dinner. Before going for a round of golf with Jack Hanlon and Donald McKenzie in the afternoon I cleaned out the crank on the bike and hoed two rows of potatoes behind the back fence. I retained the old glass inkwell by turning in a 47. After the presentation ceremonies of the trophy we rode home for supper. I went out to play tennis during the evening but after beating Mary 6-1 in singles I sort of got left out of the doubles. Most of the time I spent sitting around talking about going to the dance at Cardale. I would liked to have gone but it would have cost me plenty and I couldn't find any transportation until late. Mary and I have decided to go to Aunt Mary's for two weeks as soon as the passes come. Laurence, Hilda, and Aunt Ruth came over after Brandon fair was over. It was late when 'Skinny' woke me up to say 'Hello'. Before I went to bed I rode to the overhead bridge with Bob Bradt and Bill Wareham to watch number 3 go under pulled by the 3596. It was the first time I have ever seen a train go under. July 9 1938 Saturday The majority of the day I spent in the 'backshops' working on number 5800 or in other words the bike. I cleaned and adjusted the big ends (the pedals) before noon while during the afternoon I worked on the front wheel and other parts. By the time I was finished I felt very glad because the bike was then in perfect mechanical condition. She runs so smooth that even the seat doesn't squeak. Lawrence and Hilda left for Holmfield about 3 o'clock taking dad as far as Brandon and leaving Ruth here for a holiday. July 10 1938 Sunday As soon as I had my breakfast I fixed up the light for the bike that I bought last summer. It sure adds looks and character to the old bike with a light installed. After dinner tried unsuccessfully to regain the Tivy Trophy from Donald who took it from me last night. I had a real good swim and dive before supper. After a short church service I came home to talk and chat. July 11 1938 Monday It was rather late when I got but I had time to write a letter to Aunt Mary and another to Jack Corbett before dinner. Weeding two rows of parsnips in the garden took very little time before an afternoon round of golf with Donald McKenzie. He retained the trophy by turning in a score of 44 compared to my 47. I was satisfied however because I made my first birdie by sinking the eighth hole in 3. I had supper after a delightful swim which eased the effects of the day's heat. I played in two sets of doubles at the tennis court during the evening being beaten 7-5 on both occasions. After writing a letter to 'Scotty' Jamison I went down town to buy a sherbicle for everyone the money being supplied by Aunt Ruth. It was such a beautiful, warm, calm, moonlit night out that I took a short spin on the bike when I got back to the house. July 12 1938 Tuesday Mother has been hounding me for the last week to get a job so I rode to the airfield before dinner where they have started to build two houses. 'Speed' Taylor who has the contract for digging the basements finishes today so he wouldn't take anyone on and as far as I could see the building contractor wouldn't need anyone either. I kidded 'Danny' and 'Bugs' Bradt who are working for 'Speed' before I came home for dinner. First thing in the afternoon I carried a bushel of potatoes home from the yard office before I headed to the river for a swim. I got a flat like last Monday only this time it was the back tire. Consequently I spent part of the evening in the 'backshops'. About 9pm I went to the Farmer Fiddlers' dance. This is the orchestra which played for several years over the air from Saskatoon. Most of the members are of the Howard family which used to farm near town before taking up music. They sure can play too because it helped my mediocre dancing considerably. I had a fair time, getting into bed soon after the 'Home, Sweet Home' at 2am. I have rally begun to enjoy my holidays now and I am not the least bit anxious to get away. July 13 1938 Wednesday I learned last night that the airfield contractor would need men to handle cement for foundations so I rode out before 8am. When I got there I asked the foreman for a job but he said the cement work wouldn't start for a while but that he'd keep me in mind. At 10am I went to Higginson's to help 'Pinky' saw up a pile of wood with his sawing machine. My wages were in the form of the sawdust which dad wants to finish insulating our attic. When we finished the sawing at about 4pm 'Pinky' hauled the bags of sawdust up to our place on his truck. I had a short swim before supper. I played tennis for the most of the evening. July 14 1938 Thursday I got Bill Wareham's bike in the morning so I could overhaul it for him in payment for the bulb and glass he gave me for my light. I worked at it after dinner until dad came home when I helped him put the sawdust up in the attic. When that was done I played golf with Don McKenzie and Gorgon Taylor. I had the highest score. I played tennis during the evening. July 15 1938 Friday As soon as I was finished breakfast I took Aunt Ruth for a round of golf which I devoted mainly to practice as Ruth in not very good. I finished up the most of Bill Wareham's bike after dinner. I had a swim before supper. Just as I was hurrying to the tennis courts after supper I met with the worst accident I've ever had on the bike. When I crossed the ditch the jolt caused the battery container of the light to fall into the front wheel where it lodged between the forks and spokes. The bike was going fast but it stopped in half a revolution of the front wheel sending the back end up in the air which flung me over the handlebars onto the sidewalk where I skinned both elbows and banged a knee. When I looked at the poor old bike she was indeed a wreck with not one spoke left in one half of the front wheel and the forks bent back so far the fender wouldn't pass under the frame. I tried to play tennis but I soon quit as I wanted to fix the bike. Strange as it may seem the glass for the light was not broken although the wreck knocked it out on the sidewalk. As the evening wore on my spirits began to raise as I made a good job of straightening the forks. There was very little to replacing the broken spokes with new ones. July 16 1938 Saturday I put the bike together soon after breakfast. The wreck and subsequent good job of backshopping have given me something to talk about these days. I played a round of golf before noon with 'Hanny' and Donald. Because they both played terrible I got the Tivy Trophy back again. First thing in the afternoon I went to the airfield to see how long my job would last if I got it. As the fellow promised me about 4 days beginning next Thursday I decided not to go to Aunt Mary's tomorrow night when I had intended to. I went to the river on the bike with Bill for a swim. I walked home with 'Bugs' Bradt and a few girls. I finished fixing Bill Wareham's bike after supper before I played a couple of sets of tennis. I went to the train when it came in. While I was there I talked to Sam Reid for a while. When I got home I found dad sputtering around like an old hen because Mary wasn't back from the airfield where she went with Mr. Sharpe the JCA contract inspector. Of course when they got home dad balled Mary out in front of everyone making me feel sorry for the kid who gets the devil every time she goes out. July 17 1938 Sunday I was supposed to play golf at 8am with Donald McKenzie but I was sound asleep at that time. I played a round alone before noon doing only fair. However I shot a 45 after dinner against McKenzie's 55. While I am doing as well of better than ever he is in a terrible slump. We started a second round but were too tired to finish. I went to church after super. Dad started his holidays. July 18 1938 Monday I played a round of golf with McKenzie in a high wind but because he is still in a slump I retained the old ink well. I played a little tennis after supper. When I got home I went out to a farmer's to see if he would take the gang to Clear Lake tomorrow. Aunt Ruth is awfully anxious to go. Of course being a farmer he was too busy so my ride was in vain except that is was a pleasure cruise for both Lloyd Wareham and I. When I got home I found mother had a house party sing song in full swing with all the tennis court gang present. We had a real good time until 1 am when the party broke up. The cats were real good too. July 19 1938 Tuesday No one stirred until 11am. That was the result of mother's swell party last night. I played tennis against Jack Crittenden for most of the afternoon defeating him 6- 4, 6-2, 6-0. I played holes of golf with 'Hanny' and McKenzie before dark. When I got home mother had gotten wind that cement work would start at the airfield tomorrow so I went up town to find out although I didn't think she was right. However I found out she was when I asked Russ Sharpe about it in the pool room. I went to the hotel where he and Steve Tyson one of the operators brought the contractor out of the beer parlour. Charlie the contractor to me to ride out by eight tomorrow and he'd put me to work. As it was getting late I rode home to bed feeling very excited and slightly apprehensive. July 20 1938 Wednesday Mother got up at 6:30 while my alarm got me up by 7. After breakfast I took the lunch pail and set off on the bike to ride the 4.6 miles to my first real job. Early in the day as I rode out I was wondering if I could stand it. I was fortunate in that the day was cloudy. I worked for 8 hours earning 2.80 at 35 cents per hour. I was assigned to putting gravel and cement into the hopper of the cement mixer. Tom Richardson was on the same job. We had to put two wheelbarrows full gravel for every bag of cement. As there were over 130 bags of cement used we filled, wheeled, and dumped over 260 wheelbarrows full of gravel. When you come to think of it that is a lot of gravel meaning 1 wheelbarrowful every 2 minutes or less. I was mighty glad when noon came but I felt confident I could take it. We were soon back at it after the distant sound of the 1 o'clock whistle came to our ears from the roundhouse. The first few hours passed quickly but the job dragged after that. The whole foundation of the first house was filled by about 15 to five when Tome and I were able to knock off. We helped our spirits a little during the afternoon by saying we were helping to fly the afternoon plane when it went over and that we'd be able to tell our grandchildren how we helped build the TCA. I got a ride home in a trailer but I would rather have ridden the bike because the trailer was too rough. After a monster supper I was able to play my best game of tennis so fat this year. I played with mother's new racket which is a dandy. July 21 1938 Thursday I didn't work today because they didn't need we extra men. I spent the day fixing up the bike finally after my recent work. I put the light back on again. After supper I found out up town that we would be put back to work tomorrow. I rode out to Tom Westwood's during the morning to see about going to Clear lake but it was only a wild goose chase because he couldn't answer me definitely. July 22 1938 Friday Mother got up before I did to make my lunch. Of course the wind was against me as I rode out to the field. I spent the whole day shoveling dirt but it was really easier than Wednesday because there was no machine to keep up to. I went to bed early because I work tomorrow again. July 23 1938 Saturday Again I rolled out at 6:45 after the summons of my alarm. With my lunch strapped to the crossbar I rode out to the airport in time for work. I spent the early part of the morning helping with the forms for the 2nd foundation. The rest of the day I spent in backfilling and spreading out the dirt that was left after backfilling around the first foundation. The heat was terrific until about 4 pm consequently I had my shirt off all day and wonder of wonders – I didn't get sunburned. At noon we all got paid up to last Wednesday which of course meant that I got paid only for Wednesday – the magnificent sum of 2.80 in cash being just first day's pay. In it there was a nice new 1938 quarter which I think I'll keep as a souvenir. I spent the evening around downtown. July 24 1938 Sunday We got up fairly early as we left at 10am for Clear Lake in Foster's car. I don't know what Aunt Ruth would have done if she hadn't been able to get to Clear Lake while she was here. Dad of course didn't come being on his holidays down South somewhere. After a slightly showery but nevertheless pleasant ride of two hours we arrived at the park tourist camp to find the weather chilly. We ate dinner at a kitchenette at once but the fact that I was chilly somewhat spoiled it. I spent the day visiting everything I remembered from the time we camped there some years ago. As the weather warmed up I rather enjoyed myself watching the tennis, inspecting the museum, visiting tent town, exploring Wasagaming, and watching a seaplane take up passengers. Mr. Foster took us all up to the golf club house for a few minutes after supper. On the way home we stopped off to look at Sandy Lake it being the first time I have ever been there. We also passed through Elphinstone and Cardale coming home this way. July 25 1938 Monday I was late getting up, consequently I did very little during the morning. I didn't have to go to work today but will go tomorrow. As Aunt Ruth felt it time to go home we went with her to Brandon in Foster's car. Mr. Gibbons drove. He slid it right off the road into the ditch at the bad corner by Powerville school but didn't hurt anything. I visited 'Gunny' at Canadian motors where he has been working since June. By the time I had walked through the CN shops it was time to go to the bus station to see Ruth off. She took Bill with her. We came home as soon as they got on the bus. I ate supper on arriving home. I 'hit the hay' early preparatory to a hard day's labour tomorrow. 1