The Rural Voice, 2004-11, Page 31movie we had the pleasure of seeing,
and wondered if the airplanes flying
overhead could be German. We were
reassured that fuel would run out
before they reached our part of the
world.
We were encouraged to contribute
to the war effort. There were ration
books with coupons for sugar, butter
and meat, although on the farm there
was always plenty to eat. Gas was
rationed too but there was some
special dispensation for tractor gas
needed to operate the farm. All over
our county children brought quarters
to school for the war effort. We also
collected milkweed pods to be used
as filling for life jackets.
A plane was purchased with the
money we collected, most likely a
Mosquito Fighter/Bomber. These
fast, sturdy Canadian built craft were
effective air support for the
Normandy Landings.
Acelebration was planned in
Fenelon Falls on June 7.
1944. We traveled the 25
miles in our 1931 Chev, our
grandmother from Toronto
accompanying our family of six. all
wedged into the old car. The event
was so well attended that Dad was
unable to find a parking place
anywhere near the fair grounds and
my grandmother was too stout to
walk that far so she stayed in the car.
The plane flew overhead, with
excited cheers from below. There
were patriotic speeches from Premier
Leslie Frost and other dignitaries and
we school children sang together in a
mass choir.
When we returned to the car after
a couple of hours we discovered that
our grandmother had grown tired of
waiting and had devoured much of
the picnic lunch.
When the war in Europe ended on
May 8, 1945, the news came during
the school day. Normally no child
was allowed to touch the rope for the
school bell but that day each of us
took a turn on the bell rope ringing it
until we were too tired to continue.
Our teacher stood by with a broad
smile and made no effort to contain
our exuberance.
A few years later, the whole
community united to build The War
Memorial Arena in our village, a
fitting tribute to those who had gone
to war, some never to return.0
WE WANT
YOUR GRAIN
Elevator - Seaforth
519-527-1241
• Corn • Soybeans
• Feed Grains • Feed Ingredients
• Food Quality Soybeans
CASH & FORWARD CONTRACTS
Call us today for Quotes
Dave Gordon
Elizabeth Armstrong
Richard Smibert
Ian Carter
Scott Krakar
london agricultural commodities. inc.
1615 NORTH ROUTLEDGE PARK
UNIT 43
LONDON, ONTARIO, N6H 5L6
519-473-9333
Toll -Free 1-800-265-1885
Entertaining
Informative
Economical
Give
-Rural Voice
The gift that comes
12 times a year!
See page 47
for details
* R. M. KELLY INC. & ASSOCIATES
Financial Consultants
• Farms • Commercial
• Financial problem solving
• 20 years experience negotiating
with lending institutions
For confidential, professional assistance call
519-887-9460
Brussels, Ontario
J�
\C,
HELP FOR ONTARIO FARMERS IN CRISIS
Queen's Bush Rural Ministries
Provides a free confidential service
to listen and offer a network
of helpful contacts.
Call Collect 1-519-369-6774
NOVEMBER 2004 27