Page 1
Standard

Elmira and Woolwich Fall Fair (24 September 1914)

By • On • In Fall 1914, Home Front

The annual Elmira fair was held on 24 September 1914. Numerous people attended the event regardless of the deplorable weather conditions. Farm animals were displayed, along with fruits, vegetables and meats from the surrounding area. Local companies were also allowed to display new equipment. Elmira Machinery and Transmission Co. exhibited a number of their new innovative farming tools.

The fair was concluded with multiple horse races. Prizes were handed out at the conclusion of the festivities. Although Waterloo Region strove to support the war effort, the war did not interfere with annual cultural events in Waterloo Region during 1914.

(“The Elmira and Woolwich Fall Fair,” Elmira Signet, 24 September 1914)

elmiraayrcontribute_25 elmiraayrcontribute2_25

Standard

Ontario’s Intensive Farming (24 September 1914)

By • On • In Economics, Fall 1914

With the demand for food supplies increasing drastically for both national and international markets, Canada turned to Ontario. Located near the Great Lakes, and with CNR railway access in Guelph, the rich fields of this province were chosen to bear the burden of supplying food rations for the war effort.

A Berlin Daily Telegraph article demonstrated the skepticism that farmers had for the cause. With labour dwindling, the Federal Government was pushing for new scientific methods to be introduced on Canadian farms to increase agricultural production. These alterations to farming methods and techniques were to be introduced in early 1915 to replicate European intensive farming. The Canadian Government wanted to ensure that Canada could supply the war effort as fully as possible.

(Photo courtesy of Canadian War Museum, “Ontario’s Intensive Farming,” Berlin Daily Telegraph, 24 September 1914)

instensivefarming_34

Standard

Demand for the News (24 September 1914)

By • On • In Economics, Fall 1914

With war raging in Europe on an unprecedented scale, Waterloo Region newspapers saw a chance for exponential monetary gains. The result was a consistent push to purchase a year subscription for the news. To ensure that readers purchased a year subscription, the newspapers offered early-bird specials. For example, subscribers could obtain the Berlin Daily Telegraph for $2.00 until January 1916. This is a consistent theme among the region’s several newspapers.

(“Demand for the News,“ Berlin Daily Telegraph, 24 September 1914)

 

Standard

Industrial Expansion Halting in Ontario (28 September 1914)

By • On • In Economics, Fall 1914

The industrial growing pains of Ontario were still being felt even after the war contracts were being handed out in August and September of 1914. Only a select few companies were receiving war contracts from the government to stimulate new businesses. As the Berlin Daily Telegraph reported, this was a growing concern for Ontario’s economic future.

Over the span of one week a total of seven new companies were introduced in the province. Those include the: Claufield & Sons Ltd., Brantford Bowling & Athletic Club, Boxall and Matthhie Ltd., Welland Land Cooperative Society Ltd., Peninsular Motor Sales Co., Ltd., Feick Manufacturing Co., Sarnia Metal Products Co. This illustrated how the war economy was taking considerable time to fully develop in Canada.

(“Few new Companies are Being Formed,” Berlin Daily Telegraph, 28 September 1914)

industrialexpansion_33

Standard

Fund Concert (29 September 1914)

By • On • In Fall 1914, Home Front

New Hamburg’s Mr. S.J. Williams hosted the first major public fundraiser for the Patriotic Fund. Waterloo’s “C” company of the 29th Infantry Regiment and local school children performed a march in a local New Hamburg rink. The event opened with elaborate decorations, live music and refreshments. This was the Waterloo Patriotic Fund’s first attempt at outreach to smaller town communities located around the county. This event demonstrated that the entire Waterloo Region wanted to aid the war effort.

(“Patriotic Concert a Big Success,” Berlin Daily Telegraph, 29 September 1914)

fundconcert_20

Standard

Canadians Have Sailed (1 October 1914)

By • On • In Fall 1914, War

After one month of intense training at Valcartier, Quebec, Canada’s first contingent set sail for England on 24 September from Quebec. British steamers transported the soldiers across the Atlantic Ocean to Britain. The soldiers were to land in Liverpool, England, for their final training. The Hespeler Herald assured its readers that a heavy escort of British cruisers and torpedo boats, to protect the Canadian units on their voyage, accompanied the troops. Units containing men from Waterloo Region were shipped over on the ship “Laurentic,” on the Sunday 27 September 1914.

(“Canadians Have Sailed,“ Hespeler Herald, 1 October 1914)

canadianssail_21

Standard

Elmira and Ayr Contribute to the Patriotic Fund (October 1, 21 1914)

By • On • In Fall 1914, War

After council deliberations, it was decided that Elmira would start its own branch of the Patriotic Fund. Much like Hespeler, the town took significantly longer to form a Patriotic branch of their own when compared to the larger city centers such as Berlin and Waterloo. On 22 October, an Elmira Signet article informed the citizens of Elmira of the nature of the Patriotic Fund and how every individual was expected to commit fully to the cause.

This was also the first day of campaigning for donations. As such, the town of Elmira hosted a concert at the Beethoven Club.  Over eighteen different bands and singers performed at the event. A total of $93.00 was raised. This was their first step toward reaching a total of $5,000, which was accomplished on 12 November 1914.

In comparison, Ayr hosted its own concert on 13 September. The Citizens’ Band raised a sum of $32.75. The majority of this donation went to the Red Cross for the purchasing of materials. Ayr’s and Elmira’s contributions took time to grow, since their residents were preoccupied with the fall harvest. As the war dragged on, contributions from these areas grew.

(“Patriotic Concert,” Ayr News, 1 October 1914; “The Patriotic Relief Fund,” Hespeler Herald, 22 October 1914)

elmiraayrcontribute2_25 (1) elmiraayrcontribute3_25

Standard

The Cost of War (3 October 1914)

By • On • In Fall 1914, War

With the war underway and Canadian enlistment ever increasing, the Waterloo Region’s newspapers became concerned over a variety of issues such as foodstuffs and financial burdens. One of the troubles was the financial strain of fielding an army. A Berlin Daily Telegraph article suggested it cost roughly $100 to equip each soldier. The article further explained that this total did not take into account the cost of training, transport, rations, and other challenges of preparing the nation for war. This was a great burden for the Canadian government that wished to deploy over 100,000 fully trained soldiers. This article emphasized why support from localities was so important to the Canadian War effort.

(Photo is a button manufactured by the Toronto Patriotic Fund. Courtesy of Canadian War Museum, “The Cost of War,” Berlin Daily Telegraph, 13 October 1914)

Untitled

Standard

Start of the Patriotic Fund Campaign (5 October 1914)

By • On • In Fall 1914, German-Canadian Identity, Home Front

Berlin officially set its first Patriotic Fund goal on the 5th of October. They persuaded the city’s residents to donate by reminding them of “British chivalry and humanity” along with their commitment to those who had already volunteered. The first goal Berlin set was to reach $75,000 by October 8th. This was the first step towards the city’s significant monetary commitment to the war effort. Berlin would contribute a significant portion to the roughly $22,981,616 that was collected across Canada by the end of the war.

(Photo courtesy of the Canadian War Museum.  Patriotic Fund stat from Statistics Canada, “The Patriotic Fund Campaign,“ Berlin Daily Telegraph, 5 October 1914)

 

Start Patriot_5

Standard

Not Known Where Canada’s Contingent Will Be Sent (5 October 1914)

By • On • In Fall 1914, German-Canadian Identity

With the ever-increasing tension on the frontlines mounting and the threat of a long war becoming ever clearer, Canada began to ponder where the First Contingent, who were currently on route to England, would be used. Canada waited patiently as Indian and British reserves battled on the frontlines. The Berlin Daily Telegraph reported that rumors had begun to swirl around whether or not the Canadian troops would be sent directly to the continent or if they would be sent to Aldershot for additional training. Canada’s government remained silent on this issue.

(“Not Known Where Canadian Contingent Will be Sent,” Berlin Daily Telegraph, 5 October 1914)

Not Known_6