Summer 1914 –

The region continued to contribute to the hospital ship fund for the Imperial Navy and the Red Cross Society throughout August. Waterloo Region residents also donated goods that were needed, such as pillows, shirts, socks, mending kits, and fabrics to soldiers who were about to go to the front. The region was also willing to do without certain things in the name of the war effort. The Waterloo Public Library halted their renovation plans, feeling that such expenditure would be unreasonable during the crisis. By the end of August it was clear that Waterloo region strove to support the war effort through a variety of methods.

(“To Raise Funds for Canadian Hospital Ship,” Berlin Daily Telegraph, 11 August 1914; “Red Cross Society,” Hespeler Herald, 20 August 1914; “Supplies for Soldiers,” Elmira Signet, 27 August 1914; “New Wing to Library Will Not be Built,” Waterloo Chronicle-Telegraph, 20 August 1914; “Red Cross Society,” Hespeler Herald, 20 August 1914.)

On 14 August, a poem was published in the Berlin Daily Telegraph that honoured the young men who enlisted in Berlin, Ontario. The first stanza states that Berlin’s sons who had enlisted were the pride of their community. They were loyal and true Canadians, ready to defend England’s honour. The poem concluded with encouragement to give the Berlin men a good send-off as they go off to carry out “Deeds of valour and might.” This poem emphasized that Berlin men, regardless of their ancestry, felt and were seen to be proud members of the British Empire. This message was emphasized by the fact that the poem was written by “A Britisher.” It is here, once again, that a member of the Waterloo Region emphasized the Canadian and imperialistic sentiment and identity of the region.

(“Berlin’s Soldier Boys,” Berlin Daily-Telegraph, 14 August 1914.)

Despite Canada’s preoccupation with the war effort and the mobilization of troops at Valcartier, Canadian culture continued to thrive. Although it was suggested that the Canadian National Exhibition might be cancelled due to the war, the Exhibition was held as planned in Toronto at Exhibition Place. It concluded on Labour Day (7 September) after running for eighteen days. The Exhibition included big attractions such as the Water Carnival featuring the ‘Indian’ canoe races, celebrations for one hundred years of peace with the United States through song, and a performance called ‘Babylon’ that featured over a thousand performers. The large fair provided an entertaining distraction from the European war for thousands of Canadians.

(“Nothing Can Stop It!,” Hespeler Herald, 20 August 1914; Visual: http://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/2011_08_27_f1244_it0877_6401.jpg)