Summer 1914.

When Britain declared war on Germany on 4 August, the Canadian Grocer predicted a general rise in the price of foodstuffs. Foods that were imported from within the war zone, such as sugar, beans, nuts, cream of tartar, Bosnian prunes and French peas, would increase in price and decrease in availability. Additionally, domestic products such as wheat and flour had already seen an increase in price by the first week of August. After discussing the various increases in prices, and the reasons behind those increases, the Canadian Grocer reminded readers that Canadians were fortunate when compared to those in Europe. Canada would have enough sustenance throughout the war, even if rationing had to be implemented later on. It was evident that there was no need for the Canadian public to worry about foodstuff at this point in the war.

(“Soaring Food Prices,” Waterloo Chronicle Telegraph, 13 August 1914; “Prices for Foodstuffs Increasing,” Waterloo Chronicle Telegraph, 13 August 1914; “How Prices Have Soared in Ontario,” Waterloo Chronicle Telegraph, 13 August 1914; “War A Check On Commerce,” Elmira Signet, 20 August 1914; “No Shortage of Food,” Waterloo Chronicle Telegraph, 27 August 1914)

Excerpt from “Soaring Food Prices” (Waterloo Chronicle Telegraph, 13 August 1914)

Waterloo Region understood that the war would greatly benefit Canada’s economy, the Elmira Signet going as far as to say “one continent’s ‘down’ is another continent’s ‘up.’” Waterloo region’s factories plunged into wartime production almost immediately. Multiple Berlin and Waterloo industries received large orders from the Militia Department. Trunk companies, leather companies, boot and shoe firms, textile manufacturers and rubber companies in the region were among the many who received contracts across Quebec and Ontario.

An order for 7000 sets of Oliver equipment, 2000 rifle buckets and 5000 rifle slings were divided between the McBrine Company, the Berlin Trunk and Bag Company, and the Duering Trunk Company. Additionally, five boot and shoe companies in the Waterloo Region were to produce 20,000 pairs of shoes, while another company was to produce 10,000 service shirts. These orders needed to be filled within five weeks to secure a second contract with the Militia Department. By mid-August, the already bustling industries in the Waterloo Region were further stimulated by wartime demands.

(“The Outlook in Canada,” Elmira Signet, 27 August 1914; “Factories will be busy,” Waterloo Chronicle-Telegraph, 20 August 1914; “Industry Hysteria,” Waterloo Chronicle-Telegraph, 27 August 1914; “Factories will be busy,” Waterloo Chronicle-Telegraph, 20 August 1914; “Cannot buy German goods,” Berlin Daily Telegraph, 11 August 1914.)

Waterloo Region During The First World War

Soaring Food Prices (13 August 1914)

Factories will be Busy (20 August 1914)