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Waterloo Volunteerism (24 September 1914)

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

Almost two months after the declaration of war, enlistment rates continued to increase in the Waterloo Region. Those who enlisted in the Second Contingent left Waterloo Region with a magnificent parade much like the parades that occurred when the region sent off men for the First Contingent.

The Waterloo Chronicle-Telegraph proudly stated that the twelve Canadian volunteers and five British reservists would embark for the front with the Canadian Second Contingent. The Breithaupt family insured these individuals for $1,000 each in the case of death while serving. This is a sample of the commitment the family displayed for Canada in the first months of the war.

(Photo courtesy of the Canadian War Museum, “Waterloo Volunteerism,“ Waterloo Chronicle-Telegraph, 24 September 1914)

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German Strength (24 September 1914)

By • On • In Fall 1914, War

In September 1914 there were numerous reports of German retreats in many areas of Europe. The Elmira Signet suggested that this was a ploy by German commanders and not necessarily a sign of the war coming to a close. The Elmira Signet reported that Western Germany offered an ideal defensive position for the Kaiser’s army. With multiple transportation networks, over two million men in the Landwehr, along with geographic advantages such as the Rhine, the conclusion was made that the First World War was going to last longer than current official pronouncements were suggesting. With this article, the Elmira Signet was indicating that the region should be prepared for a long war.

(Germany’s Strength,” Elmira Signet, 24 September 1914)

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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)

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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)

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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)