Special Features

On November 3, 1940, sixty-two club members comprising thirty-one teams, all provincial champions, and representing every province in the Dominion arrived in Toronto, and took up headquarters at the Royal York Hotel, to compete in the National Club Contest, sponsored by the Canadian Council on Boys' and Girls' Club Work.
A word of explanation. Judging contests and oral examinations were held in poultry, beef, dairy, swine, grain and potato projects. Ontario was represented in the latter four, of which all but the dairy team, came from Durham County. My team-mate Murray Lord and I competed in the seed potato project.
On November 4, competitions took place in or near Toronto, and lasted all day.
On November 5, the teams journeyed to Brampton, and visited the Dale Estate, returning to Toronto, to tour the plant of Canada Meat Packers Ltd. At the dinner at the hotel, the contest results were announced. Honours were evenly divided. Ontario was high in the grain and potato competitions. Whatever success Durham has met with, is due to the excellent coaching by Mr E A Summers, Agriculturai Representative.
On the following day the group entrained for Hamilton, and later went on to Niagara Falls, where teams of the other provinces caught their first glimpse of the mighty cataract.
In the grey dawn of November 7, we found ourselves in the Capital, and after spending a few interesting hours at the Central Experimental farm outside the city, a tour of Ottawa and vicinity was made.
On November 8, the last day on which the group was together, we spent profitably in visiting the National War Memorial, Parliament Buildings and in seeing the House of Commons in session.
The Ontario Teams were the last to leave Ottawa, and we were able to bid club members from the east and west 'au revoir'. As we were bidding good-bye to these new friends, I thought of whom these sixty-two boys and girls represented - nearly fifty thousand young people from Canada's rural areas, who are carrying on Junior Farm activities. And so it is my firm conviction that whatever part Canada plays in this present struggle, here Junior Farmers will carry on.
Vernon White, XIII (A member of the Dominion Championship Potato Judging Team)


A Cruise to the West Indies

During the Easter Holidays of 1939, a party of nine boys enjoyed a wonderful cruise to Nassau and Havana aboard the TSS Transylvania, which has since been sunk by a German submarine. The trip took ten days which allowed eight days on the boat and two in New York. From the moment we boarded the train in Toronto until we arrived back in Toronto events seemed to happen just as one would see them in a movie, and it is as such, that I will try to describe this cruise.
Amid much excitement and restlessness, the train left Toronto at 8 pm on the Thursday before Good Friday, and arrived in New York at eight the next morning. We went directly to the Plaza Hotel, and after cleaning up a bit, we did some shopping and sight seeing in the heart of New York, and then ended up at the huge Paramount Theatre where Tommy Dorsey was playing a personal engagement. After the show, we went back to the Hotel to pack up our baggage, and then in special buses, we left for the pier. A few minutes were spent here sorting luggage, but it was not long until we were on board ship, quivering with excitement. In another half an hour, the warning whistle sounded, and the paper streamers began to fly. Then the boat, aided by tugs, slowly moved out and headed down the river. By now it was dark and a starry sky looked down on us, as we threaded our way among the river ferries, past the dim outline of Manhattan and finally past the Statue of Liberty, holding aloft her famous torch. Most of the day's excitement was over now, and the remainder of the evening was spent in settling in our cabins.
The first day out, was spent in exploring the ship and making acquaintances.
The air was still quite cold and raw, so consequently very few stayed on deck, unless rolled up in a blanket on a deck chair. That evening we were nearing the Cape, where the Gulf Stream comes in and the sea was quite rough. My stomach felt out of place that night, but fortunately no meals were missed. The next day, the weather was much warmer and it was possible to stay on deck. The third day out, everyone was running around in summer clothes, swimming in the tank and sun bathing. Each morning we found a program under the cabin door, which outlined the day's activities. These included horse racing, contests, tea dances, lunch on deck instead of in the dining rooms, and movies at night on the deck. There were all sorts of games which were always being played, such as shuffleboard, deck tennis, various types of slot machines, ping pong, and if anyone ever thought that ping pong was a hard game, they should try it on a rolling ship. Contests were held regularly, such as the ship's pool, nail driving contests and many others. Thus events such as these, kept every minute of the day occupied.
On the fourth morning, the Bahamas were sighted, and we were soon anchored off Nassau. We were transported to the town on a tender, since the water is too shallow for a large liner to dock. As we neared the harbour, small boats filled with negro boys came out to meet us. This was the signal to start tossing coins, for which they dove. They are marvelous swimmers and rarely miss a coin. After landing, we proceeded to explore the town of Nassau. The first thing that struck our eyes, were large stalls, which were filled with hand-made straw hats of all shapes and sizes, purses, and novelties. All these articles have various coloured straw in them, and so it presents a very colorful picture. Next visited, were Sloppy Joe's and Dirty Dick's, world-famous bars. After that we saw the Governor's residence. It is a marvelous home, with wonderful grounds. It was interesting to note that negro policemen in their picturesque uniforms, absolutely refused to let their pictures be taken. A negro woman carrying a basket on her head demanded fifty cents, before she would be snapped. Later in the day, we were taken aboard glass bottomed boats for a cruise over the coral reefs around Nassau. The colours and shapes of the coral are beautiful, but some of the small fish are even more beautiful. The water over the reefs is crystal clear, and it is the most marvelous colour of blue that one could imagine. The boats dropped us at Paradise Beach, where we enjoyed a swim in the ocean. The sand is so white here, that it could almost be taken for snow. After our swim, we went back to the tender and thence to the Transylvania, where we were soon under sail for Havana, reaching there the following afternoon.
As the entrance to Havana Harbour met us, we saw picturesque Morro Castle, built up on the rocks to the left, and a beautiful boulevard with its green grass and waving palm trees, to the right. We were again greeted by native boys who swam out to dive for coins. By the time we were able to leave the boat it was dark. Havana, with its mazes of neon signs and brilliantly lit boulevards is very entrancing at night. We were put in chartered taxis and taken for a short drive through the, city. On our program for the night, was a visit to each of three night clubs, arriving at each in time for the floor show. Two of these clubs, the Sans Souci and the Nationale Casino are the largest in the city. The third was small, and normally catered to Cubans only.
The next day was spent in sight-seeing and shopping. Some of the many places visited were the famous Havana Yacht Club, a drive through the training grounds and barracks of the Cuban army, a drive through the city, and a visit to the Tropical Gardens. The Yacht Club is a huge, square stone building with terrazo flooring throughout. At the front there are beautiful flower beds and grounds, and at the back, is the ocean and the beach. The beauty of the trees and flowers along the roads is indescribable, and as the Yacht Club is quite a distance out of the city, we had many opportunities to see these. Another place which is never to be missed by visitors to Havana is the Tropical Gardens. It is a huge park, with winding drives all through it, and it is just like driving through a fairyland. The remarkable part of this, is that it is right in the city of Havana. During the shopping tour, it was our privilege to indulge in the largest, (so far as is known) and the best ham sandwich for fifteen cents that anyone can buy. There were thirteen slices of ham, believe it or not! We also visited the Trocadero distilleries where the famous Cuban rum is made. The last night in Havana, for most of us, I am sorry to say, was spent on the boat, but we took advantage of the time by going through the kitchens and storage rooms and making general tours of exploration. We had been told that the sunrise in Cuba was worth seeing so we sat up and waited for it. The boat left for New York at seven that morning, and although the cruise was nearing an end, much enjoyment was still to be had in the various games, dances and other amusements too numerous to mention.
Time seemed to fly quickly and before long we found ourselves once again in the Hudson, going past the familiar outlines of Manhattan, which was hazy in the early morning mist. After clearing customs, we left for the Taft Hotel. The remainder of the day was spent in sight-seeing. Included in this were tours through various parts of Rockefeller Centre including a trip to the top, some eighty odd floors above the ground. Taking the express elevator, we came down sixty floors in about a minute and a half. On the sixtieth floor where we boarded the express elevator, we saw the famous Rainbow Rooms.
Evening soon arrived, and we boarded the train for Toronto arriving there at 8 am the following morning. We all were out of money, but thankful that we had the privilege of seeing so many wonderful sights, the memories of which will linger for years to come.
M George, XII


My Summer Vacation in Nova Scotia

The train that carried me east to Halifax carried a very willing passenger, for I was on my way to my cousin's home there. I was looking forward to becoming better acquainted with my relatives and the province where I was about to live for a few weeks.
The time I arrvied at Halifax was early night. At a distance of forty miles from the city we were not allowed on the observation car and the shades on all the windows were lowered. As we looked through the different small openings we saw searchlights flashing in all directions.
On my arrival I was welcomed by my relations and heard that the very next morning, we were leaving on a motor trip to Yarmouth by way of Annapolis Valley. What a tour we had the next few days!
Windsor was our first stop. Here the oldest English college in Canada was built in 1778 and destroyed by fire a few years later. Here Judge Haliburton, the creator of 'Sam Slick' lived. The house has been renovated; the wooded property was explored and a pit was found in which were many relics of cooking utensils. The old blockhouse part of Fort Edward, 1750 still remains, the only original in Canada.
On the road to Wolfeville along the banks of the rivers, gypsum can be seen. Wolfeville is the centre of the world-renowned Land of Evangeline and is the home of Acadia University and Seminary.
Grand-Pre - the scene of Longfellow's Evangeline—is situated on the shores of Minas Basin, a panorama of meadow, dyke, river, orchard, and mountains, anything more lovely would be hard to find. One can see the interesting remains of the old burying ground, the original well used by Evangeline's people, and the church where they worshipped which is now the treasure house of memorials, and there still remains the old French Willows.
Mount Blomidon a high ridge from Blomidon to Briar Island is a shelter for the valley. The lookout affords a wonderful view of five counties of Minas Basin and the shore line. Along the rocky bluffs are huge stones pitted with amethysts. The fresh sea breeze blows up over the top. Beauty beyond words lies before one's eyes—the blues of the water and the copper shades of the mud flats on one side, the wonderful greens of the trees and the lands the other side.
On next to Annoplis Royal - the Port Royal sacred to De Monts and Champlain was the first permanent European habitation in Nova Scotia.
Digby, where the steamer leaves for St John across the Bay of Fundy, which has the highest water tide in the world - seventy feet - is a mecca for tourists. Magnificent scenery and no factories have made it so. The fishermen smoke herring and dry cod on wooden flakes.
Yarmouth is the next stop, a busy industrial centre and a great summer resort. The Norsemen are said to have visited it in 1000 AD. The relic stone, is a stone inscribed with characters which is claimed to have been raised by Leif Ericson in 1000 AD. One must mention Yarmouth shipping also. Now there is a huge airport there.
Lunenburg thrilled me through and through.
It has the greatest fishing fleet of America and is the home of the Blue Nose, the fastest schooner in the world. Nova Scotia timber is particularly buoyant. Ships with four masts, wind ships of Nova Scotia sailed on every ocean.
Hubbard's is the pleasure yacht haunt. Peggy's Cove is a very rocky formation entirely barren of growth.
Back to Halifax again. Every day was packed with interest for it is a very old city and the first town in Canada settled by the English in 1749. There the first Anglican church, St Paul's, was built in 1750; the citadel was the first fort erected and the town clock was erected in 1802; Point Pleasant Park is now reserved for purpose of defense.
There is the old Martello Tower, where the Maroons worshipped; they were Jamaican Blacks whom the Duke of Kent used as labourers to build his estate.
Now Halifax is booming. Within one year its population has doubled. Bedford Basin which can hold a vast fleet is a focal point now. At a glance one can tell if ships are armed by a range finder on the bridge or if a ship has an anti-mine device by a yellow cross in the centre of the ship. Ships and seamen of all nations can be seen.
My holiday was all too short. I had played tennis, golfed, canoed, sailed, picnicked, had been swimming and dancing and roamed around Halifax day after day and I was still unsatisfied with my knowledge. I wanted to see more of Nova Scotia with her varied scenery, mountains, streams, lakes, meadows, orchards, rugged shores, and the phenomenal tides of the Bay of Fundy.
May I add that the inhabitants of Nova Scotia are among the most interesting on the continent; seafarers and farmers, they are a patient people and in many parts are holding to ancestral ways - oxen in the fields - spinning wheels and trestles in the homes, and at St Mary's Bay Shore they speak their own tongue of Acadia. Such old customs give charm, unsurpassed elsewhere.
Nova Scotia has the distinction of being the only Province in the Dominion of Canada to possess a flag of its own. The flag is a silver field with a blue St Andrew's Cross and a small shield with the royal arms of Scotland being placed as an escuthcheon upon the Cross with the motto, 'Munivit haec et altera vincit.'
R J W Sculthorpe, XIA


By Car to Vancouver

On the afternoon of June 30th, 1940, we left Port Hope on our journey to Vancouver. Travelling to Sarnia we crossed the beautiful Blue Water bridge at Sunset, into the United States. We drove on to Detroit and spent the night there. The next morning, after sight-seeing and a little shopping we went on and found comfortable lodgings the other side of Chicago. The following day we travelled through the famous Wisconsin Dells, which have a beauty resembling mountain scenery. Passing through the state of Minnesota we came into North Dakota where our road took us through a part of the Roosevelt State Park. That night we were travelling through the district known as the 'bad lands', which are worn down mountains. In the darkness, with but the lights of our car, it was a thrilling experience descending and ascending steep spiral grades and we were glad to rest at midnight at Williston. Thursday, July 4th we arrived at a farm, near Plentywood, Montana. Four years ago when we visited this farm, which twenty years previously had been in the centre of a flourishing wheat growing district, there was not a blade of grass to be seen. It appeared like a vast desert, but on this occasion the whole countryside was green and fields were again growing grain. Later that day we crossed the border into Canada, just North of Raymond, Montana. We drove through an electrical storm and through rain into Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, arriving very soon at the border of Alberta. We drove on to Medicine Hat, famous as the home of Natural Gas. Here we visited for three days. We arrived in Calgary in time for the opening of the Great Stampede. We saw the magnificient parade and went to the Stampede grounds. The chuckwaggon races were thrilling, as horses fell and waggons were smashed. Men wrestled with steers and Indians raced bareback on horses. A grand display of fireworks brought the day to a close.
From Calgary we went through Banff National Park with towering mountains on either side. We passed beautiful Lake Louise and crossed the Great Divide, at which point a stream divides, one half flowing East and the other to the West. We saw the famous spiral tunnels on the CPR hundreds of feet below our road, with Mount Cathedral on one side and Mount Stephen in the distance. We circled mountains, where on the one side gravel and rocks had fallen putting the car on an agle towards the outside of the road, where the slide continued for hundreds of feet. Along the gorge of the Kicking Horse River there is a Natural Bridge, formed by the water cutting through the rock underneath. We crossed it on foot and gazed into the lower canyon. Near here a cow moose and her calf eyed us through the trees. While driving through Surprise Canyon, there was an awful crash as one of the very tall British Columbia pines fell across the road. A car immediately ahead stopped with a jerk and we did likewise. The tree had broken into three pieces and we had to wait until other cars arrived. Luckily a truck came along and produced a tow rope. This was attached to each piece of tree in turn and men and women hauled on the rope making room for a car to squeeze through. We were now on the New Big Bend Highway, 193 miles from Golden to Revelstoke, much of it through virgin forest, following the Columbia River. In many places the road had been blasted through solid rock and we reached a height of 3,269 feet. Very little of the gravel had been oiled, so it was very dusty. No highway signs were to be seen and no barriers marked the edge of the many dangerous sides. There were no gas stations, but there was a cache of gasoline at about the halfway point. We passed through Devil's Garden, so named on account of the heavy growth of devil's clubs and timber.
About thirty-five miles from Revelstoke a big forest fire was raging. We expected to be turned back for it seemed that the whole mountain on which we were travelling was ablaze. The smoke was dense and across the gorge we soon saw the fire blazing up one side of a mountain. We felt the heat though the wind was in our favour. When we finally arrived in Revelstoke, the town was enveloped in smoke, and a big mountain across the river was still smouldering from a fire there a week ago.
Having spent the night in 'the smoky town' our first excitement the following day was a bridge out. There was an old ferry there, propelled by a small boat on which was a 'kikker'. The ferry had just room for two cars. Before we started across a second car caught up to us, and between us we nearly put the ferry under water. A few miles further along the road, we were halted by a wrecking crane and a cable up the side of the mountain, crossing the road and reaching down in the bush below. There on its side was a car badly damaged. We watched them hauling it up, and after a long delay, as the car was a long way below road, so the cable was slackened, and we were allowed to drive over it and on our way. We passed through a black looking country around Kamloops, with its cut banks and bare hills. It was dry and hot, much of the territory having been burnt. We spent the night at Lytton.
As we were leaving Lytton, a garage man told us about the time we arrived the night before, a car had gone over the Fraser River Gorge at Boston Bar, a few miles west. Six were killed. The car lay 600 feet below the road and would never be salvaged. Needless to say we drove carefully on this winding road, with its many plank bridges, built around precipices, with but logs laid lengthwise along the outside of the road. We stopped at an interesting place, Fort Hope, a beauty spot down in the valley of the Fraser, one hundred miles from Vancouver. It is only a prospectors' and miners' centre, but a good place for fishing and hunting.
Soon we had left the mountains behind and were travelling alongside the Fraser River, on level pavement ,and by noon we were on the paved streets of the third great city in the Dominion, overlooking the Pacific 3,407 miles from home, in Vancouver.
Joan Crisall, XA