Relaxing

The suspension of horse-racing in Canada

This booklet, published by the Connaught Park Jockey Club in Aylmer, Quebec, argues against the wartime suspension of horse-racing in Canada.

Stories and Poems of the Great War

Following the close of the greatest conflict the world had ever seen, many Canadians sought to commemorate their experiences. Booklets like this one contained poems and stories reflecting on wartime experiences and contemplating the meaning of what had transpired during the four-year conflict.

The Girl of the Golden West

A Canadian soldier serving in Italy saved this theatre program as a souvenir of a leave spent in Naples, where he saw a production of Puccini's "The Girl of the Golden West" - performed with the permission of Allied military authorities.

Teatro.pdf (36.22 MB)

In praise of the "Buctouche"

This poem in honour of corvette K179, also known as HMCS Buctouche, was found in the papers of Canadian seaman James Mitchell of Waterdown, Ontario. It is believed to have been written by Leading Seaman Arthur Currie Stewart of Glen William, Prince Edward Island.

"Who are these boys in Navy Blue?"

James Mitchell of Waterdown, Ontario, who served in the Royal Canadian Navy during the Second World War, carried around this poem in honour of Canada's seamen. It is believed to have been written by Leading Seaman Arthur Currie Stewart of Glen William, Prince Edward Island.

Canada's Great Marching Song

This patriotic tune, available in arrangements for orchestra, military band, and male or mixed voice choir, lauded the British heritage of justice and peace.

An evening of music

This smoker was one of the many social events held by the 109th Battalion, based in Lindsay, Ontario, to generate interest in the unit and stimulate recruiting.

A melody from the trenches

Perhaps the most famous of Canada's soldier songwriters, Rice claimed to have come up with this tune while on guard duty at Ypres. A sales manager from Montreal, Rice had enlisted in the Canadian Field Artillery at the beginning of the war.

Dear Old Pal.pdf (3.17 MB)

"No cruel Hun could make them run"

Imperial unity in a common cause was the theme of this patriotic song, which mixed animal metaphors and referred to "the bulldog breed" hearing "the lion's roar."

"Step into Khaki and defeat German hate"

Described as "the most catchy and prettiest of all war songs," Foley's lyrics asked Canadians to remember the fate of Belgium as they thought about the war.

Strike.pdf (33.31 MB)