Hugh Ross Diary, Fort Norman, 1933-34
The diary appears as he wrote it with many short forms and abbreviations. It is hoped that the benefit of hearing of his experiences in his own words outweighs the difficulty you may have reading it.
Contents
July 1933
July 11 ‘33
Left Edmonton on Northern Alberta Railway for Fort Norman N.W.T. Took train with somewhat of a big head from the nite before. Gang including Stroud, McLean, Hipman and Rolfe along with me. Good time had by all on train, stopping at all small towns to unload freight, etc. Had sing song at nite on train, not feeling so hot after nite in Edmonton. Turned in along with Chap named King sharing his bunk. To bed at 1 AM.
July 12 ‘33
Still on train, up at 730 AM. Arrived Waterways 10 AM. Got tickets, trunks etc fixed up at H.B to and put thing on boat. Had big breakfast then went to McMurray, sam Schaft Lilly in Rdo Stn. Spent day in and about McMurray – had good beer parlor – came back to boat 7 pm. Wandered about town looking over fish companies Rdio stn & boats & eating plumentis. Read for a while in salon of Northern Echo, then turned in about 11 PM.
July 13 ‘33
Up at 830A, had breakfast, played Hyman a game of checkers. Went up town to Rdo Stn & Chinwagged while with opr. Back to boat & took few snaps. Boat pulled out from Waterways 1230PM while we were eating lunch. Stopped during PM to load wood. Not very eventful day, smooth going. Good meals. Read most of P.M. Had singsong in dining room. Had bath and turned in at 12 midnite.
July 14 ‘33
Up at 730A & went for swim in Athabasca water muddy but good. Great day. Sat on scow & chinwagged bit. Had sunbath most of afternoon on scow. Stopped at DA Chipuiyan, wandered around the town, nice little place. After dinner, sat on scow watching sunset. Read for while, stopped for more wood. Turned in 1130P
July 15 ‘33
Up at 7AM as boat arrived Fitzgerald 7.10A Took taxi to rdo stn. Det Smith and met the boys. Made arrangements for stay at Joe’s Hotel. Best in town. Has own gramaphone & twenty records. Went for trip abt town with Jack Ross. Visited RC Mission, met very nice old sister. After lunch played Ted game of tennis, each winning a set. Had little sleep went to rdo stn after supper, played bridge & sang, had small lunch & came back hotel for nite about 1230P. Ft Smith very nice settlement, Indians, halfs and a few whites.
July 16, ‘33
Up at noon, had good chicken dinner, played ball against police won by large margin. Also game of tennis winning fifty fifty. Very hot and sultry day. Played bridge in evening at stn, lost heavily at that. Wrote letter to Donna, had small lunch, then to hotel & turned in 1230P
July 17, ‘33
Up at 10A went to stn and did some washing. Rained heavily after lunch. Read & slept until suppertime. Took small walk with McLean, took snaps & saw McLeod & friend off in boat. Went to stn after supper & did some practice shooting with rotten results. Played bridge & lost again. Had lunch and came back to hotel 1230P.
July 18, ‘33
Up at 1130A down to station after lunch, talked and wrote letter to Borden, went for walk took snaps of Indian teepees etc as this is Indian treaty day in town. Read a bit went to stn after lunch & did our ironing. Did some more shooting. Played bridge & saw a movie played by Cpl Williams of RCMP. Had lunch & came back to hotel 1AM.
July 19, ‘33
Up at 1130 went to stn, wrote letter & talked bit, back to stn after supper, wrote couple more letters, played bridge & went for a walk around town with Cookie. Raining heavily when left stn, all dressed up in Robber everything. Turned in 1230P
July 20, ‘33
Up at 1130A. Went for walk & watched S.S. Distributor come in. Played some hard ball, wandered around town bit. Tonight big dance in hotel. All squares and I with odd round dance. Watched proceedings for a while then to bed at 2A without one dance.
.jpg){kind=link}
July 21, ‘33
Up at 1130A, to stn after lunch & for a walk with Cookie. Read while in hotel, had small singson, played some more bridge at station after supper. Boarded the S.S. Distributor & played some more. Turned in abt 1230P after small lunch – which Hyman paid for much to his sorrow
July 22, ‘33
On S.S. Distributor up at 10AM & fooled about decks until lunch time. Pulled out of Ft Smith for Ft Norman at 2PM. Read most of PM also did jigsaw puzzle, played bridge after dinner for while, did another puzzle & read some more. Turned in 1130P. Cabin #7 with II Hyman in upper.
July 23, ‘33
Up at 10AM. Sailing along Slave River, read rest of AM, arrived at first stop Ft. Resolution at 2 PM, saw the lads in rdo stn, spent two hours there & vicinity until boat pulled out @ abt 5PM. After dinner read a bit & played cards, had a bath & turned into bunk and read a while, arrived town of Hay River abt midnight, went out in pajamas etc & looked over town, bought some chocolate bars & peanuts turned in 135A.
July 24, ‘33
Up at noon. Read for while after lunch. Stopped off at town of Ft Providence & took a walk through the town. Wrote a letter to Marg, played bridge after dinner, winning again. Read for while & strolled about docks. Turned in 1AM.
July 25, ‘33
Up at 8AM. Boat arrived at Ft Simpson. Had breakfast went up to Rdo Stn to see the boys. Bernie, Binkie & Falwell. Looked over the town. Went across the river in the station scower had swim. Water very cold. Strolled around town again in PM with BP. Pulled out from Simpson at 5PM, stopped at woodpile for three hours. Had a hectic game of bridge after dinner. Hyman I vs Paul & Davie four rubbers we winning by 370 points. Had late lunch then to bed 1230P.
July 26, ‘33
Up at noon played bit of bridge after lunch. Stopeed for wood so took stroll thru bush. Played more bridge in evening. Read bit & turned in at 1230P. Had a visit from Mcauley & Peckett @ 2AM as boat arrived Ft Norman, saw destination at 1AM
July 27, ‘33
Up 8AM had breakfast & left boat. At our destination. Ft Norman N.W.T. Reported station & met Roche and Jack. Wandered around tow a bit & met odd person. Had game of tennis with McC and got licked. Sat around stn a while. Had another game of tennis with alone, won. Was on set for while after supper. Turned in 1230P
July 28, ‘33
Up at 730A, in station and on set for while in AM until noon, fooled about stn & vicinity most of P.M. on set for while. After supper tried a couple of native drinks. Went for visit to Jim’s place. Saw Beckett off on boat for home back to stn and turned in 130AM.
July 29, ‘33
Up at 4AM for wx. stayed around station most of morning, did little unpacking in PM & went on the set for while, nothing much doing, turned in early around 7PM
July 30, ‘33
Up at 10AM to go on set, on till noon, after dinner went to get some ice for Riley, sick man. Chinwagged with McC for a while. On set again until cleared up in P.M. went for a spin in Kicker & climbed Bear Rock, tough job, back to stn about 11PM and turned in.
July 31, ‘33
Up at 330A for work. On set till 515A then back to bed. Up again 1130A & on set until 4P. Went to H.B. Co & got something for eyes. Back & sat around & talked. Riley very sick. To work after supper till 10PM then into bed.
August 1933
Aug 1, ‘33
Up 730A on set till noon, cleaned up around a bit for coming inspection, then stayed in house & watched Riley, on set till supper time from 4PM. Fooled around house until late PM then turned in.
Aug 2, 33
Up at 330A for wx back to bed at 5A, up again at 1130A. On set until 4PM, then went for spin in canal & kicker up hear river mile or so, struck bottom couple of times & broke few shear pins on set after supper until 10PM, then to bed.
Aug 3, ‘33
Up at 730A on set till noon, helped clean up place a bit & kept eye on Riley, on set from 4p till suppertime. Then went for walk around town until late evening then bed.
Aug 4, ‘33
Up at 330A for wx. stayed up and worked a bit around stn & vicinity. On set in PM again until 4P. then again until 1030P. Then to bed.
Aug 5, ‘33
Up 330A for wx. Back to bed 630A, up again 1130. On set till 4P. Then went down to river to wait for plane expected in with Capt Laurie. Plane landed at six PM. On set till 10P then went to restaurant and had some icecream. Then to bed. Riley & Capt Laurie having real conference. Mac out visiting in the town
Aug 6, ‘33
Up and dressed in uniform for an inspection, all for nothing. Plane left for Simpson early AM. Went for canoe trip with Mac. Visited the coal mine about 23 miles up stream. After six hours on river, saw burning coal mine. Came back home in pouring rain at 930P. Had supper at the mine. Helped Mac with bit of under cutting, then to bed
Aug 7, ‘33
Up at 730A, on set all AM. Worked in office in PM for while. On set again until 10P, then to bed
Aug 8, ‘33
Up 730A & on set all AM. Worked in office in P.M. wrote letter to Robbey & Graham. On set 4-6P. Went for walk with Mac to take washing to Mrs Derossier. Stayed her place for while & chinwagged. Tested Mc’s home brew, pretty punk stuff. Turned in 12P.M.
Aug 9, ‘33
Up 4A for wx. stayed up & wrote letter home to Marg. Worked in office & delivered couple of messages in A.M. on set in P.M. till 4P. On set again after supper until late P.M. went for walk then to bed.
Aug 10, ‘33
Up 730A, on set all AM. Worked in office most of P.M. on set from 4-6P. went for walk with Mc in late P.M. & saw town. Then to bed
Aug 11, ‘33
Up 730A on set all AM. Had swim & took bath same time in P.M. On set from 4-6P. Sat and chinwagged for while then to bed late P.M.
Aug 12, ‘33
Up 730A on set all PM worked in office in P.M. Mail plane arrived & sat around reading “fan mail”. On set from 4-6P. worked in office in late P.M. went for walk with Mc & had sandwich in restaurant then home to bed.
Aug 13, ‘33
Up 330A for wx. back to bed 6A, then up again 1030A. on set till noon. Wrote letters most of P.M. Inspecting party landed enroute South. Went down to give them a hand, gassing etc. Into bed early
Aug 14, ‘33
Up 330A for wx. worked until 730A. had breakfast then went to bed for while. Up & took mail over to P.O. on set all PM until 4P. worked in office. Then went for walk with Mc. To bed early
Aug 15, ‘33
Up 330A for wx. worked until 7AM. In office until noon. On set in PM until 4P. worked bit until supper time cleaning up. On set after supper until 930P. Back to room & into bed
Aug 16, ‘33
Up 730A & on set all AM. Static nearly driving me nuts. Fixed up canal & kicker in P.M. on set from 4-6P. Went for walk with Davie. Then to bed early
Aug 17, ‘33
Up 330A for wx, back to bed at 630A. up again at noon & on set all P.M. Between 4 & 6P fixed kicker etc up. On set fm 6P until 830P. Read for while then to bed.
Aug 18, ‘33
Up 330A for wx. back to bed at 7A up agn at noon. On set until 4P. went for spin in kicker, tried it out on scow but no good. On set again until 930P. In to bed early
Aug 19, ‘33
Up 330A for wx. stayed up AM fixing odds & ends. Slept for an hour or so. On set all P.M. shaved and cleaned up before supper. On set again until 8:30P. Planning a trip up Bear River getting things fixed up for it. Turned in one A.M.
Aug 20, ‘33
Up 10A & got started on our trip up bear. Couldn’t get started earlier as heavy fog around fort. Great day for trip. Got up bear for about fifteen miles without mishap then broke engine. Pulled in to shore & took a walk a couple of miles further up bank. Back to “camp”, had meal, packed engine etc into canoe, & drifted home. Got home about 830P. Had sandwich at restaurant then to bed.
Aug 21, ‘33
Up 730A & on set all AM. Folled about quarters fixing odd thing or two until 4P. Then on set until six. Square dance in town tonight. Didn’t feel so good so didn’t go. Had talk with Riley for while then to bed 230A
Aug 22, ‘33
Up 730A on set all AM. Fooled around quarters all PM. After supper went across river with Jack the cook and David to hunt ducks. Had good trip & long walk along mud banks. Managed to would one duck & catch it. Back home at 930P in dark, trip across river bit rough. Turned in 12PM.
Aug 23, ‘33
Up 4A for wx. back to bed at 5A. up again at noon. On set all PM until 4P. on set again after supper as David & Mc gone duck hunting. Had duck supper after coming of set, fooled around quarters bit. Read for while. David & Mc back home with two ducks. To bed 12P.
Aug 24, ‘33
Up 730A on set all AM. Distributor in, in AM. Got trunks etc from shore & brought them up to house via the railroad. On set from 4-6P. wandered around town after supper & had the odd chat with the natives. Then to bed early.
Aug 25, ‘33
Up 730A & on set all AM. Cleaned up bit around quarters in P.M. on set from 4-6P. Had talk with Davie then went for walk around town. To bed early
Aug 26, ‘33
Up 730A on set all AM. Steamboat pulled out in early AM. Did some more cleaning up in PM. On set from 4-6P. Had chinwag with police boys after supper then to bed early
Aug 27, ‘33
Up 4AM. Back to bed 430A. Up again 1030A, on set for while then had breakfast. Raining all day. On set fm 4-5PM. Then off for the day. Read for while then to bed early.
Aug 28, ‘33
Up 330A for wx. To bed agn 630A. Up noon & on set all P.M. until 4P. cleaned up before supper. On set again after supper until 9P. Mc had birthday (22) and party ensued. Went visiting, in the middle of which Mac passed out. To bed 12PM
Aug 29, ‘33
Up 330A for wx. back to bed 5A & up again noon. On set until 4P off until AM. Chinwagged bit with the lads around. Bear shot by local RCMP caused bit of excitement in fort. Had feed of bear meat for supper. To bed after reading while in P.M. late.
Aug 30, ‘33
Up 730A, on set all AM. Went for walk around fort in PM until 4P. On set again until 6P after supper, chinwagged until midnight then to bed.
Aug 31, ‘33
Up 330A for wx. Stayed up all AM. Started on letter home. Cleaned out cellar & put in bit of wood. On set in PM until 4P. Then down helping load coal. Went duck hunting in late Pm>m Cold miserable time was enjoyed by all pulling & pushing canoe along. Got home about midnight with one duck
September 1933
Sept 1, ‘33
Up 330A for wx. stayed up for breakfast. To bed after bkfast up again at noon. On set all PM until 4P. on set again after supper until 9P. Had gramophone dance which lasted into early AM. Had good time.
Sept 2, ‘33
After wx, stayed up after dance to take wx, back to bed 5A. Up again at noon and on set all PM. First snow of season and as cold as I went for walk in P.M. & chinwagged for while. Then to bed early.
Sept 3, ‘33
Up 1030A. Had breakfast. Went out with Ben to hunt chickens. Salw two after walking about ten miles. Shot them & came home. Had the chickens for supper – real good – Visited police Bks after supper with Ben & Davie, chinwagged all PM, then home to bed one AM.
Sept 4, ‘33
Holiday – up 8 AM to write letters as plan expected in with mail today. On set little in AM. Had talk for couple of hours with Shorty at VEG. Mail plane in, recd few letters from home & Marg. Went to see Bell Kennedy after supper on business. Then home to bed.
Sept 5, ‘33
Up 730A & on set all AM. Did some office work in PM. On set from 4-6P went for walk along shore after supper. Then home to bed early
Sept 6, ‘33
Up 730A, on set all AM. Cleaned up a bit in P.M. on set from 4-6P. Did little office work after supper. Went for walk then to bed.
Sept 7, ‘33
Up 730A & on set all AM. In PM Distributor arrived, went down to meet it with Hancock etc. On set from 4-6P. after supper went around town & visited Indian huts. Then home to bed 12PM.
Sept 8, ‘33
Up 730 & on set all AM. Hot as L in P.M. Went down town for a walk. Fixed album up a bit. On set fm 4-6P. Had supper on board distributor. Good & first square meal of steak etc since coming here. Back on set until 730P. Sampled home brew with Mac. No effects. Had an egg sandwich in Restaurant. Then home to bed. Last couple of days spend in buying an selling odds & ends
Sept 9, ‘33
Up 730A on set all AM. In PM went down & spent hour or so chinwagging on boat. Boat pulled out for south at 3PM. Mac & Riley with it. Fond farewells. On set from 4-6P after supper had game of bridge with bunch of lads. To bed about midnight.
Sept 10, ‘33
Up 4A for wx. back to bed at 5A up again at 1030. On set for hour or so. Lads all in & had game of bridge until 4P. On set fm 4P til 530P. Raining all PM. Had visit fm Willie Winchester & had game of bridge then to bed.
Sept 11, ‘33
Up 330A for wx. Raining & as black as cola out. Back to bed 5A. up again at noon & on set all P.M. After supper had another game of bridge with the fellows. Fooled around with snapshot album then to bed.
Sept 12, ‘33
Up 330A for wx back to bed 5A up again noon. Still raining abit out. On set all P.M. Played bridge again with the lads, for while then down to the Chiefs because of square dance. Had good time until early A.M stayed up for wx
Sept 13, ‘33
Still up after dance. Took wx then back to bed 5A. Up again noon. On set all PM until 4P. fixed up album before supper. Another game of bridge again after supper. Roger & Leon still at their arguing. To bed early. Another dance in town but didn’t attend.
Sept 14, ‘33
Up 330A for wx. back to bed 630A up again at noon. On set all PM. Cold chilly day. From 4-6P helped carry up some fresh meat. On set after supper until 815P. went for walk down town & listened to radio in the restaurant for while. Home & had game of bridge with Willie Winchester and the lads. To bed 12PM.
Sept 15, ‘33
Up 330A for wx. On set until 630A. Wrote letter or so home. Went out hunting chickens in early part of AM. No luck. Not a chicken in sight. Nice clear cool weather. Worked around station & grounds all AM. On set all PM until 4P. Read for while before supper. On set after supper until 8P. Had game of bridge until nearly midnight. Then to bed.
Sept 16, ‘33
Up 330A for wx. back bed 5A. up agn noon. On set all PM until 4P. first run of chickens, Louie getting five out of the flock in the back yard. On set in PM until 4P. After supper, on set until 730P. then had game of bridge with Norman and Angus. To bed
Sept 17, ‘33
Up noon. Had talk with Shorty in early PM. Then hauled coal for hour or so. After supper had game of bridge & chinwagged a bit. To bed 1AM.
Sept 18, ‘33
Up 730A. On all AM. In PM fixed up tin sheating for stove and hauled some coal & spuds. On set fm 4-6P, after supper had few visitors & two games of bridge in progress. Turned in 1AM
Sept 19, ‘33
Up 730A & on set all AM. In PM fixed up a coal box & cleaned up bit. On set from 4-6P. Went for walk with a message or two around to the Bear River. After supper went & visited the Police lads & chewed the fat for while. Home to bed 12PM.
Sept 20, ‘33
Up 730A & on set all AM. In PM took screens etc off house & went for walk. On set from 4-6P. After supper had another game of bridge with Bill WIchester. To bed early 1130P.
Sept 21, ‘33
Up 730A & on set all AM. In PM, cleaned up room. Took couple messages down to the bear. Back and worked around house for while. On set from 4-6P. After supper Bob up & sat & chinwagged all evening. To bed early.
Sept 22, ‘33
Up 730A for wx & on set all AM. In PM, got icehouse all straightened up & ready for ice. On set from 4-6P. Wx chilly & damp. After supper went down to Joshuas with Billy we & had game of bridge & talked while. Home to bed 1230PM.
Sept 23, ‘33
Up 730 A & on set all A.M. In PM had bath, got thing or two fixed up by Bill.K. On set from 4-6P. After supper delivered few messaged, listened to Jacks radio for while. Home & in bed early. No mail, wx shows flurries & rain all day.
Sept 24, ‘33
Up 4A for wx. Back bed 5A. Up agn 1030A. On set til noon. In PM Davie & Joe fixed up delco, I read for while & fixed up mail etc. In evening went down for a visit to Douglas’s. Talked & listened to radio all evening. Home & into bed 12PM.
Sept 25, ‘33
Up 330 for wx. Stayed up & went out for few chicken. Got three in AM later. Took messages down to Bear River, got landry from Mrs Desrossier. Went out for more chicken got 5. On set in PM until 4P. From 4-6P went to see Mrs De. About money etc – not home. Plane arrived with mail, letters from Marge, home etc. Most of night reading them. Visit from McMullen etc. To bed early.
Sept 26, ‘33
Up 330A for wx. On set all AM. Getting wx etc for plane. Plane abt 730A. wrote letter home & to Donna. Turned in for bit of sleep in AM. Up agn noon & on set all PM until 4 fm 4-6. Took msg down Bear River & wrote letter to Madge. On set until 730P. Plane in with papers etc. Got big bundle from Marg. Had some great reading. Deal a couple lads up. To bed 11AM.
Sept 27, ‘33
Up 340 A for wx. Stayed up all AM & finished up on writing. Delivered few msg down to Bear. On set from 1-4PM. Between 4 & 6P. to bed early about 9P.
Sept 28, ‘33
Up 430A for wx. Back bed 5A. up again noon. On set until 4P. Delivered few msgs before supper. I got furnace going. Chilly evening. On set until 8P after supper. Read for while after supper then bed.
Sept 29, ‘33
Up 330A for wx. Bk bed 5A. up again noon. On set from 1P-4P. Delivered couple messages before supper. On set until 8PM. In evening went for visit to Tims & couple other places in town. Got all the gossip. To bed 1030.
Sept 30, ‘33
Up 330A for wx. Stayed up & went out after chicken. Made good haul. In AM banked up house / mied. On set in PM until 4P. cleaned up before support & on set after supper until 730P. Went for a visit to Police Barracks. Some people up to stn for game of bridge. Chewed fat while at police then came home & to bed early.
October 1933
Oct 1, ‘33
Up 11AM and had breakfast. Took pictures until early PM. Had an hours confab with Shorty & got all the dirt. After supper bunch of lads in, Police & boys off boats. Shot a line until well after midnight then to bed. Maintain Indians in & dresses pounding every day. Wx real good – and cool.
Oct 2, ‘33
Up 730A & on set all AM. Jack in poor mood – In PM. Fixed up few storm windows and wandered around town for while. On set from 4-6P after supper went over to H.B. Co & watched Billy & Father Gathy developing few films. Great night – moon out full & it nice & cool. Home after couple cups of H.B. coffee & tossed around ball the night.
Oct 3, ‘33
Up 730A & on set all AM. In P.M. settled up mi account with Bay. Shook hands with Indians. Went into bush for couple of hours. Saw two chickens. No luck. Walked home via beach with Joe. On set from 4-6P. after supper read while & chewed fat with Davie then to bed.
Oct 4, ‘33
Up 730A & on set all AM. Traffic slowing up, work easy. In PM. Delivered msgs & went to the bush for chickens. Got 4. Great day – nice & warm etc. After supper started to build a radio with Ben. Visit from Jimmy Bolton & talked few while then to bed.
Oct 5, ‘33
Up 730A & on set all AM. In P.M. went over to Bay with Davie to get Rifle but nil doing. Went down to N.T. & purchased one ($15). Stopped at Police on way home, got cupla films fm Jimmy, saw dogs etc. On set 4-530P. After supper still going strong on radio set. Bill W in for while – He & Mac played cards. Had cup cocoa & then to bed. Great day, clear & warm – calm.
Oct 6, ‘33
Up 730A fix set all AM. In P.M. got winters supply of meat from N.T. Another great day but getting colder. On set until 530 agn. After supper read for while. On radio still not working went for walk & ended up at police Bks. Chewed fat for while & listened to radio. After cup of cocoa home to bed.
Oct 7, ‘33
Up 730A & on set all AM. In P.M went out into bush for some chickens. Took 16 gauge. Got four, knocked one in too many small pieces to pick it up. On set bit before supper. Traffic slowly decreasing. Hardly more than wx handled. Reading good book – Simon Called Peter – not bad. Down to Joshuas for game of bridge got home after 1 AM after a licking in bridge. Stayed up for wx’s
Oct 8, ‘33
Stayed up until 415A & took wx’s. back to bed & up again 1030A. after bkfast on set until 1130A then. Shorty not on for usual weekly chat. Read most of PM. Took wx four P. after supper read good book. Joe & Davie went over to cops to get goose for tomorrows dinner. To bed early.
Oct 9, ‘33
Up 330A for wx. Stayed up until 730A & shot few chickens in early AM. Again at noon. Holiday today. Got some water to looe a bath. Three of us down to river for drinking water. Then lowered all aerials etc & looked em over. Police lads over for supper – goose & etc. Big meal. Played bridge in PM after supper & talked a while after cup of coffee etc, to bed.
Oct 10, ‘33
Up 330A for wx. Bk to bed 415A. Up agn noon. On set in PM. Until 530P as Mc and Joe hauling up coal. In evening went over to Police Bks and listened to radio & chewed fat for while. Home to bed early @ 1130P. wx beginning to show signs – getting colder every day.
Oct 11, ‘33
Up 330A for wx. Stayed up until 630A hoping to go hunting – fog too bad so back to bed – up again noon. On set in PM until 4P. went hunting from 4-6 hunting very bad catch nil. Slight fire at police bks causing little excitement in town. Went over to Rec Room in evening & had couple games of billiards, table set up in H.B. House. Saw Billy doing a bit of developing – not bad work. Home to bed about midnight. Wx cool & clouding over. Bar taking great dip.
Oct 12, ‘33
Up 330A for wx. Stayed up. Daylight coming very late but nil chickens. Went out after bkfast and stayed out for couple hours got few. On set in PM until 5P. went out gain but this time not so good. Had game billiards, then home & had game bridge. Fred & I got severely trimmed. TO bed after cup cocoa.
Oct 13, ‘33
Up 330A for wx. Bk to bed agn 430. Up noon. First real snowfall of year. On set in PM until five PM. Went over to Police to bum flashlight & btys but nil doing, still out one flashlite after supper, down to Douglas’s & had game of bridge and danced for while after with Mrs Desrossier & Mrs D. Nice evening. To bed abt midnight.
Oct 14, ‘33
Up 330A for wx. Back bed 430A up again noon. On set all PM until 5PM. After supper, went over to Bob McP’s where stag party taking place, first brew in town being run off. Drank all could stand but didn’t get lite. Stuff showed signs though. To bed around midnight.
Oct 15, ‘33
Up noon after bkfast went for talk with Shorty but he not on. Over all PM and gave Billie a hand developing few snaps. Had supper there. After supper did bit more work on picture then had game of bridge, again Fred & I on the loosing end. Home to bed after a feed of corned canned cherries cheese & coffee.
Oct 16, ‘33
Up 730A on set all AM. Wx cool & bit frosty. Helped Barry up stn building in PM. Went into bush and got few more chickens. On set again at five PM. After supper all went over to H.B. house & had community meeting. Had couple games of billiards, & bridge then home to bed.
Oct 17, ‘33
Up 730A & on set all AM. In P.M. went to Police Bks & took few snaps of fish etc. Did bit more hunting, got couple. On set again at 5P. After supper went over with Benny Bilton to help Billy with pictures. Some good ones coming out. Home to bed early PM – midnite.
Oct 18, ‘33
Up & on set all AM. First below zero wx this fall, everything except river frozen. Took walk in bush in PM, went out back to the lake found it frozen & good for skating. Got few chickens on home. Joe & I down to Douglas’s in late PM. Had game of bridge & lil dance with Mrs D & Mrs Der. Home one AM
Oct 19, ‘33
Up on set all AM. Wx still cold in PM went out to lake with Billy & Bill & had good skate – first this season. Great ice & wx but windy & cool. On set it five PM for while. After supper went over to “clubl
had game of billiards and bridge, billiard table going strong. After small lunch – home to bed.
Oct 20, ‘33
Up 730A & on set all AM – wx getting colder every day – Bear River frozen across but McK still open. In PM put on rest of storm windows on station – nearly frozen during operation. Got water with Ben – another ice-cold job. On set at five PM after supper wtnt over with Billie & did some developing and more printing. Home to bed in lat P.M. 12.
Oct 21, ‘33
Up 730A & on set all AM. Wx below zero for past three days in early AM. In PM took Jacks dog out for exercise – never again – went out again in bush to get a few chickens but nil good. Went over to Police bks & gave Bill msg. On set give PM. After supper went over & had game of billiards – home early and sat listening to radio and chewing fat with Slim. Joe & Davie out at Jombas for game bridge.
Oct 22, ‘33
Up 330A for wx. Coldest morning so far min showed 21 below. Horre frost covering everything. Back to bed 430A. Up again 9A for skedwith BK. Stayed up and wrote couple letters home etc. Shorty not on as per sked in PM. Read most of P.M. On set for wx’s. after supper went over to Bay & Billie & I developed eleven rolls film. Some good & some bad snaps. After finishing these went down to Jomba’s & had game of bridge – Home to bed after cup coffee etc.
Oct 23, ‘33
Up 330A for wx. Temp again very low -25. Bk to bed after wx at 430A. up again noon. On set, on & off in P.M. wet to Bay for pair mucklucks but nil doing, none to fit. Stayed home – all three for once – Mr McLeak in for evening went to bed almost 1030P.
Oct 24, ‘33
Up 330A for wx. Back bed 430A. Up again 11AM. On set after dinner for press & wx. Wx again cold this AM – min reading being -27 – river now been running ice for four days. On set after supper for couple of hours. Went over to club with Davie & shot couple games of billiards and had game or so of bridge. Home to bed early PM.
Oct 25, ‘33
Up 330A for wx – back bed & up again noon. On set all PM wx little milder. On set after supper for hour or so. Went over to help Billy develop pictures but couldn’t do so, bad light. Went to club & shot game or so of billiards & had hand of bridge
Oct 26, ‘33
Up 330A for wx. Bck bed & up again 11AM. Wx windy & cool. On set in PM until 4PM. Wind very cold during AM. On set again after supper until 730P. After supper went over to Billie & helped take off few pictures, some real good, some not so hot. Joe over with me. Home to hut 2AM, stayed up for wx’s at 4AM, 27th
Oct 27, ‘33
Up 12 noon & on set all PM until 4P. During PM got some water pulling it up hoist, first by manpower later by winch. Too hard on constitution. After supper stayed home, had game bridge with Pete & lads. First night home for quite while. To bed at midnight.
Oct 28, ‘33
Up 330A for wx. On set until 415A. bk bed, up agn 1130A. on set in PM until 4P. Wx getting milder during day but cold in PM late. After supper had game billiards with Billy, then both went down to Jombas & spent night of bridge & listening to radio. Home after cup of coffee at 130AM
Oct 29, ‘33
Up 10AM. After bkfast roamed about bush looking for hockystick not so good. In PM about three, had game of hockey against mission, good game on river with home made sticks & rotten ice. Had an hour or so chat with Shorty and got all the dirt. Pretty well all in after game of hockey – after supper stayed home & read while, Slim & Billy in & had game of bridge until about 10PM. Slim & David went over to police to listen radio, Billy home after some lemonade & cookies. To bed early
Oct 30, ‘33
Up 8AM. Sked now changed to 9AM, aftger bkfast on set until noon. In PM went over & had game billiards & shat a line or two to Bay lads. I’ll still running in river. After supper, Joe & I went down to Douglas’s, played bridge, took the traders of the town for ride, had dance after then home.
Oct 31, ‘33
Up 9AM & on set all AM. In PM took washing to Mrs Desr, stopped off & had talk with Jimmy at policy, went over to Bay & shat few while. After supper went to party at McPh’s, had good time dancing etc all evening, home after refreshments in the small hours of the AM.
November 1933
Nov 1, ‘33
Up 9AM, on set all AM. River still going strong on ice. In PM sawed our wood, all PM until 6P. after supper, Joe & I went down to Jombas & had game of bridge against Billy& Jomba, Billie & I parted after while & were badly beaten. Home after cup coffee. Great moonlight night, just like day.
Nov 2, ‘33
Up 830A and on set all AM. Also delivered msg etc, before breakfast, wx cool & clear. After dinner, fixed up few snaps in album, listened to nice flare up between Jimmy & Pete, no serious results. In evening went to Jombas with Joe & Billy got licked at several games of bridge. Home after some coffee & eats.
Nov 3, ‘33
Up 9A & on set all AM. In PM went down to river & tested thickness of the ice etc. Just rightg for cutting. Was over in Bay store & chewed fat for cupla hours, on set five PM. After supper, Jomba & Billy came up & had usual game bridge, ended up quite game, we away ahead this time. Turned in a little after midnight First so early – landed on lake. Plane – M.A.S. landed here from Cameron
Nov 4, ‘33
Up 9A for wx. Sleep slightly interrupted by lads from plane coming in. On set all AM. Going strong this AM for change. In PM went down to river with ice saw, axe etc & cut cupla tons ice. Good job, lots exercise. Plane left for Cameron this AM. After supper went over to Bay & developed cupla films, then went down to Douglas’s & had game of bridge. Home after midnight
Nov 5, ‘33
Up 4A for wx. Bk to bed & up agn 10A. On set until noon. After bkfast went to river with Ben & Davie & cut some more ice. Got engine all set & ready for hauling some to top of bank tomorrow. After supper, Billy in & we had game bridge until late PM. Wx warm – compared –
Nov 6, ‘33
Up 4A for wx, bk bed & up again 9A to haul & cut ice. Worked on ice all morning. After dinner down again & did some more work. The Bay lads giving us a hand. On set off & on, four calls per day. Snowing bit. After supper went to Bay & did some developing & printing – home to bed after cup coffee.
Nov 7, ‘33
Up 4A for wx bk bed & up again 9AM & down to river, hauling & cutting more ice all AM & PM. Wx bit colder & some snow. Completed all ice hauling etc for winter use, Bay & radio concluded. After supper stayed home – too tired to do very much. Read for while - Billy & David down Jombas for bridge. To bed about 930P.
Nov 8, ‘33
Up 4A for wx. Wx cool & snowing. River still running ice. Bk bed five A. Up again at eleven A. On set for Px and during AM until 4P. After supper, went over to Bay with Joe & Davie & had game bridge, home in bed earl twelve PM midnight.
Nov 9, ‘33
Up 4A for wx. Cold & snowing river set, completely frozen over. Bm to bed, up again 11AM. On set for Px & rest of PM until 4P. Expecting plane from Abluvik but so far nil doing. Wx too rough. After supper, went over with Davie to Bay & printed bunch of snaps. Some good – lot poor. Still not up to much. Home after cup of hot lemon. Midnite.
Nov 10, ‘33
Up 4A for wx – very cold – bk bed 5A. Up agn 11A. On set during PM until 4P. Snowing now & then. After supper, Dan, Billy & I went down to Jombas, usual game bridge going, Slim & Jimmy B in here while. Luck not too bad. Home 2AM.
Nov 11, ‘33
Up 4 for wx. Holiday – bk bed 5A. Up 11AM. After bkfast Billie & I took walk in bush about 8 miles, set cupla traps with high hopes. After supper, big dance held at HB house, about thirty eight attending. Best dance yet, livly & lots doing after eleven P.M. Had cupla squares nearly passed out. After a supper etc & cuple more dances, home to bed two PM.
Nov 12, ‘33
Sunday, up eleven AM, after bkfast, Billy, Jomba & we at radio stn all out to lake for walk, visited trap line but no results – yet – had coffee, sandwiches etc – first picnic of year – walked home about four PM. After supper, went over to police bks, listened to radio & had good game of bridge, Billy & I taking other two for loop. Home early.
Nov 13, ‘33
Up 9A & on set all AM. Two CAL planes arrived, one from Aklavik, other from Cameron Bay. After P.M. Joe & I went down to try ice, too thin to start cutting for icehouse, so took walk to lake & came home via trap line, still no luck. At home all evening, read most of time. Had visit from Archie & Fred. To bed early.
Nov 14, ‘33
Up 830 on set all AM. Gusty wx etc for planes. Bythel pulled out for Aklavik, with Vic Ingraham, burnt & frozen upon Bear Lake. In PM went ot to trap line with Davie. Took run in bush etc. Took stuff down to Harriett to get pair of mucklucks made. Over to Bay & shot line with Billy most of afternoon. On set five PM. After supper went down to Jombas with Billy & played rummy. Had great evening. Talked for cuple hours after midnight. Home 3AM. Wx not so hot, cold & windy.
Nov 15, ‘33
Up 830 & on set all AM. McMullen still here as wx not so hot at Simpson. In PM went for walk in bush with Kelly, out most of the afternoon. Nice day, not too cold. Over Mrs Desrosier’s with something for Joe & down Douglas’s with message for Archie. After supper Dol & I over to Bay & had game bridge with Fred & Angus. Home to bed late P.M.
Nov 16, ‘33
Up 9A for wx. Plane not pulling out today. On set all AM. Started rite letter to Marg. Wx cold & windy with bit of snow. Went out for a ski with Kelly of C.H.L. for while in P.M. David & Jack across river to setup trap line. After supper spent evening with Matson with Billy & Fred playing bridge. Police lads up to house. Home about one thirty AM.
Nov 17, ‘33
Up 9A, little late for wx as req by Aklavik. On set all AM. Jack in pretty nice mood. After bkfast Davie & I set out to set out a trap line, returned back fort about 4PM after setting out a string of eleven traps. Line about six or eight miles long. On set at five P.M. after supper. Billie & Nick in, Billie W & I went down to Matsons had game bridge there with Fred & Pete. Home after cup coffee abt midnite.
Nov 18, ‘33
Up 9AM. On set all morning. After bkfast went down river to trap line with Joe for walk. Two rabbits in traps, fixed them up, nil else. Home again about three thirty PM. Caught Ernine in Mehouse. On set five PM after supper went over to Bay, had game cards with Billy & Fred. Billie & I losing heavily. Home after midnite.
Nov 19, ‘33
Up 4A for wx. Bk bed 5A. Up again 9AM. Had talk with Shorty re xmas gifts, etc, talked for hour. McMullen going pull out for Cameron Bay. Got wx fm Coppermine & he pulled out noon. In PM Jimmy & I went for walk to lake, made cup coffee, then home in time go on set for wx. After supper, Billy & policy lads in, had heated game bridge & odd arguments. To bed one AM. After cup cocoa.
Nov 20, ‘33 Up 4A for wx. Bk bed 5A. Up again eleven AM. On set in PM. Coldest day so far 34 below. After supper went down Douglas’s had game of bridge & talked while, game as usual lately one sided for me. Luck in trapline, one mink & two weasles (Ermine) so far. Not mentioning the rabbits.
Nov 21, ‘33
Up 4A for wx. Bk bed 5A, up again eleven A. On set for Px. Then took laundry to Mrs Desr. Hauled some ice, had talk with Fred. Another pretty cold day. On set again for wx. After supper went over to hall & played game billiards with Fred Gaudet. Close game. After Joe & I went into Bay to listen for Aklavik on radio. Heard him ok. Had game bridge later Billy & I as per usual loosing heavily. Talked for while after game, home about two PM. Stayed up & wrote letter to May before 4A – wx.
Nov 22, ‘33
Up 4A for wx, stayed up until 4A from previous night. To bed 5A, up again 11A. On set for px in PM. Pretty cold day with not very much doing in PM. After supper, per a request, visited Mrs Desr. Played cards with Mrs & Jack & Spence. After good lunch, pie, icecream & coffee, came home to bed, close to midnight.
Nov 23, ‘33
Up 4A for wx. Bk bed 5A. Up again 8AM to go across river with Nick. Didn’t take any traps – started out about 930AM & went over to windy island, around behind it & set cupla traps. Walked through bush to couple small lakes in bush, - blizzard starting up in meantime, - spent most of day in bush on the lakes setting traps, river very blowy couldn’t see twenty yards ahead, got home 3PM after taking nearly hour and half in crossing river, very cold & snow blowing like needles. Shot couple tarmigan during day. On set for wx. Stayed home at night, reading, Billy came in for while in late P.M. To bed early.
Nov 24, ‘33
Up 4A for wx. Bk bed 5A. up again 11AM. Read aftger bkfast until PM time. On set until 230P, read for while in PM. On set for wx. After supper went over to Bay printed few snaps, then listened to radio for hour or so. Home early after cup coffee.
Nov 25, ‘33
Up 4A for wx. Bk bed 430, up again 11AM. On set for px. Went down to river to test ice, back home & chewed fat for while. On set again for wx. Wx very cold. All of us over to Bay after supper. Played bridge, David &I losing heavily?? Hrd never from Edum. Home after cup of coffee.
Nov 26, ‘33
Up 11AM. Intended get up 8AM to go around trap lines but slept in. Went across to lines in PM with Davie, cold & windy. Nil in traps except one rabbit. Reset all traps as snow had covered them. On way home froze chin & nose. Home about 4PM. After supper went over to police bks & had customary game of bridge, winning this time. Listened to radio play richeleau. Home to bed after cup coffee (cocoa).
Nov 27, ‘33
Four months today – up 9A & on set all AM. In PM filled cellar with cola for hour or so, then hauled ice with Davie. Cold as L all day. After supper sent down to Jombas with Billy Fred & Davie. Played bridge as per usual, winning again. No plane yet, not expected for cupla days. Temp well below -20 & a cold wind blowing. Home from Jombas abt one AM.
Nov 28, ‘33
Five months doday we left Borden. Up 9A & on set all AM. In PM took laundry to Mrs Desr. Temp again pretty low – 28 at noon. Sun not giving much show these days, up down again. Went down to see Mrs Matson but she not home so went up to police bks & had bit of bridge & chinwagged with Jimmy. Slim cake in later on. Home after a cup of cocoa & sum cake.
Nov 29, ‘33
Up 9AM. On set all AM. After bkfast did little office work for Joe. Doing a lot of reading these days. After supper stayed home & Billy, Jimmy & Jomba came in. Had usual game bridge, winning again. Talked for while. After cup cocoa, lads went home, then to bed.
Nov 30, ‘33
Up 9A. Wx pretty cold. Strong wind blowing. On set all AM. After bkfast did bit of office work, taking stock of stationary etc and doing the odd return for Ben. On set again 5PM. After supper, stayed home to do a little “job” but Nick & Bill came in so spent the evening in the customary game of bridge. To bed after cup cocoa.
December 1933
Dec 1, ‘33
Up 9AM. Nice wx today, getting milder. On set all AM. In PM did some more office work. Went over to Bay & talked a while with Billy. No mail yet. Planes can’t leave McMurray. On set again at 5PM. After supper (and also “after a bath”) went over to Bay. Played bridge with Fred, Jimmy & Davie. Joe & Billy came back to stn to do a little job that was interrupted the night before – result 112 bottles of beer, ready for action at xmas. Home to bed after cup coffee about 2AM.
Dec 2, ‘33
Up 9AM. Bit late, clock set wrong. On set all AM. In P.M. did some more office work. Fixed up ration returns for next year. On set five PM. After supper went down to Jombas to listen for a radio broadcast from Montreal & Toronto. Nil doing. Played bridge with Billy, Joe & Fred. Won out. Big crawk there ten in all. Rummy keeping rest of “gang” going. Home in the wee small hours.
Dec 3, ‘33
Up 4AM for wx. Bk bed 5A. set alarm for 8 AM to get up with Davie to go round trap line – clock failed us – got up eleven AM. After bkfast Davie made the round of line anyway. Jimmy & Billy came in during afternoon so played a half-assed game bridge – much to everyones disgust. About three PM rest of gang went for walk. Had stay home for wx. On set until 430P. Lots business – after supper went over to police bks. Had usual game bridge – Nick for partner – However we won out. Heard “Richaleau” over radio. Home after cup cocoa on AM.
Dec 4, ‘33
Up 4A for wx. Bk bed 5AM. Up again 830A & went down to river with Davie to cut ice. After dinner took px couple msgs then back cutting more ice. Home at dark about 4PM. On set for wx then to quarters & got cleaned up. Wx pretty cold & windy on river. Bill & rest of police boys in however, went to bed early & left them in a noisy game of bridge.
Dec 5, ‘33
Up 4A for wx. Bk bed 5A & up agn 830A. on river cutting ice all AM. Colder than yesterday although wx clear. No mail yet. In PM took px then went down to river to cut ice until 4PM. On set then for wx. After supper went over to hall & had cuple games of billiards then went into Bay & had game of bridge until late PM, losing very badly. Home about one AM.
Dec 6, ‘33
Up 4AM & on set for wx. Bk bed 5A up agn 830A. Cutting ice all AM. After dinner took px then cut some more ice. On set for wx at 4P. after supper went to visit Matsons but nobody home, so went in to Jombas. Had game of rummy for while, then Jomba & I took Slim & his partner for a ride in bridge. Home about one AM. No mail & no sign of any yet.
Dec 7, ‘33 up 4A, bk bed 5AM & not up agn until 11AM. On set all PM. Wx very cold but nice clear wx. No sign plane yet. On set agn at six PM. After supper went over to the Bay. Billie & I did one fil & bunch snaps, all very good pictures. Rest of bunch played game of bridge. Read for a while then after a cup of coffee, came home to bed.
Dec 8, ‘33
Up 4A for wx. Bk bed 5A, up 11A for bkfast, then on set all PM. Still no plane in sight & weather pretty good. Big gold rush on in Sumpson but things not picking up very much. Stayed home after supper & read for while. Nobody came in, went to bed around midnight.
Dec 9, ‘33
Up 4A for wx. Bk bed 5A. up again at 11A for bkfast. On set all PM. Still no plane & wx very good. Davie took run around trapline but – luck nil – went over to Mrs DesRos & got my laundry then had go back after supper to play rummy until close to midnight, the home to bed – a very excitable evening.
Dec 10, ‘33
Up 9A & gave Simpson a wx for the plan, expect it in this PM. Then went across to trapline nil doing. Back home about two PM. Plane arrived two thirty P.M. got bunch mail, from Marg. Home - & etc. Stayed in & wrote couple letters – one to Marg & one to Madge. To bed about midnight.
Dec 11, ‘33
Up 9AM. Wx rotten snowlng, Farrel unable take off for Aklavik as wx still bad there. Wof May took off for Cameron, having missed our wx here, - He’ll need good luck in this wx -. On set all AM. Got wx fm Aklavik but it N.G. Big wind etc. Did little office work in P.M. & put some pictures it in my album. After supper, three of us went down to Douglas’s & played bridge, talked a while etc, then home to bed.
Dec 12, ‘33
Up 9AM & on set all AM. Wx still N.G. Farrel made try but had turn back due bum wx ahead. In P.M. wrote few letters, took my laundry to Mrs DesR, put more snaps in album. After supper, went to see Mrs Matson, whole bunch there, played cards & after cupla big doughnuts & cup coffee, home to bed.
Dec 13, ‘33
Up 9AM. Wx still too bum for Farrel to take off, so here for another day. On set all AM. In PM, did little office work, sampled more of Joe’s brew, got Jimmy feeling good, great stuff, works up great appetite. Stayed home in evening. Fixed a few more snaps. Wrote letter home. Then to bed early about midnight.
Dec 14, ‘33
Up 9AM. Farrell off today for Aklavik. Storming up there. On set all A.M. wx still pretty good here. No plane in from south yet. In P.M. cleaned up cellar, did a bit of office work. Wrote letter to Joey. On set again at 5PM. Stayed home in evening & did some reading. Billie over for while in evening. Talked for quite a while. To bed one AM.
Dec 15, ‘33
Up nine AM. On set all AM. Wx pty good but cold. Wrote few more letters. No plane as yet. In PM went over to Bay for a while, cleaned up room, etc. on set 5PM. After supper went over to Bay, did or tried do few snaps, lights too low, played game of bridge – home at one AM.
Dec 16, ‘33
Up 9AM on set all AM. Plane left for North this AM. High hopes for early mail. Wx good. In PM went over to Bay in afternoon. Did some pictures & shot confab, on set five PM. In evening went to Police bks played some bridge, read while then home early.
Dec 17, ‘33
Up 4A for wx. Cold as bang, plane on way here with mail. Bk bed 5A, up again at nine, had hour or so talk with Shorty & got all the dirt. Supposed to go our trap line but Davie slept in. on set 11AM. After dinner talked with Fred for a while. Plane landed with mail 3PM. Good mail, parcel from Marg & Donna, few cards, etc. In evening staged little party on Joes beer, Fred & Jamba getting prty tite. Played game of bridge to help pass the time. Got some mail ready for the plane in record time. Stayed up for wx in early AM.
Dec 18, ‘33
Up for 4 AM wx. Went bed 5AM. Up again at one PM. On set all P.M. Plane took off for outside but returned due cold wx. (-54). Took msg down to Gilbert at police bks. Coldest day yet. On set agn at 5PM for wx & again at six. Stayed home, read for a while. Mck in, had customary game of bridge. Fred over later on in PM. To bed one AM. Plane not yet in from Aklavik.
Dec 19, ‘33
Up 4 AM for wx. Prty cold. Bk bed 5A. Up again 1115AM. On set in PM for px and px out. Fooled arnd qters bit. Cleaned up room, got cellar fixed up, etc. Slim making all kinds of visits lately, up every afternoon. On set at wx 4PM, then again at six. Stayed home again & to bed early.
Dec 20, ‘33
Up 4A for wx. Bk bed 5A up agn 11AM. Hauled coal for cellar for an hour or so. On set for px. Got laundry from Mrs Desr & had cupla shots of gin. On set for wx & agn for 6PM call after supper. Billy over & we went down to Jombas & had usual game of bridge & listened to radio. Home to bed after cup coffee & listened to the town gossip.
Dec 21, ‘33
Up 4A for wx bk bed 5A. up again 11A. on set in PM for PX. Fixed up furnace and did few odd jobs around. Planes left Aklavik this morning. Wea here good. On seat for wx at 4PM & again at 6PM. After supper Billie & I went down to Douglas’s had game bridge, listened to radio & ‘gossiped’. Home after cup of tea about one AM.
Dec 22, ‘33
Up 4A bk bed 5A. wx good for planes. Up agn 11AM. Finished off writing letter home & mailed it to catch plan. On set most of PM. Business picking up. Lots of messages. Forrester not yet here. Farrel landed about one PM. On set at six PM> after supper stayed home. Billy over had good gossip for most part of the evening. To bed after a cup of ‘Bovril”. Wx today good.
Dec 23, ‘33
Up 4AM. Wx bit milder. Bk bed 5A. up agn at 11A. after bkfast on set all PM as tfc rushing. After supper on set until seven Pm>m went over to Mrs Desr & sampled some “moonshine”. Home early. Worked on album etc. Wx tdy good. Forrester arrived ok. Started on letter to Marg. Then to bed. Most of Indians in Fort for xmas & dogs raising L of noise every night.
Dec 24, ‘33
Up 11AM & on set for hour or so. Things very quiet around the fort. Invited over to Bay for dinner tomorrow & a dance after. Went over to Bay in PM & BS’d for while. After supper visited the local bootlegger & obtained a qt of moonshine & proceeded to get drunk. Made good start, then went out visiting, ending up at Clair’s cabin where we got some beer, very potent stuff – real drinking spell, eight of us drunk & trying to wake up the town which was all in the mission at midnight mass. Made few more calls to wish the population a merry xmas etc. Later mule found in Slim’s house eating his xmas cooking – various other things happened in course of the evening. Good time was had by all. To bed 3AM.
Dec 25, ‘33
Up 11AM on set for while. Had numerous local visitors, including Slim who wanted to know about his mule, etc. BS’d for quite a while then did the rounds & visited everyone in town. The place very des & dry. Unable to get even feeling good. Went over to Bay to have supper, great meal but no liquidation, dance in evening after & a good time was had by all, home at two or three AM.
Dec 26, ‘33
Up 9A on set all AM. Nothing doing in town everything quiet exept the dogs. Cleaned up room & put on water for a bath. Supposed to be dance at Indian house tonight. Wx very cold. Stayed home in evening. Billy & Mck in & game of bridge ensued. To bed early after cup of oxo. No dance.
Dec 27, ‘33
Up 9AM. On set all AM. Wx still very cold. After bkfast took laundry over to Mrs Desr. Dropped in to police bks & talked while with Bill Gunny & PA Galty. Home & wrote more on letter to Marg. Fixed up metor reports & got them ready for Mac. In evening stayed home & read. Joe went over to Cops. Turned in 12PM.
Dec 28, ‘33
Up 9A & on set all AM. Cold spell still going strong. After bkfast went over to Bay for while & talked to Billie. Joe, Billie & I took mule (that mule destroyed) back to “Slim”.. after supper Billie, Davie & I went down to Jombas, played rumy all evening with Mrs J & Henry. Home to bed one AM.
Dec 29, ‘33
Up 9AM. On set all AM. Another cold day. Did some office work. In PM wrote rest of letter to Marg. Temp at 2PM was -60. Hazy appearance outside. Fixed up fires etc. On set five PM. Stayed home in evening. Angus & gang McPh. Up for a while. Chinwagged for while then to bed early.
Dec 30, ‘33
Up 9AM & on set all AM. Still as cold as ever. In PM, went over to Bay & did little business. Took them a msg over to mission. After supper Billie in & had game poker, played most of evening. Then Joe & Billie went to Jombas to listen to the news. TO bed 12PM.
Dec 31, ‘33
Up 4A for wx. Wx cold -64, nice clear day with moonlight like day light. Radio station at Ft Rae burned to ground yesterday morning & Bill Lang burned to death. Bk to bed 5A, up again 11AM. In PM talked while with odd one in. Took couple snaps. After supper had sample of native nany moonshine. Went down to Jombas & had game of bridge. Brought the new year in by firing off a few shots & ringing church bell. All in all very exciting & stone sober. Stayed up for wx after a visit to the Matsons. 1934
January 1934
Jan 1, ‘34
Up 2PM (to bed 530AM). Went the round wishing everyone a happy new year. All very dry – not a drop in the rounds. Indians making their rounds shooting off guns & the squaws mugging. I missed them at the station. On set 4PM. After that had big new years dinner at house. Police boys all over. Swell meal. After supper stayed home, played game of bridge & talked. Pete Matson up. Big Indian dance on, didn’t attend – according to Davie – a “smell” time was had. To bed after cup oxo abt one AM. Wx still very cold. 60 below & over.
Jan 2, ‘34
Up 4A for wx. Bk bed, up agn 11AM. On set for px. Then went over to Bay & helped Billie put engine together. Home & on set 4 & 6 PM. After supper had big dance at Bay, the bachelors of town putting it on. Good time was had by all. Wx getting milder & it very warm in house, also dry. After helping them wash up – home. Stayed up for wx as it 230AM.
Jan 3, ‘34
Stayed up for wx. Bk to bed six AM. Heavy ORN & had to relay tfc. Up agn 11AM on set all PM. Fixed up meteor report and cleaned up place a bit. After supper, on set 6PM. Tried get Borden on short wave at 7 & 8 PM but sw dead and nil doing. Back to quarters & then over to pool hall with Billy & had couple games billiards. Into Bay & had hot cup lemon then home after sampling some of Mary’s fudge.
Jan 4, ‘34
Up 4AM for wx. Wx getting lot milder. Bk bed 5A. up again 11AM. On set for press. Took metar report over to Bay & added it up with adding machine. On set for wx & again after supper when another attempt via sw was made but nil doing. Nick in after supper & a game of bridge ensued for an hour or so. Then nick & Joe FO’d to the police bks. To bed after cleaning Davie out at poker.
Jan 5, ‘34
Up 4AM for wx. Bk bed 530A. up agn 11AM. For first part of PM moved bunch of coal from pile to cellar then finished off the meteor rept. On set for wx 4PM & again at 6P but no sw. Had wx McMurry direct. In evening Slim & Billy in, had game of bridge & BS’d for hour or so after. In bed after cup oxo. One AM.
Jan 6, ‘34
Up 4A for wx. Bk bed 5A. Up agn 11A. wx very mild. On set for press and worked while in PM. McMullen arrived fm south to take mail out. Delivered a msg down to him. Went over to Bay & took part in the usual gathering etc. Home & on set for wx. In evening Joe & I went down to Jombas. Listened to radio all evening. Mr & Mrs Mclead were in also. Home to bed about one AM.
Jan 7, ‘34
Up 11AM. Wx good. About 20 belo. McMullen still here waiting for May from Aklavik. In PM had an hours BS’ing with Shorty & got all the outside dirt, etc. Billie & I did quite few prints etc over here in house. Turning out some good ones – and some bad - . Had house full in evening – played bridge for a while, finished drying the snaps etc. To bed about one AM, after reading, or rather writing a few letters.
Jan 8, ‘34
Up 9AM. On set all AM, also copied out the meteor form I got it ready for the mail – it still here – good wx. In PM took off some double windows & thawed them off. Went for a walk out in bush for some exercise. Stayed in in evening. Slim up & we BS’d for a while. To bed about midnight. Had Kelly for supper -.
Jan 9, ‘34
Up 9AM. Wx good. Few snow flurries etc. May landed about elevn AM. Archie still here & not taking off due snow storm etc ?? Took laundry over to Mrs DesR & had cup coffee & piece pie. All pilots & mech’s etc in stn in PM. Thawed out more double windows. Had visit to Police bks, had cup coffee. After supper went down to Jombas with Billy after taking a few snaps, flashlight, etc of inside station & one at Jombas. Had usual game of bridge. Home about midnight.
Jan 10, ‘34
Not up until 11AM for bkfast. Davie slept in on wx, then got up for 9AM & rest AM call. On set all PM. Wx good & both planes on their way to VEC. Went over to Bay in PM for while. Fixed up couple more of the storm windows. On set again at six PM. After supper, got cleaned up to go out but had visitors & had to stay in. Jimm in for game bridge – Billie & Angus in later. To bed after a cup oxo one AM.
Jan 11, ‘34
Up 10A. Clock stopped. Wx good – nil doing. On set all AM. In PM started to haul some ice by hand but nil results had to give up. Mrs DesR brought over a drink & everything fine during the afternoon. After supper, Davie & I went over to Mrs Desr & had little party lots to drink etc. Davie FO’d abt elevn PM but didn’t show up at home. Got home myself 1230PM & still no Davie.
Jan 12, ‘34
Up 9AM – Davie stayed up for wx. On set all AM. Mail on way north. Wx poor very foggy etc. On set all AM. In PM took msg over to police. Bk home & did some office wk for Joe. Went over to Bay to pay bill & BS’d for while. On set again 5PM. After supper stayed home. Mrs DesR over with a drink. Billie & Angusl in for while. Had game of bridge etc. To bed about midnight.
Jan 13, ‘34
Up 9AM & on set all AM. Wx good. Wrote letter to Marge. Took my mail to post office. Fixed up ledges etc agn. After supper, took my laundry over to Mrs DesR. Got some back. Had cup tea & pie. Dropped in at police bks on way home. Listened to radio. Home about midnight.
Jan 14, ‘34
Up 1030AM. On set in AM. Mail plane at Simpson. Wx here not bad foggy etc. In PM, Billy over & we did a few more snapes etc. In the evening, we all invited to McLeods for supper. Very nice – spent the evening talking etc. Home about one AM.
Jan 15, ‘34
Up 4A for wx. Bk bed 5A. Up again 11AM & on set all P.M. wx very cold. Mail plane arrived about one PM. Got bunch letters & xmas cards – Good news all round. Stayed home in P.M. Joe Hall in for while. Made a little fudge – wrote couple of letters. Joe & Billy in later in P.M. To bed about one AM.
Jan 16, ‘34
Up 4A. bk bed 5A. Up again 11AM. On set all P.M. Took laundry over to Mrs DesRosier – had cup coffee & piece pie. Home & cleaned up bit. On set six PM. After supper, Joe & I went over to police bks, had usual game of bridge, (ending in disaster), Jomba & coupla others in so B’S for while, home to bed about one AM.
Jan 17, ‘34
Up 4AM, bk bed 5 AM. Up again 11AM. On set all PM. Hauled bit wood & cleaned up place bit. Went over to Bay but nobody doing business. On set til six PM. After supper went over to Mrs DesR to get hair cut and took over some laundry. Spent “enjoyable” evening there. Home about midnight. Wx pty cold tday.
Jan 18, ‘34
Up all evening until 4A. Bk bed 5AM up again 11AM. Took three or four pictures while the sun was good. Fixed up more wood. On set all PM. Went over to Bay & got coupla toothbrushes etc. Wx cold but nice & clear tday. After supper Billy & I went to Douglas & had game of bridge & gossiped until nearly 2AM. Then home to sit around radio & BS until 4AM when I took wx.
Jan 19, ‘34
Up until 4AM. To bed 5AM. Up agn 11AM. Got water etc fixed up for bath. McMullen & Kelly here from Cameron Bay. Wx punk & they staying overnight. In PM Father Lasage & the brother over & had game of bridge and listened to radio. Hearing Normandy late in PM around midnight. Had cup Bovril, played some more bridge then they went home. Billy also in for while.
Jan 20, ‘34
Up 4A for wx. Bk bed 5A. Wx bad snowing – McMullen & Kelly still here staying over another day. On set in PM & BS’d with Kelly for quite a while. After supper stayed home & listened to radio, it very good. Made some fudge. Heard the Sitins from Edmonton etc, then to bed.
Jan 21, ‘34
Up 11AM. Read most of morning & PM. Billy in for min, went for a walk out to lake, wx mild & snowing little, radio good in afternoon, Normandy France faintly in. Had sked with Shorty for one PM but missed it. In evening went for a visit to Mrs DesR & partook of some excellent moonshine and other little odds & ends. Home around midnight in good spirits and a visit to Fred & Billy, just short, home & to bed one AM.
Jan 22, ‘34
Up 9A & on set all AM. Delivered couple of msgs during AM. Wx fine. Great day. McMullen still here. In P.M. went over to Bay & talked for a while. Wrote letter to Robby & Woodley. Mailed them in afternoon, after supper Mr McLead & Billy in, talked for a while. Made little fudge & to bed about midnight.
Jan 23, ‘34
Up 8AM. McMullen pulled out 915AM. Wx good. On set all AM. Wrote letter to Graham. In PM went over to Mrs DesR & got laundry & had couple quick ones and something to eat. Home around 3PM. Fixed up fires, on set at 5P.M. After supper, Billy over & invited us over to have some icecream. Joe & I went over. Had cuple of dishes – played a game of bridge, eating ice cream cones etc. Home about midnight.
Jan 24, ‘34
Up 730A for wx at 8AM. On set all AM. Farrel on his way down from Aklavik. Wx good here. In P.M. read for while, Billy over & we chinwagged for quite while. On set five PM. Stayed in after supper. Nick in, Pete Matson in for a while. To bed early around 11PM.
Jan 25, ‘34
Up 815AM to get wx for Farrel from Cameron Bay & not on until 915AM – engine trouble. On set all AM. Wx not so very good, foggy. Fixed up couple ledgers etc in PM, then on set again until five PM. After supper Mrs DesR in for while helped her home with parcel, stayed for a while eating pie – etc – home about midnight & to bed.
Jan 26, ‘34
Up 9AM & on set all AM. Wrote a letter to Graham. Wx good, nice & clear but cold. Not much doing on the set in AM. In PM, read a good book, Billy in & we BS’d for while, cleaned off station sidewalk for some exercise and did odd jobs around house. In PM Joe & I went over to Bay. Had usual game of bridge – Ned & I coming out on top over Billie & Joe. Later on had game of ping pong, not exactly an expert at this but cleaned up on Billie & tied with Ned. Home to bed one AM, and heard good program on radio from Virginia USA.
Jan 27, ‘34
Up 9AM on set all AM, wrote a letter to Joey wx cold but nice and clear. -47 belo. After bkfast BS’d for while. Jack back from his trip, looking pretty tough. Angus greatly relieved. Went down town on business. Had chinwag with Jim for while. Billie over for supper. Stayed home & listened to radio. Pretty good. Heard the bdcast from Edmonton ok. Slim in later an had customary game of bridge & listened to radio well on in AM – stayed up for wx. 4AM. Wrote few letters to different radio stations.
Jan 28, ‘34
Up 4AM bk bed 5AM. Lots static this AM. Up again 11AM & on set until noon. In P.M. wx very cold & windy. Billy in & we talked most of PM. On set again 4P for wx. And again at 510PM. After supper went down to Jombas with Joe & Billy. Had game bridge & listened to radio. Little gossip over cup of coffee, then home to bed midnite.
Jan 29, ‘34
Up 4A for wx. Bk bed 5A, up again 11AM. Wx very mild only 10 below. On set in PM for px. Fixed up film etc to go out. Cleared up cellar & fixed sacks up etc. On set 3P & 4P again. After supper went for a visit to Mrs DesR’s. got cupla good books & after cup coffee piece of pie. Home & listened to radio.
Jan 30, ‘34
Up 4A bk bed 5A. Up again 11AM. Wx still very mild. On set in PM again fo px. Went out to lake with Joe for walk, met Mrs Douglas & Mrs DesR on path. On set again 330 P & 4P. After supper listened to radio for while, read a good book. Then went down for a visit to McLeaods. Talked all evening on different things. Home about 1130 PM. Mr & Mrs Matson & Bill Kowaedy here when got home. Gossiped some more then to bed a little after midnight.
Jan 31, ‘34
Up 4A for wx. Bk bed 530A. Hard morning lots ORN. Up again 11AM. Wx not so good. On set for px at one thirty & again at 330P. wrote letter to Marg. On set again at six PM. After supper big dance at H Bay. Very wet and got slightly oiled – party very rough but good time was had by all. Everyone tight. Dance broke up at 230AM but went down to Henry’s with few other lads & got oiled some more on his famous bew. Just made it to the set for wx at 4AM. Got wx out ok & went to bed 5AM.
February 1934
Feb 1, ‘34
Up 11AM, not in the best of spirits but feeling pretty good. Jack slightly late as his part in the party just the same as before – (right before) – on set in PM fo px etc. Finished off letter to Marg. In PM Pete Jomba & Billy in & we had game of bridge I mean poker, down two bucks at end of evenings fun. Bottled our brew which took until 4AM. When I went on set for wx’s. Radio real good all night & morning. Billy slept on chesterfield, too tired to go hime (168 bottles brew).
Feb 2, ‘34
Up one P.M. on set fo px. Then went over to Mrs DesR with laundry. Had a drink or two & piece of pie: heard some scandle etc then home. Mail expected in in PM. Wx good. On set again 6PM & plane arrived three PM with little mail. Got letter from Marge, Home, & others. In PM late, after supper, stayed home. Pete also Billy over. Read for while & BS’d rest time.
Feb 3, ‘34
Up 4AM for wx. Bk bed 5A, up again 11A. On set in PM for px. Worked on ice for couple of hours. On set 6PM. After supper wrote upteen letters & sampled our brew, very good stay. Heard the broadcast from the north fm VED. To bed early, about midnight.
Feb 4, ‘34
Up 11AM. After bkfast, took a few snaps, went over to Bay and mailed some letters etc and chinwagged for a while. Billie & I went for walk to lake, took five snapes on way. Sampled few bottles of the old home made. Bill over for supper but went home early. Took walk over to the madams house but didn’t stay long - ? Home & read fo the best part of evening.
Feb 5, ‘34
Up 8AM for wx for McMullen at Aklavik wx pty good. On set all AM. In PM did some work on the ice. Took my laundry over to Mrs DesR. Had lil’ drink etc. Husled home dropped into police bks on way home. Home & cleaned up on ice etc. Went over to Bay to mail a letter. In evening Joe & I went to HB House. Later together with Nick & Billie went to Jombas & had a game – down $7 – at end of evening. Home one AM. McMullen in this P.M.
Feb 6, ‘34
Up 8AM for wx for McMullen fm Simpson. On set all AM. – Great day - . packed some more ice B4 bkfast. In P.M. on ice most of time. Over to Bay & talked for hour or so fixing up my accts. Etc. Cleaned up cellar. Archie pulled out in early AM. Wx not so good. Stayed in after supper, Angus in for a while. To bed 1230A. Good radio night.
Feb 7, ‘34
Up 730A for wx fm Cameron for Farrell. On set all AM. Great difficulty in reading VEB. Spent all AM clearing him. In PM. Went over to Bay for a while. Packed more ice etc. After supper stayed home, Joe went out to sit Douglas’s home all PM. Wrote a letter to Jack Carter at KNX. To bed 12PM.
Feb 8, ‘34
Up 9AM. ON set all AM. Over to Bay to deliver message etc. In PM, on ice job all PM. Colin hauling steady and keeping us vy busy. After supper. Slim & Angus in fat chewing. Joe, Davie & Nick all went out in quest of a poker game. Listened to radio all PM. To bed one AM.
Feb 9, ‘34
Up 9AM. On set all AM. In PM still storing ice. And packing in sawdust etc. Bottle beer goes great after working all afternoon in icehouse. After supper Billy came over with box chocolates so we started to eat chocolate & drink beer. During course of evening, Bob & Henry came in with crock of brew. Excellent party ensued but very noisy. Went for a run down town visiting Jims & several other places. Ending up at Henrys shack in the early AM, all- very much under the influence of ?? it. Home to bed at two AM. Billie stretched out on the chesterfield for the night.
Feb 10, ‘34
Up – big headed, at 930AM on set most of AM – had small drink or two. Did little ice in PM. Went down to madam DesR. to get laundry but it not ready. Heard some choice scandle re the night B4. Henry in bad shape ?? – brought him up to house & administered little eyeopener & pulled him thru ok. Stayed home in evening and entertained at game or two of bridge.
Feb 11, ‘34
Up 4AM. Bk bed 5A, up again 11AM on set for an hour or so. Had a short gossip with Shorty got a littlenews etc. Billie over & we did some prints all very good. Billy over for supper. After supper Nick, Fred in and another game of bridge ensued for the evening. Wrote letter yda to Marg & mother.. To bed around one AM.
Feb 12, ‘34
Up 4A for wx. Bk bed 5A. Up 11AM. On ice for hour or so. On set most of PM. Have to work VEB as well now due heavy ORN during day at VEC. After supper went over to Madams with couple btles of beer. Stayed and gossiped for while, then went down to Jombas where Joe & Billie, Davie are. Game of bridge ensued & then home after cup cocoa & some gossip.
Feb 13, ‘34
Up 4AM, bk bed 5A, up again 11AM. Great wx tda. On ice all day. Joe took Skel px & Davie & I worked on the ice. Billy over after a while & gave us a hand. All finished to date & icehouse full. Colin very glad – so are we. Dance tonight & supposed-to-be dry. But liquidation flowed very freely, all pretty punk brew but better than nothing. David went over very good ice cream later in evening. Stayed up for wx.
Feb 14, ‘34
Back to bed after the wx about 530AM. Up again 12 noon. On set in PM for Px etc. Con left VEF for here with Insp RCMP and Vic Ingraham. Wx good. Cleaned up qtrs. In PM & on set rest of the time. Con arrived 4PM. After supper Davie & I went over to Jims for visit. Played “King Pedro”. Jim & I cleaning up on Mrs L & Davy. Home after cup coffee abt 12PM.
Feb 15, ‘34
Up 4A for wx. Bk to bed 5AM. Very dark and fairly warm. Up again 11AM & on set for few Px. Then out helping Bob on ditch until wx time again. On set until 6PM. After supper, the three of us went over to Bay. Had game of bridge, Joe & I going down in defeat to Davy & Billy. Home after cup waltine etc. Con tried get out to Cameron Bay do but wx not so good so he here another day.
Feb 16, ‘34
Up 4A for wx. Up again at 11AM. On set in PM for Px. Spent half hour trying get delco started. Then went out on ditch. Con left this AM for CBay. On set again at wx. Days getting very much longer. Mascot “Static” which we brough from the “Bay” last night doing fine & getting acquainted quick. After supper Billie & Bob in for while. Heard some choice stories from Bob. Then bridge started, Billie & Davy again coming out on top. To bed about on AM.
Feb 17, ‘34
Up 4AM. Tried radio after wx. Lots of stations on but not very clear, up again at 11AM for bkfast. Wx much colder.On set in PM for Px. Out on ditch for couple of hours but back on set for wx etc. After supper went down to Jombas to hear radio. Bridge game, we on top for a change. Had good gossip then came home to bed. Our mascot getting nice and acquainted.
Feb 18, ‘34
Up 11AM. Wx nice & warm. After bkfast went across river to trap line. Heavy going found only three traps and nothing in any of ‘em. Billie met me with a dog team & I had a rid rest of way home. Beginning to snow on way home. Slim, Spence etc all in for while. To bed about 11PM for a good sleep.
Feb 19, ‘34
Up 9AM. Real good day, no clouds & nice & warm. On set in AM & in PM was working all time on in ditch. Got it almost all done. Another three weeks or so to complete. On set at 5P. After supper went down alone to Douglas’s and spent a quiet evening. Home about 1130PM. Saw the baby.
Feb 20, ‘34 Tue
Up 9AM & on set all AM. Wx still good. In PM hauled bit of coal then went out in bush with Bob to cut poles for ditch. Home again about 530PM After supper gang came in. Had game of bridge. Billie & I coming out on top for a change. To bed about 130AM.
Feb 21, ‘34 Wed
Up 9AM. On set all AM. Working in ditch for while again. It coming along to too bad. Mucky work and tiresome. Quit about 230P & went over to Bay but no one there or in pool hall, only hooker eating beans. Took a sweater over to Mrs DesR to be washed etc & fixed up. Home and on the set at 5P.M. After supper took a walk over to Mrs DesR she out. Police out too so came home again & read until nearly midnight. Then to bed.
Feb 22, ‘34 Thursday
Up 9AM. Been having some great wx lately but very cold wind. On set all AM. After bkfast went out on ditch again for a while. Not much doing, just the thawing. Went over to Bay in PM to get flashlite btys but they have none. Went into poolhall where few games were in progress. Played Billie couple of games coming out 1 & 1. After supper Davie & I went over to cops, played bit of bridge & chewed fat & listened to the radio. Home about 12 midnight and to bed.
Feb 23, ‘34 Friday
Up 9AM. Another nice day. On set all AM with nothing very much doing. In PM worked in ditch until 5PM. Coming along fine, rotten job… On set agn 6PM. After supper stayed home. Angus & Billie in, Billie dressed up like a squaw? – just to fool old Jim. Listened to radio all night. After cup of cocoa – went to bed.
Feb 24, ‘34 Saturday
Up 9AM. Wx stil nice. On set all AM. Went out on ditch about 1130 after delivering couple of messages. Worked all PM. Did quite a bit. On set 5PM. After supper Joe & I went down to Jombas. Crowd there. Billie Jomba & I played a game of cut throat bridge while the others had big game. Listened to radio which was punk. Home about one AM.
Feb 25, ‘34 Sunday
Up 4A for wx. Back bed until 11AM. On set until 12PM. Had an hours chat with Shorty and got all the dirt. Billie over & we did some pictures. Real good ones this time.After supper Billie & Slim came in. Had game of bridge & fixed & dried rest of pictures etc. To bed about midnight. Radio punk all day.
Feb 26, ‘34 Monday
Up 4AM. Back bed until 1030A. On set from noon until wx time> Wx starting cloud up etc. snowing a bit. Still working on the ditch not making very much headway as frozen pretty hard. On set six PM again after supper. Fred, Angus & Pete came in. Had game of bridge & gossiped for while. Heard some more of Bob’s experiences. To bed about one AM.
Feb 27, ‘34 Tuesday
Up 4A for Wx. On set from 11AM until wx in P.M. During PM Joe & I still working on ditch. Cleaned up the cellar. On set agn at 6PM. After supper Billie & bunch in. Spence etc. Had game of bridge until well into the small AM. Played one rubber 5 minutes & another two & ½ hours. Stayed up for wx. Put beer on.
Feb 28, ‘34 Wednesday
About 3AM heard a station in Brisbane Australia. Wrote them a letter. On set for wx. Got to bed 5AM. Up for bkfast at 1030A. On set at 12 & in PM went over to Mrs DesR to get laundry but it not ready> Had cup of tea & piece cake. Spence there. Home & on the set for wx. House crowded with the bachelor population of town. Must have smelt the beer. After supper Joe & I went down to Douglas. Called in to police & took Jonny along. Had usual game of bridge. Nick & I coming up on top. Home about 12PM after cup cocoa.
March 1934
Mar 1, ‘34 Thursday
Up 4A for wx. Bk bed 5AM. Up again 1030A. On set 12 noon & in P.M. for Px etc. Still working on the ditch again this P.M. Planes left McM for the north with mail. Wx getting worse all time. After supper went over to Mrs DesRs to get laundry but she not home. Home again & Billie & Angus came in. Had game bridge & listened radio. To bed early about one AM.
Mar 2, ‘34 Friday
Up 4A on set till 6PM. Tfc very heavy and Px at VEC enough to drive any man native. Up for bkfast. Plane still at VEC due bum wea here. On set all PM. During PM went to Bay for few mins, on set again 6PM. After supper Joe & I went to Bay. Had usual game of bridge. Fred & I losing heavily. Home around one, late.
Mar 3, ‘34 Saturday
Up 4A for wx. Up again 11AM. Plane on way here with mail. On set from noon until 5PM. Got good mail pictures from Marg & Donna. Also heard from several radio station s that we wrote to during past month. After supper wrote couple of letters. Joe & Davie went down to Jombas for game bridge. Bille over for little while but left early. To bed about one A.M. some great pictures from both places.
Mar 4, ‘34 Sunday
Up 8AM for wx for plane but he didn’t pull out as wx here bum. Wrote letters from 8 till 11AM. One to Robbie & one to Dunny. No sked with Shorty tday as too much static. Wx here not so good. Read most of PM and looked over paper etc with David. In PM after supper stayed in to write letters but Billie came in an a game of bridge ensued. Got couple letter written during evening though. To bed 1230PM.
References
- ↑ Diary and transcription courtesy of Terry Ross, Grandson of Hugh Ross.