Very stormy weather.
Snow & high wind.
Lots of people seasick
Archives for November 2014
Thursday 19 November 1914
Embarked on S.S. Grampian which left at 4 pm.
Very cold weather
Travelling 2nd Class with Mr. Pitt & Mr. Ross
Wednesday 18 November 1914
Very cold: 20 below zero
Staying at a private boarding house to await Embarkation.
All spoke French. But what French!
Tuesday 17 November 1914
Very cold 20 below zero
Went to a theatre where the actors spoke French only
*The winter of 1914 saw record cold temperatures in Montreal.
Monday 16 November 1914 – fine
Arrived at Ottawa at 10:10 am & had some coffee (10c cup). Ottawa has about 3 flags flying. Slushy snow here.
Arrive in Montreal at 12:55 noon
Took transfer baggage Bus to Place Viger Station (C.P.R) for Quebec.
Strolled into Montreal City & had dinner & supper. Saw “Million Dollar Mystery” Finale. Sent Picture Postcards to friends. On train at 11:30 pm
Sunday 15 November 1914 – snow & later rain
Boarded train at 2:15 am. Train crowded with people for Old Country. Wrote letters & postcards to Bessie, the Neats, Wagstaffes & Haswell’s & Esdailes & Barker Boys.
Had a noisey lot on train – naturally.
Standing room only for some from Ft. Wm. to Sudbury.
The rumour is Lord Roberts died in France.
*Field Marshal Lord Frederick Sleigh Roberts – A British Military officer, Lord Roberts fought in the Indian Mutiny, the second Afghan war, the Boer War and was the last Commander-in-Chief of the Forces before the position was abolished in 1904. Lord Roberts was known as one of the most successful commanders of the 19th century. He died of pneumonia in France on November 14th 1914 while visiting Indian troops.
Saturday 14 November 1914 – rain & frost
Up at 9 am & had breakfast with Ma & Milly. Interesting chat till 11 am then I to Post Office to send mail. I have a score of invitations to supper & dinner. To dinner at MacT’s & afterwards to visit friends till 6 pm. I have the happiest time of my life. The phone is kept busy wherever I go. I’m followed.
To 77 Co & see the boys. Our train is 3 hrs & 40 min late. Meet the girls uptown & home together. Hugh Pitt & I entertain the folk, singing music & stories etc: Left Fort William at 2:15 am.
Friday 13 November 1914 – frosty
Arrived in Fort William 9:35 pm & met at Depot by Mr [MacTaggart], Mildred (Mrs. Ross) and Annie.
Went to MacT’s & stayed all night. Had a very interesting conversation. To bed at 11:30 pm. Mr. Pitt goes to Port Arthur to see friends & stays the night.
Thursday 12 November 1914 – frost & snow
Snowing on the mountains but on reaching Medicine Hat the snow disappeared & there had been a hard frost.
The British Destroyer “Tiger” is sunk by a submarine of the Germans.
The Prairie is a change to the Tall Timbers of B.C.
Wednesday 11 November 1914 – rain
Passed an uncomfortable night on the train.
Today – more comfortable
Sentries are on guard over Bridges and Reservoirs etc.
Snow at Bowie a few miles east of Sicamous. Posted letter to J.M. Fromme, Lynn Creek, B.C. re Lumber for ceiling
Snow 12 inches deep at Field & Lake Louise, Rogers Pass.