Work Archives | Verdun in Wartime: An Engaged Community

Maison Nivard-De Saint-Dizier

Here is a photograph of Maison Nivard-De Saint-Dizier, musée et site archéologique, located on the banks of the St. Lawrence River, in the borough of Verdun. This building […]

The Armistice Ceremony

Here is a photograph, dated November 7, 1937, of the ceremony at the cenotaph during the Armistice Day (now Remembrance Day) commemorations in Verdun. Servicemen form an honour […]

Veterans and the Housing Crisis

Verdun Branch no. 4 of the Canadian Legion identified the housing crisis as the main source of discontent among servicemen. This reproduction of a petition submitted by veterans […]

A Much-Awaited Telegram

Telegram from Halifax sent on July 5, 1945, from Fernand Vachon to his family on Wellington Street, with the following message: “ARRIVED SAFE AND SOUND HOPE TO BE […]

Jane Leavitt

This article features Jane Leavitt, a British immigrant, born in London, who arrived in Verdun in 1913 with her family. She was chosen by the War Memorial Committee […]

A Very Sad Announcement

This telegram, dated March 14, 1945, announced the very sad news to Gisèle Garand, mother of a soldier from Verdun, Gérard Garand, who disappeared, and was presumed dead, […]

George F. Beurling at the Verdun Auditorium

Pilot Officer George F. Beurling returned to Verdun on November 10, 1942, and was celebrated by some 6000 people at the Verdun Auditorium, the largest crowd gathered for […]

Changes in Behaviour, Even in the Home

This advertisement targeted women, calling on them to collect and save any non-essential objects or materials that could be re-used for the war effort. Excerpts of an interview […]

Housewives and the War Effort

This pamphlet cover explained to housewives how to save animal fats and bones and their use in the production of war-related items. Complete transcript of the document [translation]: […]

Women in the Verdun Red Cross

The women’s committee of the Verdun Red Cross was led by the mayor’s wife, Elizabeth Wilson. Members of the organization took part in the war effort by cutting […]

Joan Adams and the Work of the Women’s Volunteer Reserve Corps

Among her commitments, Joan Adams clearly helped to improve the image of the Women’s Volunteer Reserve Corps and to raise its profile in Verdun. Excerpts from the interview […]

Joan Adams of the Women’s Volunteer Reserve Corps

In March 1941, Joan Adams was appointed Senior Commandant of the Women’s Volunteer Reserve Corps. Excerpts from the interview with Joan Adams (J.A.), conducted by historian Serge Durflinger […]