Skip to main content
Go back

Canada Day Celebrations

Black and white newspaper article featuring a photograph of two men standing with a dozen children in front of them and to their right. In the foreground, a bicycle and two toy baby carriages. In the background, some trees and a building. Below, a 60-word text.

Date: July 9, 1953

Source: The Guardian (Verdun), courtesy of Rohinton Ghandhi 

In July 1953, Branch 202 Crawford Park organized an activity day in Queen Elizabeth Park for the Canada Day celebrations (then referred to as Dominion Day). The photograph shows the winners of the best-decorated toy baby carriages.

The Verdun Legion organized many family activities. In particular, it participated in Canada Day celebrations for several years by holding a big picnic. For example, in 1958, a full day of activities was planned: a parade and races for children, a softball game between Legion members and youth, and a dress-up and decoration activity involving bicycles and baby carriages. In 1960, Branch 202 Crawford Park held an English and French writing competition for students in the neighbourhood. They were asked to answer the question “What does Canada Day mean to me?” 

Transcription of the text below the photograph:
A DOMINION DAY CELEBRATION in Queen Elizabeth Playground in Crawford Park was highlighted by awarding of prizes to these youngsters. Crawford Park Branch No. 202 of The Canadian Legion sponsored and ran the daylong celebration, which featured a contest for the best-decorated toy carriage. Left to right: Beverly Humphrey, Legion President Jack Thompson, Linda Wells, Joyce Barr, Jo-Ann Barr and Joy Grandshire.