1

Parades for the new year began on Friday, September 2, 1955. In the past summer camp, 589 were tops in barracks cleanliness, champs in softball and volleyball, and second only to 508 Squadron of St. John's in the track meet. As evidence of their prowess, home with them came a silver cup for first place in sports and about 25 individual awards.

2

Squadron begins new year.
29 August 1955
Carbonear, Conception Bay, NL

3

When 589 opened its doors on the first Friday in September it was to become a truly Carbonear Squadron, open to any boy in the community between the ages of 14-18 or in grade IX if under 14.

4

New Drums.
25 November 1955
Carbonear, Conception Bay, NL

5

Funds were raised to buy the 4 new drums - 3 snares and a tenor. However, the bass drum was found in a closet in the Academy. It was probably left over from when there were Scouts. On the inside was inscribed the date 1924. This drum was 30 years old even before the cadets used it. It still exists today and is under the care of 589 squadron.

Audio Transcript:
My name is Fred Saunders. I was a member of the squadron when the drums were presented. The presentation of our first drums was a very special occasion. Several cadets were involved in the band over the years, and we had some great drummers and buglers. The band was the highlight of our street parades and provided a niche for the cadets who were musically inclined. There were several instructors who volunteered to teach the band, and I recall the band grew to a complement of approximately 25 in the late '50s.

6

Tag Day.
9 May 1956
Southside Road, Carbonear, NL

7

In the early years, the 589 Air Cadets would sell "tags". This was a major fund raiser for the squadron and was well received and supported by the community. A "tag" was a small card saying that the bearer had supported the cadet movement in their town. The squadron has had many fundraisers over the past 50 years. One year they sold lightbulbs and another year brooms. Presently, the selling of turkey dinners has taken over from the "tag' sale.

8

Promotions, December, 1955.
16 December 1955
Academy Auditorium, Carbonear, NL

9

On Friday evening, December 16 , 1955, promotions were made to 12 deserving cadets.

10

Ground Observer Corps Card.
14 October 1955
Carbonear, NL

11

During the time of the Cold War in the 1950's, Air Cadets all across Canada were recruited as "ground observers". They were to report, even at night, any unusual aircraft sightings to a designated central location (probably Gander). In 1955, several cadets in 589 were
Ground Observer Corps members and were issued a card to that affect. They had specific times when they had to stay awake into the early hours of the morning and report anything unusual. This card was issued to Anthony Moores, one of the original cadets.

12

Parade at Pepperrell A.F.B.
6 May 1956
Fort Pepperrell Air Force Base, St. John's, NL

13

The 589 Squadron also paraded at the United States Air Force Base at Fort Pepperrell, St. John's. This was in celebration of "Armed Forces Day".

14

Hockey team, 1955-1956.
3 March 1956
St. John's, NL