1


While the loss of life of Torontonians in the Second World War was not as devastating as in the earlier war, the homefront effort nonetheless engulfed the city. Many private grounds and buildings (including Havergal's Jarvis Street school) were commandeered for military purposes, manufacturing focused on supplying war material, and certain ethnic groups came under suspicion (or were interned).

As in the First World War, the Second World War brought themes of duty and sacrifice into Havergal College classrooms and extra-curricular activities. Once again, Red Cross work, visiting lecturers and patriotic entertainments became a part of everyday life. These lacked, however, the earlier flare for the dramatic - lessons, lectures, and activities focused less on the earlier ideal feminine, imperial and nascent Canadian identities, instead fostering values like perseverance, self-reliance and capability.

Fundraising efforts replaced knitting socks as the preferred mode of support, and all kinds of creative methods for collecting money were employed by students and staff.

2

Havergal College shows its support
1939
Avenue Road, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
AUDIO ATTACHMENT
TEXT ATTACHMENT


Credits:
Dr. Catherine Steele 1928 Archives, Havergal College

3

"The School's War Work"
1940
Avenue Road, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
TEXT ATTACHMENT


Credits:
Dr. Catherine Steele 1928 Archives, Havergal College

4

Poems: "The Red Cross", and others
1940
Avenue Road, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
AUDIO ATTACHMENT


Credits:
Dr. Catherine Steele 1928 Archives, Havergal College

5

"War Effort Posters"
1941
Avenue Road, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
TEXT ATTACHMENT


Credits:
Dr. Catherine Steele 1928 Archives, Havergal College

6

Front entrance ('rotunda') leading into the Assemby Hall
Circa 1939
Avenue Road, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
TEXT ATTACHMENT


Credits:
Dr. Catherine Steele 1928 Archives, Havergal College

7

Aerial view of Havergal College and area
1941
Avenue Road, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
TEXT ATTACHMENT


Credits:
Dr. Catherine Steele 1928 Archives, Havergal College

8

Call for Volunteers from the Havergal Community
1941
Avenue Road, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
TEXT ATTACHMENT


Credits:
Dr. Catherine Steele 1928 Archives, Havergal College

9

"The Bank of Havergal" cartoon
1942
Avenue Road, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
AUDIO ATTACHMENT


Credits:
Dr. Catherine Steele 1928 Archives, Havergal College

10

Cosmetics advertisement
1942
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
TEXT ATTACHMENT


Credits:
Dr. Catherine Steele 1928 Archives, Havergal College

11

Alumnae magazine
1944
Avenue Road, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
TEXT ATTACHMENT


Credits:
Dr. Catherine Steele 1928 Archives, Havergal College

12

"Haver-gals Go Gasless"
1942
Avenue Road, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
TEXT ATTACHMENT


Credits:
Dr. Catherine Steele 1928 Archives, Havergal College

13

Outfitting the Allies

Fundraising for the purchase of particular items was particularly popular. Students employed creative means of collecting money to help military and relief organizations. Among the more ambitious - and successful - of the projects were the purchase and donation of a station wagon (for the Red Cross, 1942), a motor ambulance and mobile canteen (for the Save the Children Fund, 1943), and a mobile dispensary (1944).

In 1944, students raised $400 for the Service League for British Ships, effectively 'adopting' the HMS Prompt, a British minesweeper docked in Toronto.

14

Station wagon donated by Havergal College to the Red Cross
1942
Avenue Road, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
TEXT ATTACHMENT


Credits:
Dr. Catherine Steele 1928 Archives, Havergal College