100 Years Ago: Funeral Notice by Great War Veterans’ Association, Letter of Thanks for Christmas Box, Exhibition of Sports by Men from Convalescent Homes

The Intelligencer December 21, 1917 (page 2)

“Funeral Notice. Great War Veterans’ Association are requested to meet at their Club rooms 157 Front Street at 3 o’clock on Saturday afternoon to attend funeral of our late comrade Thomas Yateman. All men requested to attend in uniform.”

The Intelligencer December 21, 1917 (page 7)

“Soldiers Appreciate Christmas Boxes. The following letter from one of the boys at the front is an evidence of how parcels are appreciated. France, Nov. 21, 1917. Mrs. K. M. Leach, Belleville.

Dear Madam and Friend:—I am greatly pleased to acknowledge receipt of the most excellent ‘Xmas box, arrived to-day (my birthday), and I wish, through you, to thank very heartily the women of the Red Cross & Patriotic Association for the dandy parcel, and also the excellent work they are doing for the comfort and general benefit of ‘Boys in France.’

Your parcel is in the very best condition and came at a most opportune time, as we have just returned from a very rough trip in Belgium, and the luxuries contained in your box were just the proper thing to cheer a fellow up and make the old world look brighter.

Again thanking the W. R. C. & P. Association for their kindness on my behalf, and wishing them a very Merry Xmas and every success in the New Year, I am

Very gratefully yours, Homer E. Leavitt.”

The Intelligencer December 21, 1917 (page 9)

“Wonderful Results of Treatment at Hart House Shown at Sports. Toronto. The necessity of the gymnasium in the rehabilitation of the men who, through their services overseas, have been crippled or paralyzed was plainly evidenced at an exhibition of sports in the Hart House at the University yesterday afternoon.

Men from all the different convalescent homes throughout the city took part, and keen enjoyment was evinced in the different exercises. The program lasted from two o’clock until four o’clock, and included in it were walking races, indoor baseball, volley ball, tug-of-war, badminton match and various other exercises.

There were also tests showing how the various exercises the men were put through in the gymnasiums tended to make the diseased or artificial parts once more useful. …  The desire is to have a gymnasium at all of the convalescent hospitals.”