People poured into the streets of Georgetown and Acton to celebrate the end of WW2
While it was a time of celebration, it was also a moment of reflection to remember the dozens of local armed forces members who paid the ultimate sacrifice.
The Second World War was the deadliest conflict in history and one that dragged on for a gruelling six years, which saw about 60 million people killed - a combination of civilians and military personnel. When word came of the war's end, it was a cause for celebration for the residents of Acton, Georgetown and Esquesing Township.
World War I| was declared over by U.S. President Harry Truman on the evening of August 14, 1945, when Japan surrendered after having atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki a week earlier. This surrender and the fall of Nazi Germany (Victory in Europe Day) in May of that year were two major events that effectively brought the war to an official end.
Both newspapers, The Acton Free Press and The Georgetown Herald, reported on the news of the war's resolution with "PEACE AT LAST" printed in large font on their front pages, followed by articles extensively covering the major celebrations that took place.
Just after the 7 p.m. radio announcement, the Free Press reported, "the whistle at Beardmore & Co plant shrieked out the joyous news. It was joined by church and town bells in spreading the peace news. It didn't take long for the Acton Boys' Band to assemble."
In Georgetown, The Herald wrote, "crowds flocked to Main Street and soon the bands were out and happy throngs milled around the Main Street corner. Later in the evening an impromptu street dance was held, with the Rhythm Rubes supplying the music."
The following day was a national holiday as proclaimed by Prime Minister William Lyon Mackenzie King. Stores and factories were closed to mark the occasion, with the residents of Acton, Georgetown and surrounding areas participating in celebrations organized by their respective town councils.
Celebrations during the national holiday included public picnics, baseball games, parades and dances, accompanied by music from the local bands - similar to that of events held in other communities across the country.
While it was a time of celebration, it was also a moment of reflection to remember the dozens of armed forces members who paid the ultimate sacrifice.
Services of remembrance and prayer were held at local churches to pay tribute to those, both troops and civilians, who were fatal victims of the war. A total of 44,000 Canadians lost their lives during the Second World War.
The local papers also provided long lists of soldiers who were welcomed home after returning from service overseas, with some of them having been away for five years.
Some of those that returned home to Acton included Pte. Charlie Tyler, Pte. Gordon Lovell and Tpr. Harold Robson, while in Georgetown some of the names of returning troops included Rfim. Tom Parry, Pte. Keith Spence and Cpl. A.B. Tuck.
Throughout the remainder of 1945, and well into 1946, celebrations carried on with further parades and ceremonies planned across the local vicinity. A day of recognition and celebration was held in September 1946, which saw men and women, from Acton, Georgetown and Esquesing Township, presented with pins and gifts in recognition for their contributions to the war effort.
Even though it's been 80 years since the end of World War II, the important efforts made by the many men and women continue to be celebrated and remembered right to this very day as a proud chapter of our local history.
Article written by Scott Brooks, with information from Dills Collection / Acton Free
Press / Georgetown Herald / EHS / HHPL / The Canadian Encyclopedia.
The Second World War was the deadliest conflict in history and one that dragged on for a gruelling six years, which saw about 60 million people killed - a combination of civilians and military personnel. When word came of the war's end, it was a cause for celebration for the residents of Acton, Georgetown and Esquesing Township.
World War I| was declared over by U.S. President Harry Truman on the evening of August 14, 1945, when Japan surrendered after having atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki a week earlier. This surrender and the fall of Nazi Germany (Victory in Europe Day) in May of that year were two major events that effectively brought the war to an official end.
Both newspapers, The Acton Free Press and The Georgetown Herald, reported on the news of the war's resolution with "PEACE AT LAST" printed in large font on their front pages, followed by articles extensively covering the major celebrations that took place.
Just after the 7 p.m. radio announcement, the Free Press reported, "the whistle at Beardmore & Co plant shrieked out the joyous news. It was joined by church and town bells in spreading the peace news. It didn't take long for the Acton Boys' Band to assemble."
In Georgetown, The Herald wrote, "crowds flocked to Main Street and soon the bands were out and happy throngs milled around the Main Street corner. Later in the evening an impromptu street dance was held, with the Rhythm Rubes supplying the music."
The following day was a national holiday as proclaimed by Prime Minister William Lyon Mackenzie King. Stores and factories were closed to mark the occasion, with the residents of Acton, Georgetown and surrounding areas participating in celebrations organized by their respective town councils.
Celebrations during the national holiday included public picnics, baseball games, parades and dances, accompanied by music from the local bands - similar to that of events held in other communities across the country.
While it was a time of celebration, it was also a moment of reflection to remember the dozens of armed forces members who paid the ultimate sacrifice.
Services of remembrance and prayer were held at local churches to pay tribute to those, both troops and civilians, who were fatal victims of the war. A total of 44,000 Canadians lost their lives during the Second World War.
The local papers also provided long lists of soldiers who were welcomed home after returning from service overseas, with some of them having been away for five years.
Some of those that returned home to Acton included Pte. Charlie Tyler, Pte. Gordon Lovell and Tpr. Harold Robson, while in Georgetown some of the names of returning troops included Rfim. Tom Parry, Pte. Keith Spence and Cpl. A.B. Tuck.
Throughout the remainder of 1945, and well into 1946, celebrations carried on with further parades and ceremonies planned across the local vicinity. A day of recognition and celebration was held in September 1946, which saw men and women, from Acton, Georgetown and Esquesing Township, presented with pins and gifts in recognition for their contributions to the war effort.
Even though it's been 80 years since the end of World War II, the important efforts made by the many men and women continue to be celebrated and remembered right to this very day as a proud chapter of our local history.
Article written by Scott Brooks, with information from Dills Collection / Acton Free
Press / Georgetown Herald / EHS / HHPL / The Canadian Encyclopedia.