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The work was tough, especially dressed in bloomers and hose, but the girls did the work, to the best of their ability while having fun. Many Farmerettes also felt a sense of accomplishment that working the land was doing their part for the war effort. The women proved themselves useful for many of the growers. They were said to have a "never say die spirit." Many of the women did more that just harvesting fruit and assisted with regular farm work including handling horses.15
Farmerette Handling a Horse on the Farm Where She Works1917-1918
Grimsby, Ontario, Canada
Credits:Grimsby Museum Collection
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FARMERETTE PASTIMESThe Farmerettes helped the local Red Cross by raising money through organizing concerts and garden parties. They also liked to spend their free time swimming in Lake Ontario, socializing and relaxing.
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Farmerettes Swimming in Lake Ontario1917-1918
Grimsby Beach, Ontario, Canada
Credits:Grimsby Museum Collection
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Farmerettes Dressed in Their Best Clothes1917-1918
Grimsby, Ontario, Canada
Credits:Grimsby Museum Collection
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Many of the girls came from well-to-do families and led very privileged lives. Despite this it is said that they were some of the hardest working ladies this area has ever seen. While Farmerettes continued to work on farms during the 1920's and 1930's, it was not until the outbreak of World War Two in 1939 that another group of young women was called on to serve their country in large numbers.20
MASON'S FARMERETTE CAMP IN BEAMSVILLE ONTARIOThe Mason Farmerette Camp operated during the 1920's and 1930's. The camp was located at the corner of Highway 8 and Lincoln Avenue in Beamsville. On August 15, 1936 an auction sale of the camp's contents was held and the property sold.
21
Mason's Farmerette Camp1929
Mason's Farm, Beamsville, Ontario, Canada
Credits:Grimsby Museum Collection
22
WORLD WAR TWO FARMERETTESIn 1941, the Government of Ontario officially reintroduced the Farm Service Camp programme. During World War Two many of the Farmerettes were housed in homes and public buildings including Nixon Hall (262 Main Street West), the Hawke home (417 Main Street West) and Grimsby High School. These places were converted into residences for the large groups of girls. The Farmerettes were picked up by their farmers in the morning for work. Unlike during World War One, the Farmerettes in World War Two did not have an official uniform, but wore practical work clothes.
Many who volunteered for farm work were in their last year of high school and were required to write their matriculation exams to be accepted into university. By working on a farm for thirteen weeks during the summer, you could be excused from writing these exams, and for many girls this was a preferable option. These girls had just as much fun as the Farmerettes in World War One, and many laugh at the fact that on most weeks their pay cheques did not even cover their room and board.
23
Jeanette Arkell, WWII Farmerette Explains - Girls Became Farmerettes to Get Out of Exams30 September 2008
Grimsby, Ontario, Canada
Credits:Arkell, Jeanette
Grimsby Museum Collection
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Mrs. Elizabeth Donaldson Smith, WWII Farmerette- Why She Became a Farmerette7 October 2008
Grimsby, Ontario, Canada
Credits:Smith, Elizabeth Donaldson
Grimsby Museum Collection
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Jeanette Arkell Discusses the Fun Had, and Purpose of Being a Farmerette30 September 2008
Grimsby, Ontario, Canada
Credits:Arkell, Jeanette
Grimsby Museum Collection
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Mrs. Elizabeth Donaldson Smith, WWII Farmerette- Sleeping at the High School Before Nixon Hall7 October 2008
Grimsby, Ontario, Canada
Credits:Smith, Elizabeth Donaldson
Grimsby Museum Collection
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Mrs. Elizabeth Donaldson Smith, WWII Farmerette Laughs at the Small Paycheques7 October 2008
Grimsby, Ontario, Canada
Credits:Smith, Elizabeth Donaldson
Grimsby Museum Collection
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