Joan in Toronto

In 1942/43, my Mom went to Toronto to work at the Inglis factory which had been retrofitted for bullet and guns manufacturing in support of the war effort.  It was an opportunity for Mom to make the extra money she needed to pay for her wedding dress. She went with my Dad’s cousin, Iva Rose and my Dad’s sister Vera.  

While working for Myrtle, Joan took a 3month course at Algonquin Secondary School with Lloyd's other sister, Vera, and his cousin, Iva Rose. It was a training course for women who wanted to assist in the war effort. Joan took Drafting and Machine Shop. This course would also give Joan a good paying job in Toronto so that she could save for her wedding. 

Joan certainly jammed A LOT of living into the months of January to May 1943!

Joan, Vera and Iva set off for Toronto. Vera worked at a small arms factory just outside of Toronto, while Joan and Iva found work at the John Inglis factory as a CutterGrinders. One of their duties was sharpening blades. Joan and Iva boarded with a family named Hough. One night, while on her way to the bathroom, Joan was surprised to see that Mrs. Hough was completely bald. 

Joan with Joan Hough (assuming the daughter of Mrs. Hough)

Joan Gallson with Joan Hough at the Toronto Zoo.

In days to come, when you look back
As you so often will
Remember at Inglis you had a friend
And truly she's your friend still
Let think of the fun we always had up at the Club
And twill make you glad.
There's really no time to be lonely and blue
In dept's 81 and 82
So now we'll journey down life's highway
and smile at the dawn of another day
and as you look back, pleasant memories they'll be
Through working at John Inglis Company.- Unknown
(in Mom's handwriting)

Also working at Inglis was Joyce Worsnop, a woman who would become Joan's best friend. Joan spent many weekends at Joyce's family farm near Barrie.

In June of 1943, Joan and Lloyd were married. For her wedding, Joan had a "street length frock of powder blue with lace inserts and white accessories. She wore a corsage of Premium roses. Mr. and Mrs. J. Buchanan attended the couple." For the first few years, they lived with Lloyd’s parents in Rutherglen.