Mrs. Vancouver

I have been getting re-acquainted with micro-fiche, which I hate. Maybe I can make friends with the medium because it does contain some lovely gems such as this piece from the Vancouver Sun (Jan 15, 1943), written in that particularly chipper and patronizing tone of wartime cheerleading directed at women. How would you rate as Mrs Vancouver?

Feeling Proud, Mrs. Vancouver?

Well, You've Every Right To

by Ruth Millet

When Mrs. Vancouver started counting up the new skills she had acquired in the last year she couldn't help feeling a little proud of herself.

She had learned enough first aid so that she wouldn't stand and wring her hands if she should see someone badly hurt.

She had learned how to make sick patients comfortable.

She had learned what to do if an incendiary bomb should fall on the roof of her house.

She had learned what is under the hood of her automobile, and how to change a tire.

BACK TO SIMPLE LIFE

She had learned to grow something for her dining room table besides a floral centrepiece.

She had learned to can fruits and vegetables.

She had learned how to knit.

She had learned a simple yardstick for a balanced diet.

She had learned to carry her own packages instead of saying "Send it, please."

She had learned to get places without a car.

She had learned to put the money she would like to spend on a new hat into war bonds.

She had learned to entertain simply and inexpensively.

She had learned to save--everything from paper and bacon to grease.

She had learned how to ride a bicycle--if not with grace, still without serious accident.

That is quite a list for one year's time. No wonder Mrs. Vancouver feels she is quite a girl.