Prints
Article by Michael Mirolla in Montreal’s The Gazette
DATE
ca. 1996
MAKER
The Gazette (Montreal)
CREDIT LINE
Courtesy of Domenic Trivisonno
Article, “Enemy Aliens,” published in The Gazette. The article by Michael Mirolla is a review of the book The City Without Women by Mario Duliani.
Duliani’s book is a memoir of his internment experiences – the only published account by an Italian Canadian internee. The French La ville sans femmes was published in 1945, and the Italian Città senza donne appeared in 1946. In 1994 an English version was published – The City Without Women: A Chronicle of Internment Life in Canada During the Second World War is a translation by Antonino Mazza.
The photograph that accompanies the article shows the police round-up of Italian Canadians at the Casa d’Italia in Montreal on June 10. 1940. This is a tinted version of the original photograph taken and published by The Gazette in 1940. See LDICEA2011.0008.0004 for the original black and white photograph.
NOW, antifascist publication, Toronto, ON,
DATE
ca. 1939
MAKER
NOW Publishing Association
CREDIT LINE
Courtesy of Windsor Community Museum
DIMENSIONS
14 x 11 inches
The following excerpts are from the pages of the publication NOW, totaling 32 pages. Although a publication date is not known, based on content, a period before the declaration of war with Nazi Germany and after the winter period — from March to August 1939 — is most likely. The location for the publication is Toronto — identified on the last page as the Wilson Building. Much of the content focuses on communities in Ontario, which also had strong fascist and antifascist support. The newspaper itself comes from the collections of the Windsor Community Museum. Identified as Vol 1., No. 1, it is unclear how many additional issues, if any, were published.
The articles detail the “alarming” activities of fascist groups and individuals in Canada, who are seen as “puppets” of the Nazi German Government and the Italian Government.
One article on page 4, entitled “Men in Fascist Network”, lists the following Italian Canadian men, who were later interned:
Luigi Pascale, Montreal, Secretary of the Dopolavoro
Giulio Romano, Montreal, Fascist school teacher
S. Mancuso, Montreal, Fascist school teacher
Ruggero Bacci, Toronto, Secretary of Fascist Party in Ontario
R. Ciarfella, Toronto, Vice-Secretary of Fascist Party in Ontario
Dr. Lorenzo Baiocchi, Ottawa, Teacher at Italian School
An article entitled “The Black Hand of Mussolini” begins with: “Few Canadians suspect that the Italian Foreign Office directs the lives and activities of scores of thousands of Italian-Canadians”. The article names and quotes Massimo Magi, and under the sub-title “Treason Sponsored” names Luigi Pascale “employed by the immigration department”, Luigi Mecone “Windsor Fascist Leader, employed by the post office”, and Joseph Falsetto “Windsor Fascist Leader, employed by the Liquor Control Board”. Also named as associated with the fascio are: Ruggero Bacci, N. Zaza (financial secretary), and G. Ciacco (administration secretary).
The same article contains an image of a clipping from the newspaper L’ITALIA. Highlighted are the names of those who donated to the building of the Casa d’Italia in Montreal, including: A.D. Sebastiani, Silvio W. Narizzano, A.S. Biffi, Guido Casini, and Vincenzo Poggi. Another five names appear, but these men seem to not have been interned. A note at the bottom of the lists reads (translated from original Italian): Guido Nincheri has offered his services, free of charge, to decorate the building. Casini has also offered to sculpt busts of the King and Mussolini for the Casa d’Italia.
Newspaper clipping from The Daily Press, Sept 9, 1941, Timmins Man Is Held for Questioning
DATE
September 09, 1941
MAKER
The Daily Press
CREDIT LINE
With the permission of the Mascioli Family
This is a newspaper clipping cut out of The Daily Press, dated September 9, 1941. The headline reads, Timmins Man Is Held for Questioning.
Antonio (Tony) Mascioli was interned on June 10, 1940 at Camp Petawawa, together with his brother Leopoldo (Leo) Mascioli. Tony was released on February 18, 1941.
This newspaper article outlines the second arrest of Tony Mascioli on September 8, 1941. Timmins RCMP were instructed to have Tony brought in for questioning, however he was in Toronto with his wife and son, Norman Mascioli. Norman was returning to university there and his parents were staying at a hotel. Toronto RCMP arrested Tony at the hotel lobby. He was interned again for a second time at Camp Petawawa and released a month later. The news story states, “It is understood that his re-arrest follows an amendment to the Defence of Canada Regulations written into the law books since his release from the Petawawa Camp (in February, 1941).”
Article by Timmins Committee, Communist Party of Canada regarding True Fifth Columnists
MAKER
Timmins Committee, Communist Party of Canada
CREDIT LINE
With the permission of the Mascioli Family
This is a typewritten article written by the Timmins Committee, Communist Party of Canada. It is entitled, True Fifth Columnists. Three pages.
It begins with a bold statement: “The infamous Defence of Canada Regulations (which the Timmins Press so ardently supports) provide for the arrest of anyone “sympathetic” to an outlawed organization. Neither Bill Wren, Joe Bradette nor Roy Thompson have been shy in bestowing their sympathies upon fascist organization in general, and a foremost fascist, Leo Mascioli, in particular. WHY DOESN’T THE GOVERNMENT ACT TO ARREST AND TRY THESE SYMPATHIC GENTRY?”
It further states that Leo Mascioli was connected with the local fascists and was involved in a plot to sabotage the mines. The Party insists that they believe that “such rats are truly guilty of these charges” but that there should be an open trial, so as to properly expose others also guilty. The Party believes that the Timmins Press, owned by Leo Mascioli, is the “mouthpiece of such true fifth columnists.” The final line on page 1 reads: “ARREST BILL WREN, ROY THOMPSON, JOE BRADETTE and their accomplices AT ONCE!”
Page two outlines the Party’s criticism of the Canadian government in its decision to enforce Conscription. “We are being asked to trust a government which ably assisted the betrayal of ponco at Munich in violation of d 1 pledges — which later, led Canada into the imperialist war — which has throttled all democratic rights!”
In page three, the Communist Party vows to continue fighting for the working class. “It will lead the working class of Canada out of the horrors of capitalist war, out of exploitation!” It calls to the workers, the farmers, middle class and professional people, and all people to unite.
Article by former mayor J.P. Bartleman on his view re- efforts to release Leo Mascioli
DATE
July 25, 1940
MAKER
J.P. Bartleman
CREDIT LINE
With the permission of the Mascioli Family
This is a printed one page article written by the former mayor of Timmins, J.P. Bartleman (1936-1939). Dated July 25, 1940. It is entitled, “Who are the men actively engaged in an effort to secure the release of Leo Mascioli?” and was written as a response to a dispatch printed in the Timmins Daily Press newspaper on July 23, 1940.
Here, Bartleman clarifies that he is not a “co-conspirator in the strenuous efforts being made by certain leading Timmins citizens to secure the release from internment of Mr. Leo Mascioli.” He does however, mention the men who he knows are involved. On one occasion Bartleman saw one of the men in Pembroke (the town where internees’ trials were held) and was told by the genteman that he was on a fishing trip. Bartleman suspected that the gentleman was lying as several of the other men in that group were also present.
According to www.TimminsToday.com, Bartleman is number seven on the top ten mayors of Timmins. It notes: “The boom town of Timmins was rife with gambling, bootleggers, hookers, and saloons that were all trying to capture the attention of thousands of men and women for a quarter century. The town was also developing a well-deserved reputation for corruption. At one point in the early 1930’s nearly the entire Timmins Police force was fired and replaced. Bartleman, a long-time town councilor, was seen as ‘the cleanup man’.”
As a former mayor with a good reputation, Bartleman wanted everyone to know what his viewpoint was on the internments and Leo Mascioli. He concludes: “I wish to assure my friends and others who might have been mislead by the dispatch, that under no circumstances would I align or associate myself with the above or any other group, that had for its object the release of any inmage of an internment camp, for I would deem it as extremely nauseating.”
Page from program, Columbus Day Celebration
DATE
October 12, 1938
MAKER
Unknown
CREDIT LINE
Courtesy of Brenda Girardi Dalla Gassa
Page from program, Columbus Day Celebration, October 12, 1938. The event was organized by The Societa Italiana Cristoforo Colombo Inc.
In addition to the four advertisements, the page presents a profile of Bruno Girardi, who is noted as the “Energetic Secretary”. He is described as “one of the younger members of the Italian community in British Columbia that will bear watching”. Girardi was arrested and interned as a threat to the Canadian state on June 10, 1940.
The Societa Italiana Cristoforo Colombo Inc was founded in 1913. The organization was named for Christopher Columbus, the Genoese sailor and explorer. He became an important figure to Italian immigrant communities — celebrated as the “Discover of the Americas”. His explorations were used to validate and legitimize the Italian immigrant experience in the United States and Canada, serving as a source of pride. However, during the later 20th century, Columbus has also served as a figure of exploitation (given the impact on the Native American communities of the resulting Spanish expropriation and rule) and Columbus Day Celebrations have become controversial.
In Canada, John Cabot (or Giovanni Caboto) more often serves the same function — with local Italian Canadian communities celebrating Giovanni Caboto Day in June.
Featurette on Giuseppe Grittani, reprinted in Il Giornale di Toronto
DATE
February 26, 1971
MAKER
The Globe
CREDIT LINE
Courtesy of Beth Grittani and Lynn T. Grittani
Page 7 from Il Giornale di Toronto, published on Februray 26, 1971. In the top left hand corner of the newspaper is an article with the following headline: “Dall’archivo privato del Cav. Giuseppe Grittani: ricordi di tempi lontani” (From the Private Archive of Cavaliere Giuseppe Grittani: memories from a distant past). The article, written in Italian, references a conferences for mathematicians that took place in Toronto in the early 1920s and that was attended by representatives from around the globe. Giuseppe Grittani, an Italian immigrant in Canada was one of the guests and organized a number of events during the conference. Photographs from the conference that orginally appeared in The Globe newspaper on August 12, 1924 have been reprinted in the top section.
Giuseppe Grittani immigrated to Toronto, Canada in 1907. He married Elena on October 23, 1919 and the couple settled at 2 Northcliffe Blvd. where they raised three children, Gloria, Howard and Joe Jr. On June 10, 1940, Grittani was arrested by the RCMP. The family had no idea what had happened to him, but soon realized the serious nature of the situation when the RCMP came to search the family home. He was interned at Camp Petawawa for eight months before he was released on February 2, 1941.
Book, Humor Hinter Stacheldraht (Humor Behind Barbed Wire)
DATE
ca. 1941
MAKER
Otto Ellmaurer
CREDIT LINE
Otto Ellmaurer, By permission private collection of David J. Carter
Book of cartoons, entitled Humor- Hinter Stacheldraht (translated to “Humour Behind Barbed Wire”) created by German Canadian civilian internee Otto Ellmaurer. The cartoons in the book provide a humourous interpretation of life in the internment camp. The cartoons were created at both Camp Kananaskis and Camp Fredericton during Ellmaurer’s internment.
Newspaper article, The Toronto Star
DATE
November 05, 1990
MAKER
Unknown
CREDIT LINE
The Toronto Star/GetStock.com
Page A9 from the Monday, November 5, 1990 edition of The Toronto Star. The story titled, “Unity panel many grow, PM says,” features a photograph of then Prime Minister shaking hands with former internee Francesco Zaffiro at an event in Concord, ON. The photograph was taken at a luncheon with Italian Canadian community members which followed Mulroney’s formal apology to Italian Canadians affected by the government’s actions during World War II.
Attempts at redress have been controversial within the Italian Canadian community. Some members feel that Italian Canadians should receive financial compensation or, at the very least, be given a public apology by the prime minister in the House of Commons. Others believe that it is too late for an apology since the majority of internees and enemy aliens have passed away. Redress initiatives began after World War II. Former internees in Hamilton and Montreal petitioned the Canadian government for lost wages, lost businesses and emotional distress. Francesco Zaffiro was among that group. Unfortunately, Zaffiro and his fellow internees did not have sufficient resources to pursue their cause and were unsuccessful in their attempts to receive compensation.
Newspaper, The London Free Press, September 11, 1939
DATE
September 11, 1939
MAKER
Josiah Blackburn
INSCRIPTIONS
Verso:
(top right, barcode) [barcode affixed to print] ATO-760-CT (top centre, handwritten in blue pencil) WAR – CANADA DECLARATION OF [in blue circle]
(centre, red stamp) SEP 12 1939 [upside down]
CREDIT LINE
Columbus Centre Collection
September 11, 1939 edition of The London Free Press with the lead story announcing Canada’s entry into war against Germany. Other headlines from this photograph of the front cover include a report on the war in Europe, King George’s consent of Canada’s entry into a state of war and the US embargo on the Dominion.
This photograph of the paper was issued with the following caption: “London, Ont. Sept. 11 — Canada Learns of War — Unless residents of Western Ontario heard radio broadcasts telling them of Canada’s proclamation of war against Germany, they read the news in this morning’s newspapers. No extras were published yesterday in this area. Shown here is a copy of page one of the London (Ont) Free Press.”
The London Free Press is a daily newspaper based in London, Ontario and currently has the largest circulation of any newspaper in Southwestern Ontario. It was founded in 1849 by William Sutherland and was originally known as the Canadian Free Press. In 1852, Josiah Blackburn purchased the paper for $500 and renamed it The London Free Press and Daily Western Advertiser. Three years after he purchased the paper Blackburn turned the weekly paper into a daily.
Newspaper, L’Eco italo-canadese, April 1, 1939
DATE
April 01, 1939
MAKER
Alberto Boccini
CREDIT LINE
Library and Archives Canada, 971/.00451 19
The newspaper L’Eco italo-canadese was co-founded in 1936 by Italian Canadian brothers Bruno and Attilio Girardi to service the Italian Canadian community in Vancouver, BC. In June of 1938, the paper was handed over to Alberto Boccini, who took on the role of publishing the Italian language pro-fascist paper. Boccini had acted as an assistant to Girardi since the paper first launched in the fall of 1936. The money needed to launch L’Eco was raised by the Italian Vice-Consul in Vancouver, Pietro Colbertaldo, the Italian clergy and the community’s various social organizations. The paper was distributed throughout western Canada. The weekly paper published news on local fascist activities, such as those organized by the fascist club Fascio Giulio Giordani, as well as articles describing Italy’s supremacy and fascist propaganda prepared by the Partito Nazionale Fascista in Rome. The paper served the different segments of Vancouver’s Italian Canadian community – veterans of World War I, the Roman Catholic Church and the Order Sons of Italy. Not surprisingly, anti-fascist activities in Vancouver and the British Columbia interior did not receive coverage in the pages of L’Eco. L’Eco’s coverage of Canadian news was minimal, except during elections where it tended to support the Liberal Party. The last issue of L’Eco was published on June 8, 1940. Two days later Alberto Boccini was arrested and interned. Bruno and Attilio Girardi were also interned.
![Clip from newspaper article, Hamilton Spectator, featuring photograph of corner stone ceremony for new building of the Racalmutese Society, Hamilton, ON, September 16, 1935. Photograph shows group of men standing on a podium, presumably behind a large brick/corner stone with date stamped on it (barely visible). The image title reads "Corner Stone Laid for Italian Club". The caption reads, "Yesterday afternoon H.E. Wilton, Mayor of Hamilton, laid the corner stone of the Racamutese society's new auditorium and club rooms which are being constructed at the corner of Barton and Bay Streets. The building, which is expected to be completed in the fall, will be of Italian Renaissance design. The above photo was snapped by the Spectator cameraman during the ceremony and shows, from left to right, in the centre: I. Arnold, chairman of the society; Mayor Wilton; Dr. V. Agro, president of the society, and standing behind the raised corner stone is Pietro [unclear]], foreman of the masons."](https://i0.wp.com/sites.uoguelph.ca/italianheritage/files/2024/02/Newspaper-clip-Hamilton-Spectator-featuring-corner-stone-ceremony-1935-edde397826e0f41e.jpg?ssl=1)
Newspaper clip, Hamilton Spectator, featuring corner stone ceremony, 1935
DATE
September 16, 1935
MAKER
Unknown
CREDIT LINE
Archives of Ontario, F1405-21, Hamilton Spectator photographs
Clip from newspaper article, Hamilton Spectator, featuring photograph of corner stone ceremony for new building of the Racalmutese Society, Hamilton, ON, September 16, 1935. Photograph shows group of men standing on a podium, presumably behind a large brick/corner stone with date stamped on it (barely visible).
The image title reads “Corner Stone Laid for Italian Club”. The caption reads, “Yesterday afternoon H.E. Wilton, Mayor of Hamilton, laid the corner stone of the Racamutese society’s new auditorium and club rooms which are being constructed at the corner of Barton and Bay Streets. The building, which is expected to be completed in the fall, will be of Italian Renaissance design. The above photo was snapped by the Spectator cameraman during the ceremony and shows, from left to right, in the centre: I. Arnold, chairman of the society; Mayor Wilton; Dr. V. Agro, president of the society, and standing behind the raised corner stone is Pietro [unclear]], foreman of the masons.”
Newspaper clip, Hamilton Spectator, featuring photograph of parishioners, 1912
DATE
1912
MAKER
Unknown
CREDIT LINE
Archives of Ontario, F1405-21, Hamilton Spectator photographs
Clip from newspaper article, Hamilton Spectator, featuring photograph of parishioners of St. Anthony of Padua, Hamilton, ON, 1912. Photograph shows five rows of men standing outside a building exterior, presumably the church. A large union jack flag appears in the left background.
The caption reads, “The men of St. Anthony’s of Padua in 1912. From this group have sprung many of Hamilton’s successful families. Among them some of the Italian community’s first businessmen.”
Newspaper article, Windsor Star, December 12, 1990
DATE
December 12, 1990
MAKER
Ian Timberlake, Windsor Star
DIMENSIONS
ca. 10.75 x ca. 6.5 inches
CREDIT LINE
Courtesy of Doug Brombal and Family
Newspaper article “Police apologize to Italian fired in 1940 war hysteria”, Windsor Star, December 12, 1990.
Doug Brombal is pictured holding a framed photograph of his father in police uniform along with his colleagues.
Nereo Brombal immigrated to Canada from Italy ca. 1914. He had met his German-born wife Johanna in northern Ontario. The family would settle in Windsor and the Brombals had 2 children.
In 1940, Brombal was fired from the Windsor Police Department due to his Italian birth. His son Douglas remembers a few tense years during the war, given his mixed German/Italian family.
Brombal would never return to his position as a police officer. However, in December 1990, the Windsor Police Commission apologized to Brombal’s family. They also created Camp Brombal, for underpriviliged kids, and run by volunteers from the police department, in Nereo Brombal’s honour.
Newspaper article, Toronto Daily Star, March 26, 1942
DATE
March 26, 1942
MAKER
Toronto Daily Star
INSCRIPTIONS
Recto: See transcript
CREDIT LINE
Courtesy of the family of Libero & Clementina Sauro
Newspaper article, “Ousting of Italian pastor from A.R.P. brings protest”, Toronto Daily Star, March 26, 1942.
Rev. Libero Sauro was arrested on September 7, 1940 and held at Don Jail before being transferred to Petawawa Internment Camp.
On his release, he obtained a position as a warden for the Air Raid Patrol (ARP), from which he was released as a result of complaints. The article points to the heightened tensions in the community during the war and the discrimination and suspicion to which Italian Canadians were subjected. Ironically, when the father was dismissed from aiding in the battle on the homefront, Sauro had five sons in active service in the Canadian military.
Also of note, the same newspaper page includes an article on a performance by Guy Lombardo & the Royal Canadians in support of the Red Cross. Lombardo himself was born to Italian parents in London, Ontario. He became one of the most-renown musicians of his time.
This document forms part of a collection of documents and other materials donated by the Sauro family.
Letter to the editor, Globe and Mail, by Libero Sauro, April 23, 1941
DATE
April 23, 1941
MAKER
Rev. Libero Sauro
INSCRIPTIONS
See transcript
CREDIT LINE
Courtesy of the family of Libero & Clementina Sauro
Letter to the editor, Globe and Mail, by Libero Sauro, April 23, 1941, two pages.
Rev. Libero Sauro was arrested on September 7, 1940 and held at Don Jail before being transferred to Petawawa Internment Camp.
After his release, Sauro continued to help and advocate for other Italian Canadian internees and their families. In this letter to the editor, he recounts abuses he and other internees faced at the hands of the commanders of the Lansdowne Barracks while they were held there. He contrasts this with the organization and running of the Petawawa Internment Camp.
This document forms part of a collection of documents and other materials donated by the Sauro family.
![June 10, 1940 edition of the Winnipeg Free Press with lead story announcing the entry of Italy into World War II on the side of Germany. Also reported is the death of Norman McLeod Rogers, Minister of National Defence, in a plane crash. The edition carries an article with the headline "Canada's Italian Alien Problem Faces Ottawa", which notes, "In company with other Italian consular officials in the dominion, Pietro Colbertaldo, regent vice-consul in Winnipeg, will be given his passport and the local consular office closed". The article specifies that although there are 2432 Italians residing in Manitoba, "According to a Free Press informant in touch with the alien situation in Canada, Italian residents in eastern Canada present the main problem to the authorities". In fact, only one Italian-Canadian from the province, a John Urso from Winnipeg, was interned. The Winnipeg Free Press is the oldest newspaper in western Canada. The paper dates back to 1872, when it was known as the Manitoba Free Press. For more information on the history of the newspaper, see [leads to an external page]: http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/history.html](https://i0.wp.com/sites.uoguelph.ca/italianheritage/files/2024/02/Winnipeg-Free-Press-newspaper-408cc6a433407d9f.jpg?ssl=1)
![June 10, 1940 edition of the Winnipeg Free Press with lead story announcing the entry of Italy into World War II on the side of Germany. Also reported is the death of Norman McLeod Rogers, Minister of National Defence, in a plane crash. The edition carries an article with the headline "Canada's Italian Alien Problem Faces Ottawa", which notes, "In company with other Italian consular officials in the dominion, Pietro Colbertaldo, regent vice-consul in Winnipeg, will be given his passport and the local consular office closed". The article specifies that although there are 2432 Italians residing in Manitoba, "According to a Free Press informant in touch with the alien situation in Canada, Italian residents in eastern Canada present the main problem to the authorities". In fact, only one Italian-Canadian from the province, a John Urso from Winnipeg, was interned. The Winnipeg Free Press is the oldest newspaper in western Canada. The paper dates back to 1872, when it was known as the Manitoba Free Press. For more information on the history of the newspaper, see [leads to an external page]: http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/history.html](https://i1.wp.com/sites.uoguelph.ca/italianheritage/files/2024/02/Winnipeg-Free-Press-newspaper2-324dbb32aaef5843.jpg?ssl=1)
Winnipeg Free Press, newspaper
DATE
June 10, 1940
MAKER
Unknown
DIMENSIONS
ca. 11 (to mid-fold) x ca. 16 inches
CREDIT LINE
Columbus Centre Collection
June 10, 1940 edition of the Winnipeg Free Press with lead story announcing the entry of Italy into World War II on the side of Germany. Also reported is the death of Norman McLeod Rogers, Minister of National Defence, in a plane crash.
The edition carries an article with the headline “Canada’s Italian Alien Problem Faces Ottawa”, which notes, “In company with other Italian consular officials in the dominion, Pietro Colbertaldo, regent vice-consul in Winnipeg, will be given his passport and the local consular office closed”. The article specifies that although there are 2432 Italians residing in Manitoba, “According to a Free Press informant in touch with the alien situation in Canada, Italian residents in eastern Canada present the main problem to the authorities”. In fact, only one Italian-Canadian from the province, a John Urso from Winnipeg, was interned.
The Winnipeg Free Press is the oldest newspaper in western Canada. The paper dates back to 1872, when it was known as the Manitoba Free Press.
For more information on the history of the newspaper, see [leads to an external page]:
http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/history.html
Another communique…the FLQ has just kidnapped a large chunk of our freedom
DATE
October 17, 1970
MAKER
Len Norris
DIMENSIONS
ca. 11 (to mid-fold) x ca. 16 inches
CREDIT LINE
Estate of Leonard Norris / Library and Archives Canada, Acc. No. 1988-243-289
Political cartoon. A man stands in his doorway after picking up the newspaper from his front porch. The headline on the newspaper reads: War Measures Act Proclaimed. The man turns to speak to his wife who is visible through the house window and says: “Another communique…the FLQ has just kidnapped a large chunk of our freedom.” During the October Crisis of 1970 the Canadian government invoked the War Measures Act, the first time the government had done so during peacetime. The result was a heavy military presence in Quebec. The police were given far-reaching powers and they arrested and detained, without bail, 497 individuals. All but 62 of those arrested were later released without charges. The cartoon was published in the Vancouver Sun.
Se taire, c’est servir
DATE
ca. 1939
MAKER
Unknown
DIMENSIONS
50 x 13.2 inches
CREDIT LINE
Rare Books and Special Collections, McGill University Library
Canadian propaganda poster published by Le Service de l’information, Ottawa and authorized by J. G. Gardiner, Minister of National Services during World War II. The top section of the poster features a Canadian soldier talking to another man at a table, while a third man standing nearby reading the paper listens in to their conversation. The line of text along the top translates to, “He leaves tonight” and the word “indiscretion” is printed over top the scene. In the bottom section a military ship is shown sinking in the water. The word “catastrophe” is printed over top. The warning at the bottom translates to, “to be silent is to serve.”
Une indiscrétion peut causer une catastrophe
DATE
ca. 1939
MAKER
Lionel B. Jameson
DIMENSIONS
29.6 x 20 inches
CREDIT LINE
Rare Books and Special Collections, McGill University Library
Canadian propaganda poster published by Le Service de l’information, Ottawa and authorized by J. G. Gardiner, Minister of National Services during World War II. The poster features a comic strip detailing how one moment of indiscretion could lead to mass catastrophe. The translated text reads: An indiscretion can cause a disaster! 1. The soldier to his fiancée, “Our train departs tomorrow night”; 2. The young lady confides to her father; 3. The father tells the members at his club. A spy is listening; 4. The spy tells the saboteur; 5. The saboteur derails the train.
CBC Radio Special: Canada Declares War on Italy
DATE
June 10, 1940
CREDIT LINE
The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC)
Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) radio address from June 10, 1940. In the address Prime Minister William Lyon Mackenzie King declares war against Italy and authorizes the Royal Canadian Mounted Police “to take steps to intern all residents of Italian origin whose activities have given ground for the belief or reasonable suspicion that they might in time of war endanger the safety of the state or engage in activities prejudicial to the prosecution of the war.”
P.N.F. Gioventù Italiana del Littorio, III Campo Roma, XII Leva Fascista
DATE
1938
MAKER
Unknown
CREDIT LINE
Italian Life Under Fascism: Selections from the Fry Collection, Department of Special Collections, Memorial Library, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Front cover of a special issue of P.N.F. Gioventù Italiana del Littorio, III Campo Roma, XII Leva Fascista from 1938 to commemorate the 12th encampment of Fascist youths, 52,000 strong, from the very youngest four-and-five-year-olds (the Figli della Lupa) to the Fascisti Universitari. The issue includes many photographs of Mussolini and famous quotations.
The issue is featured in an online exhibit at the University of Wisconsin-Madison Special Collections. For more information please visit: http://specialcollections.library.wisc.edu/exhibits/Fascism/Images/FRY51.h
The Canada Gazette, June 15, 1940
DATE
June 15, 1940
MAKER
The Canada Gazette
CREDIT LINE
Library and Archives Canada, 1867-1946 (Dominion of Canada), 15 June 1940
June 15, 1940 edition of the Canada Gazette. Article outlines the Order in Council announcement from the Government House at Ottawa. The article describes the Defence of Canada regulations made by the Order in Council towards enemy aliens, and the events surrounding Italy’s declaration of war.
Newspaper clipping, Franceschini Vindicated, Contractor Declared Not Disloyal to Canada
MAKER
Unknown
CREDIT LINE
McCreath Family Archives
This is a newspaper clipping with the headline, Franceschini Vindicated, Contractor Declared not Disloyal to Canada.
The short clipping states how the Minister of Justice, Hon. Louis S. St. Laurent has found James Franceschini not disloyal to Canada and has ordered for the latter’s release. Further, because James had become seriously ill it was necessary to make a quick decision regarding his case. James was transferred immediately to a Toronto hospital where he undersent several surgeries.
In 1912, James founded Dufferin Construction and became well known nationally. As the company became increasingly more successful, James was able to move into the construction of highways, provincial roads, rail lines and suburbs. Within three years – at the age of 25 – James became a millionaire. The newspaper clipping also highlights such achievements.