Friday, July 31, 1914, after work
It was so hot and sticky in the factory today that I felt I could hardly get my breath. During break, one of the girls showed me a newspaper. It is all about the war. Right on the front page it says the Austrians are attacking and that the Russians are ready to fight. There was also a story that said Canada might fight too. Oy, this is not good for any of us!
August 1914
Sunday, August 2, 1914, after church
Tato doesn’t often come to church with us but he did today. The priest read a letter that was written by Bishop Budka. The bishop has urged all men of fighting age to return to Galicia and fight with the Austrians to protect our lands.
Mama and Tato said nothing to each other all the way home and then they locked themselves in the bedroom to talk. I had my ear against the door and heard everything that they said. Bishop Budka’s letter has made Tato think. I could hear his voice crack with emotion, and although I couldn’t see it, I think Mama sat close to him on the bed and hugged him. I don’t want Tato to go. Didn’t we come to Canada to be free of all that? But Tato said, “What if the Russians invade Horoshova?”
My heart pounds in fear at the thought of it. Why do all these countries want to fight? Mama told him that he had to think of Mykola and me and her and Baba before he thought of Horoshova, then I heard them both weeping.
Monday, August 3, 1914, at lunch
Oy, Dear Diary, this is a very bad day. Stefan showed me today’s headlines as I was leaving for work this morning. Germany has declared war on Russia! And Germany has invaded France! Britain is getting into the war, and Stefan says that means Canada will definitely be in the war too!
I was so worried about this all morning that I wasn’t watching my sewing as carefully as I should. I poked myself with the needle. I had to wrap my finger tightly with a strip of cloth so my blood wouldn’t ruin the garments.
Tuesday, August 4, 1914, after work
Tato has lost his job. They have fired the Ukrainians at his factory. When Tato asked why, his boss said, “For patriotic reasons.”
I don’t know that means, so I asked Mary. She told me it means they don’t like foreigners. She says it didn’t help that Bishop Budka had just told Galicians to go back to the old country and fight for the Austrians and Germans. I asked her if we might get fired too, but she said that the boss wouldn’t be able to get enough Canadian girls to do our job, so we are probably safe.
Later
I had no choice. I had to tell Tato that I took a job. He would have found out anyway, now that he is going to be home in the daytime.
He was upset that I went behind his back. I was so ashamed that I burst into tears. I told him that I only did it for the family, and then I held out the $5.71 that I have earned so far. He set the money on the table, then sat me on his lap. “I should be the breadwinner, not my wife and daughter.”
“It will get better,” I whispered.
He hugged me tight. I could feel his tears on my cheek.
It is like a weight off my shoulders to have finally told him. I don’t like keeping secrets from my parents.
Wednesday, August 5, 1914
Tato went to the market on his own so that I would have one less chore, but Baba scowled when she saw his choices. The onions are shrivelled and he bought the expensive eggs by mistake and he forgot to get the soap, so next time, we will go together.
At dusk on my roof
My hand trembles as I write this. It has happened. War has been declared.
Later
Stefan tells me that the newspapers are full of stories about “the foreigner problem” and how we are a burden to Canada. How can the newspapers say such things?
Tato has been to every factory for miles around and no one will hire him. Tato says that they think he is the enemy.
I fear for Halyna and all of our dear friends in Horoshova.
Friday, August 7, 1914, late at night
Tato walked me to work today. He tried to pretend he was doing it for my company, but I think he’s worried about my safety.
Tato spends his days either at the chytalnya or looking for another job.
Almost forgot — Mama also has a travelling companion. Mrs. Haggarty’s housekeeper, Mrs. Casey, is one trolley stop away from us. Tato walks Mama to the trolley stop and watches while she gets on, and then Mama rides one stop on her own and then Mrs. Casey gets on and sits with her the rest of the way. Mrs. Haggarty sends her gardener to walk them both from the trolley to her house.
Mama says that Mrs. Casey is a stern-looking woman (but she is actually very kind) and they both feel safer when they travel together. I wouldn’t mind if women like Mrs. Haggarty got the vote.
Mrs. Casey should get the vote too.
Later
Mama should get the vote too.
Saturday, August 8, 1914, after supper
Tato was at the chytalnya almost all day today. Even when he comes home he still seems to be thinking about what he heard and discussed there, which is probably all about the war. Sometimes he talks to Mama about it when he doesn’t think anyone else is listening. Other times, he keeps it to himself.
It was so hot in the factory yesterday that one girl fainted. Our flat gets very hot and stuffy. It gets hot up here on the roof too, but at least there is a breeze and today is a little bit cooler.
Sunday, August 9, 1914
Tato came to church with us again today and there was another letter read aloud from Bishop Budka. He says that since Britain and Canada have now entered the war, he is supporting the British. This is all so confusing! Britain and Canada are on the same side as Russia. Isn’t Russia Galicia’s enemy? Tato is angry at Bishop Budka. He says that it is because of Bishop Budka’s letter last week that so many Ukrainians were fired.
Tuesday, August 11, 1914
Dear Diary, each day is more dreary than the next. It is very hot at the factory and no cooler at home. Halyna sent me another letter, dated before the war began. It is pasted below:
Horoshova, Borschiv County, Galicia
July 24, 1914
Dearest Anya,
Thank you for your May letter. It was so interesting to read about your trip over the ocean and about your new house. I am thrilled that you are going to school and that you are learning English. Life is not very good here. As you know, the Archduke was assassinated. This has caused much trouble for us. They say there is going to be war. The army is hungry for soldiers but also for our crops. Our taxes have gone up so much that I think we must starve.
I have some other news and I hope it will not upset you. I am betrothed. I am sure you remember Bohdan Onyshevsky? I know that you and he never really got along, but he is much nicer than you remember. I hope you will give us your blessing. Please know that I still love dear Volodymyr, but he is dead and life must go on. Bohdan has offered to help my parents with their taxes. I do not love him, but he is kind. Maybe now that you are in Canada, you will be able to choose your own husband. How I wish I lived in Canada too.