The Paris Independent
10
November 11, 2023
L O C A L H I S TO RY Sunday, September 3, 1939, dawned in Paris with warm sunshine and a gentle breeze meandering through the bustling business section of Grand River Street. As the day unfolded, a special edition of the Brantford Expositor paper, carried by the breeze, scattered rumpled sheets along the sidewalks and roadway. The usually vibrant area appeared desolate, devoid of cars, pedestrians, or any lively discussions. The atmosphere exuded melancholy and a sense of foreboding. The Paris Star later reported that Parisians greeted the British declaration of war on September 3 with somber silence. How different it was from August 4, 1914! There were no exuberant crowds, no blaring bands or bugle corps, no thrilling parades, no impassioned speeches, no prayers for swift victory and the humiliation of the enemy. In 1939, Parisians seemed apprehensive, likely influenced by the stories they had read about the First World War and the realistic films they had seen, such as "All Quiet on the Western Front" and "Journey's End." In November 1939, the valedictorian at Paris High School aptly expressed were primarily fighting on behalf of this sentiment in her speech, stating, Great Britain, the King, and the "The horrors of war haunt us." Empire. While they held a deep loyalty to Canada, their racial origins On August 4, 1914, Parisians eager and classroom indoctrination nurtured for the latest news and eager to a stronger allegiance to Britain and celebrate imminent victories flocked the monarchy. This sentiment was downtown to read telegraph bulletins evident in the September 7, 1939, posted in front of the town newspaper edition of the Paris Star, which office. However, on September 3, prominently displayed a large picture 1939, the majority remained in their of George VI, the British monarch, homes, listening to their radios, rather than the Canadian prime devoid of any inclination for cheer or minister. The headline in bold letters song. The only notable similarity read, "The King Calls!" Below the between the two days was that, picture, the editor placed the war following both declarations of war, speech of George VI, emphasizing the many Parisians, especially the older British connection. Interestingly, the generation, believed that Canadians official Canadian declaration of war
Pic 1: Harry Wise & his family listening to the radio at 79 Grand River St. apt. above their store Pic 2: V. E. Day celebrations on 8 May 1945 taking place in Paris, Ontario. There is a large crowd of people downtown Paris. There is a band playing. There is a car on the street, among the crowd has two large speakers on its roof.
was made by the British GovernorGeneral of Canada, John Buchan, representing the King. There were no celebrations, no official send-offs for volunteers, no band music, parades, speeches, or crisp $10.00 bills. In fact, when the first high-school boy enlisted, there was no ceremony at the school, and some of his fellow pupils expressed their lack of enthusiasm, commenting that he must be "nuts" or that he would soon regret his decision. Sadly, the fate of that particular volunteer remains unknown, as he was killed during the Dieppe raid, causing anguish for his family and friends. Continued page 11
