Roles of children and parents in Edmonton in the 1930s

The generation gap between parents and children was clear. Parents made decisions based most often on economic factors. For me by the time I was eleven I felt an equal partner in family matters. We were very poor and there were many constraints on what things could be done. A movie could be seen perhaps three times a year if pocket-money was possible.


But there was lots of discussion about politics, war, food and school. Some talk about when we would have electricity when we could save enough for a clothes washing machine. How could be afford school uniforms. This young teenager was an active participant in all discussions, especially when other agencies i.e. school were involved.


We shared all chores except ironing, which was my specialty (and still is). I actually negotiated a deal with a men's boarding house for ironing shirts. The small amount of money paid for extra food, with any odd pennies hoarded for treats for my mother, father or sister. Lots of laughter in our home for mother was a marvelous mimic. Dad more serious, read poetry to me, and walked with me every Sunday afternoon until I was 16 - when he died.


My sister, much older and quieter than me contributed most of her meager wage to the family. Love, acceptance of differences were the key elements which have stayed with me always.