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The Livingston family stands together in 1914, ready to face the challenges of a world at war. William, the father, plans to help the war effort by building wooden supply crates, while James, his 18-year-old son, prepares to join the army, inspired by the bravery of Canadian soldiers and being able to see different parts of the world and go on an adventure. Margaret, the mother, holds a basket of rations, showing the sacrifices families made to support the troops. Emily, the 16-year-old daughter, is starting to speak up about equality after hearing stories of Indigenous soldiers and events like the Komagata Maru. Henry, the youngest, spends his time crafting toys at home, unaware of the greater challenges his family will face. Together, the Livingstons represent the courage and resilience of Canadian families during this important time in history.

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This black-and-white photograph, taken in September 1916, depicts Canadian soldiers stationed in a front-line trench during the Battle of the Somme. The image showcases the soldiers in full gear, standing and sitting within the narrow confines of the trench, reinforced with sandbags and wooden planks. The expressions on their faces reflect a mix of cautiousness and fatigue, characteristic of exhaustion conditions on the Western Front. Above the trench, the barren landscape of "No Man's Land" is visible, marked by the devastation of continuous artillery bombardments. This photograph offers a poignant glimpse into the daily lives of Canadian fighters, highlighting their resilience amid the harsh realities of trench warfare during one of the most intense battles of the First World War.

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During World War I, Canadian women were important in supporting the war effort from the home front. This photograph shows women arriving at a munitions factory, where they worked long hours manufacturing ammunition and supplies for soldiers overseas. Margaret Livingston, the mother of the Livingston family, joined many women in her community by taking up work in a factory like this. Despite the challenges of managing her household and caring for her children, she felt it was her duty to contribute to the war effort while her husband William and eldest son James were away. This shift in women’s responsibilities not only helped the troops but also began to reshape societal views on women's roles in Canada.

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Diary Entry: Margaret Livingston, March 10, 1916

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Diary Entry: Margaret Livingston, March 10, 1916

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Dear Diary,
The days feel longer since William and James left for the war. James looked so proud in his uniform, but I see his face in every young man’s photo in the newspaper—the ones who don’t come home. It scares me, but I push the thoughts away for the sake of the children.

Today, I worked another double shift at the munitions factory. The noise of the machines is deafening, but I keep my hands busy shaping the shells. Emily has been helping around the house more, and Henry keeps my spirits up with his silly jokes, though I know he misses his father terribly. At night, I write letters to William and James, hoping they find comfort in my words, even though they feel small compared to the distance between us.

The women at the factory talk about the end of the war like it’s a dream we’re all clinging to. Until then, we work, we hope, and we hold our families close—even if only in our hearts. I pray every night for this to end, for our family to be whole again. Sometimes, I sit by the fire and tell Emily and Henry stories of better days to give them hope. But no matter what happens, we will endure. We have to.

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This photo, taken in May 1925, captures a lively street in Toronto during the Roaring Twenties, a time of economic prosperity and cultural change in Canada. After the hardships of World War I, the Livingstons began to enjoy a more stable life. William found steady work as a carpenter, and Margaret occasionally sold baked goods to neighbours. Emily, now in her early twenties, loved the new music and fashion trends, often attending small community dances with friends. Working in construction, James marvelled at the new skyscrapers rising in the city, symbolizing hope for the future. Even young Henry, now a teenager, joined in by learning to play the piano, inspired by the lively jazz music of the era. For the Livingston, May 1925 was a time of cautious confidence and newfound joy as they embraced the opportunities of this exciting decade.

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This photo shows Canadian women voting in the late 1920s, a victory for women's rights after the Person’s Case in 1929. The five Alberta women who fought for this change, known as the Famous Five, challenged Canada's definition of 'persons' under the law. Emily Livingston was deeply inspired by their determination and joined local protests to support equal rights for women. She felt proud to see women like herself gain legal recognition, opening doors for more opportunities. For Emily, this was a step toward ensuring her voice would matter in shaping the country’s future. This victory gave her hope that women could one day achieve full equality in Canadian society.

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The Great Depression (Breadline in the 1930s)

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The Great Depression (Breadline in the 1930s)

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This photograph, taken in December 1932, shows a long breadline in Toronto during the height of the Great Depression. The economic crisis devastated families across Canada, including the Livingstons, who struggled to survive that year's harsh winter. James Livingston, unable to find steady work, would often stand in lines like this one to bring home food for the family. Margaret and Emily worked tirelessly repairing clothes for neighbours, stretching every resource to keep the household running. This moment in December 1932 highlights the resilience and resourcefulness of families like the Livingstons, who faced uncertainty with courage and determination.

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Diary Entry: Emily Livingston, March 2, 1932

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Diary Entry: Emily Livingston, March 2, 1932

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Dear Diary,
These days, it feels like we’re all fighting to survive. The farm isn’t producing much, and we’re constantly struggling to make ends meet. Father spends long hours doing carpentry work in town, while James picks up any job he can find, from hauling supplies to repairing fences. Mother and I work at home, mending clothes for neighbours and finding creative ways to stretch every penny. Even Henry has started helping more around the house, though it breaks my heart to see him grow up so fast during such hard times.

Last week, I attended a meeting in town with women who are advocating for fair wages and better rights. We discussed the Person’s Case and how far women have come since being recognized as 'persons,' but there’s still so much more to fight for. It feels empowering to be part of something bigger, even if the changes feel so slow.

The breadlines in town make me feel so helpless. Children shouldn’t have to beg for food, and no one should have to worry about whether they’ll eat tomorrow. James looks tired all the time, and I know he’s carrying a heavy burden. Still, we’re Livingston, and we always find a way to keep going. I have to believe that better days are ahead.

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This photograph, taken in July 1943, shows Canadian families receiving ration books during World War II. Rationing was introduced to ensure essential goods like sugar, butter, meat, and gasoline were available for soldiers overseas. The Livingston family faced similar restrictions, often trading recipes with neighbours to stretch their supplies and make creative meals with limited ingredients. Margaret took charge of managing the family’s ration coupons, teaching Emily and Henry how to carefully plan meals and avoid waste. William, though no longer able to serve in the war due to his age, volunteered to help distribute ration books in the local community, ensuring everyone had fair access to food. For the Livingstons, rationing wasn’t just a sacrifice, it was a way to contribute to the war effort and feel connected to the soldiers, including James, who was serving overseas. The summer of 1943 was a time of unity, determination, and resourcefulness, as families like the Livingstons worked together to support both the home front and the battlefront.

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This image, shows Canadian soldiers during the Italian Campaign, a pivotal series of battles in World War II. James Livingston, who reenlisted after years of civilian life, fought in Italy alongside many other brave Canadians. In his letters home, James described the harsh terrain, the relentless fighting, and his hope for a quick end to the war. His family clung to every word, proud of his courage but fearful for his safety. This photo reminds us of the sacrifices made by soldiers like James and the families who anxiously awaited their return.

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This photograph, taken in May 1945, shows Canadian soldiers being welcomed by Dutch civilians after the liberation of the Netherlands. James Livingston, serving with the Canadian Army, was part of the final push to free the Netherlands from Nazi occupation. In his letters, James wrote about the joy and gratitude of the Dutch people, describing how children ran alongside their trucks, waving and cheering. Back home, the Livingston family celebrated the news with their community, hanging flags and sending care packages to soldiers overseas. The liberation of the Netherlands marked a proud moment for Canada’s military and gave families like the Livingstons hope that the war was finally coming to an end.

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Letter: From James Livingston to His Family (June 6, 1944)

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Letter: From James Livingston to His Family (June 6, 1944)

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Letter from James to his Family, written during D-Day

Dear Family,
I’m writing to you from somewhere in Normandy, though I can’t say exactly where. Today was one of the hardest days I’ve ever faced, but I’m proud to say I stood alongside my fellow Canadians as we stormed the beaches. The sound of gunfire and the sight of the landing crafts will stay with me forever. It was chaos, but we pushed forward, and I know we made a difference.

I think of all of you every day—Mother, working tirelessly at the factory; Father, finding small ways to help our neighbors even in these tough times; Emily, always standing up for what’s right; and Henry, who I imagine has grown so much since I last saw him. I carry the thought of home with me, and it gives me strength to keep going.

Please don’t worry too much. I’m doing my best to stay safe and watch over the men in my unit. This war feels like it’s dragging on forever, but I believe we’re getting closer to peace. Tell Henry to keep practicing his piano, and tell Mother that I miss her cooking more than words can say.

With all my love,
James

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The Canadian Encyclopedia: Home, https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/. Accessed 11 January 2025.

Getty Images: Royalty-Free Stock Photos, Creative Images & Vectors | News, Fashion, and Entertainment imagery, https://www.gettyimages.com/. Accessed 11 January 2025.

Canadian War Museum, https://www.warmuseum.ca/. Accessed 11 January 2025.

“Library and Archives Canada - Canada.ca.” Library and Archives Canada, https://library-archives.canada.ca/eng/. Accessed 11 January 2025.