LONGWOOD.
The Department of Education of the Ontario Government was most generous in providing splendid libraries, made up of thousands of specially selected books. These were sent, free of cost, to the various units, and proved of the greatest possible interest and value.
To the Young Men’s Christian Association, the Young Women’s Christian Association, the Aero Club, originators of the Aviation Fund, to those warm-hearted ladies under whose energy Longwood Convalescent Home did such splendid work for the brigade, to those who were responsible for the King Street Hostess House, and to many others, most grateful acknowledgments are made.
To the omnipresent Y.M.C.A., the members of the brigade owe many and sincere thanks. Animated by the admirable spirit which has always characterized its activities, it seems to have made a special effort to be of service particularly to the cadets and rank and file on the strength of the Canadian Corps. At Camp Borden, the “Y” erected a very large building, splendidly equipped for various purposes, a building of such size as to flout the name of hut, by which it is officially termed. At Long Branch, another was approaching completion just as this unit demobilized. In Toronto, the “Y” doors have invariably been thrown open to all men in uniform, and membership accorded without any fee whatever. At the Central building on College Street, special provision was made to meet the desires of the soldiers in their leisure hours, and the splendid swimming pool, one of the finest on the continent, was at the disposal of all soldiers of the King. To such an extent was this kindness appreciated, that members of the Royal Air Force were in the majority among those who took advantage of these privileges.
The inner man was especially remembered, and the “Y” cafeteria proved immensely popular. On Victoria Street was a much frequented building for the exclusive use of men in uniform, and the Red Triangle Club soon became the recognized meeting place for rank and file in the city. In consequence, accommodation was constantly on the increase. Here the dining hall service was doubly attractive, being made possible by the voluntary labor of a number of Toronto ladies. It was a club in every sense except one, in that membership is extended only to those who had signified their readiness to serve their country.
The Y.M.C.A. furnished and managed Hostess Houses at Beamsville, Long Branch, Deseronto, Leaside and Camp Borden. This proved a delightful variation from camp routine, and excellent light lunches were provided at most reasonable prices, the latter being especially enjoyed by the girls employed by the R.A.F. This organization also secured for the summer months of 1918, a large residence on St. George Street adjoining the School of Military Aeronautics, which will long be remembered by countless cadets who availed themselves of its hospitality.
The Longwood Convalescent Home, the use of which was kindly donated by Mrs. Charles Beatty through the Canadian Aviation Aid Club, has proved absolutely invaluable in nursing convalescents back to health and strength. It is charmingly situated in some ten acres of grounds about five miles north of Toronto, and being on the main road is accessible both by motor and electric tram.