Readers Respond to Bomb Girls

Memories

“Ever since (Bomb Girls) arrived I’ve had trouble putting it down. With its many mentions of my father, the book provides me with a detailed explanation for the atmosphere of secrecy, urgency and tension in my home that surrounded me as a child [born in 1937]. Thanks again for your wonderful book.”

∼∼John Hamilton, son of GECO President Robert Maud Prior Hamilto

A Bomb Girl Reads “Bomb Girls”

“I just wanted to let you know how much we all enjoyed the evening of the book launch. We all had a wonderful time. Mom (Betty) felt very special that evening and was so pleased to see you again. I just wanted to thank you for including her in everything and making her feel so welcomed when you saw her again. I know she really appreciated the hug and the acknowledgement as did I. It was a special treat for her too when you took her over and introduced her to the other Bomb girl that was there. I know they had a wonderful chat together. And then as we were leaving, several other people came over and asked mom different questions before we left. It was a lot at her age for her to take in but she thoroughly enjoyed the evening and as I said came away feeling very special. She has also shown your book to all of her grandchildren, who all think that it is wonderful that she is in the book. They are all very proud of the role she played and pleased that she has been recognized in this way.

  “Thank you for everything Barbara, and for bringing such sunshine into Betty’s life. On behalf of the entire Warner family, we wish you every success with your book. You have done a remarkable job with it and are an inspiration to all of us. I sincerely hope that our paths will cross again in the future.”

∼∼ Kathy Warner for Betty (Elizabeth) Warner, GECO Bomb Girl

Growing up in Scarborough

 “Congratulations!! I read Bomb Girls….wow!! I have taken the book to my craft classes and Bible study groups, where there were many people who grew up in Scarborough. Most of my friends had never heard of the war activities going on in their own backyards. One of the ladies was very familiar with your subject. She talked about the many cancers that seemed to be abundant in an old bank built on that site, where she had worked many years ago. I am sure you have also heard many stories like that. Once again….Great job!!”

∼∼ Paulette Petley

A Holiday Read

“I took the book on holiday and was finished in a couple of days. My only regret is that I never learned more from Mom about what she did there and how long she worked there, etc.”

∼∼ Al Harris, son to Bomb Girl Hilda Keast

She Helped Save the World

“I thank you for immortalizing my aunt’s story in your book, Bomb Girls: Trading Aprons for Ammo…I felt compelled to thank Anne for the contribution to the war effort she made working at the GECO plant during the war years. I told her she helped saved the world. As with the efforts of many countless thousands of other people that allow us to live today…I am glad you were able to capture and chronicle that untold part of Scarborough Canadian history from the surviving GECO workers of that great generation and their surviving relatives so that future generations will be able to read about this important history. Your book proudly sits among the new additions section in the library at Centennial College Progress campus.

∼∼ Brian Roberts, nephew to Bomb Girl Anne Wilmot Parkin and Library Technician, Centennial College.

C’mon Canada, Preserve Your Past!

“Just finished reading Bomb Girls after receiving (it) as a Christmas gift. I couldn’t put it down! Not only because of the brilliant and engaging content but also the factual history of Canada’s participation in the munitions war effort. GECO was an amazing accomplishment and apart from what I think a movie should be made… Preserving what’s left of the plant is integral. I live in eastern Ontario and recently just visited the Deifunbunker! C’mon Canada, preserve your past to talk to the future!!”

∼∼ Nona Sheehan

Even Rain Could’t Dampen the Mood

“Thank you for our wonderful informative tour this morning. Even rain couldn’t dampen our enjoyment!!!! We are still stupified with the fact that we (and our father still) lived in this area for more years than we want to count, and never knew about it. Thank you so much!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”

∼∼ Valerie and Heather

Sharing Her Story

“I just finished reading ‘Bomb Girls’ and was very impressed. After completing it, I purchased extra copies to send to mom’s — Carol Knight-Lecappelain — remaining siblings, so they could read about their sister’s role at GECO.

Of course, I really enjoyed the anecdote about mom dying her underwear yellow! Congratulations on your excellent work.”

∼∼ Rob Knight