Introduction

Laurence Dunbar Cunningham
(Jan. 2, 1891 – Jan. 6, 1978)

When World War 1 was declared on August 4, 1914, Laurie Cunningham was homesteading in Hazenmore, Saskatchewan. He and two brothers and his mother, Alice Delcina Cunningham, had each taken up a half section of land. The letters that follow are addressed to his mother, his brothers Ted, Horace and Clive, and sisters Kate and Alice.

Acknowledgements

These letters, of which there are approximately 300, have been transcribed by the daughter-in-law of Laurie Cunningham, Patsy (Rice) Cunningham. She also photographed the postcards and their messages. The rest of the Cunningham family are grateful for the great care with which she has done this. Patsy has provided notes for readers re the handwriting. The spelling and handwriting were affected by Laurie having to leave school at age 12, when his father, a Congregational minister, died. He went to work to help support his mother and sisters.