Onion Skins and Peach Fuzz

“Onion Skins and Peach Fuzz: Memories of Ontario Farmerettes” provides a delightful 0-24glimpse into the experiences of young women who participated in a government-sponsored program to help with the war effort. Facing a labour shortage on farms, the government urged young women to “lend a hand”. Motivated by patriotism or a thirst for adventure, women plunged in despite being from urban areas and having little or no farming experience. Many ended up having the summer of their lives. The collected essays recount fond memories forged by the women while working hard and playing hard. After grueling days picking cherries or weeding onions, they hitchhiked to dances, went on hay rides, roller skated, or swam in Lake Huron. For some this first trip away from home sparked a passion for rural life and led to them building their lives in small communities. Some set out to contribute to the war effort and ended up meeting their husbands. Others had eye-opening experiences like working in the fields beside German Prisoners of War.