The Setting of Catch Me Once Catch Me

The Setting of Catch Me Once, Catch Me Twice by Janet Mc. Naughton

St. John’s During the 1940’s �The Second World War brought many changes to the city of St. John’s.

St. John’s During the 1940’s �Most able bodied men enlisted in the army (like Ev’s father in the novel)

St. John’s During the 1940’s �The women remained home to care for children and help in the war relief efforts.

St. John’s During the 1940’s � Many women, like Evelyn’s grandmother Gwen Mc. Callum volunteered at the Women’s Patriotic Association. There they mended clothing and knit for servicemen, and helped raise money for the war effort.

Importance of Newfoundland during WWII �Because Newfoundland is closer to Europe than any other part of North America, it became very important during the Second World War.

Importance of Newfoundland during WWII �Troops being sent to Europe often left from Newfoundland. �By the end of 1942, 20, 000 American troops were in Newfoundland Labrador.

Importance of Newfoundland during WWII �During the war more than 100, 000 American troops passed through. �Stephenville Air Base was built during the Second World War

Importance of Newfoundland during WWII �St. John’s harbour also proved useful to the war effort. With it’s very narrow opening (still referred to as The Narrows) it was easily guarded from enemy military vessels.

Importance of Newfoundland during WWII �In the late 18 th century a chain was erected across the narrows from Chain Rock to Pancake Rock which could be raised in the event of enemy ships advancing into the harbour.

Importance of Newfoundland during WWII � During World War II a steel mesh was installed to prevent enemy U-boats (submarines) from entering the harbour.

Effects of WWII on Newfoundland � One precaution taken was called the Blackout. � Under blackout rules, everyone had to cover up their windows at night with black material. This was to make it difficult for German bombers to find their target in the dark.

Effects of WWII on Newfoundland � One tragic event that occurred as a result of the war was the sinking of the passenger ferry SS Caribou by U-69 on the night of October 13/14, with the loss of 136 people including 10 children.

The Setting for Catch me Once, Catch me Twice � When Evelyn’s father enlisted in the military, she and her mother moved to St. John’s from Belbin’s Cove. � Janet Mc. Naughton explained that Belbin’s Cove was the fictional name she gave for the community in New Chelsea where, she says, BELBIN is quite a common surname.

The Setting for Catch me Once, Catch me Twice � In St. John’s, Evelyn and her mother Nina lived with Evelyn’s grandparents, Dr. Ian and Gwen Mc. Callum. � The Mc. Callum’s lived near Bannerman Park in St. John’s (probably much like the one pictured here)

The Setting of Catch me Once, Catch me Twice �Evelyn attended a Presbyterian school, called Holloway School which was accessible from Harvey Road, and had a view of the harbour. �The school is no longer there today.

The Setting for Catch me Once, Catch me Twice �Finally, Evelyn’s friend Peter lived in the Battery. Here is an idea of what that looked like in the 1940’s.