Back in Time for Dinner

Episode 1

The 1940s

44 mins

Beyond the known changes such as no computers or most kitchen conveniences, the Campuses are still surprised by what few technological conveniences are available to them especially at the beginning of the week but how much they admire the style to look at. The other big challenges for them for the entire week will be fulfilling the stereotypical gender roles in the household - Aaron who usually does most of the household cooking - which is made all the more difficult for Tristan in having to look pretty in her high heeled shoes while doing that cooking, and eating together as a family. They will find that the beginning of the week - the war years - is more difficult with food rations, most of the higher quality food products being sent overseas to feed the troops, leaving what one in western society today would generally consider unwanted pieces of animals what is left for the home dinner table, if there was animal protein at all, and that food cannot be thrown in the garbage if an error was made on the proverbial stove. Valerie and Jessica will also have to do their part for the war effort, which brings them back to an activity they used to do before technology invaded their lives. They will also learn the concept of the victory garden and bulking up meals by cheaper, more available, and healthy food products according to the newly developed Canada Food Rules, the precursor to today's Canada Food Guide. Beyond the end of the war and the celebration associated with that, the latter half of the week - the post-war years - is arguably easier for the family as more food and more food choices, although not totally appreciated by the Campuses, are available, albeit at much higher prices with the end of government price controls on even the most basic of food staples. Throughout the week, Robert probably has it the easiest as besides not having his technological toys, he has the most carefree life, the greatest responsibility being to show up for dinner after spending his after school hours playing outside.