Hi there. Welcome back to our Friday history segment.
February 20th is a date that holds a particularly heavy weight in the story of Canadian innovation. On this day in 1959, the nation experienced what became known as “Black Friday.” It was the day Prime Minister John Diefenbaker stood up in the House of Commons and announced the immediate cancellation of the Avro Arrow project. In an instant, one of the most advanced aeronautical programs in the world was grounded. Nearly 14,000 highly skilled workers at A.V. Roe Canada were laid off, and the physical aircraft—supersonic interceptors that were years ahead of their time—were ordered to be cut up for scrap.
For many of us, the Arrow remains the ultimate “what if” of Canadian history. It wasn’t just about a plane; it was about a sense of national pride and the belief that a Canadian company could lead the world in high-tech engineering. The suddenness of the cancellation left a scar on the industry that many feel has never fully healed, as many of those brilliant engineers moved south to help NASA put a man on the moon. Even decades later, the sight of those white delta wings in old photographs stirs a feeling of missed opportunity and the fleeting nature of industrial greatness.
On a lighter note, February 20th also marks the anniversary of a significant moment for fans of the “Nashville Sound.” On this day in 1964, the legendary Jim Reeves was in the studio recording his hit “I Guess I’m Crazy.” Known for his smooth-as-velvet baritone, Reeves was a staple on the radio during our younger years. His music had a way of crossing over from country to pop, making him a favorite for a quiet evening at home or a long drive on a clear night. It’s a bittersweet milestone, as it reminds us of the timeless quality of a voice that could make even the simplest lyrics feel like a shared secret.
Our Shared Wisdom: Do you remember where you were when you heard about the Avro Arrow being cancelled, or do you have a favourite Jim Reeves song that always takes you back to a specific moment?
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Warmly,
Bill and Marilyn
Founders of Canadian Senior Moment