Fred McGuinness’ broadcasting career began when he enrolled at St. Paul’s College, an affiliate of the University of Manitoba. In 1945, he became chairman of the Radio Subcommittee working as the Director of the University Radio Series where he was responsible (i.e., writing, casting, directing) for a half-hour Saturday afternoon radio programme.
McGuinness sold his first manuscript to the CBC in 1947, recording a 14-minute broadcast titled the “Class A Circuit” about the Royal American tour. The script was based on work McGuinness had done as a Director of Publicity and Exploitation (1947 to 1952) for the Royal American Shows while the show toured with the fairs on the Canadian prairies.
McGuinness began developing broadcast scripts in earnest for the CBC when he returned to Manitoba in 1966. By the 1970s, McGuinness was writing copy for CBC’s Radio Noon and Information Radio, as well as producing Ashgrove Farm, a CBC radio drama.
By 1980, McGuinness was hosting the CBC Radio broadcast Neighborly News from the Prairies. The radio program was cancelled by the CBC in 1983 after much outcry, but was resurrected with Altona broadcaster CFAM later that year with McGuinness at the helm. The radio show concluded its run in the summer of 1987.
In 1985, McGuinness returned to broadcast with the CBC and is popularly known for his “Manitoba Reports” that he delivered on CBC Radio’s Morningside with Peter Gzowski. He held his position as the prairie correspondent for 12 years. In the final three to four years of the Morningside show, McGuinness was asked to write non-political essays for broadcast. These “Letters Assignments” would be later published in 1999 by Great Plains Publishing as Letters from Section 17: A Collection of Morningside Essays.
Custodial History
Accession 1-2015 contains records created and collected over the course of McGuinness’ career as a radio broadcaster, newspaper journalist and freelance writer. The Estate of Fred McGuinness donated the materials to the SJ McKee Archives circa 2011. The Archives accessioned the records in 2015.
Scope and Content
Fred McGuinness was involved in a number of radio broadcasts in his life. The records in this subseries are the result of that work. The subseries contains drafts of possible broadcast scripts dating to the 1950s and early 1960s, drafts of CBC broadcast scripts for CBC’s Radio Noon, Information Radio, Ashgrove Farms radio drama, and Neighborly News from the Prairies. McGuinness appears to have annotated his scripts to reflect breathing, pauses, and other factors that could impact the delivery of his script on air.
The S.J. McKee Archives does not appear to have broadcast scripts pertaining to McGuinness’ CBC Morningside years.
Notes
Information for the history/biography was obtained from documents in the Radio broadcast script subseries (McG 6.1), McGuinness’ book Letters from Section 17 (published by Great Plains Publications in 1999), and his column “A Mourning Sigh for National Institution, “ Brandon Sun, May 29, 1997
Accruals
Closed
Finding Aid
A file level inventory is available
Storage Location
2015 accessions
Related Material
Fred McGuinness would write/publish about a topic in a number of forums. Therefore, it is possible materials pertaining to his broadcast career may be found in other series of the Fred McGuinness collection. McGuinness’ UofM student radio club certificates can be found in his scrapbook (McG 1.4). A sound recording of one of McGuinness’ UofM broadcasts can be found in McG 7
CBC Radio Archives - Morningside
Trent University, Peter Gzowski fonds (99-015)
Arrangement
Arrangement was artificially created by the Archives. Subseries has been re-arranged according to publication period
Fred McGuinness was a sessional lecturer in the English Department at Brandon University in Brandon, Manitoba where he co-taught an introductory undergraduate course in journalism with English Professor John Blaikie. Although McGuinness had 30 years experience as a journalist, editor, publisher, and freelance writer, as well as an extensive public speaking career, the partnering was necessary because he did not have a graduate degree, a qualification necessary for teaching in a university setting. In addition to his professional experience, McGuinness was also an avid reader on topics about the process of writing and the publishing of popular writing.
McGuinness likely began teaching his journalism course at Brandon University in 1983 and continued until 1990, possibly 1996. McGuinness often referenced his class when writing his Neighborly News column. A portion of McGuinness’ course involved analyzing and debating current events from newspaper headlines. McGuinness emphasized the importance of clean copy, spelling, and grammar with his editing assignments.
Custodial History
Accession 1-2015 contains records created and collected over the course of McGuinness’ career as a newspaper journalist, freelance writer, and sessional instructor. The Estate of Fred McGuinness donated the materials to the SJ McKee Archives circa 2011. The Archives accessioned the records in 2015.
Scope and Content
The subseries contains records created and collected by Fred McGuinness during his time as a sessional instructor and writer. Consisting of teaching materials McGuinness used in the undergraduate course he taught with Professor John Blaikie the subseries includes: lecture notes, quizzes, exercises, exams, and newspaper and magazine articles.
Notes
Information for the history/biography was obtained from documents in the BU journalism course subseries (McG 6.2), and his Neighborly News columns (McG 2.3)
Accruals
Closed
Finding Aid
A file level inventory is available
Storage Location
2015 accessions
Related Material
Fred McGuinness would write/publish about a topic in a number of forums. Therefore, it is possible materials pertaining to his teaching career may be found in other subseries of the Fred McGuinness collection. Several articles McGuinness wrote for Neighborly News referenced his BU journalism students (see McG 2.3)
Arrangement
Arrangement was artificially created by the Archives. Subseries has been re-arranged according to publication period
During his 30 years with The Medicine Hat News and the Brandon Sun, Fred McGuinness took an active roll in his respective communities and cultivated his interest in local histories; he was actively involved with the Chamber of Commerce and rural development initiatives. Consequently he was invited to guest speak and chair sessions on local history, rural development, and the economy while providing his personal insights as a newspaper publisher. McGuinness’ work as a Canadian Centennial Commission representative (1963 – 1967) was an appointment that required he deliver speeches provincially and internationally. McGuinness also appeared to draft press releases and speeches for local politicians.
McGuinness also delivered community workshops on memoir writing, a past time he continued until shortly before his death in 2011, and wrote about memoir writing in his Brandon Sun column “The Diary.” He included that “Diary” article, along with copies of his published Reader’s Digest artiicles in his workshop materials. Individuals writing memoirs or interested in McGuinness’ memoir writing style may also be interested in McGuiness’ “Foundation of a Writer’s Library” and “The A-B-C and X-Y-Z of Researching and Writing a Local History Story.”
Custodial History
Accession 1-2015 contains records created and collected over the course of McGuinness’ career as a newspaper journalist, freelance writer, and sessional instructor. The Estate of Fred McGuinness donated the materials to the SJ McKee Archives circa 2011. The Archives accessioned the records in 2015.
Scope and Content
The Talks and workshop subseries contains records created and collected by McGuinness over his lifetime and include: published copies of speeches delivered by individuals other than McGuinness; drafts of speeches McGuinness gave while working in Medicine Hat (Alberta) and the Brandon Sun; and copies of workshop materials pertaining to rural development and memoir writing, including copies of memoirs and articles, correspondence, useful references, and activities/exercises.
Notes
Information for the history/biography was obtained from documents in the Talks and workshops subseries (McG 6.3), and Freelance materials (McG 3)
Accruals
Closed
Finding Aid
A file level inventory is available
Storage Location
2015 accessions
Related Material
Fred McGuinness would write/publish about a topic in a number of forums. Therefore, it is possible materials pertaining to his teaching career may be found in other subseries of the Fred McGuinness collection. Workshop participants and readers of McGuinness’ columns often submitted memoirs to McGuinness (see McG 1.2 McGuinness Correspondence and McG 4.1 Local history)
Arrangement
Arrangement was artificially created by the Archives. Subseries has been re-arranged according to publication period
Sub-series consists of records for various committees of the Board of Governors, which were established to expedite matters in certain areas of the Board's jurisdiction. Some committees have a more or less permanent status while others were created to deal with specific questions or mandates. The sub-series has been divided into six sub sub series, including: (1) Nominating Committee; (2) Finance Committee; (3) Presidential Selection Committee; (4) Membership Committee; (5) Fundraising-Liaison Committee; and (6) Athletic Directorate.
Storage Location
RG 6 Brandon University fonds
Series 2: Board of Governors
2.5 Board of Governors' committees
Arrangement
At present (July 2007) all Board Committee files are in one box. As more records are received, the individual committees will be placed into their own boxes.
For administrative history see RG 6 (Brandon University fonds), series 2 (Board of Governors).
Scope and Content
Sub sub series consists of open and closed minutes for general Board of Governors' meetings.
Notes
During the Mallea era, some of the minutes have the name "David" handwritten on them. "David" refers to David Wilke, the executive assistant to the President.
Storage Location
RG 6 Brandon University fonds
Series 2: Board of Governors
2.3. Board agendas, minutes and packages
Sub sub series consists of correspondence, financial information, newsclippings, reports, minutes, motion sheets, reference materials, an alumni questionnaire, BUSU/Board of Governors Joint Negotiating Committee memo of understanding, Knowles-Douglas Students' Union Centre Commission (Thrid draft), potential chairmen recruitment forms, briefs, policy documents, agendas, and calenders of events.
Storage Location
RG 6 Brandon University fonds
Series 2: Board of Governors
2.5 Board of Governors' committees
The By-laws and Nominating Committee of the Board of Governors is a standing committee that meets as required to discuss matters relating to the by-laws governing the Board of Governors and, when appropriate, to present a slate of officers and committee member to the Board. The membership of the By-laws and Nominating Committee consists of the Secretary of the Board as Chair and up to four members of the Board of Governors, one of which is a student. Elections take place at the August meeting of the Board of Governors every year.
The By-laws and Nominating Committee is responsible for: developing the terms of reference for the standing committees of the Board of Governors; developing and recommending by-laws for the operation of the Brandon University Board of Governors; maintaining Board policies and making reocmmendations to the Board of Governors on such matters; preparing a list of nominees for membership on each of the standing and ad hoc committees of theBoard of Governors; and identifying potential Board appointees as required from the internal and external community.
Scope and Content
Sub sub series consist of 1 file containing reports, executive and committee lists and correspondence.
Notes
History/Bio information takend from Board of Governors By-law No. 11 - Committees of the Board of Governors, Section IV - By-laws and Nominating Committee (revised November 23, 2006).
Storage Location
RG 6 Brandon University fonds
Series 2: Board of Governors
2.5 Board of Governors' committees
The Executive Committee assumed the responsibilities of the former Planning and Finance Committee on January 6, 2000.
Scope and Content
Sub sub series consists of 1 file containing minutes, agendas, correspondence, financial information and records of the Budget Committee.
Notes
History/Bio information takend from Board of Governors By-law No. 11 - Committees of the Board of Governors, Section III - Executive Committee (revised November 23, 2006).
Storage Location
RG 6 Brandon University fonds
Series 2: Board of Governors
2.5 Board of Governors' committees
Sub sub series consists of Board of Governors member lists, correspondence, a memorandum, appointments for January 1970, a voting ballot and orders-in-council for Robert Martin and Gary Sallows.
Storage Location
RG 6 Brandon University fonds
Series 2: Board of Governors
2.5 Board of Governors' committees
The Brandon College Athletic Directorate was formed in the spring of 1964. It consided of the College President or his nominee (Chairman); the Head of the Department of Physical Education; two representatives of the Faculty or Administration to be appointed by the Board of Directors; one representative of the Brandon College Alumni Association, appointed by that Association; the Senior Stick; one male and one female representative from the Brandon College Students' Association, appointed by the Executive of the Association.
Under the authority of the Board of Directors and subject to the approval of the President, the Directorate contorlled and administered all copetitive and recreational athleticsa vailable to members of the student body of Brandon College. The Directorate had full control and direction over all facilities of Brandon College available for athletics and recreation.
Prior to the creation of the Athletic Directorate students had been responsible for that organization of athletic activities.
At the January 18, 2001 open meeting of the Board of Governors a motion was carried that the Athletic Directorate Committee no longer fall under the umbrella of the Brandon University Board of Directors.
Scope and Content
Sub sub series consists of Bobcat programs, correspondence, minutes, participation in sport survey results, budget information, development plans, constitutions for various athletic awards, Bobcat schedules, Intramural Sports council and Intramural Athletic Board records, Hoop Classic records, reference materials, and a copy of "Intercollegiate Athletics at Brandon University - a Deepening Crisis."
Notes
History/Bio information taken from the September 1964 issue of Alumni News.
Storage Location
RG 6 Brandon University fonds
Series 2: Board of Governors
2.5 Board of Governors' committees
Sub sub series consists of documents relating to various Board projects including the Evans Lecture Theatre, the Library Building, a sanitary trunk sewer, electrical and telephone distribution service and the steam plant extension. There are also files on the Brandon University Chancellor and long range planning consultants. The sub sub series includes correspondence, minutes, blue prints, reports, financial information, statistics, recommendations and other records.
Storage Location
RG 6 Brandon University fonds
Series 2: Board of Governors
2.6 Board Projects
The records in the sub-series were transfered to the Archives by Melissa Moffit (BUSU) on July 27, 2005.
Scope and Content
Sub-series consists of records for various campus clubs. Records include constitutions, applications for BUSU grants, financial information, membership lists, schedcules of events, correspondence, memos, and minutes.
Storage Location
RG 6 Brandon University fonds
Series 14: Brandon University Students Union
See sub sub series descriptions for History/Bio information on the Sickle (14.5.1), Student Handbooks (14.5.2) and The Quill (14.5.3).
Scope and Content
Sub-series consists of BUSU publications. It has been divided into three sub sub series, including: (1) The Sickle; (2) Student Handbooks; and (3) The Quill.
Storage Location
RG 6 Brandon University fonds
Series 14: BUSU
Related Material
RG 1 (Brandon College fonds), series 12 (Publications).
