Maria Corlette Nelson (nee Grant) was born on December 29, 1900 on the family homestead at Forrest, MB. Maria attended Clark Hall Academy at Brandon College and continued her education until she received her BA in 1925, and her Certificate of Education from Toronto in 1927. Returning to the prairies, she spent the next six years teaching. In 1930, Maria married Wesley Gordon Nelson (1899-1981) and moved to the Nelson farm in the Sparling district. The couple had three daughters, Catherine, Helen and Marion, the latter who died at 3 years of age. In 1960, Maria entered Brandon College's teacher training course (TTC). Maria Nelson died on May 16, 1996 in Winnipeg, MB. She is buried at Brandon Municipal Cemetery.
Ella Laura Cole was born on in 1897 in the RM of Elton in what is now the North End of Brandon, MB. She came to Brandon, MB in 1923 to attend business college. Laura worked for Hughes and Company for over 39 years, then worked for Gordon West until retiring in 1969. Laura was a member of Knox United Church. She never married. Laura Cole died on January 12, 1989 in Brandon, MB. She is buried at Brandon Municipal Cemetery.
Peter Alexander (P.A.) Alex McPhail was born on July 11, 1897 in the RM of Elton in what is now the North End of Brandon, MB. Raised on the family farm in Forrest, MB, he was the eldest son of Archie and Mary McPhail who came to Manitoba from Ontario. Alex took over the farm in 1915, and farmed there until 1949, when he and his family moved to Brandon. During the First World War, Alex as a lieutenant in the Royal Canadian Air Force. He married Effie Irene Weir (1900-1999) in 1933 and together they raised four children: Ronald, Malcolm, Archie and Donna. Effie and Alex were both active members of their community. Alex was especially involved in the agricultural community and won many prizes over the years for his livestock. From 1954-1965, Alex was the General Manager for the Provincial Exhibition Association of Manitoba and the Manitoba Winter Fair. He also served one term as the president of the Canadian Association of Exhibitions. Additionally, Alex was on the Brandon General Hospital board, the Brandon College board, and was a member of the Kiwanis and Shriners clubs. He was also involved in local sports. Both Alex and Effie McPhail were active members of the United Church. Alex McPhail died on June 28, 1989 in Brandon, MB. He is buried at Humesville Cemetery.
Custodial History
As part of the Westman Oral History Collection, this collection was accessioned by the McKee Archives in 1998. The original tapes from the Westman Oral History project were deposited in the Brandon Public Library. Copies of these originals were made by Margaret Pollex of the Brandon University Language Lab at the request of Eileen McFadden, University Archivist in the early 1990s. These copies compose the collection held in the McKee Archives.
Scope and Content
Item is an audiocassette tape containing an interview with Maria Nelson, Laura Cole and Alex McPhail about the early days in the North End of Brandon, MB. The interviewer is Efffie McPhail.
Notes
History/bio information from the records and obituaries for the interviewees. Description by Christy Henry.
Language Note
English
Conservation
Preservation copy made 2021 (R. Hess)
Audio Tracks
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Alexander Hector Black was born on August 31, 1901 in Oak River, MB. Alex lived in the Oak River area his entire life, farming until he retired in 1976. He married Blanche Edith Paddock (1905-1985) on October 14, 1936 and together they had four children: Frank, Margaret, Melvin and Eileen. The couple moved into Oak River in 1976, and Alex remained in the home until 1997. Alex was active in the community as a member of the church board, teasurer of the church, and Sunday School Superintendent. He was also a member of the school board and the Pool Elevator board, as well as a director of the Agricultural Society (1925-198?). Alex Black died on April 1, 1999 in Hamiota, MB. He is buried at Oak River Cemetery.
Custodial History
As part of the Westman Oral History Collection, this collection was accessioned by the McKee Archives in 1998. The original tapes from the Westman Oral History project were deposited in the Brandon Public Library. Copies of these originals were made by Margaret Pollex of the Brandon University Language Lab at the request of Eileen McFadden, University Archivist in the early 1990s. These copies compose the collection held in the McKee Archives.
Scope and Content
Item is an audiocassette tape containing an interview with Alex Black about his life from crofter to a modern farmer. Interviewer is Stan Henry.
Notes
History/bio information from the records and Black's obituary. Transcript by Rhys Fletcher (2023). Description by Christy Henry.
Language Note
English
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Effie Irene McPhail (nee Weir) was born on October 31, 1900 is Rossland, BC. In 1903, her family moved to Manitoba and Effie spent the rest of her life in Brandon and the surrounding area. Growing up in the Hunter district northwest of Brandon, she attended school there and then in Brandon. A graduate of the Brandon Normal School, Effie began teaching at the age of 16, and taught at Roseland School and in Rapid City and Rivers. Effie married Alex McPhail (1897-1989) on March 29, 1923. The couple farmed in the Forrest district and raised four children: Ronald, Malcom, Archie and Donna. The McPhails were both very active in many community, church, sports, agricultural and political organizations. Effie was involved in the Brandon Council of Women, the United Church Women, the Liberal Party, and the Assiniboine Historical Society. She was also one of the founding members of the Daly House Mueum. Effie was the Chair of the Westman Oral History Association's "Voices of Yesteryear" project, which produced a collection of audio recordings of Westman-area residents. She herself interviewed a number of individuals and was interviewed twice, once on her family history and life experiences and the other on early church development in Brandon. Effie McPhail died on July 7, 1999 in Brandon, MB. She is buried at Humesville Cemetery.
Custodial History
As part of the Westman Oral History Collection, this collection was accessioned by the McKee Archives in 1998. The original tapes from the Westman Oral History project were deposited in the Brandon Public Library. Copies of these originals were made by Margaret Pollex of the Brandon University Language Lab at the request of Eileen McFadden, University Archivist in the early 1990s. These copies compose the collection held in the McKee Archives.
Scope and Content
Item is an audiocassette tape containing an interview with Effie MacPhail about her family history and community activities, as well as pioneer days. The interviewer is Edith Poole.
Notes
History/bio information from the records and McPhail's obituary. Description by Christy Henry.
Language Note
English
Conservation
Preservation copy made 2021 (R. Hess)
Related Material
OH232.MacP Effie McPhail
OH206.MacP Alex McPhail
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Effie Irene McPhail (nee Weir) was born on October 31, 1900 is Rossland, BC. In 1903, her family moved to Manitoba and Effie spent the rest of her life in Brandon and the surrounding area. Growing up in the Hunter district northwest of Brandon, she attended school there and then in Brandon. A graduate of the Brandon Normal School, Effie began teaching at the age of 16, and taught at Roseland School and in Rapid City and Rivers. Effie married Alex McPhail (1897-1989) on March 29, 1923. The couple farmed in the Forrest district and raised four children: Ronald, Malcom, Archie and Donna. The McPhails were both very active in many community, church, sports, agricultural and political organizations. Effie was involved in the Brandon Council of Women, the United Church Women, the Liberal Party, and the Assiniboine Historical Society. She was also one of the founding members of the Daly House Mueum. Effie was the Chair of the Westman Oral History Association's "Voices of Yesteryear" project, which produced a collection of audio recordings of Westman-area residents. She herself interviewed a number of individuals and was interviewed twice, once on her family history and life experiences and the other on early church development in Brandon. Effie McPhail died on July 7, 1999 in Brandon, MB. She is buried at Humesville Cemetery.
Custodial History
As part of the Westman Oral History Collection, this collection was accessioned by the McKee Archives in 1998. The original tapes from the Westman Oral History project were deposited in the Brandon Public Library. Copies of these originals were made by Margaret Pollex of the Brandon University Language Lab at the request of Eileen McFadden, University Archivist in the early 1990s. These copies compose the collection held in the McKee Archives.
Scope and Content
Item is an audiocassette tape containing an interview with Effie McPhail about early church development in Brandon, MB, particularly Methodist and Presbyterian. Interviewer is Edith Poole.
Notes
History/bio information from the records and McPhail's obituary. Description by Christy Henry.
Language Note
English
Related Material
OH241.MacP Effie McPhail
OH206.MacP Alex McPhail
Audio Tracks
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A.E. "Alex" Adams (b. 1888?) came to Kenton, MB in 1910, where he worked in Mitchell's store. He married Margaret Snyder (b. 1889?), who taught school in Anworth. The couple lived above the store, and raised Dell and Harold Morton, who where Margaret's sister's children. The Adams' were active in community life. Margaret organized the first Sunday School orchestra and helped with all church groups. Alex and Margaret left Kenton to run a branch store in Lenore, MB and later in Virden, MB. Margaret Adams died on May 14, 1982 in Virden, MB. Alex Adams died in 1985 in Virden, MB. Their ashes were scattered in the Virden Assiniboine River hills in which they spent a great deal of time.
Custodial History
As part of the Westman Oral History Collection, this collection was accessioned by the McKee Archives in 1998. The original tapes from the Westman Oral History project were deposited in the Brandon Public Library. Copies of these originals were made by Margaret Pollex of the Brandon University Language Lab at the request of Eileen McFadden, University Archivist in the early 1990s. These copies compose the collection held in the McKee Archives.
Scope and Content
Item is an audiocassette tape containing an interview with Alex and Margaret Adams about Kenton, MB in early days. Interviewer is Hilda Curry.
Notes
History/bio information from the records and Kenton local histories "Cradle to combine vol 2" and "Cradle to combine vol 3." Description by Christy Henry.
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For custodial history see the collection level description of the Lawrence Stuckey collection.
Scope and Content
A.C. McPhail, President of Provincial Exhibition 1916
Notes
Mr. Stuckey originally placed 32 negatives in one envelope labeled “M – Presidents of Fair Boards 1882 – 1972”; We have separated and renumbered these negatives as M30(1) to M30(32) inclusively; Records of the Provincial Exhibition Association are held in the S.J. McKee Archives (RG2) including photos of board members.
For custodial history see the collection level description of the Lawrence Stuckey collection.
Scope and Content
P.A. McPhail, President of Provincial Exhibition 1949 - 1952.
Notes
Mr. Stuckey originally placed 32 negatives in one envelope labeled “M – Presidents of Fair Boards 1882 – 1972”; We have separated and renumbered these negatives as M30(1) to M30(32) inclusively; Records of the Provincial Exhibition Association are held in the S.J. McKee Archives (RG2) including photos of board members.
The Fowler Block in Baldur, MB was built in 1899 by Alex Fowler.
Custodial History
See collection level description for the James Douglas Wall collection.
Scope and Content
Image of Alex Fowler standing at the counter in his store. The shelves behind him are stacked with tins of dry good, while the shelves to his side are stacked with china and glass items. The post office operated out of the back of the store.
Lynn Shier was born November 28, 1942 in London, Ontario to Anglo-Saxon Protestant parents. Her father and mother were of German and English-Dutch descent, respectfully. On her father’s side, Lynn’s ancestors emigrated from Germany to the United States in 1749. Both of her parents were born and raised in Iowa, where they also married in 1929. Following her parent’s marriage, the couple moved to London, Ontario in 1928 where her father was employed as a professor at the University of Western Ontario. Lynn resided in London, Ontario with her parents for sixteen years before relocating to Santa Barbara, California. After residing in California for three years, Lynn came back to London, Ontario in order to attend the University of Western Ontario. During her time at the University, Lynn met her future-husband Allan Shier. Allan Shier was born to parents of German and Scotch descent. His father’s ancestors immigrated to North America during the late 1740s or early 1750s from roughly the same region of Germany as Lynn’s ancestors.
Lynn and Allan were married in 1963. Following the wedding, the couple remained in Ontario for two years, one year of which was spent in Toronto. The couple later moved to Winnipeg, Manitoba where they lived for two years before travelling to Souris, Manitoba. While in Souris, Manitoba Allan worked as a district city planner. Lynn and Allan remained in Souris, Manitoba for four years after which they relocated to Brandon, Manitoba in 1970, where Allan continued to work as a district city planner for the city and Southwestern Manitoba. During their married life, Lynn worked as a household interviewer, and as a secretary for the Daly House Museum and the Assiniboine Historical Society while raising the couple’s children, two girls and a boy. Lynn was also very active in the Brandon community.
Custodial History
As part of the Westman Oral History Collection, this collection was accessioned by the McKee Archives in 1998. The original tapes from the Westman Oral History project were deposited in the Brandon Public Library. Copies of these originals were made by Margaret Pollex of the Brandon University Language Lab at the request of Eileen McFadden, University Archivist in the early 1990s. These copies compose the collection held in the McKee Archives.
Scope and Content
Item is an audiocassette tape containing the interview "Fur Trading in Brandon Area." The interviewee is Lynn Shier, the interviewer is Effie McPhail and the interview was conducted as part of the Voices of Yesteryear project. The tape contains details about the arrival of the first Europeans to Canada during the late sixteen-and early seventeenth-centuries, as well as more precise information concerning the history of the French and English fur trade within the Brandon, MB area.
Notes
Description by Jennifer Maxwell (2011) and Christy Henry.
Language Note
English
Conservation
Preservation copy created 2021 (R. Hess)
Audio Tracks
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Hans Andersen was born at Moline, Manitoba, on February 28, 1922, the third child of Andrew and Hansine Andersen. Andersen grew up on his family’s farm, attending Moline public school. He served in the Canadian Armed Forces from 1943 to 1946, as part of the 23rd Field Artillery of the 4th Division, serving in England, Belgium, Holland, and Germany. After military service in World War II, Andersen returned home and started a farming career in the Moore Park district, located in the Rural Municipality of Odanah. In 1946, Andersen also married Marthe Renauld (1922-1977). The couple had 3 children: Karen, James and Mary Lou.
For 40 years, Andersen farmed in the Moore Park area, where he was also heavily involved in the local community. He was a trustee for Moore Park consolidated school district and a member of the Elton municipal school board. He was also a member of the Moore Park pool elevator board, and the Royal Canadian Legion. In 1970, Andersen was elected to the position of Reeve of the RM of Odanah. He remained the Reeve of Odanah until 1978.
In 1978, Andersen married Thelma Terry, and moved to Rapid City. In Rapid City, Andersen continued farming, gradually reducing his time in farming until he sold the last of his land to his family in 1990. In Rapid City, Andersen was involved in the building of a brand new seniors centre, and occupied himself in retirement with not only golfing but lots of traveling, going to places like the United States and Europe.
After 2000, Andersen’s health began to deteriorate due to the onset of Alzheimer’s disease. Hans Andersen died on January 12, 2008. He is buried at Rosewood Memorial Gardens.
Custodial History
As part of the Westman Oral History Collection, this collection was accessioned by the McKee Archives in 1998. The original tapes from the Westman Oral History project were deposited in the Brandon Public Library. Copies of these originals were made by Margaret Pollex of the Brandon University Language Lab at the request of Eileen McFadden, University Archivist in the early 1990s. These copies compose the collection held in the McKee Archives.
Scope and Content
Item is an audiocassette tape containing an interview with Hans Andersen. Interviewer is Mae Johnson. Andersen discusses topics such as the history of the rural municipality, the administration of the RM, some of the issues dealt with by the leadership of the RM through its history, and some of the bylaws that were enacted since the establishment of the RM of Odanah in 1883.
Notes
History/Biographical information provided by Brandon Sun obituary entry, January 19, 2008, electronic correspondence with James Andersen, December 7-9, 2011, and the Manitoba Historical Society website. Description by Tyler Warren (2011) and Christy Henry.
Language Note
English
Audio Tracks
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Alice Eva Simmons was born on July 23, 1909 in Wingham, ON. Her mother's side of the family came to Ontario from England through the Immigrant Department of Canada, with the help of the Salvation Army. After Eva's father died, her mother remarried a farmer from the Bunclody, MB area; Eva and her three siblings grew up in this area, with Eva attending high school in Brandon. Eva married Carman Duncan in 1932, and the couple farmed in the Moline area until Carman's death in 1957. It was here that their daughters Corinne and Peggy were born. Eva and Corrine lived in Brandon and Calgary before Eva moved back to Brandon, where she resided for the rest of her life. Eva was actively involved in the Salvation Army in Brandon, serving as the secretary of the Brandon Salvation Army court. She was also very active in the Daily House Museum auxiliary. Eva Duncan died on August 15, 2001 in Brandon, MB. She is buried at Rapid City Cemetery.
Custodial History
As part of the Westman Oral History Collection, this collection was accessioned by the McKee Archives in 1998. The original tapes from the Westman Oral History project were deposited in the Brandon Public Library. Copies of these originals were made by Margaret Pollex of the Brandon University Language Lab at the request of Eileen McFadden, University Archivist in the early 1990s. These copies compose the collection held in the McKee Archives.
Scope and Content
Item is an audiocassette tape containing an interview with Eva Duncan about her personal experiences with the Salvation Army. The interview includes the historical origins of the Salvation Army, a chronological development of the Salvation Army in Canada and Brandon, as well as the major functions of the Salvation Army. Interviewer is Effie McPhail.
Notes
History/Bio information taken from The Brandon Sun. Description by Lei Peilong (2011) and Christy Henry.
Language Note
English
Audio Tracks
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Elmer A. Travis was born February 7, 1900 in the Rolla District of North Dakota. His family farmed sixteen miles east of Rolla, North Dakota. In May 1905, his family, which included his parents and seven children, and some friends, decided to move up to Canada as there was no wood source within 25 miles of their homestead. They also desired more range for their cattle. The group settled eighteen miles north of Roblin in the San Clara District, with a single quarter section of land, eventually expanding to five quarter sections of land. Due to their location the family often did their shopping in Togo, Saskatchewan, and shipped their grain from Mycroft, Manitoba. During his youth, he met a local girl named Mary Louise Lafournaise (1900-1993)
Travis married Mary Louise Lafournaise on May 3, 1921 in the San Clara District. After their marriage they settled on their own farm in the district. Elmer served as a blacksmith for the local area while farming, working as a mechanic, selling Rawleigh’s goods, and hauling cream (1939-1940). In 1957, due to Mary’s poor health, they moved to British Columbia for a year, before moving back to Elphinstone, Manitoba. They then moved to Souris in 1963, where they continued to live, except for another year in Creston, British Columbia from 1967-68. Elmer Travis died in 1995 and is buried in Souris-Glenwood.
Custodial History
As part of the Westman Oral History Collection, this collection was accessioned by the McKee Archives in 1998. The original tapes from the Westman Oral History project were deposited in the Brandon Public Library. Copies of these originals were made by Margaret Pollex of the Brandon University Language Lab at the request of Eileen McFadden, University Archivist in the early 1990s. These copies compose the collection held in the McKee Archives.
Scope and Content
Item is an audiocassette tape containing an interview with Elmer Travis about homesteading and rural community life. Contents include settlement at Roblin, Manitoba, schooling, farming practices, housing, social life in the area, Mr. Travis’ musical talents, and his marriage to Mary Louise Lafournaise. In addition, there is content on the community working together on building, how to make lime from burning limestone, moving to BC and return to Manitoba, descriptions of the various jobs held by Mr. Travis, the installations of home telephones and hydro in his home district, Roblin hospital in the 1930’s, and his hobbies at the time of the interview in 1981. Interviewer is John E. Forsyth.
Notes
Included on the cassette are several musical recordings done by Mr. Travis. Transcript by Jaclyn Matchullis (2014). Description by Joel Springer (2011) and Christy Henry.
Language Note
English
Audio Tracks
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