Edith Mary Vallender (nee Stoodley) was born on November 27, 1891 in Swansea, South Wales. She arrived in Canada on July 14, 1919, and settled in the Oak Lake, MB area where she lived until her death. Edith was a houswife, who married William George Vallender (1882-1957) on September 12, 1918 at Horsley, Gloucestershire, England. Vallender had immigrated to Canada in 1913 and worked on a farm north of Oak Lake before enlisting in the 107th Battalion. The couple were married while he was on leave. They had no children. In Oak Lake, Edith was a life member of the Ladies Auxiliary to the Royal Canadian Legion #79 and a charter member of the same. She was also a life member of the United Church Women's group and a dedicated worker for the Red Cross in World War II. For years, Edith was a prize winner at the Oak Lake Fair in baking, fancywork and other classes. Edith Vallender died on May 10, 1989 in Virden, MB. She is buried at Oak Lake 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 Edith Vallender about her life experiences, including Red Cross work, life in Oak Lake, the Spanish flu, Oak Lake exhibitions and impressions of Canada . The interviewer is Phillis Cairns.
Notes
History/bio information from the records, the RM of Sifton local history "Ox Trails to Blacktop," and Vallender's obituary. Description by Christy Henry.
Language Note
English
Conservation
Preservation copy made 2021 (R. Hess)
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Edythe May Wood was born on May 24, 1904 in Scarborough, Yorkshire, England and came to Canada with her family in 1911, settling in Medora, MB. Edythe attended Brandon Normal School and then taught for a number of years, primarily in Brandon. During the Second World War she took over as Principal of Fleming School. In 1949, Edythe left teaching for real estate. In the summer she worked for McMorran Agencies in Clear Lake, later buying the agency when McMorran retired. She also managed Rainbow Cabins and the Elkhorn Ranch for R.O. Gregorson. During the winter, starting in 1960, Edythe was the administrator of the Brandon Allied Arts Center. She was forced to retire from the position in 1970 due to vision imparement. Edythe was a member of the Business Professional Group and the Council of Women. She was also instrumental in bringing a CNIB presence to Brandon. Edythe never married. Edythe May Wood died on March 9, 1998 in Erickson, MB. She 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 Edythe May Wood about her life experiences in the Westman region. Subjects include her schooling, teaching and business careers, her public service activities and coping with visual imparement. The interviewer is Marjorie Fitton.
Notes
History/bio information from the records, Woods' obituary and the Manitoba Historical Society website. Description by Christy Henry.
Language Note
English
Conservation
Preservation copy made 2021 (R. Hess)
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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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Eileen May McFadden was born on July 6, 1930 on section 18-12-20 in the Rural Municipality of Daly. Eileen attended Rivers Consolidated School and then Wheat City Business College. In 1949, she enrolled at Brandon College, graduating with a BA in 1953. She completed her bachelor of library science degree from McGill University in 1954, and her MLS from the University of Toronto in 1978. In 1954-1956, she worked in the library at the University of Toronto and from 1956-1959, in the library at the University of Manitoba. In 1959, she was appointed Director of Library Services at Brandon College/Brandon University, a position she held until 1977. In 1978, she was appointed University Archivist, a position she held until her retirement in 1997. Active in provincial and national library organizations, Eileen was also involved in historical and women's organizations and was a long time member of the Order of the Eastern Star and the Manitoba Liberal Association. In 1990, she recieved the Women of Distinction award from YWCA. She never married. Eileen McFadden died on August 24, 2011 in Brandon, MB. She is buried at Rivers 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 Eileen McFadden about the history of Brandon College, including Prairie College, from approximately 1880-1940. The interviewer is Effie McPhail.
Notes
History/bio information from the records and McFadden's obituary. Description by Christy Henry.
Language Note
English
Conservation
Preservation copy made 2021 (R. Hess)
Related Material
Brandon College fonds
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Flora C. Cowan (nee Cruickshanks) was born on July 15, 1902 in Edinburgh, Scotland. She immigrated to Canada with her family in 1913. Flora married Edgar Clarence Cowan (1894-1951) on August 15, 1922. The couple had two children: Franklin and Ruth. Edgar, who served in the First World War with the Royal Canadian Engineers, was employed as municipal engineer at Springfield, MB. In 1927, Edgar was appointed district engineer with the highways branch in Boissevain; a year later he was transferred to Brandon and the family moved to the city.
For much of her life, Flora was a leader in the Brandon community. During the Second World War, she mobilized Brandon's volunteer efforts and in 1953, she was appointed Dean of Women at Brandon College. In 1954, Flora became only the second woman ever elected to the Brandon City Council. She served on the council for 16 years and stepped down as Dean of Women in 1969. A champion for Fairview Personal Care Home, she chaired its board for more than 20 years. Flora Cowan Hall on the Brandon University campus is named in her honour. Flora Cowan died on September 25, 1986 in Brandon, MB. She is buried at Brandon Municipal 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 Flora Cowan about her involvement in community and civic affairs in Brandon, 1927-1981. This first hour includes the following subjects: church involvement, including the union of the Methodist and Knox churches, the Women's Auxiliary and volunteer work; the Imperial Order Daughters of the Empire (IODE); her recollections during her tenure as Dean of Women at Brandon College, including the death of JRC Evans, the official opening of the McKenzie Building, the expansion of campus, the layout of Clark Hall, social functions, the granting of the University charter, the retirement of John E. Robbins, the BJ Hales Natural History Museum and her retirement; her work as an alderman on Brandon City Council; and the history of Fairview Personal Care Home. The interviewer is Marjorie Fitton.
Notes
History/bio information from the records, the article reporting Edgar Cowan's death by drowning and Flora Cowan's obituary. Description by Christy Henry.
Language Note
English
Conservation
Preservation copy made 2021 (R. Hess)
Related Material
Brandon College fonds
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Frank Ernest "Ernie" Ellis was born on April 3, 1915. He lived and farmed all his life just north of Wawanesa, MB, and established a seed cleaning and fertilizer business entitled Ellis Farm Supplies on the south side of Wawanesa. Ernie married Margaret Alyce Viola Medd (1922-2022) in in 1946 and together they had five children: Margaret, Brenda, Kathryn, Jennifer and Warren. In 1985, Ernie and Alyce moved to Winnipeg and their son Warren took over the farm.
Ernie was active in his community, local politics and the agriculture and health care sectors. His commitment to land conservation and a love of nature, led him to serve on the boards of many farming organizations, including the Wawanesa Crop Improvement Club, the Wawanesa Cooperative Elevator Association, and the Wawanesa Consumers Co-op Association. He was also one of the founders ot the Manitoba Stock Growers' Association, which became the Manitoba Beef Growers' Association. Additionally, Ernie served on the board of the Royal Manitoba Winter Fair, was a member of the Canadian Seed Growers' Association, served terms as president for both the Brandon-Souris Liberal Association and the Souris-Killarney Association, ran as the MLA Liberal candidate for the Souris-Lansdowne constituency and served on the Oakland Council for 11 years. He was also elected chairman of the first Board of Directors for the Wawanesa & District Recreation Centre, was a trustee of the governing board of the Wawanesa & District Hospital, including 12 years as chairman. He was elected to the Board of Directors of the Manitoba Health Organization, where he advocated for health care in Wawanesa and rural areas. Ernie wrote two newspaper columns, "The Rural Scene" for the Wawanesa Optimist, and "On the Manitoba Range" for The Canadian Cattleman, and along with his wife Alyce, did much of the research and writing for the Wawanesa centennial local history book. Aside from writing, Ernie was also passionate about music, and played the trombone in the Wawanesa Band.
When he became ill in 2010 the Ellis' left Winnipeg; Ernie moved to the Personal Care Home in Wawanesa and Alyce moved to the Wawanesa Valley Lodge. Ernie Ellis died on February 16, 2011 in Wawanesa, MB.
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 Ernie Ellis. This first hour of the interview covers the history of the Ellis and Criddle familes. The interviewer is John Moore.
Notes
History/bio information from the records and obituaries for both Ernie and Alyce Ellis. Description by Christy Henry.
Language Note
English
Conservation
Preservation copy made 2021 (R. Hess)
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Frederick Clayton Courtice was born on Septebmer 7, 1901 in Wawanesa, MB. Raised in Brandon, he attended Alexander, King George, and Central schools, as well as Brandon Collegiate Institute (BCI). He began his career as a bookkeeper in the Merchants Bank in 1916, later becoming an accountant in the Bank of Montreal. He then worked as the office manager for Frank Massin for twenty-one years, before resigning due to his health. Frank then formed a partnership with Clarence Baker as farm dealers for Imperial Oil. He remained with this business until 1954. He served one term (1955-1956) as an alderman on the Brandon City Council, and then became the manager of the Wheat City Arena. Starting in 1957, when the city took over operations of the public transit system, he became the first manager of the Brandon transit department. In retirement, Fred focused on woodwworking, especialy building grandfather clocks. Fred served on the Brandon housing and parking authority, as well as the Brandon University Board of Governers. He was a charter member of the Brandon Kinsmen Club, which was founded in 1925, a member of the Navy League during World War II, and a member of the Masonic Lodge for over sixty years. Fred married Thelma Irene Smith (1903-1976) in 1925 and together they had three children: James, Noel and Norma Elaine. Fred Courtice died on September 3, 1987 in Brandon, MB. He is buried at Brandon Municipal 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 Fred Courtice about his life story and the early days of Brandon. Subjects include: early places, people and busiensses, such as Reesors, Sifton house, Senator Kirkhoffer's home, Billie Muir's store, the construction of the Prince Edward Hotel, Caledonian rink, Trotter Brothers, Massin's, various hotels; the street railway; prohibition; the Brandon Electric Light Company; and more. The interviewer is Terry Penton.
Notes
History/bio information from the records, and Courtice's obituary. Description by Christy Henry.
Language Note
English
Conservation
Preservation copy made 2021 (R. Hess)
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Frederick John Kingsley "Fred" Heeney was born on August 15, 1900 in Danford Lake, Quebec. The family left Quebec in 1906, and moved to Girvin, SK, then relocated to section 23-11-19 in the RM of Elton. Fred farmed section 29-11-19 at Forrest, MB until retiring in 1965.
Isabelle Burton Allan was born on May 11, 1902 on section 7-11-18 in the RM of Elton, north of Brandon, MB. Initially a public school teacher who taught in Kemnay, Oak Lake, Starbuck and in Brandon at David Livingstone School, Isabelle stayed home after her marriage to Fred Heeney on October 21, 1931. The couple had two children: Dennis and Margaret.
Following Fred's retirement, the couple moved to Brandon. Isabelle was active in both community and curch organizations, taking a special interest in the 4-H Club and the Daly House Museum. Isabelle Heeney died on June 2, 1996 in Brandon, MB. Fred Heeney died on January 19, 2003 in Brandon, MB. They are both buried at Brandon Municipal 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 Fred and Isabelle Heeney about their lives, before and after their marriage, as well as early agriculture and the North End of Brandon. The interviewer is Frank Anderson.
Notes
History/bio information from the records and their obituaries. Description by Christy Henry.
Language Note
English
Conservation
Preservation copy made 2021 (R. Hess)
Audio Tracks
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George Albert Hodson was born in 1910 on his father's farm, just south of Elkhorn, MB. He attended Buckingham School and worked on the farm with his father until his father's retirement, at which point Albert took over the farm. Albert married Evelyne Bolam on December 17, 1939 and they had four children: Leland, Valerie, Sherryl and Tannis. The couple moved into Elkhorn in 1967, and Albert retired from farming in 1978. Active in his community, Albert served as a trustee for the Buckingham School District, on the United Church Board, and was a member of the Agricultural Society and the Curling Club. He also served 34 years on the local Manitoba Pool Elevator board, eleven of which he was chairman of Sub-District No. 502. In 1996, Albert was recognized as an outstanding volunteer by the Manitoba Association of Agricultural Societies. Albert Hodson died on September 18, 2009 in Elkhorn, MB. He is buried at Elkhorn 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 Albert Hodson about pioneering, grain, grain elevators and Elkhorn history, including the Elkhorn Auto Museum. The interviewer is Elmer Armstrong.
Notes
History/bio information from the records, the Elkhorn local history "Steel and Grass Roots" and Hodson's obituary. Description by Christy Henry.
Language Note
English
Conservation
Preservation copy made 2021 (R. Hess)
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Guy Masson "Bay" Smith was born on June 7, 1899 in Glenboro, MB. He graduated from Glenboro High School and then relieved his father in the post office while the latter served on a Military Tribunal. Bay enlisted with the Royal Air Force in 1918. For a short time he was the manager of a cream buying station in Glenboro before moving to Corning, SK in 1924, where he was an agent for Imperial Oil. In 1929, Bay returned to Glenboro to take over the Post Office duties from his mother, Elizabeth Alice Smith. Smith was appointed postmaster in 1950, and continued in that position until he retired in 1965. Under his leadership, a new post office was built in 1954; upon his retirement he sold the Smith Block and Post Office building. Smith married Mayme McKnight (1899-1977) in December 1923 and together they raised two children: Tannys and Robert.
Bay was active in community life. He was a charter member of the local Kiwanis Club and a member of the Masonic Lodge. He served long tenures on the Rink Committee, the Glenboro branch of the Red Cross and the Glenboro Board of Trade. He was a past president of the Junior and Senior Bands, was Secretary of the South Cypress Centennial Committee, and treasurer of the annual Fun Fair. He was a founding member of and helped design the local course at the Glenboro Golf Club. Bay Smith died on September 16, 1997 in Glenboro, MB.
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 Bay Smith about his family history, his life and career and his community involvement in the town of Glenboro. The interviewer is Irene Brown.
Notes
History/bio information from the records, the Glenboro local history "Beneath the long grass" and Smith's obituary. Description by Christy Henry.
Language Note
English
Conservation
Preservation copy made 2021 (R. Hess)
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Harold Ernest Watson was born on April 14, 1905 on section 4-11-24 in the RM of Woodworth. The family moved to Brandon, MB in 1911. As a young man, Harold worked for many years as a carpenter with his father. He was then employed for a few years with the Canadian National Railway (CNR) before becoming a carpenter and carman with the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) for thirty-five years. Harold married Winifred Elizabeth Schiedel (1916-1982) in 1939 and together they had six children: Eldine, Marjorie, David, Dale, Mildred and Ralph. A keen conservationist, Harold was a member of the Manitoba Naturalist Society. He also enjoyed gardening, bird watching, fishing, hunting, woodworking, reading, typing and cribbage, and possessed an excellent knowledge of the history of Brandon and surrounding area. Harold Watson died on November 30, 1994 in Brandon, MB. He is buried at Brandon Municipal 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 Harold Watson about the history of the East End of Brandon, including its early residents, buildings and activites. The interviewer is Lillian Mummery.
Notes
History/bio information from the records and Watson's obituary. Description by Christy Henry. Fred McGuinness wrote about Harold Watson in his November 4, 2004 "The Notebook" column in The Brandon Sun.
Language Note
English
Conservation
Preservation copy made 2021 (R. Hess)
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Harriet Edna Aleta McCall (nee Roddick) was born October 25, 1910 at Brandon Hills, MB. She attended business college, worked a summer as saleswoman at Creelman's Shoe Store, before joining Yaeger's Fur Store in 1929. A saleswoman, Harriet also worked on the fair exhibits for the store. She met her husband Albert Eugene McCall (1907-1955) in 1943, but they did not marry until the fall of 1948, at which point she left her position at Yaeger's. At some point after 1948, but before 1955, the couple moved to Carthage, Texas. After her marriage, Harriet worked with her husband for Old English Lavender, and together they displayed at various fairs and exhibitions in North America. During the Christmas season they also worked with Hudson's Bay Company in their western Canadian stores. Harriet retired in 1973, after which she spent her winters in Texas and her summers in Brandon. Harriet Roddick McCall died on May 23, 1993 in Carthage, Texas.
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 Harriet Roddick McCall about her family history and the Brandon Hills story. The interviewer is Effie McPhail.
Notes
History/bio information from the records. Description by Christy Henry.
Language Note
English
Conservation
Preservation copy made 2021 (R. Hess)
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Howard Russell Bedford was born on September 27, 1889 in Blythe, ON. His family lived in Huron County, Ontario until coming to Killarney, MB in 1900. Howard spent the rest of his life in the Killarney area, except for military absences. In 1919, Howard took over the family farm when he returned from World War I. That same year, Howard married Elinborg Einarson (1895-1978), and together they had four children: Russell, Edmund, Ellen and Mervin. In 1940, Howard enlisted again, this time with the Veterans Guard of Canada; he was gone for just over five years. The family left the farm when Howard re-enlisted, so upon his return to civilian life, he worked as a carpenter until 1952. Howard Bedford died on June 24, 1995 in Killarney, MB. He is buried at Killarney and District 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 Howard Bedford about his life experiences in the Killarney, MB area, including his war experiences. The interviewer is Tom Wilkins.
Notes
History/bio information from the records, the Killarney local history book "Reflections," and Bedford's obituary. Description by Christy Henry.
Language Note
English
Conservation
Preservation copy made 2021 (R. Hess)
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James Harvey Tolton was born on February 19, 1898 on section 11-11-24W near Oak Lake, MB. Harvey farmed at Oak Lake from 1918-1948, at which point he semi-retired. Subsequently, he and his wife moved to Brandon and Harvey bought a half-section of land east of the city where he was able to dedicated himself to perfecting oat seed. Throughout his life as a pedigreed seed grower, Harvey received local, national and international acclaim; he won the World Championship for registered seed oats and the World Championship for field crops for three consecutive years at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Toronto, and he became a favourite of the Quaker Oats Company. He was forced to retire from seed growing due to an accident and illness.
When he was not farming, Harvey was serving his community. He was a member of the Brandon College Board of Governors, the Oak Lake and Harding agricultural socieites, the Manitoba Agricultural Society advisory board, the Manitoba Provincial Exhibition Association, the Royal Manitoba Winter Fair, the Canadian Shorthorn Cattle Association, the Manitoba Seed Growers' Association, the Manitoba Swine Breeders' Association, the Agriculture Instititue of Canada, the Kiwanis Club and Big Brothers. He also served on the council of the RM of Woodworth and on local school boards, was active in church affairs and 4-H. The Tourist Convention Association of Manitoba gave Harvey the Good Citizenship Award for making Manitoba a better place to live, and in 1976, Brandon University awarded him an honorary doctor of laws degree. In 1991, he was inducted into the Manitoba Agricultural Hall of Fame. Harvey married Jennie Eleanor Titmus (1896-1982) on December 8, 1919 and together they had five children: Roland, Roma, Phyllis, Fern and Beverley. Harvey Tolton died on July 29, 1987 in Brandon, MB. 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 Harvey Tolton about the history of the Tolton family, Harvey's life experiences and early agriculture. The interviewer is Frank Anderson.
Notes
History/bio information from the records and Tolton's obituary. Description by Christy Henry.
Language Note
English
Conservation
Preservation copy made 2021 (R. Hess)
Audio Tracks
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Jack Fenton Naismith was born on June 9, 1908 in Heward, SK. When he was three months old his famiy moved to Wawanesa and the Northfield district. Jack began farming the family farm in 1932, but successive crop failures convinced him to move to Edmonton, AB where he began working in the life insurance business. While in Edmonton, Jack married Erica "Erie" Hugo (1913-2000) on January 7, 1939 and together they had two daughters, Dell and Arlie. In 1950, the family moved to the West Coast where he entered the general insurance and real estate business. For many years the family farm was rented to Jack Mooney; Mooney bought the farm in 1964 and married Dell Naismith two years later. For a time after retiring, Jack and Erie spent their winters in Victoria, BC and their summers on the family farm in Manitoba. At some point after 1988, the couple returned to Wawanesa for good. Jack Naismith died on March 24, 2008 in Wawanesa, MB. He is buried at Wawanesa 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 Jack Naismith about his life experience in the Northfield District. The interviewer is John Moore.
Notes
History/bio information from the records, the Wawanesa local history "Sipiweske: Light through the trees" and Naismith's obituary. Description by Christy Henry.
Language Note
English
Conservation
Preservation copy made 2021 (R. Hess)
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Jacob Penner was born on March 22, 1919 in Siberia. He immigrated to Canada in June 1930, farming at 36-12-17 near Brookdale, MB and then at 22-12-17 near Justice, MB. He married Mary Reimer (1924-1989) on October 25, 1952 and they had three children: Arthur, Paul and Louise. Jacob Penner died on March 10, 2017 in Brandon, MB. He is buried at Sparling Cemetery in the RM of Elton.
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 Jacob Penner about the Penner history from Russia to canada and the Mennonite Brethren Church at Justice, MB. The interviewer is Blair Loree.
Notes
History/bio information from the records and the Find a Grave website. Description by Christy Henry.
Language Note
English
Conservation
Preservation copy made 2021 (R. Hess)
Audio Tracks
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James "Jim" Guild was born on December 2, 1905 in Dundee, Scotland. He immigrated to Canada when his father was hired as a farm laborer in 1907. Jim farmed in the RM of Elton, where he ran a hog and cattle operation. He was an avid curler and interested in sports. A member of the Brandon Curling Club and the Forrest Curling Club, he was also a member and president of the Justice Pool Elevator, the Forrest Church Board, and the Elton Seniors Club. Jim was active in the early years of the Forrest 4-H Club, a director of the Brandon Consumers Board and Credit Union Board, the Brandon Consumers Cooperative and the Manitoba Agricultural Hall of Fame.
Bernice Rae Klusedorf was born on February 19, 1909 in Welcome, Minnesota. She moved to Manitoba at the age of 8, when her parents established a farm in the Sinclair district. A graduate of the Brandon General Hosptial (BGH) in 1931, Bernice worked as a nurse until her marriage to Jim on September 21, 1934. The couple had five children: Janice, Elaine, Alan, Murray and Betty. After her marriage, Bernice was dedicated to the farm and her family, while also making her nursing skills available to families in the community. She was active in the nurses' alumni of BGH and represented the Justice chapter of the Women's Institute at meetings throughout southern Manitoba. A member of the Justice and Forrest United Churches, Bernice also enjoyed travelling.
The Guilds retired from farming in the late 1970s. Jim Guild died on May 26, 1982. Three years later, Bernice moved into Brandon where she continued her practice of visiting hospital patients and residents of senior citizens homes. Bernice Guild died on March 18, 1995. They are both 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 James and Bernice Guild about their lives and experiences. The interviewer is Blair Loree.
Notes
History/bio information from the records, Jim Guild's and Bernice Guild's obituaries. Description by Christy Henry.
Language Note
English
Conservation
Preservation copy made 2021 (R. Hess)
Audio Tracks
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Jean Louise Mains (nee Cameron) was born on September 16, 1907 in Boissevain, MB. She attended school in Boissevain, one year at Brandon College and received her teaching certificate from the Brandon Normal School in 1926. She taught at Dunallen, Royal and Fairburn schools until her marriage to Clifford Mains (1890-1948) in 1937. The couple had three daughters: Barbara, Elizabeth and Susan. Clifford and Jean farmed until 1944, and then moved to Boissevain. Jean did hospital books until 1950, then moved with the children to Brandon for a year so she could take a secretarial course. Returning to Boissevain, she worked at the agricultural office for nine years then returned to school again, this time taking a business course at Red River College. For the next thirteen years Jean taught business at the Boissevain High School. A member of the Eastern Star, IODE, the UCW Group of St. Paul's United Church and the Beckonging Hills Activity Club, Jean enjoyed travelling and playing bridge. Jean Mains died on February 15, 2003 in Boissevain, MB. She is buried at Boissevain and Morton Cemetery.
Myrna Dring (nee Hicks) was born on May 18, 1944 in Ninga, MB. A part-time speech aide at Boissevain School in the early 1980s, she took her psychiatric nursing training in Brandon, Winnipeg and Ninette from 1962-1965. On July 31, 1965, Myrna married Ray Clinton Dring (1942-2005), and the couple adopted a daughter, Nancy. After the marriage, the family lived in Boissevain, where Ray was involved with the family business Dring Laminated Structures Ltd. In 1985, the Drings moved to Winnipeg. Myrna Dring continues to live in Winnipeg, MB.
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 Jean Cameron Mains and Myrna Hicks Dring about social life in the town of Boissevain from approximately 1900-1980. The interviewer is Bernice Pettypiece.
Notes
History/bio information from the records and Mains' obituary. Description by Christy Henry.
Language Note
English
Conservation
Preservation copy made 2021 (R. Hess)
Audio Tracks
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Jean Pettigrew Landreth was born on May 3, 1890 in Bright, Ontario. Her family moved west to a homestead north of Lauder, MB in 1891. Jean attended school at Grand Bend and Lauder, and in 1912-1913, the Business College in Moose Jaw. She lived on the family farm with her brother George until 1957, when they moved to the village of Lauder. In 1971, Jean moved to Cameron Lodge in Hartney. She never married. Jean was very active in the community as a member of the United Church, the Eastern Star Lodge, the Hartney-Lauder Fair Board, the Border Festival and the committee to establish a Senior Citizen's Home in the community. Jean also loved to travel. Jean Landreth died on November 29, 1992 at Souris, MB. She is buried at Lauder 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 Jean Landreth about her life story. The interviewer is Kay Briggs.
Notes
History/bio information from the records and Landreth's obituary. Description by Christy Henry.
Language Note
English
Conservation
Preservation copy made 2021 (R. Hess)
Audio Tracks
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Jean Ann Purdie (nee Esslemont) was born on April 18, 1893 in Edinburgh, Scotland. She came to Canada with her family in 1910; they settled in Hamiota, MB briefly, before moving to Neepawa (1911-1914) and Brandon (1914-1918). Jean took her nurses training at Neepawa Hospital, graduating in 1914. She was active as a nurse during the Spanish flu epidemic, and also nursed at the Brandon Mental Hospital, where she met her future husband, Dr. Frank Kidd Purdie (1888-1956), who was the assistant superintendent at the hospital. Jean and Frank were married on July 16, 1918. After their marriage the couple settled in Griswold, MB, where they had two sons, Frank and Jack. Following her husband's death, Jean returned to Brandon in 1956. In her retirement Jean enjoyed travelling, her cabin at Clear Lake, modeling and club activities. Jean Purdie died on May 8, 1991 in Brandon, MB. She is buried at Brandon Municipal 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 Jean Purdie about her life, particularly as a rural doctor's wife, 1918-1956. The interviewer is Marjorie Lange.
Notes
History/bio information from the records and Purdie's obituary. Description by Christy Henry.
Language Note
English
Conservation
Preservation copy made 2021 (R. Hess)
Audio Tracks
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