The Office of the President of Brandon College was established in 1899 under the title of Principal. The Principal was the head of the Academic Department and the Administrative body. In 1910, the position of Principal was changed to the position of President. There is no documented reason given for this change, but it was consistent with other universities and colleges at the time. When the institution was first organized in 1899, the role of the Principal was quite varied. It was the Principal who acted as both Registrar and Bursar, in addition to his duties as head of administration. The Principal also acted as a professor. It was the Principal who kept the college in contact with the Baptist Union. The Principal also acted as the liaison between the Board of Directors and the Senate, being an ex-officio member of both. In 1910, the roles of Registrar and Bursar were no longer the responsibility of the President. In the 1920’s the President became increasingly involved with fundraising and traveled extensively in search of financial support.
In 1938, following the “Act to Incorporate Brandon College Incorporated,” the Board of Directors, under by-law #1, assigned the President with “the internal management of the business of the Corporation insofar as it relates to the students, teaching and office staff shall be under the direct supervision of the President, subject to the order of the Board.” In 1965 the President’s Office was created, consisting of the President, Executive Assistant to the President (later Deputy to the President), and Secretary to the President who was also the Public Relations Assistant. From 1899 until 1967 the Office of the President was administered by six different men.
Scope and Content
Series consists of records generated and collected by various presidents. The series has been divided into six sub-series, including: (1) Dr. Archibald P. McDiarmid; (2) Dr. Howard Primrose Whidden; (3) Dr. Franklin W. Sweet; (4) Dr. David Bovington; (5) Dr. John Robert Charles Evans; and (6) Dr. John E. Robbins.
Storage Location
RG 1 Brandon College fonds
Series 2: Office of the Principal/President
The Brandon College Dean was the head of the College in the absence of the President. It was created in 1925 after the sudden passing of Dr. Sweet. Dr. Harris MacNeill, who had been Dean in Arts up until that time assumed the position of College Dean. The duties of the College Dean were as follows:
1. In the absence of the President of the College he shall exercise the functions of the President in relation to all “inside” College matters; it being understood that frequently it may be necessary for him to exercise his personal judgment apart from anything that may be specified in this memorandum.
2. With respect to matters of special importance arising unexpectedly he shall consult with the Chairman of the Board, or by telegram with the President, or both.
3. All questions arising that have a direct connection with the “business” aspects of College affairs shall naturally be referred to the Chairman of the Board, or the President, or both.
4. In the absence of the President he shall preside at all Faculty meetings, Committee meetings of which the President is Chairman, and shall attend meetings of Committees of which the President is an ex-officio member.
5. In the President’s absence he shall preside at the regular Chapel Exercises and at special College gatherings in the Chapel at which the President would naturally be expected to preside.
6. He shall also keep in touch with the work of the several departments of the College and shall consult frequently with the Heads of such departments.
7. While the Lady Principal and the Resident Master are responsible for the detailed administration and discipline of the College life and activities of Clark Hall and Brandon College respectively, the College Dean shall have the absent President’s responsibility for the general discipline of the College in respect of the students’ relation to Courses of Study, Corridor, Campus, etc.
8. That the President when absent may be kept in touch with the work of the Institution it is desirable that the College Dean keep him informed of the more important happenings and problems with College life.
9. Throughout the Session the College Dean shall be Registering Head of the Arts Department.
The position of College Dean continued until 1952. In 1952 the position became known as the Dean of Arts and Science. In 1963, another change occurred, with the two departments going separate ways. From that time on there was both a Dean of Arts and a Dean of Science.
BRANDON COLLEGE DEANS:
HARRIS LACHLAN MACNEILL (1925, 1926-1928)
Dr. MacNeill was born in Paisley, ON on November 29 or 30, 1871, the son of Rev. Donald and Amanda (Hemenway) MacNeill. He received his B.A. from McMaster University in 1894. He was also educated at the Ontario College of Pedagogy and the University of Toronto. From 1895 until 1898 he was a teacher at Woodstock College. In 1899 he married Anne Hatch. From 1899 until 1903 he was a professor of Latin at Washburn College in Topeka, Kansas. In 1903 he accepted an offer to teach Latin and German at Brandon College. In 1909 he was a Professor of the New Testament, Language and Literature, as well as Resident Master. Dr. MacNeill was the Academy Principal for two years. He then received his Ph.D. from the University of Chicago in 1911. MacNeill acted as the Dean of Arts from 1912 until 1930. Dr. MacNeill was the central figure in the scandal involving Brandon College in the early 1920’s. The Fundamentalist Baptists accused Brandon College, and Dr. MacNeill especially, of teaching Modernist views. He was absolved of any charges at the 1924 Baptist Convention in Chicago.
Dr. MacNeill was Acting President of Brandon College after Dr. Sweet died for the period from January 1925 until Dr. Bovington was hired in August 1925. After Dr. Bovington resigned in May of 1926, Dr. MacNeill again accepted the position of Acting President from May 1926 until April 3, 1928, when he retired as College Dean. Dr. MacNeill taught Latin and Greek for two more years then retired from Brandon College in 1930. He accepted a position at Fairview Church in Vancouver, B.C. where he remained until 1932. In 1932 he was offered a teaching position at McMaster University. He married his second wife, Vera Leech, in 1939. He remained at McMaster teaching New Testament Interpretation until 1943 when he retired. Dr. MacNeill was the first person to receive an honorary degree from Brandon University in 1967. He continued to do religious research until his eyesight failed at age 97. On January 15, 1974, Dr. MacNeill died at the Chedoke Hospital at the age of 102.
JOHN ROBERT CHARLES EVANS (1928)
Information on J.R.C. Evans can be found under the heading Office of the President.
W. BURTON HURD (1929-1935)
No biographical information yet.
C.F. RICHARDS (1935-1937)
Information on C.F. Richards can be found under the heading Office of the Registrar.
REV. EVAN M. WHIDDEN (1937-1938)
See MG 1 Brandon College Teaching and Administration, 1.8 Evan McDonald Whidden fonds for biographical information and additional records related to Rev. Evan M. Whidden.
A. HAYWARD FOSTER (1938-1939)
No biographical information yet.
F.J. WESTCOTT (1939-1945)
Frederick James Westcott was born in Douglas, Manitoba. He began taking classes in the Academy at Brandon College in 1918. He entered the Arts course in 1921 and specialized in Political Economy. He received the Special Political Economy Medal in his final year. He was very active on committees and associations, as well as sports. Westcott served as the Senior Stick during the school term 1924-1925. He graduated with his B.A. from Brandon College in 1925.
Westcott received the position of Student Assistant in the Academy the following year. He left soon after to pursue post-graduate work. He received his M.A. in economics from Harvard and spent two years at the University of Toronto on a teaching scholarship in economics, completing the course work leading to the Ph.D. degree. In 1929, he returned to Brandon College and took up the position of Associate Professor of Political Economy. It was also in 1929, that Westcott married Rose Vasey, a 1926 Brandon College graduate. The following year, Westcott was the Resident Master of Brandon College, as well as being an Instructor in Political Economy and Sociology. The Resident Master position only lasted the one school year. He accepted the post of Acting Dean of Arts and Science in 1939. From 1942 until 1945 he was away on military leave with the National War Finance Committee. He resigned from the position of College Dean in 1945. From 1945 on Westcott and his family resided in Toronto. He died suddenly in 1961.
HENRY STEWART PERDUE (1947-1952)
Dr. Perdue was born in 1904 near Souris. He graduated from the Souris Collegiate in 1920. After working several odd jobs, Dr. Perdue entered Brandon College in 1924. He graduated with his B.A. in 1928. After graduation, Dr. Perdue was hired as a teacher in the Academic Department. He received his M.A. in 1930, and went on to receive his Ph.D. in Geology from the University of Chicago. In 1930, Dr. Perdue became the Director of the Matriculation Department as well as an Instructor in Geology. In 1931, he took over the position of Resident Master. In 1937, he married Ella May Higgens, who was the Resident Nurse. From 1938 until 1948, Dr. Perdue acted as Registrar of Brandon College.
In 1947, Dr. Perdue accepted the position of College Dean. This position ran until 1952, when it was changed to the position of Dean of Arts and Science. Dr. Perdue also held this position until 1962, when the office separated into the Dean of Arts and the Dean of Science. Dr. Perdue continued in the position of Dean of Science until 1967. After Dr. Evans death in July of 1959, Dr. Perdue became Acting President. He held this position from August 1959 until August 1960, when Dr. Robbins was appointed President. Dr. Perdue retired from teaching Geology in 1973. He died on December 22, 1979 at the age of 75.
DEAN OF ARTS AND SCIENCE:
H.S. PERDUE (1952-1963)
Information on H.S. Perdue can be found under the heading College Dean.
DEAN OF ARTS
R.F.B. KING (1963 - Brandon University)
Information on R.F.B. King can be found under RG 6 Brandon University fonds, sub-sub series 7.1.1 Dean of Arts.
DEAN OF SCIENCE:
H.S. PERDUE (1963-1967)
Information of H.S. Perdue can be found under the heading College Dean.
Scope and Content
The series consists of records from MacNeill's term as College Dean (1921-1928). It also includes correspondence during the time that MacNeill was Acting President. It contains letters to and from MacNeill regarding examinations, students, business, and finances. Some earlier letters also include correspondence regarding the controversy MacNeill was in during the Baptist Fundamentalist/Modernist Debate in the early 1920’s.
Records from Evans' term as Acting Dean have been included in his Presidents' files. There are no records from the terms of the other College Deans, except R.F.B. King; his records have been encorporated into RG 6 (Brandon University fonds), 7.1.1 (Dean of Arts).
Storage Location
RG 1 Brandon College fonds
Series 6: Office of the College Dean
Related Material
RG 6, sub sub series 7.1.1 (Dean of Arts) for additional Dean's records and RG 6, series 9 (Department of Extension) for additional records related to H.S. Perdue.
The Brandon College Alumni Association was created in the spring of 1912. The Arts Class of 1912, the Theological graduates and also the Ad Eundem graduates met together with old graduates who were in the city. It was decided to form an Alumni Association of Brandon College open to all Arts and Theological graduates, past, present and future, as well as those admitted Ad Eundem. An executive was elected, Reverend J.C. Bowen of Winnipeg being appointed President, and J. Dempsey, Class of 1912, Secretary. The matter of drawing up a constitution was left to the executive.
A meeting was held by the executive on November 21, 1912 in order to discuss membership into the Association. A resolution was eventually passed that approved the basis set down the previous spring: All Arts, Theological and Ad Eundem graduates were to be admitted into the Association.
The Alumni Association was created by students in order for graduates and former students of Brandon College to maintain contact with the College and each other and to promote the College’s interests.
The Alumni Association’s activities included: publication of the quarterly Alumni News, mailed to all members and associate members; administration of the Alumni-contributed $17 000 J.R.C. Evans (Memorial) Student Loan Fund, providing interest free loans to worthy students; representation on Brandon College Board of Directors; contributions to College expansion; organization of Association branches in major cities and of social events for Alumni members.
Scope and Content
The records of the Alumni include newsletters, "Alumni News," and various other documents dealing with the association.
Storage Location
RG 1 Brandon College fonds
Series 7: Brandon College Alumni Association
Clark Hall was built in 1906 as a women’s residence. The name comes from Dr. C.W. Clark, a physician who believed that women should be as highly educated as possible. To that end, he donated $30 000 of the $40 000 dollars needed to construct the building. The residence opened on October 18, 1906 with Miss Ernestine R. Whiteside presiding as Lady Principal.
With the building of Clark Hall came new departments geared towards young women. A Music and Arts department was started, as was a Physical Culture and Expression department. The residence was soon full, and in 1911 the first Clark Hall Annex was created to house 25 women who could not get into Clark Hall proper. This annex was located at 1335 Lorne Ave., and it is still in existence today. The second Clark Hall Annex, that replaced the first, was located on Louise Ave. It is also still standing, and is now an apartment building.
LADY PRINCIPALS/DEAN OF WOMEN:
ERNESTINE ROBERTA WHITESIDE (1906-1918)
Miss Whiteside was born in 1876. She graduated from McMaster University in 1898. In 1906 she was hired as the first Lady Principal of Clark Hall. She served this post capably and was greatly admired by all who met her. In 1918 she resigned as Lady Principal to assume headship of Moulton College in Toronto. She resigned from Moulton in 1930 due to uncertain health. Miss Whiteside was a Board Member of the Women’s Baptist Missionary Society, as well as being editor of “The Link and Visitor”. She was the corresponding secretary for the Women’s Inter-Church Council of Canada from 1939 to 1949. Miss Whiteside resigned the editorship of “The Link and Visitor” in 1956. On June 14, 1960, she died in Toronto.
OLIVE A.C. WILKINS (1919-1925)
Olive Agnes Cross was born on June 17, 1891 in Newton Centre, Massachusetts. She received her B.A. from McMaster in 1912. She married Thomas Russell Wilkins on June 17, 1913. Mrs. Wilkins accepted the position of Lady Principal of Clark Hall in 1919. She also was retained as an English Teacher. Mrs. Wilkins resigned in 1925. On May 13, 1937, she died rather suddenly. Mrs. Wilkins personal files are located in the Brandon College Teaching and Administration series.
JANE (JENNIE) TURNBULL (1926-1927)
Jennie Turnbull was born c.1896. She was educated at Brandon Central School and the Brandon Collegiate Institute. Miss Turnbull entered Brandon College in 1911. She graduated with her B.A. in 1915, and followed this with her M.A. in 1916. After taking a Normal Course in Regina, Miss Turnbull returned to join the Brandon College faculty as instructor in French in 1918. She studied at La Sorbonne in Paris during the years 1921 and 1922. Miss Turnbull spent parts of 1919, 1920, 1926, and all of 1927 and 1928 at the University of Chicago, where she secured her Ph.D. During the school year 1926-1927, Miss Turnbull served as Dean of Women (formerly known as Lady Principal). She was a very well-travelled individual, and she was the author of Essential Traits of French-Canadian Poetry. In 1963 Miss Turnbull moved to British Columbia, where she died on December 30, 1966. During the time that Miss Turnbull taught at Brandon College, she was an integral part of the college community. She was responsible for the formation of a French Club, and served on various committees and boards with great skill.
ANNIE (EVANS) WRIGHT (1927-1934)
Miss Annie Evans was born on December 29, 1881 in Derbyshire, England. She moved with her family to Canada around 1889. She taught school before entering the Brandon College Business Training Department in 1908. In 1909, Miss Evans was given a position in the Business and Academic Department of the College. In 1915, she married the music professor, Dr. William L. Wright. In 1926, Mrs. Wright received her B.A. degree from Brandon College. She followed that with her M.A. from the University of Chicago in 1927. From 1927 until 1934, Mrs. Wright served as the Dean of Women. From 1927 until 1945, she was employed as a professor of English. She moved to Robson, B.C. with her husband, where she lived until her death in 1959. She was the older sister of Dr. J.R.C. Evans.
DOROTHY WERTHENBACH (1934-1935)
Miss Werthenbach received her early education in Minnesota and Saskatchewan and graduated from the University of Alberta with Honours in History. She took up the profession of teaching. She was an instructor at the Indian Residential School before she accepted the position of Dean of Women in the fall of 1934. She also taught grade 12 History at the College. Miss Werthenbach left Brandon College in 1935, after having spent one year as the Dean of Women. From 1931-1934 she served on the Executive of the Brandon Art Club, including a year as President (1933-1934). At some point after leaving Brandon, Miss Werthenbach married C.G. Nelson and relocated to Calgary. She and her husband had three, possibly four children. Mrs. Nelson died in a plane crash at Moose Jaw.
MARJORIE B. MCKENZIE (1935-1936)
Miss McKenzie was born in Brandon and was a graduate of Brandon Collegiate and Brandon College. She received her B.E. degree from the Columbia College of Expression in Chicago, and her M.Sc. in speech from Northwestern University at Evanston, Illinois. From 1927 to 1930 she was Instructor in Dramatic Art at Brandon College. She resigned to do post-graduate work. In 1935, Miss McKenzie returned as Instructor of Public Speaking in the Theological Department and Dean of Women in Clark Hall. Miss McKenzie resigned as Dean of Women after one year at the post.
SARAH PERSIS DARRACH (1936-1953)
Miss Persis Johnson was born in Rosscarberry, Ireland on February 8, 1886. She was educated in both Ireland and Canada, graduating from the Brandon General Hospital nurses program in 1911. She did her postgraduate work in Chicago. Miss Johnson was the assistant matron at Brandon General Hospital when she left for overseas in 1914 to serve in the war. Miss Johnson enlisted in the Canadian Over-seas Expeditionary Force on May 12, 1915 in London, England. She was overseas until 1918, stationed in both England and France. While there, Miss Johnson was awarded the Royal Red Cross, 2nd class, and the Royal Red Cross, 1st class, the latter of which was awarded to her in 1919 by the Prince of Wales during his visit to Brandon. She became the fourth superintendent of nurses at Brandon General Hospital. Sometime during the 1920’s, Miss Johnson married Robert Darrach, who was on the Brandon College Board of Directors. In 1934, she was named a member of the Order of the British Empire (Civilian) for her tireless effort doing charity work. In 1936 she accepted the position of Dean of Women at Brandon College. She served in this post until 1953. In 1971, Brandon College awarded her an honourary L.L.D. Darrach Hall, the Men’s Residence on the Brandon University campus, was named for her. Mrs. Darrach died on September 25, 1974.
FLORA COWAN (1953-1967)
Mrs. Flora Cowan was born on July 15, 1902 in Edinburgh, Scotland. She was the daughter of Adam and Helen Cruickshank. She married E.C. Cowan, and they had two children, Franklin and Ruth. From 1953 until Brandon College became Brandon University, she served as the Dean of Women. In 1966 she received the good Citizenship Award of the Golden Boys of Manitoba. She was a member of the I.O.D.E. and a life-member of the International Peace Garden, and the Provincial Council of Women. From 1954 to 1970 Mrs. Cowan served as a member of the Brandon City Council. She was also the Chairman of the Board for Fairview Home, Inc. In 1967, Mrs. Cowan received the Trillium Business and Professional Club Woman of the Year Award. She was also a member of several other community committees. The women’s residence at Brandon University, Flora Cowan, is named for her. In December 1980, Mrs. Cowan finally retired from her many positions. She died in Brandon on September 25, 1986 at the age of 84.
Scope and Content
The records from this series are mainly concentrated in the early years of Clark Hall. Miss Whiteside kept several journals that depict a very in-depth look at college life for young women in the early twentieth century. These records include: a Commonplace book, in which Miss Whiteside kept detailed accounts of the resident women and what was happening in Clark Hall; a “Saturday” book, which describes what she discussed at the meeting she held with the resident women every Saturday; Scrapbooks, which have programs and pictures detailing the everyday life of a College woman. These records are an invaluable source of information on the education of young women at the turn of the century. As well, Mrs. Wilkins files located in the Brandon College Teaching and Learning files give an excellent account of life at Clark Hall.
The series also contains copies of Clark Hall calendars for 1909-1925. There is also one undated calendar, which may be from 1911-1912.
Notes
The original accession number for the Clark Hall calendars is RP80-45. A copy of the program for the memorial service held at First Baptist Church October 1974 for Sarah Persis Darrach is located in her biography file in the Reading Room.
Storage Location
RG 1 Brandon College fonds
Series 9: Clark Hall Women's Residence
Related Material
MG 1 1.9 Sarah Persis Darrach fonds
Maureen Johnson collection (10-2009)
Accession 0104 Brandon University Art Collection, portrait of C.W. Clark M.D. painted by Henrietta Hancock. The portrait currently hangs in the McKee Archives. A brief biographical note concerning Clark appears with the portrait.
Arrangement
Series has been divided into four sub-series, including: (1) Clark Hall commonplace book, saturday book and chronicle; (2) Clark Hall scrapbooks 1907-1953; (3) Clark Hall calendars 1909 -1925; and (4) Clark Hall student council minutes 1928-1935
The Ministerial Committe was created with the purpose of discovering prospective students for the Baptist ministry. To become recognized as a student in Theology, a student had to be examined by the Ministerial Committee. The committee looked at the student’s intellectual, moral and spiritual fitness for the work of the ministry. He was then graded on his chances at entering the ministry. The committee could tell him that he was not suitable for ministerial work, or they could put him on the “encouraged” list. After repeated meetings with the Committee, a student could be voted as “accepted” as a prospective Baptist ministerial student.
Scope and Content
These records consist of a book from the Ministerial Committee. It contains the records of prospective theological students, including comments on their spirituality, morality and intellect. It records which students were rejected, encouraged and accepted into the program. Some notable students interviewed in this collection are: J.R.C. Evans, John Hart, Charles Stone, H. Friend, J. Church, and Tommy Douglas.
In 1914 World War I broke out in Europe. As soon as Britain became involved in the war, Canada, as part of the British Empire, was involved. As soon as Canada became involved in the war, Brandon College became involved. In keeping with the patriotism of the time, Brandon College organized a Canadian Officers Training Corps in 1915. It was soon a common sight to see students drilling several times a week in every type of weather. Often the women of the college would offer food and drink after the more grueling experiences. In 1916, a Brandon College platoon was organized under J.R.C. Evans. When he was declared medically unfit to go overseas, the command went to Lieutenant William Carey McKee. Carey was the son of S.J. McKee. He had graduated from Brandon College in 1914, and secured his M.A. in 1915. The Brandon College platoon joined up with the Western Universities Battalion, the 196th. The men went overseas in 1916, most remained there until after the war. Sadly, their admired leader, Carey McKee, was killed on August 26th, 1918 at Arras, just months before the end of the war.
Over thirty other Brandon College men failed to return home from the war. Remaining students immediately began planning for a memorial gymnasium to honour their fallen friends. They eventually raised over $20 000 towards the gym, but the money was given as a gift to the administration during the late 1920’s and early 1930’s when the College was in dire need of money. Although the Students’ Memorial Gymnasium Fund went on for several years, due to lack of money and rising building costs, the memorial gymnasium was never built.
The C.O.T.C. remained on the campus, but it was not as integral a part of daily routine until the late 1930s. Once again, hostilities broke out in Europe. This time, however, Canada did not automatically become involved in the war when Britain did. In an attempt to show the world its independence, Canada waited five days before officaially declaring war. By 1940, the C.O.T.C. was in full swing again. As well, part of Brandon College was given to the Royal Canadian Air Force for use as classrooms and accomodations.
After the cessation of World War II, the C.O.T.C. remained on campus. The S.J. McKee Archives has records of the organization up until 1960. The 1951 Brandon College Calendar decribes the University of Manitoba contingent of the C.O.T.C., so at some point the two organizations were amalgamated. The 1954 Brandon College Calendar decribes the R.C.A.F. (Reserve) University of Manitoba Squadron that students can apply for. Finally, the 1957 Brandon College Calendar contains a description on the Regular Officers Training Plan, which students could apply for. All of these programs were still in effect when the College was granted its University Charter in 1967.
Scope and Content
The first member of Brandon College to join up was a professor, Philippe Louys. He happened to be visiting his father in France when hostilities broke out. He joined the French Army, and was almost immediately taken prisoner. For several years he tried to escape, finally being successful on his fourth try. Louys immediately began retraining in the French Army, but as soon as he was ready to fight again, the war ended. Philippe Louys’ story is not uncommon in the history of Brandon College. The professors and students felt it was their duty to join the ranks and fight along with the rest of the British Empire. Most of them left the halls of the College, and many never returned.
The records consist mainly of correspondence having to do with the Canadian Officers Training Corps. There are also letters refering to Brandon College students who served in the World Wars. As well, there are lists of Unit Orders and Syllabii for the instructors of the C.O.T.C. There are also files regarding the War Maintenance Fund from 1918 and 1919. These records are a good source of material for studying how Brandon College viewed the outbreak of hostilities in Europe, and how the College responded to the crisis. Also, they show how attitudes changed about war and the college’s role in it from the period of 1915 to 1960. The Presidents’ files also have information on the role the military played at Brandon College. Finally, the series contains attestation and application for military training forms (1941-1943).
Storage Location
RG 1 Brandon College fonds
Series 11: Brandon College Military Training Programs
Bertha Miriam Clark was born on Prince Edward Island but attended public and high school in Brandon, MB. She was a member of the Class of 1929 and served as Lady Stick in her final year at Brandon College.
Clark married J. Scott Leith, Brandon College Class of 1928. Scott and Bertha Leith's son James Clark Leith is in the Canadian Who's Who.
Custodial History
Album was sent to Pat Britton, Brandon University Director of Alumni Relations, by Bertha Leith in April 1991. Britton then transferred it to the McKee Archives.
Scope and Content
Fonds consists of a small accordian style photograph album (7 x 10.5 x 3.5 cm) created by Bertha Clark during her years at Brandon College. The photographs, which measure 4" x 2.75", depict numerous people and events.
Notes
History/Bio information taken from the 1928-1929 Sickle.
Betty Margaret Gibson was born on July 14, 1911 in Brandon, MB. She attended primary school in Alexandra and Park schools, and took her teachers education at the Brandon Normal School. She began her teaching career in 1929. Teaching first in Deloraine and Chater, in 1936, Gibson travelled to South Africa to be the headmistress at Kingsmead College, Johannesburg. She returned to Brandon ten years later to take up the post of Principal at Fleming School. During this time she completed a BA from Brandon College (1959). Attaining her Master's degree in Early Childhood Education, she taught at the University of Saskatoon and Brandon College/University. At Brandon University she was heavily involved with Indigenous teacher programs, including BUNTEP, PENT and IMPACT. She was briefly the Assistant Superintendent for the Brandon School Division (1967-1968). Gibson was active in the Children's Aid Society, co-created and appeared in a television show called "Common Sense About Reading" (CBC), and was the author of a children's book called "The Story of Little Quack." Gibson received the Centennial Medal in 1967, and the J.M. Brown Award (1974), for contribution to education in Manitoba. She was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Liberal Laws from BU in 1975, and even in retirement continued to teach education courses at BU and help children with reading disabilities. In 2003, she was inducted into Brandon University's Hall of Fame. Betty Gibson School in the Brandon School Division is named in her honor. Gibson never married. Betty Gibson died on February 23, 2001 in Brandon, 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 Betty Gibson about her teaching career. Interviewer is JE Bateman.
Notes
History/Bio information taken from the Manitoba Historical Society, The Brandon Sun and the records. Transcript by Nathan Qumsieh (2014). Description by Christy Henry.
Language Note
English
Conservation
Preservation copy created 2021 (R. Hess)
Audio Tracks
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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
See sub sub series level (RG 6, 8.4.1) for history/bio information.
Custodial History
See sub sub series level (RG 6, 8.4.1) for custodial history.
Scope and Content
Photograph of the particpants of Panel 1: Writing and Life (Women) held the morning of October 26 in the J.R.C. Evans Lecture Theatre. L-R: Maria Campbell, Joanne Arnott, Beatrice Culleton Moisonier, Lorraine Mayer and Louise Halfe (Chair).
Storage Location
RG 6 Brandon University fonds
Series 8: Library Services
8.4 Library special events
8.4.1 Brandon Aboriginal Literary Festival
See sub sub series level (RG 6, 8.4.1) for history/bio information.
Custodial History
See sub sub series level (RG 6, 8.4.1) for custodial history.
Scope and Content
Photograph of the members of Panel 2: Writing and Life (Men), held Friday afternoon October 26 in the J.R.C. Evans Lecture Theatre. L-R: Tomson Highway, Greg Scofield, Armand Garnet Ruffo, Duncan Mecredi, Daniel David Moses (Chair).
Storage Location
RG 6 Brandon University fonds
Series 8: Library Services
8.4 Library special events
8.4.1 Brandon Aboriginal Literary Festival
See sub sub series level (RG 6, 8.4.1) for history/bio information.
Custodial History
See sub sub series level (RG 6, 8.4.1) for custodial history.
Scope and Content
Photograph of the authors who participated in Panel 3: Seven Porcupines into the Future held Saturday morning in the J.R.C. Evans Lecture Theatre. (L-R): Louise Halfe, Warren Cariou and Kateri Akiwenzie-Damm.
Storage Location
RG 6 Brandon University fonds
Series 8: Library Services
8.4 Library special events
8.4.1 Brandon Aboriginal Literary Festival
See sub sub series level (RG 6, 8.4.1) for history/bio information.
Custodial History
See sub sub series level (RG 6, 8.4.1) for custodial history.
Scope and Content
Photograph of the participants in Panel 3: Seven Porcupines into the Future held Saturday morning in the J.R.C. Evans Lecture Theatre. (L-R): Louise Halfe, Warren Cariou, Kateri Akiwenzie-Damm and Paul DePasquale (Chair).
Storage Location
RG 6 Brandon University fonds
Series 8: Library Services
8.4 Library special events
8.4.1 Brandon Aboriginal Literary Festival
Item consists of portraits of the members of the Brandon College Academy III class of 1920 and their motto: "Semper paratus."
Top Row (L to R): H. Friend; E. Harrison; A. Gerrard; H. Creelman; E.l. Molberg; J. Johnson; L. Knowlton; M. Milton; and E. Carter.
Second Row (L to R): M. Bastard; E. Church; F. Wood; B. MacDonnell; L. Edminson (Vice. Pres); V. Pascoe; M. Hall; E. Mitchell; G. McCamis; and A. Mitchell.
Third Row (L to R): M. Grant; A. Macpherson; V. Skelding; L. Shaw; H. Gibson (Class Pres.); Dr. Whidden (President); W. Stordy (Sec. Treas.); B. Frith; H. Smith; and E. Gruenke.
Fourth Row (L to R): F. Austin; J.R. Evans (Principal); Mrs. Wilkie (Lady Principal, Clark Hall); and E. Wilkins.
Fifth Row (L to R): R. Stewart; G. Whitney; G. Mitchell; S. Curr; G. Jasper; and C. McMeil.
Sixth Row (L to R): D. Guthrie; R. Pollock; M. Bullock; L. Winton; M. Clark; V. Mitchell; Z. Greenwood; M. Fleming; and M. Brothers.
Seventh Row (L to R): D. MacGilvray; H. Powell; I. Molberg; B. Cranston; R. Marshall; H. Clement; G. Skelding; D. Doig; and R. Maxwell.
Bottom Row (L to R): J. Van Morman; E. McKenzie; D. Burke; E. Van Someren; and J. Hewitt.
Item consists of portraits of the members of the Brandon College Academy III class of 1920 and their motto: "Semper paratus."
Top Row (L to R): H. Friend; E. Harrison; A. Gerrard; H. Creelman; E.l. Molberg; J. Johnson; L. Knowlton; M. Milton; and E. Carter.
Second Row (L to R): M. Bastard; E. Church; F. Wood; B. MacDonnell; L. Edminson (Vice. Pres); V. Pascoe; M. Hall; E. Mitchell; G. McCamis; and A. Mitchell.
Third Row (L to R): M. Grant; A. Macpherson; V. Skelding; L. Shaw; H. Gibson (Class Pres.); Dr. Whidden (President); W. Stordy (Sec. Treas.); B. Frith; H. Smith; and E. Gruenke.
Fourth Row (L to R): F. Austin; J.R. Evans (Principal); Mrs. Wilkie (Lady Principal, Clark Hall); and E. Wilkins.
Fifth Row (L to R): R. Stewart; G. Whitney; G. Mitchell; S. Curr; G. Jasper; and C. McMeil.
Sixth Row (L to R): D. Guthrie; R. Pollock; M. Bullock; L. Winton; M. Clark; V. Mitchell; Z. Greenwood; M. Fleming; and M. Brothers.
Seventh Row (L to R): D. MacGilvray; H. Powell; I. Molberg; B. Cranston; R. Marshall; H. Clement; G. Skelding; D. Doig; and R. Maxwell.
Bottom Row (L to R): J. Van Morman; E. McKenzie; D. Burke; E. Van Someren; and J. Hewitt.
Item consists of portraits of the Brandon College Arts Class of 1930 taken in 1927, and the Class of 1930s motto: “Age Quod Agis.”
Top Row (L to R): J. Elviss; R. Harris; R. Patmore; M. MacDonald; J.P. Odin; K. Kilgour; H. Vaisler; M. Bigelow; A. Clark; W.M. Anderson; C.W. Wicklund; E. Smith; and W.T. Dick.
Second Row (L to R): M. Martin; J.M. Campbell; D. Campbell; G. Brown; M. Dunkin; G.D. Wilkie (Sec.Treas); B. Hyndman (Vice Pres.); T.C. Douglas (Class Pres.); K. McKenzie; W.I. Easton; M. Fotheringham; A. Robertson; and L. Popkin.
Third Row (L to R): H. McDowell; J. Lane; E.C. Black; S. Pechet; G.M. Boyes; and H.L. Young.
Fourth Row (L to R): M. Evans; J. Allan; T.A. Salekin; D. Dadson; A.T. Grantham; and V. Ulinder.
Fifth Row (L to R): R. E. Hunter; E.M. Pierse; R. McNeil; V. Gilmour; M. Maltman; and R.A. Clement.
Sixth Row (L to R): L. E. Shanks; C.R. Emerson; C. Lamont;, A.T. Keeler; N.F. Spearin; G. Jernberg; E. Fidler; H. R. Rorke; J. Cowan; A. Cameron; H. Cairns; and H. Lousley.
Last Row (L to R): W.S. Stevens; S. Wickstrom; W. McFarland; E.M. Harris; R. Simpson; M. Patmore; G. Eaton; J. Hitchings; R.P. Umphrey; K. Underwood; A. Holstein; E. Knapp; and V.A. McLeod.
Donated by the estate of Harold Rorke, Carnegie, Manitoba through executor Bill Bromley (Denise Bromley) in 2004.
Scope and Content
Item consists of portraits of the Brandon College Arts Class of 1930 taken in 1927, and the Class of 1930s motto: “Age Quod Agis.”
Top Row (L to R): J. Elviss; R. Harris; R. Patmore; M. MacDonald; J.P. Odin; K. Kilgour; H. Vaisler; M. Bigelow; A. Clark; W.M. Anderson; C.W. Wicklund; E. Smith; and W.T. Dick.
Second Row (L to R): M. Martin; J.M. Campbell; D. Campbell; G. Brown; M. Dunkin; G.D. Wilkie (Sec.Treas); B. Hyndman (Vice Pres.); T.C. Douglas (Class Pres.); K. McKenzie; W.I. Easton; M. Fotheringham; A. Robertson; and L. Popkin.
Third Row (L to R): H. McDowell; J. Lane; E.C. Black; S. Pechet; G.M. Boyes; and H.L. Young.
Fourth Row (L to R): M. Evans; J. Allan; T.A. Salekin; D. Dadson; A.T. Grantham; and V. Ulinder.
Fifth Row (L to R): R. E. Hunter; E.M. Pierse; R. McNeil; V. Gilmour; M. Maltman; and R.A. Clement.
Sixth Row (L to R): L. E. Shanks; C.R. Emerson; C. Lamont;, A.T. Keeler; N.F. Spearin; G. Jernberg; E. Fidler; H. R. Rorke; J. Cowan; A. Cameron; H. Cairns; and H. Lousley.
Last Row (L to R): W.S. Stevens; S. Wickstrom; W. McFarland; E.M. Harris; R. Simpson; M. Patmore; G. Eaton; J. Hitchings; R.P. Umphrey; K. Underwood; A. Holstein; E. Knapp; and V.A. McLeod.
The middle of the photograph was bent at one time and there is some damage to the matting.
Custodial History
Photograph was donated by Betty Gibson.
Scope and Content
Item consists of portraits of the members of Brandon College Arts Class of 1931 taken in 1928, their motto “Carpe Diem,” and photographs of Prof. H.R. Jolliffee (Honorary President), the College campus, and J.R.C. Evans (Dean of Arts).
Top Row (L to R): L. Umphrey; O. Morrison; A.C. Fromme; W. Steinhauer; W.M. Beer; C.M. Dunkin; W.P. Dutton (Class Pres.); B.M. Gibson; C.H. Spearin; I.E. Zink; R.A. Dowling; I. Robertson; and V. Laughton.
Second Row (L to R): L.C. Bulman; R.E. Vasey; K.A. Barnwell; R.F. Eamer; F.R. McLeod; D. Wright; A.L. MacArthur (Sec.Treas); M. Stewart (Vice Pres.); M.A. Shepley; S. Bateman; J.G. Miles; A.H. Houssain; and W.G. Robertson.
Third Row (L to R): J. Kilgour; R. Harris; H. McDowell; M. Draper; R. Pritchard; H. Vaisler; D.R. Morris; and N.E. Todd.
Fourth Row (L to R): C.A. McNeil; H. LaMontagne; A.E. Marshall; D.R. McLeod; H. Young; G. Aylesworth; G. Heywood; and G. Fulcher.
Fifth Row (L to R): O. McDiarmid; R. Wright; W. Harwood; E. Stott; R.H. White; A.J. Cameron; M.E. Armstrong; and J.A. Girvin.
Sixth Row (L to R): H.J. Fraser; R.C. Lundgren; M.E. Henderson; N. Spearin; A. Kennette; H.K. Scott; H.G. Tolton; M. Fitton; W.G. Dick; L.R. Gainer; J.T. Condell; and E.N. Reid.
Bottom Row (L to R): G. Scott; D. Campbell; J. Harwood; H. Ball; G.R. Easter; C.I. Hitchings; R.S. McGill; F. Cater; J.P. Buss; J.M. Cowell; E.W. Shaw; M.A. Bremner; and A.W. Mott.
Photograph at one time belonged to R.O. McDiarmid.
Scope and Content
Item consists of portraits of the members of Brandon College Arts Class of 1931 taken in 1928, their motto “Carpe Diem,” and photographs of Prof. H.R. Jolliffee (Honorary President), the College campus, and J.R.C. Evans (Dean of Arts).
Top Row (L to R): L. Umphrey; O. Morrison; A.C. Fromme; W. Steinhauer; W.M. Beer; C.M. Dunkin; W.P. Dutton (Class Pres.); B.M. Gibson; C.H. Spearin; I.E. Zink; R.A. Dowling; I. Robertson; and V. Laughton.
Second Row (L to R): L.C. Bulman; R.E. Vasey; K.A. Barnwell; R.F. Eamer; F.R. McLeod; D. Wright; A.L. MacArthur (Sec.Treas); M. Stewart (Vice Pres.); M.A. Shepley; S. Bateman; J.G. Miles; A.H. Houssain; and W.G. Robertson.
Third Row (L to R): J. Kilgour; R. Harris; H. McDowell; M. Draper; R. Pritchard; H. Vaisler; D.R. Morris; and N.E. Todd.
Fourth Row (L to R): C.A. McNeil; H. LaMontagne; A.E. Marshall; D.R. McLeod; H. Young; G. Aylesworth; G. Heywood; and G. Fulcher.
Fifth Row (L to R): O. McDiarmid; R. Wright; W. Harwood; E. Stott; R.H. White; A.J. Cameron; M.E. Armstrong; and J.A. Girvin.
Sixth Row (L to R): H.J. Fraser; R.C. Lundgren; M.E. Henderson; N. Spearin; A. Kennette; H.K. Scott; H.G. Tolton; M. Fitton; W.G. Dick; L.R. Gainer; J.T. Condell; and E.N. Reid.
Bottom Row (L to R): G. Scott; D. Campbell; J. Harwood; H. Ball; G.R. Easter; C.I. Hitchings; R.S. McGill; F. Cater; J.P. Buss; J.M. Cowell; E.W. Shaw; M.A. Bremner; and A.W. Mott.
