See fonds level description (MG 3 1.14 W. Leland Clark) for history/bio information on W. Leland Clark.
Custodial History
See fonds level description (MG 3 1.14. W. Leland Clark) for custodial history.
Scope and Content
Sub-series consists of correspondence, information, records, press releases, newspaper clippings, booklets, brochures, maps and grants as well as other records associated with government between 1983 and 1993. A large part of the records consists of correspondence, especially between Clark, his constituents, and other members of the government. This correspondence covers all aspects of Canadian society and government departments, including but not limited to: Agriculture; Communications; Environment; External Affairs; Finance; Indian and Northern Affairs; National Defense; Prime Minister; Justice; Transport; Veteran's Affairs; Youth; Status of Women; Housing; Immigration; Industry, Science & Technology; Health & Welfare; Forestry; Fitness, Youth & Amateur Sport; Employment; Federal Provincial Relations; Consumer & Corporate Affairs; Secretary of State; and various other departments, as well as topics dealing with the municipalities that Clark served. Of these, the departments of Agriculture and the Environment are the most widely represented in these records, due to Clark's positions as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Agriculture from 1987-1989 and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of the Environment from 1989-1993.
The records highlight the political climate of Canada, and especially Western Canada, from 1983 to 1993. Many of the records relate to the affairs of constituents in the Brandon-Souris riding and cover a wide variety of topics. The collection spans the entire political career of W. Leland Clark, from the letters congratulating him on his byelection victory in 1983 to his final days in office in 1993.
Sub-series has one sub sub series (MG 3 1.14.1.1: Parliamentary scrapbooks.
Notes
There are no files in this body of records identified by the following numbers: 31, 34, 110, 452, 453.
Storage Location
RG 6 Brandon University fonds
MG 3 Brandon University Teaching and Administration
1.14 W. Leland Clark
Some of the titles are fragile and/or stained/torn.
Scope and Content
Sub-series consists of the following titles:
"Tales and Trails of Western Canada" by Nell Macvicar and Irene Craig
"Manitoba Public School Arithmetic: Book II" by J.A. Smith and R.H. Roberts (1922)
"Handbook of Nature-Study for Teachers and Parents" by Anna Botsford Comstock (1911)
"Forests and Trees" by B.J. Hales (1925)
"Fodder and Pasture Plants" George H. Clark and M. Oscar Malte with water colour illustrations by Norman Criddle (1913)
"Wild Flowers of Western Canada" by William Copeland McCalla (1920)
"The Dragon and the Raven" by G.A. Henty
"Manitoba High School Civics" by A.L. Burt (1945)
"The Manitoba Arithmetic for Elementary Grades: Grade IV" by the Department of Education, Province of Manitoba
"The Treasury Sight-Reader: Book II - Junior" by Maurice Jacobson
"The Treasury Sight-Reader: Book III - Intermediate" by Maurice Jacobson
"The Manitoba Readers - Third Reader"
"Young Blood" by E.W. Hornung (1901)
"The Moonstone: A Romance" by Wilkie Collins
"Mental Arithmetic: Part I" by Charles G. Fraser
"The Canada Book of Prose and Verse: Book One" by Lorne Pierce (1948)
"How to be Healthy" by J. Halpenny and Lilian B. Ireland (1911)
"The A B C of Musical Theory" by Ralph Dunstan
"Canadian Civics" by R.S. Jenkins (1909) - Manitoba edition
"Canada: A History for High Schools" by G.J. Reeve (1926)
"History of England for Public Schools" authorized by the Departments of Education for Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia (1922).
See fonds level of the Alexander MacPhail collection.
Scope and Content
Sub sub series consists of six files:
1. Grade VIII physiology and hygiene - Marion MacPhail
2. Grade XII physics - John Armstrong
3. Grade XII poetical literature and Grade XII rhetoric and prose - Marion MacPhail
4. Grade XI french - Iain MacPhail
5. Grade XI french grammar (1929-1930) - Iain MacPhail
6. Grade XI french authors (1930-1931) - Iain MacPhail
Sub sub series consists primarily of Iain MacPhail's school notebooks. Subjects include: algebra, geometry theorems, english, french, rhetoric and prose.
Notes
Part of Alexander MacPhail collection. In a number of cases, the workbooks/notebooks contain material on subjects other than the subject listed on the title page/file folder. Iain attended school in Vista and Birtle, Manitoba.
For biographical information see fonds level description of the Alexander MacPhail collection.
Scope and Content
Sub sub series consists of Marion MacPhail's school and teaching notebooks, as well as other materials she used during her teaching career, such as exercises, lessons, examinations, sources/ideas, class lists, and grades. Notebook subjects include: literature, practical chemistry, history, fiction, literary criticism, music, plays, art, poetical literature, pedagogy, english, psychology, a better B.U.Y.P./the Acts of the Apostles, history of education, grammar, memory gems, geography, health education, agriculture and elementary science. There are also files entitled: Christmas concert and miscellaneous Norwood Public School assignments/tests.
Notes
Part of Alexander MacPhail collection. In a number of cases, the workbooks/notebooks contain material on subjects other than the subject listed on the title page/file folder. Some of Marion's notebooks contain class lists with grades/lessons and exercises.
Storage Location
2006 accessions
Related Material
26-2006.2.1, 26-2006.2.2, 26-2006.2.4
Arrangement
Files 10-22 are from Marion's time at the Dauphin and Winnipeg Normal Schools.
See fonds level description of the Alexander MacPhail collection.
Scope and Content
Sub sub series consists of miscellaneous publications/curriculum materials collected by the members of the MacPhail family and John Armstrong. It includes copies of "The Manitoba School Trustee" (1956-1963); "The Manitoba Teacher (May-June 1942)"; "Canadian Agriculture and the War (1941-1942)"; Canadian Girls in Training (C.G.I.T.) pamphlets; "Answer Book for Basic Achievement Tests (Manitoba) grades 2-7"; "The Manitoba Arithmetic for Elementary Grade VI"; "Arithmetic Answers, grade VI"; newsclippings; "Nature Study Self-Taught: Junior Work-Book, grades III & IV (Manitoba schools)"; Manitoba Provincial Board of Health pamphlets; senior high school boys' physical training, grade X & XI; outline of arithmetic, grade VI & VII; and sheet music and lyrics for "We'll Never Let the Old Flag Fall."
The sub sub series also consists of Manitoba, Department of Education examination papers for the following years and subjects:
1915 Entrance Examinations: Elementary agriculture; Arithmetic; Book-keeping; Composition; Drawing, Grade IX; Drawing; Geometry; Geography; Gramma; Canadian history & civics; History; Writing.
1921 Examinations: Literature.
1925 Entrance Examinations: History.
1926 Examinations: Industrial arts; Metal work.
1928 Entrance Examinations: Agriculture; History; Drawing; Grammar; Geography; Mathematics; Compostion.
1929 Examinations Grade XI: Algebra; Chemistry; Composition; French authors; French grammar; French literature & composition; Geometry; German authors; German grammar; History; home economics; Household science option; Latin authors; Latin grammar; Music option: first year, second year, third year, fourth year, fifth year, sixth year, seventh year; Spelling; Practical arts: arithmetic, household art, household science, industrial arts: mechanical drawing, metal work, woodworking & patternmaking, household arts option.
1931 Examinations Grade XI: French authors; French grammar.
Sub-series consists of registration cards for Brandon College, some of which were filled out in the students' own handwriting. Over time the format of the cards changed but at various times they contained information on: name; address (home and in Brandon); parents' names; age; religious denomination; date of entrance; course of study; birthdate; last school attended; whether or not the student was a church member (and if so where they attended church); occupation in view; phone number; and college department.
In 1924-1925, some of the students' registration cards are McMaster University initial registration cards, rather than the Brandon College registration card format. The reason for the use of the McMaster cards is unknown, however Brandon College was affiliated with McMaster University at the time. These particular cards contain information that is not included on the cards created by Brandon College. Additional information fields include: prepatory schools attended; how admitted to Brandon College (name of examination); where the examination was written and if the student obtained complete standing on that Examination; father's nationality; and mother's nationality.
Some years (1899-1908) also have a breakdown of the different denominations as represented by students attending Brandon College.
Storage Location
RG 1 Brandon College fonds
Series 4: Office of the Registrar
4.11 Registration cards
Arrangement
The sub-series is arranged by year. Some of the years are arranged numerically, while others are arranged alphabetically. Original order was maintained.
Sub sub series consists of playbills from a number of Brandon University Drama Society (BUDS) productions. Plays include: The Mousetrap, Undeer Milk Wood, The Life and Death of Almost Everybody, The Crucible, The Hollow, The Winslow Boy, The Linden Tree, The Rape of the Belt, How the Other Half Loves, The Importance of Being Ernest, Dead and Alive, The Love of Four Colonels, The "Waltz of the Toreadors", Getting Married, Heatbreak House, Antigone and a Comedy Playbill for Mutatis Mutandis, Dock Brief, and Getting and Spending. The sub sub series also includes a playbill for the Brandon University Musical Theatre's production of The Pirates of Penzance; a playbill for The Attic Theatre's production of St. Simeon Stylites and The Dark Lady of the Sonnets; and a programme for a musical theatre evening with students of Earl Davey, Sylvia Richardson and Cedric Vendyback and guests Madrigalia.
Several playbills from the Brandon College era have been located with these records to facilitate administrative control. Programmes include: Martha-By-The Day, Cappy Ricks, My Three Angels, and Be Your Age. Martha-By-The Day was presented by the Students' Association of Brandon College, Cappy Ricks by the Students of Brandon College and My Three Angels and Be Your Age by the Brandon College Literary Board.
Storage Location
RG 6 Brandon University fonds
Series 7: Faculties and Schools
7.1 Faculty of Arts
Related Material
Negatives and photographs of various Brandon College/University plays are located in the Brandon University Photograph collection. Newspaper clippings regarding some of the productions are located in the Brandon University - Drama Productions file in the Institutional files in the Reading Room.
George E. Thorman was born in Vancouver, British Columbia on September 17, 1913. His public school education began in Rivers, Manitoba and was completed, along with his high school and part of his university education in Brandon, Manitoba. After completing his Bachelor of Arts General at Brandon College, Thorman attended the College of Education in Toronto for one year before beginning his teaching career at Essex Hisgh School, Essex, Ontario in 1935. After four years in Essex, Thorman transferred to the St. Thomas Collegiate Institute (STCI) in St. Thomas, Ontario.
In 1941, Thorman joined the Canadian Army at Brandon as a gunner inthe 59th Field Battery and after five years, having served in England, Italy and Western Europe, heretired with the rank of Captain. Following the Second World War, in 1945, Thorman taught in a high school for Fifth Division in Gronigen, Netherlands before moving on to teach first year university English at Kahki College in England in 1946. That same year he returned to Canada and rejoined the staff at STCI. Two years after his return George Thorman married the former Margarett Gliddon of St. THomas and in 1953 returned to Europe where he taught in Scotland for one year on a teacher's exchange.
During the 1960's, Thorman's career reached its peak. In 1964, he became the Vice-Principal of STCI and in 1967, he attained the same position at Parkside Collegiate Institute before becomeing its Principal in 1969. Three years later in 1972, Thorman retired as Principal of PCI and from his teaching career. Throughout his career Thorman's primary interests were in English and History, however he also taught Mathematics, Georgraph and Science. In addition to his classess following WWII, Thorman was an active instructor of the Cadet Corps, as well as a coach for various volleyball, basketball and track and field teams during his years at STCI.
Aside from being an educator, George Thorman had many other interests. He and his wife Margaret were active in the formation of the Elgin Theatre Guild in 1948 and thogether and separately they performed and directed several productions in the early years of that organization. Thorman was also largely responsible for the development of a local history course in the Elgin Secondary Schools in the early 1960's. In 1966, with his fellow history teacher Ralph Parker, he published a booklet to serve as an outline for teachers on the history of Elgin County.
That same year, 1966, Thorman, as the prime instigator in the re-formation of the Elgin Historical Society, became its first president and in 1971, he was elected Honorary President of the Society for life. This was followed by a furhter two-year term as elected president. The re-organization marked the beginning of THorman's continous active involvement with the EHS, including several lectures he presented to its members and many years as a Trustee. In 1985, he received the Ontario Volunteer Service Award for over 15 years of continuous service to the Society before retiring from the EHS in 1995.
In addition to the EHS, Thorman served on the St. Thomas Public Library Board from 1979 until 1991, and was a Chairman of the Board's Personnel Committee. He was also a member of the Ontario Historical Society. From 1975 to 1978, Thorman served as an elected member of the Elgin County Board of Education and in 1979, he received from the City of St. Thomas the St. Thomas Civic Award for outstanding citizens. George Thorman was also a life member (1936) of Central Lodge No. 402, A.F. and A.M. (Masonry) of Essex, Ontario and had been an active member of the St. Thomas Duplicate Bridge Club since 1985.
As an authority on historical research relating to The Hudson's Bay Company, Thorman gave lectures and printed articles on the topic in "The Beaver" publication of The Hudson's Bay Company. In regards to the HBC he also did excavation work at Fort Albany with Walter Kenyon during several summers in the 1960's and 1970's.
As well, George Thorman was a founding member and served on the executive committee of the Elgin Military Museum since its inception in 1982 until the late 1990's. He contributed greatly to the library and files of this museum, particularly in the field of the War of 1812 and the Fenian Raid. The reference library of this small museum rates high in this country, largely through the efforts of George Thorman. Thorman's book collection was one of the finest and most extensive in Western Ontario. His personal library contained a wealth of information with particular emphasis on material relating to Elgin County, the City of St. Thomas and The Hudson's Bay company. His G.A. Henty collectio was nearly complete.
As an author Thorman contributed ten entries in The Dictionary of Canadian Biography on Aboriginal and Metis peoples, co-authored "St. Thomas 100 Years a City," the centennial history of the city of St. Thomas. In 1989, he edited "Frank Hunt, Essays on Elgin County" as well as wrote and privately printed "A Brief History of Secondary Education in St. Thomas" as his contribution to the STCI Reunion, at which he was one fo the honorees. In th early 1990's, Thorman co-edited "Garret Oakes, Tales of a Pioneer," authored and privaley printed "Letters and Petitions and other Papers Concerning the MIlitia Companies of Middlesex for 1839" and "The Chisholm Family in Elgin County: Myth and Reality."
For serveral years, ca. 1975 to the mid 1990's, Thorman hosted a TV talk show on local television interviewing persons connected to the history of St. Thomas and Elgin County. Many older residents, who have since passed away, were interviewed and the resulting tapes are an invaluable source of historical information.
Thorman and his wife lived in the historic section of St. Thomas and in the summer months spent their time in Port Stanley. In addition, for several years in the early 1990's, Thorman traveled annually to England - each time visiting a different area of the country. As well, Thorman was also interested in the lives and activities of his former students and was available and eager to assist any student or former student who asked for his guidance. George E. Thorman passed away on January 11, 1997.
Custodial History
The Order of the Sheaf and Thorman's Bachelor of Arts degree were transfered to the McKee Archives by Rudi Denham, Chief Librarian, St. Thomas Public Library in August 2007. George Thorman had placed his papers with the St. Thomas Public Library at some point prior to his death; the Library had decided to deaccession the records and offered them to interested institutions.
Scope and Content
The collection consists of textbooks covering the subject areas of: Agriculture, Art, Business education, Economics, Composition, Grammar, Rhetoric, Literature, Plays, Poetry, Prose, Readers, Spelling, Phonics, Stories, Geography, Health, History, French, German, Greek, Italian, Latin, Algebra, Arithmetic, Geometry, Trigonometry, General mathematics, Music, PHilosophy, Logic, Psychology, Religion, Research, Methods, Manuals, Astronomy, Botany Chemistry, Physics, General science, Zoology, Cooking and Gardening. It also includes two notebooks.
The works found in the collection were published primarily between 1880-1940, although they range from 1801-1967, with an emphasis on history, all areas of mathematics, research and topics related to english or language arts. There are a number of works published in the nineteenth century dealing with most of the collection's subject areas. The majority of the collection focuses on public and high school textbooks, particularly in relation to the province of Ontraio, with some attention to university education.
Also included is George Thorman's Order of the Sheaf, Clark Hall Guild certificate awarded to him in recognition of his outstanding contribution toward the betterment of Brandon University and Thorman's Bachelor of Arts degree from Brandon College (McMaster University).
Notes
An inventory of the collection has been created. Also, the items have been added to the Brandon University Library catalogue. Description and inventory by Christy Henry (1999).
Dr. Robert Dudley Howland was born June 1, 1909 in Bexley, Kent, England. He attended Queen Elizabeth Grammar School Faversham, Kent. In 1926, he came to Canada where he attended Brandon College, graduating in Arts in 1935. He subsequently attended the London School of Economics where he obtained a doctorate in Economics.
During his years at Brandon College, Howland participated in debating and drama. He also acted as a student minister for the Baptist Church.
Howland spent his working eyars in various positions in the federal and provincial governments. Energy was an important focus of his work. His introduction to energy problems came in 1944, when he was appointed Secretary of the Carroll Commission on coal. From this experience he accepted appointments in Nova Scotia as Vice-President of their Research Foundation; Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry and Economic Advisor to the Nova Scotia government.
In addtion to the Carroll Royal Commission on Coal, Howland was associated with the Royal Commission on Saskatchewan's Coal Mining Industry, was an ecnomist on Canada's Economic Prospects from 1955-1957, and a member of the Royal Commission on Energy.
In 1959, Howland was appointed Vice-President of the National Energy Board and Chairman from July 1, 1968, until his retirement in August 1973. Howland was granted an honorary LL.D. by Brandon University in May 1974.
Howland had a lifelong interest in the Fabian Society and Fabian Socialism, assembling a rich collection of original edition Fabian publications.
Custodial History
Dr. Howland presented his collection of Fabian publications to Brandon University sometime in the 1970s. The collection remained in the John E. Robbins Library until it was placed in the Archives in 1997.
Scope and Content
The Howland Collection includes a wide range of books, pamphlets, and assorted publications of the Fabian Society assembled by Dr. Howland.
The Fabian Society, a socialist society, was founded in 1883-1884, in London. The Fabian Society was created with the goal of fostering the creation of democratic socialism in Great Britain. Unlike revolutionary Marxists, the Fabians placed their hopes for change in evolutionary socialism not revolution.
The creation of the Fabian Society is generally attributed to Thomas Davidson, a Scottish philosopher. Its charter members included George Bernard Shaw, Sidney Webb, Annie Besant, Edward Pease, and Graham Wallas. Shaw and Webb, later joined by Webb's wife, Beatrice, were the outstanding leaders of the Society for many years. In 1889, the Society published its best-known tract, "Fabian Essays in Socialism," edited by Shaw. The Fabian Society played an integral role in the creation of the British Labour Party.
Notes
The items in the collection have been added to the Brandon University Library catalogue. Description by Mike White.
Storage Location
MG 2 Brandon College Students
2.16 Robert Dudley Howland
According to the typed sheet in the back of the secondo score, the Blue and Gold March was an original composition written by a Third Year Arts student, Mr. Charles Koester. It was accepted and named "The Blue and Gold March of Brandon College" by President J.R.C. Evans in April 1948.
The piece was the result of many years of work. The melody first entered Koester's thoughts during the war when he was an RCAF Flight Lieutenant in North Africa. It was first played as a piano duet by Miss Zen Koester and Mr. Gordon Sefton at regular Chapel service. In his remarks at the occassion, Charles Koester acknowledge the assistance he received from Zen Koester, Gordon Sefton and Professor E. Savage in arranging the music.
Charles Henry Koester attended Brandon College ca. 1911-1916 and served in Wold War I.
Scope and Content
Fonds consists of the original score of the Blue and Gold March of Brandon College written by Charles H. Koester and arranged by Elizabeth Z. Koester and Charles H. Koester. Written as a piano duet, there is sheet music for the primo and secondo parts. At the back of the secondo score, there is a brief history of the March and a copy of "Hail Our College" (music and lyrics). Fonds also includes the sheet music for the B flat saxophone part of the march.
Notes
Description by Christy Henry, with help from Donna Lowe (2007).
Accruals
The Faculty of Music is planning to record the March and donate a copy of the recording to the Archives.
Repro Restriction
While technically copyright remains with Charles Koester, it is clear that he wrote this music for use by Brandon College. Individuals or organizations other than Brandon College or Brandon University are limited by the copyright provisions affecting this composition.
Storage Location
MG 2 Brandon College Students
2.17 Charles H. Koester
Einar Egilsson graduated from Brandon College with a BA in 1937 and was ordained a United Church minister in 1940. After serving as an Air Force Padre for two years, he returned home and married Anne Campbell in 1944; the couple had three children. Egilsson retired from the Ministry in 1980 after 52 years of service. Einar Egilsson died on April 21, 2010.
Custodial History
Materials were in the possession of Einar Egilsson since his departure from Brandon College in 1937 until their donation to the Archives in 2006.
Scope and Content
Consists of copies of The Sickle from 1934 through 1937. There is also a letter to the members of the Class of '37 from the class secretary Helen Welliver and an invitation to the Flag Tea (1937).
Notes
History/Bio information taken from the "Alumni Grandstand" column of the Fall 1992 edition of Alumni News and the "In Memoriam" column of the Spring/Summer 2010 Alumni News. Description by Christy Henry.
Storage Location
MG 2 Brandon College Students
2.14 Rev. Einar Egilsson
The Brandon College Bulletin was a forerunner to the current Brandon University annual report. Nothing else is known about its origins. The publication was a product of the Brandon College Board of Directors.
Scope and Content
Sub-series consists of copies of the Brandon College Bulletin for: 1916, 1917, 1918, 1919, 1922, 1923, 1924, 1925, 1926, 1931, 1934, 1935, 1936 and 1937.
Storage Location
RG 1 Brandon College fonds
Series 12: Brandon College publications
The October 1936 issues has some tears from a hole punch.
History / Biographical
Brandon Reflections was a quarterly publication issued by Brandon College in the interests of Christian education. The publication was a product of the Brandon College Board of Directors.
Scope and Content
Sub-series consists of copies of Brandon Reflections for: March 1935 (Vol. 1, No. 1), October 1936 (Vol. 1, No. 6), December 1937 (Vol. 1, No. 10) and March 1938 (Vol. 1, No. 11).
Storage Location
RG 1 Brandon College fonds
Series 12: Brandon College publications
Sub-series Brandon College track and field programs for 1920 and 1922; two copies of Brandon College songs and yells, along with a typed copy of the class song for the class of 1929; a copy of the Brandon College students' directory for 1914-1915; and a donations pamphlet for the Brandon College Students' Memorial Gymnasium ca. 1918.
Notes
Located on the front page of the Memorial Gymnasium pamphlet is a proposed campus development plan showing the site of the proposed gymnasium, with other additional facilities including: a science building, a library/chapel, a conservatory, and a new women's residence.
At the front of the Brandon College songs and yells is a copy of the Brandon College Students' Association constitution.
The students' directory contains the constitution of the Literary Society, and a newspaper clipping regarding the death of Dorothy Nelson (nee Werthembach), former Dean of Women at Brandon College 1934-1935.
Storage Location
RG 1 Brandon College fonds
Series 12: Brandon College publications
See fonds-level description of the Stephen Adolph Magnacca fonds.
Custodial History
See fonds-level description of the Stephen Adolph Magnacca fonds.
Scope and Content
Series consists of inaugural speeches, quarterly reports, documents about the closure of CFB Rivers, documents about Magnacca's proposal to build a new road to CFB Shilo, and documents about military and governmental celebrations in Brandon during the 1960s.
Storage Location
Stephen Adolph Magnacca fonds - Box 1
Storage Range
Stephen Adolph Magnacca fonds - Box 1
Arrangement
Box 1
1.1 Clipping: “City Getting Black Eye in Rural Areas?” [1963]
1.2 Notes from the mayor’s office 1964-5
1.3 Mayoral speeches 1964-5
1.4 Documents re: closure of CFB Rivers 1966-9
1.5 Papers of the Special Committee of the Future of CFB Rivers 1966-1968
1.6 Minutes of meetings re: clusure of CFB Rivers 1966
1.7 Clippings re: closure of CFB Rivers 1966-75
1.8 Correspondence re: closure of CFB Rivers 1963-9
1.9 Mayor’s office notes re: CFB Rivers [1966]
1.10 Documents re: proposal to build road to CFB Shilo 1962-9
1.11 Correspondence re: aircraft displays 1969
1.12 Documents re: Freedom of the City Ceremony 1967
1.13 Documents re: Squadron 408 1962
Archibald E. Wilson was the son of Reverend E.F. Wilson and the husband of St. Clair Vidal Wilson. Rev. E.F. Wilson was at one time in charge of the Shingwauk and Wawanosh Homes at Sault Ste. Marie. Rev. E.F. Wilson moved to Elkhorn, Manitoba in 1888, to establish an educational home for Indian children. He was joined by his son, Archibald E. Wilson who was, in 1890, appointed assistant to the superintendent. A.E. Wilson became Principal of the Indian Industrial School in 1892. His wife served as Matron of the girls departments. Togerher they had three daughters: E.F. Metita, Winifred St. Clair and Murial Grace, as well as two sons: Edward Vidal, and St. Clair Vidal Wilson.
Archibald Wilson and his family lived in Elkhorn, Manitoba during the years 1892 to 1918 while he was principal. At the beginning of his term as Principal there were 12 students enrolled; enrollment reached as high as 95 students, representing eight different nations. In February of 1918, the government withdrew funding and the school closed. In September of 1918, Wilson left Elkhorn to take up his new position as a clerk at an Indian Reserve near Gleichen, Alberta.
During its years of operation, the Elkhorn Industrial School included an Athletic department, a curling team and a boys' football team. Students studied carpentry, shoemaking, harness making, tailoring, knitting and sewing. In 1893, the school was presented with a large Canadian flag for being the best Industrial School in Manitoba and the Territories. In November of 1893, a brass band was established, which provided music for the local Anglican Chruch. After a fire demolished most of the school in 1895, Wilson convinced the Federal Department of Indian Affairs to rebuild the school. In 1899, the Elkhorn Industrial School was reopened.
Custodial History
Most of this fonds was at one time in the possession of Principal A.E. Wilson. After Wilson passed away the pieces of the fonds were kept by one of his daughters, Winifred St. Clair Wilson, now deceased. Winifred married Mr. Frank Clark, M.D. and kept the fonds when she moved to Vancouver B.C. and then to Calgary, Alberta. Winifred Clark eventually donated the fonds to the McKee Archives.
Scope and Content
Fonds includes four journals, one testimonial and one newspaper article. The journals include: the ‘7th Annual Report of the Washakada Indian Homet 1895-1896,' written by Principal A.E. Wilson; ‘The Greater Britain Messenger’ September and October 1899, which includes the article ‘The Elkhorn Home, Manitoba;’ ‘The National Monthly of Canada’ September 1902, which includes the article ‘Indian Children at Home;’ and the Centeneray Number (March-April 1932) issue of ‘The Algoma Missionary News,’ which includes an article giving information about Rev. E.F. Wilson and his missionary work.
Fonds also includes an article from the November 19, 1971 edition of The Vancouver Sun, entitled "Leisure's Book Reviews," which discusses Indigenous publications in Canada. The testimonial that is included in the fonds, was given to Archibald Wilson upon his departure from Elkhorn. There are 28 subscribers to the testimonial and it is dated September 19, 1918.
Notes
The Wilsons are discussed in J.R. Miller's "Skyscrapers Hide the Heavens: A History of Indian-White Relations in Canada," Miller's "Shingwauk's vision :a history of native residential schools" and John S. Milloy's "A National Crime: The Canadian Government and the Residential School System 1879-1986." Description by Christy Henry.
