Edith Mary Laycock was born on June 25, 1913. She attended Brandon Collegiate from 1929 until her graduation in 1931. Ms. Laycock attended Brandon College from 1931-1934, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree. In 1935, she attended the Wheat City Business College and graduated from the Stenographic Course. Ms. Laycock was employed by the Canadian Pacific Railway as a stenographer for many years and belonged to the Canadian Pacific Expressmen's Mutual Benefit Society from 1939.
Edith Laycock was very interested in drama. While attending Brandon Collegiate and Brandon College she participated in school and college plays. She was involved in drama and theatre throughout her aadult life. Edith Laycock directed many of Brandon College's major productions beginning in 1950. She was also the director of many of the plays put on by the Brandon Little Theatre from 1950. Ms. Laycock also performed in the Little Theatre productions when she was not directing.
Ms. Laycock was also involved in many other elements of Brandon life. She served alternatively as the vice-president, secretary, treasurer, and production manager of the Little Theatre throughout the 1940's and 1950's. She was the Social Manager for the Brandon Festival Committee in 1948, the Publicity Chairperson for the Brandon Music Festival Association in the 1950's, and the Secretary of the Brandon Overture Concert Association. Laycock also wrote play reviews for the Brandon Sun in the 1950's. She was the director of the Manitoba Delta Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi. In the 1960's Laycock was a member of the Brandon Council of Women and Chairperson of its Arts and Letters Committee. She was also the Vice-President of the Brandon Art Club in 1960. Edith Laycock also held a 12-week class in creative dramatics for children at the Allied Arts Centre in the early 1960's.
Edith Laycock died in Brandon on December 17, 1987.
Custodial History
This fonds was accessioned by the McKee Archives in 1998. Prior custodial history is unknown.
Scope and Content
This fonds consists of memorabilia kept by Edith Laycock. A large part of the collection consists of programs from plays that Laycock performed in or directed during the 1950's and 1960's. There are also numerous newspaper clippings about Laycock's plays including reviews, pictures, and advertisements. This collection also includes a folder of programs from the Brandon Little Theatre productions in the 1950's, as well as clippings about the Little Theatre. There are also numerous articles about miscellaneous drama and art events throughout Brandon, Manitoba, and Canada. The fonds also includes Laycock's daybook from 1962, and travel notes from Laycock's 1952 trip to Great Britain and Europe. The latter contains a passenger list for the Empress of Scotland, August 5, 1952. The collection further includes Canadian Pacific Railway passes dating from 1947-1963 and a copy of the Canadian Pacific Pension Plan. Fonds also contains material from the various organizations that Laycock was involved with including the Brandon Council of Women and Beta Sigma Phi. Fonds includes 12 photos that appear to be family photos from Laycock's childhood. Finally, the fonds contains various copies of plays that Laycock performed in or directed.
Tears around the edges, some staining over the entire piece (none of the photos are damaged)
Scope and Content
Composite portrait of the members of Brandon College Class of 1943. Writing on the back reads "To Bill, from The Knowleton's, Happy Birthday 1976."
Notes
Cliff Kitson graduated Class of 1946, Ray Bailey graduated Class of 1945, Anna Hughes graduated Class of 1944, George Gooden graduated Class of 1942. S. Morris, M. Hughes, M. Bockie, A. Flemming, M. Fahrig did not graduate. W. Orr, G. Grant, W. Goodwin, A. Armstrong all served in World War II and did not graduate. A. Armstrong was killed on active service.
Students from the Class of 1919. Back row-L to R: John Grant, Don Forsythe, LeslieYlinz, Ray Sinole, Campbell McIntyre. Front row-L to R: Frances Wolverton, Madge Struthers, Isabel Cummings, Zoe Hough
Brandon College. Students from the Class of 1919. Standing-L to R: Zoe Allen Margerrison Hough, Rae Sinole, Isobel Cummings, Leslie Glinz, Frances Wolverton, Don Forsythe. Sitting-L to R: Madge Struthers (probably), Campbell McIntyre, John Grant
Brandon College. Students from the Class of 1921. Boys-L to R: Algernon, Runeman, Joe Wicklund, Victor Warner, Leslie O. Harris, Kelly Stone, Jim Smith, Chris Riley, Evan Whidden, Norman McDonald, Glen Clark, John Hart. Girls-L to R: Jennie M. Turnbull – Hon. Class Pres. – Staff, Edna McVeety, Tena Turnbull, Hattie Hall, Hazel Dunseith, Bea Clendenning, Lizzie Greig, M.A., Jessie Venables
Brandon College Students of the Class of 1921. Front-L to R: Glen Clark, Vic Warner, Leslie O. Harris, Joe Wicklund, Evan Whidden, Chris Riley, Norman McDonald, Kelly Stone. Standing-L to R: Bea Clendenning, Jim Smith, Jennie (Jane) Turnbull, Edna McVittie (McVitty), Elizabeth Hall, Hazel Dunseith, Tena Turnbull, Jessie Venables
