John C. Cousins was the son of Thomas Cousins (b. August 17, 1882 in Truro, Nova Scotia - d. March 5, 1914) and Mary Margaret Craig (b. April 14, 1824 - d. April 25, 1903). He married Eunice Eliza Nixon from London Township, County of Middlesex, Ontario. Together they had three children: Eunice M., Eric O. and Kathleen. J.C. Cousins was Reeve of the Rural Municipality of Daly from 1905 to 1910 and Assessor for the Town of Rivers from 1931-1938.
Custodial History
Record was accessioned in 2007 by the McKee Archives. Prior custodial history unknown.
Scope and Content
This document is a rambling memoir of John C. Cousins' recollections of life in the Rural Municipality of Daly from the settlement era in the early 1880s, through to the 1940s. He touches on various themes, including: his family history; the activities of the R.M. of Daly and his role as Reeve; the history of school districts in the municipality (lists names of first teachers and early students); the history of churches in the municipality; tragedies in the municipality; lists members of the Council of the municipality for the years 1885-1946; and the devastating impact of the Spanish Influenza on Aboriginal people in the municipality.
In addition, the memoir includes documentary records, such as minutes and copies of letters. There are also many photographs of both events and individuals (virtually all of the photographs are labelled and names are provided). The memoir goes beyond a simple recounting of facts. Cousins is discursive and thoughtful, often making references to developments happening in other parts of North America and Canada. There is also a link to the Maritimes, from which his family originated.
For custodial history see the collection level description of the Lawrence Stuckey collection.
Scope and Content
West side of Sixth Street, north of Rosser Avenue; looking north
Notes
Businesses displayed (S to N) include: Winter & O'Neill - general store; James A. Smart - hardware; Grand Central Hotel - built 1882, razed 1890; American House - hotel; Brandon House (far end) - hotel
For custodial history see the collection level description of the Lawrence Stuckey collection.
Scope and Content
900 block of Rosser Avenue
Notes
T.D. McLean - jeweller & watchmaker; Imperial Bank of Canada; The New Era - real estate; Fortier & Bucke - Manufacturers' Agents/Canada Pacific Express Co.
The Strome & White Co. General Store (L. foreground; built 1902) became Brandon Hardware & Brandon Hardware block, later Ashdowns; The final tenant was Stylerite Hardware with two floors of residential suites. It was destroyed by fire March 27, 1983
Custodial History
For custodial history see the collection level description of the Lawrence Stuckey collection.
Scope and Content
View of Rosser Avenue, looking east from Seventh Street
Bylaws to keep cattle off streets were being debated by city council about this time.
Custodial History
For custodial history see the collection level description of the Lawrence Stuckey collection.
Scope and Content
J. Birtles Meat Market "Family Butcher", 608 Rosser Avenue
Notes
Mr. Birtles on right, including Mr. Hammell, Hiram Chesley, and Lew Wicket; Photo includes Red Cross Drug Store with proprietor Mr. McCullagh in front; From Brandon Sun files.
The Brandon Club (L. of center) was built in 1904. This local businessmen's club met in the old firehall until this building was erected by them.
[The Brandon Club closed and its assets were sold at auction on 18 June 2005. P.E. 01/06/2009]
Custodial History
For custodial history see the collection level description of the Lawrence Stuckey collection.
Scope and Content
Overhead view of Princess Avenue, west of 10th Street
Notes
Taken from roof of Prince Edward Hotel. Shows: Rat Portage Lumber Co., St. Matthew's Hall, Brandon Club, In distance Brandon College, International Harvester, Pumping Station. End of brick pavement at 14th Street is notable.
[The land on which city hall stood in this photo is now known as Princess Park. P.E. 01/06/09]
Custodial History
For custodial history see the collection level description of the Lawrence Stuckey collection.
Scope and Content
Princess Avenue, showing City Hall & CKX radio tower
Notes
[View is from 9th Street looking east. P.E.]
"Radio towers of CKX on city hall grounds were 150 feet tall; Studio and transmitter were on the east side of city hall." - Fred McGuinness collection (20-2009).
July 12 Orange Lodge parade in progress; Shows that there was a building in what was for many years, a small vacant lot behind the Bank of Montreal; Campbell & Campbell building and Security Block. Davidson (photography) Studio on awning - became Henfries studio and, in 1923, Jerrets' Studio.
Custodial History
For custodial history see the collection level description of the Lawrence Stuckey collection.
Scope and Content
100 Block of Tenth Street
Notes
Probably taken from Strathcona Block
Creator provided by Fred McGuinness collection (20-2009).
After demise of the streetcars, a transit system was started by MacArthur Transportation Co. with three routes, an east end loop, a south end loop, and a west end loop, with terminal at 8th St. & Rosser Ave. The E & W was operated as a continuous route with two locally built coach bodies on new Maple Leaf trucks. A secondhand, larger, Leland coach was acquired for the S. end, which was replaced by a large GMC about 1938.
Custodial History
For custodial history see the collection level description of the Lawrence Stuckey collection.
For custodial history see the collection level description of the Lawrence Stuckey collection.
Scope and Content
Northwest corner of Tenth Street and Rosser Avenue
Notes
Showing (left to right): Fraser Building 1890, John E. Smith Block 1907, The Canadian Bank of Commerce 1907, Cecil Hotel 1910, Brandon Sun Building 1905; Can be dated by Cecil Hotel (built 1910) and because the streets were paved and streetcar tracks laid in 1912.
The Queen's hotel was located on the corner of Rosser Avenue and Tenth Street (Steen & Boyce, 1882. Brandon, Manitoba, Canada and Her Industries. Steen & Boyce Publishers Printers & Binders, 81.). Therefore this photo appears to display Rosser Avenue looking east. P.E. 11/06/09
Custodial History
For custodial history see the collection level description of the Lawrence Stuckey collection.
Scope and Content
Queen's Hotel, Robinson Bros. & Co. Drygoods, etc.
Notes
Street scene with new construction. Collection: Fred McGuinness
For custodial history see the collection level description of the Lawrence Stuckey collection.
Scope and Content
North side of Rosser Avenue, looking west from Ninth Street
Notes
Businesses (left to right): Leask & Ro___ General merchandise, Fortier & Bucke - Manufacturers' Agents and CPR Express Co., The New Era, Imperial Bank of Canada, Durand & Macdonald Law Office, T.D. McLean - jeweller, and J. Barker Vosburgh - Surgeon & Dentist. From Fred McGuinness.