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.
See fonds level description of the Alf Fowler collection for custodial history.
Scope and Content
Photo was taken from the 100 block of 10th Street looking north. At the bottom of 10th Street is the CPR Station. Also visible are the Canadian Bank of Commerce, the Cecil Hotel, The Sun, the Royal Bank of Canada and the awning on Davidson & Gowen.
Notes
An 11.75" x 8" (b/w) print of this photograph is located with the orignal at 6-1999.2. A digital scan of the photograph is available on a CD located in the Archives' office.
Storage Range
RG 5 Western Manitoba Manuscript collection - photograph storage drawer
See fonds level description of the Alf Fowler collection for custodial history.
Scope and Content
Photo was taken of 10th Street from Pacific Avenue looking sourth. Visible businesses include: the Cecil Hotel; the Canadian Bank of Commerce; Campbell and Campbell; and the Bank of British North America
Storage Range
RG 5 Western Manitoba Manuscript collection - photograph storage drawer
See fonds level description of the Alf Fowler collection for custodial history.
Scope and Content
Photo was taken of Rosser Avenue from 7th Street looking west. Visible businesses include: ? and Ball; Vincent & MacPherson; W.N. Finlay; Christie's; J. Burchill; the Empire Hotel; and Fleming's Drug Store. A number of people and vehicles are visible on both sides of the street.
Notes
A digital scan of the photograph is available on a CD located in the Archives' office.
Storage Range
RG 5 Western Manitoba Manuscript collection - photograph storage drawer
Brandon's City Hall and Opera House opened on New Year's Day 1892 with the Annual Fireman's Ball. The exterior of the building was designed by Brandon architect W.R. Marshall. At the south end was the Opera House, an auditorium formed by an internally exposed framework of delicate iron pillars and trusses. Demonlished in 1971, the limestone rubble of the foundations were turned into a sunken garden located in Princess Park.
Custodial History
See fonds level description of the Alf Fowler collection for custodial history.
Scope and Content
Photo was taken from the northwest corner of 9th Street and Princess Avenue and shows the west side of City Hall.
Notes
History/Bio information taken from the Assiniboine Historical Society's Brandon: An Architectural Walking Tour pamphlet (1982).
Location Copy
A 5" x 7" (b/w) reproduction of the photograph is located with the original.
Storage Range
RG 5 Western Manitoba Manuscript collection - photograph storage drawer
A piece of the photograph is missing on the left side. A small portion of one of the buildings is missing as a result.
History / Biographical
The Brandon Insane Asylum was located on the north bank of the Assiniboine River, two miles north of Brandon. It had a southern aspect.
Custodial History
See fonds level description of the Alf Fowler collection for custodial history.
Scope and Content
Photo was taken looking northeast and shows the front and west side of the Brandon Insane Asylum. Construction materials are visible at the base of the building.
Notes
A 5" x 7" (b/w) reproduction of the photograph is located with the original.
Storage Range
RG 5 Western Manitoba Manuscript collection - photograph storage drawer
The 1911 station, shown in this photograph, was annexed to the old station by a breezeway. Addition architectural information is available in the Assiboine Historical Society's Brandon: An Architectural Walking Tour pamphlet (1982).
Custodial History
See fonds level description of the Alf Fowler collection for custodial history.
Scope and Content
Photo is looking north from 10th Street and shows the front of the Canadian Pacific Railway depot, located on the northside of Pacific Avenue. A number of people and vehicles a visible in front of the building.
Notes
History/Bio information taken from the Assiboine Historical Society's Brandon: An Architectural Walking Tour pamphlet (1982).
Storage Range
RG 5 Western Manitoba Manuscript collection - photograph storage drawer
See fonds level description of the Alf Fowler collection for custodial history.
Scope and Content
Photo was taken from the International Harvester Co. building looking east. The railyards, Brandon Cold Storage, and the Codville Company warehouse are visible.
Storage Range
RG 5 Western Manitoba Manuscript collection - photograph storage drawer
See fonds level description of the Alf Fowler collection for custodial history.
Scope and Content
Photo shows the Canadian Pacific Railway tracks looking east from the Overhead bridge. Businesses in the photograph include: Chatham Fanning Mills; Ogilvie; Hanbury Manufacturing Co.; and Western Canada Flour Mills Co. Ltd. The rail car in the bottom left of the photo reads "The World's Greatest Independent Show, The Great Sells-Floto, Circuses Consolidated."
Storage Range
RG 5 Western Manitoba Manuscript collection - photograph storage drawer
See fonds level description of the Alf Fowler collection for custodial history.
Scope and Content
Photo of the Canadian Northern Railway depot, located between 9th and 10th Streets. The Prince Edward Hotel is in the background.
Notes
An 11.75" x 8" (b/w) print of this photograph is located with the original at 6-1999.19. A digital scan of the photograph is available on a CD located in the Archives' office.
Storage Range
RG 5 Western Manitoba Manuscript collection - photograph storage drawer
