Brandon College established a Canadian Officer Training Corps (COTC) program in 1916 and had enough students for a platoon that would join the 196th Western Universities Battalion's B Company. COTC logs for in the SJ McKee Archives show that at least 40 men regularly attended classes on campus during the 1916 winter term.
The Brandon Daily Sun published the names of 60 potential platoon recruits before they headed to Camp Hughes to train in the summer of 1916. Although Lt. J.R.C. Evans spearheaded the training of the COTC enlistees at Brandon College, he was found medically unfit for overseas service. In his stead, the son of the college's founder, Lt. William Carey McKee, lead the platoon to Camp Hughes where they joined the 196th Battalion. Of the 60 recruits identified in the local paper, 20 would not survive the war, including Lt. McKee. [ST/2016]
Scope and Content
Photograph shows a group of 40 men wearing WWI uniforms. The men have the Canada general service cap badge on their headdress. The officer in the centre of the group (i.e., the man with the cane) is J.R.C. Evans. The group of men are likely members of the first Brandon College Platoon, which joined the 196th Western Universities Battalion.
This plate was the property of Edna and Carl Bjarnason. it was in their possession for some fifty years prior to its donation to the University on October, 2005. The Development Office took possession of the plate at that time and transferred it to the archives in March 2008.
Scope and Content
The plate measures 26 cm in diameter and is white with blue glazing. The centre of the plate depicts the Brandon College Original Building and the words "Brandon College, Brandon Manitoba." The outside of the plate is a flower motif. On the back of the plate, in the same blue as the front, are the words "Canadian View Series, Brandon Manitoba." There is also a trademark of a bird with a banner reading "Trademark England."
Notes
Part of BU 16.3 Artifacts - other.
Storage Location
RG 6 Brandon University fonds
Series16: Brandon University/College artifacts
16.3 Artifacts - other
Reading room display case
The beanie measures 17 cm in diameter and is approximately 11 cm tall. It is composed of alternating bands of blue and gold felt. The initials "BC" appear on the front of the beanie.
The beanie measures 20 cm in diameter and is approximately 8 cm tall. It is composed of alternating bands of blue and gold felt and has a blue felt loop at the peak. The initials "BC" appear on the front of the beanie.
The ring is a rectangular gold class ring from 1963, with the Brandon College shield of arms on the top of the ring. The numbers "19" and "63" are engraved on the shoulders of the ring. The ring is in a gray velvet jewellery box from Zeke's Jewellers.
The spade was presented to Mrs. William Davies on the occasion of laying the cornerstone of Brandon College (Original Building), July 13th, 1900. The spade is approximately 16.5 cm long and is missing its handle. It is composed of silver, but appears to have been gold plated at one point as there are patches of gold over top of the silver base.
Notes
Part of BU 16.3 Artifacts - other. The spade tarnishes (polished October 2006).
Storage Location
RG 6 Brandon University fonds
Series16: Brandon University/College artifacts
16.3 Artifacts - other
Reading room display case
The plate measures 26 cm in diameter and is white with blue glazing. The centre of the plate depicts the Brandon College Original Building and the words "Brandon College, Brandon Manitoba." The outside of the plate is a flower motif. On the back of the plate, in the same blue as the front, are the words "Canadian View Series, Brandon Manitoba." There is also a trademark of a bird with a banner reading "Trademark England."
Notes
Part of BU 16.3 Artifacts - other.
Storage Location
RG 6 Brandon University fonds
Series16: Brandon University/College artifacts
16.3 Artifacts - other
Reading room display case
Kay Smith (nee Oliver) donated this item, along with items 5 and 6 from RG 6, sub-series 16.2 (Artifacts - apparel) to the Archives in May of 2003. She graduated from Brandon College in 1953 and again in 1955.
Scope and Content
The jacket is a blue felt lettermans jacket with yellow buttons, yellow leather side pockets and blue and yellow stripped cuffs. On the upper left side is a variation of the Brandon College shield of arms and a banner reading "Brandon College." Athletic letters for swimming and basketball, received for playing varsity, are located on either side of the buttons at the bottom of the jacket. A band reading "Arts 63" is located on the upper right sleeve.
Notes
Part of BU 16.2 Artifacts - apparel. Jacket was drycleaned in October 2006.
The largest crest has a couple of holes in the background.
Custodial History
Items were accessioned in 2007 by the McKee Archives. Prior custodial history is unknown.
Scope and Content
Consists of three blue and gold Brandon College crests made from felt. Two are circular in shape, measuring 4.25" and 3.75" across. The third is oval in shape, measuring 4 x 3.5". All three are composed of the letters "B" and "C" in gold and intertwined on a blue background. The two circular crests also have a gold border.
Good. Some dirt remains at the bottom of the inkwell.
Scope and Content
The inkwell is 7 cm tall and 5 cm wide. It is made of clear glass with the words "Underwood Inks" (in raised letters) appearing at the front of the item.
Notes
Part of BU 16.3 Artifacts - other.
Storage Location
RG 6 Brandon University fonds
Series16: Brandon University/College artifacts
16.3 Artifacts - other
Reading room display case
Beatrice C. Hall graduated from Brandon College c. 1923. She was a teacher of some kind and died in California when she was about 80 years of age.
Custodial History
This ring was part of a donation, along with item 23, from Jean Bennest, class of 1934. It's original owner was Beatrice C. Campbell (nee Hall), a relative of Jean Bennest, and Brandon College graduate.
Scope and Content
The ring is oval in shape and made of gold. It has the letters "BC" entwined in the centre of the oval. There is lettering around the "BC" but it is worn and difficult to make out. It may read "Recte et Suavitem."
Notes
Part of BU 16.2 Artifacts - apparel. History/Bio information provided by Jean Bennest.
This plate was the property of Edna and Carl Bjarnason. It was in their possession for some fifty years prior to its donation to the University on October, 2005. The Development Office took possession of the plate at that time and transferred it to the Archives in March 2008.
Scope and Content
The plate measures 26 cm in diameter and is white with blue glazing. The centre of the plate depicts the Brandon College Original Building and the words "Brandon College, Brandon Manitoba." The outside of the plate is a flower motif. On the back of the plate, in the same blue as the front, are the words "Canadian View Series, Brandon Manitoba." There is also a trademark of a bird with a banner reading "Trademark England."
The badge is 9 cm wide and 11 cm long. It is composed of blue felt with gold embrodery and is shield shaped. It has scalloped edges and a quill and inkwell design underneath the "Literary" banner. The back of the badge has a stamp that reads "Smith's Crests, 464 Fairford (?) W., Moose Jaw, Sask."
Notes
Part of BU 16.2 Artifacts - apparel.
Storage Location
RG 6 Brandon University fonds
Series16: Brandon University/College artifacts
16.2 Artifacts - apparel
Reading room display case