Frederick Clayton Courtice was born on Septebmer 7, 1901 in Wawanesa, MB. Raised in Brandon, he attended Alexander, King George, and Central schools, as well as Brandon Collegiate Institute (BCI). He began his career as a bookkeeper in the Merchants Bank in 1916, later becoming an accountant in the Bank of Montreal. He then worked as the office manager for Frank Massin for twenty-one years, before resigning due to his health. Frank then formed a partnership with Clarence Baker as farm dealers for Imperial Oil. He remained with this business until 1954. He served one term (1955-1956) as an alderman on the Brandon City Council, and then became the manager of the Wheat City Arena. Starting in 1957, when the city took over operations of the public transit system, he became the first manager of the Brandon transit department. In retirement, Fred focused on woodwworking, especialy building grandfather clocks. Fred served on the Brandon housing and parking authority, as well as the Brandon University Board of Governers. He was a charter member of the Brandon Kinsmen Club, which was founded in 1925, a member of the Navy League during World War II, and a member of the Masonic Lodge for over sixty years. Fred married Thelma Irene Smith (1903-1976) in 1925 and together they had three children: James, Noel and Norma Elaine. Fred Courtice died on September 3, 1987 in Brandon, MB. He is buried at Brandon Municipal Cemetery.
Custodial History
As part of the Westman Oral History Collection, this collection was accessioned by the McKee Archives in 1998. The original tapes from the Westman Oral History project were deposited in the Brandon Public Library. Copies of these originals were made by Margaret Pollex of the Brandon University Language Lab at the request of Eileen McFadden, University Archivist in the early 1990s. These copies compose the collection held in the McKee Archives.
Scope and Content
Item is an audiocassette tape containing an interview with Fred Courtice about his life story and the early days of Brandon. Subjects include: early places, people and busiensses, such as Reesors, Sifton house, Senator Kirkhoffer's home, Billie Muir's store, the construction of the Prince Edward Hotel, Caledonian rink, Trotter Brothers, Massin's, various hotels; the street railway; prohibition; the Brandon Electric Light Company; and more. The interviewer is Terry Penton.
Notes
History/bio information from the records, and Courtice's obituary. Description by Christy Henry.
Language Note
English
Conservation
Preservation copy made 2021 (R. Hess)
Audio Tracks
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