Benjamin J. Hales was born in Peterborough, Ontario on November 24, 1868. Hales lived in Peterborough until attending the University of Toronto, where he graduated in 1894. In 1897, Hales travelled west to teach at Broadview, North West Territories. He moved to McGregor, Manitoba in 1899, where he was Principal of the school, and in 1902, he moved to Hartney, Manitoba. Between 1907 and 1911, Hales devoted his time to working for the provincial Normal School that offered courses for prospective teachers in Portage La Prairie, Manitou, and Brandon. In 1911, the normal courses were established in Brandon and Hales moved to Brandon, where he resided for the rest of his life. Hales acted as the Principal of the Brandon Normal School from 1912 until his retirement in 1938. B.J. Hales married Elizabeth Lewis of Peterborough, who died in 1942. The couple had one daughter Marion Hales Doig. B.J. Hales was a well-known naturalist and author of several texts dealing with prairie flora and fauna. Hales also built a museum of Manitoban flora and fauna in the Normal School. Hales was an alderman on Brandon City Council from 1920 to 1923, and served as the chairman of the city's Parks Board from 1937 until his death in 1945. Hales was twice the president of the Western Manitoba Teacher's Association, and once the head of the Manitoba Educational Association. B.J. Hales was also a member of the First United Church and served on its board. He died on December 23, 1945 at his home in Brandon.
Custodial History
This fonds was accessioned by the McKee Archives in 1998. Previous custodial history is unknown.
Scope and Content
Fonds includes three books written by B.J. Hales, titled, "Selected Western Flora: Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta"(1925); "Prairie Birds"(1927); and "Forests and Trees"(1925), all published in Toronto by The MacMillan Company of Canada. The fonds also includes two books of field notes concerning specimens held in the Brandon Normal School Museum, as well as a list of birds in the Atkinson Collection also located at the Brandon Normal School Museum.
Photograph shows the Aboriginal camp site at the Brandon Fair. Pictured are wagon carts, tipis, and canvas tents.
Notes
Writing on back of photograph reads: 6 prints [20-2009.145 to 20-2009.150]. Indians at the Brandon Fair. Camping off 18th St. back of fair grounds. 1923
Photograph shows the Aboriginal camp site at the Brandon Fair. Pictured are wagon carts and canvas tents. Two children can be seen sitting in a wagon.
Notes
Writing on back of photograph reads: 6 prints [20-2009.145 to 20-2009.150]. Indians at the Brandon Fair. Camping off 18th St. back of fair grounds. 1923
Photograph shows a group of Aboriginal peoples sitting near a fair building. Several members are dressed in regalia.
Notes
Writing on back of photograph reads: 6 prints [20-2009.145 to 20-2009.150]. Indians at the Brandon Fair. Camping off 18th St. back of fair grounds. 1923
Photograph shows a group of Aboriginal peoples standing in a circle surrounding a group in traditional regalia. An American flag is visible in the foreground.
Notes
Writing on back of photograph reads: 6 prints [20-2009.145 to 20-2009.150]. Indians at the Brandon Fair. Camping off 18th St. back of fair grounds. 1923
Photograph shows the backside of a group Aboriginal peoples dressed in traditional regalia. An American flag is visible in the background
Notes
Writing on back of photograph reads: 6 prints [20-2009.145 to 20-2009.150]. Indians at the Brandon Fair. Camping off 18th St. back of fair grounds. 1923
Photograph shows the backside of a pair of Aboriginal men dressed in traditional regalia. Both are wearing beaded clothing and one is wearing a deer head headdress. An American flag is visible in the background
Notes
Writing on back of photograph reads: 6 prints [20-2009.145 to 20-2009.150]. Indians at the Brandon Fair. Camping off 18th St. back of fair grounds. 1923
The idea of the Keystone Centre was first mentioned in 1958, at a meeting of the board of directors of the Manitoba Winter Fair. The Manitoba Winter Fair wanted a new facility because the old Wheat City Arena had a leaking roof and a deteriorating west wall. The old facility also had limited space and the Winter Fair felt it needed more space for expansion. The Provincial Exhibition of Manitoba also had problems with their facilities, such as old barns and poor display areas. The idea of the Keystone Centre was put on hold until 1969, when the boards of the Provincial Exhibition and the Manitoba Winter Fair joined together as the Provincial Exhibition Association of Manitoba and the Wheat City Arena was sold and demolished. The original estimate for the cost of the Keystone Centre facilities was $4.5 million and funding would be proportioned so that the federal and provincial governments would each put in one-third of the money, with the rest coming from local donations. The financial campaign for the Keystone Centre began in 1970, and construction began in November 1970. The grand opening of the Centre was in March 1973, and coincided with the Royal Manitoba Winter Fair of that year.
Custodial History
This fonds was accessioned by the McKee Archives in 1998. Prior custodial history is unknown.
Scope and Content
Fonds contains many folders full of correspondence, financial statements, meeting minutes and other documents relating to the development and construction of the Keystone Centre from 1970-1974, including those from the Keystone Executive Committee, as well as the Building Committee. Fonds also contains one folder that pertains to the Brandon Area Agricultural Development Survey from 1959. This folder contains the names and locations of all farmers in the Brandon area in 1959. The Brandon Area Agricultural Development Survey was created in 1959, in order to make farming in the Brandon area more profitable. The survey was aided by Doane Agricultural Service from St. Louis, Missouri, who had success creating agricultural development programs in the United States. Fonds also contains folders from the Provincial Exhibition with correspondence, pamphlets, estimates, and studies from the 1960's. There is also one folder belonging to the Manitoba Winter Fair, which contains correspondence and financial statements relating to the Wheat City Arena. Fonds also contains information pertaining to the proposals made in the 1960's, for the building of the Keystone Centre, as well as one folder about the Keystone campaign from 1970-73. There is also one folder about the opening of the Keystone Centre, which contains newspaper clippings and guest lists. Finally, the fonds contains information about a court case involving Albert Bobyk and Robert Stewart. Stewart was the project manager for the Building Committee and Bobyk worked on the Keystone Center. The fonds includes a report about the trial of the two men who were charged with fraud involving their work on the Keystone Centre.
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.
Ward Watson was born in Brandon, Manitoba and attended Brandon Collegiate Institute in the late 1930's. In 1937, he was chosen out of the student body to attend the Coronation of King George VI in London, England. Watson graduated from the University of Manitoba in 1942. Until his retirement, Watson was an executive with Cargill Grain Company.
Custodial History
This collection was accessioned by the McKee Archives in 1997. Prior custodial history is unknown.
Scope and Content
Collection contains yearbooks from Brandon Collegiate Institute - "The New Era" - for the years 1935 to 1938. The yearbooks include enrollment lists, pictures of classes and sports teams, short essays, editorial gossip, and local advertisments.
This record group was artifically created in January 2007 by Tom Mitchell and Christy Henry of the McKee Archives.
Scope and Content
The record group consists of various fonds and collections concerned with the political, cultural, social, and educational life of western Manitoba. See the Subject Access field for a list of titles.
Gabriel Richard Rowe was born in Coleman, P.E.I. in 1897. In 1918, he enlisted in the Canadian Army. After the Great War, he moved to Viscount, Saskatchewan were he was principal of a high school. In 1924, Rowe moved to Brandon where he served as principal for various schools until his retirement in 1964. G.R. Rowe attended the University of Manitoba graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in 1935, a Bachelor of Education 1952, and a Master of Education degree in 1957. Rowe also studied at the University of Minnesota, Harvard, and the University of British Columbia. Rowe served as President of the Manitoba Teachers' Scoiety from 1948 to 1949. He served as a member of the International School Master Association, the Brandon's Citizens' Committee of the Arts, and the Brandon General Hospital Board. He died in Brandon on January 6th, 1968.
Custodial History
This fonds was accessioned in 1997 by the McKee Archives. Prior custodial history is unknown.
Scope and Content
Fonds includes photographs, certificates and diplomas, career resumes, testimonials, draft obituaries, and correspondence, relating to G.R. Rowe's professional teaching career, and in small part to his personal life.
Janet Louisa May More was born on the family homestead south of Hartney, Manitoba in 1896. She attended Chain Lakes School and Hartney High School prior to completing Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Education degrees at the University of Manitoba. Following her graduation, More taught in various Manitoba schools for fifty years. In addition, she was a member of the Manitoba Education Association, the Manitoba Library Association, the Turtle Mountain Teachers' Association (of which she was the first President), and the Manitoba Teachers' Society, which nominated her for a Life Mmembership. Janet Louisa May More retired in 1967, and resided in Winnipeg, Manitoba until her death.
Additional biographical information for Janet Louisa May More can be found in her profile as a "Memorable Manitoban" on the Manitoba Historical Society website (http://www.mhs.mb.ca/docs/people/more_jlm.shtml).
Custodial History
Materials passed into the hands of Gerald Brown who donated them to the McKee Archives.
Scope and Content
Collection contains curriculum materials related to the study and teaching of Chemistry, Algebra, Geometry, Mathematics, English and French language studies in Manitoba dating mostly from the 1940s. Collection also contains Christmas concert and dramatic materials; notes from the Manitoba Fine Arts Committee (April 1939); and notes concerning the Manitoba Camera Club, the Manitoba Drama League, Manitoba Society of Artists, Manitoba Adult Education Association, Winnipeg Sketch Club and the Manitoba Handicraft Guild.
The Bertha School District, located south of Brandon in the Rural Municipality of Oakland, was established in 1896. It was integrated into the School Distict of Nesbitt in 1961. Subsequently, it became part of the Souris Valley School Division.
Custodial History
This fonds was accessioned by the McKee Archives in 1998. Prior custodial history is unknown.
Scope and Content
Fonds consists of annual registers (1910-1961), minute books (1896-1962), account books (1896-1911, 1924-1956), an award of a Board of Arbitration (1961), a petition for consolidation with the School District of Nesbitt (1961), a financial report (1961), a map of the Souris Valley School Division showing rural school districts, and one debenture certificate (1896).
10 cm textual records;
2 class portraits;
and 1 small print
History / Biographical
Stella and Gladys Sleigh were born and raised in Rossburn, Manitoba, and attended Normal School in Brandon, Manitoba, in the late 1910's and early 1920's. Both subsequently pursued teaching careers in Manitoba. Katherine McLean also attended Normal School in the early 1890's, and was from Virden, Manitoba.
Custodial History
Janette Donnelly has donated this collection of material that belonged to her mother and aunt, Stella and Gladys Sleigh, respectively. Included in this collection is a booklet that belonged to Donnelly's great-aunt Katherine Sinclair (McLean). This collection was donated to the McKee Archives by Janette Donnelly of McGregor, Manitoba, on September 15, 1999.
Scope and Content
Collection consists of portfolios and notebooks kept by Stella and Gladys Sleigh while attending Brandon Normal School. The portfolios contain drawings and projects that the women made. The notebooks contain information about education in Manitoba in the early 20th century. There is also a portrait taken of Gladys Sleigh around 1920 and two Normal School portraits included in this collection. The collection also includes a notebook kept by Katherine Sinclair (McLean), which describes lessons given to prospective teachers at the Virden Normal School in the early 1890's.
Notes
CAIN No. 202609 (under Stella and Gladys Sleigh fonds).
The Brandon Golf and Country Club was created in 1914, to serve the recreational needs of Brandon's social and economic elite. Leading Brandon politicians, professionals, and businessmen belonged to the club and served on its executive. The club was a place for Brandon's elite to play golf and socialize, and was affiliated with the Royal Canadian Golf Association. The club included a separate Verandah Club composed of women. In 1926, the Brandon Golf and Country Club became a member of the Canadian Ladies Golf Union. The club sponsored dances and dinners for its members. Strict policies for non-members were enforced. Brandon residents that were not members of the club could only play golf once a week, had to pay daily green fees, and had to be invited and accompanied by a member.
Custodial History
This fonds was accessioned by the McKee Archives in 1998. Previous custodial history is unknown.
Scope and Content
Fonds consists of one scrapbook that runs from 1914-1948. The scrapbook contains minutes from director and shareholder meetings, as well as notices of upcoming meetings. There are also secretary and treasurer reports included in the scrapbook. Finally, there are a few newspaper clippings dealing with the club included in the scrapbook.
Photograph shows the exterior of the Winter Fair Arena on 10th Street.
Notes
Part of "Souvenir of Brandon, Manitoba, Canada [viewbook], Printed by Photogelatine Engraving Co. Limited, Ottawa." Dates obtained from the Burchill's Music Store Henderson's Brandon City Directory listings (1927-1929). Writing on the front of the photograph reads: Winter Fair Arena, Brandon, Man.
The Brandon Women's Musical Club was formed in 1945 by Miss Peggy Sharpe and Miss Hilda Smith. Together with a group of women from around Brandon, they managed to form a large club for, according to the club's constitution, "the study of vocal and instrumental music, literature and related arts and the encouragement of promising Junior Artists under eighteen years of age." With these goals in mind, the club undertook to provide tuition for young music students and contributed to the formation of the Brandon Women's Musical Choral Club. The club held meetings during which club members listened to guest speakers and observed performances by local musical and dance groups, as well as some national musical stars. The group also sponsored performances of musicals, plays, and recitals, and held an annual Christmas party.
Custodial History
This fonds was accessioned by the McKee Archives in 2002. Previous custodial history is unknown.
Scope and Content
Fonds is composed predominantly of two scrapbooks, one of which covers the years 1953-1960, the other the years 1960-1965. The scrapbooks contain newspaper clippings about the Musical Club's meetings and performances. There is also a file containing miscellaneous correspondence, the constitution and bylaws of the group, the club's membership lists from 1959-1964, and questionnaires about the Women's Musical Club.
Princess Anne visited Brandon for seven hours on July 15, 1982. Her visit was covered in the July 16, 1982 issue of The Brandon Sun.
Scope and Content
Item is a photograph of Princess Anne's welcome at City Hall. The event was attended by a crowd of 1500 and most of Brandon's dignitaries. The Princes is standing on a small platform on the west side of 9th Street facing spectators and the honor guard from CFB Shilo. A Canadian flag is in the foreground and Mayor Ken Burgess is standing to her right. A number of individuals are standing on the steps behind her.
Notes
The Brandon Sun includes a photograph of this same even taken from the opposite side of the street and from a wider angle.