Samuel Bronfman began business in Brandon and eventually became head of Seagram Co. Ltd.
[See: "Booze: the impact of whisky on the prairie west " by James H. Grey; "Bronfman dynasty: the Rothschilds of the new world" by Peter Newman (P.E. 22/05/09)]
Custodial History
For custodial history see the collection level description of the Lawrence Stuckey collection.
Samuel James McKee was born near Wellesley, Ontario on July 17, 1849. By 1872, he had graduated from Toronto University. That same year he accepted a position at the Canadian Literary Institute in Woodstock, Ontario. Although he accepted this post with reservation, McKee soon found himself converted to the Baptist faith and was a true believer. In 1881, his doctor advised him to move West because of his poor health. He and his wife Laura moved to Rapid City, Manitoba and established a farm there. His brother-in-law, Rev. Davis was busy establishing the Rapid City Academy during this time, and when Davis had the chance to move to Moose Jaw, he prevailed upon McKee to take over the Academy. Under McKee's guidance the Academy flourished. By 1890, he decided that he could reach more people if he relocated the school Brandon, Manitoba, which was located on the C.P.R. line. The S.J. McKee Academy did quite well in Brandon, although it had trouble finding a permanent home. By 1899, the school was located in the Stewart Block on Ninth Street and Rosser Avenue. McKee's wife taught music, and there were always potential ministry students in his classes.
In 1899, the Baptists finally decided that they wanted a College in Manitoba that would help preapre students for potential ministry service. It was decided to locate the school in Brandon, as McKee, a staunch Baptist, already had a flourishing Academy there. The Baptists and McKee amalgamated and Brandon College was created. When the school opened in October 1899, McKee was on the Board of Directors as well as teaching Classics, Mental Science and French. He also acted as the unofficial Vice-principal of the school. McKee taught several different subjects during the next few years, and in 1910 accepted the newly created post of Registrar. He retained this position for the next decade. As well, McKee acted as the Bursar in 1911-1913, 1914-1915, and 1919-1920. He retired in 1920 and moved to Vancouver. McKee was given the title Professor Emeritus in Philosophy. He was made an honorary member of the Board of Directors in 1925.
McKee and his wife had five daughters and three sons. Three daughters that died soon after the move from Rapid City due to a typhoid epidemic. His son, George Eugene, graduated from Brandon College in 1902. A son, John Harris McKee, became the Bursar of Brandon College in 1915 after obtaining his B.A. in 1914. Another son, William Carey McKee, graduated from Brandon College in 1914, and received his M.A. in 1915. He was studying Law in Calgary when he enlisted with the Army. Carey McKee was killed in action on August 26, 1918. A fourth son, Robert Allan also attended Brandon College. He enlisted when Carey did, but he was declared medically unfit for service in Winnipeg in 1917. He eventually returned to Brandon, but was sick for a very long time. He died on Febrary 13, 1919, from a growth on his brain that had weakened him greatly. McKee's daughter Mildred also attended Brandon College. After her husband was killed in action in November of 1918, she returned home to her parents. Eventually she obtained a degree in Household Science. There is another daughter mentioned, Lydia. McKee also states in a tax return form that he has a permanently epileptic child in a home. It is not known if this child was Lydia or not. S.J. McKee died in September 1937 at the age of 88.
Custodial History
To commemorate the move of the McKee Acadamy to Brandon, Manitoba in 1890, Brandon University renamed the Brandon University Archives the S.J. McKee Archives in the fall of 1990. At that time, the McKee family was represented by S.J. McKee's grandson William, who donated the S.J. McKee papers to the Archives. Up until 1990, the records had been in his custody, having passed from S.J. at the time of his death to William's father.
Scope and Content
S.J. McKee's files are very unique. He has records detailing many aspects from Rapid City Academy and the desire for educating the West. He has a lengthy document entitled "The Beginning of our Educational Work in the West" in his records. It details the creation of Prairie College, its demise, and the building of the Rapid City Academy. There is a lot of correspondence, not just to and from S.J. McKee, but to and from his children as well. There are Land Titles papers, Mortgages, Last Will and Testaments, and various other legal documents dealing with the McKee family. There is a ninety page paper that his son, Carey, wrote in 1915 entitled "Immigrants and Their Assimilation." There are several files dealing with Carey McKee, and also with the death of Midred's husband, Robert Alexander Cunningham. The Minute Book of the Brandon College Literary Society from 1903-1905 is located in the McKee files. McKee also kept various newsclippings and certain issues of "The Western Baptist," "The Northwest Baptist" and "The Sunday School Times." As well, there are some used account and receipt books.
His records are extremely interesting in that McKee was really one of the founding fathers of Brandon College. The documentation that still exists with regard to Rapid City Academy is quite astounding, down to the legal agreement he and G.B. Davis made with Duncan L. McLaren regarding using some of his land to build the school on. His recollections on the beginnings of education in the west are clear and concise. As well, the sense of family and devotion to God are evident in almost all of the letters between family members.
The Saskatchewan Golden Jubilee Choir, also known as the Saskatchewan Jubilee Choir, was comprised of 42-44 students, aged 14 to 17, from Regina's high schools. Neil Harris was jubilee director of musical productions. Lloyd Blackman (Central Collegiate) and Don Cowan (Scott Collegiate) were the choir's conductors. The group toured out of province in 1954 and 1955 to publicize Saskatchewan and to invite visitor's to the province's 1955 golden jubilee.
In 1954, The Saskatchewan Golden Jubilee Choir performed in Minneapolis St. Paul (Minnesota State Fair), Milwaukee (Wisconsin State Fair) and Chicago. In 1955, the choir sang in Chicago for 25,000 Rotarians on May 31 for the organization's 50th anniversary. The choir also toured Toronto and Ottawa to sing for University of Saskatchewan alumni.
(Sources: "Sask. Jubilee Choir Visists City After U.S. Tour," Winnipeg Free Press 03 Sep 1954,7; "Saskatchewan Jubilee Choir ambassadors for province," Hamiota Echo 23 March 1955, 2)
Scope and Content
Photograph shows a close-up of the Saskatchewan Golden Jubilee choir seated in the bleachers at a baseball diamond.
The Saskatchewan Golden Jubilee Choir, also known as the Saskatchewan Jubilee Choir, was comprised of 42-44 students, aged 14 to 17, from Regina's high schools. Neil Harris was jubilee director of musical productions. Lloyd Blackman (Central Collegiate) and Don Cowan (Scott Collegiate) were the choir's conductors. The group toured out of province in 1954 and 1955 to publicize Saskatchewan and to invite visitor's to the province's 1955 golden jubilee.
In 1954, The Saskatchewan Golden Jubilee Choir performed in Minneapolis St. Paul (Minnesota State Fair), Milwaukee (Wisconsin State Fair) and Chicago. In 1955, the choir sang in Chicago for 25,000 Rotarians on May 31 for the organization's 50th anniversary. The choir also toured Toronto and Ottawa to sing for University of Saskatchewan alumni.
(Sources: "Sask. Jubilee Choir Visists City After U.S. Tour," Winnipeg Free Press 03 Sep 1954,7; "Saskatchewan Jubilee Choir ambassadors for province," Hamiota Echo 23 March 1955, 2)
Scope and Content
Photograph shows a close-up of the Saskatchewan Golden Jubilee choir seated in the bleachers at a baseball diamond.
The Saskatchewan Golden Jubilee Choir, also known as the Saskatchewan Jubilee Choir, was comprised of 42-44 students, aged 14 to 17, from Regina's high schools. Neil Harris was jubilee director of musical productions. Lloyd Blackman (Central Collegiate) and Don Cowan (Scott Collegiate) were the choir's conductors. The group toured out of province in 1954 and 1955 to publicize Saskatchewan and to invite visitor's to the province's 1955 golden jubilee.
In 1954, The Saskatchewan Golden Jubilee Choir performed in Minneapolis St. Paul (Minnesota State Fair), Milwaukee (Wisconsin State Fair) and Chicago. In 1955, the choir sang in Chicago for 25,000 Rotarians on May 31 for the organization's 50th anniversary. The choir also toured Toronto and Ottawa to sing for University of Saskatchewan alumni.
(Sources: "Sask. Jubilee Choir Visists City After U.S. Tour," Winnipeg Free Press 03 Sep 1954,7; "Saskatchewan Jubilee Choir ambassadors for province," Hamiota Echo 23 March 1955, 2)
Scope and Content
Photograph shows the view of the baseball diamond from the bleachers where the Saskatchewan Golden Jubilee choir were seated.
The Saskatchewan Golden Jubilee Choir, also known as the Saskatchewan Jubilee Choir, was comprised of 42-44 students, aged 14 to 17, from Regina's high schools. Neil Harris was jubilee director of musical productions. Lloyd Blackman (Central Collegiate) and Don Cowan (Scott Collegiate) were the choir's conductors. The group toured out of province in 1954 and 1955 to publicize Saskatchewan and to invite visitor's to the province's 1955 golden jubilee.
In 1954, The Saskatchewan Golden Jubilee Choir performed in Minneapolis St. Paul (Minnesota State Fair), Milwaukee (Wisconsin State Fair) and Chicago. In 1955, the choir sang in Chicago for 25,000 Rotarians on May 31 for the organization's 50th anniversary. The choir also toured Toronto and Ottawa to sing for University of Saskatchewan alumni.
(Sources: "Sask. Jubilee Choir Visists City After U.S. Tour," Winnipeg Free Press 03 Sep 1954,7; "Saskatchewan Jubilee Choir ambassadors for province," Hamiota Echo 23 March 1955, 2)
Scope and Content
Photograph shows a close-up of the Saskatchewan Golden Jubilee choir seated in the bleachers at a baseball diamond.
The Saskatchewan Golden Jubilee Choir, also known as the Saskatchewan Jubilee Choir, was comprised of 42-44 students, aged 14 to 17, from Regina's high schools. Neil Harris was jubilee director of musical productions. Lloyd Blackman (Central Collegiate) and Don Cowan (Scott Collegiate) were the choir's conductors. The group toured out of province in 1954 and 1955 to publicize Saskatchewan and to invite visitor's to the province's 1955 golden jubilee.
In 1954, The Saskatchewan Golden Jubilee Choir performed in Minneapolis St. Paul (Minnesota State Fair), Milwaukee (Wisconsin State Fair) and Chicago. In 1955, the choir sang in Chicago for 25,000 Rotarians on May 31 for the organization's 50th anniversary. The choir also toured Toronto and Ottawa to sing for University of Saskatchewan alumni.
(Sources: "Sask. Jubilee Choir Visists City After U.S. Tour," Winnipeg Free Press 03 Sep 1954,7; "Saskatchewan Jubilee Choir ambassadors for province," Hamiota Echo 23 March 1955, 2)
Scope and Content
Photograph shows a close-up of a choir member from the Saskatchewan Golden Jubilee choir. The choir member holds a Rolleiflex-like camera. The group was seated in the upper deck at a baseball diamond.
According to the Manitoba Historical Society, the Volunteer Monument was unveiled at Winnipeg's Old City Hall on September 28, 1886. The monument commemorated the soldiers of 90th Winnipeg Rifles (also known as the "Little Black Devils") who were killed during the 1885 North West Rebellion. In 1968, the monument was moved to the east side of Main Street, between the Centennial Concert Hall and the Manitoba Museum.
Scope and Content
Photograph shows a parade marching south along Main Street in front of the Volunteer Monument on Winnipeg's Old City Hall grounds (1886-1962). The parade was in honour of Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee that was held June 22, 1899. Businesses visible on the west (left) side of Main Street include: the Great Northern Railway Line, Gurney Stove & Range Co., Sherman House, The Arlington Hotel, Hurtley & Co., Central Drug Hall, Inman Optical Co. On the east side of Main Street, the Conferation Life Block is draped with bunting and a large ensign flag is flying from its tower. Specators line the streets and can be seen on roof tops and leaning from windows.
Notes
The front of the photograph reads: Jublee [sic.] Procession June 22/99 Winnipeg
Photograph shows the City of Brandon parade float pulled by two clydesdale horses. The parade is in honour of the diamond anniversary of Canada's Confederation. The float is decorated with wheat sheaves, the city's coat of arms, and the words "education" and "health" adorn a pergola or arbour in the centre of the float. Seven people are on the float and appear to be in costume. An Aboriginal man is dressed in full regalia, one man appears to be in academic robes, another dressed as a farmer. One woman appears to be dressed like a nurse while another may be wearing a pioneer costume.
Notes
Writing on the back of the photograph reads: Brandon City's foat in 1927, Celebrating 60 years of Confederation, The lady in white is Miss Ann Carnahan who was on the city staff for a number of years and now resides in Victoria. She is my husbands [sic.] sister.
Photograph shows the Mental Hospital parade float pulled by two clydesdale horses. The parade is in honour of the diamond anniversary of Canada's Confederation. The side of the float is decorated with Canada's coat of arms and the words "Sixty Years." In the centre of the float is a three-tiered birthday cake with a Union Jack affixed to its top. Four women are draped in toga-like gowns and each are holding provincial (small) coat of arms for New Brunswick, British Columbia, Nova Scotia, and Ontario. Two men can be seen wearing top hats and coats.
Notes
Writing on the back of the photograph reads: Mental Hospital foat in 1927.
Photograph shows the Timothy Eaton Company's parade float pulled by two clydesdale horses. The parade is in honour of the diamond anniversary of Canada's Confederation. The side of the float reads: Canada's Power in the Affairs of the World. A large globe is strapped to the back of the float and the provincial coat of arms for Prince Edward Island, British Columbia, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Quebec, and the Dominion of Canada line the side. The Canadian Red Ensign is mounted at the front of the float.
Notes
Writing on the back of the photograph reads: T. Eaton Co. float, 1927, 60th Anniversary of, Confederation.
According to Stuckey and Bain (1996), “The Brandon, Saskatchewan & Hudson’s Bay Railway was built and operated as a totally owned subsidiary of the Great Northern Railway. Construction commenced in late 1905 and by the end of 1905, less than a mile of track had been laid north of the boundary at St. John. In 1906, the remaining 68.6 miles to Brandon were laid and service commenced that year. During the Depression of the 1930s, traffic declined significantly and the entire branch was abandoned in 1936. Over much of the branch’s length, the ties and rails were laid on the prairie without ballast and today little remains of the line apart from traces where there were cuts and bridges.” (p. 18)
Stuckey, L. A., & Bain, D. M. (1996). The Great Northern and Northern Pacific railways in Canada. Calgary, Alberta: British Railway Modellers of North America.
Custodial History
For custodial history see the collection level description of the Lawrence Stuckey collection.
Scope and Content
Great Northern Railway engine 538
Notes
Great Northern Railway engine 538 was a class F-1 2-8-0 ["Consolidation" type], and often worked freight trains to Brandon.
According to Stuckey and Bain (1996), “The Brandon, Saskatchewan & Hudson’s Bay Railway was built and operated as a totally owned subsidiary of the Great Northern Railway. Construction commenced in late 1905 and by the end of 1905, less than a mile of track had been laid north of the boundary at St. John. In 1906, the remaining 68.6 miles to Brandon were laid and service commenced that year. During the Depression of the 1930s, traffic declined significantly and the entire branch was abandoned in 1936. Over much of the branch’s length, the ties and rails were laid on the prairie without ballast and today little remains of the line apart from traces where there were cuts and bridges.” (p. 18)
Stuckey, L. A., & Bain, D. M. (1996). The Great Northern and Northern Pacific railways in Canada. Calgary, Alberta: British Railway Modellers of North America.
Custodial History
For custodial history see the collection level description of the Lawrence Stuckey collection.
Scope and Content
Great Northern Railway engine 716
Notes
Great Northern Railway 4-8-0 class G-3 locomotives were known to have worked freight trains to Brandon.
According to Stuckey and Bain (1996), “The Brandon, Saskatchewan & Hudson’s Bay Railway was built and operated as a totally owned subsidiary of the Great Northern Railway. Construction commenced in late 1905 and by the end of 1905, less than a mile of track had been laid north of the boundary at St. John. In 1906, the remaining 68.6 miles to Brandon were laid and service commenced that year. During the Depression of the 1930s, traffic declined significantly and the entire branch was abandoned in 1936. Over much of the branch’s length, the ties and rails were laid on the prairie without ballast and today little remains of the line apart from traces where there were cuts and bridges.” (p. 18)
Stuckey, L. A., & Bain, D. M. (1996). The Great Northern and Northern Pacific railways in Canada. Calgary, Alberta: British Railway Modellers of North America.
Custodial History
For custodial history see the collection level description of the Lawrence Stuckey collection.
Scope and Content
View of the Great Northern Railway's station in Brandon, Manitoba.
Notes
[Looking southeast; Pacific Avenue was located directly north (left) of the station and tracks. P.E. 30/07/09]
According to Stuckey and Bain (1996), “The Brandon, Saskatchewan & Hudson’s Bay Railway was built and operated as a totally owned subsidiary of the Great Northern Railway. Construction commenced in late 1905 and by the end of 1905, less than a mile of track had been laid north of the boundary at St. John. In 1906, the remaining 68.6 miles to Brandon were laid and service commenced that year. During the Depression of the 1930s, traffic declined significantly and the entire branch was abandoned in 1936. Over much of the branch’s length, the ties and rails were laid on the prairie without ballast and today little remains of the line apart from traces where there were cuts and bridges.” (p. 18)
Stuckey, L. A., & Bain, D. M. (1996). The Great Northern and Northern Pacific railways in Canada. Calgary, Alberta: British Railway Modellers of North America.
Custodial History
For custodial history see the collection level description of the Lawrence Stuckey collection.
Scope and Content
View of the Great Northern Railway's station at Boissevain, Manitoba.
