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RG 2 Provincial Exhibition of Manitoba Association fonds

http://archives.brandonu.ca/en/permalink/descriptions4351
Part Of
RG 2 Provincial Exhibition of Manitoba Association fonds
Description Level
Fonds
GMD
multiple media
Date Range
1884-1992
Part Of
RG 2 Provincial Exhibition of Manitoba Association fonds
Description Level
Fonds
GMD
multiple media
Date Range
1884-1992
Physical Description
9.46 m textual records; 1919 photographs & graphics
History / Biographical
Brandon, Manitoba was incorporated as a city in 1881. In 1882, led by Charles Whitehead and a small Board of Directors that included J.W. Vantassel, Charles Pilling, George Halse, J.E. Smith, William Johnson, R.T. Evans, and Thomas Lockhart, it was decided to hold an agricultural exhibition. These men were all involved in the farm business in one way or another, and they wanted an opportunity to help residents realize the agricultural potential of the region. In October of that year, the fledgling community held its first agricultural exhibition . The fair was held in downtown Brandon at what was known as “Market Square.” Market Square was two acres of land located on Princess Avenue between Eighth and Ninth Streets. Due to poor weather, and the fact that not many people were ready to show animals and grain, there was a relatively small turnout. The following year was much improved. There were 730 entries into the exhibition. By 1884, the Board of Directors of the Brandon Agricultural Society, which was in charge of the exhibition, realized that they were in poor financial shape, to the point of being personally out of pocket. It was realized that October was not the best time for farmers to be leaving their farms to go to an exhibition. In 1888, it was decided to move the exhibition to the summer time, when it was much easier for people to attend. The first Brandon Summer Fair was held in July 1889, and it was a resounding success. The Board of Directors had added many items of interest to appeal to the entire public, not just agricultural people. In 1892, the Western Agricultural and Arts Association (WAAA) was formally established to take over duties from the Brandon Agricultural Society. However, it was not until 1897 that the WAAA held its first meeting. There is no explanation as to why there is a five year gap between the formation and the first meeting of this organization. 1897 was the turning point of the Brandon Exhibition. The fair was now firmly established in Brandon, and the Board of Directors was instrumental in ensuring that it remained so. This was done by petitioning to both the municipal and provincial governments for grant money. As well, the Board booked midway and grandstand acts that would bring the city dwellers to the agricultural exhibition. There were also early attempts at holding an agricultural exhibition in the winter. The first such attempt was in 1884. There was also a Spring Stallion show held in 1891. By 1904, however, a petition by J.D. McGregor had gone out to formally establish a winter exhibition. This effort also failed, but by 1906, it was decided by businessmen, politicians, and farm representatives in Brandon, including McGregor, to organize a winter fair. Rather than seeing this new fair as competition, the Board of Directors of the summer fair felt that it would complement their exhibition. The new fair would remain primarily agricultural. The first winter fair was held in 1906. While the two fairs were not amalgamated, they did share the same secretary-manager. The secretary-manager was responsible for the day to day management of the fair, as well as keeping track of meetings and decisions reached by the various fair boards and committees. In 1907, the Brandon Winter Fair and Livestock Association (BWFLA) was formed to act primarily as a land-holding joint stock company. The following year the Provincial Winter Fair and Fat Stock Association (PWFFSA), an entirely separate organization from the BWFLA, was formed to manage the activities of the winter fair. The PWFFSA name was soon changed to the Manitoba Winter Fair and Fat Stock Association (MWFFSA). By 1906, Brandon could boast two full size exhibitions, one in the summer and one in the late winter, both of which were considered to be premiere events. In 1908, the Brandon summer fair was renamed the Inter-Provincial Exhibition, and in 1912 it held it’s first Traveller’s Day, an event which would soon become an important addition to the fair and is still in existence today. It is thought that the name “Traveller’s Day” came from the fact that it was held on a Saturday, a day when many people could travel to Brandon for the exhibition. In 1913, Brandon was bestowed with the honour of hosting the Dominion Exhibition. This was a national exhibition sponsored by the federal government. It was held in a different city every year. There were several cities vying for the 1913 Dominion Exhibition, but it was Brandon that impressed the sponsors the most. With the government funds received for this honour, the Board of Directors supervised the building of a new grandstand, display buildings, and racetrack, as well as the general expansion and improvements to the fairgrounds. In the spring of 1912, it was decided by the Board of Directors of the winter fair that the facilities they were currently housed in were inadequate for their needs. The mayor and city clerk of Brandon went to the provincial legislature in order to request that there be an amendment added to the Brandon city charter. This amendment would allow the city to guarantee bonds issued by the winter fair board to help pay for the construction of a new facility. This request was granted, and a $70 000 addition was built next to the original winter fair building. The new building was opened in 1913. Throughout the First World War, both the winter fair and Provincial Exhibition buildings were used for the war effort. There was one distinct difference however. The summer fair Board was able to negotiate a deal with the army that enabled it to reclaim the fair buildings during fair week. The winter fair, however, had to give up the idea of holding fairs in 1915 and 1916. It was not until 1917, that the winter fair was able to resume. During this time, due to the financial problems that had beset the winter fair, the two exhibitions considered amalgamation. The Board of Directors of the winter fair felt that because they were the smaller of the two fairs, their interests would be swallowed up by the summer fair. The winter fair withdrew from the negotiations to amalgamate. With this rather sudden turn of events, the Board of Directors of the summer fair petitioned the government to be allowed to incorporate. This was granted, and in 1920, the WAAA was incorporated as the Provincial Exhibition of Manitoba. From 1920, the summer fair was officially known as the Provincial Exhibition of Manitoba. This was the first time that the summer fair was incorporated, and received the “status and financial assistance” that came with incorporation. More problems beset the winter fair in the 1920s. In 1920, a fire burned down the winter fair pavilion, located at the south end of the winter fair buildings, and caused the Board to cancel the 1921 winter fair. It was not until 1922, that a new building was completed. By 1929, both fairs were well regarded throughout Canada. In 1929, a decade long Depression hit the west. While many fairs closed during this time, Brandon struggled to keep its open. The Directors of both fairs felt that the agricultural shows “encouraged excellence at a time when faith and enthusiasm were at a low ebb.” The summer fair proved to be quite successful during the Depression, likely as a result of the few moments one was able to forget one’s troubles while there. The winter fair was not quite as successful, although both fairs received government grants and work relief projects. There was little new entertainment in these exhibitions. There were changes about to manifest themselves at the summer fair, however. While the winter fair had representatives from various associations on its Board of Directors, the summer fair Board of Directors was a small close-knit group of men. Citizens saw entry into this elite group as elusive and difficult. To ward off the possibility of the Board becoming a “self-sustaining clique,” that only chose Directors from within, it was decided by several citizens to try and elect some new blood into the fair Board. In 1933, there was a general election for the Board. Instead of the usual men shuffling positions, there were forty-four nominations for the twenty positions. When the voting was all over, seven new men sat on the Board. Despite some inner rumblings, especially on the summer fair Board over the next few years, both exhibitions survived the Depression. During the Second World War the fairs once again were forced to operate under adversity. Once again, the buildings were requisitioned for the army, although they were released during fair week. The summer fair was forced to make several concessions, and the winter fair was relocated to the summer fair grounds for the duration. The winter fair did not survive the Second World War intact. Due to financial reasons, in December of 1945, the Board of Directors turned the winter fair buildings over to the City of Brandon. By 1946, the BWFLA, which was the joint-stock land holding company, had ceased operations because the city now controlled the winter fair land and buildings. The next fifteen years would be a time of rebuilding for both of Brandon’s exhibitions. Children especially were more active participants in the agricultural exhibitions. The summer fair continued to diversify and look for new ways of entertaining the public at large. The winter fair remained primarily agricultural. By the end of the 1950s the winter fair, which was used to struggling, was now both successful and stable; and the summer fair, a perennial success, was starting to fade. By 1969, both the winter and summer fair Boards had realized that amalgamation was the best possible decision, both practically and financially, for the future of the two fairs. On 29 October, 1969, the two exhibitions amalgamated to become the Manitoba Exhibition Association. The reconstituted Provincial Exhibition of Manitoba was now responsible for both the winter and summer fairs. A new building was erected on the summer fair grounds to house both of the exhibitions. On 2 April 1973, the Keystone Centre was officially opened at the winter fair, although it had been in use since October of the preceding year. In 1970, Manitoba’s Centennial, it was decided that an organization in Manitoba would receive the title of “Royal,” as a way to celebrate the centennial. Although many organizations applied for the honour, it was the Brandon winter fair that received the accolades. The winter fair was bestowed with the title “Royal”, and became known as the Royal Manitoba Winter Fair. In 1975, a third exhibition was added, this time a purely agricultural fall show known as the Agricultural Exhibition, or AgEx. This fair was partly organized on behalf of the cattle growers, who found that the summer and winter fairs did not give them adequate time and space to properly show their cattle. The return to a fall show, which had not existed since 1888, would be the return to a purely agricultural exhibition. This show was to be primarily a show and sale event. On 3 November 1975, the first AgEx was opened to resounding success. The Provincial Exhibition of Manitoba, the Royal Manitoba Winter Fair and AgEx are all still in existence in Brandon. They are regarded as three of the most important events to take place annually in the city.
Custodial History
These files were housed with the Manitoba Exhibition Association until c1986 when they were transferred to the S.J. McKee Archives at Brandon University.
Scope and Content
The fonds consists of textual records and photographs comprised of the records from the three annual exhibitions that are held in Brandon, Manitoba: the Provincial Exhibition of Manitoba, the Royal Manitoba Winter Fair, and the Agricultural Exhibition (Ag-Ex). The textual records include prize lists, programs, minutes, financial, administrative files, original results, scrapbooks, tickets, news releases, contracts, by laws, documents as well as a miscellaneous section. There are approximately 1846 photographs that include scenes from these three exhibitions. These records provide a unique perspective on the development of agriculture and rural life in southwestern Manitoba. Fairs such as these have been and remain prime media of farm improvement, technological and scientific advancement in rural Canada, and the promoters of country living. These fairs also reflected the long tradition inherited from Britain and Europe of country fairs as centers of entertainment, social interchange and diversion. These records are a principal source of information about the most broadly based vocational, entertainment and social events held on an annual basis in southwestern Manitoba over the last century. The records are vital to academic research on agriculture or fairs, individual biography, or community history.
Notes
The RG 2 Provincial Exhibition of Manitoba Association finding aid was created by Karyn (Riedel) Taylor with the exception of Series 9 and the accompanying database, which were created by Donica Belisle. This finding aid was created in August 1999.
Name Access
Charles Whitehead
J.W. Vantassel
Charles Pilling
George Halse
Subject Access
Brandon Agricultural Society
Provincial Exhibition of Manitoba
Royal Manitoba Winter Fair
Agricultural Exhibition
Brandon Manitoba
AgEx
Repro Restriction
Researchers are responsible for observing Canadian copyright restrictions.
Finding Aid
Available
Storage Location
RG 2 Provincial Exhibition of Manitoba Association fonds
Storage Range
RG 2 Provincial Exhibition of Manitoba Association fonds
Related Material
Additional records regarding the Provincial Exhibition of Manitoba, the Royal Manitoba Winter Fair, and AgEx are housed at the Provincial Exhibition of Manitoba Association offices. To gain access to these records, it is necessary to contact the general manager of the Provincial Exhibition of Manitoba Association.
Arrangement
The fonds is divided into sous-fonds by exhibition. There is a Provincial Exhibition sous-fonds, a Royal Manitoba Winter Fair sous-fonds, an Ag-Ex sous-fonds, and a Miscellaneous sous-fonds that holds information that could not be easily broken down into one exhibition. The arrangement is as follows: RG 2 Provincial Exhibition Association of Manitoba fonds RG2SF1 Provincial Exhibition of Manitoba 1.1 Documents 1.2 Minutes 1.3 Financial Records 1.4 Administrative Files 1.5 Prize Lists and Programs 1.6 News Releases 1.7 Original Results 1.8 Tickets 1.9 Photographs 1.10 Scrapbooks 1.11 Miscellaneous RG2SF2 Royal Manitoba Winter Fair 2.1 Documents 2.2 Minutes 2.3 Financial Records 2.4 Administrative Files 2.5 Prize Lists and Programs 2.6 News Releases 2.7 Original Results 2.8 Tickets 2.9 Photographs 2.10 Scrapbooks 2.11 Miscellaneous RG2SF3 AgEx 3.4 Administrative Files 3.5 Prize Lists and Programs 3.6 News Releases 3.7 Original Results 3.9 Photographs RG2SF4 Miscellaneous 4.1 Documents 4.2 Minutes 4.3 Financial Records 4.4 Administrative Files 4.9 Photographs 4.10 Scrapbooks 4.11 Miscellaneous
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MPE D 7 Miscellaneous Committees, Commissions and Inquiries

http://archives.brandonu.ca/en/permalink/descriptions11340
Part Of
RG 4 Manitoba Pool Elevator fonds
Description Level
Sub-series
GMD
textual records
Date Range
1931-1995
Part Of
RG 4 Manitoba Pool Elevator fonds
Description Level
Sub-series
Series Number
MPE D.7
GMD
textual records
Date Range
1931-1995
Physical Description
39cm
History / Biographical
See also fonds level description of RG 4 for history/bio of MPE
Scope and Content
.This sub-series contains the following: Box 1: 1. Farm Implement Prices 1937, 1939, 1961 2a. Trading in Grain Futures 1931 2b. Trading in Grain Futures 1931 3. Manitoba/Canada's Economic Development 1955-1973 4. Food and Consumer Prices 1958-1973 5. Farm Organizations and Local Governments Box 2: 6. Livestock 1961-1975 7. Bryce Commission August 1976 8. Terminal Grain Elevators at Thunder Bay 1973 9a. Taxation 1945 9b. Taxation 1963-1967 9c. Taxation 1967-1970 Box 3: Manash Statistical Submissions to Turgeon Commission 1936 10a. Western Grain Transport Act 1985-1995 10b. Western Grain Transport Act 1985-1995
Notes
Description by Jillian Sutherland (2010)
Name Access
Canada Grain Act
The Western Grain Stabilization Act
Western Grain Transport Act
Subject Access
Grain
Storage Location
RG 4 Manitoba Pool Elevator fonds Series D: Commissions, Committees and Inquiries
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Orientation Committees

http://archives.brandonu.ca/en/permalink/descriptions3945
Part Of
RG 6 Brandon University fonds
Description Level
File
GMD
textual records
Date Range
1970
Part Of
RG 6 Brandon University fonds
Description Level
File
Series Number
4.2
File Number
357
GMD
textual records
Date Range
1970
Physical Description
1 file
Scope and Content
File consists of orientation programmes, minutes and memos.
Storage Location
RG 6 Brandon University fonds Series 4: Office of the Vice-President 4.2 Office of the Vice-President (Administration & Finance) Box 8
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Committees of Senate

http://archives.brandonu.ca/en/permalink/descriptions147
Part Of
RG 6 Brandon University fonds
Description Level
Sub-series
GMD
textual records
Date Range
1958-1987
Part Of
RG 6 Brandon University fonds
Description Level
Sub-series
Series Number
6.2
GMD
textual records
Date Range
1958-1987
Physical Condition
4.96 m
Scope and Content
Sub-series has been divided into the following sub sub series: (1) Curriculum and Academic Standards (CAS) Committee; (2) Senate Planning Committee; (3) Scholarships, Bursaries, Medals and Awards Committee; (4) Bachelor of General Studies Committee; and (5) Senate Committee of Student Affairs.
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Part Of
RG 6 Brandon University fonds
Description Level
File
GMD
textual records
Date Range
Aug. 1986-Sept. 1987
Part Of
RG 6 Brandon University fonds
Description Level
File
Series Number
MG 3 1.14.1
File Number
857
GMD
textual records
Date Range
Aug. 1986-Sept. 1987
Physical Description
1 file
Scope and Content
File consists of correspondence
Storage Location
RG 6 Brandon University fonds MG 3 Brandon University Teaching and Administration 1.14.1 W. Leland Clark - political career Box 34
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Part Of
RG 6 Brandon University fonds
Description Level
File
GMD
textual records
Date Range
Aug. 1986-Nov. 1988
Part Of
RG 6 Brandon University fonds
Description Level
File
Series Number
MG 3 1.14.1
File Number
858
GMD
textual records
Date Range
Aug. 1986-Nov. 1988
Physical Description
1 file
Scope and Content
File consists of correspondence
Storage Location
RG 6 Brandon University fonds MG 3 Brandon University Teaching and Administration 1.14.1 W. Leland Clark - political career Box 34
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Part Of
RG 6 Brandon University fonds
Description Level
File
GMD
textual records
Date Range
June 1983-June 1986
Part Of
RG 6 Brandon University fonds
Description Level
File
Series Number
MG 3 1.14.1
File Number
859
GMD
textual records
Date Range
June 1983-June 1986
Physical Description
1 file
Scope and Content
File consists of correspondence
Storage Location
RG 6 Brandon University fonds MG 3 Brandon University Teaching and Administration 1.14.1 W. Leland Clark - political career Box 34
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Board of Governors' committees

http://archives.brandonu.ca/en/permalink/descriptions3181
Part Of
RG 6 Brandon University fonds
Description Level
Sub-series
GMD
textual records
Date Range
1967-1987
Part Of
RG 6 Brandon University fonds
Description Level
Sub-series
Series Number
2.5
GMD
textual records
Date Range
1967-1987
Physical Description
12 cm
Scope and Content
Sub-series consists of records for various committees of the Board of Governors, which were established to expedite matters in certain areas of the Board's jurisdiction. Some committees have a more or less permanent status while others were created to deal with specific questions or mandates. The sub-series has been divided into six sub sub series, including: (1) Nominating Committee; (2) Finance Committee; (3) Presidential Selection Committee; (4) Membership Committee; (5) Fundraising-Liaison Committee; and (6) Athletic Directorate.
Storage Location
RG 6 Brandon University fonds Series 2: Board of Governors 2.5 Board of Governors' committees
Arrangement
At present (July 2007) all Board Committee files are in one box. As more records are received, the individual committees will be placed into their own boxes.
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Part Of
RG 6 Brandon University fonds
Description Level
File
GMD
textual records
Date Range
1984-1985
Part Of
RG 6 Brandon University fonds
Description Level
File
Series Number
MG 3 1.14.1
File Number
860
GMD
textual records
Date Range
1984-1985
Physical Description
1 file
Scope and Content
File consists of correspondence
Storage Location
RG 6 Brandon University fonds MG 3 Brandon University Teaching and Administration 1.14.1 W. Leland Clark - political career Box 34
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MPE A 15 Fisher Branch

http://archives.brandonu.ca/en/permalink/descriptions8234
Part Of
RG 4 Manitoba Pool Elevator fonds
Description Level
Sub-series
GMD
textual records
Date Range
1951-1969
Part Of
RG 4 Manitoba Pool Elevator fonds
Description Level
Sub-series
Series Number
MPE A 15
GMD
textual records
Date Range
1951-1969
Physical Description
26 cm
Scope and Content
Fisher Branch Co-operative Elevator Association Limited Organizational papers: 1951 - 1962 Planning meetings and canvasser's reports, 17 December 1951 Application to Province of Manitoba for Incorporation of Fisher Branch CEA, 18 April 1952 By-law nos. 1, 2, 3, and 4, 13 June 1952 Agreement between Fisher Branch CEA and MPE, 1 August 1952 By-law re: Members equities, 15 November 1966 Letter re: Directors meeting, 15 August 1957 Report on resolutions at Annual meeting, May 1958 Letter re: Board of Directors meeting, 14 October 1958 Directors' Resolution, 18 October 1961 Organizational meeting, 21 November 1962 General By-laws, no date Resolution granted and allocation of surplus, no date Minutes of Executive Board meetings, volume 1, 20 June 1952 - volume 3, 8 October 1969 Minutes of Shareholders Annual meetings, 1952 - 1968 (17 reports) Financial records and statistics Statement of surplus, 1953 - 1955 (3 reports) Final statements, 1951 - 1952 (1 reports) Auditors' reports, 1952 - 1967 (15 reports) Analysis of Operating Results, 1951 - 1963 (11 reports) Final statement, 1951 - 1952 (1 report) Details of grain earnings, 1963 - 1967 (4 reports) Review of Operating Results, 1963 - 1965 (2 reports) Capacities of Elevator, 29 October 1959 Auditors' report, 31 July 1968 Calculations re: plumbing, August 1965 Tax statement, 1952 Analysis of expenses, 1961 Statement of Operations, 1961 Correspondence, 1951 - 1969 Membership list, 1952 - 1966 Miscellaneous Directors' attendance lists, 1952- 1962 (6 reports) Officers and Directors lists, 1960 - 1961 Note: Additional information cross reference Arborg Sub division 805 Corporate Name: Local Government District - Fisher
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Ad Hoc Committees of Senate

http://archives.brandonu.ca/en/permalink/descriptions149
Part Of
RG 6 Brandon University fonds
Description Level
Sub-series
GMD
textual records
Part Of
RG 6 Brandon University fonds
Description Level
Sub-series
Series Number
6.4
GMD
textual records
Scope and Content
None of the records in this sub-series have been processed.
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P.C. Party- Provincial

http://archives.brandonu.ca/en/permalink/descriptions5853
Part Of
RG 6 Brandon University fonds
Description Level
File
GMD
textual records
Date Range
1990
Part Of
RG 6 Brandon University fonds
Description Level
File
Series Number
MG 3 1.14.1
File Number
907
GMD
textual records
Date Range
1990
Physical Description
1 file
Scope and Content
File consists of correspondence
Storage Location
RG 6 Brandon University fonds MG 3 Brandon University Teaching and Administration 1.14.1 W. Leland Clark - political career Box 38
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1990 Provincial Manitoba

http://archives.brandonu.ca/en/permalink/descriptions6266
Part Of
RG 6 Brandon University fonds
Description Level
File
GMD
textual records
Date Range
Nov. 1990-Feb. 1992
Part Of
RG 6 Brandon University fonds
Description Level
File
Series Number
MG 3 1.14.1
File Number
1319
GMD
textual records
Date Range
Nov. 1990-Feb. 1992
Physical Description
1 file
Scope and Content
File consists of correspondence
Storage Location
RG 6 Brandon University fonds MG 3 Brandon University Teaching and Administration 1.14.1 W. Leland Clark - political career Box 52
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RG2SF1 Provincial Exhibition of Manitoba

http://archives.brandonu.ca/en/permalink/descriptions4352
Part Of
RG 2 Provincial Exhibition of Manitoba Association fonds
Description Level
Sous-fonds
GMD
multiple media
Date Range
1903-1991
Part Of
RG 2 Provincial Exhibition of Manitoba Association fonds
Description Level
Sous-fonds
Fonds Number
RG2SF1
GMD
multiple media
Date Range
1903-1991
Physical Description
3.47 m textual records; 793 graphics
History / Biographical
The Provincial Exhibition of Manitoba has been an institution almost as long as Brandon has been a city, although under the guise of several different names. The idea of an exhibition came from Charles Whitehead, who was the founder and first president of the fair. Whitehead was one of the earliest and most prominent businessmen in Brandon. The first Brandon fair was organized in October of 1882, by the Brandon Agricultural Society (BAS). The Board of Directors of the BAS offered up two hundred dollars in prize money, but poor weather and a subsequently small turnout of people and exhibits to the downtown location caused the fair to do poorly. Undeterred, the Board of Directors began to make plans for the second fair, in what was to become an annual event. This time, due to generous grants from the city, district, and province, the Board of Directors was able to purchase land just south of the city to hold the fair on and built a Crystal Palace to hold exhibits in. In October 1883, there were seven hundred and thirty entries, and the fair, the first to be held on the new fair grounds, was considered successful. The Brandon Exhibition was not financially sound however, and by 1888, the Directors knew that major changes had to be made if they wanted to continue the fair. It was decided that October was not the best time to hold an agricultural exhibition because most farmers were in the middle of harvesting and did not have time to leave their farms for an exhibition. A decision was made to move the exhibition to the summer, when most farmers could get away for a few days. In July 1889, the first Brandon summer fair was held. The Directors had managed to revamp the fair in order to appeal to the wider public. The fair was a huge success, with both city and rural people attending. The Board of Directors formally established the Western Agricultural and Arts Association (WAAA) in 1892 to take over management duties of the fair from the BAS. However, the first meeting of the WAAA was not until 1897. There is no explanation for the five year delay. The WAAA received generous donations from the various governments, and the citizens of Brandon. In 1897, the Board of Directors purchased another 42 acres of land from the city that was located beside the fair grounds. They erected a grandstand and new stables. Prize money was increased, there were special prizes offered for the first time, and special exhibition trains were available to transport fair goers at a reduced rate. The 1897 fair was the major turning point for the Brandon exhibition. The fair appealed to both urban and rural dwellers. The Board wanted to put Brandon on the map, and accordingly, they brought forward events and entertainment that would do so. The first Traveller’s Day, still running strong today, was put on in 1912. The parade associated with it was unlike any Brandon had seen before. Despite the attractions, carnivals and midways that were beginning to dominate the fair, organizers insisted that it was still primarily an agricultural event. The promotion of agriculture was still prominent at the exhibition. As local historians have written, “the exhibition symbolized the accomplishments and potential of the region, and encouraged all agriculturists to strive towards higher standards.” By 1912, all outstanding loans had been paid off, and the Board of Directors could boast an eleven thousand dollar surplus in funds. As well, the physical assets available to the summer fair were expanded dramatically in 1913. In 1913, Brandon was granted the honour of hosting the Dominion Exhibition. From the funding that came in for this prestigious event the Board of Directors was able to build a new grandstand, erect new display buildings, replace the racetrack, and generally expand and improve the fair grounds. Another 80 acres of land was bought from the city for the summer fair. The Brandon Dominion Exhibition was declared open on 15 July 1913 by Manitoba Premier Rodmond Roblin. Although it was a resounding success, the Directors ended up having to pay for parts of it out of their own pockets. Canada entered World War One in the late summer of 1914. The WAAA reached an agreement with the military that the army could use the fairgrounds during the year if they allowed the WAAA use of the grounds for the fair week. Because of limitations put on the fair because of the war, the Brandon exhibition became more involved with the Western Canada Fair Circuit. This organization enabled the summer fair to join in the exhibitions that worked together to bring events like the midway to their exhibitions. It was also during this time that moral reform became more prevalent in Canadian society. Due to this growing concern with moral purity and the desire for social reform, the Directors had to find ways to ensure that the summer exhibition did not cross the boundaries of good taste. There was a short-lived protest in 1913 against horseracing, but by 1916, then-president of the fair, R.M. Matheson, cast the tie breaking vote in favour of letting both the horseracing and the betting continue. By 1917, the Board had decided against allowing betting, but the horseracing was allowed to continue. After the war ended, financial stress on the part of the winter fair brought forward a proposal to amalgamate the summer and winter fairs. The provincial government stated that they were interested in supporting an amalgamation, and the two fair boards resolved to consider the option. In spring of 1920, the winter fair backed out the deal because they felt they would lose out to the WAAA in the deal. Not to be deterred, the WAAA applied for incorporation with the provincial government. On 3 April 1920, the WAAA was incorporated as the Provincial Exhibition of Manitoba (PEM). In 1920, the official title of the summer fair was changed from the Inter-Provincial Exhibition to the Provincial Exhibition of Manitoba. After incorporation the Board of Directors was increased to a membership of twenty. The provincial exhibition continued to increase and change with the times. The directors tried to make each fair interesting and stimulating for the people of Brandon and the surrounding areas. A Manitoba Government Building was opened in 1927, by Premier John Bracken, and an Automobile Building opened in 1927. By 1929, the Provincial Exhibition was one of the leading summer exhibitions in Western Canada. Unfortunately, 1929 was also the beginning of a decade-long Depression throughout Canada and the United States. The exhibition continued though, although at a less grandiose level. The exhibition was the site of some work relief programs throughout the thirties, but the grants were generally small. It was also during the 1930s that people began wanting a change in the management of the Board. For many years, almost since the inception of the fair, the Board had been run by the same group of men who took turns in the various positions. In 1933, there were several men brought forward to run against the Directors at the annual general meeting. A total of forty four nominations went up for the twenty positions. After the dust had settled, seven new faces took seats around the Directors table. During World War Two, the Provincial Exhibition managed to continue. The Board made an agreement with the military that while their buildings could be used by the military during the war, the fair would be able to take control of the buildings for fair week. While the fair remained open, its exhibits were hampered by the war. In 1942, for example, the Wartime Prices and Trades Board declared that farm machinery could not be exhibited for the duration. This was one of the fair’s bigger draws, and its absence was felt greatly. As another concession to the war, the livestock show had to be reduced from five days to three, although this decision was met by protest from many of the directors. Despite these impediments, the entries into the agricultural exhibits continued to increase. Horse racing, long a bone of contention among members of the Board was almost eliminated in 1942, but a compromise was made and the Directors allowed one day of racing at the 1943 fair. After the war, the prize money increased by up to twenty-five percent in an effort to increase the number of exhibitors. Many new events were added to the fair roster, including an annual 4-H show and farm camps for children. A Trade Show was added in 1952 and became a large success. The fair always enjoyed support from the City of Brandon, although there were the occasional tensions between the two. In 1955 the Board approved a proposal by R.A. Hodges to sponsor a Dream Home contest. While the attraction was a big success, the Directors evidently did not receive the cut of the proceeds that Hodges had promised them. The fair Board ended up fifty-five hundred dollars in debt. In 1958 an attempt was made to break the all male hold on the directorate. While no women were elected to the Board itself, a Women’s Advisory Committee was created to provide input into fair activities. The original committee was made up of Mrs. D. Elviss, Mrs. D. Graham, Mrs. G. McRae, and Mrs. F. Heeney. It was also during this time that the Board began to face more direct competition from Winnipeg. The Red River Exhibition had been operating for several years, and its Board of Directors wanted their exhibition to be admitted into the Western Canadian Association of Exhibition. This would not have been particularly good for the Brandon Provincial Exhibition. Partly due to the Brandon Board’s vigorous protests, Winnipeg was only granted an associate membership. By the end of 1958, the Brandon fair was once again facing financial difficulties. The Provincial Exhibition was at its peak at the end of the 1950s. By 1961 the fair recorded a net loss of sixty-five hundred dollars. Because of financial problems, the fair Board had to mortgage its property for $50 000. As well, the Royal American Shows left Brandon for Winnipeg in 1966, leaving the Directors scrambling to find another midway. It took several years and several different companies before the Directors settled on the Conklin Brothers Shows. To make matters worse, the grandstand was condemned in 1974, leaving the fair without a place to hold its grandstand show. This show was replaced by the Western Canada Rodeo Circuit, in an attempt to regain patrons. By 1966 both the summer and winter fair Boards had decided that one facility could be used to house both the summer and winter fairs. Both financially and practically, it became an increasingly good idea to merge the two fairs together. In 1969, the Provincial Exhibition of Manitoba and the Manitoba Winter Fair were amalgamated to become the Manitoba Exhibition Association. Ground was broken a few years later on the summer fair grounds, and by 1972, the Keystone Centre was open for business. The official opening was at the 1973 Winter Fair. From then on, the Provincial Exhibition, Royal Manitoba Winter Fair and, later, AgEx, were housed in the same building, and run by the same board of directors.
Custodial History
These files were housed with the WAAA, the PEM, and the MEA until c1986 when they were transferred to the S.J. McKee Archives at Brandon University.
Scope and Content
The sous-fonds consists of textual records and photographs from the Provincial Exhibition of Manitoba. The textual records include prize lists, programs, minutes, financial, contracts, by laws, administrative files, original results, news releases, scrapbooks and tickets. The photographs include animal shows and events, dignitaries, entertainment, attractions, ceremonies, buildings and other events. It has been divided into eleven series, including: (1) Documents; (2) Minutes; (3) Financial reocrds; (4) Administrative files; (5) Prize lists and programs; (6) News releases; (7) Original results; (8) Tickets; (9) Photographs; (10) Scrapbooks; and (11) Miscellaneous.
Storage Location
RG 2 Provincial Exhibition of Manitoba Association fonds RG2SF1 Provincial Exhibition of Manitoba
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Federal Provincial Relations Correspondence

http://archives.brandonu.ca/en/permalink/descriptions6182
Part Of
RG 6 Brandon University fonds
Description Level
File
GMD
textual records
Date Range
July 1993
Part Of
RG 6 Brandon University fonds
Description Level
File
Series Number
MG 3 1.14.1
File Number
1235
GMD
textual records
Date Range
July 1993
Physical Description
1 file
Scope and Content
File consists of correspondence
Storage Location
RG 6 Brandon University fonds MG 3 Brandon University Teaching and Administration 1.14.1 W. Leland Clark - political career Box 50
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Part Of
RG 4 Manitoba Pool Elevator fonds
Description Level
Sub-series
GMD
textual records
Date Range
1924-1998
Part Of
RG 4 Manitoba Pool Elevator fonds
Description Level
Sub-series
Series Number
MPE B.2
GMD
textual records
Date Range
1924-1998
Physical Description
33 cm
History / Biographical
See fonds level description of RG 4 for history/bio of MPE
Scope and Content
This artificially created sub-series contains a variety of legal and official documents related to the operation of the Manitoba Wheat Pool and MPE. Records include the following: 1. Agreements, General By-laws, and Contracts 1924-1972 2. General By-laws 3. Incorporations and Dissolutions 4. Operating Agreements, Agreements for Sale 1940-67 5. MPE Complete Legislation 6. Miscellaneous Documents 7. Elevator Policy, Agreements, Incorporation Certificates / Indebtedness 8. Quantitative Appraisal of Wheat Pool Building (left in original binding) 9. 9th Victory Loan Souvenir: A Portfolio of Reproductions of the Documents of Surrender 10a. Federal Agreement 1972 p.1-126 10b. Federal Agreement 1972 11a. Terminal Expansion 1961 – 1963 11b. Terminal Expansion 1961 – 1963 12. By-Laws and Constitutions 13. MPE & Connaught Laboratories Agreements 1964-66 14. MPE & Connaught Laboratories Agreements 1964-66 15. “Pool Pac” Trade Mark 1964, 1971, 1979 16. Patent #501894 Dust Control Apparatus 1954 17. MPE Agreement w/ Daniel Augustus Kane (General Superintendent appointment) 1928, 1933 18. Manitoba Co-operative Wheat Producers Ltd. Agreement w/ Richard M. Mahoney (Manager) 1924, 1925, 1928 19. MPE Acts 20. MPE Acts 21. Party & Supplementary Agreements 1931-1936 22a. Historical Documents of the Manitoba Wheat Pool 1924 - 1927 22b. Historical Documents of the Manitoba Wheat Pool 1927 - 1930 23a. Miscellaneous Documents 1925 -1996 23b. Miscellaneous Documents 1979 -1998 24. Association Documents 1940 - 1966 25. Deed of Trust and Mortage August 2 1928 26. Wheat and Coarse Grains Overpayments 1929-1930
Notes
Description by Jillian Sutherland (2009, 2010)
Name Access
F.W. Ransom
R.M Mahoney
C.H. Burnell
W.J. Parker
P.F. Bredt
D.A. Kane
Manitoba Pool Elevators
Manitoba Wheat Pool
Central Office
Subject Access
Victory Loan
By-laws
Letters Patent
Overpayment
Storage Location
RG 4 Manitoba Pool Elevator fonds Series B: Central Office records
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MPE B 9 Correspondence

http://archives.brandonu.ca/en/permalink/descriptions9310
Part Of
RG 4 Manitoba Pool Elevator fonds
Description Level
Sub-series
GMD
textual records
Date Range
1924-1998
Part Of
RG 4 Manitoba Pool Elevator fonds
Description Level
Sub-series
Series Number
MPE B.9
GMD
textual records
Date Range
1924-1998
Physical Description
66 cm
History / Biographical
See fonds level description of RG 4 for history/bio of MPE
Scope and Content
This artificially created sub-series MPE B.9 consists of memos, letters to secretaries of locals, questionnaires, general correspondence, and responses. See Box level entries for B.9 for detailed contents of records.
Notes
Description by Jillian Sutherland (2009)
Name Access
Manitoba Pool Elevators
Central Office
Subject Access
Correspondence
Storage Location
RG 4 Manitoba Pool Elevator fonds Series B: Central Office records
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Part Of
RG 4 Manitoba Pool Elevator fonds
Description Level
Sub-series
GMD
textual records
Date Range
1925-1988
Part Of
RG 4 Manitoba Pool Elevator fonds
Description Level
Sub-series
Series Number
MPE B.12
GMD
textual records
Date Range
1925-1988
Physical Description
33 cm
History / Biographical
See fonds level description of RG 4 for history/bio of MPE
Scope and Content
This artificially created sub-series consists of indexes to bodies of MPE records created by MPE itself. The records include the following: Pool Packers Ltd. Record of Indexing 1947-1968 MPE Record of Indexing A-C 1925-1986(created 1986) MPE Record of Indexing D-L 1925-1986(created 1986) MPE Record of Indexing M-Z 1925-1986(created 1986) Transfer Index Sheets A-K 1925-1980s Transfer Index Sheets L-Z 1925-1980s MPE Minute Book Index Annual Meeting Index 1932-1994 MPE Miscellaneous Index 1. MPE Legal File Index 1925-1986 2. Index to the Scoop Shovel Vol. 3 1931 3. Documents Index 1981-1988
Notes
Description by Jillian Sutherland (2009)
Name Access
Manitoba Pool Elevators
Central Office
Subject Access
Index
Storage Location
RG 4 Manitoba Pool Elevator fonds Series B: Central Office records
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MPE B 14 Acquisitions

http://archives.brandonu.ca/en/permalink/descriptions10059
Part Of
RG 4 Manitoba Pool Elevator fonds
Description Level
Sub-series
GMD
textual records
Date Range
1935-1977
Part Of
RG 4 Manitoba Pool Elevator fonds
Description Level
Sub-series
Series Number
MPE B.14
GMD
textual records
Date Range
1935-1977
Physical Description
13 cm
History / Biographical
See fonds level description of RG 4 for history/bio of MPE
Scope and Content
This artificially created sub-series consists of documents and correspondence pertaining to MPE's acquisition of private companies. The records include the following: 1. Kenmore Industries 1959-1977 2. Seed Plant 1945-1971 3. Northern Canadian Seed Sales Ltd. 1947-1971 4. Fairway Milling and Grain Co. 1970-1971 5. Terminal #2 – Horne Elevator 1937-1977 6. Douglas Depot 1968-1972 7. Ogilvie – Lake of the Woods Purchase 1955-1961 8. Western Canada Elevators 1940 9. Northern Canadian Seed Sales Ltd. 1965-1970 10. Westland Elevators Limited 11. Kenmore Industries Share Certificates 1959-1975 12. Gillespie Grain Company Ltd. 1935-1944 Kenmore Industries Minute Book 1959-1975 13. Burns Foods Ltd. (Pool Packers Ltd. Purchase) 1969-1971
Notes
Description by Jillian Sutherland (2009)
Name Access
Manitoba Pool Elevators
Central Office
Subject Access
Acquisition
Storage Location
RG 4 Manitoba Pool Elevator fonds Series B: Central Office records
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MPE B 21 Reference

http://archives.brandonu.ca/en/permalink/descriptions10472
Part Of
RG 4 Manitoba Pool Elevator fonds
Description Level
Sub-series
GMD
textual records
Date Range
1948-1995
Part Of
RG 4 Manitoba Pool Elevator fonds
Description Level
Sub-series
Series Number
MPE B.21
GMD
textual records
Date Range
1948-1995
Physical Description
13 cm
History / Biographical
See fonds level description of RG 4 for history/bio of MPE
Scope and Content
This sub-series consists of MPE reference materials: 1 Membership and Affiliated Reference 2 MPE Organization Charts 1995 3 Pool Policy for Agriculture 1989 4 Grain Marketing Manual 1993 5 International Labour Office 1948-1949 6-8 Vertical Integration 1958-1960
Notes
Description by Jillian Sutherland (2010)
Storage Location
RG 4 Manitoba Pool Elevator fonds Series B: Central Office records
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