BRANDON UNIVERSITY PRESIDENTS:
DR. JOHN E. ROBBINS (Brandon College 1960-1967; Brandon University 1967 - August 31, 1969)
John E. Robbins was raised in Darlingford, Manitoba. He received both his B.A. and M.A. from the University of Manitoba. He spent a number of years working in the Education Division of the Bureau of Statistics, attaining the position of Director there, as well as being the Director of the Information Division. During the years that he worked there he took several leaves of absence in order to hold a Carnegie Corporation Traveling Fellowship in the Scandinavian countries in 1933 and to obtain his Ph.D. at the University of Ottawa in 1935.
Robbins helped to found the Canadian Association for Adult Education, the Social Science Research Council of Canada, the Humanities Research Council of Canada, the United Nations Association in Canada and the Canadian Citizenship Council. In 1942 he became a member of the Board of Directors of Carlton University. Dr. Robbins was active in UNESCO work, was a member of Canadian Government delegations to foreign conferences and spent a year as director of an educational system for Palestinian refugees in the Arab countries surrounding Israel.
In 1960, while editor-in-chief of the newly compiled "Encyclopedia Canadiana," Robbins was asked to become the sixth and final President of Brandon College. From 1960 to 1967, he oversaw construction of the Arts and Library Building and Lecture Theatre, a Mens' Residence, a Dining Hall, a Heating Plant, a Ladies' Residence, a Music Building, a Physical Education Building and an Education Building. After the university charter was granted in 1967, Robbins was installed as the first President of Brandon University. After his retirement from Brandon University in 1969, he took the position of Canadian Ambassador to the Vatican. He died in 1995, at the age of 91.
DR. A.L. DULMAGE (July 1, 1970 - June 30, 1977)
Andrew Lloyd Dulmage was born in Hamilton, Ontario on August 13, 1917. He obtained his Bachelor's degree in 1939 and his Masters in 1940, both from the University of Toronto. After working as a teaching fellow at the University of Toronto for one year, Dulmage took a position at the University of Manitoba teaching in the department of mathematics. In 1950, he left the University of Manitoba for a position at the Royal Military College of Canada. Dulmage received his Ph.D. from the University of Toronto in 1952.
Dulmage returned to the University of Manitoba from 1956-1964, before being appointed head of the department of mathematics at the University of Alberta. In 1966, he returned to the University of Manitoba as Professor of mathematics and Associate Dean of the faculties of arts and science; he was named Dean of Arts and Acting Dean of the faculties of arts and science in 1969. Dulmage left the University of Manitoba in 1970 to accept the position of President of Brandon University.
Under his leadership, from 1970-1977, the Native Studies Department was established and several four-year programs were introduced at Brandon University. Dulmage also helped to expand educational opportunities for the public in general and senior citizens in particular. After leaving BU, Dulmage headed the mathematics department Andrew Lloyd Dulmage was married with two children. He died suddenly at his home in Gold River, Nova Scotia on May 16, 1989.
DR. HAROLD J. PERKINS (July 1, 1977 - December 1983)
Harold Jackson Perkins was born in London, Ontario c. 1930. He received degrees from the University of British Columbia and Iowa. From 1958-1963, Perkins was a researcher with the Canadian department of agriculture in Lethbridge, AB before moving to Plattsurgh, NY where he held the post of Dean of Graduate Studies and Research for the University of New York, Plattsburgh campus.
Perkins began his tenure as President of Brandon University in July 1977. He resigned on November 28, 1983. Following his departure from the President's Office, Perkins returned to a faculty position at Brandon University and did some teaching related to computer systems until his retirement.
Harold Perkins is married to Mary Louise. They have four children together, three sons and a daughter. They continue to live in Brandon, MB.
DR. E.J. TYLER (February 1984 - July 31, 1985)
Earl John (Curly) Tyler was born December 22, 1913 in Moose Jaw, SK. He received his B.A. from the University of Manitoba in 1946 and his M.Sc. in 1950 and Ph.D. in 1954 from the University of Utah. He carried out post-doctoral studies at the University of Saskatchewan in 1957 and 1961, the University of Michigan in 1959, and Harvard University in 1960.
Tyler joined the staff at Brandon College in 1949, founding and developing the undergraduate program in psychology there; from 1949-1976, he was the Chairman of the Psychology Department. In 1979, while continuing his consulting and research work in the areas of recreation and leisure, Tyler retired to do continued research on the psychology of aging. He was appointed Professor Emeritus in the fall of 1980. From February 1984 to July 1985, Tyler was the Interim President of Brandon University and in October, 1985, he was the first BU past-president to be honored as President Emeritus by the BU Board of Governors.
In 1974, Tyler was the third recipient of the Clifford J. Robson Distinguished Psychologist in Manitoba Award for outstanding service to Psychology in Manitoba. Tyler, a social psychologist, was the first winner from outside Winnipeg. In 1983, he was awarded The Canadian Parks and Recreation Association Citation for Outstanding Achievement. Tyler was also an honorary lifetime member in the Canadian Psychological Association.
Earl J. (Curly) Tyler died on October 16, 1997.
DR. JOHN R. MALLEA (August 1, 1985 - July 31, 1990)
Born in 1937/8, John Mallea's academic and research background included the fields of sociology and education. Prior to becoming President and Vice-Chancellor of Brandon University, Mallea held teaching positions at Queen's University and at the Ontario institute for Studies in Education, University of Toronto, where he also served as Assistant Director (Academic).
During his tenure at Brandon University, Mallea worked closesly with the Planning and Priorities Committee, which resulted in academic and physical growth, including: approval for the Bachelor of Nursing and Masters of Education; the opening of the Rural Development Institute; the establishment of the Stanley Knowles Distinguished Visiting Professorship Endowment; cooperative educational projects with Malawi, Swaziland and Botswana; the completion of the Knowles-Douglas Complex, the Queen Elizabeth II Music Building, the near completion of a new steam plant and the initial plans for the Clark Hall and Original Building renovations; and the Building From Strength campaign.
John Mallea is married to Paula Mallea, a lawyer who had a thriving law practice in Kingston before coming to Brandon, where she sat for the Manitoba bar exams. The John and Paula Mallea Endowment Fund at Brandon University was established in their honour.
DR. C.D. ANDERSON (August 1, 1990 - July 31, 2000)
C. Dennis Anderson was born on September 29, 1942 in Libau, Manitoba. He received his B.Sc. from Brandon College (The University of Manitoba) in 1964, his Masters in Business Administration from McMaster University in 1969, and his Ph.D. in Business Administration from the University of Western Ontario in 1977.
From 1969-1971, Anderson was an Assistant Professor of Marketing and Management at the College of Commerce, University of Saskatchewan and from 1974-1990, he taught in the Faculty of Management at the University of Manitoba. In addition to his teaching responsibilities, Anderson was also the President of Decision Research Limited, a marketing research and business consulting firm.
Anderson came to Brandon University in 1990. From that date until his resignation in July 2004, he was a Professor in the Department of Business Administration. In addition, from 1990-2000, Anderson was the President and Vice-Chancellor of Brandon University. During his years in Brandon, he was also: Chair of various search committees for senior administrative positions; a founding member of the Northern Manitoba Business Institute; a member of the Board of the Brandon University Alumni Association; a member of the Board of Brandon University Foundation; an ex-officio member of Faculty Councils; Chair of the Central Appointments Committee; Chair of the President's Advisory Group; Chair of the Joint Board-Senate Planning and Priorities Committee; Chair of the Senate and senate Executive; and a member of the Board of Governors and various Board subcommittees.
Some of Anderson's additional involvements included being a member of: the Rural Advisory Committee to the Minister of Rural Development (1994-1997); the Board of Directors of the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada; the Economic Innovation and Technology Council (EITC) Government of Manitoba; the Governing Council of the University of Swaziland; the Board of Directors, Centra Gas Manitoba Inc.; the Board of Directors, Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business (Manitoba Region); and the Board of Directors, Brandon Chamber of Commerce.
At present (January 2006), Dennis Anderson lives in Libau, MB.
DR. LOUIS P. VISENTIN (August 1, 2000 - July 31, 2009)
No biographical information yet.
Dr. Deborah Poff (August 1, 2009 - July 31, 2014)
Deborah Poff has a B.A. (Hons) from Queen's University and a B.A. (Hons) in Psychology from the University of Guelph. She obtained her M.A. from Carelton University and her Ph.D. in Philosophy from the University of Guelph. She is married to Dr. Alex Michalos.
Poff joined the University of Northern British Columbia in 1993 as the founding Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Science and served for ten years as the Vice-President Academic and Provost. In 2004-2005, she served as the Sheldon Chumir Fellow in public policy doing research on ethical leadership and the future of university governance.
During her career Poff co-founded two international peer-reviewed academic journals, the Journal of Business Ethics and the Journal of Academic Ethics. She has served on numerous national and international boards and councils, holding positions including President of the National Council on Ethics in Human Research and Vice-President Development with the Canadian Federation for the Humanities and Social Sciences.
Following the completion of her term as President at Brandon University, Poff retired to the Ottawa area. She was appointed a Member of the Order of Canada in 2016.
DR. GERVAN ALBERT FEARON (August 1, 2014 - July 31, 2017)
Gervan Fearon completed his post-secondary education at the University of Guelph (B.A. and M.A. in Agricultural Economics) and received his Ph.D. in Economics from the University of Western Ontario. He also holds a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA, CGA) designation.
Prior to joining Brandon University as Vice-President (Adcademic & Provost) in 2013, Fearon held several academic positions including Dean of the G. Raymond Chang School of Continuing Education at Ryerson University, as an Associate Dean (Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies) and Associate Professor at York University. He was also a Visiting Scholar at the University of Washington. In addition to his academic career, Fearon also spent several years in the Ontario Government as a senior analyst at Treasury Board Division, Ontario Ministry of Finance, and as an executive assistant to the Deputy Minister at the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. He is a recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Diamon Jubilee Medal.
Fearon was appointed President and Vice-Chancellor of Brandon University in August 2014. He left his position at Brandon University in July 2017 to become President and Vice-Chancellor at Brock University.
DR. STEVEN ROBINSON (Interim President, August 1, 2017 - April 30, 2019)
Steven Robinson joined the Philosophy Department at Brandon University in 1996, after lecturing at both the University of Regina and the University of Guelph. Robinson completed brief stints as Associate Dean of Arts, Acting Dean of Arts and Acting Vice-President (Academic & Provost) before being appointed Vice-President (Academic & Provost) for a five year term commencing July 1, 2016.
Robinson was appointed Interim President and Vice-Chancellor by the Brandon University Board of Governors following the announcement of Gervan Fearon's departure.
DR. DAVID DOCHERTY (May 1, 2019 - present)
David Docherty completed degrees from McMaster University and Wilfrid Laurier, as well as a Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of Toronto.
Prior to becoming Brandon Univeristy's President and Vice-Chancellor in 2019, Docherty spent more than seventeen years at Wilfrid Laurier University, serving as a Professor of Political Science, as Dean of Arts and as a Senior Advisor on Multi-Campus Initiatives. He was also a founding member of the university's Laurier Institute for the Study of Public Opinion. For ten years before coming to Brandon, Docherty served as President at Mount Royal University.
Scope and Content
The majority of the records in this sub-series are unprocessed.
Notes
A partial inventory of the sub-series exsists as a Word document. Biographical information for John E. Robbins was taken from the "Brandon College finding aid" prepared by Karyn Riedel for the McKee Archives in 1998. Biographical information for Dennis Anderson was taken from his personel file. Biographical information for E.J. Tyler was taken from his biographical file in the McKee Archives. Biographical information for Harold Perkins was taken from an article in "The Quill" (April 7, 1977). Biographical information on Lloyd Dulmage was taken from Campus News - 1989. Biographical information for John Mallea was taken from Campus News (April 1985, May 1989, June 1990). Biographical information for Deborah Poff, Gervan Fearon, Steven Robinson and David Docherty was taken from Brandon University press releases.
Storage Location
RG 6 Brandon University fonds
Series 3: Office of the President
BRANDON UNIVERSITY REGISTRARS:
W.L. CLARK (1967-1968)
See MG 3 1.14 (W. Leland Clark fonds) for biographical information on W.L. Clark.
R.J. MCCARTHY (1969-1970)
Ron J. McCarthy was born in Niagara Falls, Ontario. He obtained his B.A. from Sir George Williams University, Montreal. From September 1960 to May 1962, he was employed by the Dean of Students Office, Sir George Williams University, as liason between the Evening Students Association and the Dean of Student Affairs Office. The following year, he worked with the Adult Education Department of the Montreal Y.M.C.A. at the International Branch Y. In April 1963, McCarthy commenced his duties as Assistant Registrar at his alma mater. From there he moved on to become the registrar of Niagara College of Applied Arts and Technology, a post which he held until assuming the post of Registrar at Brandon University June 1, 1969. McCarthy and his wife Carol had three children. Ronald McCarthy died in Brandon, MB on December 9, 1970.
A.R. BALCHEN - Acting Registrar (1971-1973)
A. Richard Balchen, was born in Pine Falls, Manitoba and he obtained his B.A. (1965) and his Education I deiploma (1966) from Brandon College and his M.Ed. from the University of Alberta in 1968. Prior to accepting the position of Assistant Registrar at Brandon University in 1970, Balchen taught at Salisbury Composite High School in Sherwood Park, Alberta. Balchen was named Acting Registrar in 1971, following the death of Ronald McCarthy.
At the time of his appointment to Brandon University, Balchen was married to Sigrid (nee Birkinshaw) of Brandon, who was also a graduate of Brandon College (B.A. 1966). Together they had two children. At present (January 2006), Richard Balchen and his wife live in Whistler, BC.
C.W. KENNEDY (1973-1987)
Chris Kennedy was born in Watford, Hertfordshire on June 11, 1933. At the beginning of World War II he and his siblings were placed in Catholic orphanages, where he recieved some elementary and secondary education. He enlisted in the Royal Air Force in 1951 for a five year stint as an Airborne Radio Equipment Technician. During his time in the Air Force, Kennedy rose to the rank of Corporal and was posted in Singapore from 1954-1956.
In 1960, Kennedy moved to Canada; he received his Canadian Citizenship in 1967. Kennedy registered as a Mature Student in Grade XI at the Collegiate Division in 1961. After Grade XI graduation he attended the United College University (1962-1967) and graduated with a B.A. degree.
While at the Collegiate Division, Kennedy met his future wife, fellow class mate Charlotte Marie Reimer, whom he married in 1965. The two adopted a daughter, Katharina Alice, in 1967.
On November 1, 1967, Kennedy was appointed Associate Registrar at the new University of Winnipeg Registrar's Office. He stayed in that position until 1973, when he applied for the position of Registrar at Brandon University.
Kennedy served as Registrar at Brandon University from 1973 to 1987. During that time he served as Secretary of the Senate, its standing and various ad hoc committees and sometimes for the Board of Governors. As Registrar he visited high schools, was in charge of Admissions, Student Records, Scholarships, the BU Calendar, Convocation and a number of other minor responsibilities. With the help of Wesley Wong, he was also able to get the BU student record system computerized. While living in Brandon, Kennedy was a member of the Kiwanis Club of Brandon. He was also instrumental in the formation of the Westman Chapter of the Kidney Foundation.
After the death of his wife, Kennedy decided to leave Brandon University for the position of Coordinator of Registrar Services at Athabasc University (1988-1990). In 1990, he returned to Winnipeg where he enrolled at the Canadian Mennonite Bible College, graduating with a Bachelor of Theology degree in 1993. He worked the next few years in the Student Records Office at the University of Winnipeg before retiring at the mandatory age of 65 years.
Since his retirement Kennedy has continued to live in Winnipeg where he has kept busy with a variety of projects, including writing a book of daily devotionals. He is also involved in the life of his church.
D.C. BALES (1988-1989)
Donald C. Bales graduated from the University of Winnipeg. In the fall of 1987, he was appointed Registrar of Brandon University; he had been previously appointed to a three-year term (renewable) as Director of Student Records at Brandon University effective August 1, 1986 and continued in that roll after becoming Registrar.
Prior to coming to Brandon University Bales was a Management Analyst for the British Columbia Ministry of Education. He also had experience with the Federal Government and with the Forest Products Research Labratory located at the University of British Columbia. While in B.C. Bales was also Chairman of the Juan de Fuca Parks and Recreations Commission for a number of years.
Bales left his position at Brandon University after one year to resume his career in the British Columbia civil service. At present (January 2007), Don Bales is the Director of Strategic Management for the B.C. Attorney-General's court services branch.
*Between the departure of Don Bales and Tom Mitchell's tenure as Registrar, there were two Acting Registrar's: Michael Blanar and Gordon Reimer.*
T. S. MITCHELL (1991 - 1996)
Thomas Sydney Mitchell was born on April 23, 1949 in Brandon, Manitoba. He attended Brandon University, graduating with a B.A. in 1970. While an undergraduate Mitchell played for the Brandon University Bobcat hockey team. He was also a member of the Senate Committee on Student Affairs. Mitchell obtained his M.A. from the University of Manitoba in 1973. From 1972-1973, he also completed the Education Certification program at the Faculty of Education, Brandon University.
During the 1970s, he taught high school in Brandon. Mitchell came to the University in 1981 to a position in Student Services. He served as Dean of Student Services from 1983-1989 and in 1991, he was appointed Registrar. Mitchell served in this position until 1996.
From 1996 - August 31, 2011, Mitchell was University Archivist and taught courses in Canadian history under the auspices of the History Department. Throughout his tenure at Brandon University Mitchell was engaged in research and publication of historical work dealing with the history of education, labour and the state.
Mitchell and his wife Bonnie have two children, Jennifer and Drew.
DARCY BOWER (1998 - 2005)
Darcy Bower was born in Montreal, Quebec, in 1942. She was adopted at birth by an American couple and spent her early childhood in Jacksonville, Florida before the family settled in Portland, Oregon and its suburbs. Bower attended the University of Oregon from 1960-1963 as a journalism major, then spent some time in New York City, before completing a B.A. in English at Portland State College in 1965. She obtained her M.A. in English at the University of Kansas, in Lawrence in 1968.
Bower taught at the Tuskegee Institute, Alabama from 1968-1970, before moving to south-central Indiana in 1970 as a result of her marriage. In Indiana she worked first for Bartholomew County Welfare and then for Indiana Vocational Technical College.
In 1971, her husband, Arthur Bower, joined the faculty of the School of Music at Brandon University. Although a stay at home mom for much of the period 1971-79, Darcy spent some time working at Children's Aid and Brandon Citizen's Adovocacy, as well as teaching at Cameron University in Lawton, Oklahoma in 1975-76. In 1979, she came to Brandon University as a sessional instructor for 99:090 Communications.
While employed at Brandon University, Bower held many positions, including: instructor (1979-82); Coordinator, Mature Student Centre (1982-92); Coordinator, Bachelor of General Studies Degree program (1987-92); Acting Dean of Student Services (1992); and Dean of Students/University Registrar (1993-2005). Following her term as Dean of Students/University Registrar, she worked as an Academic Advisor, specializing in advising student athletes. Bower retired from Brandon University in 2012.
Darcy Bower and her husband Arthur (Art) Bower have five children.
JANET S. WRIGHT (2005 - July 31, 2008 (first year as Acting))
See RG 6 Brandon University fonds, Series 7 Faculties and Schools, 7.2.1 Dean of Science for biographical information on Janet Wright.
LAWRENCE VANBEEK (August 1, 2008 - October 2010)
VanBeek completed his Bachelor of Theology Degree at Central Pentecostal College in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan in 1985 and his M.A. in Theology from Providence Theological Seminary in Winnipeg in 1991. He obtained his Ph.D. in Theology from the University of South Africa, Pretoria in 1997.
From 1985 until 2004, VanBeek taught history, languages and university transfer coruses at various post-secondary institutions in British Columbia, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. From 1991-1997, he served as the Dean of the Native Studies Program at Central Pentecostal College. From 1997-2006, VanBeek was the Executive Director of Enrolment Services at Trinity Western University in Langley, British Columbia. From 2006 until he arrived at Brandon University, he served as President of Rocky Mountain College in Calgary, Alberta.
Notes
Chris Kennedy and Darcy Bower proided their own History/Bio information. History/Bio information for D.C. Bales was taken from Campus News -September/October 1986, and Campus News - October 1987. History/Bio information for Lawrence VanBeek taken from the Fall/Winter 2008 issue of Alumi News.
Storage Location
RG 6 Brandon University fonds
Series 5: Office of the Registrar
For administrative history see RG 6 (Brandon University fonds), series 2 (Board of Governors).
Scope and Content
Sub-series consists of correspondence and various other documents, including: financial information, legal documents, agendas, reference materials, minutes, blueprints, drawings, reports, briefs, recommendations, proposals and newsclippings.
Storage Location
RG 6 Brandon University fonds
Series 2: Board of Governors
2.4 Correspondence and subject files
DIRECTORS OF DEVELOPMENT/INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT:
D.R. MACKAY (1973-1984)
See RG 6 4.2 Office of the Vice-President (Administration & Finance) for biographical information on D.R. MacKay.
GORDON MCDIARMID (1986 - 1991)
Gordon McDiarmid attended the University of Winnipeg and George Williams College (Chicago). His B.A. included a double major in Social Science and Group Work. His Masters degree was in Counseling Psychology with added course work and aplied research in Organization Dynamics. McDiarmid's psychiatric research and interships were undertaken at Michael Rease and Mount Sinai Hospitals in Chicago.
Prior to taking the posistion of Director of Private Funding at Brandon University, McDiarmid was President and CEO of U-Rent It Ltd. and Wallace & Wallace Fences Ltd. in Winnipeg (1973-1985) and Campaign Director fo the United Way of Calgary (1985-1986).
During his time at Brandon University McDiarmid: established a new University Foundation; organized annual and special gifts campaigns, endowments and the planned gift program; upgraded publications, initiated print standards policy, introduced desktop publishing and managed the media relations program for Communications; and as acting Director of Alumni and External Relations for two and a half years he revitalized the Board, expanded membership, initiated the affinity card program, the alumni directory, the IDC phone/mail program and expanded the national reunion program.
McDiarmid left Brandon University in 1991, to assume the post of Vice-President, Development, at the Banff Centre. He held this position until 1994, when he became the owner of Assiniboine Consulting Group Ltd. (Calgary) and the Vice President Western Canada of Navion Financial Management Ltd. (Vancouver). From 1998-2000, McDiarmid was the Director of Development - Special Projects for Lions Club of Winnipeg Housing Centres. From 2000-2003, he was the Interim Executive Director and an independant consultant for the Art Gallery of Southwestern Manitoba. McDiarmid also owned a private consulting practice from 1995-2006.
As of June 2010, Gordon McDiarmid lives in Winnipeg, MB.
L. JOHNSON (July 15, 1991 - 1994)
Lorraine Johnson was appointed Executive Director, Development and External Relations, effective July 15, 1991. From 1985-1989, she served as Director of University Relations for Mount Saint Vincent University in Halifax. Prior to her appointment at Brandon University she was a partner with a management and fund raising consulting firm in Nelson, BC.
S. DECTER HIRST (1994 - 1997/1998)
No biographical information yet.
BRUCE SHAVERS (1998 - 1999)
No biographical information yet.
B. PROVEN (August 1998 - March 2003)
Beth M. Proven attended high school in Carberry, MB in the late 1980s. In 1991, she graduated from the University of Manitoba with a B.A. She continued her education through an international agricultural exchange program in Kianga, Queensland (1992), an Arts Administration Certificate from Grant MacEwan Community College (1995), Certified Fundraising Executive Accreditation (CFRE) (2004) and a four-year Certificate in Management and Administration (CIM) from the University of Manitoba (2006).
Proven began her marketing and fundraising career in the arts, working for Wanuskewin Heritage Park, the Saskatoon International Fringe festival, the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra and Shakespeare by the Sea. She moved into university fundraising in 1997 as Development Officer for Dalhousie University's Captial Ideas Campaign.
In August 1998, Proven came to Brandon University where she served as the Director of Development and Alumni Relations. In addition, she also managed the activites of the Brandon University Foundation and participated in the Presidents Advisory Committee. She left Brandon University in March 2003. Since that time she has been employed as the Director of Development for St. Paul's College at the University of Manitoba (2003-2004) and as Manager Planned Giving at the University of Manitoba (2004 - present).
Currently (February 2007), Beth Proven lives in Winnipeg, MB.
K. WHELPTON - acting (2003-2004)
Kate Whelpton was born on January 9, 1973 in Windsor, ON. She received her Honours B.A. in Geography and Political Studies from the University of Guelph in 1996, her B.Ed. from the University of Toronto in 1997 and her M.Ed. from Brandon University in 2005.
After teaching in Ontario, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia for a few years, Whelpton returned to working in poast-secondary education as the Sexual Harassment Advisor for Mount Allison and Brandon Universities. Since 2000, Whelpton has assumed the position as the Director of the Office of the President, overseeing the administration of the PResiden'ts Office, including planning and implementing all aspects of the meetings of the Board of Governors, budgets, staff meetings, events, strategic initiatives, and general administrative oversight of the organization. In 2003-2004, she was appointed Acting Executive Director of Institutional Advancement.
MARC DESROSIERS (2003 - July 2007)
No biographical information yet.
CINDY YACYSHEN - acting (July 2007 - October 2009)
Cynthia Hope Yacyshen was born on May 13, 1968 in Brandon, MB. She obtained her Bachelor of Arts (Advanced - Major: Applied Economics, Minor: Business Administration) from the University of Maniotba in 1992. In 2004, she received her "National Certificate in Fundraising Management" from Ryerson University.
Prior to coming to Brandon University in 1997, Yacyshen was Marketing Coordinator for Manitoba Theatre Centre in Winnipeg, MB. At Brandon University she was Campaign Officer for the Brandon College Legacy Campaign and then Senior Development Officer. In July 2007, Yacyshen was named Acting Director of Institutional Advancement. Yacyshen left her position at Brandon University in October 2009.
Notes
A partial file level inventory for this sub-series exists as a Word document. History/Bio information for Beth Proven was taken from the resume and biography she gave to the Archives (February 2007). Kate Whelpton appears in the Brandon University records as Kate Ramsey, Kate Whelpton and Kate Gross. Kate Whelpton provided her own biographical information (August 2007). Cindy Yacyshen provided her own biographical information (September 2007). Gordon McDiarmid provided his own biographical information (May 2010). History/Bio information for Lorraine Johnson taken from the Fall 1991 issue of Alumni News.
Storage Location
RG 6 Brandon University fonds
Series 10: Office of Development
VICE-PRESIDENTS (ADMINISTRATION & FINANCE):
D.R. MACKAY (Brandon College 1947-1967; Brandon University 1967-1972)
Donald Ross MacKay was born in Weyburn, Saskatchewan. He came to Brandon College in 1936, and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1939 or 1940. From 1940-1947, MacKay served in the Canadian Army Canada and overseas. In September 1947 he was appointed Registrar-Bursar at Brandon College. During his career he also served as University Comptroller, Public Relations Officer, Director of Development, Secretary to the Board of Governors, Secretary of the Board of Directors, Secretary to Senate and Assistant to the President. He also served on the Brandon College Expansion Committee, the Hales Museum Committee and was the Chairman of the Athletic Directorate. MacKay retired from the University in 1984. After his retirement he served on the Brandon University Foundation Board of Directors. In recognition of his service to the University MaKay was presented with the Alumni Award in 1974 and with the Distinguished Service Award in 1981 for his contributions to society. MacKay's additional community involvement included the Centennial Auditorium Committee, the Brandon Schools Orchestral Band Association, the Planning Committee for First United Church - St. Paul's Church (what became Central United Church), the Manitoba Heart Foundation, the Kiwanis Club, the Wally Byam Caravan Club, Nitecappers and Northview Pools Inc.
MacKay's career at Brandon College and Brandon University was unprecedented in the breadth of administrative responsibility. As a result, records created during his tenure as Comptroller almost certainly also reflect his responsibilites beyond the Comptroller's Office.
Don MacKay died on April 2, 1990. He was predeceased by his first wife Gwen Dobie, with whom he had four children: Joan, Holly, Ross and Jane. He left behind a second wife, Mona.
CARMAN RUST (1973-1976)
Carman Frederick Rust was born in Brandon, Manitoba on August 27, 1935. He graduated from Brandon College in 1949 with an Arts degree. Rust completed his C.A. in Winnipeg in 1964, and from 1964-1969 he worked as an accountant with Donovan, Stone & Co. in Brandon. In 1969 he was hired as Assistant Comptroller under D.R. MacKay at Brandon University. He became Comptroller in 1973 and retired in 1976. Rust served as a Lieutenant in the Canadian Forces Supplementary Reserve and was a past President of both the Kinsmen Club of Brandon and the Brandon Golf & Country Club. He was married and had 3 children. Carman Rust died in Brandon on February 7, 2001.
ROSS EASTLEY (1976-1987)
Ross Eastley graduated from Brandon University in 1969 with a Bachelor of Arts degree. He then articled as a C.A. student with Donovan, Stone and Company, receiving his Chartered Accountant's degree in 1972. Eastley was hired as an Associate Accountant at Brandon University in 1973. He later became Accountant and was Acting Comptroller in 1976; in 1977 he became Comptroller, responsible for the accounting offices and ancillary enterprises. In the years following, Eastley became responsible for other areas such as the computer centre, the physical lant and personnel. After his job expanded in terms of responsibilities his title was changed ffrom Comptroller to Vice-President. Eastley also taught introductory accounting to students participating in Brandon Univeristy's Continuing Education program. He resigned from his position as Vice-President (Administration and Finance) in August 1987 to enter into private practise as a chartered accountant.
During his time at Brandon University, Easltey, along with Terry Mitchell, created TKM Software Limited, a venture that developed library software. In addition to his accounting practice, Eastley continued his work in this area following his departure from Brandon University. Since June 2005, he has held the position of Secretary-Treasurer of the Western School Division in Mordon, MB.
LARRY DAWSON (1987-1996)
Larry Dawson received his B.Sc. and his M.B.A. from the University of Alberta. He obtained a Registered Industrial Accountant certificate from the Society of Management Accountants in Manitoba.
Dawson was appointed Vice-President (Administration and Finance) of Brandon University on November 1, 1987. Prior to that appointment he held the post of Chief Financial Officer for East Kottenay Community College in Cranbrook, B.C. He had also been an instructor at the University of Alberta, Simon Fraser University and the University of Nairobi, Kenya.
He left Brandon University in 1996 to accept the position of Vice-President (Administration and Finance) at Mount Royal College in Calgary. After a brief period in the United Arab Emirates, Larry Dawson returned to Calgary, and at present (January 2006) he and his wife Barb continue to live there.
SCOTT LAMONT (1996-present)
No biographical information yet.
Scope and Content
Sub-series consists of records created and collected by the Office of the Bursar/Comptroller/Vice-President (Administration and Finance). It includes correspondence, financial information, reports, newsclippings, photographs, reference materials, lists, memos, blueprints, newsletters
Notes
A partial inventory for the sub-series exists as a Word document. In the years initally following the change from "Bursar" to "Comptroller" the terms were sometimes used interchangably. All files marked "Personal - D.R. MacKay" have been removed and placed in MG 1 Brandon University Teaching and Administration at 1.7 D.R. MacKay. Biographical information in the History/Bio field was taken from Brandon University calendars (1967-2006) and biographical files located in the McKee Archives. Partial biographical information for Larry Dawson was taken from an article in "The Quill" (September 24, 1987).
RG 6 Brandon University fonds
Series 4: Office of the Vice-President
Arrangement
Where there was no obvious arrangement, the files in the sub-series have been arranged chronologically. Original order was maintained in all other instances.
During the independent existence of Manitoba Pool Elevators, the Manitoba Co-operator, published by the Manitoba Co-operative Conference Ltd., was the official organ of the cooperative movement in the province. The sub-series consists of issues of The Manitoba Co-operator from 1931-1936 and 1943-2001.
These records were produced between 1986 and 1987, the researching and writing period for the book Manitoba: The Province & The People. Published in 1987 by Hurtig Publishers (Edmonton), Manitoba is a 203-page hard cover book, containing 2 maps, and 58 images.
BU faculty members Dr. Kenneth “Ken” Stephen Coates, Assistant Professor of History, and Mr. Fred McGuinness, Lecturer in Journalism, authored the book. Assisting the writers was a research team of three BU history students: Diane Fowler, Rob McGarva, and Bruce Stadfeld. All three students were former research assistants for The Pride of the Land monograph.
The authors cover 117 years of Manitoba social history, starting with the Red River Settlement and the Dominion of Canada expansion in the 1870s, followed by the war years, and the emergence of modern, contemporary Manitoba.
Custodial History
Records were collected and created by McGuinness, Coates, and the research students during the creation of the book, Manitoba: The Province & The People. The materials were donated to the McKee Archives by the Estate of Fred McGuinness circa 2011. The Archives accessioned the records in 2015.
Scope and Content
The subseries consists of textual records, created and collected during the production of the monograph Manitoba: The Province & The People. It includes copies of newspaper articles from newspapers (such as the Brandon Sun, Brandon Daily Sun, Winnipeg Free Press, and Saturday Night), copies of journal articles about the Red River Valley, Government of Manitoba industrial publications, photocopies and a few original photographs used in the publication, and drafts for chapter “brites.”
Notes
Information in the history/biography was taken from the “Manitoba: The Province & The People’s” acknowledgments section
Accruals
Closed
Language Note
Fred McGuinness often uses journalistic jargon to label his files. A
“brite” refers to a short, amusing story. McGuinness often organized his ideas and research materials by potential brite topic
Finding Aid
A file level inventory is available
Storage Location
2015 accessions
Related Material
Original copies of the July 10, 1899 and July 12, 1899 editions of the Brandon Daily Sun containing articles about the Hilda Blake trial are available in the oversize drawers in the Reading Room
See McG 1.2 Box 3 File 48 for correspondence pertaining to royalties for this monograph
Arrangement
Arrangement was artificially created by the Archives. Files in this subseries have been arranged according to the order in which brites first appear in the book
Original file titles, where available, have been recorded in square brackets after the file title assigned by the Archives
For this subseries, the original photographs have been relocated to the McGuinness collection photograph series (McG 9)
1965-1980, predominant 25 May 1965 - 30 September 1976
Physical Description
12 cm textual records
6 b/w photographs (loose)
1 artefact
Physical Condition
Some of the items in the scrapbook have come loose from their pages, some documents are stained from a liquid, likely coffee
History / Biographical
In 1965, Chris Verhoef, member of the Overture Concert Association, Allied Arts Centre, and Brandon Citizens' Commitee for the Performing Arts, called for a meeting of Western manitoba citizens interested in the prospect of a Philharmonic Choir for the region. The meeting took place on 26 May 1965; the steering committee that gathered, led by Margaret Goodman, undertook the formation of the Choir. The Choir would have an Executive consistign of at least four members, and a committee consisting of a minimum seven members. Each executive member would be elected on an annual basis. The Choir's executive, in collaboration with the conductor, would determine the choir's repertoire for the year. The establishment of the Western Manitoba PHilharmonic Choir (WMPC) sought to encourage amateurs to sing for enjoyment, provide the opportunity for a choir to perform choral compositions in collaboration with a symphony orchestra and promote and sponsor the musical arts in the Western Manitoba region. Membership to the choir would be open to all citizens of the region, and members would be accepted based on the discretion of the conductor. The first meeting of prospective members took place on 27 September 1965 in St. Matthews Cathedral parish Hall where more than 90 people gathered and registered to become a member of the WMPC.
Chris Verhoef led the Western Manitoba Philharmonic Choir into its first season as President of the choir's Executive Committee. For the organization's first season, the WMPC hired two members of the Brandon College School of Music: Lucien Needham for the position of conductor and Louise Chapman for the position of accompanist. Brandon College, as well as other donors sponsored the choir for its first season. The Choir held its debut performance in collaboration with the Winnipeg Sympnay Orchestra (WSO) on 12 March 1966, and the Choir's performance of Vivaldi's Gloria and Handel's Dettingen te Deum attracted an audience of more than 1400 people. The performance was well received by the public. The debut performance's asuccess earned the CHoir a rcommendation for a grant from the Manitoba Centennial Corporation that would sponsor a special concert during the centennial year. Furthermore, the Canada Council supported the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, by the means of special funds, to make the Symphony's appearance witht he Philharmonic Choir possible.
For the WMPC's second season, membership rose to 111 amateur singers. Verhoef remained as President of the Executive, while the Brandon Citizens' Committee for the Performing Arts provided sponsorship. Following the Choir's performance of Schubert's Mass in Eb Major on 17 November 1966, the membership increased to 132 singers. On 20 January 1967, the WMPC's first taped broadcast was released over CBC and CKX. The broadcast's success resulted in an offer from CBC to record another broadcast for a similar release. The Kiwanis Club of Rivers invited the Choir to perform in Rivers on 25 january 1967. On 7 April 1967, the Choir performed Haydn's oratorio, The Creation, in the Brandon College Gymnasium.
The choir elected Murray Ames as President to lead it through its thrid and fourth seasons. In its third season, the WMPC, conducted by Leonard Mayoh, performed Handel's Messiah on 22 November 1967 in the Brandon University Gymnasium. The Choir's spring concert, name the "Chris Verhoef Memorial Concert," in honour of Chris Verhoef who had passed away December 1967, featured works by Bach, Brahms and Perry. Held on 9 March 1968, in the Brandon University Gymansium, the concert featured Brandon university student James Stewart as soloist and was received with great praise. In addition to the memorial concert, the WMPC also established a $500 scholarship for a Brandon University music student to honour Verhoef's substantial contribution to the community.
The first concert of the Western Manitoba Philharmonic Choir's fourth season was held on 10 December 1968, in the J.R.C. Evans Lecture Theatre at Brandon University and featured selections from Handel's Messiah. A piano trio comprised of Francis Chaplin (violin), Malcom Tait (cello) and Gordon Macpherson (piano), as well as a brass trio, also performed at the chori's winter concert. In its fourth season, the WMPC performed two concerts in the second half of its season. On 15 FEbrurary 1969, in cooperation with CKX Radio and Television, the choir performed works by Mozart, Hindemith, and Mahler in collaboration with the Winnipeg Sympony Orchestra conducted by George Cleve. Later in the season, the choir performed Brahms' Requiem Mass, once again in collaboration with the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra.
Dr. R. Parker filled the position of President of the Executive for the duration of the Choir's fifth, sixth and seventh seasons. The fifth season saw the WMPC performing four concerts. Conducted by Leonard Mayoh, it opened its season on 11 october 1969 with a performance at the Grand Finale of the Grand Opening of the Western manitoba Centennial Auditorium, performing theoverture to Mozart's The Magic Flute and Beethoven's Symphony No. 9. Their Christmas concert, also conduceted by Mayoh, took place on 10 December 1969. The Choir's third concert of its fifth season was held on 31 january 1970, in cooperation with CKX RAdio and Television, and featured works by Mendelssohn, Ravel, and Schubert, in collaboration with the WSO under the direction of conductor George Cleve. The season concluded with another concert in collaboration with the WSO on 7 March 1970, conducted by Leonard Mayoh. This concert featured works by Vaughn Williams, Handel and Poulenc.
Seasons six and seven consisted of two concerts each. The Choir held its fifth annual Christmas Concert on 5 December 1970. Led by Leonard Mayoh, it performed its spring concert on 10 April 1971 in collaboration with members from the Winnipeg Symphony, featuring selections by Bach and Mozart in the Western manitoba Centennial Auditorium. Into its seventh season, the Choir performed Bach's Christmas Oratorio on 4 December 1971 in the Central United Church. For its final concert of the year, the WMPC revisited a piece that had been the main focus of its second season: Haydn's oratorio, The Creation. The Choir performed this Haydn masterwork on 8 April 1972 under the direction of Piero Gamba.
Helen Riesberry led the choir through its eigth and ninth seasons as President of the Executive. In its eigth season, the WMPC held its annual Christmas concert on 12 December 1972 in collaboration with the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra in the style of a sing-along led by Mitch Miller. The choir's spring concert featured another masterwork, Beethoven's Missa Solemnis, conducted by Piero Gamba. The WMPC and members of the WSO performed the Requiem Mass on 28 April 1973 at the Western Manitoba Centennial Auditorium. Despite the lack of attendance at rehearsals since the Christmas concert, the WMPC presented an overall effective performance of the challenging Requiem Mass.
In its ninth season, Derek Morphy took over the position of conductor from Leonard Mayoh. Morphy had his debut performance as conductor with the WMPC at the annual Christmas concert on 17 December 1973. In March 1974, in collaboration with members from the WSO, Morphy led the Choir in its performance of Mendelssohn's oratorio, Elijah, in the Western Manitoba Centennial Auditorium. later in the season, the choir performed a concert entitled "Reflections," a choral programme for Lent and Easter, accompanied by organist Arthur Bower.
Nearing the end of its ninth season, the Philharmonic Choir encountered severe financial challenges. The Choir released a notice in the newspaper that the anticipated $3000 grant from the Manitoba Arts Council had been cut to $1000, leaving the Choir $3100 in debt. The notice explained that the Choir needed funds in order to enable operation and continue hiring the WSO for concerts. The WMPC executive and committee held a Leonard Mayoh Night in an attempt to gain funds and donations. Although the Manitoba Arts Council raised thegrant to $2000 and the City of Brandon contributed $500, the Choir's financial situation remained in a dire state as its ninth season came to a close.
The Choir elected Edith Hayden to lead it through its tenth and eleventh seasons as President of the Executive. The opening of the tenth season challenged the WMPC. In addition to its financial woes, the Choir's Executive struggled to overcome the lack of attendance at rehearsals and the shortage of male voices. The WMPC had experienced membership issues in earlier seasons as well. In its third season, despite a membership of 130 individuals, the choir had struggled to create a balanced sound due to a lack of male membership and therefore a lack of lower voices. In its sixth season, the Choir opened their concert year with an appeal for members. In an effort to improve the choir's financial affairs, the Choir Executive and conductor decided against hiring the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra for the time being. In an attempt to improve the situation, Derek Morphy wrote a letter to the members of the Choir outlining his concern that he may not be meeting their expectations as a conductor but hoped to generate positive and hopeful prospects for the future of music-making together.
The Choir's annual Christmas concert featured a collaboration with the Brandon School Division Music Department and Brandon School Orchestra and Band Association, as well as dancers choreographed by Barbra Enhes. The WMPC performed Haydn's Mass in D minor at its spring concert on 27 April 1975, accompanied by Arthur Bower. By the end of the season, the Western Manitoba Philharmonic Choir's financial situation had begun to improve.
The WMPC hired conductor peter Allen to lead the Chori through its final season of operation. The Choir held its annual Christmas concert in the Central United Church on 7 December 1975, and featured Vivaldi's Glora, accompanied by pianist Barry Anderson. The choir perfomed Deller's Psalm 148, Teleman's Cantata for the Fourth Sunday after the Feast of the Three Kings, and Dvorak's Stabat Mater at its spring concert held at the Central United Church on 25 April 1976.
Despite its best efforts, the Western Manitoba Philharmonic Choir's first rehearsal of its twelfth season saw just 26 members in attendance. As a result of lack of membership, the Choir Executive decided to disband the WMPC for its 1976/1977 season, with plans to reassess the situation in September of 1977 for the prospect of a 1977/1978 season. Matters were further complicated by financial considerations; by June 1977 the choir's financial situation had worsened as a result of the administrative fees that the WMPC covered for the duration of its unexpected inactive 1976/1977 season. Unlike past years, there were not any ticket sales to cover such expenses.
Following its year off, membership interest in the Western Manitoba Philharmonic Choir did not increase and the decision was made not to return for another season. In 1980, the WMPC revoked its registration as an organization and officially ceased to exist.
Custodial History
Records in the 8-2001 accession were donated to the McKee Archives in 2001, by three representatives of the Philharmonic Choir: Dr. Bill Paton, Botany Department, Brandon University; Mrs. Edith Hayden, WMPC President; and Mary Davidson WMPC Archives Committee. Records in accession 13-2016 were given to Terry Stamper in the School of Music by Marilyn Hayden and then transferred to the McKee Archives on September 21, 2015.
Scope and Content
Fonds consists of records that document the origin, activities, and ultimate disbandment of the Western Manitoba Philharmonic Choir. These records were created and accumulated during the eleven year existence of the WMPC.
Records include: the organization's constitution and history from 1965-1968; financial records, which include grants received from the Manitoba Arts Council, Canada Council, and City of Brandon, as well as materials documenting the organization's financeial struggles from 1974-1976; minutes from executive and committee meetings from 18 June 1973 to 24 June 1974; correspondence in the form of letters between the president of the executive and the choir members, and between the conductor of the choir and its members; membership lists from each season of the WMPC; and concert programmes from every major Christmas and Spring concert that the organization performed. Fonds also contains mewspaper notices, advertisements and reviews of various performances, as well as posters advertising perfomrances of the WMPC in the 1967/68, 1970/71, 1971/72 and 1973/74 seasons; the posters advertise the choir, collaborators, patrons and featured works.
Also included in the fonds is a scrapbook detailing the choir's history. Each page of the scrapbook is decorated with hand painted images of plants native to the southwestern Manitoba region. The scrapbook includes concert programs and photographs of the choir from all years of the organization's operation. The scrapbook also contains an assorment of informal photographs from various WMPC events. There are also six black and white group photos of the WMPC from various seasons.
Finally, the fonds contains one artifact, a leather bag/zippered file folder with "WMPC" printed on it.
Notes
History/Bio information was provided by representatives of the Western Manitoba Philharmonic Choir. Copies of the history can be found in the fonds. Description by Jessi Gilchrist (October 2016).
The inaugural meeting of the Western Manitoba Home Economics Association (WMHEA) was held in September 1971, with 48 members. In 1973, the WMHEA members voted to affiliate with the Canadian Home Economics Association (CHEA).
Custodial History
Records were in the possession of Margarite Hughes and other officers of the Western Manitoba Home Economic Association prior to their donation to the SJ McKee Archives on July 17, 2010.
Scope and Content
Fonds includes: minutes (September 1971 - May 2010); lists of executive members; membership lists; financial records; newsletters; scrapbooks; correspondence; records of special events; miscellaneous publications; and organizational banners.
The forerunner of Manitoba Pool Elevators (MPE), the Manitoba Wheat Pool was created in 1924 as a mechanism to allow for the co-operative marketing of wheat by Manitoba producers by the United Farmers of Manitoba. The Manitoba Wheat Pool was initially intended to be a provisional organization until the establishment of an interprovincial Pool, but when Alberta and Saskatchewan established their own permanent Pools the United Farmers decided to do the same. The Manitoba Pool was different from the SK and AB Pools in that the municipality was the primary unit of organization; members belonged to their municipal Pool associations first, rather than having direct membership with the central Manitoba Wheat Pool. Manitoba Pool Elevators was established in 1925 as a subsidiary of the Pool in response to local members complaints about the unfair business practices of privately owned elevators. The private elevators also slowed up the shipment of grain to the Central Selling Agency employed by the Wheat Pool, acting as a barrier between the local Pools and the Manitoba Wheat Pool. Once established MPE quickly began to build new elevators and aquire privately owned elevators.
MPE's approach to marketing grain promised to stabilize the market price of grain and ensure a fair market price to producers. Initially the Manitoba Wheat Pool was very successful. However, in 1930, the Manitoba Wheat Pool found itself burdened with an unsold surplus from the preceding year that had been bought from the farmers at a price that was significantly higher than any possible return during the Depression. As a result, in 1931 the Manitoba Wheat Pool's Central Selling Agency defaulted on its bank loans. Despite attempts to save the organization, it was forced to declare bankruptcy in November 1932. The financial difficulties of the Wheat Pool had little to no effect on the Pool Elevators, and so this former subsidiary organization became the main Manitoba Pool organization. This change meant MPE had to reorganize, which they were able to do with funds from the provincial government. The company was successful enough in subsequent years that it was able to finish repaying the Manitoba government a full year early in 1949.
MPE did not limit itself to grain handling; they wished to enrich the lives of rural families through education and to provide economic stability through diversification.
MPE established a lending reference library for members and a traveling library for rural families in 1926. With the passing of the Public Libraries Act in 1948, the province took over responsibility for providing rural families with books. MPE decided that since their traveling library would no longer be needed when rural libraries were established, the best course of action was to donate their library to the Provincial government. They also established and supported programs that educated young people about agriculture and ag business.
Subsidiary companies that dealt with course grains, livestock, packing and fertilizer were established by MPE to streamline and stabilize business for its members.
1961 marked the high water mark for the number of local associations within Manitoba Pool Elevators with 225 local associations. After this date the associations began to amalgamate and consolidate. Improvements in rural roads and rail systems and increases in the size of farms and mechanization of farm labour meant that fewer elevators were needed to service all members and regions. These changes led to an organizational restructuring of Manitoba Pool Elevators in 1968. Membership became direct, and the main unit of organization became the central office. The central office administrated the Pool through districts, which were further subdivided into sub-districts. The locals which were formally the main organizational unit came under the immediate direction of the sub-district they were located in. Local association could opt out of this system if they wished, but by 1975 all but 29 associations had become part of the new structure.
In 1998 Manitoba Pool Elevators merged with the Alberta Wheat Pool to form Agricore Co-operative, Ltd. In 2001 this organization merged with the United Grain Growers to become Agricore United, and in 2007 AU was taken over by the Saskatchewan Wheat Pool; the new company is currently known as Viterra.
Custodial History
The bulk of this fonds was accessioned in 1975, when the forerunner to the McKee Archives at Brandon University, the Rural Resource Center, was founded. The original mandate of the Rural Resource Center was to house the records of the Manitoba Pool Elevators. Previous to this, most of the fonds was stored at MPE's head office in Winnipeg. Many accruals to this collection have since taken place, with some of the larger ones being received in 1997, 2001, and 2002.
Scope and Content
Fonds contains records dealing with every aspect of the Manitoba Pool Elevators organization, from the events leading to its formation in the 1920's, to its amalgamation as part of Agricore beginning in the late 1990's.
Fonds includes records of the local co-operative elevator associations established in the period 1925 - 1968 under the Co-operative Associations Act including: organizational papers; minutes of executive boards; minutes of shareholders annual meetings; financial statements; correspondence; membership lists; and miscellaneous documents.
Also to be found are: documents related to the Royal Commission re the Manitoba Pool Elevators Limited ca. 1931; miscellaneous reports and submissions documents (1925 -1952); central office papers consisting of annual reports, circulars to local co-operative elevator associations and documents related to various other activities of the Manitoba Pool Elevators organization. Fonds also contains documents pertaining to the Manitoba Co-operative Poultry Marketing Association Limited and its successor, the Manitoba Dairy and Poultry Co-operative Limited, and related agencies.
Other items in the fonds (dating from the 1890's to 2001) include: books acquired for the Manitoba Pool Elevator Library, including a complete run of both the Scoop Shovel (MPE's first newspaper)and the Manitoba Cooperator; photographs; slides; audiotapes; and reel-to-reel videos.
Finally, the fonds contains a small number of miscellaneous items such as banners, and company issued briefcases.
This fonds is organized into four series, (A) Local Association records, (B) Central Office Records, (C) Subsidiary Companies and Co-operatives, (D) Commissions, Committees and Inquiries
Notes
Description by Mike White (2002), revised and enlarged by Jillian Sutherland (2009-2010).
History/Bio taken from F.W. Hamilton, "Service at Cost: A History of the Manitoba Pool Elevators 1925-1975" (Saskatoon: Modern Press) and from records within the fonds.
Preparation of this description made possible in part by a generous grant from the Brandon University Student's Union Work Study Program 2009.
Researchers are responsible for observing Canadian copyright restrictions.
Finding Aid
File level inventory available for some boxes. The Pool Elevator library and publications are available online through the Brandon University Library catalogue.
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.
These records were produced between 1984 and 1985, the researching and writing period for the book The Pride of the Land: An Affectionate History of Brandon’s Agricultural Exhibition. Published in 1985 by Peguis Books (Winnipeg), Pride of the Land is a 222-page soft cover book, containing hundreds of pictures, and 50,000 words of text.
BU faculty members Dr. Kenneth “Ken” Stephen Coates, Assistant Professor of History, and Mr. Fred McGuinness, Lecturer in Journalism, authored the book. Assisting the writers was a research team of four BU history students, which were referred to as “The Pride Team”: Diane Fowler, Rob McGarva, Bruce Stafeld, and Byron Williams.
The Pride Team was tasked with collecting and synthesizing exhibition documents and other materials in city, provincial, and federal records spanning 100 years. Many local newspapers and committee minutes were consulted.
The authors cover 103 years of Brandon Fair history, starting with the first fair in 1882 followed by the development of other agricultural fairs and exhibitions in Brandon, specifically The Royal Manitoba Winter Fair, The Provincial Exhibition of Manitoba, and the Ag-Ex livestock show.
Custodial History
Records were collected and created by McGuinness, Coates, and The Pride Research Team during the process of the creation of the book, The Pride of the Land: An Affectionate History of Brandon’s Agricultural Exhibition. The materials were donated to the SJ McKee Archives by the authors circa 1988. The Archives accessioned the records in 2008.
Scope and Content
The subseries consists of textual records, created and collected during the production of the monograph Pride of the Land. It includes research cards created by the research team, copies of newspaper articles from very early editions of Brandon newspapers (such as the Brandon Sun, Brandon Daily Sun, Western Sun, and The Independent), copies of fair/organizational minutes, photocopies of photographs used in the publication, and chapter drafts. Of particular interest are the detailed summaries of Provincial Exhibition minutes that were specifically produced for each book chapter.
Notes
Information in the history/biography was taken from a Brandon University press release dated June 1985, about the Pride of the Land Project (see file 64)
Description Note: The original accession number is noted on the front of each file folder. The circled number indicates the original file order in the 6-2008 accession
Accruals
Closed
Language Note
Fred McGuinness often uses journalistic jargon to label his files. A “brite” refers to a short, amusing story
Pride of the Land acronyms:
PEM = Provincial Exhibition Association of Manitoba
RCMP = Royal Canadian Mounted Police
WAAA = Western Agricultural & Arts Association
Finding Aid
A file level inventory is available
Storage Location
2015 accessions
Related Material
Provincial Exhibition Association of Manitoba fonds
Arrangement
Arrangement was artificially created by the Archives. Subseries has been arranged according to book chapter. McGuinness often organized his ideas and research materials by potential brite topic
These records appear to have been produced between 1986 and 1987, the researching and writing period for another monograph, Manitoba: The Province & The People. Published in 1988 by Windsor Publications (Burlington, Ontario), The Keystone Province: An Illustrated History of Manitoba Enterprise is a 184-page hard cover book, containing 250 black-and-white illustrations and 40 colour photographs.
The authors cover 378 years of Manitoba entrepreneurial history, starting with the Aboriginal Peoples and the early fur trade, ensuing Red River settlement, followed by the war years, and emerging Manitoba economies. The final chapter of the book contains select profiles of Manitoba businesses, many of which were acknowledged as financial contributors to the project.
BU faculty members Dr. Kenneth “Ken” Stephen Coates, Assistant Professor of History, and Mr. Fred McGuinness, Lecturer in Journalism, authored the book. Dr. Coates accepted a position as an assistant professor of Canadian History at the University of Victoria during the book’s production. BU Professor of History, Dr. William R. Morrison, was credited as the picture researcher for the publication. Free-lance writer Roger Newman was responsible for preparing the Manitoba business biographies in the final chapter. The book was produced in co-operation with the Manitoba Chamber of Commerce.
Custodial History
Records were collected and created by McGuinness and Coates during the creation of the monographs Manitoba: The Province & The People and The Keystone Province: An Illustrated History of Manitoba Enterprise. The materials were donated to the SJ McKee Archives by the Estate of Fred McGuinness circa 2011. The Archives accessioned the records in 2015.
Scope and Content
The subseries consist of textual records, created and collected during the production of the monographs Manitoba: The Province & The People and The Keystone Province: An Illustrated History of Manitoba Enterprise. It includes journal articles, book chapters, Government of Manitoba industry publications, a few original photographs used in the publication, and drafts for chapter “brites.”
Notes
Information in the history/biography was taken from the The Keystone Province: An Illustrated History of Manitoba Enterprise dust jacket and patrons section of the book
In the file level inventory, square brackets at end of file names reference the original location of the file in the unprocessed Fred McGuinness collection. The original location is also noted on the front of each file folder
Accruals
Closed
Language Note
Fred McGuinness often uses journalistic jargon to label his files. A
“brite” refers to a short, amusing story. McGuinness often
organized his ideas and research materials by potential brite topic
Finding Aid
A file level inventory is available
Storage Location
2015 accessions
Arrangement
Arrangement was artificially created by the Archives. Files in this subseries have been arranged according to the order in which brites first appear in the book
Documents
McG 5_5 Keystone Province MB Enterprise inventory.pdf
Some of the pages and photographs in the scrapbooks have become loose
History / Biographical
Southwest B "Region" Women's Institute is a regional board within Manitoba Women's Institute.
According to their website, Manitoba Women’s Institute (MWI) operates under an umbrella structure of a provincial board and regional boards as directed in the Constitution and Bylaws. The provincial board serves to co-ordinate the activities of the organization on a provincial scale and link with other provincial, national, and international organizations. Regional boards are responsible for activities within their regions and for assisting with communication between the provincial board and the membership. Local institutes serve members in local communities or local geographic areas.
The Southwest B "Region" Women's Institute covers the area south of the Trans Canada Highway and from Killarney west to the Saskatchewan border. Historically it has encompassed locals from the follwing areas: Bardal, Boissevain, Broomhill, Dand, Deloraine, Dublin, Ebor, Elgin, Elva, Hartney, Kemnay, Lauder, Lyleton, Medora, Melita, Napinka, Pierson, Regent, Souris, Springvale, Tilston, Wakada and Whitewater.
Custodial History
Records were in the possession of the Southwest B Region Women's Institute until thier donation to the McKee Archives in 2014.
Scope and Content
Fonds consists of records created by the Southwest B Region Women's Institute during the course of their activities and operations.
Records include: eight minute books (1926-1997); a small scribbler listing Convention and some Board meeting attendance (2001-2013); and two Treasurer's/cash record books (1940-1944 and 1951-1992). The photographs are portraits of the Women's Institute Leadership Class (1961 and 1962), attendees on stage at the F.W.E.C Convention, Wolfville NS (July 1964) and the Manitoba delegation to Wolfville NS (July 1964).
Notes
History/Bio information was taken from the records and from the Manitoba Women's Instutite webpage (http://www.mbwi.ca/about-mwi/local-institutes/. Accessed January 2017). Description by Christy Henry.
Finding Aid
A detailed list of meeting dates for the minute books was provided by the donor. It is located in the donation file.
Storage Location
2016 accessions
photographs in RG 5 photograph drawer by accession number
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.
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
A commission to inquire into the formation and operation of the Manitoba Pool up until 1931. Charges were brought against the Pool by J.R. Murray, then Assistant General Manager of UGG. The four charges were, briefly: (1) producers had been mislead into forming elevator associations, (2) members are bound by contract to the association, (3) financial statements sent out to associations are inaccurate, (4) Pool members are not getting as good a deal as they would on the free market.
The first two charges were deemed provable by the commission, while the last two were not. It was noted by the commissioner that no pool members had come forward with complaints.
See also fonds level description of RG 4 for history/bio of MPE
Scope and Content
.This sub-series contains volumes 1 - 25 of the Royal Commission on Manitoba Pool Elevators.
