Tom Mitchell (Thomas Sidney) was born April 23, 1949 in Brandon, MB. He attended Brandon University, graduating with a B.A. in 1970. While an undergraduate Tom played for the Brandon University Bobcat hockey team. Tom obtained an M.A. (history) from the University of Manitoba in 1973, and from 1972-1973, he completed the Education Certification program at the Faculty of Education, Brandon University. During the 1970s, he taught high school in Brandon and at Brandon Collegiate Institute (BCI) and Neelin Composite High School. Following one year at Fleming School (grade five), in 1981, Tom became a Study Skills Specialist in Student Services at Brandon University. He served as Dean of Student Services from 1983-1989 and in 1991, he was appointed Registrar. Tom served in this position until 1996. From 1996 - 2011, Tom was University Archivist and taught courses in Canadian history under the auspices of the History Department at BU. Throughout his tenure at Brandon University Tom was engaged in research and publication of historical work dealing with the history of education, labour and the state. In retirement, Tom wrote and produced a series of historical documentaries with funding provided by MTS Stories From Home and continued to be pursue various academic writing projects small and large. He was named University Archivist Emeritus in 2012, and received a lifetime achievement award from Brandon University Senate in 2019. Tom married Bonnie Burns in 1973, and together they had two children, Jennifer and Drew.
Custodial History
As part of the Westman Oral History Collection, this collection was accessioned by the McKee Archives in 1998. The original tapes from the Westman Oral History project were deposited in the Brandon Public Library. Copies of these originals were made by Margaret Pollex of the Brandon University Language Lab at the request of Eileen McFadden, University Archivist in the early 1990s. These copies compose the collection held in the McKee Archives.
Scope and Content
Item is an audiocassette tape containing an interview with Tom Mitchell about education in Brandon in the 1880s. Interviewer is Gordon Sefton.
Notes
History/bio information provided by Tom Mitchell. Description by Christy Henry.
Related Material
Tom Mitchell's films (IRBU)
Audio Tracks
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Andrew B. Pernal was born in Poland. He completed his BA at Assumption University, his MA at Windsor and his Ph.D. in Ottawa. From 1971 until 2008, he was a member of Brandon University's History Department. In 2000, he received an honourary doctorate from Zaporizhia State University in Ukraine, and following his retirement he was granted emeritus status at BU. Pernal was a member of the Parish Council of St. Hedwig's Parish, the Director of the Polish School in Brandon, and Chairman of the Polish Refugees Committee in Brandon. He and his wife Nan (nee Robertson) had a number of children, including Andrew, Stephen, Julia and Caroline. Following Pernal's retirement, the couple moved to Calgary, AB.
Custodial History
As part of the Westman Oral History Collection, this collection was accessioned by the McKee Archives in 1998. The original tapes from the Westman Oral History project were deposited in the Brandon Public Library. Copies of these originals were made by Margaret Pollex of the Brandon University Language Lab at the request of Eileen McFadden, University Archivist in the early 1990s. These copies compose the collection held in the McKee Archives.
Scope and Content
Item is an audiocassette tape containing an interview with A.B. Pernal about the history of St. Hedwig's Parish and Polish immigration. The interviewer is Betty Gibson.
Notes
History/bio information from the records and the Brandon University website. Description by Christy Henry.
Language Note
English
Audio Tracks
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Shirley Douglas visits the McKee Archives to look at materials conerning her father The Honourable T.C. Douglas. Photograph depicts Ms. Douglas and Tom Mitchell (University Archivist) in the Archives Reading Room, John E. Robbins Library.
Ermina Olive Shier was born on March 24, 1903 in Crandall, MB. She attended school at Carlingville and then Crandall High School, before obtaining her teacher's training at Brandon Normal School. Ermina spent most of her life in Manitoba classrooms. She taught in Oak River, Roblin, Pipestone, and Belmont before going to Brandon in 1928. In 1943, she joined the Women's Royal Canadian Naval Service and was stationed in Halifax and Newfoundland during the remainder of the war. Ermina returned to teaching in Brandon in 1946, and then in 1957, accepted a position on Brooke School Staff, Department of National Defence, at Rivers. She retired from there in 1964, and then spent a year travelling abroad. Upon her return, she settled in Brandon and during the summer enjoyed her cabin at Minnedosa Beach. Ermina belonged to St. John Ambulance Brigade, the Red Cross, was a founding member of the Brandon Business and Professional Club, and also held memberships in the Canadian Club, the Westman Retired Educators' Group and Knox United Church. In retirement, Ermina continued to travel and enjoyed bridge, needlepoint and knitting. She never married. Ermina Shier died on September 19, 1990 in Brandon, MB. She is buried at Crandall Cemetery.
Custodial History
As part of the Westman Oral History Collection, this collection was accessioned by the McKee Archives in 1998. The original tapes from the Westman Oral History project were deposited in the Brandon Public Library. Copies of these originals were made by Margaret Pollex of the Brandon University Language Lab at the request of Eileen McFadden, University Archivist in the early 1990s. These copies compose the collection held in the McKee Archives.
Scope and Content
Item is an audiocassette tape containing an interview with Ermina Shier about education in rural Manitoba and at Earl Haig School in Brandon, MB. Interviewer is Lillian Mummery.
Notes
History/bio information from the records, the Crandall local history "The Chronicles of Crandall" and Shier's obituary. Description by Christy Henry.
Language Note
English
Audio Tracks
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Mary Estelle McGregor (nee Spence) was born on December 11, 1900 on the family farm near Waskada, MB. She attended Princess School before attending Winnipeg Normal School. Upon graduation, Stella taught at Bidford, Princess and Mimosa schools, as well as in Waskada. Stella married Norman George McGregor (1898-1991) on December 6, 1927. Together the had four sons, three who lived to adulthood: Leslie, Robert and George. The family farmed in the Waskada area. Estelle McGregor died on September 27, 2003 in Deloraine, MB. She is buried at Waskada Cemetery.
Custodial History
As part of the Westman Oral History Collection, this collection was accessioned by the McKee Archives in 1998. The original tapes from the Westman Oral History project were deposited in the Brandon Public Library. Copies of these originals were made by Margaret Pollex of the Brandon University Language Lab at the request of Eileen McFadden, University Archivist in the early 1990s. These copies compose the collection held in the McKee Archives.
Scope and Content
Item is an audiocassette tape containing an interview with Estelle McGregor about her life and history in the Waskada area, 1881-1983. Interviewer is Roberta Poole.
Notes
History/bio information from the records, the Crandall local history "The Sequel to Waskada Memories" and McGregor's obituary. Description by Christy Henry.
Language Note
English
Audio Tracks
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Esther Elizabeth Short (nee Hyndman) was born on November 15,1887 at Mountain, Dundas County, ON. After teaching for two years, she came to Manitoba to visit her brothers in 1908, subsequently teaching in the McConnell and Upland areas before marrying George Short (1875-1956) in 1911. The couple had four children: Hazel, Clara, Muriel and Lawrence. Esther and George farmed in the Pettapiece district until 1946. They then spent several years in British Columbia before retiring to Rivers in 1951. Esther moved to Brandon in 1975. She was a member of the Zion WMS and Ladies Aid, secretary-treasurer of Birtle Presbytery, a member of Medina School Board, and later belonged to the Rivers WI and Rebeccas. Esther Short died on June 12, 1987 in Brandon, MB. She is buried at Pettapiece Cemetery.
Custodial History
As part of the Westman Oral History Collection, this collection was accessioned by the McKee Archives in 1998. The original tapes from the Westman Oral History project were deposited in the Brandon Public Library. Copies of these originals were made by Margaret Pollex of the Brandon University Language Lab at the request of Eileen McFadden, University Archivist in the early 1990s. These copies compose the collection held in the McKee Archives.
Scope and Content
Item is an audiocassette tape containing an interview with Esther Short about her early teaching experiences in Ontario and Manitoba, as well as life on an early Manitoba farm. Interviewer is Isabelle Heeney.
Notes
History/bio information from the records and Short's obituary. Description by Christy Henry.
Language Note
English
Audio Tracks
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Eva Nelson (nee Harrison) was born on July 5, 1896 in Killarney, MB. Raised in Holmfield, MB where her family owned and operated a mill, Eva married Mark Nelson (1888-1946) on July 4, 1917, in Turtle Mountain. The couple farmed at Dry River, MB and raised three children: Iva, Enid and Merton. Eva Nelson died on August 9, 1989 in Pilot Mound, MB. She is buried at Greenwood Cemetery.
Custodial History
As part of the Westman Oral History Collection, this collection was accessioned by the McKee Archives in 1998. The original tapes from the Westman Oral History project were deposited in the Brandon Public Library. Copies of these originals were made by Margaret Pollex of the Brandon University Language Lab at the request of Eileen McFadden, University Archivist in the early 1990s. These copies compose the collection held in the McKee Archives.
Scope and Content
Item is an audiocassette tape containing an interview with Eva Nelson about Holmfield Village, 1895-1910. Interviewer is Amy Harrison.
Notes
History/bio information from the records, the Find a Grave website and Nelson's obituary. Transcript by Hayley McCaskill (2023). Description by Christy Henry.
Language Note
English
Audio Tracks
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Evelina "Sinc" Adams (nee Sinclair) was born on November 22, 1898 at Shoal Lake, MB. She grew up in Rossburn, and then in 1918 moved to Neepawa to train as a registered nurse. She nursed on and off in hospital and care homes until retiring in 1968. Sinc married William R. Adams (1898-1988) on November 29, 1922 and together they raised four children - Florence, Margaret, John and William - on the family farm west of Neepawa. The couple moved into town in 1944, and ceased farming in 1970. Sinc was active in the community as a member of the United Church, a Red Cross supporter, a school trustee and a life time member of the Beautiful Plains Museum and the Porphyria Foundation. She enjoyed curling, golf and family history and was a long time member of the Anemone Rebekah Lodge #23. She was awarded the Decloration of Chivalry, the highest honor a member can receive. Evelina Adams died on December 13, 1990 in Neepawa, MB. She is buried at Riverside Cemetery.
Custodial History
As part of the Westman Oral History Collection, this collection was accessioned by the McKee Archives in 1998. The original tapes from the Westman Oral History project were deposited in the Brandon Public Library. Copies of these originals were made by Margaret Pollex of the Brandon University Language Lab at the request of Eileen McFadden, University Archivist in the early 1990s. These copies compose the collection held in the McKee Archives.
Scope and Content
Item is an audiocassette tape containing an interview with Evelina Adams about nursing as a career. Interviewer is Dorothy P. Martin.
Notes
History/bio information from the records and Adams' obituary. Description by Christy Henry.
Language Note
English
Audio Tracks
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Ethel Elizabeth Mary Allen (nee Baker) was born on June 30, 1915 on Springhill Farm in the RM of Rosedale. She attended Springhill School and Neepawa Collegiate. An accomplished pianist, she formed a band with her brothers and together they played many dances. Ethel married William Allen (1902-1964) in June 1938 and together they had one son, Larry. Following the marriage, the couple lived in the residence at Howden elevator where Bill was the elevator agent for the Ogilvie company. Ethel helped Bill with bookkeeping. When Bill died, Ethel moved to Neepawa, where she worked for the Osborone Senior Citizens Home for a number of years. A long time member of the Order of the Eastern Star, Naomi Chapter No. 11, Ethel enjoyed curling, sewing and travel. Ethel Allen died on May 14, 2001 in Neepawa, MB. She is buried at Riverside Cemetery.
Custodial History
As part of the Westman Oral History Collection, this collection was accessioned by the McKee Archives in 1998. The original tapes from the Westman Oral History project were deposited in the Brandon Public Library. Copies of these originals were made by Margaret Pollex of the Brandon University Language Lab at the request of Eileen McFadden, University Archivist in the early 1990s. These copies compose the collection held in the McKee Archives.
Scope and Content
Item is an audiocassette tape containing an interview with Ethel Allen about the history of the Potter-Baker Centennial Farm. Interviewer is Isabelle Heeney.
Notes
History/bio information from the records and the local history "The Beautiful Plains Story, 1983-2008." Transcript by Sarah Gerdis-Filipchuk (2023). Description by Christy Henry.
Language Note
English
Audio Tracks
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Faith Ellen Flay (nee Willis) was born on September 17, 1884 in Little Burn, Devonshire, England. Faith married William Frederick Flay (1877-1965) in Tiverton, Devon on December 26, 1906 and together they had two children: Winnifred Ellen and William George. She immigrated to Canada with her children in 1916 to join her husband who had come to Canada in 1913. The family lived in many communities in southern Manitoba - Deloraine, Clearwater, Whitewater, Boissevain, Hartney and Brandon - where William farmed and worked for the railroad. Faith took her midwife training in Britain and continued to work as a midwife in Manitoba, working closely with Dr. Buchanan (Deloraine) and Dr. Corbett (Crystal City). Faith Flay died on Septebmer 22, 1985 in Brandon, MB. She is buried at Riverside Cemetery.
Custodial History
As part of the Westman Oral History Collection, this collection was accessioned by the McKee Archives in 1998. The original tapes from the Westman Oral History project were deposited in the Brandon Public Library. Copies of these originals were made by Margaret Pollex of the Brandon University Language Lab at the request of Eileen McFadden, University Archivist in the early 1990s. These copies compose the collection held in the McKee Archives.
Scope and Content
Item is an audiocassette tape containing an interview with Faith Flay about pioneering to Canada. Interviewer is Hazel Rose.
Notes
History/bio information from the records and Flay's obituary. Description by Christy Henry.
Language Note
English
Audio Tracks
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