Peter M Martens was born on August 22, 1909 in Zaporizka, Ukraine. He came to Canada with his parents, grandfather and brothers in 1926, when the Russian government made it impossible for Mennonites to enjoy religious freedom. Peter married Margaret Unger (1912-2003) on November 17, 1935 and together they had five sons: Henry, Jacob, Peter, Walter and Arthur. Peter farmed, first with his parents, then at 9-1-16, then at 21-1-16. He and Margaret retired to the village of Lena in 1968. Peter Martens died on October 19, 1990 in Killarney, MB. He is buried at Killarney and District 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 Peter Martens about life in Russia and early Canada. Interviewer is Mervin Smerl.
Notes
History/bio information from the records and the Killarney-Turtle Mountain local history "Reflections: 1882-1982." Description by Christy Henry.
Audio Tracks
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Item is a mini-chapbook entitled "Moonfires" by Peter Baltensperger. It is series 1, number 5 of the Dollarpoems series. The series was published by Pierian Press, Brandon University.
Photograph shows the McGuinness home in a new housing development in Medicine Hat, 492 6th Street Northeast. Aerial view shows that neighbouring blocks have yet to be constructed and the backyard to the McGuinness home is completed.
A typed label has been taped to the back of the photograph. No other degredation observed. ST/2016
Custodial History
Photograph sent to Fred McGuinness from the Winnipeg Free Press Photo Department
Scope and Content
Photograph shows an elderly man hammering on an anvil in a Blacksmith's shop. A wooden sign on the chimney above the fire reads: The Blacksmith JP Friesen.
Notes
Photograph was collected during the research phase of the monograph "Manitoba: The Province & The People" (1987) written by Fred McGuinness and Ken Coates.
Writing on the back of the photograph reads: Blacksmith John Peter Friesen of Grunthal flattens a piece of iron fresh out of the forge at the Thresherman's [sic.] Reunion in Austin Thursday. July 24/86 dirk.
John Peters was born on November 7, 1918 in Hague, SK. He moved to the Broodkale area in 1941, and then the Minnedosa area. Hazel Sayward was born on January 5, 1929 in Brandon, MB. Her family lived on a farm northeast of Moore Park. Hazel attended school in Moore Park, then in the Brookdale district but eventually quit school to help on the farm. John and Hazel married in November 1943, and together they had two children: Connie and Perry. The couple farmed in the Oberon district, then moved to Duddenhoffer farm, which later became part of the Langford Community Pasture. They managed the government pasture from 1948-1979. Hazel and John then retired on their own farm beside the community pasture. John Peters died on January 21, 2011. Hazel Peters died on January 14, 1917. The are both 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 John and Helen Peters about community pasture life in Langford and Lansdowne. Interviewer is Dorothy Martin.
Notes
History/bio information from the records, the Broodkale local history "Quest in Roots," and Hazel Peters' obituary. Description by Christy Henry.
Audio Tracks
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Photograph shows a young Fred McGuinness wearing a three-piece suit and gadsby cap as he stands in front of the lilac bushes in front of his family home.
Frederick Clayton Courtice was born on Septebmer 7, 1901 in Wawanesa, MB. Raised in Brandon, he attended Alexander, King George, and Central schools, as well as Brandon Collegiate Institute (BCI). He began his career as a bookkeeper in the Merchants Bank in 1916, later becoming an accountant in the Bank of Montreal. He then worked as the office manager for Frank Massin for twenty-one years, before resigning due to his health. Frank then formed a partnership with Clarence Baker as farm dealers for Imperial Oil. He remained with this business until 1954. He served one term (1955-1956) as an alderman on the Brandon City Council, and then became the manager of the Wheat City Arena. Starting in 1957, when the city took over operations of the public transit system, he became the first manager of the Brandon transit department. In retirement, Fred focused on woodwworking, especialy building grandfather clocks. Fred served on the Brandon housing and parking authority, as well as the Brandon University Board of Governers. He was a charter member of the Brandon Kinsmen Club, which was founded in 1925, a member of the Navy League during World War II, and a member of the Masonic Lodge for over sixty years. Fred married Thelma Irene Smith (1903-1976) in 1925 and together they had three children: James, Noel and Norma Elaine. Fred Courtice died on September 3, 1987 in Brandon, MB. He is buried at Brandon Municipal 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 Fred Courtice about his life story and the early days of Brandon. Subjects include: early places, people and busiensses, such as Reesors, Sifton house, Senator Kirkhoffer's home, Billie Muir's store, the construction of the Prince Edward Hotel, Caledonian rink, Trotter Brothers, Massin's, various hotels; the street railway; prohibition; the Brandon Electric Light Company; and more. The interviewer is Terry Penton.
Notes
History/bio information from the records, and Courtice's obituary. Description by Christy Henry.
Language Note
English
Conservation
Preservation copy made 2021 (R. Hess)
Audio Tracks
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Photograph shows a young Fred McGuinness standing on the running board of an automobile. He is wearing a sailor costume with a hat that reads H.M.S. Natal?
