William Currie was born on February 28, 1834 in Lanark County, ON. In 1860, he moved to St. Mary's, where he worked in mercantile and grain businesses until 1879, when he emigrated to Manitoba. The following year, he took up homesteading along the Assiniboine River, at a site known as Currie's Landing. He received and forwarded frieght from steamboats travelling the river. From 1893-1902, he served as baliff for the Brandon District, before resigning and moving to Brandon where he engaged in the real estate and fire insurance business.
Currie married Ellen Creighton of Blanchard, ON in 1861. Together they had six chrildren: Robert Wilson Currie, Margaret Anne Currie, Harriet Ellen Currie, William James Currie, James Weldon Currie, and Lottie Louise Currie.
William Currie died on March 30, 1931 in Brandon, MB.
Scope and Content
Item is a studio portrait of William Currie.
Notes
History/Bio information taken from the Manitoba Historical Society website (http://www.mhs.mb.ca/docs/people/currie_w.shtml)
Elizabeth Catherine "Betty" Burton (nee Lowe) was born on July 1, 1916 in Clandeboye, MB. A teacher from 1935-1941, Betty became a housewife after her marriage to George William Burton (1909-1979) on September 25, 1941. The couple raised three children, Kathryn, Barbara and Jon, on their farm in the Forrest district. Bill retired from farming in 1979 due to ill health and the couple moved to Brandon. Betty Burton died on January 11, 2014 in Brandon, MB. She 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 Betty Burton about life in a country manse. Interviewer is Isabelle Heeney.
Notes
History/bio information from the records, the Forrest and district local history "Family Trees & Rural Roots" and Burton's obituary. Description by Christy Henry.
Language Note
English
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Postcard was donated to the McKee Archives by Allen Drysdale, archivist at Beautiful Plains Archives in October 2011. Drysdale received the postcard as part of a larger donation to his archives.
Scope and Content
Item is a colour postcard of the A.E. McKenzie Seed Company in Brandon, MB. The postcard was sent to John Dorset, Elphinstone, MB from his brother Sid (?).
Brandon Hardware Co. Ltd. founded in 1882, making it one of Brandon's earliest mercantiles. It was incorporated in 1902, and their location on Rosser Avenue at the corner of 7th Street was constructed in 1903. For a number of years, J.B. Curran was the managing director. The building was destroyed by fire in 1983.
Custodial History
Katy Singleton was given this photo in her role as Heritage Coordinator for the City of Brandon. She transferred it to the McKee Archives in 2013.
Scope and Content
Item is a photograph of of the interior of the Brandon Hardware Co. Ltd. looking towards the front of the store from the back.
Brandon Hardware Co. Ltd. founded in 1882, making it one of Brandon's earliest mercantiles. It was incorporated in 1902, and their location on Rosser Avenue at the corner of 7th Street was constructed in 1903. For a number of years, J.B. Curran was the managing director. The building was destroyed by fire in 1983.
Custodial History
Katy Singleton was given this photo in her role as Heritage Coordinator for the City of Brandon. She transferred it to the McKee Archives in 2013.
Scope and Content
Item is a photograph of of the interior of the Brandon Hardware Co. Ltd. looking towards the back of the store from the front.
Postcard was sent to Chuck Wilson's aunt, Mrs. W.M. Wilson in Creelman, SK by the McKenzie Seed Company in 1912. Chuck Wilson found the postcard in some of his aunt's papers in 2009 and mailed it to the McKee Archives.
Scope and Content
Item consists of a colour postcard of the McKenzie Seed Company building located on the west side of the 100 block of 9th Street. The card was sent to Mrs. W.M. Wilson of Creelman, SK to acknowledge her order.
Writing on the front of the card reads: A.E. McKenzie Co., Limited, Seedsmen, Brandon, Man
Gustave Bellegro “Gus” Yaeger was born on July 10, 1878 at Genoa, Italy. The son of Swiss parents, he immigrated to the United States, working in West Virginia then North Dakota before arriving in Brandon, MB in 1910. He worked at various jobs before opening Yaeger's Furs, a fur-coat factory and retail store at 602 Rosser Avenue, in 1919.
Yaeger married Sarah Ellen Williams (1883-1966) of Big Rock, Idaho in 1907. They had two children: Karl Williams Yaeger (1908-1975) and Barbara Yaeger (m. H.H. Ricketts).
Gus Yaeger died on March 25, 1942 in Brandon, MB. His son carried on the business after his death before selling it to one of the managers in 1969.
The Dionne quintuplets, born May 28, 1934, were the first quintuplets known to have survived their infancy. They were born just outside Callandar, ON.
Scope and Content
Item is a photograph of the Yaeger's Furs Dionne quintuplets Christmas window display. The display features five dolls dressed in fur coats and bonnets, a framed photo of Gus Yaeger, a Christmas tree and a cardboard Santa.
Notes
History/Bio information taken from the Manitoba Historical Society website (http://www.mhs.mb.ca/docs/people/yaeger_gb.shtml)
Guy Masson "Bay" Smith was born on June 7, 1899 in Glenboro, MB. He graduated from Glenboro High School and then relieved his father in the post office while the latter served on a Military Tribunal. Bay enlisted with the Royal Air Force in 1918. For a short time he was the manager of a cream buying station in Glenboro before moving to Corning, SK in 1924, where he was an agent for Imperial Oil. In 1929, Bay returned to Glenboro to take over the Post Office duties from his mother, Elizabeth Alice Smith. Smith was appointed postmaster in 1950, and continued in that position until he retired in 1965. Under his leadership, a new post office was built in 1954; upon his retirement he sold the Smith Block and Post Office building. Smith married Mayme McKnight (1899-1977) in December 1923 and together they raised two children: Tannys and Robert.
Bay was active in community life. He was a charter member of the local Kiwanis Club and a member of the Masonic Lodge. He served long tenures on the Rink Committee, the Glenboro branch of the Red Cross and the Glenboro Board of Trade. He was a past president of the Junior and Senior Bands, was Secretary of the South Cypress Centennial Committee, and treasurer of the annual Fun Fair. He was a founding member of and helped design the local course at the Glenboro Golf Club. Bay Smith died on September 16, 1997 in Glenboro, MB.
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 Bay Smith about his family history, his life and career and his community involvement in the town of Glenboro. The interviewer is Irene Brown.
Notes
History/bio information from the records, the Glenboro local history "Beneath the long grass" and Smith's obituary. Description by Christy Henry.
Language Note
English
Conservation
Preservation copy made 2021 (R. Hess)
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Hazel B. Smith was born on May 14, 1906 in Toronto, ON and moved to a farm south of Carberry with her family when she was 2 years old. The family then moved to Arizona, MB, then back to Carberry while she was quite young. Hazel attended country school and then school in Carberry. She took nurses training at Winnipeg General Hospital but was unable to finish her second year due to health problems. Although unable to complete her training, Hazel helped with maternity cases and did some home nursing after returning to Carberry in the 1930s. In the years after the Second World War she worked in a doctor's office. She also worked at the Children's Hospital (BC?), a logger's hospital at Alert Bay, spent two years at Fox Memorial Hospital, then moved to Sioux Lookout. Upon returning to Manitoba she worked with the Inuit and then spent nine years at Grace Hospital after she and her mother settled in Selkirk, MB. Arthritis forced her to change occupations and in 1967 Hazel was hired as custodian for the then new Carberry Library. She retired in 1969, and was replaced by Audrey Harburn. Hazel never married. Hazel Smith died on May 3, 1996 in Winnipeg, MB. She is buried at the family plot in Carberry, MB.
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 Hazel Smith about her life as a nurse and library clerk. Interviewer is Audrey Harburn.
Notes
History/bio information from the records and Smith's obituary. Description by Christy Henry.
Language Note
English
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Margaret Winnifred Smith (nee Scarrow) was born November 7, 1902 in Rathwell, MB. She took her schooling at Rathwell and became a telephone operator. She then went to Vancouver and then back to Winnipeg where she received comptometer instruction at Success Business College. Following her studies, she worked at Speirs-Parnell (which became Westons). Whilie in Winnipeg she joined the United Church Central Congregational Choir and the CNR Choral Society. She met Henry Bernard "Harry" Smith (?-1974) at Speirs-Parnell and they were married in 1928. They had no children.
When Harry joined the RCAF in 1939, Margaret went with him to Vancouver and then Saskatoon. They were living in Ladner, BC at the end of the Second World War. While in Saskatoon Margaret was president of the Airmen's Wive Group, and a member of Knox United Church choir. In ladner she was choir leader in the United Church. In 1945, the couple moved to Neepawa, where Harry started a business with Fred Anderson called Smith and Anderson Radio Electric. In Neepawa, Margaret joined the United Church choir, was president of the Missionary Society and the Business & Professional Women's Club, and a member of UCW. Margaret Smith died on January 26, 1999 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 Margaret Smith about her life story and that of her husband, Harry. Interviewer is Winnie Cheetham.
Notes
History/bio information from the records, the Neepawa local history "Heritage," and Smith's obituary. Description by Christy Henry.
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Vella May Smith (nee McLean) was born on November 25, 1900 in Golden Stream, MB. She attended Golden Stream School. She was briefly employed as a stenographer for the Bank of Montreal before marring Guildord James Smith (1887-1961) in Gladstone in 1922. The couple lived in Gladstone until 1924, when they moved to the Lidstone district. On the farm, they raised four children: James Alexander, Nina, Sheila and Irene. In 1957, Vella took a position as a cook in Flin Flon, then in 1959 she began working as a cook for the CNR. She remained in that position until 1961. Vella retired in 1965. Vella enjoyed music, particularly playing the piano, gardening, sewing, and was a skilled horsewoman. In her early years, she acted as a community nurse. She was a member of the Lidstone Women's Institute and the Merry Mixers senior's group. Vella Smith died on December 31, 1991 in Swan River, MB. She is buried at Birchwood 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 Vella Smith about growing up in the Village of Golden Stream. Interviewer is Betty Gibson.
Notes
History/bio information from the records and Smith's obituary. Description by Christy Henry.
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Robert Alexander Smith was born on March 25, 1901 at Madford-Ingelow, MB. He attended Matheson school and farmed in the Ingelow district. The family farm, 2-12-17, was sold in 1951, and Robert moved to Winnipeg where he was employed with the International Harvester Company and Triange Auto Supply. Robert met Martha Buchanon Thorburn (1917-2010) when they were both Scout leaders and actively involved with Chalmers United Church in Winnipeg. The couple married in 1955, and together they had one son, Alexander. Robert and Martha retired in 1971, and moved to Douglas, MB. Robert Smith died on November 30, 1983 in Brandon, MB. He is buried at Carberry Plains 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 Robert Smith about the early days at 2-12-17. Interviewer is Blair Loree.
Notes
History/bio information from the records, the Douglas local history "Echoes of A Century," and the obituaries for Robert and Martha Smith. Description by Christy Henry.
Audio Tracks
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The Brandon Armoury is located at the southwest corner of Victoria Avenue and 11th Street.
Custodial History
Donated by Ron Brown.
Scope and Content
Photograph is a portrait of the Royal North-West Mounted Police C squadron returned from World War I. The photo was taken at the Brandon Armoury where the squadron was housed before being restationed.
Notes
Information on the photo was taken from G.F. Barker's Brandon: A City (p. 200).
St. Paul's Presbyterian Church, which became St. Paul's United Church, and then Central United Church was located at 327 8th Street in Brandon, MB. The original church was destroyed by fire in 1986.
Scope and Content
Photograph shows the interior of the St. Paul's Presbyterian Church in Brandon, MB.
Notes
History/Bio information provided by Jim Stettner, Organ Historical Society Database (2022).
View is looking east southeast. Photograph shows the Western Manitoba Centennial Auditorium (WMCA) under construction. There are two signs in the foreground. One lists the names of the architectural firm, the engineers, contractiors and subcontractors involved with the project. The other reads: Site of Western Manitoba's 100 Centennial Project New Auditorium
John Hanbury came to Brandon in January 1882. For the next decade he operated a contracting business, constructing several Brandon buildings including the post office, the Merchants Block, and the General Hospital. In 1892, Hanbury founded the Hanbury Manufacturing Company. The most important industry in Brandon from 1900-1914, Hanbury’s employed over 150 men in logging, lumbering and the manufacturing of doors, windows, furniture and other house fixtures.
With offices, a warehouse and lumber mill on either side of Assiniboine Avenue at 6th Street North, Hanbury’s relied on timber from northern forests that was moved, raft-like, down river by drivers. Cabinets, furniture and other millwork was sold out of the Hanbury Hardware Co. building on 7th Street and Pacific Avenue. John Hanbury left Brandon in 1910, although his son continued to operate the business until World War I.
Residential buildings were constructed on the company lands on Assiniboine Avenue west of 6th Street North in the late 1920s; the building east of 6th Street was used first as the Christie’s School Supplies warehouse (1929-1939) and then by successive woollen mills (1941-1991). A portion of what appears to be the original building currently stands vacant on the site. The hardware building on Pacific Avenue has been primarily used by the Government Liquor Control Commission (1929-1971) and Christie’s School Supplies, now Christie’s Office Plus (early 1940s – present).
Custodial History
Photos belonged to Jim Lanigan's family. He donated them to the McKee Archives in January 2017.
Scope and Content
Item is a photograph of the Hanbury Mfg Co. buildings on Assinboine Avenue - photo is looking northeast
Notes
Jim Lanigan and his siblings beleived that Hanbury Manufacturing Company is where their paternal grandfather James Joseph Lanigan worked and learned the glazing trade. James Joseph's father James and brother Albert Daniel may have also worked there. Both Joe and Bert went to work for the CPR in Brandon in 1898. Jim Lanigan could not identify any family members in the group portrait.
John Hanbury came to Brandon in January 1882. For the next decade he operated a contracting business, constructing several Brandon buildings including the post office, the Merchants Block, and the General Hospital. In 1892, Hanbury founded the Hanbury Manufacturing Company. The most important industry in Brandon from 1900-1914, Hanbury’s employed over 150 men in logging, lumbering and the manufacturing of doors, windows, furniture and other house fixtures.
With offices, a warehouse and lumber mill on either side of Assiniboine Avenue at 6th Street North, Hanbury’s relied on timber from northern forests that was moved, raft-like, down river by drivers. Cabinets, furniture and other millwork was sold out of the Hanbury Hardware Co. building on 7th Street and Pacific Avenue. John Hanbury left Brandon in 1910, although his son continued to operate the business until World War I.
Residential buildings were constructed on the company lands on Assiniboine Avenue west of 6th Street North in the late 1920s; the building east of 6th Street was used first as the Christie’s School Supplies warehouse (1929-1939) and then by successive woollen mills (1941-1991). A portion of what appears to be the original building currently stands vacant on the site. The hardware building on Pacific Avenue has been primarily used by the Government Liquor Control Commission (1929-1971) and Christie’s School Supplies, now Christie’s Office Plus (early 1940s – present).
Custodial History
Photos belonged to Jim Lanigan's family. He donated them to the McKee Archives in January 2017.
Scope and Content
Item is a group portrait of Hanbury Manufacturing Company employees.
Notes
Jim Lanigan and his siblings beleived that Hanbury Manufacturing Company is where their paternal grandfather James Joseph Lanigan worked and learned the glazing trade. James Joseph's father James and brother Albert Daniel may have also worked there. Both Joe and Bert went to work for the CPR in Brandon in 1898. Jim Lanigan could not identify any family members in the group portrait.
The Brandon Armoury was built in 1907. The extension on the southside was built in 1937.
Custodial History
The photograph was donated to the Archives by Cy Kenny in 2005.
Scope and Content
Photograph is looking northwest from the east side of 11th Street. It shows the back and east side of the Brandon Armoury, which is located on the at 1116 Victoria Avenue.
Photograph shows a public reception for the Governor General of Canada, HRH the Duke of Connaught during a visit to Brandon, MB. The reception was held on Princess Avenue at City Hall. The photograph is looking southwest from the north side of Princess Avenue. The building in the background is the recently constructed Prince Edward Hotel.
There is staining from the top left corner towards the centre of the image.
Custodial History
Jack Stothard purchased the image at a yard sale, location unknown. He donated it to the Archives in 2006.
Scope and Content
Photograph of a public reception for the Governor General of Canada, HRH the Duke of Connaught. The reception was held in fromt of the Brandon City Hall, which was located at 9th Street and Princess Avenue. The photograph is looking south southeast. A portion of the recently constructed Prince Edward Hotel is visible in the background.
