Mrs. McVicar was Brandon's/Grand Valley's first postmistress. Biographical details about Mrs. McVicar can be found in a newspaper clipping [F.A. ROSSER, “Sunbeams – The Birds Dived Down Like Fighters on Gopher,” Brandon Sun, September 16, 1978, 3] in McG 4.1 File 67.
Custodial History
Photograph was brought to Fred McGuinness by Owen Anderson of Cypress River, Manitoba.
Scope and Content
Photograph is a portrait of Mrs. McVicar sitting outside of her home in Texas.
Notes
Writing on the back of the photograph consists of greetings and salutations to the unknown recipients. Photograph "finished by Edrington's Studio, Weslaco, Texas."
Photograph is bent and torn. Adhesive residue remains on back of photograph.
History / Biographical
Agnes Miller Chalmers (nee Gilmour) (b. 13 Oct 1864; d. 10 Nov 1954, Brandon) immigrated to Canada from Scotland with her husband in 1882. The couple settled in Brandon, Manitoba, where they had nine children: Edward Thomas, Catharine "Kate" (a.k.a. Kate Harden), Samuel, John, Agnes, Frederick, twins Lawrence and Ernest, and Edna.
Her husband, Edward (b. 04 Dec 1858, Leith, Scotland; d. 08 Oct 1926, Brandon), worked as a glazier with a number of shops in Brandon, including McDiarmid and Clark, Rat Portage Lumber Company, and Hanbury Manufacturing Company.
Sources: Canada Census 1911, Manitoba Vital Statistics database, Henderson's Brandon City Directories.
Custodial History
Photograph was given to Fred McGuinness by Linda Bilkoski of Lac du Bonnet, MB.
Scope and Content
Photograph shows an elderly woman in period dress. The woman is sitting outdoors by a wood-framed building.
Notes
Writing on back photograph reads: ?, Ted Harden, ?, Kate Harden. Photograph is stamped Crawford's Drug Store, Brandon, Man. [Date range determined from drug store period.]
Mrs. Hilda Rosa Osmond (nee Bridgeman) was born in Hampshire, England in 1888 to parents Edwin Samuel Bridgeman (b.16 Jul 1852; d. 19 June 1922, Brandon) and Rosa Holkham (b. 26 Mar 1859; d. 27 May 1927, Brandon). Edwin was a sailor and Rosa was a dressmaker.
Following the death of her brother Edwin Frederick Bridgeman (1886-1890), the family immigrated to Canada in 1891. The Bridgeman's took the train to Griswold, Manitoba, and settled near Edwin's brother, Albert Bridgeman, and together they farmed the N 1/2 of 36-12-23. The Bridgeman's had three more children, Ellen Grace (b. 27 Jan 1893; d. 22 Feb 1893), Harry Volantine/Valentine (b. 14 Feb 1894), and Charlie Cuthbert (b. 03 Aug 1896; d. 25 Aug 1901). Mr. and Mrs. Edwin Bridgeman retired in 1913 and moved to Brandon where they lived until their respective deaths. The couple are interred in the Brandon Municipal Cemetery.
Hilda married William Arthur Osmond (b. 1867; d. 26 Oct 1943) of Baisingstoke, England, on 31 Jan 1913. They had a daughter Nellie who later married Glen Mossey. The family continued to farm the property on section 36.
Hilda Rosa Osmond passed away in 1980 at the age of 91. She is interred in the Greenwood Cemetery near Harding, Manitoba, where her husband and siblings also rest.
(Sources: England, Births and Christenings, 1538-1975. Salt Lake City, Utah: FamilySearch, 2013 [online]; Findagrave.com; Harding History Committee, Home to Harding 1879-1981 (Brandon: Leech Printing, 1981; Manitoba Vital Statistics Database)
Custodial History
Photograph given to Fred McGuinness by Burton Strange of Kenton, 25 Nov 1974
Scope and Content
Photograph shows Mrs. Osmond, her daughter Nellie, and her daughter's husband Glen Mossey standing before a vehicle in a farm yard.
Notes
Label accompanying photograph reads: from the right Mrs. Osmond daughter & son in law Glen Mossey & wife
Mrs. Hilda Rosa Osmond (nee Bridgeman) was born in Hampshire, England in 1888 to parents Edwin Samuel Bridgeman (b.16 Jul 1852; d. 19 June 1922, Brandon) and Rosa Holkham (b. 26 Mar 1859; d. 27 May 1927, Brandon). Edwin was a sailor and Rosa was a dressmaker.
Following the death of her brother Edwin Frederick Bridgeman (1886-1890), the family immigrated to Canada in 1891. The Bridgeman's took the train to Griswold, Manitoba, and settled near Edwin's brother, Albert Bridgeman, and together they farmed the N 1/2 of 36-12-23. The Bridgeman's had three more children, Ellen Grace (b. 27 Jan 1893; d. 22 Feb 1893), Harry Volantine/Valentine (b. 14 Feb 1894), and Charlie Cuthbert (b. 03 Aug 1896; d. 25 Aug 1901). Mr. and Mrs. Edwin Bridgeman retired in 1913 and moved to Brandon where they lived until their respective deaths. The couple are interred in the Brandon Municipal Cemetery.
Hilda married William Arthur Osmond (b. 1867; d. 26 Oct 1943) of Baisingstoke, England, on 31 Jan 1913. They had a daughter Nellie who later married Glen Mossey. The family continued to farm the property on section 36.
Hilda Rosa Osmond passed away in 1980 at the age of 91. She is interred in the Greenwood Cemetery near Harding, Manitoba, where her husband and siblings also rest.
(Sources: England, Births and Christenings, 1538-1975. Salt Lake City, Utah: FamilySearch, 2013 [online]; Findagrave.com; Harding History Committee, Home to Harding 1879-1981 (Brandon: Leech Printing, 1981; Manitoba Vital Statistics Database)
Custodial History
Photograph given to Fred McGuinness by Burton Strange of Kenton, 25 Nov 1974
Scope and Content
Photograph shows Mrs. Osmond sitting at a kitchen table with a cup of coffee before her.
Notes
Label accompanying photograph reads: Mrs. Osmond, a resume of the good days over a cup of coffee
Mrs. Hilda Rosa Osmond (nee Bridgeman) was born in Hampshire, England in 1888 to parents Edwin Samuel Bridgeman (b.16 Jul 1852; d. 19 June 1922, Brandon) and Rosa Holkham (b. 26 Mar 1859; d. 27 May 1927, Brandon). Edwin was a sailor and Rosa was a dressmaker.
Following the death of her brother Edwin Frederick Bridgeman (1886-1890), the family immigrated to Canada in 1891. The Bridgeman's took the train to Griswold, Manitoba, and settled near Edwin's brother, Albert Bridgeman, and together they farmed the N 1/2 of 36-12-23. The Bridgeman's had three more children, Ellen Grace (b. 27 Jan 1893; d. 22 Feb 1893), Harry Volantine/Valentine (b. 14 Feb 1894), and Charlie Cuthbert (b. 03 Aug 1896; d. 25 Aug 1901). Mr. and Mrs. Edwin Bridgeman retired in 1913 and moved to Brandon where they lived until their respective deaths. The couple are interred in the Brandon Municipal Cemetery.
Hilda married William Arthur Osmond (b. 1867; d. 26 Oct 1943) of Baisingstoke, England, on 31 Jan 1913. They had a daughter Nellie who later married Glen Mossey. The family continued to farm the property on section 36.
Hilda Rosa Osmond passed away in 1980 at the age of 91. She is interred in the Greenwood Cemetery near Harding, Manitoba, where her husband and siblings also rest.
(Sources: England, Births and Christenings, 1538-1975. Salt Lake City, Utah: FamilySearch, 2013 [online]; Findagrave.com; Harding History Committee, Home to Harding 1879-1981 (Brandon: Leech Printing, 1981; Manitoba Vital Statistics Database)
Custodial History
Photograph given to Fred McGuinness by Burton Strange of Kenton, 25 Nov 1974
Scope and Content
Photograph shows Mrs. Osmond and her dog in front of her tractor that she purchased in 1947.
Notes
Label accompanying photograph reads: Mrs. Osmond tractor & dog
Elizabeth ? Tully was born on November 5, 1873 in Bruce County, ON to John Patrick Tully and Mary Anne Doran. She married William Kenneth MacKenzie (1872-1935) on July 4, 1900 in Strathclair, MB. Together they had at least four children: Kenneth, John, Gladys and Ellenore. Elizabeth MacKenzie died on November 5, 1968 in Los Angeles, California. She is buried at Rapid City Cemtery.
Ellenore Kathleen (Nora) MacKenzie was born on September 13, 1908 on 36-13-19W in the RM of Saskatchewan to Willam MacKenzie and Elizabeth Tully. She was a school teacher at Glanton School Division, Brandon Hills and Riverview School Division between 1928-1935. She returned to the classroom in Brandon in 1953, retiring in 1972. Nora MacKenzie married John (Jack) Lane (1903-1975) on March 14, 1936 in Brandon, MB. Together they had two children: Robert and Anne. Nora and Jack Lane were pioneers in bluebird conservation in the Westman region. Their work began in the 1950s when the birds were approaching endangered species status. In 1975, following Jack's death, Nora helped organize a society in Brandon called 'Friends of the Bluebirds,' a group of citizen volunteers dedicated to the ongoing survival of bluebirds. In 1982, the society established the John and Nora Lane Award, presented annually to those members who have distinguished themselves in the preservation of the bluebird species. In 1984, Nora moved to Toronto to be closer to family. Nora Lane died on July 19, 2004 in Toronto, ON. She is buried at Brandon Municipal Cemetery.
Robert Kenneth Lane was born on February 7, 1937 to Jack Lane and Nora MacKenzie. Bob grew up in Brandon. Early in his career he worked as a meteorologist in Churchill, MB. He completed his PhD in Oceanography at Oregon State University in 1965, and then spent his entire career with the Canadian federal government, retiring as the Western Regional Environmental Protection Director. Bob married Gail Ann Christianson in Vancouver in 1961, and together they had a son, Chris. Robert Lane died on May 5, 2021 in Edmonton, 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 audiocasette tape that contains excerpts from a recording conducted in 1963 with Mrs. W.K. MacKenzie and her grandson Robert Lane. Norah Lane, Mrs. MacKenzie's daugheter, provides comments to clarify some of the excerpts. Interviewer is Marjorie Lange.
Notes
History/bio information from the records, articles about John and Nora Lane in The Brandon Sun, the Find A Grave website, the Manitoba Vital Stats website and Bob Lane's obituary. Manitoba Vital Stats and Find A Grave has the family's last name spelt "McKenzie," while the records spell it "MacKenzie." Description by Christy Henry.
Audio Tracks
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For custodial history see the collection level description of the Lawrence Stuckey collection.
Scope and Content
Gordon Church, President of Combined Provincial Exhibition and Winter Fair Board 1975 - 1977.
Notes
Mr. Stuckey originally placed 32 negatives in one envelope labeled “M – Presidents of Fair Boards 1882 – 1972”; We have separated and renumbered these negatives as M30(1) to M30(32) inclusively; Records of the Provincial Exhibition Association are held in the S.J. McKee Archives (RG2) including photos of board members.
Gordon Alexander Mooney was born on July 31, 1905 in the RM of Wallace. He farmed in the Woodnorth area until 1966, then retired to Virden, MB. In addition to farming, Gordon was reeve of the RM of Pipestone from 1949-1951. In retirement he did volunteer work, acted as a caretaker of public buildings and was assistant to the Trustee of Bankruptcy. Gordon married Sarah Ellen Cook (1903-1931) on December 31, 1929. Ellen died while giving birth to their son, Glenn Edward. Gordon married Elizabeth Muir Torrance (1910-1985) on October 1, 1938, and together they had a daughter, Diane Elizabeth. Gordon Mooney died on August 31, 1987 in Virden, MB. He is buried at Virden 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 Gordon Mooney about "The Mooney's of Woodnorth," a pioneer family. Interviewer is Ola Duncan.
Notes
History/bio information from the records, the local history "Hometown Virden" and Mooney's obituary. Description by Christy Henry.
Language Note
English
Audio Tracks
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William Gordon Patterson was born on January 19, 1901 on 11-7-18 in the Chesley district. He farmed the home farm from 1947 to 1963, then retired to Wawanesa. Gordon married Hannah Jane Bryce (1906-1984) in April 1958. They had no children. Gordon Patterson died on February 22, 1988 in Wawanesa, MB. He is buried at the Patterson family 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 Gordon Patterson about the Chesley Beef Ring (1912-1949), the curling rink, storms in the area and private cemeteries. Interviewer is Elsie Cory.
Notes
History/bio information from the records, the Wawanesa and district local history "Sipiweske" and Patterson's obituary. Description by Christy Henry.
Language Note
English
Audio Tracks
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Gordon Hayes Chalmers was born on September 30, 1893 at Hayfield, MB. In 1903, he came to Brandon. Edna Pearl Smyth was born on July 27, 1900 near Breckenridge Station in the county of Eardley, Quebec. She came west with her parents in 1902 to Carlyle, SK. In 1919, Edna came to Brandon, MB, wherer she took business training and worked as a housekeeper. Edna married Gordon in 1926, and together they raised five children - Jean, Harold, Evelyn, Allen and Dorothy - while farming in the Brandon district at Grand Valley. They retired from farming in 1968, and moved into Brandon. Gordon was a life member of St. Paul's Church and later of Central United Church, where he served as an elder and usher for many years. He was also a long time trustee of the Grand Valley School and served on the Brandon Fair Board.. Edna was also active in the church, where she was a member of the UCW. Gordon Chalmers died on October 14, 1982 in Brandon, MB. Edna Chalmers died on February 7, 1987 in Brandon, MB. They are both buried at Rosewood Memorial Gardens.
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 Gordon Chalmers and Edna Chalmers about family history and early agriculture. Interviewer is Frank Anderson.
Notes
History/bio information from the records and obituaries for the Chalmers. Description by Christy Henry.
Language Note
English
Audio Tracks
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Roy Gordon Coates was born on July 23, 1920 in Brandon, MB. He attended King George, Earl Haig and Central schools in the city. Following school, he began a career with the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) in 1939. Due to illness he was forced to retire in 1979. Roy married Thelma Cunningham (1922-1949) in 1942. In 1952, he married Norma Jean Orser (1932-?) in Souris, MB and together they had a daughter, Brenda Colleen. Roy was a member of the Brotherhood of Railway Clerks, Local 1113, the Orange Lodge, Sons of Ulster No. 1512, St. Paul's United Church, and later First Presbyterian Church where he served as superindent of Sunday school. He enjoyed gof, fishing and music. In retirment he became active with the Hillcrest Adult Day Club. Roy Coates died on July 12, 1985 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 Roy Gordon Coates about the Coates' family association with the CPR. Interviewer is Marjorie Lange.
Notes
History/bio information from the records and Coates' obituary. Description by Christy Henry.
Audio Tracks
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Lillian Velma Mummery was born on November 7, 1901 at Toronto Junction, ON. Her family moved to Brandon shortly after she was born. Attending schools in Brandon, Lillian graduated as a teacher in 1922, and after several years teaching in western Manitoba, she started with the Brandon School Division in 1926. Before her retirement in 1966, Lillian taught at most of the elementary and junior high schools in the city. After her retirement she continued to tutor in Latin and English for many years. Lillian spent time oversears as a member of the Navy Wrens and for a year in England on a teaching exchange. An active member with First Church United, later Central United Church, she also spent considerable time working with St. John Ambulance and travelling. Lillian never married. Lillian Mummery died on August 5, 1994 in Brandon, MB. She is buried at Brandon Municipal Cemetery.
Isabelle Burton Heeney (nee Allan) was born on May 11, 1902 on section 7-11-18 in the RM of Elton, north of Brandon, MB. Initially a public school teacher who taught in Kemnay, Oak Lake, Starbuck and in Brandon at David Livingstone School, Isabelle stayed home after her marriage to Fred Heeney on October 21, 1931. The couple had two children: Dennis and Margaret. Following Fred's retirement, the couple moved to Brandon. Isabelle was active in both community and curch organizations, taking a special interest in the 4-H Club and the Daly House Museum. Isabelle Heeney died on June 2, 1996 in Brandon, MB. She is buried at Brandon Municipal Cemetery.
William Gordon Frazer was born on February 14, 1913 in Winnipeg, MB and raised at Beulah, MB. He received degress from the University of Manitoba (BSc 1934, BEd 1935), then taught at Maple Leaf Collegiate from 1935-1939. In 1939, he married Dorothy Jean Gregory (1912-1990) and together they had two children: Donna and Harold. The family moved to Brandon in 1942, where Gordon taught at Brandon Collegiate Institute (BCI), serving as Vice-Principal (1959-1960) and Principal (1960-1966). He retired from teaching in 1973 from Harrison High School. Gordon was a Mason, a past president and life member of the Brandon Teachers' Association, and a director of the Westman Retired Educators. He was also an adjutant of the 82nd Squadron of the Royal Canadian Air Cadets for twelve years, as well as an active member of Knox United Church, serving as secretary to the Committee of Stewards and as a member of the group responsible for the construction of the new building. For fifteen years Gordon and his wife spent part of their winters in Hawaii. Gordon Frazer died on March 19, 1998 in Brandon, MB. He is buried at Rosewood Memorial Gardens.
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 Lillian Mummery, Isabelle Heeney and Gordon Fraser about the history of Brandon Collegiate Institute, 1908-1974. The interviewer is Effie McPhail.
Notes
History/bio information from the records and obituaries for the interviewees. Description by Christy Henry.
Language Note
English
Conservation
Preservation copy made 2021 (R. Hess)
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