James Forsythe and a drama student in Introduction to Theatre II chat in front of a poster advertising a production (Agatha Christie) of the Brandon University Drama Society. The photograph was taken in the Elephant Room, formerly the Studio Theatre of the Drama building.
Dr. Evans was born in Nanaimo, B.C. on March 15, 1891. In the fall of 1907, at the age of sixteen, Dr. Evans entered the Academic Department of Brandon College. He played an integral part at the College, participating in academics, sports, and various other college functions and organizations. In his final year he was Senior Stick, the highest position in the Student Government. In 1913, Dr. Evans graduated from Brandon College. Immediately after graduation he was hired to teach Science and Academic Mathematics. In 1917, he became Principal of the Academic Department, while continuing to teach Mathematics and Science. Dr. Evans took leave in 1920 to study post graduate work at the University of Chicago. During the summers, he was the Acting Dean of the Department of Geology in Chicago. He received his Ph.D. in Geology in 1923, and returned to Brandon College. His new positions at the college were of Professor of Geology and Resident Master. He also taught some Chemistry.
On August 1, 1927, Dr. Evans married Adelene M. Bailey (Class of 1921, Music 1924) at the Joseph Bond Chapel in Chicago. He took over as College Dean in 1928 after the position became vacant. In September of 1928, Dr. Evans accepted the position of President of Brandon College, thus becoming its fifth president since the college’s inception. Dr. Evans was head of the college at a very difficult time. He guided the College through the Depression and repeated threats of closure from the Baptists. Dr. Evans resurrected the Department of Theology in the mid-1930’s. He helped with the reorganization of Brandon College as a non-denominational college in 1938, and its new affiliation with the University of Manitoba. During World War II, Dr. Evans started a War Emergency Fund, aimed at keeping the College from sinking into debt during the war years as enrollment shrank. With increased financial support from the government, Dr. Evans began expansion plans for the College. In 1958, he created the Dr. J.R.C. Evans Student Loan Fund in conjunction with the Alumni Association in order to provide worthy students with interest-free loans. It was also in 1958 that Dr. Evans was awarded the Queen Elizabeth Coronation Medal for his outstanding contribution to education in the British Commonwealth.
On July 29, 1959, Dr. Evans died suddenly at his summer home in Robson, B.C.. On his desk was the programme for the sod-turning ceremony for the new Arts and Library Building and Lecture Theatre. When it was completed, the Lecture Theatre was christened the Dr. J.R.C. Evans Lecture Theatre on behalf of the man who had made sure that it would be built. The Theatre had been his dream, a place to hold Chapel and Assemblies, as the student body grew in number.
Scope and Content
Photograph is a portrait of John Robert Charles Evans, Brandon College student, faculty member and president.
Notes
Information that accompanies the photograph reads: John Robert Charles Evans. Born 1891 in Nanaimo, BC. Died 1959 in Brandon, MB. President of Brandon College 1928-1959. Professor of Geology 1923-1959. Instructor, Academic Dept 1913-1920. Note: Evans actually died in Robson, B.C. not in Brandon, MB. History/Bio information copied from the Brandon College fonds finding aid.
Photograph shows the concrete floor and support beams, prior to interior wall construction, for one of the floors in Clark Hall and the Brandon College Building.
Mansfield's Western Shop was located on the corner of 6th Street and Princess Avenue at 603 Princess Avenue. The business appears to have been opened in 1966 by Ed and Jessie Mansfield. The shop was originally owened by Norman D. Moore and was called Moore's Western Shop. According to the Henderson's Brandon City Directory Mansfield's was relocated several times during its ownership. In 1967 Mansfields was reloacted to 737 11th Street, by 1973 had relocated again to 731 Princess Avenue and remained there until at least 1984. Mansfield's Western Shop had moved to it's final location at 1130 18th Street by 1988. Once Ed and Jessie retired the shop was taken over by their sons Les and Lyle Mansfield. Les and Lyle closed the store when they retired in 2015. Presently (2020) the H&Co Acadamy building stands where the original Mansfields Western Shop stood on 6th Street.
Custodial History
See Fonds level description for custodial history
Scope and Content
Image of the interior of Mansfield's Western Shop. The image is of a man standing behind the counter in dressed in a western style. The man could possibly be Ed Mansfield. There are various items displayed around the counter including: saddles, tack, figurines, clothing and hand bags. Above him is a sign that reads "Mansfield's Western Shop 603 Princess Ave. Brandon".
Notes
Hisotry/Bio information taken from Henderson's Directories. Description by Jillian Combs.