James Cowan was born on May 26,1884 in Archie Municipality. He attended school at Le Claire and Cherry Grove and later farmed southeast of Mcauley, MB. Jim married Caroline (Lena) Willamina Johnson (1887-1965) in 1914, and together they had five children: Marjorie, Helen, Archibald, Elmer and Clarence. James Cowan died in December 1982. He is buried at Elkhorn 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 a narration by Jim Cowan of his life story.
Notes
History/bio information from the records, the Find A Grave website and Ancestry.ca. Transcript by Tanner Garnham. Description by Christy Henry.
Language Note
English
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Ada Joanne Titus (nee Graham) was born on January 24, 1940 in Wellwood, MB. Joanne married John (Jack) Sidney Titus (1918-1995) on October 7, 1961 in Wellwood. They had two children together - Michelle and Vonn - and also raised Jack's three children from his first marriage, Gerry, Karen and Kim. Jack served the Wellwood community as grocer and postmaster for 30 years, retiring in 1982. His father was postmaster before him. Joanne was a teacher, who began her career at Dempsey school, continued to Wellwood and Brookdale, and then spent 23 years at RJ Waugh School in Carberry. She retired in 1999. Joanne enjoyed travel, music and dance, and was a member of the Spud City Cloggers. She was an acitive community member within the Presbyterian Church, Guild and Choir, Wellwood Community Club, Trans Canada Trail, and the Carberry Public Library. Joanne Titus died on September 28, 2016 in Medicine Hat, 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 Joanne Titus sabout the history and closing of Wellwood Post Office. Interviewer is Jessie Whyte.
Notes
History/bio information from the records and the obituaries for Jack and Joanne Titus. The records list Joanne's birthdate as January 24, 1940. The obituary lists only the year as 1941. Transcript by Riise Dunseath (2023). Description by Christy Henry.
Language Note
English
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John Duncan McDonald was born on April 30, 1893 in Brandon, MB. He attended Winterton and Basswood schools. John married Margaret Emily Greer (1894-1980) in the Greer home in the Moline district in 1917. Together they had four children: Sadie Julia Elva, Robert James, John Elmer and Roy Peter. From 1919-1965, he farmed at Basswood, MB on SW 36-14-20. John McDonald died on January 11, 1989. He is buried at Basswood 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 MacDonald about pioneer farming. Interviewer is Gordon Shanks.
Notes
History/bio information from the records. Transcript by Desiree Glover (2023). Description by Christy Henry.
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Violet Leween Bernice Drysdale (nee Singleton) was born on March 27, 1925 on the farm at SW 32-16-14 in the RM of Landsdowne. She attended Glenholm School for grade school and Arden for high school. During her school years she enjoyed participating in festivals, concerts and sports, especially baseball. Leween taught as a permit teacher at Tobermore and Molesworth schools, and then afte a year at Normal School, she taught as a licensed teacher at Salisbury and Inkerman schools. Leween married Charles M Drysdale (1919-2004) on March 27, 1948. Together they had two children, Arleen and Morris. The couple farmed four miles east of Neepawa, MB for over fifty years. They had a mixed farm with grain, cattle, chickens and a large garden. Leween particularly enjoyed flowers and fruit trees. She was active in the community, belonging to the Union and Salisbury Women's Institute. She sang in the Inkerman United Church Choir, was a 4-H leader for many years, and entered her handiwork and garden produce in local fairs. Following a stroke in 1999, Leween lived at East View Lodge. Leween Drysdale died on February 6, 2005 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 Leween Drysdale about the history of the Drysdale Centennial Farm. Interviewer is Dorothy Martin.
Notes
History/bio information from the records, the Find A Grave website and Drysdale's obituary. Transcript by Kaitlyn Perrett (2023). Description by Christy Henry.
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Elmer A. Travis was born February 7, 1900 in the Rolla District of North Dakota. His family farmed sixteen miles east of Rolla, North Dakota. In May 1905, his family, which included his parents and seven children, and some friends, decided to move up to Canada as there was no wood source within 25 miles of their homestead. They also desired more range for their cattle. The group settled eighteen miles north of Roblin in the San Clara District, with a single quarter section of land, eventually expanding to five quarter sections of land. Due to their location the family often did their shopping in Togo, Saskatchewan, and shipped their grain from Mycroft, Manitoba. During his youth, he met a local girl named Mary Louise Lafournaise (1900-1993)
Travis married Mary Louise Lafournaise on May 3, 1921 in the San Clara District. After their marriage they settled on their own farm in the district. Elmer served as a blacksmith for the local area while farming, working as a mechanic, selling Rawleigh’s goods, and hauling cream (1939-1940). In 1957, due to Mary’s poor health, they moved to British Columbia for a year, before moving back to Elphinstone, Manitoba. They then moved to Souris in 1963, where they continued to live, except for another year in Creston, British Columbia from 1967-68. Elmer Travis died in 1995 and is buried in Souris-Glenwood.
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 Elmer Travis about homesteading and rural community life. Contents include settlement at Roblin, Manitoba, schooling, farming practices, housing, social life in the area, Mr. Travis’ musical talents, and his marriage to Mary Louise Lafournaise. In addition, there is content on the community working together on building, how to make lime from burning limestone, moving to BC and return to Manitoba, descriptions of the various jobs held by Mr. Travis, the installations of home telephones and hydro in his home district, Roblin hospital in the 1930’s, and his hobbies at the time of the interview in 1981. Interviewer is John E. Forsyth.
Notes
Included on the cassette are several musical recordings done by Mr. Travis. Transcript by Jaclyn Matchullis (2014). Description by Joel Springer (2011) and Christy Henry.
Language Note
English
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Dorothy Irene Broomhall was born on March 28, 1920 in Brandon, MB. She attended Business College and then worked for the Federal Government from 1942-1976, mostly with the Vetran's Land Act. Dorothy never married. Involved with the Girl Guide organization for over 80 years, she also volunteered at Fairview Personal Care Home for more than 30 years, and was very active in her church (St. Mary's Anglican Church and then St. Matthew's Cathedral). In addition to travelling, her hobbies included knitting for family, friends and Christmas Cheer. Dorothy Broomhall died on November 14, 2020 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 Dorothy Broomhall primarily about the history of St. Mary's Anglican Church in Brandon, MB, although some autobiographical topics are covered at the beginning of the interview. Interviewer is Isabelle Heeney.
Notes
History/Bio information taken from Broomhall's obituary. Transcript by John Ball (2014). Description by Christy Henry.
Language Note
English
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Betty Margaret Gibson was born on July 14, 1911 in Brandon, MB. She attended primary school in Alexandra and Park schools, and took her teachers education at the Brandon Normal School. She began her teaching career in 1929. Teaching first in Deloraine and Chater, in 1936, Gibson travelled to South Africa to be the headmistress at Kingsmead College, Johannesburg. She returned to Brandon ten years later to take up the post of Principal at Fleming School. During this time she completed a BA from Brandon College (1959). Attaining her Master's degree in Early Childhood Education, she taught at the University of Saskatoon and Brandon College/University. At Brandon University she was heavily involved with Indigenous teacher programs, including BUNTEP, PENT and IMPACT. She was briefly the Assistant Superintendent for the Brandon School Division (1967-1968). Gibson was active in the Children's Aid Society, co-created and appeared in a television show called "Common Sense About Reading" (CBC), and was the author of a children's book called "The Story of Little Quack." Gibson received the Centennial Medal in 1967, and the J.M. Brown Award (1974), for contribution to education in Manitoba. She was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Liberal Laws from BU in 1975, and even in retirement continued to teach education courses at BU and help children with reading disabilities. In 2003, she was inducted into Brandon University's Hall of Fame. Betty Gibson School in the Brandon School Division is named in her honor. Gibson never married. Betty Gibson died on February 23, 2001 in Brandon, MB. She 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 Betty Gibson about her teaching career. Interviewer is JE Bateman.
Notes
History/Bio information taken from the Manitoba Historical Society, The Brandon Sun and the records. Transcript by Nathan Qumsieh (2014). Description by Christy Henry.
Language Note
English
Conservation
Preservation copy created 2021 (R. Hess)
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Jean Eleanor Lyall (nee Cairns) was born on August 29, 1908 in the Ryerson District, north of Oak Lake, MB. She attended schools at Ryerson and Oak Lake before graduating from Regina General Hospital as a registered nurse in 1932. She nursed in the Kenton-Oak Lake area until until she married Thomas Williamson Lyall (1912-1967) of Kenton, MB in 1940. The couple had one son, Gordon and farmed in the Kenton district until Tom's death. Jean then moved into town, where she continued to live until her death. Jean loved to travel and was very active in the community, including the Leisure Club, UCW, women's institute and sports. Jean Lyall died on December 11, 1987 in Hamiota. 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 Jean Lyall about country nursing in the 1930s. Interviewer is Shirley Hunt.
Notes
History/bio information from the Kenton local history book "Cradle to combine, vol. 3" and Lyall's obituary in the Hamiota Echo. Transcript by Brianna Workman (2014). Description by Christy Henry.
Language Note
English
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Gerald Norman McLeod was born on August 15, 1910 in Renfrew County, Ontario. As a boy his parents moved to Bounty, SK to try farming. In 1927, they moved to Pine Falls, MB where Gerald lived for a number of years and worked in many capacities for the Manitoba Paper Company. In 1943, he enlisted in the army and served overseas with the Royal Canadian Signal Corps until returning to Canada to marry Joan Louise (Woods) Woolverton (1912-2013) in 1946. Upon his return he got a job working with the National Film Board. In 1950, the couple moved to Glenboro, MB where they lived and raised their children: Gail Woolverton, David Woolverton, Sheldon McLeod and Ann McLeod. Gerald retired from the National Film Board in 1973. In retirement he continued activities in photography and gardening. He also canvassed for the Heart and Stroke Foundation. Gerald McLeod died on October 8, 1995 in Glenboro, MB. He is buried at Pine Falls Community 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 Gerald McLeod, that he entitled "Root, Hog or Die." The interview covers various jobs Gerald held during his life, including various positions at a lumber mill, cutting firewood with his father, his time as an engineer’s assistant, fighting forest fires as a volunteer and his first years working with the National Film Board. The interview also covers to great extent his political views during the 1930’s and his association with the CCF. He also speaks a great deal about the financial destitution people faced during his time in Saskatchewan and later in Manitoba during the Depression. Interviewer is Irene Brown.
Notes
History/bio information taken from obituary in the Glenboro Gazette. Transcript by Richard Bee (2014). Description by Christy Henry.
Language Note
English
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Emmaline "Emma" Garland Pratt was born on November 15, 1884 in Portage la Prairie, MB. She spent her early life in the village, approximately two miles down the river from Portage la Prairie. She received her education and studied music, voice and organ at the Portage Presbyterian Boarding School; while school age, she lived with white missionaries Mr and Mrs. Brown. She was adopted by the Garland family in Portage la Prairie.
Emma came to the then Oak River Reserve in 1904, to be with her mother following a family crisis. The same year, she married Matthew Tunkancekigana, who was later given the surname Pratt. The couple resided in Sioux Valley, where Matthew farmed and did farm work. Matthew died in 1951. Emma dedicated her life to her family and in service to her community, especially through her church St. Luke's Anglican Church at Sioux Valley, where she was church organist for 75 years. In 1961, she received life membership in the Women's Auxiliary of the Docese of Brandon and in 1977, she received a Good Citizenship Award from the Lieutenant-Governor. The Pratts had eleven children, including Allan, Donald, Archie, Ina, Hilda, and Dorothy. Allan was a chief on the Sioux Valley Reserve, Donald was a Reverend with the Anglican Church. Three other children died of tuberculosis. Emma Pratt died in January 1989.
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 Emma Pratt about her childhood and early married years as a Sioux woman. Interviewer is Phyllis Cairns.
Notes
History/bio information taken from the records, and articles in The Brandon Sun reporting on Pratt's 100th birthday celebration (November 22, 1984) and her death (January 16, 1989). Transcript by Brianna Workman (2014). Description by Christy Henry.
Language Note
English
Conservation
Preservation copy created 2021 (R. Hess)
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Winifred North (nee Seaborn) was born December 13, 1920 in Burwash, Sussex, England. At the age of five, she moved to Manitoba, growing up in the Osprey and Mentmore districts, attending Osprey and Gordon schools. Winnie married Alfred James North (1917-1994) on October 16, 1948. Together they had three children: Bruce, Heather and Maureen. Alf served in the armed forces during the Second World War. Following the war he farmed in the Norman district until 1966, at which point the family moved to Brookdale. Alf then served as custodian for the Brookdale school before retiring in 1983. In Brookdale, Winnie worked at the post office, becoming postmistress. Winnie was a member of the Brookdale United Church, the Neepawa Legion Ladies Auxiliary and the Brookdale Belles and Beaux square dancing group. Winifred North died on January 13, 2018 in Neepawa, MB. She is buried at Neepawa 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 Winnie North about the 100th Anniversary of the Brookdale Post Office. Interviewer is Dorothy P. Martin.
Notes
History/bio information taken from the records and the Brookdale local history "Quest in Roots." Transcript by Megan Holowick (2014). Description by Christy Henry.
Language Note
English
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Thomas Henry Martin was born December 23, 1904 in Brookdale, MB. From when he was born until 1965, Thomas lived in the Brookdale region and worked at farming and road building. He retired from farming in 1965, and moved to Neepawa, although he continued to help his son farm in the area. On October 25, 1933 he married Harriet North (1911-1986). Together they had two children: Mona and Vincent. Thomas Martin died on November 6, 1986 in Neepawa, MB. He 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 Thomas Martin about early road building and the 1930s. Between 1929 and 1931, Thomas and two of his neighbors were employed by the North Cypress Municipality to build roads in the district, and this is the subject of most of the interview. Thomas also discusses at length the equipment used in road building, how the equipment was used, and the work camps formed by the governments during the 1930’s to create jobs for the unemployed. Interviewer is Dorothy Martin.
Notes
History/bio information taken from the records and the Brookdale local history "Quest in Roots." Transcript by Richard Bee (2014). Description by Christy Henry.
Language Note
English
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Clifford McDonald Clarke was born on March 23, 1914 on section 8/12/29, near Elkhorn, MB. He married Margaret Eleanor Hayward (1918-2003) in 1937, and together they had four children: Larry, Donald, Rose Marie and Kaylynn. Cliffe was a farmer for many years (1937-1952) in the Mossgiel area. While in the Mossgiel district, Cliff served on the school board, was active in baseball and hockey, and was a member of the L.O.L. lodge. Cliff moved to Elkhorn in 1951, and in 1968 became the curator for the Elkhorn Automobile Museum. Prior to assuming the role of curator, Cliff was involved with the museum board, working with the first curator, Isaac Clarkson. While living in Elkhorn, Cliff served on the town counil and was chairman of the Elkhorn Centennial Committee in 1970. Clifford McDonald Clarke died on August 17, 1989 in Virden, MB. He is buried at Elkhorn 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 Clifford Clarke about the Elkhorn Automobile Museum and its first curator, Isaac Clarkson. Interviewer is Elmer Armstrong.
Notes
History/bio information taken from the records, the Elkhorn local history "Steel and Grass Roots" and Clarke's obituary. Transcript by John Ball (2014). Description by Christy Henry.
Language Note
English
Related Material
OH151 Clifford Clarke
OH169 Clifford Clarke
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Harold Bertram Medd was born on July 21, 1912 in the Rural Municipality of Cornwallis on the family farm two miles south of Brandon, MB. Medd attended Cornwallis School and Brandon Collegiate Institute. Medd married Jean Stella Beresford (1914-2001) on April 25, 1936 and together they raised four children: William, Jack, Harold and Frances. The famiy moved to Brandon in 1947, and Medd continued to operate a successful farming operation. In his younger years, Medd was an avid hunter and conservationist, and an active member of the Brandon Wildlife Association. In the 1940s, he took up flying, and during his many trips around the countryside he recorded wildlife sightings, sharing them with the Provincial Wildlife branch; for many years he conducted official wildlife surveys for the province. Following retirement in 1961, he and his wife set up a ceramic studio in their home. Medd and his wife were members of the Baha'i faith and very active in that community. Harold Medd died on October 19, 2003 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 Harold Medd about his experiences in ceramics. Interviewer is Hazel Rose.
Notes
History/bio information taken from Medd's obituary. Transcript by Megan Holowick (2014). Description by Christy Henry.
Language Note
English
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Eva Blanche Roddick Davis was born September 20, 1900 at Linkwood Lodge farm in the Brandon Hills area of the RM of Cornwallis. She was the daughter of John Hardy Roddick and Ida Johnson, and spent her childhood on the home farm in the Brandon Hills, which had been settled by her grandfather, the Rev. George Roddick, a pioneer who came to the are in 1879 from Nova Scotia. Eva attended Brandon Hills school and Brandon Collegiate Institute (BCI), before graduating from the Brandon Normal School in 1920. From 1920-1921, she taught at Little Souris. Although her parents moved to Brandon that year, she returned to the Brandon Hills to the Davis family farm, Glenwood Farm, after marrying Meredith William Davis (1897-1968) on February 28, 1931. The Davis family came to the Brandon Hills in 1879 from Palmer, Massachusetts. The couple sold the farm in 1940, and moved into Brandon, where Med worked as a motor mechanic. The Davis' had three children: Georgina, Shirley, and Bill. Eva was involved with the family farm and on a committee for planning the Brandon Hills district centennial in 1979. Additionally, she was a member of the Brandon Hills Busy Bees, the Women's Missionary Society, the UCW at Knox United Church, the Canadian Lady Foresters and the Court Princess Mary L2. Eva Roddick Davis died in Brandon on December 20, 1986. She is buried at Brandon Hills 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 Roddick Davis about the pioneer years in the Brandon Hills and her family history. Interviewer is Effie McPhail.
Notes
History/bio information taken from the Brandon Hills local history "The Brandon Hills Story" and Davis' obituary. Transcript by Jaclyn Matchullis (2014). Description by Christy Henry.
Language Note
English
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Ethel Maude Hall was born in the Cameron Municipality around 1901. She worked as a housekeeper and never married. Until 1965, she also farmed in the Millerway district northeast of Hartney with her brother William J "Bill" Hall (1899-1989), sister Mary E "Nellie" (1904-1983) and Joseph E. "Joe" Clark (1893-1981). When they sold the farm, the family moved to Hartney. Nellie and Ethel were active in a variety of organizations including the United Church, the Horticultural Society and the Willing Workers. The family all enjoyed travel as well as the Hart-Cam Centre and sports at the rink. Ethel Hall died on May 5, 1991 in Hartney, MB and is buried in the Elgin 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 Hall about threshing. Interviewer is Mary Thomas.
Notes
History/bio information taken from the records and the RM of Cameron local history "A Community with Spirit: 1982-2002." Transcript by Nathan Qumsieh (2014). Description by Christy Henry.
Language Note
English
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Lewis Mathie was born November 8, 1889 in Carberry, MB. His family moved to Brandon in 1890. After completing schooling at Central and Park schools, he apprenticed as a printer with his uncle, Walpole Murdoch, publisher of the Hartney Star. After brief stints with a printing plant and The Brandon Times, Mathie joined the staff of The Brandon Sun as a printer. In 1916, Mathie enlisted in the 181st (Brandon) Battalion and served overseas as a signaler with the 52nd (Port Arthur) Regiment. He returned to Brandon after his discharge in 1919, and re-joined the staff of The Brandon Sun. Beginning in 1939, Mathie was foreman of the composing room. Although he retired in 1956, he continued to work part-time for the paper from 1956-1972. Mathie married Rosetta Mills (1903-1995) in 1926, and together they had two sons: Thomas and Frank. He was a founding member of Local 700 of the ITU. Lewis Mathie died on March 13, 1985 in Brandon, 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 Lewis Mathie about his experiences as a printer at The Brandon Sun, 1911-1956, although the first half of the interview covers Mathie's childhood years and apprenticeship in Hartney. Interviewer is Elwood Gorrie.
Notes
History/bio information from the records and Mathie's obituary. Transcript by Jessica Spark (2017). Description by Christy Henry.
Language Note
English
Conservation
Preservation copy made 2021 (R. Hess)
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Clarence Benjamin Graham? Spurr, was born in on February 13, 1891 in Bancroft, Ontario. Spurr began working for the Canadian Pacific Railway in 1914 as a station agent at Rocanville, SK and spent many years as an agent in various communities in Saskatchewan and Manitoba before retiring in 1955. In 1923, he married Elizabeth Wallace Lindsay (1893-1979) and they raised three children, sons Ewart and Delbert and adopted niece Verna Spurr. Clarence and Elizabeth moved to Brandon, MB following his retirement. Spurr joined the Canadian military in 1915, and was initially sent to Camp Hughes. A signaler and runner, he spent 1916-1918 overseas. Clarence Spurr died on December 21, 1982 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 Clarence B.G. Spurr about his experiences during World War I. Spurr discusses and reminisces about details of the Great War and some of the major turning points within it from Vimy Ridge, Lamont, Mons, Neuville-Saint-Vaast and the Armistice that ended the war on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day in November from the perspective of a Canadian soldier. Interviewer is Delbert Spurr.
Notes
History/bio information from the records and Spurr's obituary. Transcript by Whitney Hodgins (2017). Description by Christy Henry.
Access Restriction
Content Warning: Some of the material discussed in the interview is sensitive in nature, dealing with the war and some of the gruesome acts that go with it. Listener discretion is advised.
Language Note
English
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Peter Alexander (P.A.) Alex McPhail was born on July 11, 1897 in the RM of Elton. Raised on the family farm in Forrest, MB, he was the eldest son of Archie and Mary McPhail who came to Manitoba from Ontario. Alex took over the farm in 1915, and farmed there until 1949, when he and his family moved to Brandon. During the First World War, Alex was a lieutenant in the Royal Canadian Air Force. He married Effie Irene Weir (1900-1999) in 1933 and together they raised four children: Ronald, Malcolm, Archie and Donna. Effie and Alex were both active members of their community. Alex was especially involved in the agricultural community and won many prizes over the years for his livestock. From 1954-1965, Alex was the General Manager for the Provincial Exhibition Association of Manitoba and the Manitoba Winter Fair. He also served one term as the president of the Canadian Association of Exhibitions. Additionally, Alex was on the Brandon General Hospital board, the Brandon College board, and was a member of the Kiwanis and Shriners clubs. He was also involved in local sports. Both Alex and Effie McPhail were active members of the United Church. Alex McPhail died on June 28, 1989 in Brandon, MB. He is buried at Humesville 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 Alex McPhail about his family history, agriculture, the Provincial Exhibition Association of Manitoba and the Manitoba Winter Fair. Interviewer is Frank Anderson.
Notes
History/bio information from the records and the description for the Effie and Alex McPhail collection at the Daly House Museum. Transcript by Alana Donohoe (2017). Description by Christy Henry.
Language Note
English
Conservation
Preservation copy made 2021 (R. Hess)
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Winifred Irene Wasylyshyn (nee Stevens) was born on September 22, 1923 at Deloraine, MB. The daughter of Fletcher and Grace Stevens, the family had a long tradition of camping at Lake Metigoshe going back to Irene's paternal grandparents, who began camping there in 1908. Irene, who was a florist, married Jake Wasylyshyn (1916-?) on May 19, 1956. They had one daughter, Donna. Irene Wasylyshyn died on March 25, 2005 in Deloraine, 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 Irene Wasylyshyn about the development of Lake Metigoshe. Spanning the international border into North Dakota, Lake Metigoshe is twenty miles south of Deloraine and part of a collection of lakes in the Turtle Mountains. Lake Metigoshe became the hub of a cluster of cottage developments, which boasted a local store with grocery and café services, golf course, and other recreational facilities over the years. In her interview Irene relates stories of fishing, boat rides, campfires and sing songs with neighbors who became long term family friends. She described the establishment of different local stores over the years, who owned them or worked there and for how long. She details the growth of the different cottage developments, along with both Investment and Improvement Associations, which worked to balance the growth. Through the entire interview Irene describs her love for the beauty and serenity of the lake itself and how much it came to mean to generations of her family. Interviewer is Eva Cassils.
Notes
History/bio information from the records. Transcript by Sharon Munroe (2020). Description by Christy Henry.
Language Note
English
Audio Tracks
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