When the Department of Music was founded in 1906, it offered only conservatory-type instruction under the direction of Abbie Helmer Vining (1906-07). W.L. Wright, after four years' study in Berlin with Leopold Godowsky, took over in 1907 and remained director until 1947. During the 1920s and 1930s, the department attracted students from across Canada to work with Wright, Esther Magdalene Moore, Kathleen Moffat Fairbairn (piano), and Ruth Morgan (voice) towards graduate and post-graduate diplomas. During the Depression and the Second World War, music education at Brandon College declined as a result of financial woes facing the College and the departure of students to the war.
Under directors Peggy A. Sharpe (acting director 1947-48), and Lorne Watson (1948-1981), most instruction was given to elementary and high school students from Brandon. Through the encouragement and support of successive university presidents, the music faculty and university music credit courses were expanded to make possible a music minor within a B.A. or B.Sc. degree. By 1963, the college offered the first B.Mus. program (music education and applied) in Manitoba. In the same year, the Department of Music became the School of Music with two areas of activity: one continuing the conservatory tradition, the other leading to university degrees. Watson continued as director while Sharpe assumed the new position of supervisor of the conservatory. She was succeeded by Watson in 1981.
When Brandon attained university status, the School of Music became a member of the Western Board of Music (WBM), now Conservatory Canada. Later a B.Mus. (general) was added and, in 1980, the M.Mus. (music education and applied). In 1981, Watson was succeeded as director by Gordon Macpherson (1981-87), during whose tenure the position was re-named dean. In 1987 Lawrence Jones became dean. Jones was followed by Patrick Carrabre and Glen Carruthers.
Originally housed in Clark Hall, in 1963 the School of Music moved into a new building, officially opened by Sir Ernest MacMillan, on 28 October 1963. It housed a music library, electronic music studio, classrooms, rehearsal hall and studios. Increased enrolment in the 1970s necessitated the acquisition of three adjacent houses. On 5 October 1984, Queen Elizabeth II opened the present music building, which is named after her.
The school's reputation as a centre of string pedagogy dates from Albert Pratz' appointment to the faculty in 1964 and the engagement of the Halifax Trio (Brandon University Trio) as artists-in-residence in 1966. The Wawanesa Insurance Co. in 1964 established a string scholarship program, which has since been carried on through the Carl and Lyle Sanders Grant and the R.D. Bell String Scholarships. A Suzuki string program was set up in 1977, directed by Alison Ryles (B.Mus. Brandon, 1978) who was followed in 1981 by Gerhard Ginader.
Besides the Brandon University Trio, school ensembles have included the Brandon University Orchestra, Concert Band, Chorale, Jazz Bands and Guitar Ensemble. The Collegium Musicum, formed in 1973 by James Mendenhall, has a collection of replicas of early instruments. The school frequently produces an opera (or musical theatre work) directed by Sylvia Richardson.
Student pursuing a major in music education have founded an active organization known as the Brandon University Student Music Educators' Association (BUSMEA), which is, in effect, a student branch of Manitoba Music Educators Association (MMEA). Annual summer schools enhance the program. In the 1960s, under the direction of Peggy A. Sharpe, recitals and workshops were given by visiting artists. In the 1980s, the emphasis was on graduate courses, including the offering of a Kodaly specialist diploma.
In the conservatory, music for children classes, the Suzuki string program, and classes in the Alexander technique are offered. The conservatory offers courses for gifted students. It also sponsored annual workshops for teachers. Clinicians have included Lawrence Jones, Lorne Watson, Gordon Macpherson, Sydney Young McInnis, Shirley Yip, Elizabeth Grant and Irma Toews.
The School of Music acts as a musical focus for southwestern Manitoba. Beginning in the 1960s, it co-sponsored (with the MMEA) an annual choral/orchestral workshop in January attracting up to 300 music educators and students from Manitoba and beyond. Rehearsals of the Brandon Community Chorus and Community Orchestra take place at the school, as do most events of the Brandon Festival of the Arts. It is also the home of the annual S.C. Eckhardt-Gramatte competition for the Performance of Canadian Music and the annual Brandon Jazz Festival. One reason for such constant activitiy is the excellence of the Queen Elizabeth II Music Building, which includes an advanced electronic studio, rehearsal halls for orchestras, bands and choirs and a 200-seat hall with recording facilities and ideal acoustics. On the occasion of Lorne Watson's 40th anniversary at Brandon that hall was named the Lorne Watson Recital Hall in his honour.
The music school's first graduate (1966) was Jack Spalding. Honourary doctorates in music have been awarded to W.L. Wright (1969), S.C. Eckhardt-Gramatte (1970), Murray Adaskin (1972), Jon Vickers (1976), Kenneth Winters (1989), the Guess Who and Tom Cochrane.
Scope and Content
Series has been divided into three sub-series, including: (1) Dean of Music; (2) Music Faculty Council; and (3) School of Music publications.
Notes
The history/bio note was taken from the Encyclopedia of Music in Canada at http://www.collectionscanada.ca/emc/m17-119.01-e.php?uid=415&uidc=ID (January 2006). The entry was written by Lorne Watson. Peggy A. Sharpe died in 2005.
RG 6 Brandon University fonds
Series 7: Faculties and Schools
Related Material
A file of miscellaneous newspaper clippings etc. assembled by Eileen McFadden for the period 1979-1985, is located in the Institutional Files in the Reading Room.
The Brandon Aboriginal Literary Festival was presented by the Brandon University Faculty of Arts and the John E. Robbins Library. It was held October 25-27, 2007 in the J.R.C. Evans Lecture Theatre and the Lorne Watson Recital Hall at Brandon University and included readings, panels, performances and a Saturday night social with the Juno-nominated Billy Joe Green Band.
Participants included: Kateri Akiwenzie-Damm; Annharte; Joanne Arnott; Di Brandt; Linda Burridge; Maria Campbell; Warren Cariou; Colleen Cutschall; Rosanna Deerchild; Paul DePasquale; Marilyn Dumont; Susan Dupis, Billy Joe Green; Scott Grills; Louise Halfe; Tomson Highway; Erroll Kinistino; Dale Lakevold; Emma LaRocque; Roberta Mackinnon; Lorraine Mayer; Neal Mcleod; Duncan Mercredi; Daniel David Moses; Beatrice (Culleton) Mosionier; Yvette Nolan; Jill Oman; Darrell Racine; Eden Robinson; Armand Garnet Ruffo; Gregory Scofield; Marvin Smoker; Richard Van Camp; Katherena Vermette; and Lynn Whidden.
A second festival, held under the name Ogamas Aboriginal Literary Festival, was held in October 2009.
Custodial History
Records in the sub sub series were donated to the McKee Archives by Linda Burridge, University Librarian and Festival Committee member in November 2007, October and November 2008 and July 2009.
Scope and Content
Sub sub series consists of festival documents created by the Festival Committee and collected by Linda Burridge. Sub sub series also contains photographs, taken by John Jacobson, of festival participants, volunteers, and attendees.
Accruals
Linda Burridge will be forwarding electronic files related to the festival.
Storage Location
Textual records:
RG 6 Brandon University fonds
Series 8: Library Services
8.4 Library special events
Photographs:
Hard copy CD is located with the textual records. Descriptions use the 5-2009 accession number.
The position of Director of the School of Music was changed to Dean of the School of Music in 1987.
DIRECTORS/DEANS OF THE SCHOOL OF MUSIC:
LONRE WATSON (1967-1981)
Lorne Watson was born ca. 1919 in Leamington, Ontario and is the founder and developer of the School of Music at Brandon University. Watson was admitted to the Toronto Conservatory of Music after an audition played for Sir Ernest MacMillan in 1938. He graduated from that institution with his L.T.C.M in 1940, winning the Conservatory Gold Medal. Further studies the following year took place in New York at the Mannes School of Music, under Rosalyn Tureck and James Friskin. Watson's studies were interrupted when he joined the R.C.A.F., where he became a radar specialist and later a signals officer. He was discharged in 1945. After the war, Watson took a B.A. (Honours Music) degree at the University of Toronto. Upon graduation in 1948, Watson accepted the position of Director of the Department of Music at Brandon College. He later attended New York University (1951) where he held a graduate fellowship and obtained an M.A. (Musicology). In 1961, Watson was awarded a Canada Council Arts Scholarship, which took him to Indiana University where he began work on his Doctor of Music degree.
Watson was the Director, and then the Dean of the School of Music from 1948-1980; from 1984-1991 he was director of the conservatory. During his time at Brandon College/University, he not only revived and expanded the program, he also revived and conducted the Brandon College Glee Club. He was also the artistic director for The S.C. Eckhardt-Gramatte National Competition for the Performance of Canadian Music, which is held annually on the campus of Brandon University. In 1988, the Recital Hall in the completed Queen Elizabeth II Music Building was renamed the Lorne Watson Recital Hall. Lorne Watson retired from Brandon University in August 1993.
In addition to his role at Brandon University, Watson helped the growth of music in the surrounding region by insisting that the first Bachelor of Music degree be offered in Music Education to improve the state of music in Manitoba schools; he was also a founding member of the Manitoba Music Educators Association and in 1978, he acted as program chair for the World Congress of the International Society for Music Education. Watson was a founder and conductor of the Brandon Choral Society and in 1964, he became one of the founders of the Canadian Association of University Schools of Music, serving as its Secretary, President and Chairman of the Council of Members Schools at various times. In addition to the above activities, he also gave piano recitals, played radio broadcasts and began an adjudicating career.
In 1996, he was the recipient of a Prix Manitoba Award in recognition for outstanding contributions to the arts. Watson received the award in the category of education and communication for his 50 years of leadership in the development of music education in Manitoba. At present (January 2006), Lorne Watson lives in Winnipeg.
GORDON MACPHERSON (1981-1987)
Gordon Macpherson was born in Moose Jaw, SK on November 14, 1924. He obtained his LRCT in 1949, his Artist Diploma (Toronto) in 1953, and his M.Mus. from Indiana University in 1974. His teachers were Cyril Hampshire 1942-43, at the Hamilton Conservatory (RHCM) and Margaret Miller Brown and Bela Boszormenyi-Nagy 1946-53 at the RCMT, where Macpherson also received chamber music coaching from Boris Roubakine and himself taught piano 1948-50. Macpherson took doctoral studies with Menahem Pressler (piano) and in pedagogy and conducting at the University of Indiana in 1975-77.
He moved to Halifax Orchestra in 1965-66, and was conductor for the CBC TV program "Reflections" in 1960-62. He also wrote and conducted music for many CBC radio dramas, including some in the "Stage" series. Macpherson was head (1964-66) of the piano department at the Halifax (later Maritime) Conservatory. During his Halifax period, he took advanced training as a conductor at the Monteux School of Conducting in Hancock, Maine, and with Hugo Rignold, and as a pianist with Kendall Taylor. He founded the Halifax Trio in 1955 and moved his trio partners to Brandon College (later Brandon University) in 1966 to become artists-in-residence. They were renamed the Brandon University Trio.
Macpherson joined the teaching faculty at Brandon University in 1967, serving as Dean of the School of Music from 1982-87 (his first year was as Acting Director). He continued in 1991 to teach piano and chamber music. In 1988 and 1990, he was visiting professor at the Universite Canadienne en France at Villegranche-sur-mer.
Macpherson retired from Brandon University on September 1, 1991. He and his wife later moved to Victoria, BC. Gordon Macpherson died on September 28, 2011.
LAWRENCE JONES (1988 - 1993/1994)
Lawrence Jones was born in Ninga, MB on March 26, 1936. He obtained his ARCT in 1954, his Associate Diploma, piano from WBM in 1954, his Licentiate Diploma, music (Manitoba) in 1957, his B.A. from the Unviersity of Manitoba in the same year, his M.Mus. from Yale in 1959, and DMA piano performance, pedagogy from the University of Iowa in 1985. In 1959, he moved with his family to Winnipeg where he began studies with Filmer Hubble. Following graduation from Yale, he taught briefly at the University of Manitoba, before joining the Faculty of Music at Brandon College in 1961. Meanwhile, he continued his studies at the University of Minnesota in 1960-62, with Bernard Weiser and at the Julliard school in 1967-68. In 1975, while pursuing doctoral studies, he attended the International String Worksoho at Exeter, England, and in 1976, the Dartington Summer School. In 1985, he studied with Kendall Taylor at the RCM (London) and in 1986, with Jeaneane Dowis (New York).
Jones has perfomed widely in the Atlantic provinces and in Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta in concert and on the CBC as soloist, ensemble pianist, and accompanist. With Francis Schaplin he premiered the piano version of S.C. Eckhardt-Gramatte's violin concerto in 1951 at Brandon College. He has been offical accompanist at the Manitoba finals of the CIBC National Music Festival, and began in 1962 to adjudicate throughout Canada at music festivals. Beginning in 1970, he has assisted in curriculum preparation for the WBM, chairing the sight-reading and ear-training committees. He was secretary of CAUSM (1973-75), chairman of the Brandon University music library committee (1969-77), and a member of the board of the Internationl Music Camp, Manitoba (1981-87). In 1987, he was appointed Dean of the School of Music at Brandon, a position he continued to occupy until 1994. Jones retired on July 1, 1997.
At present (Janaury 2006), Lawrence Jones resides in Brandon and teaches sessionally for the School of Music.
T. PATRICK CARRABRE (1994-1995/1996 and 1998)
For additional biographical information on Patrick Carrabre, see RG 6, sub-series 4.1 (Office of the Vice-President (Academic & Research)).
Carrabre's early compositional studies were with Dr. Robert Turner at the University of Manitoba and with Jules Leger Prize winning composer Peter Paul Koprowski at the University of Western Ontario. He later went on to work closely with Pulitzer Prize winning composer George Perle in the study of his system of Twelve-Tone Tonality.
Patrick Carrabre returned to his faculty position within the School of Music after his departure from the office of the Vice-President (Academic & Research). In addition to his teaching, he carries on an active program of composition.
R. GODDARD - acting (1995 - 1997)
Ron Goddard, currently on administrative leave (2005-2006), was dean of the Faculty of Education from 2000-2005 and provost of the College of Arts & Science from 2003-2005 at Okanagan University College in Kelowna, British Columbia. For that same period, Goddard was the founder and clarinetist of the OUC Woodwind Quintet, an artist-in-residence ensemble of professional musicians who perform frequently on the campuses of OUC and throughout the Okanagan Valley. Prior to his appointment as dean at OUC, he was an associate professor of music at Brandon University, chairing the Joint Department of Music Education and teaching clarinet and music education courses at the graduate and undergraduate levels. He served as acting dean of BU's School of Music from 1995 to 1997.
After recieving the Bachelor of Music and Master of Music degrees from the University of Oklahoma, Goddard performed professionally as solo clarinetist of the Fourth US Army Band in San Antonio, Texas and the US Army Band of the Pacific in Honolulu, Hawaii. He won First Prizes with Distinction in Clarinet and Chamber Music at the Brussels Royal Conservatory of Music (Belgium). Goddard earned a Doctor of Musical Arts degree at Arizona State University in 1987.
Teaching appointments have included public school music in Oklahoma and serving on the music faculties of Southeastern Oklahoma State University and Mount Allison University in New Brunswick.
G. CARRUTHERS (1998 - July 31, 2008)
Glen Carruthers' early training took place in Winnipeg, Manitoba, where he studied with Winifred Hardiman (piano), Filmer Hubble (harmony) and Gwendda Owen Davies (counterpoint). In 1972, he entered Brandon University and graduated with a BMus in 1977. After a year of private study in Halifax, he entered the MA program in Canadian Studies at Carleton University, graduating with distinction in 1981. His thesis, "The Career and Compositions of S.C. Eckhardt-Gramatte," was the first comprehensive study of the composer's life and works. After teaching theory and ear training in the extra-curricular music programs of the Ottawa Board of Education, Carruthers completed his PhD in musicology at the Unviersity of Victoria, graduating in 1986. His dissertation is entitled "Bach and the Piano: Editions, Arrangements and Transcriptions from Czerny to Rachmaninov."
Prior to coming to Brandon University, where he has served as Dean of the School of Music since 1998, Carruthers taught at Lakehead University (1988-1998), where he was chair of the Department of Music for seven years. He has served on the national boards of the Canadian Music Centre and Canadian University Music Society, of which he was President 2001-2003, and continues to serve on the Prairie Regional Council of the Canadian Music Centre and several other boards. A pianist, as well as a musicologist, teacher and administrator, he studied with Lorne Watson, William Tritt, Elaine Keillor, Bruce Vogt and Ronald Turini.
Glen Carruthers died at his home in Ontario on December 24, 2020.
MICHAEL KIM (August 1, 2008 - July 31, 2013)
No biographical information yet.
Custodial History
The majority of these materials were held in the School of Music until their transfer to the Archives in the fall of 2003. Box 23 was donated by Lorne Watson in May 2004.
Scope and Content
The bulk of the materials in this sub-series were generated during the course of Lorne Watson’s years as Director and instructor of the School of Music. Records include corresondence, committee materials, financial information, audio tapes, posters, musical scores, concert programs, publications, records related to the Eckhardt-Gramatté Competition , lectures, proposals, minutes (including Faculty Council), teaching and course materials, photographs, newsletters, festival materials, and records related to the Winnipeg Symphony. One file (1979) contains Gordon Macpherson's correspondence.
Notes
A partial inventory exists as a Word document. Information in the History/Bio field for Lorne Watson was taken from his biography file in the McKee Archives. Information for Gordon Macpherson was taken from the Encyclopedia of Music in Canada at http://www.collectionscanada.ca/emc/m17-119.01-e.php?uid=4650&uidc=ID (January 2006). It was written by Kenneth Nichols. Information for Lawrence Jones was also taken from the Encyclopedia of Music in Canada at http://www.collectionscanada.ca/emc/m17-119.01-e.php?uid=6068&uidc=ID (January 2006). It was written by Mabel H. Laine. Biographical information on Goddard, Carrabre and Carruthers was provided by the School of Music (March 2006).
Storage Location
RG 6 Brandon University fonds
Series 7: Faculties and Schools
7.4 School of Music
Related Material
An article summarizing Lorne Watson's career appeared in the Saturday, August 12, 2006 edition of The Brandon Sun. A copy of the article has been placed in Lorne Watson's bio file in the McKee Archives reading room.
87.5 cm (57.5 cm textual records and 29 photographs)
History / Biographical
Gerald Brown was born and raised in Vista, Manitoba. He attended Islay and Rossburn schools. In 1955, he attended Brandon College to take the one year Teacher Training Course. He was part of the first graduating T.T.C. class at Brandon College. After graduation he taught in Ninga, MB. He also taught in Brandon and C.F.B. Shilo. In 1965, he moved to Winnipeg to pursue a career in school librarianship and information services until he retired in 1992. By the end of his career he had been Chief Librarian for thirteen years. He received a B.A. from Brandon College in 1964, a B.Ed. from the University of Manitoba in 1965, a Master of Library Science from Western Michigan in 1968, and a M. Ed. from the University of Manitoba in 1972. He is also very involved with music. At present Gerald Brown continues to live in Winnpeg, MB.
Custodial History
Accession 24-2009: Brown compiled these materials from the personal collections of Colin Mailer, Lorne Watson, Norman Kalinski and Gerald Brown. He delivered them to the Archives on November 17, 2009.
Accession 5-2013: Materials collected and written by Gerald R. Brown in the course of preparing for and attending the Islay (Vista) School District No. 733 reunion held in Rossburn, MB on August 4-6, 2006.
Scope and Content
Accession 30-1998 consists of newspaper clippings for Brandon College 1955-56 complied by Gerald Brown for the 41st anniversary of the graduation of the Brandon College Teacher Training Class of 1956; photographs of the TTC of 1956; the Reunion Yearbook for the anniversary of the 1956 TTC class; and a copy of the program for the 1998 production of W.S. Gilbert and Sullivan musical The Yeoman of the Guard.
Accession 3-1999 consists of a compilation of nine seasons of Gilbert & Sullivan Society pictures, programs, and newsletters. Mr. Brown and other graduates of the Brandon School of Music are among the cast members.
Accession 2-2001 consists of copies of the newsletter, Titipu Times, for the Gilbert and Sullivan Society of Winnipeg, Volume 10, 1-4, a 10th Anniversary Program (2000) and a list of ensemble singers 2000/2001.
Accession 4-2001 consists of a scrapbook and programs for the following Gilbert & Sullivan productions: “Patience” (performed April 6-9, 2000 in Winnipeg) and “Pirates of Penzance” (April 5-8, 2001).
Accession 7-2001 consists of 4 colour photographs and a one page summary of the activities of the Reunion TTC 1956 during the May 2001 Convocation.
Accession 4-2003 consists of colour photographs of the 41st Reunion of the Brandon College Teacher Training Course 1955-56 held in May 2001. Included as well is a "Past History Summary" of the Class of 56 Reunions and a copy of Reflecting on Our Past, a publication of the Brandon School Division.
Accession 27-2006 consists of materials collected and written by Gerald R. Brown in the course of preparing for and attending the Islay (Vista) School District No. 733 reunion held in Rossburn, MB on August 4-6, 2006. It includes a copy of "Vista Tales. . . from Islay School District No. 733 in Vista, Manitoba" compiled and edited by Gerald R. Brown (c.2006), a program of events for the reunion, a copy of the reunion worship service program, and 15 postcards entitled "Vista Views," which were sold at the reunion.
Accession 19-2007 includes biographical information on Isabelle Mills, former faculty member of Brandon College (School of Music) and the program for HMS Pinafore, presented by the Gilbert & Sullivan Society of Winnipeg (2003).
Accession 24-2009 (1938-2009, 30 cm textual records) consists of the records of the Brandon Festival of the Arts. Included are: meeting minutes (Executive, Regular and Annual), reports, financial reports, correspondence; programs and syllabi from the Festival; and Festival highlights and similar programs.
Accession 5-2013 (1951-1952, 2006, 5 cm textual records, 3 CDs) consists of hard copies of "Vista Tales. . . from Islay School District No. 733 in Vista, Manitoba Reunion Photo File" and "Vista Tales. . . from Islay School District No. 733 in Vista, Manitoba Alunni & Community Events" compiled and edited by Gerald R. Brown (c.2006). Also includes three CDs containing ditigal versions of all three Vista Tales volumes and a a copy of the 1951-1952 Foxwarren High School yearbook.
The Brandon College and Brandon University Art Exhibition Committee was active from 1960 to 1972. The Committee was established to promote the visual arts in Brandon through education and to sponsor exhibitions featuring the work of local artists.
Custodial History
The records were assembled by Robert Inch of the Brandon University Extension Office and Professor D.V. Reilly, who taught art through the Faculty of Education at Brandon University. They were donated to the McKee Archives in 1997.
Scope and Content
The sub-series contains records of past exhibitions, minutes and correspondence of the Brandon University Art Exhibition Committee. Sub-series also contains personal files on some artists consisting of correspondence and information pertaining to exhibitions of their work. There are also extensive files on past exhibits including advertising, correspondence, newspaper clippings, publications and files concerning local affiliated art clubs, such as the Student Camera Club at Brandon University.
Very good. Some of the letters written in pencil are a little faded.
History / Biographical
Ruth Alverda Wade was born born July 11, 1912 in Brandon, MB to James and Etta Alverda. She had two younger siblings: sister Gwen and brother Sherry. The Wade family resided at 1837 Princess Avenue, Brandon, MB. Ruth graduated from Brandon College with the Class of 1933.
During her time at Brandon College Ruth met Archie MacLachlan. Archibald James MacLachlan was born in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan in 1907. He had four brothers: Howard, Edgar, Bruce, Curly and Stirling. When Archie was quite young the MacLachlan family moved to Alberta. Archie came to Brandon c. 1930 to attend Brandon College. During the summers of his years at Brandon College Archie held pastoral charges in Alberta. The first two summers were spent in the Peace River Country and the second two in Etzikom in Southern Alberta. This is the period during which the letters in the fonds were written.
Ruth Wade married Archie MacLachlan on September 19, 1934 in Brandon, MB. Following the wedding the couple moved to Hamilton, ON. Archie graduated from McMaster University with his Bachelor of Divinity degree in 1937. During this period their daughter Joann Ruth was born. After his ordination as a Baptist Minister the family moved to North Bay where Archie was minister for four years. The next six years were spent in Vancouver as Archie worked as minister at Fairview Baptist Church in Vancouver. The couple's sons Archibald James and Lachlan Wade were also born during this period.
At the end of the Second World War Archie decided to go back to school. The family travelled to Brandon, where Ruth and the children remained for part of a year while Archie went ahead to Andover Newton to enroll and find a parish that would support him while he went to school. The family was reunited in Penacook, New Hampshire; they lived there for two years while Archie completed his Masters in Sacred Theology. After a brief additional period of study at Harvard University, the MacLachlan family returned to Canada, settling in Toronto while Archie finished his second Masters degree (Psychology) and held positions as interim minister and then assistant minister at York Minster Church. Following the two years in Toronto they moved to Winnipeg.
Eventually Archie left the church ministry and became Chaplain at the Hamilton Psychiatric Hospital. He also continuted to train students in Pastoral Education through the courses he had begun at the Divinity College of McMaster University. He remained at the Hospital until his retirement.
During their married life Ruth was kept busy raising the couple's children and with her work as a minister's wife, particularly her work in the community. She sat on a number of community boards, including positions as President of the Baptist Convention of Ontario and Quebec and a member of the Board of Governors for McMaster University's Divinity School.
Ruth MacLachlan died on October 29, 1983 in Missassauga, ON.
Archie married Kathleen Marie (Green) French (b. January 22, 1908, d. June 1, 1998) on June 20, 1987. Archie MacLachlan died in December 1997.
Custodial History
Records were in the possession of Ruth and Archie MacLachlan until their deaths. At that time the records were inherited by their daughter Joann. Joann MacLachlan donated the records to the McKee Archives on October 24, 2009 at a donation event held as part of Homecoming 2009.
Scope and Content
Fonds consists of approximately 197 letters written by Ruth and Archie to each other during the spring and summers of 1932, 1933 and 1934. The letters were written during the courtship of the couple and contain details not only on about their lives in Brandon and Alberta but also more personal information about their relationship, families and future plans. Because Ruth and Archie were students at Brandon College during this period the letters also often reflect on events and personalities related to the College, as well as their own personal studies.
Fonds also contains a scrapbook compiled by Ruth during her Brandon College years. It includes photographs, newspaper clippings, graduation cards, event programs, place cards and other ephemera. There are also a few miscellaneous documents - McMaster University examination papers, handwritten sheet music, postcards - that appear to have belonged to Archie. Fonds also contains a graduation photograph of Ruth.
Notes
Description by Christy Henry. History/Bio information taken from Joann MacLachlan's book Ruth and Archie: Brandon and Brandon College 1932-1934.
Ruth and Archie's daughter Joann edited the letters into a book entitled Ruth and Archie: Brandon and Brandon College 1932-1934. A copy of the book is located in the Rare Book collection of the John E. Robbins Library, Brandon University.
William Ridley Sheridan Wade collection (28-2007)
Arrangement
The letters are arranged in chronological order with all of Archie's letters to Ruth for a particular year grouped together, followed by Ruth's letters to Archie for that same year. For preservation purposes photographs in the scrapbook have been removed and placed in photograph storage, with their corresponding scrapbook page number noted on the back. Because of the fragile condition of the scrapbook a note has been made concerning the original location of many items that have become detached from their original location in the scrapbook. These items remain with the remnants of the scrapbook in one archival housing. Note that Ruth did not place items on every page so the numbering is not sequential for scrapbook items. Some items were loose at the back of the scrapbook and therefore have no corresponding page number.
