Ella Alma Nicholson (nee Kerr) was born in 1896 in the Franklin district. Her father George Kerr operated a logging mill at Kerr Lake and her mother Margaret (nee Reilly) named the area "Franklin." Ella attended Coldstream and Franklin school, before completing a two-year diploma at Agricultural College in Winnipeg. She then trained as a nurse at Winnipeg General Hospital, graduating in 1919. Following gradution she worked in Winnipeg before going to Vancouver. On February 7, 1922, she married Charles Nicholson (1890-1979), a teacher from the Franklin district. The couple returned to Manitoba, where they lived on the Nicholson family farm until they retired to Neepawa in 1950. Both of their sons, William and Patrick, were born in the Franklin district. Ella was active with The Inner Wheel, the Iriquois Women's Institute, her bowling league, and the nurses association. With Charlie, she traveled worldwide to various Rotary conventions. Ella Nicholson died on July 23, 1993 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 Ella Nicholson about homesteading in the Franklin district of Manitoba. Interviewer is Winnie Cheetham.
Notes
History/bio information from the records, the Neepawa local history "Heritage" and Nicholson's obituary. Description by Christy Henry.
Language Note
English
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Mary Elizabeth Edwards (nee Tweed) was born on April 19, 1897 at Riceville, ON. Within a year of her birth, she and her mother came to Manitoba, to join her father who had already moved west. Mary attended Burns School and then Winnipeg Normal School, graduating in 1917. Over the course of her career she taught at a number of schools, including Otter, Medora, Purple Hill , Thirlstone, Broomhill, Lake Max and Whitewater schools. On January 7, 1920, Mary married Kestle Henry Edwards (1894-1974) in Medora, MB and together the couple had four children: Harvey, Frank, Ralph and Ruth. The family lived on section 35-3-25. Mary was secretary-treasurer of both the Medora Methodist Sunday School and the Royal Templars, taught sunday school and sang in the choir before her marriage. In 1920, she joined the Home Economics Society (later the Women's Institute). She was also a member of the WA. Following her husband's death, Mary left the farm and moved into Medora. Mary Edwards died in 1994. She is buried at Roselawn 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 Mary Edwards about her life and pioneer settlement around Medora, MB. The interviewer is Mayme Warren.
Notes
History/bio information from the records, the Medora local history "Glimpse through the years" and Edwards' obituary. Description by Christy Henry.
Language Note
English
Conservation
Preservation copy made 2021 (R. Hess)
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Ruth Elizabeth Tester (nee Cater) was born on August 31, 1908 in Brandon, MB, the eldest child of Harry William Cater (1886-1945) and Eliza Jane Heal (1882-1967). Ruth worked as her father's bookkeeper from 1926 until approximately 1950. In 1940, Ruth married Alfred Aasen (1915-?). Their son, Phillip Bruce, was born in 1941; Bruce was adopted by Eliza Carter's brother Stanley and his wife Irene. By 1958, Ruth had married Albert Tester (1888-1965).
Members of the Cater family were active in church and community projects at the local and provincial level. They were involved with Explorers, CGIT, Cubs and Scouts and Girl Guides and the Children's Aid Board, as well as charter members of the Business and Professional Women's Club and the Allied Arts Centre. Ruth was also an active geneaologist; she was a charter member of the Manitoba Genealogical Society Inc and was instrumental in chartering the Brandon and District Branch in 1978. As a memorial, the South West Branch of the Manitoba Genealogical Society created The Ruth Tester Memorial Award, which is presented annually to a member of the branch who, in the opinion of their peers, exemplifies the spirit of service to genealogy and the branch. Ruth Tester died on January 21,1988 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 Ruth Tester about Harry Cater, his business and personal life. Interviewer is Marjorie Lange.
Notes
History/bio information from the records, Brandon Sun articles mentioning Ruth Tester, obituaries for Ruth and Albert Tester, and Heal genealogy information on the Geni website. Description by Christy Henry.
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Donovan Elliott Hockley was born on July 26, 1912 in North Brandon, MB. Don married Helen Violet Wagner (1917-2005) on August 12, 1942. Together they had four children: Wesley, Garth, Glen and Dale. The couple purchased their farm in North Brandon in 1945, gradually increasing their holdings and evolving their operation. Don founded Donovan Holsteins in 1958, and remained active in farming into his 80s. His hobbies included woodworking, the restoration of antique cars and travelling. After his wife died in 2005, Don spent his winters in Chilliwack, BC with his son Dale and his family. Don Hockley died on July 19, 2011 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 Don Hockley about agriculture and rural life in Manitoba. The interviewer is Frank Anderson.
Notes
History/bio information taken from the records and Hockley's obituary. Description by Christy Henry.
Language Note
English
Audio Tracks
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Duncan E Kennedy was born on July 5, 1906 on the farm in Elton municipality. Duncan married Helen Laurie Hutcheon (1906-1985) in 1927. They raised four children: Leonard, Gordon, Cecil and Lorna. The couple spent their early married life on a farm in Springwater, SK, before moving to Hartney, Forrest and Brandon where Duncan was employed by Manitoba Pool Elevators as a grain buyer and elevator manager. Duncan enjoyed sports, including hockey, curling and fishing. He also enjoyed camping with his family and in later years travelling. Duncan Kennedy died on September 22, 1996 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 Duncan Kennedy about early agriculture and his life. The interviewer is Frank Anderson.
Notes
History/bio information taken from the records and Kennedy's obituary. Description by Christy Henry.
Language Note
English
Audio Tracks
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Phyllis Field Cooper was born on July 22, 1894 in Chicago, Illinois. She attended the Chicago Art Institute. Phyllis emigrated to Canada in March 1918, where she worked briefly for Mr. and Mrs. Archie Cooper near Treesbank, MB, before she moved to Winnipeg to teach a juvenile art class connected with the Winnipeg School of Art. In fall 1920, Phyllis went to work in the office of a Winnipeg insurance company. That same year her parents and brother moved to the Treesbank area. Phyllis moved home to work at the Treesbank store, before the entire family moved back to Chicago in 1923.
Phyllis married Archibald Cooper (1868-1953) on August 26, 1933, and the couple moved to Winnipeg. They did not have children. During their time in Winnipeg, Phyllis worked as an interior designer, a vocalist and a writer, writing articles for the Winnipeg Free Press and the Winnipeg Tribune. She was a member of the Philharmonic choir in Winnipeg and an Honorary Life Member of the Winnipeg Sketch Club. She moved to Glenboro in 1955, following the death of her husband. In Glenboro she gave piano and art lessons for several years. Phyllis Field Cooper died in August 1987. She is buried at Millford Cemetery in Treesbank, 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 Phyllis Field Cooper about her life. Interviewer is Irene Brown.
Notes
History/bio information from the records and the Glenboro local history "Beneath the long grass." Description by Christy Henry.
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Harold Ernest Watson was born on April 14, 1905 on section 4-11-24 in the RM of Woodworth. The family moved to Brandon, MB in 1911. As a young man, Harold worked for many years as a carpenter with his father. He was then employed for a few years with the Canadian National Railway (CNR) before becoming a carpenter and carman with the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) for thirty-five years. Harold married Winifred Elizabeth Schiedel (1916-1982) in 1939 and together they had six children: Eldine, Marjorie, David, Dale, Mildred and Ralph. A keen conservationist, Harold was a member of the Manitoba Naturalist Society. He also enjoyed gardening, bird watching, fishing, hunting, woodworking, reading, typing and cribbage, and possessed an excellent knowledge of the history of Brandon and surrounding area. Harold Watson died on November 30, 1994 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 Watson about the history of the East End of Brandon, including its early residents, buildings and activites. The interviewer is Lillian Mummery.
Notes
History/bio information from the records and Watson's obituary. Description by Christy Henry. Fred McGuinness wrote about Harold Watson in his November 4, 2004 "The Notebook" column in The Brandon Sun.
Language Note
English
Conservation
Preservation copy made 2021 (R. Hess)
Audio Tracks
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Harold Ernest Watson was born on April 14, 1905 on section 4-11-24 in the RM of Woodworth. The family moved to Brandon, MB in 1911. As a young man, Harold worked for many years as a carpenter with his father. He was then employed for a few years with the Canadian National Railway (CNR) before becoming a carpenter and carman with the Canadian Pacific Railway for thirty-five years. Harold married Winifred Elizabeth Schiedel (1916-1982) in 1939 and together they had six children: Eldine, Marjorie, David, Dale, Mildred and Ralph. A keen conservationist, Harold was a member of the Manitoba Naturalist Society. He also enjoyed gardening, bird watching, fishing, hunting, woodworking, reading, typing and cribbage, and possessed an excellent knkowledge of the history of Brandon and surrounding area. Harold Watson died on November 30, 1994 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 Watson about the history of the East End of Brandon, including its early residents, buildings and activites. The interviewer is Lillian Mummery.
Notes
History/bio information from the records and Watson's obituary. Description by Christy Henry. Fred McGuinness wrote about Harold Watson in his November 4, 2004 "The Notebook" column in The Brandon Sun.
Audio Tracks
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Harold Ernest Watson was born on April 14, 1905 on section 4-11-24 in the RM of Woodworth. The family moved to Brandon, MB in 1911. As a young man, Harold worked for many years as a carpenter with his father. He was then employed for a few years with the Canadian National Railway (CNR) before becoming a carpenter and carman with the Canadian Pacific Railway for thirty-five years. Harold married Winifred Elizabeth Schiedel (1916-1982) in 1939 and together they had six children: Eldine, Marjorie, David, Dale, Mildred and Ralph. A keen conservationist, Harold was a member of the Manitoba Naturalist Society. He also enjoyed gardening, bird watching, fishing, hunting, woodworking, reading, typing and cribbage, and possessed an excellent knkowledge of the history of Brandon and surrounding area. Harold Watson died on November 30, 1994 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 Harold Watson about the history of the East End of Brandon, including its early residents, buildings and activites. The interviewer is Lillian Mummery.
Notes
History/bio information from the records and Watson's obituary. Description by Christy Henry. Fred McGuinness wrote about Harold Watson in his November 4, 2004 "The Notebook" column in The Brandon Sun.
Audio Tracks
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