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Brandon College fonds

http://archives.brandonu.ca/en/permalink/descriptions4236
Part Of
RG 1 Brandon College fonds
Description Level
Fonds
GMD
multiple media
Date Range
1899-1967
Accession Number
R81-30
Part Of
RG 1 Brandon College fonds
Description Level
Fonds
Accession Number
R81-30
GMD
multiple media
Date Range
1899-1967
Physical Description
25.5 m textual records and photographs
History / Biographical
JOHN CRAWFORD AND PRAIRIE COLLEGE: Although Brandon College was officially created in 1899, its roots go back much further to the late 1870’s and early 1880’s. It was during this time that Reverend John Crawford built Prairie College which was located in Rapid City, Manitoba . Rev. John Crawford was born in Castledawson, Ireland. While he was at boarding school in Belfast he was converted to the Baptist faith. His later education took place at Edinburgh University, Stephany College, and Regent Park Baptist College, all of which are located in Great Britain. He became a pastor in London, England, which is where he met his wife, a prominent and cultured lady. Crawford felt that his calling was in the backwoods of Canada, so he soon moved his wife and family to a farm near Toronto where he continued to preach. He was asked to join the faculty of the Canadian Literary Institute, a Baptist institution located in Toronto. He accepted the position and taught there for several years. The CLI, as it was commonly known, was a Baptist theological college. It was renamed Woodstock College in 1883. In 1879, Crawford saw the need for Baptist preachers in the newly opening territories of Western Canada. He felt that a self-sustaining college was the answer. Young men could work the land and gain religious education to prepare them for the ministry at the same time. He chose Rapid City, Manitoba as the site for his new college, because it was then recognized as an integral hub of the Northwest. It was also on the proposed transcontinental railway route. The students would build the college and cultivate the land. The Ontario Baptist Convention, while shying away from giving him official approval for the proposed college, did allow Crawford the liberty to canvass the Baptist churches in order to raise up to $2000 for the venture. Crawford secured the help of Reverend G.B. Davis, a student at Woodstock and a graduate of Morgan Park College, Chicago, to teach and help train the students. In the summer of 1879, Davis and nine students reached Rapid City. During that summer they cultivated the land and built a two-story college building out of local stone. The following spring, Rev. John Crawford sold his house in Toronto for an estimated $4000 and moved with his family to Rapid City to take up residence at the new college. The newly formed Prairie College opened in the fall of 1880 with 15 missionary students. Rev. Crawford was the Principal, Rev. Davis was the Vice-Principal, while Misses Emily and Fanny Crawford were teachers. Although the school was a success missionarywise, it did not do well financially. In 1883, Prairie College closed, partly due to financial troubles and partly due to the Ontario Baptists deciding that one Baptist Theological College in Canada was enough, and it was located in Toronto. The students at Prairie College were urged to finish their education in Toronto . This college would soon be known as McMaster University. S.J. MCKEE AND RAPID CITY ACADEMY: After the closing of Prairie College, Rev. Crawford left for the United States. However, Rev. Davis still saw a need for education in Rapid City and began to build another school. The Rapid City Academy opened in 1884. Because Davis accepted a pulpit in Moose Jaw soon after, he prevailed upon his brother-in-law, S.J. McKee , to come and take charge of the academy. McKee accepted the position, and the school flourished under his guidance. In 1890, McKee decided that the school would do better and reach more people if it was located in Brandon, Manitoba, where the railway had eventually gone through. He moved the Academy, and it was housed in various buildings in the city, until he found a permanent resting spot on the third floor of the Stewart Block on Rosser Avenue and Ninth Street . BRANDON COLLEGE: During the 1890’s the Baptists began to reconsider their decision of having just one theological college. With the settlement of the West, the Baptists were looking to increase their congregation. It was thought that higher education for potential ministry students would greatly help the Baptist cause. Rev. A. J. Vining, who was the Baptist Superintendent of Missions for Manitoba and the Northwest at the time, strongly advocated a Baptist College in Manitoba. In 1898, Vining interviewed Mr. William Davies, a prominent Baptist, in Toronto. Davies agreed to pledge $3500 a year for five years towards the establishment of a college in the West. His sister, Mrs. Emily Davies agreed to add $1500 to this amount. These pledges encouraged the 1898 meeting of the Manitoba Convention in Winnipeg to begin organization of a Baptist College to be located in Manitoba. A five member committee was chosen to consider the benefits of a Baptist college in Manitoba. Their report was to be read the following summer at the Portage La Prairie Convention. At the 1899 meeting of the Convention, the five member committee recommended: 1. “That we proceed to inaugurate a movement for the establishment of a denominational school at once. 2. “That we extend a call to Dr. A.P. McDiarmid to act as Principal. 3. “That we appoint a committee of twenty-one directors. 4. “That at present the question of the site be left with the President and Board of Directors but that no site be considered permanent till endorsed by this Convention at a regular or special meeting. On July 21st, 1899 it was resolved: 1. That we proceed to establish and develop an educational school at Brandon. 2. That the school be known as “Brandon College”. 3. That the quorum of the Board of Directors be fixed at eleven . Because S.J. McKee already had a thriving academy in Brandon, and he was a staunch Baptist, it was decided to merge Professor McKee’s Academy with the newly formed Brandon College. The classes would take place in the Stewart Block, the site of the Academy. S.J. McKee was hired as professor in Classics, Mental Science and French, while also acting as the unofficial vice-principal. He also had a position on the Board of Directors. Arthur W. Vining, Howard P. Whidden, J.B. Beveridge, and Miss Annie Beveridge rounded out the first faculty of Brandon College. The 1900 Brandon College Calendar states: The College aims at not only the mental culture of its students, but at the development of right character. It recognizes the supreme importance of surrounding the student during the period of college life with positive Christian influences, and to keep before him distinctively Christian ideals. The transcendent worth of character is kept in view in molding the life of the College, while the best possible intellectual training is sought. Though Christian, the College is in no sense sectarian. Students of all denominations will enjoy equal privileges. In every department the professors and teachers must be members of some evangelical church; in the Theological Department alone it will be required that they shall be members of the Baptist denomination. The College in all its departments is open to students of both sexes. The faculty will have watchful regard to the best interests of the students in every respect. Those whose conduct and influence are found to be injurious to the welfare of the College will be dismissed if milder disciplinary methods fail to effect reform . While the school would be run by the Baptists, it was always non-sectarian and co-educational. Students of all denominations were invited to attend Brandon College. The development of a person with the right character was as important as the mental culture of the students. Classes commenced on October 2, 1899. There were 110 students, 81 men and 29 women. Thirteen of these students had plans to enter the ministry. It soon became apparent that the building Brandon College occupied was far too small for its increasing numbers. Plans were drawn up in early 1900 to build a spacious college on the west edge of Brandon. Hugh McCowan was hired as architect and T.M. Harrington of Winnipeg was asked to build the school. A charter creating Brandon College was written. This Act briefly defined the purposes, jurisdiction, and administrative framework of the College. The “Act to Incorporate Brandon College” was approved by the Province of Manitoba and assented to on June 1, 1900. It granted the Baptist Convention authority over all College affairs. This authority included the appointment of the College Directors and professors, the creation of rules and bylaws, as well as control over the school’s curriculum. While the Board of Directors had control over financial matters, all Board decisions had to be approved by the Convention . The cornerstone for the new building was laid on July 13, 1900 by Mrs. William Davies. The College commenced classes in the new building, located at 270-18th street, on October 2, 1901. It cost approximately $44 000 to build. There was residence for 70-80 men as well as a dining room, kitchen, science laboratory, reception room, office, library and nine classrooms. The College consisted of an Academic Department, and Arts Department, a Theological Department, and a Business and Stenographic Department. The Commercial courses were discontinued in 1916 due to financial difficulties during the war. In 1922, the Business Department of Brandon College was discontinued because the College could no longer afford to keep it operating. The Academic Department consisted of Grades 9 through 12. Although it was a large and popular aspect of Brandon College, it began to decrease in size with the advent of secondary schools. Up until the early part of the twentieth century, most public schools stopped at around grade eight. After that, there were Normal schools that students could go to to become a teacher. Many students wishing to attend secondary school came to Brandon College, where a full secondary course was offered. By the 1920’s and 1930’s however, collegiates were becoming more commonplace. Students often didn’t have to travel as far to receive a higher education. By the early 1930’s most of the Academic Department had been discontinued because of lack of need and finances. By 1932, only the Grade Twelve course was still in operation. Although one of the main intents behind building Brandon College had been to prepare students for the Baptist ministry, the Theological Department was always one of the smaller departments. By 1915, the Board of Directors had assumed authority over all College operations. However, the Baptist Union still maintained control over theological education, through the Committee on Ministerial Education created in 1908. In 1916, the department was curtailed considerably because of the war. An Educational Secretary, hired in 1919, managed the teaching of theology at Brandon College. The Educational Secretary also controlled the College Maintenance Fund, which was specifically set aside to ensure the financial health of theological education. The Baptist Union’s residual power over theological education led to the creation of the Brandon College Commission in 1923. This joint commission of the Baptist Union and College Senate examined several instructors, including Harris MacNeill, for alleged improper Biblical interpretations. These claims stemmed from Fundamentalist Baptists, who believed that the theological students at Brandon College were being taught by Modernists. The Commission found little evidence to support these allegations, and the instructors were later exonerated of all charges. Even with this decision, the College had to discontinue the Theological Department in 1927 due to lack of funds. The College’s financial situation was very poor when Dr. Evans assumed control in 1928. The support from the Baptists was shaky, especially since the Fundamentalist-Modernist argument during the early 1920s. The Baptist Union Educational Committee recommended the Arts department be maintained as a significant training course for Christian leadership. The Committee wanted the re-establishment of the Department of Theology. In 1933, in an attempt to regain Baptist support, Rev. Ross C. Eaton was hired as Lecturer in Bible to help bring religious study back to the College. In 1934, John B. McLaurin was hired as Acting Professor in Theology. Dr. F.W. Pattison gave a Practical Theology course, while Dr. Evans made plans to increase the religious department even more. In 1935 Dr. C.B. Lumsden was appointed Professor of Theology, and in 1936, Rev. E.M. Whidden was appointed Head of the Department of Theology. In 1905, plans commenced for the building of a Women’s Residence to adjoin Brandon College. On May 24th, 1906 Mrs. A.P. McDiarmid laid the cornerstone for what was to become known as Clark Hall. The building was named for C.W. Clark, a Winnipeg doctor who gave $30 000 of the $40 000 dollars needed to build the residence. Dr. Clark gave the money to Brandon College because he believed that women should have every chance to receive higher education. On October 18th of the same year, Clark Hall was officially opened, with room for 50 women. With the expansion of the women’s department came programs that were geared towards young women of the era. A Music and Art Department was added to the College as was an Expression and Physical Culture Department. The heads of these departments were Abbie Helmer Vining, H. Hancock, and Gertrude Trotter. Miss Ernestine R. Whiteside was hired as Lady Principal and teacher of German and English. With the rise in immigration during this time came the chance of expansion at Brandon College. There were large numbers of Scandinavian settlements in Manitoba, and it was thought that introducing a Scandinavian Department at the College would entice prospective Swedish missionary students. The students would return to their settlements after being educated by the Baptists, and it was hoped that they would spread the Baptist word among the Scandinavian settlers. Mr. Emil Lundquist was hired in 1907 to head the newly formed Scandinavian Department. Physical fitness was stressed at Brandon College. Students were encouraged and expected to exercise. It was thought that a healthy body helped to create a healthy mind. There was more behind this ideal than simply healthy minds though, at least for the women students. During this period in history, it was often believed that women were not physically capable of learning to a great extent. It was thought that studying created too much of a stress on the female body, often leading to illness or permanent invalids. Before a girl was accepted to Brandon College, she had to furnish a letter from her doctor stating that she was physically able to go to school and study. As well, women were subjected to the “Clark Hall Line”, a daily two mile walk which was mandatory to all women. No matter what the weather was like they would pair up and, in a long line, walk down the streets of Brandon to the edge of the city. This line was often the cause of much amusement for the men of Brandon College. There were plenty of other sports offered at Brandon College for both men and women in an effort to keep the students physically active. This belief in physical fitness led to the development in 1908 of what was to become an annual College Field Day. In 1908, the Baptist Convention of Manitoba and the Northwest Territories became the Baptist Union of Western Canada. This change reflected a restructuring of the Baptist organization. The Union had a meeting every three years that consisted of delegates sent from Baptist churches throughout western Canada. The Baptist Union Board carried on the affairs of the Union and met semi-annually. Each year the Board created a budget based on the needs of the Union, then allocated funds to Provincial and Conference Boards. These other Boards had the responsibility of financing their local institutions and projects. The Baptist Union was not in direct control over these expenditures. If the budget was not raised, the Union had to incur the provincial deficits. This situation of mounting debts continued for several years. Principal McDiarmid’s title was changed to President McDiarmid in 1910. There is no document explaining this change, but it follows a trend in other colleges and universities during that period when the head of the school was known as the president. Up until 1910, the College had been loosely affiliated with the University of Manitoba. The Baptists refused to accept the University of Manitoba model of a higher institution, and they continuously sought to get a separate University charter that would give Brandon College degree-granting privileges. It was because of the Baptists firm belief in the separation of church and state that they could not accept the University of Manitoba model, as it would place the College under state control. The college could not secure a charter of its own, so it was decided in 1910 that Brandon College would affiliate with McMaster University. Brandon College was in debt following the construction of their first two buildings, and it became increasingly clear to the College Board that they could no longer rely solely on funding from the Baptist Union. In order to carry out their financial campaign and increase their administrative efficiency the Board felt it should control the College. In 1911 the Baptist Union was confronted with a proposal from Brandon College stating: ...in our confirmed judgment the work of the College should be under the immediate and unfettered direction of its own Board of Directors and Senate--that its Board of Directors, subject to the expressed general policy of the Baptist Union, control its business administration, and that its Senate should have direction of its education policies and work, viz., the determination of its courses of study, its curricula, its instruction, its examinations, etc. It appears after this date that Brandon College was much more in control of its curricula and courses of study. However, the school still relied almost completely on the Union for financial support. World War One began in 1914 and affected Brandon College greatly. Students were very patriotic to England, reflecting the ideals and propaganda of the time in their thoughts and actions. Classes shrunk as men enlisted, and military drilling in front of the College buildings became a commonplace scene. This was due to the fact that in 1915, a Canadian Officers Training Corps unit was established at Brandon College. A Brandon College platoon was organized as part of the Western Universities Battalion, the 196th. Over thirty Brandon College men were killed during World War One. After the cessation of hostilities in Europe, the students at Brandon College began fundraising to build a memorial gymnasium to honor their classmates who died during the war. Brandon College began to consider expansion in 1920, when an extension fund campaign was started in an effort to raise money to build a science building. Meanwhile, Dr. Whidden was involved in a continuous effort to maintain the College financially. That year, Mr. William Davies died, and in his will he left $100 000 dollars to Brandon College, on the condition that people in the west could match the amount dollar for dollar. Contributions to the College increased substantially with the 1923 arrival of Dr. Sweet, the new College President. He quickly gained the confidence of the Board of Directors, the faculty, the students, the community, and the Baptists. The motto of Brandon College up to this point in time seemed to have been “Speaking the Truth in Love”. But with the arrival of Dr. Sweet the motto appears to have been changed to “Education Crowned by Reverence”. After the Stock Market crash in 1929, the financial situation of the College grew even worse. The Great Depression severely limited charitable contributions for both Brandon College and the Baptist Union during the 1930’s. In 1931, the Baptist Union indicated by resolution that Brandon College would be closed at the end of the 1930-1931 school year unless the College could find a way to pay its own maintenance bills. The final announcement from the Baptist Union Board stated: ‘RESOLVED that the Board of Brandon College be requested to endeavor to continue the College in operation until the close of the current College year, and that in view of the inability of the Baptist Union to make provision for adequate financial support, that the College cease to operate at the end of the current College year .’ It was at this time the businessmen of Brandon, through the Brandon Board of Trade, began to get involved in the College situation. An organization called the Brandon College Citizens Campaign submitted a by-law that would raise $20 000 for the College for at least five years. The by-law had to be accepted by 60% of the ratepayers before it would be instituted. Despite a huge campaign effort, the by-law was rejected, mainly by the large working-class society in the city who did not see the need for higher education and who resented not being hired to do contract work there. After the by-law failed Brandon citizens raised $20 000 on their own to keep the school open for at least another year. By 1937, the College was still financially unstable, and although the Western Baptists supported the institution, they could no longer afford to help with the costs. In 1938 the Baptist Union passed a resolution withdrawing completely from any financial responsibility for Brandon College. BRANDON COLLEGE AS A NON-DENOMINATIONAL SCHOOL: The citizens of Brandon began to look for ways to keep the College open. A delegation of 60 representatives from towns in southwestern Manitoba asked Premier John Bracken and the Minister of Education for assistance to help keep Brandon College open as a Western Manitoba Arts College under the direction of an independent Board and on a non-denominational basis. The Brandon Board of Trade created a Brandon College Committee. Its members looked into ways the College could be saved. A.E. McKenzie was one of the central figures in this fight to save Brandon College . In July, McKenzie put up an offer of a $100 000 endowment for Brandon College. Shortly after that he upped the endowment to $300 000. The provincial government agreed to give the College $15 000 annually on the condition that the city of Brandon raise that amount as well and the $300 000 endowment was accepted. In September, McKenzie increased the endowment to $500 000 dollars, $100 000 of which would be revenue-bearing at 3%, which would raise $3000 a year for twenty years. Brandon was disappointed that the provincial government only offered $15 000, as they had originally asked for quite a bit more. However, they set about on a campaign to raise their share of the funds so that Brandon College could open for the fall term . In September of 1938, Brandon College reopened under the affiliation of the University of Manitoba. A provisional Board of Directors, consisting of Dr. J.R.C. Evans, Mayor F.H. Young, A.E. McKenzie, N.W. Kerr, K.C., E.M. Warren, H.O. McDiarmid, M.D., A.G. Buckingham, K.C., F.R. Longworth, and R.B. Alexander, was responsible for the administering of the affairs of the college. These men were all prominent Brandon citizens who had been involved in the fight to save Brandon College. They tried to complete the campaign to cover financial obligations and assure permanency of the college. The provincial government said that they would raise their support from $15 000 to $22 500 per year if Brandon could pass a by-law guaranteeing support of the college. On April 17, 1939, Bill 104 received assent as an Act of the Provincial Legislature incorporating Brandon College Incorporated. On June 6, a Brandon Bylaw was passed that approved the levying of one mill on the dollar from taxpayers for the next twenty years to help support Brandon College. This Bylaw assured that Brandon taxpayers would raise $5000 during the first year that it was levied, and this amount would increase during subsequent years as Brandon grew and prospered. On June 13, the Board of Directors approved recording of the Bill as the Charter of Corporation. The A.E. McKenzie endowment was authorized by Bylaw #5 of the corporation on December 19. With the outbreak of World War II in 1939 came the resurrection of the C.O.T.C. at Brandon College in 1940. Enrollment went down as young men and women joined the Armed Forces to go overseas. In order to keep the college out of debt, Dr. Evans created the War Emergency Fund in 1941. This fund raised $15 000 from 1941 to 1946. Scholarships were restarted at the college to help boost enrollment. Many of the scholarships were contingent on the recipient being a resident student in order to help raise residence numbers. In 1945, the A.E. McKenzie Trust of 1939 was canceled, and 90% of A.E. McKenzie’s stockholdings were transferred to the control of the Province of Manitoba. The A.E. McKenzie Foundation was established using the annual declared dividends from the 90% of the stock. This foundation was administered by the Minister of Education of Manitoba, the President of Brandon College, and a third person to be decided on by both parties. The annual grant of $10 000 from the foundation would be increased by $4000 if a Social Science Chair was established at the college. In 1946 that Brandon College hired its first Director of Public Relations. This man was Walter G. Dinsdale, a 1937 Brandon College graduate. A Guidance Committee was created in 1948. It was also during this year that Brandon College became an associate member of the National Conference of Canadian Universities. A Social Science Department was added in 1948, and the Biology Department was reorganized. In 1949 a Department of Political Science was created. The Board of Directors passed a resolution in 1949 to create a committee to hire a director for a financial campaign. The campaign went poorly. Brandon College, although not in the same position as it had been a decade earlier, was still not secure financially. The citizens of Brandon, having been through the Depression and the war years, did not have much left to give to the College. In 1951, the Federal Government provided the first of an annual fund of $8 000 000 to be divided between Canada’s universities and colleges based on enrollment figures. During this first year, Brandon College received $18 000 from the government. Education was first offered at Brandon College in 1952 with the co-operation of the Department of Education and the University of Manitoba. In 1953, Brandon College became an associate member of the Association of Universities of the British Commonwealth. The mortgage that had been assumed from the Baptists in 1939 was paid off in 1954. It was also during this year that Brandon College received its first new building since the 1922 Science Building. An “H-Hut” was moved onto the property and placed behind the Science Building. It was redecorated and used for student functions, a library, and a recreation area. The Board of Directors increased from twenty one to thirty six in 1955. The provincial grant of $22 500 was raised to $50 000. In 1957 the Brandon College Faculty Association was formed. This marked the beginning of the end of the ‘family’ structure of the college. A salary schedule was created in 1957 for the Arts and Science Departments. In November of 1958, the Expansion Committee of the Board of Directors was authorized to proceed with all aspects of expansion. By 1959, a new Arts and Library building was being planned. On Thursday, July 23, 1959, Dr. Evans died suddenly while on holiday in Robson, British Columbia. Before he died he had managed to secure funding and plans for the new Arts and Library building and Lecture Theatre. The Manitoba Government granted $500 000 and the Canada Council $102 000 towards the building of a new Arts and Library Building and Lecture Theatre. The new Arts and Library Building and the J.R.C. Evans Lecture Theatre were officially opened on January 6, 1961 by Mrs. John G. Diefenbaker (Olive Freeman, Class of 1923). It was also during 1961, that Brandon College welcomed its first overseas student. As well, J.E. Brodie, the former president of Great West Coal made a $200 000 gift to Brandon College, and gave $50 000 to the Expansion Fund. The next several years were full of expansion for Brandon College. The Men’s Residence, Dining Hall and Heating Plant were opened in 1962. In 1963, a Women’s Residence and the Music Building were opened. A Gymnasium was opened in 1965. The Board of Directors changed dramatically in the early 1960’s, becoming more influenced by the distribution of funds from government sources. Legislation in 1966 revised the Brandon College Act to reduce the number of members on the Board of Directors from thirty-six down to twelve. Seven of these twelve would be appointed by the Lieutenant Governor-in-Council, and three would be appointed by the Brandon College Corporation. One member would be elected by the Alumni Association, and the College President would be a member ex-officio. BRANDON COLLEGE BECOMES BRANDON UNIVERSITY: 1967 was an important year for Brandon College. Not only was a new Education Building opened, but the College ceased to exist. This was because a university charter had been granted to Brandon College. On July 1, 1967, Brandon College became Brandon University. Dr. John E. Robbins was appointed to be its first president. The university would enjoy a certain amount of freedom from the financial hardships it had endured over the past 68 years. As well, the university would no longer have its curriculum dictated to it from other institutions as it had during affiliation with McMaster University and the University of Manitoba.
Custodial History
The records have been located in a number of areas around the University including Clark Hall, the old Science building, the A.E. McKenzie building, and “the trailer”, which was a very old addition to Clark Hall and has now been removed from campus. The records are now in the S.J. McKee Archives located on the Brandon University campus.
Scope and Content
The fond consists of minutes, reports, correspondence, invoices, printed material, clippings and photographs. The collection spans from S.J. McKee’s personal papers from Rapid City Academy in the 1880’s through to the decision to grant university charter to Brandon College in 1967. It is a very interesting source for the history of Western Canada. Several different themes emerge in the fond. A very central theme concerns Baptist higher education in Western Canada, higher education in general, the development of curriculum in Canada, and the Baptist Western Movement. The development of religious higher education, especially Baptist training, is well-documented. Areas such as student associations, student life on campus, and women’s education are detailed in the collection. There is a very detailed look at the social aspects of college life, especially the difference between the genders in the realm of higher education. These themes can be found in the various Clark Hall scrapbooks and “Saturday Books” written by the lady principal. An economic theme is prevalent for much of the early history of Brandon College due to various financial restraints that the College and Western Canada faced. These themes are especially noticed in the Bursar and Registrar records. The administration of the corporation can be followed closely through the minutes and certain correspondence from the Board of Directors. A more in-depth look at the people involved in the running of an institution of higher learning can be found in the various personal papers of the presidents of the College. There are also several military files, dealing with the creation and operation of a C.O.T.C. regiment on campus during both the First and Second World Wars. The fond also provides a glimpse of how the wars affected daily life on campus and their after-effects on the College. The fonds also examines the effects that affiliation with other universities can have on curriculum, regulations and other aspects of College life.
Notes
The RG 1 Brandon College fonds description and finding aid were prepared by Karyn Taylor (nee Riedel) in August 1998.
Name Access
Duff Roblin
Tommy Douglas
Stanley Knowles
Brandon
Manitoba
McMaster University
University of Manitoba
Baptist Union of Western Canada
Subject Access
post-secondary education
Baptist Church
universities
co-educational institutions
Access Restriction
See series level for access restrictions.
Repro Restriction
Copyright provisions apply.
Finding Aid
Available
Storage Location
RG 1 Brandon College fonds
Related Material
McKee Archives: RG 6 Brandon University fonds. The Canadian Baptist Archives at McMaster University contain the following records related to Brandon College: Correspondence (1911-1936); McMaster Chancellor's Correspondence (1895-1926); McMaster Chancellor's Reports; History (1962); Stone & Garnet History (1969); Calendars (1899-1938); Report of Commission 1923 (pamphlet); Fact Concerning 1922 (pamphlet); Jesuit Methods (pamphlet); an incomplete set of the Quill; and exams. They also have The Western Baptist and the Yearbooks of the Baptist Union of Western Canada (1907-1996). (Source: Correspondence between Judith Colwell, Archivist, Canadian Baptist Archives and Thomas H. McLeod. Date: October 8, 1996).
Arrangement
The fonds is divided into fifteen series and two associated fonds.
Show Less

Ruth and Archie MacLachlan fonds

http://archives.brandonu.ca/en/permalink/descriptions10093
Part Of
RG 1 Brandon College fonds
Description Level
Sub-series
GMD
multiple media
Date Range
1930-1934
Accession Number
23-2009
Part Of
RG 1 Brandon College fonds
Description Level
Sub-series
Series Number
MG 2 2.33
Accession Number
23-2009
GMD
multiple media
Date Range
1930-1934
Physical Description
27 cm textual records
13 b/w photographs
Physical Condition
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.
Name Access
Ruth Wade
Ruth MacLachlan
Archie MacLachlan
Addrene Edwards
Dorreene McGuinness
Brandon
Brandon College
Trochu, Alberta
Etzikom, Alberta
First Baptist Church
Subject Access
land vehicles
Christianity
city life
rural life
convocations
Correspondence
crime
post-secondary education
mountains
pastoral activities
postal service
parsons
religious officials
Radio Broadcasts
tennis
rail transportation
weather
social events
music
clothing
theology
hobbies
liberal arts
horses
road transportation
travels
touring
depression era
Language Note
Some of the letters contain German phrases.
Storage Location
Textual records: 23-2009 Photographs: RG 5 photograph storage drawer
Related Material
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.
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Esther Magdalene Moore collection

http://archives.brandonu.ca/en/permalink/descriptions4299
Part Of
RG 1 Brandon College fonds
Description Level
Sub-series
GMD
textual records
Date Range
1911?-1960?
Accession Number
4-2016
Part Of
RG 1 Brandon College fonds
Description Level
Sub-series
Series Number
MG 1 1.5
Accession Number
4-2016
GMD
textual records
Date Range
1911?-1960?
Physical Description
8 cm
History / Biographical
Esther Moore was born in Norfolk, Nebraska and moved to Canada at age 3. There is a vague reference to her being related to the composer Dvorak in The Quill of 1913. She registered as a music student at Brandon College in 1909. In 1910, Miss Moore received a medal for sight-reading and accompanying in Edmonton. She took her examinations of the Toronto Conservatory of Music in 1910, and her Senior examinations in 1911. She completed her theory work in 1913, as well as finishing the academic requirements. In 1913, Esther Moore became the first graduate of the Music department at Brandon College. After graduation, Miss Moore taught music in Unity, as well as being the choirleader and organist. She returned to her home in Olds, Alberta for a rest from teaching. However, she was not idle for long. She took up teaching again, and she was the organist and choirleader at church. She also began a Glee Club. Between these responsibilities Miss Moore finished a course in the Household Science Department at the Olds Agricultural College. She returned to Brandon College to take postgraduate work, becoming the first Brandon College student to receive her L.T.C.M. in 1916. In 1922 Miss Moore began to teach piano at Brandon College. She received her Bachelor of Music in 1925, and her Master of Music in 1926.
Custodial History
Records were accessioned by the McKee Archives in 1998. Prior custodial history is unknown.
Scope and Content
Esther Moore’s records consist of newspaper clippings, recital programmes, concert programmes, and commencement programmes. As well, there are dance cards, invitations, tickets, and the programme for the annual Graduation Banquet for several years. There are Track and Field programmes and a ribbon. There are also Alumni Luncheon programmes for a few years. There is an issue of The Western Baptist from 1926, and the programmes for the installation of Dr. Robbins as President and the opening of the Arts and Library building and the J.R.C. Evans Lecture Theatre in 1960. There is also a letter from William L. Wright, director of the music department at Brandon College.
Name Access
Esther Moore
W.L. Wright
J.R.C. Evans Lecture Theatre
John E. Robbins
Subject Access
School of Music
rectials
concerts
commencement
graduation banquet
programmes
arts and library building
Storage Location
2016 accessions
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Ministerial Students Association of Brandon College

http://archives.brandonu.ca/en/permalink/descriptions2519
Part Of
Brandon University Photograph Collection
Description Level
Item
GMD
graphic
Date Range
c. 1905
Accession Number
20-2003
Part Of
Brandon University Photograph Collection
Creator
Photographer: Davidson Bros. Photographers
Description Level
Item
Series Number
9
Item Number
BUPC 9.41
Accession Number
20-2003
GMD
graphic
Date Range
c. 1905
Physical Description
11" x 14" (b/w)
Custodial History
Photograph was donated by C. Allan Elsey in September 2003. The photograph belonged to the donor's father Charles Spurgen Elsey.
Scope and Content
Item consists of portraits of the members of the Ministerial Association of Brandon College. Members included: J.W. Williamson; L. Whitelaw; C.S. Elsey; C. Gale; R. Standerwick; A.S. Parnell; W.P. Freeman; John Erb; A. Bowbrick (Vice President); E. Selley (President); H.S. Sneyd (Sec. Treasurer); A.W. Mayse; H.S. Mullowney; William Parsons; Rev. R. McKay; Dr. A.P. McDiarmid; R.J.M. Caul; W. Smalley; H. Winton; George Reynolds; George Merritt; G. Siemens; F.W. McKinnon; F. Crossley; H.F. Finch; H.H. Best; J.H. Frith; H.S. Bagnell; and James Start.
Subject Access
clubs
theology
Storage Range
Oversize drawer 5
Images
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Frances Percival (nee Fraser) fonds

http://archives.brandonu.ca/en/permalink/descriptions4227
Part Of
RG 1 Brandon College fonds
Description Level
Sub-series
GMD
multiple media
Date Range
1928-1929
Accession Number
04-2006
Part Of
RG 1 Brandon College fonds
Description Level
Sub-series
Series Number
MG 2 2.6
Accession Number
04-2006
GMD
multiple media
Date Range
1928-1929
Physical Description
70 b&w photographs (various sizes) 7 mm textual records
Physical Condition
Good
History / Biographical
Frances Elizabeth Percival (nee Fraser) attended Brandon College in 1928-1929. She was from Wawanesa, Manitoba and passed away on August 3, 2004 at the age of 93 years.
Custodial History
The records were donated to the McKee Archives by Joy Lalonde, a realtive of Fran Percival's, in 2005.
Scope and Content
Fonds consists of three dance cards from the Brandon Normal School, a photograph album of Brandon College students and activities (many of them identified) and an autographed copy of the 1929 Brandon College Annual Graduation Program.
Notes
Description by Christy Henry.
Name Access
Fran Fraser
Subject Access
arts students
Storage Location
MG 2 Brandon College Students 2.6 Frances Percival (nee Fraser)
Documents

Photo Album and Name Sheet.pdf

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Brandon College arts class of 1927

http://archives.brandonu.ca/en/permalink/descriptions3505
Part Of
Brandon University Photograph Collection
Description Level
Item
GMD
graphic
Date Range
1924
Part Of
Brandon University Photograph Collection
Creator
Photographer: Weekes Studio
Description Level
Item
Series Number
9
Item Number
BUPC 9.71
GMD
graphic
Date Range
1924
Physical Description
10"x14" (b/w)
Custodial History
Photograph was in the possession of L.J. Crocker and his daughter Frances Wollison (nee Crocker) until donation by the latter to McKee Archives in October 2005.
Scope and Content
Item consists of portraits of the Brandon College arts class of 1927 taken in 1924, and their motto: In Omnia Paratus. Top Row (L to R): R.B. Scott; G.J. Coleman; H.R. Varcoe; M.A. Campbell; and A.W. Louseley. Second Row (L to R): M. Wiseman; E.M. Irish (Vice Pres.); R.E. Clement (Sec. Treas.); and E.B. Lynch. Third Row (L to R): M.C. Sparling; Dr. Sweet (President); P.D. Campbell (Class Pres.); L.J. Crocker (Hon. Pres.); and O. Moors. Fourth Row (L to R): J. I. Drysdale; M.A. Sweet; A.A. Brandon; and G. Godley. Fifth Row (L to R): R.M. Bowering; I.H. Sutherland; G.A. Little; F.e. Hitchcock; J.e. Bolton; F.A. Day; and M.A. Yeo. Sixth Row (L to R): R.E. Willey; A.W. Derby; L.G. McPherson; M.R. Fargey; H. Hainstock; and L.L. Robertson. Seventh Row (L to R): M. Flemming; C. Sheridan; L.B. Coleman; H.P. Clarke; D.I. Robertson; and E.A. Yeo. Eighth Row (L to R): I.M. Weisbrod; S.J. Westaway; D. Heath; L.R. Dennison; R.A. Hydman; L.J. Mayo; and J. McLellan.
Subject Access
Class of 1927 Arts
Storage Range
Oversize drawer 6
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2nd Floor Foyer, Library & Arts Opening

http://archives.brandonu.ca/en/permalink/descriptions30
Part Of
Brandon University Photograph Collection
Description Level
Item
Date Range
c. 1961
Part Of
Brandon University Photograph Collection
Description Level
Item
Series Number
1
File Number
1.1.16 A&B
Item Number
1.1.16 A&B
Date Range
c. 1961
Physical Description
b/w, A: 24.5 cm x 19 cm; B: 18.5 cm x 12.8 cm
Scope and Content
Furnishings, layouts and exhibits as at the time of opening. Allan Budlong (student), Barbara Ritchie (staff) Library Foyer, 2nd floor Library and Arts Building
Name Access
Allan Budlong; Barbara Ritchie
Subject Access
Library & Arts Building
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Main Floor, Library & Arts Building Opening

http://archives.brandonu.ca/en/permalink/descriptions31
Part Of
Brandon University Photograph Collection
Description Level
Item
Date Range
March, 1961
Part Of
Brandon University Photograph Collection
Description Level
Item
Series Number
1
File Number
1.1.17
Item Number
1.1.17
Date Range
March, 1961
Physical Description
b/w, 24.5 cm x 19 cm
Scope and Content
Shows furnishings and layouts as at the time the building was opened. Main Floor, Library Arts Building
Subject Access
Library & Arts Building
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Technical Services, Library & Arts Building Opening

http://archives.brandonu.ca/en/permalink/descriptions32
Part Of
Brandon University Photograph Collection
Description Level
Item
Date Range
c. 1961
Part Of
Brandon University Photograph Collection
Description Level
Item
Series Number
1
File Number
1.1.18
Item Number
1.1.18
Date Range
c. 1961
Physical Description
b/w, 24.5 cm x 19 cm
Scope and Content
Technical services processing, as laid out at the time the building ws opened. Main Floor, Library, 2nd floor, Library & Arts Building L-R, Barbara Ritchie(staff), Lee Finch (staff)
Name Access
Barbara Ritchie
Lee Finch
Subject Access
Library & Arts Building
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Layout and Exhibits, Library & Arts Building Opening

http://archives.brandonu.ca/en/permalink/descriptions36
Part Of
Brandon University Photograph Collection
Description Level
Item
Date Range
c. 1961
Part Of
Brandon University Photograph Collection
Description Level
Item
Series Number
1
File Number
1.1.22
Item Number
1.1.22
Date Range
c. 1961
Physical Description
b/w
Scope and Content
Layout and exhibits for opening; painting of Brandon College Library and Arts Building, Library Reading Room looking South. Female student in centre foreground: Enid Currie '61, Male student centre left: Clare Pangman
Name Access
Enid Currie; Clare Pangman
Subject Access
Library & Arts Building
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Part Of
Brandon University Photograph Collection
Description Level
Item
GMD
graphic
Date Range
c. 1962
Part Of
Brandon University Photograph Collection
Description Level
Item
Series Number
8
Item Number
8.R.3
GMD
graphic
Date Range
c. 1962
Physical Description
2.5" x 3.5" (b/w)
History / Biographical
Rivers was from Decker, MB. During his time at Brandon College Rivers won the Brandon College General Proficiency Award in his second year, the Presidents’ Scholarship in Science, the Anglo-Can Oils Ltd. Scholarship in Chemistry, the Doigs’ Store Ltd. Scholarship in Maths, and the Joseph Donaldson Memorial Scholarship in Physics.
Scope and Content
Portrait of Leonard Rivers, class of 1963.
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Library Reading Room (2nd Floor), Library & Arts Building Opening

http://archives.brandonu.ca/en/permalink/descriptions33
Part Of
Brandon University Photograph Collection
Description Level
Item
Date Range
c. 1961
Part Of
Brandon University Photograph Collection
Description Level
Item
Series Number
1
File Number
1.1.19
Item Number
1.1.19
Date Range
c. 1961
Physical Description
b/w, 24.4 cm x 19 cm
Scope and Content
Furnishings and exhibits as at the opening of the building. Library Reading Room, 2nd floor, Library and Arts Building
Subject Access
Library Reading Room; Library & Arts Building
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T.R. Wilkins collection

http://archives.brandonu.ca/en/permalink/descriptions4298
Part Of
RG 1 Brandon College fonds
Description Level
Sub-series
GMD
textual records
Date Range
1911?-1940
Accession Number
3-2016
Part Of
RG 1 Brandon College fonds
Description Level
Sub-series
Series Number
MG 1 1.4
Accession Number
3-2016
GMD
textual records
Date Range
1911?-1940
Physical Description
7 cm
History / Biographical
Thomas Russell Wilkins was born in Toronto in 1891. He received his B.A. from McMaster University in 1912, and became the Science Master at Woodstock College the following year. In 1916, he and his wife Olive moved to Chicago, where Wilkins was an instructor of Physics at the University of Chicago. The next year he served as a master signal electrician in the U.S. Signal Corps. During World War I, Wilkins completed pioneer research for the United States Navy, which led to the development of pulse sonar devices in the 1920s. He had also been researching the possibilities of a wireless telephone. Wilkins and his wife moved to Brandon in 1918, where he took up the position of Professor of Physics. During his time at Brandon College, Wilkins introduced the latest technology to classrooms, designed the original Science Building, and along with the Brandon Citizen's Committee, seucured building funds for the Citizen's Science Building. Receiving his Ph.D. from the University of Chicago in 1921, Wilkins resigned from Brandon College in 1925 to pursue postgraduate study at Cambridge University. In 1926, he began research at the University of Rochester, where he also took up the position of Professor of Physics. From 1930 to 1938, he acted as the Director of the Institute of Optics. Widely known for his work in the fields of cosmic rays and atomic disintegration, in April 1939, Wilkins announced the perfection of a camera that was able to record the "footprints" of invisible atoms after they collide. In October 1939, he received a medal from the Royal Photographic Society of Great Britain recognizing his work regarding the use of photographic emulsions in the study of radium. The following year, Wilkins perfected a camera that could determine the energy levels inside the nuclei of stable chemical elements. He received a grant from Sigma Xi, the National Society for the Promotion of Scientific Research, in November of 1940. Wilkins married twice. The first marriage, to Olive Anges Cross took place on June 17, 1913. Olive Wilkins died suddenly on May 13, 1937, at the age of 45. Wilkins married Susan Gwendolyn Whidden, the daughter of former Brandon College president Dr. H.P. Whidden, in 1938. Thomas Russell Wilkins died suddenly of a heart attack on December 10, 1940, on his way back to his laboratory after a faculty meeting. He was 49 years old.
Custodial History
Records were accessioned by the McKee Archives in 1998. Prior custodial history is unknown.
Scope and Content
T. Russell Wilkins’ reocrds contain correspondence between himself and Mrs. Wilkins and Dr. Whidden concerning their employment with Brandon College. There are letters between the two men regarding the building of the Science Building in 1920. There is also a copy of the Canadian Baptist. Besides programmes and a picture, there is also correspondence between various people. Dr. Wilkins kept the papers he had written for various classes at McMaster University in the years 1911 and 1912. There is a "toast to the ladies" that he delivered at a banquet of some sort, that gives an interesting view on how Wilkins, and possibly other men of his time, viewed women. There are numerous newspapers clippings, and several pages taken from journals such as Popular Mechanics, Popular Electricity and others. Dr. Wilkins was at the top of his field of study. He was an extremely bright man who managed to create some very useful tools of science. His papers are interesting and informative to read.
Notes
History/Bio information taken from Campus News May 1990
Name Access
Olive Wilkins
Thomas Wilkins
H.P. Whidden
Subject Access
science building
science
scientific development
Storage Location
2016 accessions
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Olive Wilkins collection

http://archives.brandonu.ca/en/permalink/descriptions4305
Part Of
RG 1 Brandon College fonds
Description Level
Sub-series
GMD
multiple media
Date Range
1912-1925
Accession Number
2-2016
Part Of
RG 1 Brandon College fonds
Description Level
Sub-series
Series Number
MG 1 1.3
Accession Number
2-2016
GMD
multiple media
Date Range
1912-1925
Physical Description
6 cm textual records photographs
History / Biographical
A biography of Olive Agnes Cross Wilkins can be found under the RG 1 Brandon College fonds, BC 9 Clark Hall women’s residence.
Custodial History
Records were accessioned by the McKee Archives in 1998. Prior custodial history is unknown.
Scope and Content
Collection consists of records collected by Olive Wilkins during her tenure at Brandon College. The ephemra in the collection includes: play programmes; recital programmes; two photo postcards; invitations; dance cards; place cards; and a necklace. Collection also contains the Treasurer’s Book for the Patriotic Committee (Clark Hall Literary Society 1917-1918) and departmental reports for Clark Hall, the Resident Master, the Music, Business, Academic, and Commercial departments.
Name Access
Olive Wilkins
Thomas Wilkins
T. Russell Wilkins
Patriotic Fund
Clark Hall Literary Society
Memorial Gymnasium
Spanish flu
Subject Access
recitals
plays
department heads
dance cards
Finding Aid
Item level inventory available
Storage Location
2015 accessions
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Verda McDonald collection

http://archives.brandonu.ca/en/permalink/descriptions4308
Part Of
RG 1 Brandon College fonds
Description Level
Sub-series
GMD
textual records
Date Range
1951-1960
Accession Number
12-2005
Part Of
RG 1 Brandon College fonds
Description Level
Sub-series
Series Number
MG 2 2.5
Accession Number
12-2005
GMD
textual records
Date Range
1951-1960
Physical Description
5 cm
Scope and Content
Collection includes various editions of the Brandon College Quill c 1951-1960.
Notes
Description by Tom Mitchell.
Name Access
Verda McDonald
The Quill
Storage Location
MG 2 Brandon College Students 2.5 Verda McDonald
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George Thorman collection

http://archives.brandonu.ca/en/permalink/descriptions4725
Part Of
RG 1 Brandon College fonds
Description Level
Sub-series
GMD
textual records
Date Range
1801-1940, 1994;predominant 1880-1940
Accession Number
11-1999
Part Of
RG 1 Brandon College fonds
Description Level
Sub-series
Series Number
MG 2 2.15
Accession Number
11-1999
GMD
textual records
Date Range
1801-1940, 1994;predominant 1880-1940
Physical Description
11 m (823 items); 1 diploma; 1 certificate
History / Biographical
George E. Thorman was born in Vancouver, British Columbia on September 17, 1913. His public school education began in Rivers, Manitoba and was completed, along with his high school and part of his university education in Brandon, Manitoba. After completing his Bachelor of Arts General at Brandon College, Thorman attended the College of Education in Toronto for one year before beginning his teaching career at Essex Hisgh School, Essex, Ontario in 1935. After four years in Essex, Thorman transferred to the St. Thomas Collegiate Institute (STCI) in St. Thomas, Ontario. In 1941, Thorman joined the Canadian Army at Brandon as a gunner inthe 59th Field Battery and after five years, having served in England, Italy and Western Europe, heretired with the rank of Captain. Following the Second World War, in 1945, Thorman taught in a high school for Fifth Division in Gronigen, Netherlands before moving on to teach first year university English at Kahki College in England in 1946. That same year he returned to Canada and rejoined the staff at STCI. Two years after his return George Thorman married the former Margarett Gliddon of St. THomas and in 1953 returned to Europe where he taught in Scotland for one year on a teacher's exchange. During the 1960's, Thorman's career reached its peak. In 1964, he became the Vice-Principal of STCI and in 1967, he attained the same position at Parkside Collegiate Institute before becomeing its Principal in 1969. Three years later in 1972, Thorman retired as Principal of PCI and from his teaching career. Throughout his career Thorman's primary interests were in English and History, however he also taught Mathematics, Georgraph and Science. In addition to his classess following WWII, Thorman was an active instructor of the Cadet Corps, as well as a coach for various volleyball, basketball and track and field teams during his years at STCI. Aside from being an educator, George Thorman had many other interests. He and his wife Margaret were active in the formation of the Elgin Theatre Guild in 1948 and thogether and separately they performed and directed several productions in the early years of that organization. Thorman was also largely responsible for the development of a local history course in the Elgin Secondary Schools in the early 1960's. In 1966, with his fellow history teacher Ralph Parker, he published a booklet to serve as an outline for teachers on the history of Elgin County. That same year, 1966, Thorman, as the prime instigator in the re-formation of the Elgin Historical Society, became its first president and in 1971, he was elected Honorary President of the Society for life. This was followed by a furhter two-year term as elected president. The re-organization marked the beginning of THorman's continous active involvement with the EHS, including several lectures he presented to its members and many years as a Trustee. In 1985, he received the Ontario Volunteer Service Award for over 15 years of continuous service to the Society before retiring from the EHS in 1995. In addition to the EHS, Thorman served on the St. Thomas Public Library Board from 1979 until 1991, and was a Chairman of the Board's Personnel Committee. He was also a member of the Ontario Historical Society. From 1975 to 1978, Thorman served as an elected member of the Elgin County Board of Education and in 1979, he received from the City of St. Thomas the St. Thomas Civic Award for outstanding citizens. George Thorman was also a life member (1936) of Central Lodge No. 402, A.F. and A.M. (Masonry) of Essex, Ontario and had been an active member of the St. Thomas Duplicate Bridge Club since 1985. As an authority on historical research relating to The Hudson's Bay Company, Thorman gave lectures and printed articles on the topic in "The Beaver" publication of The Hudson's Bay Company. In regards to the HBC he also did excavation work at Fort Albany with Walter Kenyon during several summers in the 1960's and 1970's. As well, George Thorman was a founding member and served on the executive committee of the Elgin Military Museum since its inception in 1982 until the late 1990's. He contributed greatly to the library and files of this museum, particularly in the field of the War of 1812 and the Fenian Raid. The reference library of this small museum rates high in this country, largely through the efforts of George Thorman. Thorman's book collection was one of the finest and most extensive in Western Ontario. His personal library contained a wealth of information with particular emphasis on material relating to Elgin County, the City of St. Thomas and The Hudson's Bay company. His G.A. Henty collectio was nearly complete. As an author Thorman contributed ten entries in The Dictionary of Canadian Biography on Aboriginal and Metis peoples, co-authored "St. Thomas 100 Years a City," the centennial history of the city of St. Thomas. In 1989, he edited "Frank Hunt, Essays on Elgin County" as well as wrote and privately printed "A Brief History of Secondary Education in St. Thomas" as his contribution to the STCI Reunion, at which he was one fo the honorees. In th early 1990's, Thorman co-edited "Garret Oakes, Tales of a Pioneer," authored and privaley printed "Letters and Petitions and other Papers Concerning the MIlitia Companies of Middlesex for 1839" and "The Chisholm Family in Elgin County: Myth and Reality." For serveral years, ca. 1975 to the mid 1990's, Thorman hosted a TV talk show on local television interviewing persons connected to the history of St. Thomas and Elgin County. Many older residents, who have since passed away, were interviewed and the resulting tapes are an invaluable source of historical information. Thorman and his wife lived in the historic section of St. Thomas and in the summer months spent their time in Port Stanley. In addition, for several years in the early 1990's, Thorman traveled annually to England - each time visiting a different area of the country. As well, Thorman was also interested in the lives and activities of his former students and was available and eager to assist any student or former student who asked for his guidance. George E. Thorman passed away on January 11, 1997.
Custodial History
The Order of the Sheaf and Thorman's Bachelor of Arts degree were transfered to the McKee Archives by Rudi Denham, Chief Librarian, St. Thomas Public Library in August 2007. George Thorman had placed his papers with the St. Thomas Public Library at some point prior to his death; the Library had decided to deaccession the records and offered them to interested institutions.
Scope and Content
The collection consists of textbooks covering the subject areas of: Agriculture, Art, Business education, Economics, Composition, Grammar, Rhetoric, Literature, Plays, Poetry, Prose, Readers, Spelling, Phonics, Stories, Geography, Health, History, French, German, Greek, Italian, Latin, Algebra, Arithmetic, Geometry, Trigonometry, General mathematics, Music, PHilosophy, Logic, Psychology, Religion, Research, Methods, Manuals, Astronomy, Botany Chemistry, Physics, General science, Zoology, Cooking and Gardening. It also includes two notebooks. The works found in the collection were published primarily between 1880-1940, although they range from 1801-1967, with an emphasis on history, all areas of mathematics, research and topics related to english or language arts. There are a number of works published in the nineteenth century dealing with most of the collection's subject areas. The majority of the collection focuses on public and high school textbooks, particularly in relation to the province of Ontraio, with some attention to university education. Also included is George Thorman's Order of the Sheaf, Clark Hall Guild certificate awarded to him in recognition of his outstanding contribution toward the betterment of Brandon University and Thorman's Bachelor of Arts degree from Brandon College (McMaster University).
Notes
An inventory of the collection has been created. Also, the items have been added to the Brandon University Library catalogue. Description and inventory by Christy Henry (1999).
Language Note
Thorman's Bachelor of Arts degree is in Latin.
Storage Location
MG 2 Brandon College Students 2.15 George Thorman
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Barbara Cooper collection

http://archives.brandonu.ca/en/permalink/descriptions4729
Part Of
RG 1 Brandon College fonds
Description Level
Sub-series
GMD
multiple media
Date Range
ca. 1916-1967; predominant 1916-1921
Accession Number
32-1999
Part Of
RG 1 Brandon College fonds
Description Level
Sub-series
Series Number
MG 2 2.9
Accession Number
32-1999
GMD
multiple media
Date Range
ca. 1916-1967; predominant 1916-1921
Physical Description
0.5 cm textual records 5 photographs
Physical Condition
Excellent
Custodial History
These items were received from Ms. Cooper’s father C.G. "Kelly" Stone , Class of 1921 and her mother Tena Turnbull, Class of 1921 and her aunts Jane Turnbull, Class of 1916 who later taught at the College and Bessie Turnbull , Class of 1918.
Scope and Content
Collection consists of 5 photographs; an article Campus News 1967 on "In memorium Dr. Jane"; and a photocopy of a letter from the Governor General Lord Tweedsmuir (John Buchan) regarding Jane Turnbull’s book "Essential Traits of French Canadian Literature". A note and xerox copy of a photograph of Ernestine Whiteside March 1914 to Jennie Turnbull. The photographs include: 1. one b/w photo 8 cm x 6 cm Initiation Brandon College 1916 2. one b/w photo 8 cm x 13.5 cm class of 1921 3. one b/w photo 5 cm x 8 cm Class of ’21 4. one b/w photo 17 cm x 26 cm the College Band 1915-1916 5. one sepia photo 15 cm x 23 cm Class of 1919
Notes
Descpription available on CAIN under Charles G. Stone fonds.
Storage Location
MG 2 Brandon College Students 2.9 Barbara Cooper
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Lawrence Skeoch collection

http://archives.brandonu.ca/en/permalink/descriptions4896
Part Of
RG 1 Brandon College fonds
Description Level
Sub-series
GMD
multiple media
Date Range
1931-1932
Accession Number
2-1999
Part Of
RG 1 Brandon College fonds
Description Level
Sub-series
Series Number
MG 2 2.19
Accession Number
2-1999
GMD
multiple media
Date Range
1931-1932
Physical Description
3 cm textual records 1 drawing
History / Biographical
Lawrence Alexander Skeoch was born in 1910. After two years of teaching, he joined the Class of 1932 at Brandon College in 1929. While at Brandon College, Skeoch performed in "Disraeli" and was elected Senior Stick. Skeoch taught Economics at Queen's University. Lawrence Skeoch died on April 22, 2001.
Scope and Content
Collection consists of the Brandon College Annual Commencement program 1931, the Brandon College Annual Graduating Banquet program 1931, the Brandon College Annual Graduating Banquet program 1932, the Brandon College Annual Commencement program 1932, Skeoch's placecards from the 1931 and 1932 Graduating Banquets, an invitation to a tea put on by Mrs. Hurd and Mrs. Westcott, Class of 1932 past history booklet (produced by the Brandon University Alumni Association in 1992), The Quill Vol. XXII, Nos. 1-8 and a drawing by Laurie Smith of Lawrence Skeoch in the role of "Disraeli."
Notes
Some editions of the Quill have been moved to RG 6, 14.5.3.1 (BUSU, Publications, The Quill, Editions). Description by Christy Henry.
Storage Location
MG 2 Brandon College Students 2.19 Lawrence Skeoch
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Marion Stone collection

http://archives.brandonu.ca/en/permalink/descriptions4897
Part Of
RG 1 Brandon College fonds
Description Level
Sub-series
GMD
textual records
Date Range
1881-1987; predominant 1900-1945
Accession Number
2-2004
Part Of
RG 1 Brandon College fonds
Description Level
Sub-series
Series Number
MG 2 2.21
Accession Number
2-2004
GMD
textual records
Date Range
1881-1987; predominant 1900-1945
Physical Description
64 books
Physical Condition
The condition of the books varies from very good to poor. Physical condition notes have been made on the inventory.
History / Biographical
Florence Marion Stone was born of Swedish parents, Freda and Ernest Peterson, in Saskatchewan in 1921 and adopted by Dr. and Mrs. Stone when her birth parents died early in her life. Marion graduated from high school when she was fifteen and she went on to obtain a B. A. degree from Brandon College in 1940. She served with the Royal Canadian Air Force Women's Division in England during the Second World War. Following the war, Marion achieved her teacher training certificate and then spent most of her long career teaching English at Sir Winston Churchill Secondary School in Vancouver, BC. Throughout her life, Marion was very active in the Anglican Church. She also associated with the Swedish community, attending the Lucia pageant every year. Marion Stone passed away at the Vancouver General Hospital on December 1, 2003 at the age of 82.
Custodial History
The books in this collection were donated to the McKee Archives in September 2003 by Marion Stone. Prior to this time, the books had been a part of her private collection in Vancouver.
Scope and Content
Collection consists of 64 books, mainly works of fiction and literature. The following is an inventory of the titles in the collection: Armstrong, Anthony. The Naughty Princess. London: MacDonald & Co. Ltd., [no date]. (TORN COVER) Ashford, Daisy. Daisy Ashford: Her Book. New York: George H. Doran Company, 1920. Ashford, Daisy. The Young Visiters or, Mr. Salteena’s Plan. New York: George H. Doran Company, 1919. (BINDING TORN) Bryant, William Cullen. The Iliad of Homer. Boston: Houghton, Mifflin and Company, 1898. Buchan, John. The Path of the King. London: Thomas Nelson & Sons, Ltd., 1925. Buchan, John. Prester John. London: Thomas Nelson & Sons, Ltd., 1925. Chambers, Edmund K. ed. The Arden Shakespeare: The Tragedy of Coriolanus. Boston: D.C. Heath and Company, [no date]. Chambers, Sir Edmund K. ed. The Warwick Shakespeare: The Tragedy of Coriolanus. London: Blackie & Son Limited, [no date]. Cofer, David Brooks ed. Noble English Fifth Volume: Nineteenth Century Essays from Coleridge to Pater. New York: Thomas Nelson & Sons, 1929. Compton, J., ed. The Dickens Book: Scenes from the Works of Charles Dickens. Toronto: Clarke, Irwin & Company Limited, 1938. de Walden, Howard and Acton Bond, ed. As You Like It. London: Farmer & Sons, [no date]. de Walden, Howard and Acton Bond, ed. Hamlet. London: George Routledge & Sons, Limited, 1913. (FRAGLIE) de Walden, Howard and Acton Bond, ed. The Merchant of Venice. London: George Routledge & Sons, Limited, 1913. de Walden, Howard and Acton Bond, ed. Twelfth Night or What You Will. London: George Routledge & Sons, Limited, 1914. de Walden, Howard and Acton Bond, ed. The Winter’s Tale. London: Farmer & Sons, [no date]. Dowden, Edward. Shakspere. London: Macmillan and Co, 1895. (FRAGILE) Erskine, John, ed. Selections From Spenser’s The Faerie Queene. New York: Longmans, Green and Co., 1906. Frazer, Sir James George. The Golden Bough: A Study in Magic and Religion. London: Macmillan and Co., Limited, 1925. Gallico, Paul. The Snow Goose. London: Michael Joseph Ltd., 1945. Garnett, David ed. The Letters of T.E. Lawrence. London: Jonathan Cape, 1938. Gollancz, Israel, ed. Shakespeare’s Comedy of a Midsummer Night’s Dream. London: J.M. Dent and Co., 1902. Hardy, Thomas. Far From the Madding Crowd. London: Macmillan and Co., Limited, 1940. Hubbard, Elbert. Little Journeys to the Homes of Great Americans. New York: The Roycrofters Vol. 27, March 1911, No. 3. Abraham Lincoln Vol. 27, February 1911, No. 2. Robert G. Ingersoll Vol. 25, January 1910, No. 1. Parnell Vol. 25, December 1909, No. 6. James J. Hill Vol. 25, August 1909, No. 2. Andrew Carnegie Vol. 25, July 1909, No. 1. Peter Cooper Vol. 24, May 1909, No. 5. Philip Armour Vol. 24, April 1909, No. 4. Mayer A. Rothschild Hudson, Rev. Henry N. Shakespeare’s As You Like It. Boston: Ginn & Company, 1895. (FRAGILE) Jerome, Jerome K. The Idle Thoughts of an Idle Fellow. Philadellphia: Henry Altemus Company, 1890. Johnson, William Savage ed. Sartor Resartus: The Life and Opinions of Herr Teufelsdrockh by Thomas Carlyle. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company and Cambridge: The Riverside Press, 1924. Johnson, William Savage, ed. Selections from the Prose Works of Matthew Arnold. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company, 1913. Kittredge, George Lyman. The Tragedy of Othello the Moor of Venice by William Shakespeare. Boston: The Athenaum Press, Ginn and Company, 1941. Knight, Charles, ed. The Works of Shakspere with Notes. Imperial Edition. Vol. I. New York: Virtue & Yorston, [c. 1886]. Knight, Charles, ed. The Works of Shakspere with Notes. Imperial Edition. Vol. II. New York: Virtue & Yorston, [c. 1886]. Lamb, Charles. Tales from Shakespeare: Designed for the Use of Young People. London: Blackie & Son Limited, [no date]. Leeper, Janet. English Ballet. London: Penguin Books Limited, 1944. MacGillivray, Duncan, ed. Blackie’s Pocket Dictionary. London: Blackie & Son Limited, [no date]. McLeod, Thomas H. and Ian McLeod. Tommy Douglas: The Road to Jerusalem. Edmonton: Hurtig Publishers Ltd., 1987. Neilson, William Allan and Ashley Horace Thorndike. The Facts About Shakespeare. New York: The Macmillan Company, 1947. Palgrave, Francis Turner, ed. The Golden Treasury of the Best Songs and Lyrical Poems in the English Language. London: Macmillan and Co., 1888. (FRAGILE) Pope, Alexander. The Rape of the Lock: An Essay on Man and Epistle to Dr. Arbuthnot. Boston: Houghton, Mifflin & Company, 1901. Quiller-Couch, Sir Arthur T. The Age of Chaucer. London: J.M. Dent and Sons Ltd., 1939. Reynolds, Francis J. and Adam Ward, ed. The New World Atlas and Gazetteer. New York: P.F. Collier & Son Company, 1925. (FRAGILE) Ridley, M.R. ed. and Eric Gill. The New Temple Shakespeare: Cymbeline. Edinburgh: Turnbull & Spears and London: J.M. Dent & Sons, Ltd., 1935. Robertson, William, ed. Selected Poems of S.T. Coleridge. London: George G. Harrap & Co. Ltd, [no date]. Rostand, Edmond. Cyrano de Bergerac. New York: Random House, 1923. Scott, Sir Walter. The Lady of the Lake. New York: Hurst & Company Publishers, [no date]. (FRAGILE) Scott, Sir Walter. Peveril of the Peak. London: J.M. Dent & Co., [no date] Shakespeare, William. Othello: The Moor of Venice. London, Cassell and Company, Limited, 1902. Smith, G.C. Moore ed. The Warwick Shakespeare: The Life of Henry the Fifth. London: Blackie and Son Limited, [no date]. St. Pierre, Paul. Breaking Smith’s Quarter Horse. Toronto: The Ryerson Press, 1966. Stevenson, O. J. ed. Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew. Toronto: The Copp Clark Company, Limited, 1933. Tennyson. In Memoriam. New York: H.M. Caldwell Co., [no date]. (BROKEN BINDING) Thackeray, W.M., ed. The History of Henry Esmond, ESQ. London: Thomas Nelson and Sons, 1906. (A FEW LOOSE PAGES) Tinker, Harold L. ed. Essays: Yesterday and Today. London: Macmillan and Company, 1934. Wallace, Malcolm W. Milton’s Prose: A Selection. London: Humphrey Milford Oxford University Press, 1942. (TORN COVER) Complete Lectures of Col. R.G. Ingersoll. Published for the Trade, [no date]. The New Testament of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1881. (BROKEN BINDING) The Poetical Works of Oliver Wendell Holmes. London: George Routledge and Sons, 1883. (BINDING BROKEN) The Works of William Shakespeare, Volume I. London: Methuen & Co., 1905. (BROKEN BINDING) Young England: An Illustrated Magazine for Recreation and Instruction. Vol. XI. London: William Rider & Son, 1890?
Notes
History/Bio information was provided by the Brandon University Alumni Association (Carla Eisler) in March 2007. An appraisal of the Marion Stone collection was performed by Richard Spafford. The file containing this appraisal is in the donation file held by Donna Lowe, the Library Assistant responsible for donation to the John E. Robbins Library. Description by Christy Henry.
Storage Location
MG 2 Brandon College Students 2.21 Marion Stone
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Donald Freeman collection

http://archives.brandonu.ca/en/permalink/descriptions4923
Part Of
RG 1 Brandon College fonds
Description Level
Sub-series
GMD
multiple media
Date Range
1921, 1926-1927
Accession Number
5-2016
Part Of
RG 1 Brandon College fonds
Description Level
Sub-series
Series Number
MG 2 2.25
Accession Number
5-2016
GMD
multiple media
Date Range
1921, 1926-1927
Physical Description
1.5 cm textual records; 5 photographs (b/w)
Physical Condition
The banquet programs are a little worn.
Custodial History
Accessioned in 2007 by the McKee Archives. Prior custodial history unknown.
Scope and Content
Collection consists of the Brandon College Annual Graduating Banquet programs for 1926 and 1927. The 1926 program contains the autographs of the graduating class members. The 1927 program contains a letter to Freeman from Gertrude Godley (Class of 1927). The collection also includes a Souvenir Class of 1926 book made by Freeman. It contains the College yell; a drawing of the Class of 1926 badge; the Class of 1926 colours, motto and yell; the Class song; Brandon College student and faculty autographs (including Annie Wright, Harris MacNeill and J.R.C. Evans); the Class lit programme; and a list of winter parties. The sourvenir book also contains five black and white photographs: one of Clark Hall and the Original Building, and four of what is probably various Class of 1926 members (one is labelled "Roland Christian"). Finally the book contains Donald Freeman's examination marks in Part 2 Matriculation for Arts from the University of Manitoba (1921).
Notes
Description by Christy Henry.
Storage Location
2016 accessions
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