1965-1980, predominant 25 May 1965 - 30 September 1976
Physical Description
12 cm textual records
6 b/w photographs (loose)
1 artefact
Physical Condition
Some of the items in the scrapbook have come loose from their pages, some documents are stained from a liquid, likely coffee
History / Biographical
In 1965, Chris Verhoef, member of the Overture Concert Association, Allied Arts Centre, and Brandon Citizens' Commitee for the Performing Arts, called for a meeting of Western manitoba citizens interested in the prospect of a Philharmonic Choir for the region. The meeting took place on 26 May 1965; the steering committee that gathered, led by Margaret Goodman, undertook the formation of the Choir. The Choir would have an Executive consistign of at least four members, and a committee consisting of a minimum seven members. Each executive member would be elected on an annual basis. The Choir's executive, in collaboration with the conductor, would determine the choir's repertoire for the year. The establishment of the Western Manitoba PHilharmonic Choir (WMPC) sought to encourage amateurs to sing for enjoyment, provide the opportunity for a choir to perform choral compositions in collaboration with a symphony orchestra and promote and sponsor the musical arts in the Western Manitoba region. Membership to the choir would be open to all citizens of the region, and members would be accepted based on the discretion of the conductor. The first meeting of prospective members took place on 27 September 1965 in St. Matthews Cathedral parish Hall where more than 90 people gathered and registered to become a member of the WMPC.
Chris Verhoef led the Western Manitoba Philharmonic Choir into its first season as President of the choir's Executive Committee. For the organization's first season, the WMPC hired two members of the Brandon College School of Music: Lucien Needham for the position of conductor and Louise Chapman for the position of accompanist. Brandon College, as well as other donors sponsored the choir for its first season. The Choir held its debut performance in collaboration with the Winnipeg Sympnay Orchestra (WSO) on 12 March 1966, and the Choir's performance of Vivaldi's Gloria and Handel's Dettingen te Deum attracted an audience of more than 1400 people. The performance was well received by the public. The debut performance's asuccess earned the CHoir a rcommendation for a grant from the Manitoba Centennial Corporation that would sponsor a special concert during the centennial year. Furthermore, the Canada Council supported the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, by the means of special funds, to make the Symphony's appearance witht he Philharmonic Choir possible.
For the WMPC's second season, membership rose to 111 amateur singers. Verhoef remained as President of the Executive, while the Brandon Citizens' Committee for the Performing Arts provided sponsorship. Following the Choir's performance of Schubert's Mass in Eb Major on 17 November 1966, the membership increased to 132 singers. On 20 January 1967, the WMPC's first taped broadcast was released over CBC and CKX. The broadcast's success resulted in an offer from CBC to record another broadcast for a similar release. The Kiwanis Club of Rivers invited the Choir to perform in Rivers on 25 january 1967. On 7 April 1967, the Choir performed Haydn's oratorio, The Creation, in the Brandon College Gymnasium.
The choir elected Murray Ames as President to lead it through its thrid and fourth seasons. In its third season, the WMPC, conducted by Leonard Mayoh, performed Handel's Messiah on 22 November 1967 in the Brandon University Gymnasium. The Choir's spring concert, name the "Chris Verhoef Memorial Concert," in honour of Chris Verhoef who had passed away December 1967, featured works by Bach, Brahms and Perry. Held on 9 March 1968, in the Brandon University Gymansium, the concert featured Brandon university student James Stewart as soloist and was received with great praise. In addition to the memorial concert, the WMPC also established a $500 scholarship for a Brandon University music student to honour Verhoef's substantial contribution to the community.
The first concert of the Western Manitoba Philharmonic Choir's fourth season was held on 10 December 1968, in the J.R.C. Evans Lecture Theatre at Brandon University and featured selections from Handel's Messiah. A piano trio comprised of Francis Chaplin (violin), Malcom Tait (cello) and Gordon Macpherson (piano), as well as a brass trio, also performed at the chori's winter concert. In its fourth season, the WMPC performed two concerts in the second half of its season. On 15 FEbrurary 1969, in cooperation with CKX Radio and Television, the choir performed works by Mozart, Hindemith, and Mahler in collaboration with the Winnipeg Sympony Orchestra conducted by George Cleve. Later in the season, the choir performed Brahms' Requiem Mass, once again in collaboration with the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra.
Dr. R. Parker filled the position of President of the Executive for the duration of the Choir's fifth, sixth and seventh seasons. The fifth season saw the WMPC performing four concerts. Conducted by Leonard Mayoh, it opened its season on 11 october 1969 with a performance at the Grand Finale of the Grand Opening of the Western manitoba Centennial Auditorium, performing theoverture to Mozart's The Magic Flute and Beethoven's Symphony No. 9. Their Christmas concert, also conduceted by Mayoh, took place on 10 December 1969. The Choir's third concert of its fifth season was held on 31 january 1970, in cooperation with CKX RAdio and Television, and featured works by Mendelssohn, Ravel, and Schubert, in collaboration with the WSO under the direction of conductor George Cleve. The season concluded with another concert in collaboration with the WSO on 7 March 1970, conducted by Leonard Mayoh. This concert featured works by Vaughn Williams, Handel and Poulenc.
Seasons six and seven consisted of two concerts each. The Choir held its fifth annual Christmas Concert on 5 December 1970. Led by Leonard Mayoh, it performed its spring concert on 10 April 1971 in collaboration with members from the Winnipeg Symphony, featuring selections by Bach and Mozart in the Western manitoba Centennial Auditorium. Into its seventh season, the Choir performed Bach's Christmas Oratorio on 4 December 1971 in the Central United Church. For its final concert of the year, the WMPC revisited a piece that had been the main focus of its second season: Haydn's oratorio, The Creation. The Choir performed this Haydn masterwork on 8 April 1972 under the direction of Piero Gamba.
Helen Riesberry led the choir through its eigth and ninth seasons as President of the Executive. In its eigth season, the WMPC held its annual Christmas concert on 12 December 1972 in collaboration with the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra in the style of a sing-along led by Mitch Miller. The choir's spring concert featured another masterwork, Beethoven's Missa Solemnis, conducted by Piero Gamba. The WMPC and members of the WSO performed the Requiem Mass on 28 April 1973 at the Western Manitoba Centennial Auditorium. Despite the lack of attendance at rehearsals since the Christmas concert, the WMPC presented an overall effective performance of the challenging Requiem Mass.
In its ninth season, Derek Morphy took over the position of conductor from Leonard Mayoh. Morphy had his debut performance as conductor with the WMPC at the annual Christmas concert on 17 December 1973. In March 1974, in collaboration with members from the WSO, Morphy led the Choir in its performance of Mendelssohn's oratorio, Elijah, in the Western Manitoba Centennial Auditorium. later in the season, the choir performed a concert entitled "Reflections," a choral programme for Lent and Easter, accompanied by organist Arthur Bower.
Nearing the end of its ninth season, the Philharmonic Choir encountered severe financial challenges. The Choir released a notice in the newspaper that the anticipated $3000 grant from the Manitoba Arts Council had been cut to $1000, leaving the Choir $3100 in debt. The notice explained that the Choir needed funds in order to enable operation and continue hiring the WSO for concerts. The WMPC executive and committee held a Leonard Mayoh Night in an attempt to gain funds and donations. Although the Manitoba Arts Council raised thegrant to $2000 and the City of Brandon contributed $500, the Choir's financial situation remained in a dire state as its ninth season came to a close.
The Choir elected Edith Hayden to lead it through its tenth and eleventh seasons as President of the Executive. The opening of the tenth season challenged the WMPC. In addition to its financial woes, the Choir's Executive struggled to overcome the lack of attendance at rehearsals and the shortage of male voices. The WMPC had experienced membership issues in earlier seasons as well. In its third season, despite a membership of 130 individuals, the choir had struggled to create a balanced sound due to a lack of male membership and therefore a lack of lower voices. In its sixth season, the Choir opened their concert year with an appeal for members. In an effort to improve the choir's financial affairs, the Choir Executive and conductor decided against hiring the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra for the time being. In an attempt to improve the situation, Derek Morphy wrote a letter to the members of the Choir outlining his concern that he may not be meeting their expectations as a conductor but hoped to generate positive and hopeful prospects for the future of music-making together.
The Choir's annual Christmas concert featured a collaboration with the Brandon School Division Music Department and Brandon School Orchestra and Band Association, as well as dancers choreographed by Barbra Enhes. The WMPC performed Haydn's Mass in D minor at its spring concert on 27 April 1975, accompanied by Arthur Bower. By the end of the season, the Western Manitoba Philharmonic Choir's financial situation had begun to improve.
The WMPC hired conductor peter Allen to lead the Chori through its final season of operation. The Choir held its annual Christmas concert in the Central United Church on 7 December 1975, and featured Vivaldi's Glora, accompanied by pianist Barry Anderson. The choir perfomed Deller's Psalm 148, Teleman's Cantata for the Fourth Sunday after the Feast of the Three Kings, and Dvorak's Stabat Mater at its spring concert held at the Central United Church on 25 April 1976.
Despite its best efforts, the Western Manitoba Philharmonic Choir's first rehearsal of its twelfth season saw just 26 members in attendance. As a result of lack of membership, the Choir Executive decided to disband the WMPC for its 1976/1977 season, with plans to reassess the situation in September of 1977 for the prospect of a 1977/1978 season. Matters were further complicated by financial considerations; by June 1977 the choir's financial situation had worsened as a result of the administrative fees that the WMPC covered for the duration of its unexpected inactive 1976/1977 season. Unlike past years, there were not any ticket sales to cover such expenses.
Following its year off, membership interest in the Western Manitoba Philharmonic Choir did not increase and the decision was made not to return for another season. In 1980, the WMPC revoked its registration as an organization and officially ceased to exist.
Custodial History
Records in the 8-2001 accession were donated to the McKee Archives in 2001, by three representatives of the Philharmonic Choir: Dr. Bill Paton, Botany Department, Brandon University; Mrs. Edith Hayden, WMPC President; and Mary Davidson WMPC Archives Committee. Records in accession 13-2016 were given to Terry Stamper in the School of Music by Marilyn Hayden and then transferred to the McKee Archives on September 21, 2015.
Scope and Content
Fonds consists of records that document the origin, activities, and ultimate disbandment of the Western Manitoba Philharmonic Choir. These records were created and accumulated during the eleven year existence of the WMPC.
Records include: the organization's constitution and history from 1965-1968; financial records, which include grants received from the Manitoba Arts Council, Canada Council, and City of Brandon, as well as materials documenting the organization's financeial struggles from 1974-1976; minutes from executive and committee meetings from 18 June 1973 to 24 June 1974; correspondence in the form of letters between the president of the executive and the choir members, and between the conductor of the choir and its members; membership lists from each season of the WMPC; and concert programmes from every major Christmas and Spring concert that the organization performed. Fonds also contains mewspaper notices, advertisements and reviews of various performances, as well as posters advertising perfomrances of the WMPC in the 1967/68, 1970/71, 1971/72 and 1973/74 seasons; the posters advertise the choir, collaborators, patrons and featured works.
Also included in the fonds is a scrapbook detailing the choir's history. Each page of the scrapbook is decorated with hand painted images of plants native to the southwestern Manitoba region. The scrapbook includes concert programs and photographs of the choir from all years of the organization's operation. The scrapbook also contains an assorment of informal photographs from various WMPC events. There are also six black and white group photos of the WMPC from various seasons.
Finally, the fonds contains one artifact, a leather bag/zippered file folder with "WMPC" printed on it.
Notes
History/Bio information was provided by representatives of the Western Manitoba Philharmonic Choir. Copies of the history can be found in the fonds. Description by Jessi Gilchrist (October 2016).
The Saskatchewan Golden Jubilee Choir, also known as the Saskatchewan Jubilee Choir, was comprised of 42-44 students, aged 14 to 17, from Regina's high schools. Neil Harris was jubilee director of musical productions. Lloyd Blackman (Central Collegiate) and Don Cowan (Scott Collegiate) were the choir's conductors. The group toured out of province in 1954 and 1955 to publicize Saskatchewan and to invite visitor's to the province's 1955 golden jubilee.
In 1954, The Saskatchewan Golden Jubilee Choir performed in Minneapolis St. Paul (Minnesota State Fair), Milwaukee (Wisconsin State Fair) and Chicago. In 1955, the choir sang in Chicago for 25,000 Rotarians on May 31 for the organization's 50th anniversary. The choir also toured Toronto and Ottawa to sing for University of Saskatchewan alumni.
(Sources: "Sask. Jubilee Choir Visists City After U.S. Tour," Winnipeg Free Press 03 Sep 1954,7; "Saskatchewan Jubilee Choir ambassadors for province," Hamiota Echo 23 March 1955, 2)
Scope and Content
Photograph shows the Saskatchewan Golden Jubilee choir standing before the First Church.
The Saskatchewan Golden Jubilee Choir, also known as the Saskatchewan Jubilee Choir, was comprised of 42-44 students, aged 14 to 17, from Regina's high schools. Neil Harris was jubilee director of musical productions. Lloyd Blackman (Central Collegiate) and Don Cowan (Scott Collegiate) were the choir's conductors. The group toured out of province in 1954 and 1955 to publicize Saskatchewan and to invite visitor's to the province's 1955 golden jubilee.
In 1954, The Saskatchewan Golden Jubilee Choir performed in Minneapolis St. Paul (Minnesota State Fair), Milwaukee (Wisconsin State Fair) and Chicago. In 1955, the choir sang in Chicago for 25,000 Rotarians on May 31 for the organization's 50th anniversary. The choir also toured Toronto and Ottawa to sing for University of Saskatchewan alumni.
(Sources: "Sask. Jubilee Choir Visists City After U.S. Tour," Winnipeg Free Press 03 Sep 1954,7; "Saskatchewan Jubilee Choir ambassadors for province," Hamiota Echo 23 March 1955, 2)
Scope and Content
Photograph shows a close-up of the Saskatchewan Golden Jubilee choir standing before the First Church.
The Saskatchewan Golden Jubilee Choir, also known as the Saskatchewan Jubilee Choir, was comprised of 42-44 students, aged 14 to 17, from Regina's high schools. Neil Harris was jubilee director of musical productions. Lloyd Blackman (Central Collegiate) and Don Cowan (Scott Collegiate) were the choir's conductors. The group toured out of province in 1954 and 1955 to publicize Saskatchewan and to invite visitor's to the province's 1955 golden jubilee.
In 1954, The Saskatchewan Golden Jubilee Choir performed in Minneapolis St. Paul (Minnesota State Fair), Milwaukee (Wisconsin State Fair) and Chicago. In 1955, the choir sang in Chicago for 25,000 Rotarians on May 31 for the organization's 50th anniversary. The choir also toured Toronto and Ottawa to sing for University of Saskatchewan alumni.
(Sources: "Sask. Jubilee Choir Visists City After U.S. Tour," Winnipeg Free Press 03 Sep 1954,7; "Saskatchewan Jubilee Choir ambassadors for province," Hamiota Echo 23 March 1955, 2)
Scope and Content
Photograph shows members of the Saskatchewan Golden Jubilee standing in front of an Administration Building.
The Saskatchewan Golden Jubilee Choir, also known as the Saskatchewan Jubilee Choir, was comprised of 42-44 students, aged 14 to 17, from Regina's high schools. Neil Harris was jubilee director of musical productions. Lloyd Blackman (Central Collegiate) and Don Cowan (Scott Collegiate) were the choir's conductors. The group toured out of province in 1954 and 1955 to publicize Saskatchewan and to invite visitor's to the province's 1955 golden jubilee.
In 1954, The Saskatchewan Golden Jubilee Choir performed in Minneapolis St. Paul (Minnesota State Fair), Milwaukee (Wisconsin State Fair) and Chicago. In 1955, the choir sang in Chicago for 25,000 Rotarians on May 31 for the organization's 50th anniversary. The choir also toured Toronto and Ottawa to sing for University of Saskatchewan alumni.
(Sources: "Sask. Jubilee Choir Visists City After U.S. Tour," Winnipeg Free Press 03 Sep 1954,7; "Saskatchewan Jubilee Choir ambassadors for province," Hamiota Echo 23 March 1955, 2)
Scope and Content
Photograph shows members of the Saskatchewan Golden Jubilee choir practicing archery at an exhibition.
The Saskatchewan Golden Jubilee Choir, also known as the Saskatchewan Jubilee Choir, was comprised of 42-44 students, aged 14 to 17, from Regina's high schools. Neil Harris was jubilee director of musical productions. Lloyd Blackman (Central Collegiate) and Don Cowan (Scott Collegiate) were the choir's conductors. The group toured out of province in 1954 and 1955 to publicize Saskatchewan and to invite visitor's to the province's 1955 golden jubilee.
In 1954, The Saskatchewan Golden Jubilee Choir performed in Minneapolis St. Paul (Minnesota State Fair), Milwaukee (Wisconsin State Fair) and Chicago. In 1955, the choir sang in Chicago for 25,000 Rotarians on May 31 for the organization's 50th anniversary. The choir also toured Toronto and Ottawa to sing for University of Saskatchewan alumni.
(Sources: "Sask. Jubilee Choir Visists City After U.S. Tour," Winnipeg Free Press 03 Sep 1954,7; "Saskatchewan Jubilee Choir ambassadors for province," Hamiota Echo 23 March 1955, 2)
Scope and Content
Photograph shows members of the Saskatchewan Golden Jubilee posing with a possible police officer.
The Saskatchewan Golden Jubilee Choir, also known as the Saskatchewan Jubilee Choir, was comprised of 42-44 students, aged 14 to 17, from Regina's high schools. Neil Harris was jubilee director of musical productions. Lloyd Blackman (Central Collegiate) and Don Cowan (Scott Collegiate) were the choir's conductors. The group toured out of province in 1954 and 1955 to publicize Saskatchewan and to invite visitor's to the province's 1955 golden jubilee.
In 1954, The Saskatchewan Golden Jubilee Choir performed in Minneapolis St. Paul (Minnesota State Fair), Milwaukee (Wisconsin State Fair) and Chicago. In 1955, the choir sang in Chicago for 25,000 Rotarians on May 31 for the organization's 50th anniversary. The choir also toured Toronto and Ottawa to sing for University of Saskatchewan alumni.
(Sources: "Sask. Jubilee Choir Visists City After U.S. Tour," Winnipeg Free Press 03 Sep 1954,7; "Saskatchewan Jubilee Choir ambassadors for province," Hamiota Echo 23 March 1955, 2)
Scope and Content
Photograph shows members of the Saskatchewan Golden Jubilee choir practicing archery at an exhibition.
The Saskatchewan Golden Jubilee Choir, also known as the Saskatchewan Jubilee Choir, was comprised of 42-44 students, aged 14 to 17, from Regina's high schools. Neil Harris was jubilee director of musical productions. Lloyd Blackman (Central Collegiate) and Don Cowan (Scott Collegiate) were the choir's conductors. The group toured out of province in 1954 and 1955 to publicize Saskatchewan and to invite visitor's to the province's 1955 golden jubilee.
In 1954, The Saskatchewan Golden Jubilee Choir performed in Minneapolis St. Paul (Minnesota State Fair), Milwaukee (Wisconsin State Fair) and Chicago. In 1955, the choir sang in Chicago for 25,000 Rotarians on May 31 for the organization's 50th anniversary. The choir also toured Toronto and Ottawa to sing for University of Saskatchewan alumni.
(Sources: "Sask. Jubilee Choir Visists City After U.S. Tour," Winnipeg Free Press 03 Sep 1954,7; "Saskatchewan Jubilee Choir ambassadors for province," Hamiota Echo 23 March 1955, 2)
Scope and Content
Photograph shows members of the Saskatchewan Golden Jubilee choir practicing archery at an exhibition.
The Saskatchewan Golden Jubilee Choir, also known as the Saskatchewan Jubilee Choir, was comprised of 42-44 students, aged 14 to 17, from Regina's high schools. Neil Harris was jubilee director of musical productions. Lloyd Blackman (Central Collegiate) and Don Cowan (Scott Collegiate) were the choir's conductors. The group toured out of province in 1954 and 1955 to publicize Saskatchewan and to invite visitor's to the province's 1955 golden jubilee.
In 1954, The Saskatchewan Golden Jubilee Choir performed in Minneapolis St. Paul (Minnesota State Fair), Milwaukee (Wisconsin State Fair) and Chicago. In 1955, the choir sang in Chicago for 25,000 Rotarians on May 31 for the organization's 50th anniversary. The choir also toured Toronto and Ottawa to sing for University of Saskatchewan alumni.
(Sources: "Sask. Jubilee Choir Visists City After U.S. Tour," Winnipeg Free Press 03 Sep 1954,7; "Saskatchewan Jubilee Choir ambassadors for province," Hamiota Echo 23 March 1955, 2)
Scope and Content
Photograph shows members of the Saskatchewan Golden Jubilee in a tipi displayed in an exhibition.
The Saskatchewan Golden Jubilee Choir, also known as the Saskatchewan Jubilee Choir, was comprised of 42-44 students, aged 14 to 17, from Regina's high schools. Neil Harris was jubilee director of musical productions. Lloyd Blackman (Central Collegiate) and Don Cowan (Scott Collegiate) were the choir's conductors. The group toured out of province in 1954 and 1955 to publicize Saskatchewan and to invite visitor's to the province's 1955 golden jubilee.
In 1954, The Saskatchewan Golden Jubilee Choir performed in Minneapolis St. Paul (Minnesota State Fair), Milwaukee (Wisconsin State Fair) and Chicago. In 1955, the choir sang in Chicago for 25,000 Rotarians on May 31 for the organization's 50th anniversary. The choir also toured Toronto and Ottawa to sing for University of Saskatchewan alumni.
(Sources: "Sask. Jubilee Choir Visists City After U.S. Tour," Winnipeg Free Press 03 Sep 1954,7; "Saskatchewan Jubilee Choir ambassadors for province," Hamiota Echo 23 March 1955, 2)
Scope and Content
Photograph shows a close-up of the Saskatchewan Golden Jubilee choir seated in the bleachers at a baseball diamond.
The Saskatchewan Golden Jubilee Choir, also known as the Saskatchewan Jubilee Choir, was comprised of 42-44 students, aged 14 to 17, from Regina's high schools. Neil Harris was jubilee director of musical productions. Lloyd Blackman (Central Collegiate) and Don Cowan (Scott Collegiate) were the choir's conductors. The group toured out of province in 1954 and 1955 to publicize Saskatchewan and to invite visitor's to the province's 1955 golden jubilee.
In 1954, The Saskatchewan Golden Jubilee Choir performed in Minneapolis St. Paul (Minnesota State Fair), Milwaukee (Wisconsin State Fair) and Chicago. In 1955, the choir sang in Chicago for 25,000 Rotarians on May 31 for the organization's 50th anniversary. The choir also toured Toronto and Ottawa to sing for University of Saskatchewan alumni.
(Sources: "Sask. Jubilee Choir Visists City After U.S. Tour," Winnipeg Free Press 03 Sep 1954,7; "Saskatchewan Jubilee Choir ambassadors for province," Hamiota Echo 23 March 1955, 2)
Scope and Content
Photograph shows a close-up of the Saskatchewan Golden Jubilee choir seated in the bleachers at a baseball diamond.
The Saskatchewan Golden Jubilee Choir, also known as the Saskatchewan Jubilee Choir, was comprised of 42-44 students, aged 14 to 17, from Regina's high schools. Neil Harris was jubilee director of musical productions. Lloyd Blackman (Central Collegiate) and Don Cowan (Scott Collegiate) were the choir's conductors. The group toured out of province in 1954 and 1955 to publicize Saskatchewan and to invite visitor's to the province's 1955 golden jubilee.
In 1954, The Saskatchewan Golden Jubilee Choir performed in Minneapolis St. Paul (Minnesota State Fair), Milwaukee (Wisconsin State Fair) and Chicago. In 1955, the choir sang in Chicago for 25,000 Rotarians on May 31 for the organization's 50th anniversary. The choir also toured Toronto and Ottawa to sing for University of Saskatchewan alumni.
(Sources: "Sask. Jubilee Choir Visists City After U.S. Tour," Winnipeg Free Press 03 Sep 1954,7; "Saskatchewan Jubilee Choir ambassadors for province," Hamiota Echo 23 March 1955, 2)
Scope and Content
Photograph shows the view of the baseball diamond from the bleachers where the Saskatchewan Golden Jubilee choir were seated.
The Saskatchewan Golden Jubilee Choir, also known as the Saskatchewan Jubilee Choir, was comprised of 42-44 students, aged 14 to 17, from Regina's high schools. Neil Harris was jubilee director of musical productions. Lloyd Blackman (Central Collegiate) and Don Cowan (Scott Collegiate) were the choir's conductors. The group toured out of province in 1954 and 1955 to publicize Saskatchewan and to invite visitor's to the province's 1955 golden jubilee.
In 1954, The Saskatchewan Golden Jubilee Choir performed in Minneapolis St. Paul (Minnesota State Fair), Milwaukee (Wisconsin State Fair) and Chicago. In 1955, the choir sang in Chicago for 25,000 Rotarians on May 31 for the organization's 50th anniversary. The choir also toured Toronto and Ottawa to sing for University of Saskatchewan alumni.
(Sources: "Sask. Jubilee Choir Visists City After U.S. Tour," Winnipeg Free Press 03 Sep 1954,7; "Saskatchewan Jubilee Choir ambassadors for province," Hamiota Echo 23 March 1955, 2)
Scope and Content
Photograph shows a close-up of the Saskatchewan Golden Jubilee choir seated in the bleachers at a baseball diamond.
The Saskatchewan Golden Jubilee Choir, also known as the Saskatchewan Jubilee Choir, was comprised of 42-44 students, aged 14 to 17, from Regina's high schools. Neil Harris was jubilee director of musical productions. Lloyd Blackman (Central Collegiate) and Don Cowan (Scott Collegiate) were the choir's conductors. The group toured out of province in 1954 and 1955 to publicize Saskatchewan and to invite visitor's to the province's 1955 golden jubilee.
In 1954, The Saskatchewan Golden Jubilee Choir performed in Minneapolis St. Paul (Minnesota State Fair), Milwaukee (Wisconsin State Fair) and Chicago. In 1955, the choir sang in Chicago for 25,000 Rotarians on May 31 for the organization's 50th anniversary. The choir also toured Toronto and Ottawa to sing for University of Saskatchewan alumni.
(Sources: "Sask. Jubilee Choir Visists City After U.S. Tour," Winnipeg Free Press 03 Sep 1954,7; "Saskatchewan Jubilee Choir ambassadors for province," Hamiota Echo 23 March 1955, 2)
Scope and Content
Photograph shows a close-up of a choir member from the Saskatchewan Golden Jubilee choir. The choir member holds a Rolleiflex-like camera. The group was seated in the upper deck at a baseball diamond.
Photograph shows exterior views of five Brandon churches: Baptist Church, Presbyterian Church, St. Matthew's Church, Catholic Church and Monastery, and Methodist Church.
Notes
Part of "Christie's Brandon Series of Six Colored Picture Postcards of Brandon, Manitoba, The Crown Series, Published by Christie's Bookstore, Brandon, Man." [note: missing sixth postcard]. Writing on the front of the photograph reads: Baptist Church, Presbyterian Church Brandon Man., St. Matthew's Church, Catholic Church and Monastery, Methodist Church.
Photograph was given to Fred McGuinness by Linda Bilkoski (nee Lepard) of Lac du Bonnet, MB.
Scope and Content
Photograph shows a large group of men, women and children posing in a park. A man in a WWI Canadian uniform is standing in the back row, left-hand side.
Notes
Writing on the back of the photograph reads: Methodist Mission Sunday School Picnic taken in the Assiboine [sic.] Park. 1st 1915. 1915. Mr. Hugh Connolly Minister, Mr. Fred Denstedt, Teacher. Miss Hornbrook, Bible Class teacher. Mr. John Davies, Choir Leader. Mrs. Foreman in the center in dark dress the oldest member & four babies. Mrs. E. Harden, 33-10th Street N., City.
Photograph shows the English Church in Killarney, Manitoba. The entrance to the brick structure is obscured by trees.
Notes
Writing on the front of the postcard reads: English Church, Killarney, Copyright Canada 1908 by Winnipeg Photo Companty, No. 3. Writing on the back of the postcard reads: Photo Post Card by Winnipeg Photo Co., Napinka, Man. The postcard is addressed to Miss Annie Pope of 638 Pacific Avenue, Brandon. A green one cent King George stamp is postmarked Killarney Manitoba 22 July 1908.
Gordon Irwin (1878 - 1968) was a long-time barber in Brandon, Manitoba. Irwin was born in Allenbank, Ontario. He married Elizabeth Jane Rollings (b. 04 Dec 1880, Napanee, ON; d. 24 Jul 1976, Brandon, MB) in Malton, Ontario, on January 11, 1905, and the couple moved to Brandon shortly thereafter. According to Henderson's Brandon City Directories, Gordon Irwin worked as a barber, for more than 49 years, in various establishments throughout the city. Notable shops include: the Imperial Hotel (1906), the CPR Barbers (1913-1923), Heise's (1929-1935), Kidds (1930-1941), and Robert Fowles (1949-1955). The Irwins celebrated their diamond anniversary in 1965, which was photographed and profiled in the Brandon Sun (14 Jan 1965, 8). According to his Brandon Sun obituary (19 April 1968, 12), Gordon Irwin passed away in Brandon on April 17, 1968, and was interned in the Rosewood Cemetery.
The decorative ceiling and border are consistent with another photograph of a tobacconist's shop in the McGuinness collection (see 20-2009.1). According to Henderson's 1909 Brandon City Directory, Gordon Irwin - a barber - and tobacconist J.S. Rosby shared at storefront at 919 Rosser Avenue. This address is situated on the north side of Rosser Avenue, adjacent to a laneway. It is possible that the back of the shop overlooks the Grand Union Hotel on the corner of Pacific Avenue and 10th Street.
Scope and Content
Photograph shows the interior of a barber shop. Three barbers are posing by their chairs and two customers are receiving a shave. The barber in the centre has been identified as Gordon Irwin. A display for Rudolf's Patent Pipes is in the foreground. An ornate tin ceiling and elaborate border are visible in the photograph. Framed pictures hang above the mirror, including an advertisement for undertakers Vincent & Macpherson (1901-1906).
Notes
Writing on the back of the photograph reads: Dave Dick says centre barber is Gordon IRWIN, location may have been about 813 Rosser. May have been Kidd's Barber Shop. Harold Tackaberry confirms IRWIN. McGUINNESS.
There is a scratch across the centre of the photo and one on therigh hand side with a mark below it.
Custodial History
See collection level description for the James Douglas Wall collection.
Scope and Content
Group portrait taken in front of what might be Grund Church. The large group of people, which includes children, adults, a horse drawn carriage and a couple of bicycles, may be members of the church congregation.
Opened 1903. Closed 1923. Building became the Oak Theatre ca. 1930. Reopened as Towne Cinema ca. 1980 after being closed for many years. The building has since been demolished.
Scope and Content
Postcard shows the interior of the lunch counter and cashier register at Cafe Aagaard located at 29-8th Street Brandon.
Notes
Writing on the front of the postcard reads: Lunch Counter Cafe Aagaard, 29 Eigth St., Brandon, Man. The back of the postcard reads: Cafe Aagaard, Largest, Oldest and Best in Brandon. The postcard is addressed to Mrs. K.L. McGregor, 157-4th St.
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