The Berbank Red Cross was founded in November 1917, as a local feature of the Great War. The name Berbank was created by combining the names of the two local districts, Riverbank and Bertha, located south of Brandon in the Rural Municipality of Oakland. The Berbank Red Cross sent supplies of various kinds to local soldiers serving in the Canadian Expeditionary Force in Europe. The organization also organized social gatherings in the Berbank area. With the end of the war most rural Red Cross organizations were disbanded, but the Berbank group agreed to remain intact to assist with the construction of a church. (See accession 28-1997 Berbank Church fonds)
Custodial History
This fonds was accessioned in 1997 by the McKee Archives. Prior custodial history is unknown.
Scope and Content
Fonds includes a minute book, which provides a complete record of every meeting held by the Berbank Red Cross, from its creation in 1917 to 1919, when it became the Berbank Ladies Aid. Fonds also includes a roll call, financial records, and meeting minutes.
Hood and ladder fire engine was built by McKenzie & Russell of Brandon in 1882; Engine scrapped in 1931
Custodial History
For custodial history see the collection level description of the Lawrence Stuckey collection.
Scope and Content
Brandon Volunteer Fire Brigade with first fire engine, in front of original fire hall.
Notes
Standing L to R: J. Richards, T. Taylor, B. Trotter, N. Field, J. Maywood, E. Wiswell (chief). Sitting L to R: J. Reid, J. Burchill, T. Speers, W. Taylor, A. McLean, J. Canning, W. Campbell, E. Stanley.