A number of the letters are samples of "cross writing"
Physical Condition
Some of the letters are fragile, but generally the fonds is in good condition.
Custodial History
Ann Murdoch donated a copy of "My Dear Will" to the McKee Archives in February 2008. The formal donation of the Baker family letters occurred on September 27, 2008 at a reception in the Gathering Space at the John E. Robbins Library.
Scope and Content
Fonds consists of a collection of about 200 letters primarily written by William Baker (although letters written by other family members are also included), who left Liverpool and settled in Oak Lake, to his son William who remained in England. The letters offer insights on a wide range of subjects including the conditions of immigrants and the Riel "situation".
The fonds also contains a supplement to "My Dear Will: Reflections of Prairie Pioneer Life." This latter publication consists of transcribed copies of the letters in the Baker family fonds. The letters were originally transcribed by Ronald James Parsons and his wife Rita Olive Parsons (nee Blake) and published, along with some letters, photographs and other documents for family c. 1997. The booklet was updated in 2007 by Ronald and Rita's daughter, Ann Murdoch. The Supplement was prepared by Ann Murdock and her sister Dawn Powell.
Notes
Description by Christy Henry.
Finding Aid
My Dear Will booklet
Storage Location
2008 accessions. Booklets and family tree stored in Rare Books: RC 3399.B73Z495 2007 v.1 and v.2.
Bertha Cunningham is a Western Manitoban artist who has studied at the Banff School of Fine Arts several summers and has painted in Winnipeg for periods under the guidance of members of the School of Fine Art. She paints mainly landscapes. (1969 inventory)
Crazing of varnish all over image, deeper alligator cracking in top middle causing distortions of paint surface (area 6 X 19 cm TL). Some paint abrasion along the frame on L side. Painting needs cleaning from dust. Frame has some minor cracks; as well
Inscription: William Davies, Industrialist. b.1831 in England, d. 1921 in Toronto. Generous benefactor of Brandon College.
Dimensions
70 X 54 cm
Size Overall
114 X 98 cm
Medium
oil
Condition
Scratch on surface in area c.. 5cm from BL corner. Minor scratches on R side of image. Frame has cracks in many areas, as well as a loss of plaster in lower R area, c.. 3.5cm. Mild loss of paint on the right inside frame arm, next to the painting sur
Primary Support
canvas
Secondary Support
no backing support for canvas; frame - wood and plaster with gild
Inscription: Samuel J. McKee, D.D., LL.D. b. 1849 in Ontario, d. 1937 in Vancouver. Principal Literary Academy in Rapid City and Brandon, 1883-1899. Vice Principal, Brandon College, 1899-1924.
Dimensions
113 X 85 cm
Size Overall
158 X 130 cm
Medium
oil
Condition
Small loss of paint in area c.. 21cm TL X 27cm L. Minor abrasion of paint in area lower R, as well as along the left edge of image. Varnish cracks all over image. Canvas should have back protection to prevent further damages. The frame has a broken p
