Some of the pages and photographs in the scrapbooks have become loose
History / Biographical
Verda Joan McDonald (nee Peden) was born in Brandon, MB on May 2, 1934. She was the middle daughter of Bill, a school principal, and Phyllis Peden. McDonald attended school at King George, Alexandra (now Betty Gibson), Earl Oxford and Brandon Collegiate Institute.
In 1951, McDonald enrolled in the Bachelor of Arts program at Brandon College. A fellowship program from the local YMCA enabled her to teach gym and swim programs after school and on Saturday for a small salary, which enabled her and some other students to finance their education. She graduated in 1955 with a Bachelor of Arts degree. During her graduating year, McDonald served as Lady Stick for Brandon College; the title of Lady Stick was an elected position and an honour, and gave McDonald and the person elected Senior Stick, Frank McKinnon, the responsibility of leading the student council for that year. In 1956, McDonald obtained her Bachelor of Pedagogy degree, also from Brandon College, which allowed her to teach grades 1 to 12 in Manitoba.
Verda married her college sweetheart, Dick McDonald, on August 25, 1956, and the couple moved to Dauphin to teach at the Dauphin Collegiate and Technical Institute for two years. They returned to Brandon in September 1958, and Verda proceeded to teach at Brandon Collegiate, Neelin High School and Vincent Massey until December 1960.
When Dick finished his degree at Brandon College and started teaching, Verda stayed at home to raise their three sons, Rick, Paul and Daren. During this time she began her many years of volunteering within the community. She served seven years on each of the following three boards: The Brandon Schools Instrumental Music Association; The Brandon University Alumni Board; and The Board of Fairview Nursing Home. She became President of each board during her term.
McDonald supported her husband throughouet his teaching and financial career, as well as his strong involvement in the Artillery Reserve Army with the 26th Field Regiment where he served as Commander and later Honorary Colonel. Both McDonald and her husband maintained strong ties with Brandon University and have contributed generously to funding campaign and scholarships. The Sports Wall of Fame in the Health Living Centre on the Brandon University campus is named in their honour.
In addition to their involvement with Brandon University, the McDonald's were members of the Kinsmen, K40 service club, gold and bridge clubs and enjoyed many years together in Brandon. They enjoyed going on cruise ship holidays and visited many countries together.
Since Dick's death in September 2015, Verda has tried to maintain her involvment in university activities. She continues to reside in Brandon, MB.
Custodial History
Records were created and collected by Verda McDonald during her years as a student and alumna of Brandon College/Brandon University. The records were stored in her home until their donation to the McKee Archives in 2015.
Scope and Content
Collection consists of records dealing with Verda McDonald's experiences as a student and alumna at Brandon College/University. The majority of the collection contains records from the early 1950s during McDonald's college years (1951-1955). These records, which cover the social and athletic aspects of Brandon College in the 1950s, provide a detailed look at college student life during this time period. The collection also contains a small number of records (1955-2005), documenting McDonald's experiences as an alumna of Brandon College/University.
The collection consists of four scrapbooks, which contain photographs, newspaper clippings, graduation cards, lyrics for class songs, and programs for graduation banquets, school dances, graduation ceremonies and drama productions. The scrapbooks also contain ephemera such as sports emblems, table decorations, election paraphernalia. It also includes McDonald's oath of office from when she was sworn in as Lady Stick, as well as her acceptance speech from the same ceremony.
The three file folders in the collection include: a list written by Frank McKinnon, a classmate of McDonald's, outlining his reasons for coming to Brandon College and his recollections of being a student at Brandon College; the rules of Clark Hall residence hall; and pamphlets for various celebrations and events at Brandon University (Homecoming 2009, Homecoming 2006, Reunion Weekend 2005, Reunion Weekend 2004, Homecoming 1995 and 1995 Reconovocation program, Homecoming 1980, 1975 Open House).
Finally, the collection contains 18 loose photographs. A number of the photos document important reunions for the Class of 1955 (40th Anniversary in 1995, 50th Anniversary in 2005), while others were taken at alumni events over the years (1988-1997). There is one postcard of Brandon University buildings (Original Building and Clark Hall, McMaster Hall and the Queen Elizabeth II School of Music building). Some of the 1995 reunion photos include images of the Brandon College Building and Clark Hall under renovation. Also included are a composite portrait of the Class of 1955 and class portraits Arts and Science for the Class of 1960.
Notes
History/Bio information provided by Verda McDonald. Description by Emily Bate (October 2016) and Christy Henry.
Robert (Bob) Troy Blair was born on March 11, 1930 in Brandon, MB. His first six years were spent in Alexander, MB, where his father and uncle operated a grocery store. In 1936, his family moved to Souris, MB, where his father ran a grocery store. Blair received his primary and high school education, with the exception of Grade 12, in Souris.
Blair remembers his school years in Souris as mainly happy years. He was involved with both piano and organ music lessons. he was never interested in physical sports with the exception of golf. World War II broke out in September of 1939. Souris became the site of #17 SFTS and home base for the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan. Many of the service men came from England, Australia and New Zealand. Blair's mother always entertained at least two for dinner every Sunday. Rationing of sugar, tea and coffee, butter and meat became a way of life. Blair had the job every Saturday of pasting the ration coupons into booklets. It was also when he was in Grade 6, that Blair realized he was more attracted to boys than to girls. Perhaps it was because so many attractive airmen surrounded him!
In November of 1947, the Blair family relocated to Alexander where Bob Blair finished his Grade 11. This was not a good year due to bullying. In September of 1948, Blair moved to Winnipeg to attend United College for his Grade 12. Upon completion of Grade 12, Blair remained in Winnipeg until June 1950. he worked at a number of businesses - Gestetner, Eaton's Mail Order shoe department, Maple Leaf Milling, and the drug store in the Medical Arts Building. In September 1950, he entered Brandon College. Blair was very active in extra-curricular affairs while at Brandon College; particularly drama. Following his B.A. he enrolled in the Education Faculty, having decided to become a teacher.
Blair's teaching career spanned 34 years. All but one year was spent in the Brandon School Division. On his first day of teaching in the Division he met the man with whom he would spend the next 46 years. He was primarily a teacher of English and Music. A highlight of his career was exchange teaching in Sacramento, California in 1961. Orientation for exchange took place in August in Washington, D.C., where Blair had the opportunity to meet President J.F. Kennedy. He vividly recals the morning that JFK was assassinated on November 22, 1963. In September 1965, Blair assumed the principalship of Park School and in September of 1969, the same position at George Fitton School where re remained until his retirement in 1989. He was a member of the Brandon Picnipals' Association, the National Association of Elementary School Principals, and servedas President of the Brandon Teachers' Association. Among his major accomplishments during his time as principal were the introduction of a centralized school library in both Park and George Fitton Schools and the integration of special needs students into regular classroom situations wherever possible. He was made a Life Member of the Manitoba Teachers' Society (Brandon) in June 1990. Following his retirement Blair worked as a Library Automation Consultant (1989-1993).
Blair also had numerous community involvements during his time in Brandon. he was active in the Brandon Little Theatre (Best Actor Award, Manitoba Drama Festival for One Act Plays in 1963), the Brandon Festival of the Arts, the Eckhardt-Gramatte National Music Competition, and Arm Industries to name a few.
Following the death of his partner in 2001, Blair moved to Saskatoon to live with a younger gay couple. He has been active in volunteerism: as an Ambassador for the Saskatoon Airport Authority, assistant with the Saskatoon Health Region's Immunization Clinics, information clerk for the Festival of Trees, data entry clerk for the Saskatoon Music Festival, on the Board of the Saskatoon Jazz Society, and Hospitality Coordinator for the Saskatoon Jazz Festival.
Robert Troy Blair died on July 2, 2024 in Saskatoon, SK. He is buried in Brandon, MB.
Custodial History
Records were in Blair's possession until he donated them to the Mckee Archives on Homecoming weekend October 2013.
Scope and Content
Fonds consists of two scrapbooks containing 145 photographs and ephemera (play and graduation programs, tickets, pins, newspaper clippings) documenting Bob Blair's days at Brandon College. Social events and extra-curricular activities are heavily featured in the two scrapbooks. Also included are graduation portraits for the Classes of 1951, 1952 and 1953. Of the 145 photographs all are black and white except for two photos of the Class of '53 reconvocation (May 1993), and one from the Class of '53 reunion (2003).
Maureen Johnson (nee Sills) was born in Brandon, MB in 1936 and grew up in western Manitoba. She spent three years in Ethiopia (1958-1961) and two years in Houston, Texas before taking up permanent residence in Winnipeg, MB. She attended Brandon College in 1953-1954, living in the Tower Room of Clark Hall.
From 1960-1979, Johnson raised her family, volunteered in the St. Vital community and was Secretary to the Manitoba Schools Science Symposium (1973-1977). She worked in the Office of the President at the University of Manitoba from 1980 to 1996.
Johnson is a visual artist and photographer, and is a member of the Winnipeg Sketch Club, Manitoba Society of Artists and Winnipeg South Photo Club. Her work is on permanent display at Medea Gallery (www.medeagallery.ca) where she has been a member since 1985. She also has work in the Rental Program at the Winnipeg Art Gallery.
For biographical information on Sarah Persis Darrach see RG 1 Brandon College fonds, Series 9: Clark Hall women's residence.
Custodial History
The original photographs in accession 10-2009 are in the custody of Maureen Johnson in Winnipeg, MB. Copies were digitally scanned by Johnson and sent to the Archives in March 2009. The 1921 photographs of Brandon College students were given to Johnson by Eileen McKenzie, her aunt, who attended Brandon College at that time. The photos of Sarah Persis Darrach (Johnson's great-aunt and maternal grandmother's sister) are from her family albums.
All of the records in accession 14-2009, except for the 1920 Quill and the Clark Hall Rules 1912, were collected by Johnson during her time at Brandon College. The Quill issue belonged to Johnson's aunt Eileen McKenzie, a student at Brandon College in the early 1920s. The records were in Johnson's possession at her home until their donation to the McKee Archives in May 2009.
Scope and Content
Accession 10-2009 consists of seventeen digital photographs. Seven photographs are of Sarah Persis Darrach (nee Johnson), taken primarily during her time as a nursing sister during World War I. Two photographs are of Eileen McKenzie. The remaining photographs depict students and student activities at Brandon College in the early 1920s.
Accession 14-2009 consists of a copy of the sound recording and program for Mr. College Spirit, a musical comedy presented by the Brandon College Literary Board and written by James Struthers and Kenneth Gunning. Accession also includes fifteen photographs from 1953-1954, when Johnson attended Brandon College. Subjects include: Freshie King and Queen; Graduation Banquets (1955, 1956); senior and lady sticks; Jim Casey Trophy; Grand March 1954; Capettes basketball team 1954; Glee Club 1953; Variety Night - Men's Chorus; Caps Football Team; Caps Hockey Team 1954; Cheerleaders 1954; Caps Basketball 1954; and Touques.
Textual records include graduation banquet and commencement programs, news clippings, programs for Variety Night and Be Your Age, a list of football cheers and a copy of the Fall Number of the 1920 Quill. Textual records also include two color photocopies: Clark Hall Rules 1912 and Johnson's Arts and Science Departments, Brandon College Registration card.
Notes
History/Bio information and Custodial History provided by Maureen Johnson (April 2009). A review of the play, written by Kay Rowe, appeared in the March 6, 1953 issue of the Quill.
The Swan is a three-act comedy written by Ferene Molnar. The production was staged during the 1933-1934 academic year and directed by Miss Marjorie B. McKenzie. For additional information about the production see page 32 of the 1934 Sickle.
Custodial History
See fonds level description for custodial history.
Scope and Content
Photograph of the cast of The Swan. Front Row, second from the left: Archie MacLachlan as Father Hyacinth. Front Row, second from the right: Ruth Wade as Princes Maria Dominica.
See fonds level description for custodial history.
Scope and Content
Photograph of (L to R): Dorothy Webb (?), Dorreene McGuinness and Ruth Wade in costume for the Class of 1933's program in the Literary Shield competition.
See fonds level description for custodial history.
Scope and Content
Photograph of (L to R): Marionne Scott (?), Agnes Lund and Ruth Thornton in costume for the Class of 1933's program in the Literary Shield competition.
See fonds level description for custodial history.
Scope and Content
Photograph of (L to R): Dorothy Webb (?), Dorreene McGuinness and Ruth Wade in costume for the Class of 1933's program in the Literary Shield competition.
See fonds level description for custodial history.
Scope and Content
Photograph of the girls from the Class of 1933 in costume for their program in the Literary Shield competition. Back Row (L to R): Viola Olmstead or Margaret Strachan, Marionne Scott (?), Agnes Lund, Dorothy Webb (?), Ruth Wade, Elenanor McKinnon (?), ? and Dorreene McGuinness. Front Row (L to R): Ruth Thornton, Grace Armstrong, ?, Grace Hopkins and Florence Simpson.
Two pieces of maroon felt have been seamed together to create the flag. Tears along the top
Scope and Content
Item was created by the Brandon College class of 1950 as part of their commencement activities. The flag, which is made of felt, features the class colours of maroon and white, as well as the class motto "Animo et fide" ("With spirit and faith"). The flag features the names of the graduates written in pen on two open books and the phrase "Jubilee Year." The flag has a pocket for hanging.
Names include: Joe Cordingley, Gwen Dempster, Bill Eames, Craig Ferguson, Marg Gerow, Don Irwin, Russell Kalakailo, Allison Boles, Morgan Brown, Verna Brown, Roy Brown, Finley Campbell, Ted Cantwell, Gladys Coutts, Ernie Miller, Marj Muirhead, Ivan Rainey, Ida Robertson, Iris Schoch, Lorne Scott, Gordon Sefton, Alfred Shaw, Nancy Small, Marg Small, Don Sumner, Joyce Tinline, Val Trent, Alvin Tyler, and L. Dixon.
Notes
It appears that the name L. Dixon was added at a later date. Loose translations for the class mottos were provided by Dr. Rosanne Gasse (Latin) and Dr. Steve Robinson (Greek), as well as from googling the mottos in October 2006. Description by Dayna Lytwyn/Osten Sahulka (February 2024) and Christy Henry.
Item was created by the Brandon College class of 1951 as part of their commencement activities. The flag, which is made of felt, features the class colours of red and grey (white), as well as the class motto "Ad astra per aspera" ("Through adversity one wins the stars"). The flag features the names of the graduates written in pen on a lantern. The flag has a pocket for hanging.
Names include: Harry George, Ivey Graham, Ferne Henderson, Gerald Jerrett, Angus Juckes, Lois Kennedy, Margaret Leckie, Patricia Magnacca, Harold Moffat, Kenneth Morrison, Frank Adamski, Ronald Bell, Gordon Bradley, Raymond Brown, Barton Bruce, Murray Coulthard, Dorine Dennison, Doreen Fedoruk, John Muir, Johnny MacLean, Lorna Prokaska, Jack Scott, Ernest Shaw, William Sutherland, Rosa Ziolkowski, William Fraser, and Michael Doig.
Notes
Loose translations for the class mottos were provided by Dr. Rosanne Gasse (Latin) and Dr. Steve Robinson (Greek), as well as from googling the mottos in October 2006. Description by Dayna Lytwyn/Osten Sahulka (February 2024) and Christy Henry.
"V" in the motto is loosing its stitching, a few markings
Scope and Content
Item was created by the Brandon College class of 1952 as part of their commencement activities. The flag, which is made of velvet, felt and cotton, features the class colours of wine and gold, as well as the class motto “Esse Quam Videri” (“To be rather than to seem”). The flag features the names of the graduates written in pen on a yellow mortarboard with tassel. The flag has a pocket for hanging.
Names include: Jean Allen, John Andrews, David Brodie, Kenneth Campbell, Ernest Criddle, Ronald Doupe, Joan Garnett, Campbell Finlay, Louise Hoey, Graham Hunt, James Kelleher, Jack Medd, John Muirhead, Marvin Muscovitch, Murray MacDonald, Paul McKinnon, Neil McKellar, Donna McPhail, Kenneth McNeely, Garfield McMahon, Blair MacRae, Peter Prokaska, Rodger Ramsden, Don Rousell, Murray Smith, Bruce Watson, William Black, William Bridgett, Catherine Crawford, Claudia Dickey, Isobel Lyon, John Miller, Neil MacKay, Agnes Nicholson, Shirley Bryce, Terry Prysiazniuk, Royce Richardson, Marion Simmons, David Smith, Joan Urie, and Harvey Van Dusen.
Notes
Loose translations for the class mottos were provided by Dr. Rosanne Gasse (Latin) and Dr. Steve Robinson (Greek), as well as from googling the mottos in October 2006. Description by Dayna Lytwyn/Osten Sahulka (February 2024) and Christy Henry.
Holes on top right corner, a few stitches are missing where the hanging device was
Scope and Content
Item was created by the Brandon College class of 1953 as part of their commencement activities. The flag, which is made of velvet, felt and cotton, features the class colours of dark green and gold, as well as the class motto “Multum in parvo” (“Much in little”). The flag features the names of the graduates written in pen on the rays of a yellow sun. The flag has a pocket for hanging.
Names include: Jack Purvis, Shirley Finch, Pat Pope, Joyce Marie Thordason, George Leask, Albert Burton, Art Mantell, Roberta Wilkie, David Smith, George Jakubowski, Dahl Harvey, Diane McDonald, Cathy Nelson, Jim Struthers, Abe Penner, Shirley Mitchell, Bob Blair, Eileen McFadden, Ross George, Mary Jane McLachlan, Kay Oliver, James Bateman, Don Cronk, Louise Astle, Ariel Genik, Muriel Bedford, and John Brown.
Notes
Loose translations for the class mottos were provided by Dr. Rosanne Gasse (Latin) and Dr. Steve Robinson (Greek), as well as from googling the mottos in October 2006. Description by Dayna Lytwyn/Osten Sahulka (February 2024) and Christy Henry.
Item was created by the Brandon College class of 1954 as part of their commencement activities. The flag, which is made of velvet, felt and cotton, features the class colours of green and silver, as well as the class motto in Greek (“I shall not fear”). The flag features the names of the graduates written in pen on a podium on which stands a lion. The flag has rope for hanging.
Names include: Donald Adams, Clive Bate, Mary Babiuk, Joy Barton, John Blackwood, Winnifred Cross, Shirley Curry, Olga Evaskow, Leo Evason, Alfred Francis, Alan Fraser, Ablert Gogol, Norman Hedison, Robert Hilton, Theodosy Hryshko, Keith Hunter, Arthur Klimchuck, Fred Lynch, Donna May, John Minions, Denis Mote, Ivy Robins, Marjorie Roland, Margaret Sanderson, David Shaw, Jean Shingfield, and George Smithson.
Notes
Loose translations for the class mottos were provided by Dr. Rosanne Gasse (Latin) and Dr. Steve Robinson (Greek), as well as from googling the mottos in October 2006. Description by Dayna Lytwyn/Osten Sahulka (February 2024) and Christy Henry.
Couple of holes and loose stitching in the top right.
Scope and Content
Item was created by the Brandon College class of 1955 as part of their commencement activities. The flag, which is made of velvet, felt and cotton, features the class colours of navy blue and grey, as well as the class motto “Vincit omnia veritas” (“Truth conquers all things”). The flag features the names of the graduates stitched in blue thread on a present with a ribbon bow. There is also a laurel wreath and a bird figure. The flag has four black ties for hanging.
Names include: Benjamin Ward, John Meyers, Ken Adams, Helen Batho, Elaine Cameron, Gerald Graham, Lawrence Grieve, Delmar Gusdal, Allen Hattie, Stewart Hobbs, Walter Huculak, John Kelleher, William Keller, George Strang, Harold Woods, Gordon Williams, Harvey Young, Walter Korzenowski, James Minions, John McCamis, Frank McKinnon, Joan McLachlan, Barrie McLeod, Ron McMurray, Trevor McNeely, Verda Peden, Marjorie Pringle, Rosalie Prokopchuk, and Beverley Randell.
Notes
Loose translations for the class mottos were provided by Dr. Rosanne Gasse (Latin) and Dr. Steve Robinson (Greek), as well as from googling the mottos in October 2006. Description by Dayna Lytwyn/Osten Sahulka (February 2024) and Christy Henry.
Staining/fading middle left by the stitching, visible hole in top left corner
Scope and Content
Item was created by the Brandon College class of 1954 as part of their commencement activities. The flag, which is made of felt, features the class colours of maroon and grey, as well as the class motto “Plus ultra est” ("There is more beyond"). The flag features the names of the graduates stitched in maroon thread and a lamp. The flag has twine for hanging.
Names include: Robert Lane, Barrie Bunch, Viola Bjarnson, Barbara Mills, Louis Lenz, Gerry Smith, Barrie Orr, John Hattie, John McArthur, Garth Bray, Lorraine Benson, Helen Sokolski, Michael Cyboka, George Willis, Alex Fedoruk, and Jack Fotheringham.
Notes
Loose translations for the class mottos were provided by Dr. Rosanne Gasse (Latin) and Dr. Steve Robinson (Greek), as well as from googling the mottos in October 2006. Description by Dayna Lytwyn/Osten Sahulka (February 2024) and Christy Henry.
