Peter Alexander (P.A.) Alex McPhail was born on July 11, 1897 in the RM of Elton. Raised on the family farm in Forrest, MB, he was the eldest son of Archie and Mary McPhail who came to Manitoba from Ontario. Alex took over the farm in 1915, and farmed there until 1949, when he and his family moved to Brandon. During the First World War, Alex was a lieutenant in the Royal Canadian Air Force. He married Effie Irene Weir (1900-1999) in 1933 and together they raised four children: Ronald, Malcolm, Archie and Donna. Effie and Alex were both active members of their community. Alex was especially involved in the agricultural community and won many prizes over the years for his livestock. From 1954-1965, Alex was the General Manager for the Provincial Exhibition Association of Manitoba and the Manitoba Winter Fair. He also served one term as the president of the Canadian Association of Exhibitions. Additionally, Alex was on the Brandon General Hospital board, the Brandon College board, and was a member of the Kiwanis and Shriners clubs. He was also involved in local sports. Both Alex and Effie McPhail were active members of the United Church. Alex McPhail died on June 28, 1989 in Brandon, MB. He is buried at Humesville Cemetery.
Custodial History
As part of the Westman Oral History Collection, this collection was accessioned by the McKee Archives in 1998. The original tapes from the Westman Oral History project were deposited in the Brandon Public Library. Copies of these originals were made by Margaret Pollex of the Brandon University Language Lab at the request of Eileen McFadden, University Archivist in the early 1990s. These copies compose the collection held in the McKee Archives.
Scope and Content
Item is an audiocassette tape containing an interview with Alex McPhail about his family history, agriculture, the Provincial Exhibition Association of Manitoba and the Manitoba Winter Fair. Interviewer is Frank Anderson.
Notes
History/bio information from the records and the description for the Effie and Alex McPhail collection at the Daly House Museum. Transcript by Alana Donohoe (2017). Description by Christy Henry.
Language Note
English
Conservation
Preservation copy made 2021 (R. Hess)
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Winifred Irene Wasylyshyn (nee Stevens) was born on September 22, 1923 at Deloraine, MB. The daughter of Fletcher and Grace Stevens, the family had a long tradition of camping at Lake Metigoshe going back to Irene's paternal grandparents, who began camping there in 1908. Irene, who was a florist, married Jake Wasylyshyn (1916-?) on May 19, 1956. They had one daughter, Donna. Irene Wasylyshyn died on March 25, 2005 in Deloraine, MB.
Custodial History
As part of the Westman Oral History Collection, this collection was accessioned by the McKee Archives in 1998. The original tapes from the Westman Oral History project were deposited in the Brandon Public Library. Copies of these originals were made by Margaret Pollex of the Brandon University Language Lab at the request of Eileen McFadden, University Archivist in the early 1990s. These copies compose the collection held in the McKee Archives.
Scope and Content
Item is an audiocassette tape containing an interview with Irene Wasylyshyn about the development of Lake Metigoshe. Spanning the international border into North Dakota, Lake Metigoshe is twenty miles south of Deloraine and part of a collection of lakes in the Turtle Mountains. Lake Metigoshe became the hub of a cluster of cottage developments, which boasted a local store with grocery and café services, golf course, and other recreational facilities over the years. In her interview Irene relates stories of fishing, boat rides, campfires and sing songs with neighbors who became long term family friends. She described the establishment of different local stores over the years, who owned them or worked there and for how long. She details the growth of the different cottage developments, along with both Investment and Improvement Associations, which worked to balance the growth. Through the entire interview Irene describs her love for the beauty and serenity of the lake itself and how much it came to mean to generations of her family. Interviewer is Eva Cassils.
Notes
History/bio information from the records. Transcript by Sharon Munroe (2020). Description by Christy Henry.
Language Note
English
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Laurence Overton "Laurie" East was born in the municipality of Odanah on the west half of 29-13-18, on March 13, 1911. He attended Tremaine and Roseneath schools and worked on the family farm, eventually leaving school to work due to his father's ill health and then taking over the operation in 1936, after his father died. Laurie retired from farming in 1976. Laurie married Bernice McDonald (1916-2006), a teacher, on July 4, 1942. They had no children. Laurie's hobbies were music, dancing and travel; he took part in local entertainment and taught square dancing classes. He was a member of the Hunterville United Church, serving on the board and volunteering as Sunday School Superintendent or teacher. In the 1940s, Laurie was part of local commmittees to secure telephone and postal service. From 1970-1983, he was a member of Elton Municipal Council. Shortly after joining the council, Laurie was appointed as a representive to the library board; he joined representatives from Minnedosa and Minto councils, as there was support in the region for the organization and establishment of a regional library. Laurie East died on April 18, 2003 in Brandon, MB and is buried at the Rapid City Cemetery.
Custodial History
As part of the Westman Oral History Collection, this collection was accessioned by the McKee Archives in 1998. The original tapes from the Westman Oral History project were deposited in the Brandon Public Library. Copies of these originals were made by Margaret Pollex of the Brandon University Language Lab at the request of Eileen McFadden, University Archivist in the early 1990s. These copies compose the collection held in the McKee Archives.
Scope and Content
Item is an audiocassette tape containing an interview with Laurie East about the Minnedosa Regional Library. Interviewer is Mae Johnson.
Notes
History/bio information from the records and East's obituary. Transcript by Simon Richard (2020). Description by Christy Henry.
Language Note
English
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Maude Marie MacDonald (nee Evans) was born on May 23, 1910 in Indian River, Ontario. In 1913, her family moved to Manitoba, settling in the Brookdale area. She attended school in Brookdale and at Brandon College, graduating with a BA in 1930. After graduating from Normal School in Saskatoon, she taught at Justice, Brookdale, Brandon, Kemnay, Ochre River and Carberry, before retiring in 1971. Marie married George MacDonald (1913-1989), who she met while teaching in Ochre River, in June 1937. The couple had three children: Janet, Karen and Donald. In 1951, Marie and George bought Maxhame, a farm near Brookdale. She continued to live on the farm after George died. Marie loved gardening and reading, and in her later years, she enjoyed travelling. Marie MacDonald died on January 25, 1996 in Winnipeg, MB and is buried in Carberry Plains Cemetery.
Custodial History
As part of the Westman Oral History Collection, this collection was accessioned by the McKee Archives in 1998. The original tapes from the Westman Oral History project were deposited in the Brandon Public Library. Copies of these originals were made by Margaret Pollex of the Brandon University Language Lab at the request of Eileen McFadden, University Archivist in the early 1990s. These copies compose the collection held in the McKee Archives.
Scope and Content
Item is an audiocassette tape containing an interview with Marie MacDonald about education in Manitoba, particularly her experiences as a teacher from 1931-1972. Interviewer is Dorothy P. Martin.
Notes
History/bio information from the records and MacDonald's obituary. Transcript by Victoria Newham (2020). Description by Christy Henry.
Language Note
English
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Janet Mortimer Seward (nee Anderson) was born on May 5, 1898 at Crown Hill, near Barrie, ON. She graduated with her RN from the Royal Victoria Hospital in Barrie in 1921. Coming to Brandon in 1927, she became a graduate of the first post-graduate class in pyschiatric nuring at the Brandon Mental Hospital. In 1929, she became superintendent of nurses at that same institution. She stepped down from her position when she married Ernest Seward (1877-1949), a widower, in 1934, but following her husband's death, she resumed her nursing career, finally retiring in 1966. The couple had no children. An active member of St. George's Anglican Church, she also volunteered for the Red Cross. Janet Seward died on June 14, 1991 in Brandon, MB. She is buried at Brandon Municipal Cemetery.
Custodial History
As part of the Westman Oral History Collection, this collection was accessioned by the McKee Archives in 1998. The original tapes from the Westman Oral History project were deposited in the Brandon Public Library. Copies of these originals were made by Margaret Pollex of the Brandon University Language Lab at the request of Eileen McFadden, University Archivist in the early 1990s. These copies compose the collection held in the McKee Archives.
Scope and Content
Item is an audiocassette tape containing an interview with Janet Seward about health care and her experiences as a nurse. Subjects discussed include the working conditions in hospitals, medication and treatment that were done, patient care, and the doctors who worked in Brandon, including doctors Barager, Davidson, Goulden, Evans, Cromary, Peters, Bigelow, Shultz and Purdy. Postgraduates Miss Steward and Miss Cansfield are also mentioned. Interviewer is Phyllis Long.
Notes
History/bio information from the records and Seward's obituary. Transcript by Leah Stephens (2020). Description by Christy Henry.
Language Note
English
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Mary Evelyne Conley (nee Dixon) was born on November 30, 1919 in Carievale, SK. She lived in Carievale until 1940, at which point she moved to Brandon, MB. In Brandon she received her nurses training, graduating as an RN in 1943, and then working at Brandon General Hospital (BGH). In 1945, she moved to Toronto where she continued working as a nurse and also married Murray Ross Conley (1919-1998) on April 21, 1945. The couple had three children: Judith, Sharon and Bradley. After a year in Toronto, Evelyne returned to Brandon to raise her family and work as a private nurse at BGH. She retired from Fairview Personal Care Home in 1971, to care for her son, who developed multiple sclerosis (MS) in his 20s. This experience precipitated Evelyne's involvement with the MS Society. Evelyne Conley died on September 3, 2013 in Brandon, MB. She is buried at Rosewood Memorial Gardens.
Custodial History
As part of the Westman Oral History Collection, this collection was accessioned by the McKee Archives in 1998. The original tapes from the Westman Oral History project were deposited in the Brandon Public Library. Copies of these originals were made by Margaret Pollex of the Brandon University Language Lab at the request of Eileen McFadden, University Archivist in the early 1990s. These copies compose the collection held in the McKee Archives.
Scope and Content
Item is an audiocassette tape containing an interview with Evelyne Conley about health services, specifically the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada. The interview includes a brief history of the MS Society, the trials and tribulations of funding, and Evelyne’s personal ties to the organization. In particular she discusses the Prairie Division and the Brandon chapter. Interviewer is Phyllis Long.
Notes
History/bio information from the records and Conley's obituary. Transcript by Kyle Head (2020). Description by Christy Henry.
Language Note
English
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Herbert "Herb" Lazenby was born in 1885 in Lincolnshire, England. He immigrated to Canada in 1903, making his way to Reston, MB. He was a farmer who married Elsie Mae Wilson (1890-1971). Together they had three children: George, Alvin and a daughter who died at birth. Herb Lazenby died in 1949 and is buried in the Reston Cemetery. The narrator, Irene Luella Smeltz Lazenby (1915-1998), was the wife of Herb and Elsie's son George. They married in 1942.
Custodial History
As part of the Westman Oral History Collection, this collection was accessioned by the McKee Archives in 1998. The original tapes from the Westman Oral History project were deposited in the Brandon Public Library. Copies of these originals were made by Margaret Pollex of the Brandon University Language Lab at the request of Eileen McFadden, University Archivist in the early 1990s. These copies compose the collection held in the McKee Archives.
Scope and Content
Item is an audiocassette tape containing information about the life of Herb Lazenby and farming in the 1880s, narrated by his daughter-in-law Irene Lazenby.
Notes
History/bio information from the records and Conley's obituary. Transcript by Shayanne Bear (2020). Description by Christy Henry.
Language Note
English
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Alexander Hector Black was born on August 31, 1901 in Oak River, MB. Alex lived in the Oak River area his entire life, farming until he retired in 1976. He married Blanche Edith Paddock (1905-1985) on October 14, 1936 and together they had four children: Frank, Margaret, Melvin and Eileen. The couple moved into Oak River in 1976, and Alex remained in the home until 1997. Alex was active in the community as a member of the church board, teasurer of the church, and Sunday School Superintendent. He was also a member of the school board and the Pool Elevator board, as well as a director of the Agricultural Society (1925-198?). Alex Black died on April 1, 1999 in Hamiota, MB. He is buried at Oak River Cemetery.
Custodial History
As part of the Westman Oral History Collection, this collection was accessioned by the McKee Archives in 1998. The original tapes from the Westman Oral History project were deposited in the Brandon Public Library. Copies of these originals were made by Margaret Pollex of the Brandon University Language Lab at the request of Eileen McFadden, University Archivist in the early 1990s. These copies compose the collection held in the McKee Archives.
Scope and Content
Item is an audiocassette tape containing an interview with Alex Black about his life from crofter to a modern farmer. Interviewer is Stan Henry.
Notes
History/bio information from the records and Black's obituary. Transcript by Rhys Fletcher (2023). Description by Christy Henry.
Language Note
English
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Alice May (nee Heal) was born August 13, 1910 in Strathclair, MB to Charles and Kristina Heal. Alice worked as a secretary and bookkeeper and then as a homemaker. She married Frank May (1901-1985) on November 16, 1932 and together they had two children: Frances and Arthur. The family moved to Strathclair in 1946. Alice May died on August 10, 2006 in Shoal Lake, MB. She is buried at Strathclair Muncipal Cemetery.
Custodial History
As part of the Westman Oral History Collection, this collection was accessioned by the McKee Archives in 1998. The original tapes from the Westman Oral History project were deposited in the Brandon Public Library. Copies of these originals were made by Margaret Pollex of the Brandon University Language Lab at the request of Eileen McFadden, University Archivist in the early 1990s. These copies compose the collection held in the McKee Archives.
Scope and Content
Item is an audiocassette tape containing an interview with Alice May about the family history of the Heals. Interviewer is William R. Patterson.
Notes
History/bio information from the records and May's obituary. Transcript by Joe Haw (2023). Description by Christy Henry.
Language Note
English
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Ida Beatrice "Bea" Carr (nee Johnson) was born on December 23, 1912 in Brandon, MB. Bea attended school in Brandon, including Brandon Collegiate Institute (BCI). She worked at Doig's in downtown Brandon for many years, retiring in 1976. Bea married Thomas George Carr (1905-1992) in 1943. They had no children. Bea was a member of Central United Church and the UCW. She was also a member of the Teck Chapter of the IODEI and loved playing golf and bridge. Beatrice Carr died on November 11, 1995 in Brandon, MB. She is buried at Brandon Municipal Cemetery.
Custodial History
As part of the Westman Oral History Collection, this collection was accessioned by the McKee Archives in 1998. The original tapes from the Westman Oral History project were deposited in the Brandon Public Library. Copies of these originals were made by Margaret Pollex of the Brandon University Language Lab at the request of Eileen McFadden, University Archivist in the early 1990s. These copies compose the collection held in the McKee Archives.
Scope and Content
Item is an audiocassette tape containing an interview with Bea Carr about pioneers, the Power and William Johnson families, and Rhoda Tennant. Interviewer is Marjorie Lange.
Notes
History/bio information from the records and Carr's obituary. Transcript by Mary Longman (2023). Description by Christy Henry.
Language Note
English
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Ethel Elizabeth Mary Allen (nee Baker) was born on June 30, 1915 on Springhill Farm in the RM of Rosedale. She attended Springhill School and Neepawa Collegiate. An accomplished pianist, she formed a band with her brothers and together they played many dances. Ethel married William Allen (1902-1964) in June 1938 and together they had one son, Larry. Following the marriage, the couple lived in the residence at Howden elevator where Bill was the elevator agent for the Ogilvie company. Ethel helped Bill with bookkeeping. When Bill died, Ethel moved to Neepawa, where she worked for the Osborone Senior Citizens Home for a number of years. A long time member of the Order of the Eastern Star, Naomi Chapter No. 11, Ethel enjoyed curling, sewing and travel. Ethel Allen died on May 14, 2001 in Neepawa, MB. She is buried at Riverside Cemetery.
Custodial History
As part of the Westman Oral History Collection, this collection was accessioned by the McKee Archives in 1998. The original tapes from the Westman Oral History project were deposited in the Brandon Public Library. Copies of these originals were made by Margaret Pollex of the Brandon University Language Lab at the request of Eileen McFadden, University Archivist in the early 1990s. These copies compose the collection held in the McKee Archives.
Scope and Content
Item is an audiocassette tape containing an interview with Ethel Allen about the history of the Potter-Baker Centennial Farm. Interviewer is Isabelle Heeney.
Notes
History/bio information from the records and the local history "The Beautiful Plains Story, 1983-2008." Transcript by Sarah Gerdis-Filipchuk (2023). Description by Christy Henry.
Language Note
English
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James Cowan was born on May 26,1884 in Archie Municipality. He attended school at Le Claire and Cherry Grove and later farmed southeast of Mcauley, MB. Jim married Caroline (Lena) Willamina Johnson (1887-1965) in 1914, and together they had five children: Marjorie, Helen, Archibald, Elmer and Clarence. James Cowan died in December 1982. He is buried at Elkhorn Cemetery.
Custodial History
As part of the Westman Oral History Collection, this collection was accessioned by the McKee Archives in 1998. The original tapes from the Westman Oral History project were deposited in the Brandon Public Library. Copies of these originals were made by Margaret Pollex of the Brandon University Language Lab at the request of Eileen McFadden, University Archivist in the early 1990s. These copies compose the collection held in the McKee Archives.
Scope and Content
Item is an audiocassette tape containing a narration by Jim Cowan of his life story.
Notes
History/bio information from the records, the Find A Grave website and Ancestry.ca. Transcript by Tanner Garnham. Description by Christy Henry.
Language Note
English
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Ada Joanne Titus (nee Graham) was born on January 24, 1940 in Wellwood, MB. Joanne married John (Jack) Sidney Titus (1918-1995) on October 7, 1961 in Wellwood. They had two children together - Michelle and Vonn - and also raised Jack's three children from his first marriage, Gerry, Karen and Kim. Jack served the Wellwood community as grocer and postmaster for 30 years, retiring in 1982. His father was postmaster before him. Joanne was a teacher, who began her career at Dempsey school, continued to Wellwood and Brookdale, and then spent 23 years at RJ Waugh School in Carberry. She retired in 1999. Joanne enjoyed travel, music and dance, and was a member of the Spud City Cloggers. She was an acitive community member within the Presbyterian Church, Guild and Choir, Wellwood Community Club, Trans Canada Trail, and the Carberry Public Library. Joanne Titus died on September 28, 2016 in Medicine Hat, AB.
Custodial History
As part of the Westman Oral History Collection, this collection was accessioned by the McKee Archives in 1998. The original tapes from the Westman Oral History project were deposited in the Brandon Public Library. Copies of these originals were made by Margaret Pollex of the Brandon University Language Lab at the request of Eileen McFadden, University Archivist in the early 1990s. These copies compose the collection held in the McKee Archives.
Scope and Content
Item is an audiocassette tape containing an interview with Joanne Titus sabout the history and closing of Wellwood Post Office. Interviewer is Jessie Whyte.
Notes
History/bio information from the records and the obituaries for Jack and Joanne Titus. The records list Joanne's birthdate as January 24, 1940. The obituary lists only the year as 1941. Transcript by Riise Dunseath (2023). Description by Christy Henry.
Language Note
English
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Violet Leween Bernice Drysdale (nee Singleton) was born on March 27, 1925 on the farm at SW 32-16-14 in the RM of Landsdowne. She attended Glenholm School for grade school and Arden for high school. During her school years she enjoyed participating in festivals, concerts and sports, especially baseball. Leween taught as a permit teacher at Tobermore and Molesworth schools, and then afte a year at Normal School, she taught as a licensed teacher at Salisbury and Inkerman schools. Leween married Charles M Drysdale (1919-2004) on March 27, 1948. Together they had two children, Arleen and Morris. The couple farmed four miles east of Neepawa, MB for over fifty years. They had a mixed farm with grain, cattle, chickens and a large garden. Leween particularly enjoyed flowers and fruit trees. She was active in the community, belonging to the Union and Salisbury Women's Institute. She sang in the Inkerman United Church Choir, was a 4-H leader for many years, and entered her handiwork and garden produce in local fairs. Following a stroke in 1999, Leween lived at East View Lodge. Leween Drysdale died on February 6, 2005 in Neepawa, MB. She is buried at Riverside Cemetery.
Custodial History
As part of the Westman Oral History Collection, this collection was accessioned by the McKee Archives in 1998. The original tapes from the Westman Oral History project were deposited in the Brandon Public Library. Copies of these originals were made by Margaret Pollex of the Brandon University Language Lab at the request of Eileen McFadden, University Archivist in the early 1990s. These copies compose the collection held in the McKee Archives.
Scope and Content
Item is an audiocassette tape containing an interview with Leween Drysdale about the history of the Drysdale Centennial Farm. Interviewer is Dorothy Martin.
Notes
History/bio information from the records, the Find A Grave website and Drysdale's obituary. Transcript by Kaitlyn Perrett (2023). Description by Christy Henry.
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Violette Chapman (nee Turner) was born on May 16, 1898 in Ednas Cross, England. Her first job was making needle envelopes in a factory. When she was 16, she met Isaiah Chapman (1889-1966), a soldier in the 2nd Battalion of the Coldstream Guards in the First World War. Isaiah was given leave from France to marry Violette on October 16, 1918. The couple lived in England for serveral years after the war, but in 1921 they sailed to New York, then travelled by train to Montreal and through to Winnipeg.
Isaiah worked as a farm hand for a couple of years before joining the Canadian Pacific Railway at Treesbank. Eventually he was transfered to Glenboro. Violette took work in the kitchen of the Leland Hotel. She stopped working once their children - Verna and Sydney - were born. In 1932, the family bought a farm north of town in the Patricia District. Violette and Isaiah moved back to Glenbroro in 1949, where they owned a grocery store and then a cafe. In 1966, the couple purchased the old Connaught School and moved it to their farm where they planned to use it as their summer home. For the last nine years of her life, Violette lived at the Personal Care Home in Glenboro. Violette Chapman died in May 1993 in Glenboro, MB. She is buried at Glenboro Cemetery.
Custodial History
As part of the Westman Oral History Collection, this collection was accessioned by the McKee Archives in 1998. The original tapes from the Westman Oral History project were deposited in the Brandon Public Library. Copies of these originals were made by Margaret Pollex of the Brandon University Language Lab at the request of Eileen McFadden, University Archivist in the early 1990s. These copies compose the collection held in the McKee Archives.
Scope and Content
Item is an audiocassette tape containing an interview with Violette Chapman about her life story. Interviewer is Irene Brown.
Notes
History/bio information from the records, the Glenboro local history "Beneath the Long Grass," and obituaries for Sydney and Isaiah Chapman. Transcript by Sydney Wright (2023). Description by Christy Henry.
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Violet Ellen Leeson (nee Morrison) was born on April 12, 1902 in Strathclair, MB. She took her early education at Elgin School and Strathclair Consolidated School. Violet married Earl Leeson (1903-1982) on June 14, 1922 and together they had two daughters: Viola Rose and Della June. The couple farmed the original Leeson homestead from 1922-1962, except for five years when Earl was manager of the Strathclair Consumers Co-op. They moved to Carlton Lodge in 1981. Violet began writing poetry in the 1920s. Violet Leeson died on January 22, 2001 in Shoal Lake, MB. She is buried at Strathclair Cemetery.
Custodial History
As part of the Westman Oral History Collection, this collection was accessioned by the McKee Archives in 1998. The original tapes from the Westman Oral History project were deposited in the Brandon Public Library. Copies of these originals were made by Margaret Pollex of the Brandon University Language Lab at the request of Eileen McFadden, University Archivist in the early 1990s. These copies compose the collection held in the McKee Archives.
Scope and Content
Item is an audiocassette tape containing an interview with Violet Leeson about her life story and her poetry. Interviewer is Velma Patterson.
Notes
History/bio information from the records, the Strathclair RM local history "Our story to 1970," and Leeson's entry as a Memorable Manitoban on the Manitoba Historical Society website. Description by Christy Henry.
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Edward Peter "EP" Boyle was born on January 7, 1887 in Watertown, Minnesota. After training as a creamery operator with Hutchinson Produce Company for five years, EP bought the Shellmouth Creamery near Russell, MB in 1913. He married Rose Mary McHale (1887?-1973) in 1915. The couple had six children: Jack, Irene, Winnifred, Robert, Kenneth and Forrest. In 1916, EP his second creamery, the Laurentian Milk Company in Neepawa, MB, which became known as the Neepawa Creamery & Produce Company. In 1933, EP bought another non-functioning plant, Central Creameries of Brandon, which was renovated and successfully managed by his brother Neil Boyle. EP retired in the late 1960s after incorporating his business in 1958. EP was active in the Roman Catholic church in Neepawa, served as president of the local Board of Trade and the Manitoba Diary Association. He was a charter member of both the Neepawa BPOE and the Neepawa Golf Club. Edward Boyle died on February 4, 1990 in Neepawa, MB. He is buried at Riverside Cemetery.
Custodial History
As part of the Westman Oral History Collection, this collection was accessioned by the McKee Archives in 1998. The original tapes from the Westman Oral History project were deposited in the Brandon Public Library. Copies of these originals were made by Margaret Pollex of the Brandon University Language Lab at the request of Eileen McFadden, University Archivist in the early 1990s. These copies compose the collection held in the McKee Archives.
Scope and Content
Item is an audiocassette tape containing an interview with Edward Boyle about buttermaking in Neepawa, MB. Interviewer is Winnie Cheetham.
Notes
History/bio information taken from the records and Boyle's obituary. Transcript by Simon Richard (2023). Description by Christy Henry.
Language Note
English
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Eva Blanche Roddick Davis was born September 20, 1900 at Linkwood Lodge farm in the Brandon Hills area of the RM of Cornwallis. She was the daughter of John Hardy Roddick and Ida Johnson, and spent her childhood on the home farm in the Brandon Hills, which had been settled by her grandfather, the Rev. George Roddick, a pioneer who came to the are in 1879 from Nova Scotia. Eva attended Brandon Hills school and Brandon Collegiate Institute (BCI), before graduating from the Brandon Normal School in 1920. From 1920-1921, she taught at Little Souris. Although her parents moved to Brandon that year, she returned to the Brandon Hills to the Davis family farm, Glenwood Farm, after marrying Meredith William Davis (1897-1968) on February 28, 1931. The Davis family came to the Brandon Hills in 1879 from Palmer, Massachusetts. The couple sold the farm in 1940, and moved into Brandon, where Med worked as a motor mechanic. The Davis' had three children: Georgina, Shirley, and Bill. Eva was involved with the family farm and on a committee for planning the Brandon Hills district centennial in 1979. Additionally, she was a member of the Brandon Hills Busy Bees, the Women's Missionary Society, the UCW at Knox United Church, the Canadian Lady Foresters and the Court Princess Mary L2. Eva Roddick Davis died in Brandon on December 20, 1986. She is buried at Brandon Hills Cemetery.
Custodial History
As part of the Westman Oral History Collection, this collection was accessioned by the McKee Archives in 1998. The original tapes from the Westman Oral History project were deposited in the Brandon Public Library. Copies of these originals were made by Margaret Pollex of the Brandon University Language Lab at the request of Eileen McFadden, University Archivist in the early 1990s. These copies compose the collection held in the McKee Archives.
Scope and Content
Item is an audiocassette tape containing an interview with Eva Roddick Davis about the pioneer years in the Brandon Hills and her family history. Interviewer is Effie McPhail.
Notes
History/bio information taken from the Brandon Hills local history "The Brandon Hills Story" and Davis' obituary. Transcript by Jaclyn Matchullis (2014). Description by Christy Henry.
Language Note
English
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Edward John "Jack" Blatchford was born on the family farm near Bradwardine, MB on July 1, 1904. He remained at home to help with farm duties after attending Bradwardine School. In 1930, he rented a farm, but also worked odd jobs plowing the town gardens, hauling frieght and coal, taking care of the rink and butchering for the mink ranch in Hamiota and the beef ring. Jack married Jessie Bowyer Mawer on August 6, 1931 in Winnipeg.
Jessie was born on July 14, 1910 in the Tarbolton district of the RM of Daly and attended schools in Spring Valley, Tarbolton and Bradwardine. Her nursing training at the Brandon Mental Hospital was not completed when she married in 1931. After the marriage, the couple farmed north of Bradwardine before moving into the village in 1944, when Jack changed his occupation; he started a trucking business hauling grain for farmers and also working for Good Roads. Jack was also employed with Canadian Comstock at Rivers, Brandon and Carberry-Portage before being hired in the C.E. Section of the Department of National Defence at Rivers CFB. He held this position from 1959 until his retirement.
Jack was an avid sportsman, playing hockey, footbball, broomball, curling, baseball, softball, as well as speed skating. He also enjoed hunting. In Bradwardine, Jessie provided care for the sick, as well as maternity care, but also worked in the local gorcery and hardware store, and was Postmistress from 1969-1972. Jessie was active in her community as a member of the United Church, Forerester's Lodge, Hospital Guild, and 50 Plus Club. The couple moved to Hamiota in 1984, and then Rivers the following year. Jack and Jessie Blatchford had no children. Jack Blatchford died on November 7, 1992. Jessie Blatchford died on May 16, 2008. They are both buried in Saint Matthew Anglican Cemetery in Bradwardine, MB.
Custodial History
As part of the Westman Oral History Collection, this collection was accessioned by the McKee Archives in 1998. The original tapes from the Westman Oral History project were deposited in the Brandon Public Library. Copies of these originals were made by Margaret Pollex of the Brandon University Language Lab at the request of Eileen McFadden, University Archivist in the early 1990s. These copies compose the collection held in the McKee Archives.
Scope and Content
Item is an audiocassette tape containing an interview with Jack and Jessie Blatchford about early schooling and home nursing in the 1930s. The interviewer is Mrs. K. Cochrane.
Notes
History/bio information from the records, the Bradwardine local history and Jessie Blatchford's obituary. Transcript by Michyla Turnbull (2020). Description by Christy Henry.
Language Note
English
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John Stanley Henry was born April 19, 1909 on the home farm at Oak River, MB. He attended Oak River school through Grade 11, then took agriculture at the University of Manitoba for one year before having to withdraw due to financial hardship. Stan then returned to the farm, where he remained for the rest of his life. Stan married Jean Elizabeth McCrindle (1916-1992) in 1942. Together they had three children: Cameron, Lynn and Leslie.
As a farmer, Stan was a Select Seed Grower, and with his son Cam, developed the J.S. Henry and Son Seed business. In 1981, he was elected a Roberson Associate of the Canadian Seed Growers Association. In his early years, Stan also raised purebred Shorthorn cattle. Stan enjoyed restoring and refinishing furniture, gardening and loved sports, especially baseball and curling, including coaching. In the community, Stan was an active member of the United Church and was a trustee on the local board and then the Rolling River shcool board for 23 years. Stan Henry died on October 15, 1986 in Brandon, MB. He is buried at Oak River Cemetery.
Custodial History
As part of the Westman Oral History Collection, this collection was accessioned by the McKee Archives in 1998. The original tapes from the Westman Oral History project were deposited in the Brandon Public Library. Copies of these originals were made by Margaret Pollex of the Brandon University Language Lab at the request of Eileen McFadden, University Archivist in the early 1990s. These copies compose the collection held in the McKee Archives.
Scope and Content
Item is an audiocassette tape containing a narration by Stan Henry about the Henry pioneers in the Oak River area.
Notes
History/bio information from the records and Henry's obituary. Transcript by Marshall Northam (2023). Description by Christy Henry.
Language Note
English
Audio Tracks
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