George Albert Hodson was born in 1910 on his father's farm, just south of Elkhorn, MB. He attended Buckingham School and worked on the farm with his father until his father's retirement, at which point Albert took over the farm. Albert married Evelyne Bolam on December 17, 1939 and they had four children: Leland, Valerie, Sherryl and Tannis. The couple moved into Elkhorn in 1967, and Albert retired from farming in 1978. Active in his community, Albert served as a trustee for the Buckingham School District, on the United Church Board, and was a member of the Agricultural Society and the Curling Club. He also served 34 years on the local Manitoba Pool Elevator board, eleven of which he was chairman of Sub-District No. 502. In 1996, Albert was recognized as an outstanding volunteer by the Manitoba Association of Agricultural Societies. Albert Hodson died on September 18, 2009 in Elkhorn, MB. 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 an interview with Albert Hodson about pioneering, grain, grain elevators and Elkhorn history, including the Elkhorn Auto Museum. The interviewer is Elmer Armstrong.
Notes
History/bio information from the records, the Elkhorn local history "Steel and Grass Roots" and Hodson's obituary. Description by Christy Henry.
Audio Tracks
Media missing or recording not available.
An unexpected error occurred.
Update Required
To play the media you will need to update your
browser to a recent version, or update your Flash plugin.
Flora C. Cowan (nee Cruickshanks) was born on July 15, 1902 in Edinburgh, Scotland. She immigrated to Canada with her family in 1913. Flora married Edgar Clarence Cowan (1894-1951) on August 15, 1922. The couple had two children: Franklin and Ruth. Edgar, who served in the First World War with the Royal Canadian Engineers, was employed as municipal engineer at Springfield, MB. In 1927, Edgar was appointed district engineer with the highways branch in Boissevain; a year later he was transferred to Brandon and the family moved to the city.
For much of her life, Flora was a leader in the Brandon community. During the Second World War, she mobilized Brandon's volunteer efforts and in 1953, she was appointed Dean of Women at Brandon College. In 1954, Flora became only the second woman ever elected to the Brandon City Council. She served on the council for 16 years and stepped down as Dean of Women in 1969. A champion for Fairview Personal Care Home, she chaired its board for more than 20 years. Flora Cowan Hall on the Brandon University campus is named in her honour. Flora Cowan died on September 25, 1986 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 Flora Cowan about her involvement in community and civic affairs in Brandon, 1927-1981. This first hour includes the following subjects: church involvement, including the union of the Methodist and Knox churches, the Women's Auxiliary and volunteer work; the Imperial Order Daughters of the Empire (IODE); her recollections during her tenure as Dean of Women at Brandon College, including the death of JRC Evans, the official opening of the McKenzie Building, the expansion of campus, the layout of Clark Hall, social functions, the granting of the University charter, the retirement of John E. Robbins, the BJ Hales Natural History Museum and her retirement; her work as an alderman on Brandon City Council; and the history of Fairview Personal Care Home. The interviewer is Marjorie Fitton.
Notes
History/bio information from the records, the article reporting Edgar Cowan's death by drowning and Flora Cowan's obituary. Description by Christy Henry.
Language Note
English
Conservation
Preservation copy made 2021 (R. Hess)
Related Material
Brandon College fonds
Audio Tracks
Media missing or recording not available.
An unexpected error occurred.
Update Required
To play the media you will need to update your
browser to a recent version, or update your Flash plugin.
Kathleen Joan "Kaye" Rowe (nee Moreland) was born on June 10, 1910 in Winnipeg, MB. Kaye attended St. John's Technical High School. She moved to Brandon following her marriage to Gabriel Richard "G.R." Rowe (1898-1968) on July 12, 1932. Kaye had widespread interests in fashion, politics, the arts and journalism. Her journalism career began in 1935, when she began writing book reviews for CKX Radio. Four years later she became a society columnist for the Winnipeg Free Press and from 1945 to the 1980s she was a freelance columnist for the Brandon Sun, writing pieces on people, fasion and the arts. In 1958 and 1960, Kaye won awards for the best fashion stories of the year in Canada, and in 1970, she received a Margaret McWilliams Award from the Manitoba Historical Society for the best newspaper story on Manitoba history in the province's centennial year. The Rowes had no children. Kaye Rowe died on December 16, 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 Kaye Rowe about her knowledge and memories of Brandon entertainment, 1900-1983. The interviewer is Betty Gibson.
Notes
History/bio information from the records and the Manitoba Historical Society website. Description by Christy Henry.
Language Note
English
Conservation
Preservation copy made 2021 (R. Hess)
Audio Tracks
Media missing or recording not available.
An unexpected error occurred.
Update Required
To play the media you will need to update your
browser to a recent version, or update your Flash plugin.
Frank Ernest "Ernie" Ellis was born on April 3, 1915. He lived and farmed all his life just north of Wawanesa, MB, and established a seed cleaning and fertilizer business entitled Ellis Farm Supplies on the south side of Wawanesa. Ernie married Margaret Alyce Viola Medd (1922-2022) in in 1946 and together they had five children: Margaret, Brenda, Kathryn, Jennifer and Warren. In 1985, Ernie and Alyce moved to Winnipeg and their son Warren took over the farm.
Ernie was active in his community, local politics and the agriculture and health care sectors. His commitment to land conservation and a love of nature, led him to serve on the boards of many farming organizations, including the Wawanesa Crop Improvement Club, the Wawanesa Cooperative Elevator Association, and the Wawanesa Consumers Co-op Association. He was also one of the founders ot the Manitoba Stock Growers' Association, which became the Manitoba Beef Growers' Association. Additionally, Ernie served on the board of the Royal Manitoba Winter Fair, was a member of the Canadian Seed Growers' Association, served terms as president for both the Brandon-Souris Liberal Association and the Souris-Killarney Association, ran as the MLA Liberal candidate for the Souris-Lansdowne constituency and served on the Oakland Council for 11 years. He was also elected chairman of the first Board of Directors for the Wawanesa & District Recreation Centre, was a trustee of the governing board of the Wawanesa & District Hospital, including 12 years as chairman. He was elected to the Board of Directors of the Manitoba Health Organization, where he advocated for health care in Wawanesa and rural areas. Ernie wrote two newspaper columns, "The Rural Scene" for the Wawanesa Optimist, and "On the Manitoba Range" for The Canadian Cattleman, and along with his wife Alyce, did much of the research and writing for the Wawanesa centennial local history book. Aside from writing, Ernie was also passionate about music, and played the trombone in the Wawanesa Band.
When he became ill in 2010 the Ellis' left Winnipeg; Ernie moved to the Personal Care Home in Wawanesa and Alyce moved to the Wawanesa Valley Lodge. Ernie Ellis died on February 16, 2011 in Wawanesa, 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 Ernie Ellis. This first hour of the interview covers the history of the Ellis and Criddle familes. The interviewer is John Moore.
Notes
History/bio information from the records and obituaries for both Ernie and Alyce Ellis. Description by Christy Henry.
Language Note
English
Conservation
Preservation copy made 2021 (R. Hess)
Audio Tracks
Media missing or recording not available.
An unexpected error occurred.
Update Required
To play the media you will need to update your
browser to a recent version, or update your Flash plugin.
Harold Ernest Watson was born on April 14, 1905 on section 4-11-24 in the RM of Woodworth. The family moved to Brandon, MB in 1911. As a young man, Harold worked for many years as a carpenter with his father. He was then employed for a few years with the Canadian National Railway (CNR) before becoming a carpenter and carman with the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) for thirty-five years. Harold married Winifred Elizabeth Schiedel (1916-1982) in 1939 and together they had six children: Eldine, Marjorie, David, Dale, Mildred and Ralph. A keen conservationist, Harold was a member of the Manitoba Naturalist Society. He also enjoyed gardening, bird watching, fishing, hunting, woodworking, reading, typing and cribbage, and possessed an excellent knowledge of the history of Brandon and surrounding area. Harold Watson died on November 30, 1994 in Brandon, MB. He 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 Harold Watson about the history of the East End of Brandon, including its early residents, buildings and activites. The interviewer is Lillian Mummery.
Notes
History/bio information from the records and Watson's obituary. Description by Christy Henry. Fred McGuinness wrote about Harold Watson in his November 4, 2004 "The Notebook" column in The Brandon Sun.
Language Note
English
Conservation
Preservation copy made 2021 (R. Hess)
Audio Tracks
Media missing or recording not available.
An unexpected error occurred.
Update Required
To play the media you will need to update your
browser to a recent version, or update your Flash plugin.
Albert Leronowich was born on March 18, 1894 in Poland. He immigrated to Canada in 1912 and spent time in Calgary, AB and Oak Lake, MB before settling in Brandon, MB. Albert spent some time farming, before holding a number of positions with the Canadian Pacific Railway, including rail section man, fireman, and brakeman; he retired as a CPR boilermaker in 1959. Following retirement, Albert spent a few years as gardener of the Brandon City Hall grounds. He was a member of the Brandon Horticultural Society and was avidly interested in growing flowers, winning many tropies and prizes for his efforts. Albert married Stella Polnick (1903-1975) and together they had six children: Mark, Charles, Edward, Donald, Anne and Gladys. Albert Leronowich died on March 20, 1988 in Brandon, MB. He 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 Albert Leronowich about his life, gardening and horticulture. The interviewer is Hazel Rose.
Notes
History/bio information taken from the records and Leronowich's obituary. Description by Christy Henry.
Language Note
English
Conservation
Preservation copy made 2021 (R. Hess)
Audio Tracks
Media missing or recording not available.
An unexpected error occurred.
Update Required
To play the media you will need to update your
browser to a recent version, or update your Flash plugin.
John Gordon (Jack) Beddome was born on August 29, 1910 in the Odanah Municipality of Manitoba. He attended Hazelwood School. Jack farmed SW 32-14-17 and SW 16-14-17, and served on the Hazelwood School Board for ten years. Jack married Agnes May Harland (1909-1995) on October 29, 1940. Together they had three children: Marilyn, Marjorie and Gordon. Jack Beddome died in 1990. He is buried at Minnedosa 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 John Beddome about pioneer settlement, specifically seven generations of Beddomes in the Hazelwood District. Interviewer is Mae Johnson.
Notes
History/bio information from the records and local history "Minnedosa Valey Views." Description by Christy Henry.
Audio Tracks
Media missing or recording not available.
An unexpected error occurred.
Update Required
To play the media you will need to update your
browser to a recent version, or update your Flash plugin.
Flora C. Cowan (nee Cruickshanks) was born on July 15, 1902 in Edinburgh, Scotland. She immigrated to Canada with her family in 1913. Flora married Edgar Clarence Cowan (1894-1951) on August 15, 1922. The couple had two children: Franklin and Ruth. Edgar, who served in the First World War with the Royal Canadian Engineers, was employed as municipal engineer at Springfield, MB. In 1927, Edgar was appointed district engineer with the highways branch in Boissevain; a year later he was transferred to Brandon and the family moved to the city.
For much of her life, Flora was a leader in the Brandon community. During the Second World War, she mobilized Brandon's volunteer efforts and in 1953, she was appointed Dean of Women at Brandon College. In 1954, Flora became only the second woman ever elected to the Brandon City Council. She served on the council for 16 years and stepped down as Dean of Women in 1969. A champion for Fairview Personal Care Home, she chaired its board for more than 20 years. Flora Cowan Hall on the Brandon University campus is named in her honour. Flora Cowan died on September 25, 1986 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 Flora Cowan about her involvement in community and civic affairs in Brandon, 1927-1981. This second cassette includes the following subjects: the War Services Centre, which operated during the Second World War; special events in the city, such as the visit of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip and Brandon's centennial year; and special awards bestowed on Flora Cowan. The interviewer is Marjorie Fitton.
Notes
History/bio information from the records, and Cowan's obituary. Description by Christy Henry.
Audio Tracks
Media missing or recording not available.
An unexpected error occurred.
Update Required
To play the media you will need to update your
browser to a recent version, or update your Flash plugin.
Kathleen Joan "Kaye" Rowe (nee Moreland) was born on June 10, 1910 in Winnipeg, MB. Kaye attended St. John's Technical High School. She moved to Brandon following her marriage to Gabriel Richard "G.R." Rowe (1898-1968) on July 12, 1932. Kaye had widespread interests in fashion, politics, the arts and journalism. Her journalism career began in 1935, when she began writing book reviews for CKX Radio. Four years later she became a society columnist for the Winnipeg Free Press and from 1945 to the 1980s she was a freelance columnist for the Brandon Sun, writing pieces on people, fasion and the arts. In 1958 and 1960, Kaye won awards for the best fashion stories of the year in Canada, and in 1970, she received a Margaret McWilliams Award from the Manitoba Historical Society for the best newspaper story on Manitoba history in the province's centennial year. The Rowes had no children. Kaye Rowe died on December 16, 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 Kaye Rowe about her knowledge and memories of Brandon entertainment, 1900-1983. The interviewer is Betty Gibson.
Notes
History/bio information from the records and the Manitoba Historical Society website. Description by Christy Henry.
Audio Tracks
Media missing or recording not available.
An unexpected error occurred.
Update Required
To play the media you will need to update your
browser to a recent version, or update your Flash plugin.
Frank Ernest "Ernie" Ellis was born on April 3, 1915. He lived and farmed all his life just north of Wawanesa, MB, and established a seed cleaning and fertilizer business entitled Ellis Farm Supplies on the south side of Wawanesa. Ernie married Margaret Alyce Viola Medd (1922-2022) in in 1946 and together they had five children: Margaret, Brenda, Kathryn, Jennifer and Warren. In 1985, Ernie and Alyce moved to Winnipeg and their son Warren took over the farm.
Ernie was active in his community, local politics and the agriculture and health care sectors. His commitment to land conservation and a love of nature, led him to serve on the boards of many farming organizations, including the Wawanesa Crop Improvement Club, the Wawanesa Cooperative Elevator Association, and the Wawanesa Consumers Co-op Association. He was also one of the founders ot the Manitoba Stock Growers' Association, which became the Manitoba Beef Growers' Association. Additionally, Ernie served on the board of the Royal Manitoba Winter Fair, was a member of the Canadian Seed Growers' Association, served terms as president for both the Brandon-Souris Liberal Association and the Souris-Killarney Association, ran as the MLA Liberal candidate for the Souris-Lansdowne constituency and served on the Oakland Council for 11 years. He was also elected chairman of the first Board of Directors for the Wawanesa & District Recreation Centre, was a trustee of the governing board of the Wawanesa & District Hospital, including 12 years as chairman. He was elected to the Board of Directors of the Manitoba Health Organization, where he advocated for health care in Wawanesa and rural areas. Ernie wrote two newspaper columns, "The Rural Scene" for the Wawanesa Optimist, and "On the Manitoba Range" for The Canadian Cattleman, and along with his wife Alyce, did much of the research and writing for the Wawanesa centennial local history book. Aside from writing, Ernie was also passionate about music, and played the trombone in the Wawanesa Band.
When he became ill in 2010 the Ellis' left Winnipeg; Ernie moved to the Personal Care Home in Wawanesa and Alyce moved to the Wawanesa Valley Lodge. Ernie Ellis died on February 16, 2011 in Wawanesa, 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 Ernie Ellis. This second hour discusses stock growing and grain marketing, as well as hospitals and health care at Wawanesa, MB. The interviewer is John Moore.
Notes
History/bio information from the records and obituaries for both Ernie and Alyce Ellis. Description by Christy Henry.
Audio Tracks
Media missing or recording not available.
An unexpected error occurred.
Update Required
To play the media you will need to update your
browser to a recent version, or update your Flash plugin.
Frank Ernest "Ernie" Ellis was born on April 3, 1915. He lived and farmed all his life just north of Wawanesa, MB, and established a seed cleaning and fertilizer business entitled Ellis Farm Supplies on the south side of Wawanesa. Ernie married Margaret Alyce Viola Medd (1922-2022) in in 1946 and together they had five children: Margaret, Brenda, Kathryn, Jennifer and Warren. In 1985, Ernie and Alyce moved to Winnipeg and their son Warren took over the farm.
Ernie was active in his community, local politics and the agriculture and health care sectors. His commitment to land conservation and a love of nature, led him to serve on the boards of many farming organizations, including the Wawanesa Crop Improvement Club, the Wawanesa Cooperative Elevator Association, and the Wawanesa Consumers Co-op Association. He was also one of the founders ot the Manitoba Stock Growers' Association, which became the Manitoba Beef Growers' Association. Additionally, Ernie served on the board of the Royal Manitoba Winter Fair, was a member of the Canadian Seed Growers' Association, served terms as president for both the Brandon-Souris Liberal Association and the Souris-Killarney Association, ran as the MLA Liberal candidate for the Souris-Lansdowne constituency and served on the Oakland Council for 11 years. He was also elected chairman of the first Board of Directors for the Wawanesa & District Recreation Centre, was a trustee of the governing board of the Wawanesa & District Hospital, including 12 years as chairman. He was elected to the Board of Directors of the Manitoba Health Organization, where he advocated for health care in Wawanesa and rural areas. Ernie wrote two newspaper columns, "The Rural Scene" for the Wawanesa Optimist, and "On the Manitoba Range" for The Canadian Cattleman, and along with his wife Alyce, did much of the research and writing for the Wawanesa centennial local history book. Aside from writing, Ernie was also passionate about music, and played the trombone in the Wawanesa Band.
When he became ill in 2010 the Ellis' left Winnipeg; Ernie moved to the Personal Care Home in Wawanesa and Alyce moved to the Wawanesa Valley Lodge. Ernie Ellis died on February 16, 2011 in Wawanesa, 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 Ernie Ellis. This final hour includes rural roads, recreation, World War II years on the farm, and life in Wawanesa since the war. The interviewer is John Moore.
Notes
History/bio information from the records and obituaries for both Ernie and Alyce Ellis. Description by Christy Henry.
Audio Tracks
Media missing or recording not available.
An unexpected error occurred.
Update Required
To play the media you will need to update your
browser to a recent version, or update your Flash plugin.
Harold Ernest Watson was born on April 14, 1905 on section 4-11-24 in the RM of Woodworth. The family moved to Brandon, MB in 1911. As a young man, Harold worked for many years as a carpenter with his father. He was then employed for a few years with the Canadian National Railway (CNR) before becoming a carpenter and carman with the Canadian Pacific Railway for thirty-five years. Harold married Winifred Elizabeth Schiedel (1916-1982) in 1939 and together they had six children: Eldine, Marjorie, David, Dale, Mildred and Ralph. A keen conservationist, Harold was a member of the Manitoba Naturalist Society. He also enjoyed gardening, bird watching, fishing, hunting, woodworking, reading, typing and cribbage, and possessed an excellent knkowledge of the history of Brandon and surrounding area. Harold Watson died on November 30, 1994 in Brandon, MB. He 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 Harold Watson about the history of the East End of Brandon, including its early residents, buildings and activites. The interviewer is Lillian Mummery.
Notes
History/bio information from the records and Watson's obituary. Description by Christy Henry. Fred McGuinness wrote about Harold Watson in his November 4, 2004 "The Notebook" column in The Brandon Sun.
Audio Tracks
Media missing or recording not available.
An unexpected error occurred.
Update Required
To play the media you will need to update your
browser to a recent version, or update your Flash plugin.
Harold Ernest Watson was born on April 14, 1905 on section 4-11-24 in the RM of Woodworth. The family moved to Brandon, MB in 1911. As a young man, Harold worked for many years as a carpenter with his father. He was then employed for a few years with the Canadian National Railway (CNR) before becoming a carpenter and carman with the Canadian Pacific Railway for thirty-five years. Harold married Winifred Elizabeth Schiedel (1916-1982) in 1939 and together they had six children: Eldine, Marjorie, David, Dale, Mildred and Ralph. A keen conservationist, Harold was a member of the Manitoba Naturalist Society. He also enjoyed gardening, bird watching, fishing, hunting, woodworking, reading, typing and cribbage, and possessed an excellent knkowledge of the history of Brandon and surrounding area. Harold Watson died on November 30, 1994 in Brandon, 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 Harold Watson about the history of the East End of Brandon, including its early residents, buildings and activites. The interviewer is Lillian Mummery.
Notes
History/bio information from the records and Watson's obituary. Description by Christy Henry. Fred McGuinness wrote about Harold Watson in his November 4, 2004 "The Notebook" column in The Brandon Sun.
Audio Tracks
Media missing or recording not available.
An unexpected error occurred.
Update Required
To play the media you will need to update your
browser to a recent version, or update your Flash plugin.
Edward Ingo Dow was born on September 13, 1904 in Pilot Mound, MB. He lived at Pilot Mound until 1911, then spent a year in Neepawa, before his family moved to Victoria, BC. The family returned to Manitoba in 1915, and settled in Boissevain where he completed his public schooling. Ed's university education was cut short when his father became ill and he returned home to operate the family mill. Ed married Dorothy Grace Taylor (1903-1994) on July 14, 1927. They had one son, George. Ed operated a Cockshutt implement business and a coal business in Boissevain for many years. After closing these businesses he was employed with Toman Engineering and Reid, Crowthers and Partners. From 1959-1969, Ed served in the Manitoba Legislature as a Liberal Member representing the Turtle Mountain constituency.
Ed was very involved in town council and other community affairs. He served on the Boissevain Town Council from 1934-1946, and was mayor of Boissevain from 1946-1968. During his tenure he helped oversee the development of adequate street, sewer and water systems for the town. He, along with the council, worked on many joint projects with the RM of Morton, including the Boissevain and Morton Library, Memorial Hospital, Westview Lodge, The Beckoning Hills Museum and the Community Swimming Pool. Additionally, Ed served as president and executive member of the Manitoba Urban Association, member of the International Peace Garden Board of Directors, member of the Sanitarium Board of Manitoba and member of the Westerman Centennial Auditorium Board. For his many community activities, Ed received the Good Citizenship Award from the Tourism Industry Association of Manitoba in 1981. Ed was a member of the United Church and the Masonic Lodge, as well as an ardent sportsman. He was a life member of the Manitoba Curling Association. Edward Dow died on December 23, 1992 in Killarney, MB. He is buried at Boissevain and Morton 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 Dow about the town of Boissevain and its growth. Interviewer is Bernice Pettypiece.
Notes
History/bio information taken from the records and Dow's obituary. Description by Christy Henry.
Language Note
English
Audio Tracks
Media missing or recording not available.
An unexpected error occurred.
Update Required
To play the media you will need to update your
browser to a recent version, or update your Flash plugin.
Lynn Shier was born November 28, 1942 in London, Ontario to Anglo-Saxon Protestant parents. Her father and mother were of German and English-Dutch descent, respectfully. On her father’s side, Lynn’s ancestors emigrated from Germany to the United States in 1749. Both of her parents were born and raised in Iowa, where they also married in 1929. Following her parent’s marriage, the couple moved to London, Ontario in 1928 where her father was employed as a professor at the University of Western Ontario. Lynn resided in London, Ontario with her parents for sixteen years before relocating to Santa Barbara, California. After residing in California for three years, Lynn came back to London, Ontario in order to attend the University of Western Ontario. During her time at the University, Lynn met her future-husband Allan Shier. Allan Shier was born to parents of German and Scotch descent. His father’s ancestors immigrated to North America during the late 1740s or early 1750s from roughly the same region of Germany as Lynn’s ancestors.
Lynn and Allan were married in 1963. Following the wedding, the couple remained in Ontario for two years, one year of which was spent in Toronto. The couple later moved to Winnipeg, Manitoba where they lived for two years before travelling to Souris, Manitoba. While in Souris, Manitoba Allan worked as a district city planner. Lynn and Allan remained in Souris, Manitoba for four years after which they relocated to Brandon, Manitoba in 1970, where Allan continued to work as a district city planner for the city and Southwestern Manitoba. During their married life, Lynn worked as a household interviewer, and as a secretary for the Daly House Museum and the Assiniboine Historical Society while raising the couple’s children, two girls and a boy. Lynn was also very active in the Brandon community.
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 the interview "Fur Trading in Brandon Area." The interviewee is Lynn Shier, the interviewer is Effie McPhail and the interview was conducted as part of the Voices of Yesteryear project. The tape contains details about the arrival of the first Europeans to Canada during the late sixteen-and early seventeenth-centuries, as well as more precise information concerning the history of the French and English fur trade within the Brandon, MB area.
Notes
Description by Jennifer Maxwell (2011) and Christy Henry.
Language Note
English
Conservation
Preservation copy created 2021 (R. Hess)
Audio Tracks
Media missing or recording not available.
An unexpected error occurred.
Update Required
To play the media you will need to update your
browser to a recent version, or update your Flash plugin.
Hans Andersen was born at Moline, Manitoba, on February 28, 1922, the third child of Andrew and Hansine Andersen. Andersen grew up on his family’s farm, attending Moline public school. He served in the Canadian Armed Forces from 1943 to 1946, as part of the 23rd Field Artillery of the 4th Division, serving in England, Belgium, Holland, and Germany. After military service in World War II, Andersen returned home and started a farming career in the Moore Park district, located in the Rural Municipality of Odanah. In 1946, Andersen also married Marthe Renauld (1922-1977). The couple had 3 children: Karen, James and Mary Lou.
For 40 years, Andersen farmed in the Moore Park area, where he was also heavily involved in the local community. He was a trustee for Moore Park consolidated school district and a member of the Elton municipal school board. He was also a member of the Moore Park pool elevator board, and the Royal Canadian Legion. In 1970, Andersen was elected to the position of Reeve of the RM of Odanah. He remained the Reeve of Odanah until 1978.
In 1978, Andersen married Thelma Terry, and moved to Rapid City. In Rapid City, Andersen continued farming, gradually reducing his time in farming until he sold the last of his land to his family in 1990. In Rapid City, Andersen was involved in the building of a brand new seniors centre, and occupied himself in retirement with not only golfing but lots of traveling, going to places like the United States and Europe.
After 2000, Andersen’s health began to deteriorate due to the onset of Alzheimer’s disease. Hans Andersen died on January 12, 2008. He 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 Hans Andersen. Interviewer is Mae Johnson. Andersen discusses topics such as the history of the rural municipality, the administration of the RM, some of the issues dealt with by the leadership of the RM through its history, and some of the bylaws that were enacted since the establishment of the RM of Odanah in 1883.
Notes
History/Biographical information provided by Brandon Sun obituary entry, January 19, 2008, electronic correspondence with James Andersen, December 7-9, 2011, and the Manitoba Historical Society website. Description by Tyler Warren (2011) and Christy Henry.
Language Note
English
Audio Tracks
Media missing or recording not available.
An unexpected error occurred.
Update Required
To play the media you will need to update your
browser to a recent version, or update your Flash plugin.
Alice Eva Simmons was born on July 23, 1909 in Wingham, ON. Her mother's side of the family came to Ontario from England through the Immigrant Department of Canada, with the help of the Salvation Army. After Eva's father died, her mother remarried a farmer from the Bunclody, MB area; Eva and her three siblings grew up in this area, with Eva attending high school in Brandon. Eva married Carman Duncan in 1932, and the couple farmed in the Moline area until Carman's death in 1957. It was here that their daughters Corinne and Peggy were born. Eva and Corrine lived in Brandon and Calgary before Eva moved back to Brandon, where she resided for the rest of her life. Eva was actively involved in the Salvation Army in Brandon, serving as the secretary of the Brandon Salvation Army court. She was also very active in the Daily House Museum auxiliary. Eva Duncan died on August 15, 2001 in Brandon, MB. She is buried at 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 Eva Duncan about her personal experiences with the Salvation Army. The interview includes the historical origins of the Salvation Army, a chronological development of the Salvation Army in Canada and Brandon, as well as the major functions of the Salvation Army. Interviewer is Effie McPhail.
Notes
History/Bio information taken from The Brandon Sun. Description by Lei Peilong (2011) and Christy Henry.
Language Note
English
Audio Tracks
Media missing or recording not available.
An unexpected error occurred.
Update Required
To play the media you will need to update your
browser to a recent version, or update your Flash plugin.
Elmer A. Travis was born February 7, 1900 in the Rolla District of North Dakota. His family farmed sixteen miles east of Rolla, North Dakota. In May 1905, his family, which included his parents and seven children, and some friends, decided to move up to Canada as there was no wood source within 25 miles of their homestead. They also desired more range for their cattle. The group settled eighteen miles north of Roblin in the San Clara District, with a single quarter section of land, eventually expanding to five quarter sections of land. Due to their location the family often did their shopping in Togo, Saskatchewan, and shipped their grain from Mycroft, Manitoba. During his youth, he met a local girl named Mary Louise Lafournaise (1900-1993)
Travis married Mary Louise Lafournaise on May 3, 1921 in the San Clara District. After their marriage they settled on their own farm in the district. Elmer served as a blacksmith for the local area while farming, working as a mechanic, selling Rawleigh’s goods, and hauling cream (1939-1940). In 1957, due to Mary’s poor health, they moved to British Columbia for a year, before moving back to Elphinstone, Manitoba. They then moved to Souris in 1963, where they continued to live, except for another year in Creston, British Columbia from 1967-68. Elmer Travis died in 1995 and is buried in Souris-Glenwood.
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 Elmer Travis about homesteading and rural community life. Contents include settlement at Roblin, Manitoba, schooling, farming practices, housing, social life in the area, Mr. Travis’ musical talents, and his marriage to Mary Louise Lafournaise. In addition, there is content on the community working together on building, how to make lime from burning limestone, moving to BC and return to Manitoba, descriptions of the various jobs held by Mr. Travis, the installations of home telephones and hydro in his home district, Roblin hospital in the 1930’s, and his hobbies at the time of the interview in 1981. Interviewer is John E. Forsyth.
Notes
Included on the cassette are several musical recordings done by Mr. Travis. Transcript by Jaclyn Matchullis (2014). Description by Joel Springer (2011) and Christy Henry.
Language Note
English
Audio Tracks
Media missing or recording not available.
An unexpected error occurred.
Update Required
To play the media you will need to update your
browser to a recent version, or update your Flash plugin.
J. Hilton Ashton was born on March 19, 1919 in Mulvihill, Manitoba. He lived in Mulvihill until 1925, before moving to Fleming, SK and Butler, MB, before settling in Virden, MB in 1930. Ashton was a journeyman electrician by trade. During World War II he served in the Air Force, serving a year in Canada and four years in England as a fighter pilot, seeing approximately 2 ½ years of active duty. Ashton married June MacMillan of Winnpeg, and together they had five children: Richard, Bruce, Janet, Judith and Glen. Hilton Ashton died in 1996 and is buried in Virden, 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 Hilton Ashton about his experiences in the Airforce in the Second World War, as well as early air shows. Interviewer is Elmer Armstrong.
Notes
Description by Evan Stitt (2011) and Christy Henry.
Language Note
English
Audio Tracks
Media missing or recording not available.
An unexpected error occurred.
Update Required
To play the media you will need to update your
browser to a recent version, or update your Flash plugin.
Dorothy Gladys "Bobbie" Saunders was born in England in 1925. Donald James Scott (1922-1988), visited Bobbie's aunt while serving in England with the Winnipeg Rifles in 1941, and the couple married on July 24, 1943. Their first child, Robert, was born in England. Don was discharged in August 1945 and returned to the farm at Eden, MB and awaited the arrival of his family. Bobbie and Robert arrived in February 1946. The couple had three more children together: Betty Anne, Peter and David. They also raised a foster daughter, Violet Long.
Don worked the family farm and for Hare's Cartage, while Bobbie worked with Dr. Del Dawson. In 1958, they started the Neepawa Canvas Works. Although they later sold the business, Bobbbie continued to manage it. In October 1971, Bobbie became the Administrator of Touchwood Park Association. She held this position until taking early retirement in 1982. Bobbie and Don enjoyed travelling and spending time with family. Following her husband's death, Bobbie remained on the farm until 1998, when she moved into Neepawa.
Dorothy Scott died on December 22, 2010. 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 Dorothy Scott about the formation, history and details of Touchwood Park Association, an organization that supports individuals with developmental disabilities. Then known as the "Touchwood Park Association for the Mentally Retarded," the organization was founded in 1963 and located in Neepawa, MB. Scott discusses the philosophy of the association as well as its specific functions. She also describes the contributions made by the Canadian government, the town of Neepawa, local businesses, charity organizations, and a supportive surrounding community. In several instances Mrs. Scott reflects on the necessity of this type of association. Anecdotes are given on Mrs. Scott's experience working for the Association. Interviewer is Winnie Cheetam.
Notes
History/Bio information taken from the records, the Eden local history "East of the Mountains: Eden-Birnie Story," "The Beautiful Plains Story" local history book, the Find a Grave website and Scott's obituary . Description by Natalie Majcher (2011) and Christy Henry.
Language Note
English
Audio Tracks
Media missing or recording not available.
An unexpected error occurred.
Update Required
To play the media you will need to update your
browser to a recent version, or update your Flash plugin.
