Tom Mitchell (Thomas Sidney) was born April 23, 1949 in Brandon, MB. He attended Brandon University, graduating with a B.A. in 1970. While an undergraduate Tom played for the Brandon University Bobcat hockey team. Tom obtained an M.A. (history) from the University of Manitoba in 1973, and from 1972-1973, he completed the Education Certification program at the Faculty of Education, Brandon University. During the 1970s, he taught high school in Brandon and at Brandon Collegiate Institute (BCI) and Neelin Composite High School. Following one year at Fleming School (grade five), in 1981, Tom became a Study Skills Specialist in Student Services at Brandon University. He served as Dean of Student Services from 1983-1989 and in 1991, he was appointed Registrar. Tom served in this position until 1996. From 1996 - 2011, Tom was University Archivist and taught courses in Canadian history under the auspices of the History Department at BU. Throughout his tenure at Brandon University Tom was engaged in research and publication of historical work dealing with the history of education, labour and the state. In retirement, Tom wrote and produced a series of historical documentaries with funding provided by MTS Stories From Home and continued to be pursue various academic writing projects small and large. He was named University Archivist Emeritus in 2012, and received a lifetime achievement award from Brandon University Senate in 2019. Tom married Bonnie Burns in 1973, and together they had two children, Jennifer and Drew.
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 Tom Mitchell about education in Brandon in the 1880s. Interviewer is Gordon Sefton.
Notes
History/bio information provided by Tom Mitchell. Description by Christy Henry.
Related Material
Tom Mitchell's films (IRBU)
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Thomas Henry Seens was born on September 18, 1895 in the RM of Daly. He attended Tarbolton School. Thomas married Annie Mae Wood (1897-1997) on February 26, 1916 and together they had three children: George, Leslie, and Helen. In addition to farming, Thomas served as a councillor of the Rural Municipality of Daly for sixteen years, and its Reeve from 1940-1950. He was elected as a Progressive Conservative to the Manitoba Legislature at the1949 general election but was defeated in 1953. Thomas was a member of Masonic Lodge No. 115. Thomas Seens died on November 26, 1989 in Brandon, MB. He is buried at Tarbolton 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 Thomas Seens about family history and his political career. Interviewer is K. Cochrane.
Notes
History/bio information from the records and the Manitoba Historical Society website. Description by Christy Henry.
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Thomas Arthur Gibbs was born December 2, 1908 in the RM of South Cypress. He attended Fair Valley School District. After completing his education, Tom worked at a dairy farm for two years south of Glenboro. He then farmed with his brother for the next 46 years, until the Park's Board bought the land. In 1973, he moved into Carberry. Tom never married. Thomas Gibbs died on February 24, 2002 in Carberry, MB. He is buried at 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 Tom Gibbs about his life farming in Manitoba. Interviewer is Charles R. Turner.
Notes
History/bio information from the records and Gibbs' obituary. Description by Christy Henry.
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Tranna Florinda Rogers (nee Calvert) was born December 29, 1905 in Sidney, MB. Tranna attended Normal School and then held a number of teaching positions in the period 1926-1954. Tranna married Clarence Park Rogers (1902-1991) on July 3, 1954. They did not have any children. The couple lived briefly in Sidney before moving to Carberry. From 1965-1967, Tranna worked at Modern Bakery. Tranna Rogers died on October 20, 1985 in Brandon, MB. She is buried at 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 interview with Tranna Rogers about school days. Interviewer is Charles R. Turner.
Notes
History/bio information from the records and obituaries for Tranna and Clare Rogers. Description by Christy Henry.
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John Tully McKenzie was born on August 17, 1903 in the Tremaine district near Rapid City, MB. He attended Tremaine School, Rapid City School and then completed a diploma in Agriculture at the University of Manitoba in 1923. Tully married Ethel Marion Bridge (1906-1977) in 1930 and together they had four children: Lois, Marjorie, Ken and Beth. The McKenzie's farmed for the next 30 years. During this time Tully was active in the community, serving as a secretary treasurer and chairman of the school board, elder and trustee of Hunterville United Church, secretary of the Mantioba Pool Elevator Board, the Manitoba Federation of Agriculture, Rapid City Agricultural Socieity, was founder of the local 4-H Club, formed the Rapid City Film Council, and was a charter member of the Minnedosa Credit Union. In 1960, Tully and Ethel moved to Brandon, where Tully was employed with various agricultural service organizations.
In 1970, Tully served as the chairman of the Centennial Pioneer Committee, that was formed to honour pioneers of the Westman Region. He also was a charter member of the Assiniboine Historical Society and contributed significantly to the establishment of the Daly House Museum. He and Ethel also researched, wrote and published a book entitled "It's Time to Remember, 1874-1974," a history of the Tremaine community. Tully was also a founder of the Mantioba Agriculture Hall of Fame, calling the intial meetings and serving as the first chairman of its Provisional Board. In 1990, he was inducted into the Hall for his contribution to agriculture and the preservation of Manitoba heritage. Tully McKenzie died on March 28, 1992 in Winnpeg, 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 interview with Tully McKenzie about family history and community life. Interviewer is Effie McPhail.
Notes
History/bio information from the records, the Manitoba Agricultre Hall of Fame website and McKenzie's obituary. Description by Christy Henry.
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Valere Andries was born on January 28, 1910 in Deloraine, MB. Valere married Alice Agnes Boy (1916-2011) on December 9, 1936 and together they had one daughter, Donna. Valere and Alice farmed for 22 years in the RM of Winchester. Valere was a councillor for Winchester for 11 years, and a member of Deloraine Council for 3.5 years. He also worked as an agent for Manitoba Crop Insurance, as Flax straw buyer for Kimberley Clark and for Olin Flax Company. He and Alice retired to Deloraine. Valere Andries died between 1983-2005. He is buried at St. Paul Roman Catholic Cemetery in Deloraine.
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 a narration by Valere Andries about the Belgian settlers in Deloraine andDistrict, 1880-1914. Interviewer is Eva Cassils.
Notes
History/bio information from the records, the Deloraine local history "Deloraine Scans a Century, 1880-1980" and Alice Andries' obituary. Description by Christy Henry.
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Victor James Hockley was born May 24, 1919 on the family farm north of Brandon, MB on NW 1/4 28-11-19. He received his education at Powerville School, completing grade 9. A farmer in the RM of Elton for most of his life, Vic married Hazel Gwendoyn Wade (1915-2009) on June 19, 1943. Together they had three children: Ruth, Sylvia and Fred. Vic was a charter member of McDiarmid Drive Alliance Church in 1946. Over the years he also served on the Board of Elders, and was Sunday School Superintendent. He was a member of Gideons International and the last Secretary-Treasurer of Ruby School. Vic enjoyed traveling and photography. In his last years, Vic and Gwen lived in Brandon. Victor Hockley died on November 21, 2000 in Brandon, MB. He is buried at Zion United Church 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 recording of an interview with Vic Hockley about Alliance Missionary Church Brandon. Interviewer is Gwen Hickson.
Notes
History/bio information from the records, the Find A Grave website and Hockley's obituary. Description by Christy Henry.
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William Duncan Wilson was born on June 8, 1906 on the family farm near Kenton, MB. He attended Anwoth School. Bill took over the family farm in 1936, when his parents retired. He married Marjorie McNivin (1918-1990) on May 18, 1940 and together they had four children: Norma, Duncan, Bill and Glenice. Bill and Marjorie retired to Kenton in 1970, when their son Duncan took over the farm. Bill was active in his community spending many years on the school board and as a councillor for Woodworth Municipality. He also served as Weed Inspector, on Town Council and on the Credit Union Board. he wasa member of they Knights of Pythias Lodge and the Canadian Order of Forresters. W.D. Wilson died on March 6, 1987 on the family farm. He is buried at Greenwood Cemetery in Harding.
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 interview with W.D. Wilson about his family story and early days as a farmer in Manitoba. Interviewer is Shirley Hunt.
Notes
History/bio information from the records, the Kenton local history "Cradle to combine vo. 2." Description by Christy Henry.
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Walter Borotsik was born on July 14, 1911 in Brandon, MB. He attended Park School, leaving after grade 10. The Borotsik family lived in Brandon until 1931, when they bought a farm near Justice, MB. Walter left the farm in 1937, and moved back to Brandon. That same year, on March 10, Walter married Jean Aldith Gray (1919-2002) in Brandon. The couple had four sons: Ronald, Dennis, Greg and Jack. During the period 1929 to 1948, Walter worked as a dectorator, except for three years service in the Canadian Navy during the Second World War. Following the war, he again worked as an interior decorator, this time in Toronto, until his doctor advised him to change to outdoor work. As a result, he started pedigreed seed production in 1953. Walter was elected to the Rivers Co-Op Seed Cleaning Plant Board in 1961. He was also involved with the Keystone Centre and the Porvincial Exhibition Assoiciation of Manitoba, serving on each organizations respective Board of Directors. He was also chair of the Royal Manitoba Winter Fair Seed Show for more than 22 years. Walter Borotsik died on August 26, 2003 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 audiocasette tape containing an interview with Walter Borotsik about early agriculture and seed growing. Interviewer is Frank Anderson.
Notes
History/bio information from the records. Description by Christy Henry.
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Thomas Willard Harper Switzer was born on December 4, 1901 in the Fairview District of North Cypress municipality. For a time Willard worked with the CPR, stationed at Bienfait and Napinka, before he decided to go into farming southeast of Carberry. Willard married Margaret E Cann (1906-1988) on February 9, 1927 in Chater, MB and together they had two daughters, Marion and Shirley. The couple retired from the farm to Carberry in 1952, where Willard began cabinet-making. He also worked as a mechanical engineer at Fox Memorial Hospital until retiring in 1966. Willard was a longtime member of Carberry United Church, a life member of the Carberry Horticultural Society, served for many years as a Fair Board Director and was involved in the creation of the Carberry Plains Museum. In 1974, he was asked to design and built the cairn at the elementary school, along with overseeing the placement of the bell. Willard Switzer died on March 25, 1996 in Carberry, MB. He is buried at 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 audiocasette tape containing an interview with Willard Switzer about Switzer family history and his life story. Interviewer is Margaret Switzer.
Notes
History/bio information from the records and Switzer's obituary. Description by Christy Henry.
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William George Vallender was born on December 16, 1892 in Gloucestershire, England. He arrived in Oak Lake, MB in June 1913, and began working on farms in the area. During the First World War he trained at Camp Hughes and served overseas with the 107th Battalion, "Glen Campbell's Timberwolves." William married Eidth Stoodley (1891-?) on September 12, 1918 at Horsley, Gloucestershire. The couple did not have children. Upon his discharge in 1919, the William and Edith returned to the Oak Lake area, where William continued as a farm hand until 1929, when he went to work for Adam Stewart as a mechanic. In 1936, he became the custodian for Oakwood School custodian. William was a member of Oak Lake Citizen's Band, the C.O.F. and a charter member of the Royal Canadian Legion #79. William Vallender died on March 9, 1987 in Brandon, MB. He is buried at Oak Lake 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 audiocasette tape containing an interview with William Vallender about his life in a farming community and military service. Interviewer is Phillis Cairns.
Notes
History/bio information from the records, the Oak Lake local history "Ox Trials to Blacktop" and Vallender's obituary. Description by Christy Henry.
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George William Hardwick was born on December 1, 1891 near Nesbitt, MB. Bill received his schooling locally, then continued in Brandon. In 1916, he joined the Army and served overseas with the Canadian Expeditionary Force. Upon his discharge in 1919, he returned to the family farm where he remained for most of his life. Bill did not marry. William Hardwick died on May 1, 1996 in Brandon, MB. He is buried at Minnewawa 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 interview with William Hardwick about life at home and his experiences in World War One. Interviewer is Elsie Cory.
Notes
History/bio information from the records. Description by Christy Henry.
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William John Jordan was born on September 19, 1899 on SW 18-10-24 northwest of Oak Lake, MB. He was educated at Blair School. As a young man he farmed tor several years near Woodnorth, MB. Will married Cora Elizabeth Leech (1903-1990) on June 30, 1920 and together they had six children: Gladys, Muriel, Aubrey, Ralph, Faye and Garry. They also raised their nephew Harold. Will and Cora farmed, first at N 1/2 15-9-27, and then starting in June 1927, on the Jordan home farm. In later years, they spent their winters at Oak Lake. Following his retirement, Will lived in Oak Lake full time. Will was very active in the Oak Lake Seniors Group, enjoyed gardening and trips to the farm. William Jordan died on February 25, 1996 in Brandon, MB. He is buried at Johnston Cemetery at Oak Lake, 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 William Jordan about farm life in the early 20th Century. Interviewer is Phillis Cairns.
Notes
History/bio information from the records, the Oak Lake local history "Ox Trails to Blacktop," the Find A Grave website and obituaries for William and Cora Jordan. Description by Christy Henry.
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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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Clarence Benjamin Graham? Spurr, was born in on February 13, 1891 in Bancroft, Ontario. Spurr began working for the Canadian Pacific Railway in 1914 as a station agent at Rocanville, SK and spent many years as an agent in various communities in Saskatchewan and Manitoba before retiring in 1955. In 1923, he married Elizabeth Wallace Lindsay (1893-1979) and they raised three children, sons Ewart and Delbert and adopted niece Verna Spurr. Clarence and Elizabeth moved to Brandon, MB following his retirement. Spurr joined the Canadian military in 1915, and was initially sent to Camp Hughes. A signaler and runner, he spent 1916-1918 overseas. Clarence Spurr died on December 21, 1982 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 Clarence B.G. Spurr about his experiences during World War I. Spurr discusses and reminisces about details of the Great War and some of the major turning points within it from Vimy Ridge, Lamont, Mons, Neuville-Saint-Vaast and the Armistice that ended the war on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day in November from the perspective of a Canadian soldier. Interviewer is Delbert Spurr.
Notes
History/bio information from the records and Spurr's obituary. Transcript by Whitney Hodgins (2017). Description by Christy Henry.
Access Restriction
Content Warning: Some of the material discussed in the interview is sensitive in nature, dealing with the war and some of the gruesome acts that go with it. Listener discretion is advised.
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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Edythe May Wood was born on May 24, 1904 in Scarborough, Yorkshire, England and came to Canada with her family in 1911, settling in Medora, MB. Edythe attended Brandon Normal School and then taught for a number of years, primarily in Brandon. During the Second World War she took over as Principal of Fleming School. In 1949, Edythe left teaching for real estate. In the summer she worked for McMorran Agencies in Clear Lake, later buying the agency when McMorran retired. She also managed Rainbow Cabins and the Elkhorn Ranch for R.O. Gregorson. During the winter, starting in 1960, Edythe was the administrator of the Brandon Allied Arts Center. She was forced to retire from the position in 1970 due to vision imparement. Edythe was a member of the Business Professional Group and the Council of Women. She was also instrumental in bringing a CNIB presence to Brandon. Edythe never married. Edythe May Wood died on March 9, 1998 in Erickson, 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 Edythe May Wood about her life experiences in the Westman region. Subjects include her schooling, teaching and business careers, her public service activities and coping with visual imparement. The interviewer is Marjorie Fitton.
Notes
History/bio information from the records, Woods' obituary and the Manitoba Historical Society website. Description by Christy Henry.
Language Note
English
Conservation
Preservation copy made 2021 (R. Hess)
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Frederick John Kingsley "Fred" Heeney was born on August 15, 1900 in Danford Lake, Quebec. The family left Quebec in 1906, and moved to Girvin, SK, then relocated to section 23-11-19 in the RM of Elton. Fred farmed section 29-11-19 at Forrest, MB until retiring in 1965.
Isabelle Burton Allan was born on May 11, 1902 on section 7-11-18 in the RM of Elton, north of Brandon, MB. Initially a public school teacher who taught in Kemnay, Oak Lake, Starbuck and in Brandon at David Livingstone School, Isabelle stayed home after her marriage to Fred Heeney on October 21, 1931. The couple had two children: Dennis and Margaret.
Following Fred's retirement, the couple moved to Brandon. Isabelle was active in both community and curch organizations, taking a special interest in the 4-H Club and the Daly House Museum. Isabelle Heeney died on June 2, 1996 in Brandon, MB. Fred Heeney died on January 19, 2003 in Brandon, MB. They are both 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 Fred and Isabelle Heeney about their lives, before and after their marriage, as well as early agriculture and the North End of Brandon. The interviewer is Frank Anderson.
Notes
History/bio information from the records and their obituaries. Description by Christy Henry.
Language Note
English
Conservation
Preservation copy made 2021 (R. Hess)
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Harriet Edna Aleta McCall (nee Roddick) was born October 25, 1910 at Brandon Hills, MB. She attended business college, worked a summer as saleswoman at Creelman's Shoe Store, before joining Yaeger's Fur Store in 1929. A saleswoman, Harriet also worked on the fair exhibits for the store. She met her husband Albert Eugene McCall (1907-1955) in 1943, but they did not marry until the fall of 1948, at which point she left her position at Yaeger's. At some point after 1948, but before 1955, the couple moved to Carthage, Texas. After her marriage, Harriet worked with her husband for Old English Lavender, and together they displayed at various fairs and exhibitions in North America. During the Christmas season they also worked with Hudson's Bay Company in their western Canadian stores. Harriet retired in 1973, after which she spent her winters in Texas and her summers in Brandon. Harriet Roddick McCall died on May 23, 1993 in Carthage, Texas.
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 Harriet Roddick McCall about her family history and the Brandon Hills story. The interviewer is Effie McPhail.
Notes
History/bio information from the records. Description by Christy Henry.
Language Note
English
Conservation
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James Harvey Tolton was born on February 19, 1898 on section 11-11-24W near Oak Lake, MB. Harvey farmed at Oak Lake from 1918-1948, at which point he semi-retired. Subsequently, he and his wife moved to Brandon and Harvey bought a half-section of land east of the city where he was able to dedicated himself to perfecting oat seed. Throughout his life as a pedigreed seed grower, Harvey received local, national and international acclaim; he won the World Championship for registered seed oats and the World Championship for field crops for three consecutive years at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Toronto, and he became a favourite of the Quaker Oats Company. He was forced to retire from seed growing due to an accident and illness.
When he was not farming, Harvey was serving his community. He was a member of the Brandon College Board of Governors, the Oak Lake and Harding agricultural socieites, the Manitoba Agricultural Society advisory board, the Manitoba Provincial Exhibition Association, the Royal Manitoba Winter Fair, the Canadian Shorthorn Cattle Association, the Manitoba Seed Growers' Association, the Manitoba Swine Breeders' Association, the Agriculture Instititue of Canada, the Kiwanis Club and Big Brothers. He also served on the council of the RM of Woodworth and on local school boards, was active in church affairs and 4-H. The Tourist Convention Association of Manitoba gave Harvey the Good Citizenship Award for making Manitoba a better place to live, and in 1976, Brandon University awarded him an honorary doctor of laws degree. In 1991, he was inducted into the Manitoba Agricultural Hall of Fame. Harvey married Jennie Eleanor Titmus (1896-1982) on December 8, 1919 and together they had five children: Roland, Roma, Phyllis, Fern and Beverley. Harvey Tolton died on July 29, 1987 in Brandon, MB. 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 Harvey Tolton about the history of the Tolton family, Harvey's life experiences and early agriculture. The interviewer is Frank Anderson.
Notes
History/bio information from the records and Tolton's obituary. Description by Christy Henry.
Language Note
English
Conservation
Preservation copy made 2021 (R. Hess)
Audio Tracks
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