Bessie Dawson Simmons (nee Madill) was born on June 18, 1907 in Minto, MB. Bessie taught at Lakelet School from 1926-1929. She married Ernest Simmons (1903-1976) in 1929. The couple had three sons: Bill, Jim and Don. In the early years of their marriage the family lived in Minnedosa, before the Depression prompted a move to Bethany, NW 2-16-17. Bessie was recognized for her musical talent. She played the church organ for 28 years and played the piano for many concerts and gatherings. She was active in the ACW, was a lifetime member of the Ladies Orange Benevolent Association and worked tirelessly for her community. She was also recognized a a resident historian on local history affairs for Bethany and district. Bessie Simmons died on January 31, 1995. She is buried at Boyd 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 Bessie Simmons about pioneer settlement in the Murchison district. Interviewer is Mae Johnson.
Notes
History/bio information from the records, the Bethany and District local history "Our story a legacy" and Simmons' obituary. Description by Christy Henry.
Language Note
English
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Melvin Earl Murray was born on October 16, 1901 in Neepawa, MB and he lived his entire life in there. Earl left school at the age of 15 to assist an uncle on the farm; he was one of a number of young men who took the place of men who were called to serve in the armed services during the First World War. He worked with his father on his farm until startin a transportation business locally in 1927. In 1932, he obtained a contract with General Motors to sell G.M. products. Subsequently he contracted to sell IHC farm machineray and later added a contract as distributor of Thomas school buses for the Province of Manitoba. Earl married Margaret Mary McIntosh (1902-1994) on November 5, 1924 and together they had one son, Gerald. Earl was active in church and community affairs, service clubs and sporting circles. Among his awards were The Town of Neepawa Honorary Citizen award, The Golden Boy award, The Red Cross Service award, a Chamber of Commerce award, Motor Dealers awards provincially and nationally and Her Majesty The Queen Silver Anniversary award. Earl Murray died on September 4, 1986 in Brandon, 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 Earl Murray about automobiles in Neepawa since the early days. The interviewer is Winnie Cheetham.
Notes
History/bio information taken from the records, the Neepawa local history "Heritage" and Murray's obituary. Description by Christy Henry.
Language Note
English
Audio Tracks
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Richard Harold "Doc" Hannah was born on July 9, 1916 in Wakaw, SK. He obtained his BA in biology at McMaster University before joining the staff at Brandon College in 1948, teaching botany and zoology. In 1962, after completing a MSc degree at the University of Minnesota, he returned to Brandon College and was appointed head of his department. He served as faculty advisor to the Athletic Board for twenty years and for over 30 years, Doc was a coach, manager, trainer and the inspiration behind the Braandon College Cap and Brandon University Bobcat hockey teams. It was his involvement with College athletics that led to the nickname "Doc." When he retired in 1981, he was granted the title of Professor Emeritus. In 1993, Doc was inducted into the Brandon University Dick and Verda McDonald Sports Wall of Fame.
Doc married Reta Bernice (1914-2005) and they had three children: Richard, Sharon and Patrick. Doc was a member of the AF and AM (Tweed Lodge No. 113), the Royal Order of Scotland and Khartum Temple Shrine. He served as Grand Master of Manitoba (1984-1985). Richard Hannah died on September 6, 1990 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 Doc Hannah about his career at Brandon College/Brandon University. Subjects include: JRC Evans and faculty members; chapel services; the Literary Society; sports; campus buildings; university status; college life and operations. The interviewer is Bill Burgess.
Notes
History/bio information from the records and the Manitoba Historical Society website. Description by Christy Henry.
Access Restriction
Content Warning: This interview was recorded in the early 1980s, and contains some language that would now be considered racist in nature. Listener discretion is advised.
Language Note
English
Conservation
Preservation copy made 2021 (R. Hess)
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Ivan Richard Day was born on May 17, 1911 in Dand, MB. He lived and farmed in the Dand area his entire life. Ivan married Wilma Mildred Sutton (1909-2004) on October 1, 1936 in Winnipeg, MB. Together they had three sons: David, Garfield and John. Ivan was very interested in co-operative movements and was active with the local Manitoba Pool Elevator, the Dand Consolidated School, the Harntey Credit Union and Co-op Implements. Ivan Day died on May 5, 1982 in Deloraine Memorial Hospital. He is buried at Deloraine 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 Ivan Day about recollections of life in the Dand Community during the 20th century. Interviewer is Eva Cassils.
Notes
History/bio information from the records, Dand local history "More golden memories: 1967-1991" and Ivan Day's obituary. Description by Christy Henry.
Language Note
English
Audio Tracks
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Mabel Ruth Godfrey (nee Hodgson) was born on March 7, 1892 at Portage La Prairie, MB. Her family then moved to the Chain Lakes area south of Hartney, where they farmed until 1910. Mabel attended Chain Lakes School and later a couple of years at boarding school in Ontario. After that she joined her parents in Vancouver, BC, where they had retired. She met William "Billy" Smith Godfrey (1892-1967) in 1913, and they were married in Manitoba in 1918. Together they had three children: Eva, Jack and Jean. Mabel was a member of the Society of Friends (Quakers) until Church Union in 1925, then she and her husband became members of the United Church. Within the church she played the organ, was invovled with Sunday School and was a member of the WMS/United Church Women. Mabel was also active with the Red Cross and the Women's Institute. Following Billy's death, Mabel continued to live in Dand until her health necessitated moving to Bren-Del-Win Lodge in 1982. Mabel Godfrey died on July 5, 1985 in Deloraine, MB. She is buried at Riverside Cemetery in Hartney, 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 Mabel Godfrey about Dand, MB and the hisotry of the Society of Friends. Interviewer is Margaret Dickie.
Notes
History/bio information from the records, the Dand local histories "Golden Memories" and "More golden memories 1967-1991." Description by Christy Henry.
Audio Tracks
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