Born on February 10, 1924, in Elgin, Manitoba, Audrey Ellen Silvius (nee Honeyman) was raised in Fairfax, Manitoba on the Honeyman homestead. In 1964, she received her Indian name, Blue Star. Silvius completed her high school education in Fairfax before moving to Winnipeg in 1943, to earn her Nursing degree from Grace Hospital. She later completed her post-graduate degree in Psychiatric Nursing at the Brandon Mental Health Centre. Married to Merritt W. Silvius, Audrey Silvius raised four children, David, Kay, Lorna (Downie) and Gail (Campos) while working in her chosen field. In addition to her family and her career, she was also involved with the Brandon Council of Women and the United Church in Brandon. Silvius was the first executive director of the Brandon Indian-Metis Friendship Centre, a founding member of the local branches of the Marquis Project and Amnesty International and initiated a project called Tools for Peace. She was also involved in various other peace and human rights organizations. In 1987, she received the Order of the Buffalo Hunt from the Province of Manitoba in recognition of her work relating to women’s issues. In 1992, she was awarded a Confederation medal for community service.
Custodial History
The records found within the collection were collected by Audrey Silvius from a number of people, including Jean Halliday, Grace Godmaire and Norma Walmsley, involved in various projects with her throughout the years. Prior to their donation to the McKee Archives at Brandon University in October and November 2000, the records were stored at Mrs. Silvius’ home.
Scope and Content
Collection consists of meeting minutes, agendas, speeches, correspondence, newsletters, brochures, written publications and newspaper clippings. Four photographs and one pencil drawing are also included within the collection.
The records deal with the creation, activities, and history of the Brandon Indian-Metis Friendship Centre, as well as the activities of its Board of Directors. In addition, materials located within the collection can be divided into two areas: (1) those that relate to various organizations associated with the Friendship Centre itself, such as the Council of Christians and Jews and the Brandon Council of Women; (2) materials related to projects of important individuals involved with the Friendship Centre, such as the South Western Manitoba Recreation Council and the 4F Club of Minnedosa. Other records deal with general aboriginal issues in Canada during the time frame of the Audrey Silvius collection.
Notes
CAIN No. 202607. Description by Christy Henry (2000).
The collection is divided into ten (10) series:
1. The Brandon Indian-Metis Friendship Centre
2. The Scout – Friendship Centre newsletter
3. The Brandon Council of Women
4. Council of Christians and Jews
5. Aboriginal Glee Club/Dancers
6. The South Western Manitoba Recreation Council
7. 4F Club of Minnedosa
8. Miscellaneous Publications related to Aboriginal Issues
9. Miscellaneous Newspaper Clippings related to Aboriginal Issues
10. Photographs and pencil drawing
Photograph shows the recently constructed Strathcona Block. H. Lamontagne & Co. Ltd., Wholesale, occupies the ground floor. Scaffolding is suspended from the north side of the building. Buildings have yet to be erected to the north and south sides of the Strathcona Block.
Notes
Back of photograph is stamped: Hughes & Co. Ltd., 1009 Princess Ave., Brandon, Man.
Photograph shows two elderly women standing on a porch. These women are likely Fred McGuinness' paternal (left) and maternal (right) grandmothers, Anna Charlotte GALLAGHER (b. 19 September 1861/1863/1864 – d. 10 March 1948) and Mary DARROCH (b. 24 May 1861 – d. 18 September 1942), respectively.
Postcard is a studio portait of two women dressed for winter. The woman on the left is standing and is wearing a long winter coat, a while fur stole muffler. The woman on the right is seated in a wicker chair. She is wearing a three-quarter length winter coat with a black fur collar and trim and muffler.
Notes
Back of postcard reads: Harry Finnegan Nov. 16 1910, Zella Russel..., Nov. 27 19...
Photograph was given to Fred McGuinness by Linda Bilkoski of Lac du Bonnet, MB.
Scope and Content
Photograph shows two women in period dress posing for a formal cabinet portrait. The woman on the left, wearing a gown and straw hat, stands while holding what appears to be a rolled-up periodical. The woman on the right is seated in an upholstered chair with tassles and holds her purse on her lap.
Notes
Advertisement on back photograph reads: J.A. Brock & Co., Artistic Photography, Brandon, Manitoba, Instantaneous Process Used Exclusively, Duplicates Can Be Had At Any Time, Negative, Preserved for Future Orders. [Date range determined from photo studio period The backdrop is consistent with the cabinet photograph of another family in this collection, see 1-2015.57.]
Photograph was given to Fred McGuinness by Linda Bilkoski of Lac du Bonnet, MB.
Scope and Content
Photograph shows a family of six posing for a formal cabinet portrait. The father wears a three-piece suit and stands with his four children, two boys and two girls. The mother is seated in a tassled upholstered chair. The boys appear to be wearing the same suit jacket, both girls wear lace collars.
Notes
Advertisement on back photograph reads: Portraits in Oil, Water, Colors, Crayon, Pastel and India Ink. J.A. Brock & Co. Photographers, Brandon, Manitoba. Duplicates of all Photos to be had at any time. [Date range determined from photo studio period. The backdrop is consistent with another cabinet photograph in this collection, see 1-2015.56.]
Bertha Miriam Clark was born on Prince Edward Island but attended public and high school in Brandon, MB. She was a member of the Class of 1929 and served as Lady Stick in her final year at Brandon College.
Clark married J. Scott Leith, Brandon College Class of 1928. Scott and Bertha Leith's son James Clark Leith is in the Canadian Who's Who.
Custodial History
Album was sent to Pat Britton, Brandon University Director of Alumni Relations, by Bertha Leith in April 1991. Britton then transferred it to the McKee Archives.
Scope and Content
Fonds consists of a small accordian style photograph album (7 x 10.5 x 3.5 cm) created by Bertha Clark during her years at Brandon College. The photographs, which measure 4" x 2.75", depict numerous people and events.
Notes
History/Bio information taken from the 1928-1929 Sickle.
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