The Berbank Red Cross was founded in November 1917, as a local feature of the Great War. The name Berbank was created by combining the names of the two local districts, Riverbank and Bertha, located south of Brandon in the Rural Municipality of Oakland. The Berbank Red Cross sent supplies of various kinds to local soldiers serving in the Canadian Expeditionary Force in Europe. The organization also organized social gatherings in the Berbank area. With the end of the war most rural Red Cross organizations were disbanded, but the Berbank group agreed to remain intact to assist with the construction of a church. (See accession 28-1997 Berbank Church fonds)
Custodial History
This fonds was accessioned in 1997 by the McKee Archives. Prior custodial history is unknown.
Scope and Content
Fonds includes a minute book, which provides a complete record of every meeting held by the Berbank Red Cross, from its creation in 1917 to 1919, when it became the Berbank Ladies Aid. Fonds also includes a roll call, financial records, and meeting minutes.
Photograph shows the west side of the 200-block on 10th Street. Visible businesses include: Chamber of Commerce Tourist Information, Dominion Tire & Radio Co., Bonnie's Bonnet Shop, Steve's Grill, Wally's Taxi, and Western Motors Ltd. The painted advertisement for Doig, Rankin and Robertson is visible on the Alexandra Block. Christmas ornaments are displayed from light standards and include Santa Claus and a Christmas elf.
Photograph shows the west side of the 200-block on 10th Street. Visible businesses include: Chamber of Commerce Tourist Information, Dominion Tire & Radio Co., Steve's Grill, Wally's Taxi, and the garage entrances to Western Motors Ltd. A Santa Claus Christmas ornament is displayed from a light standard.
