The Binscarth Women's Institute began in 1928, as a division of the Manitoba Women's Institute. It was organized for rural women to come together in a social setting. The members of the Institute participated in fund raising for community projects initiated by the Institute. The Institute also undertook to organize community events. The last meeting of the Binscarth Women's Institute took place in 1967. The organization was never formally dissolved.
Custodial History
This fonds was accessioned in 1997 by the McKee Archives. Prior custodial history is unknown.
Scope and Content
Fonds contains minutes, financial records, and other material created by the Binscarth Women's Institute from its creation in 1928, to its final gathering in 1967. Aside from minutes and financial records, the fonds contains records of the Canadian Centennial celebrations of 1967, planned by the Institute.
Related women's institute collections in the McKee Archives include:
Manitoba Women's Institute; Minnedosa Women's Institute; Cordova Women's Institute; Clanwilliam Women's Institute; Rathwell Women's Institute; Strathclair Women's Institute; Crocus Women's Institute; Southwest A Region - Manitoba Women's Institute; Douglas Women's Institute
Photograph shows the Aboriginal camp site at the Brandon Fair. Pictured are wagon carts, tipis, and canvas tents.
Notes
Writing on back of photograph reads: 6 prints [20-2009.145 to 20-2009.150]. Indians at the Brandon Fair. Camping off 18th St. back of fair grounds. 1923
Photograph shows the Aboriginal camp site at the Brandon Fair. Pictured are wagon carts and canvas tents. Two children can be seen sitting in a wagon.
Notes
Writing on back of photograph reads: 6 prints [20-2009.145 to 20-2009.150]. Indians at the Brandon Fair. Camping off 18th St. back of fair grounds. 1923
Photograph shows a group of Aboriginal peoples sitting near a fair building. Several members are dressed in regalia.
Notes
Writing on back of photograph reads: 6 prints [20-2009.145 to 20-2009.150]. Indians at the Brandon Fair. Camping off 18th St. back of fair grounds. 1923
Photograph shows a group of Aboriginal peoples standing in a circle surrounding a group in traditional regalia. An American flag is visible in the foreground.
Notes
Writing on back of photograph reads: 6 prints [20-2009.145 to 20-2009.150]. Indians at the Brandon Fair. Camping off 18th St. back of fair grounds. 1923
Photograph shows the backside of a group Aboriginal peoples dressed in traditional regalia. An American flag is visible in the background
Notes
Writing on back of photograph reads: 6 prints [20-2009.145 to 20-2009.150]. Indians at the Brandon Fair. Camping off 18th St. back of fair grounds. 1923
Photograph shows the backside of a pair of Aboriginal men dressed in traditional regalia. Both are wearing beaded clothing and one is wearing a deer head headdress. An American flag is visible in the background
Notes
Writing on back of photograph reads: 6 prints [20-2009.145 to 20-2009.150]. Indians at the Brandon Fair. Camping off 18th St. back of fair grounds. 1923
William Birtles was born in Alexander, Manitoba in 1930. He received his early education at Alexander School. In 1948, he completed grade 12 at St. John's College School in Winnipeg. He undertook formal training in art, beginning in 1949, at the Winnipeg School of Art. In 1952, he graduated from the Manitoba Provincial Normal School. After teaching school in Winnipeg for three years, Birtles completed a Bachelor of Fine Arts with a major in Sculpture in 1958. He obtained a Bachelor of Education from the University of Manitoba in 1970. Throughout his adult years, Birtles taught in various Manitoba communities, was active as an artist, showing his work and winning awards. He was also active in the Manitoba Society of Artists and associated provincial organizations. Birtles is retired and is a resident of Winnipeg, Manitoba.
Custodial History
All of the items in the fonds were in the possession of William Birtles until their donation to the McKee Archives in 2003.
Scope and Content
Fonds consists of photographs of Ms. Sarah Birtles, Rt. Rev W.W.H. Thomas D.D, the Thomas Smith farmhouse located northwest of Alexander, and a postcard containing a photograph of Westminster Abbey. Fonds also contains two biographical sketches written by William Birtles: one of Ms. Sarah Birtles - three pages - and one of Rt. Rev. W.W. H. Thomas D.D - six pages. Also includes the program of the Composite Lodge No. 64 G.R.M., A.F. & A.M. sixty-fifth Anniversary (Alexander, MB 1961).