Gerry Beaubier was born in Wainwright, Alberta to Beatty and Babe Beaubier. He completed his high school in Saskatoon, before receiving a BSc in Geography from Brandon University.
Before attending university Gerry served in the army as a special reserve, while working as a night clerk at the Bessbourough Hotel in Saskatoon. His post-graduate career consisted primarily of work for Canada Agriculture, under the PFRA Branch (Prairie Farm Rehabilitation Administration). Later he would work as an Executive Manager, helping develop forage and range management programs for several post secondary schools, including, Assiniboine Community College, as well as schools in Red Deer, Lethbridge, and Saskatoon.
Gerry Beaubier married Joyce Abercrombie, of Saskatoon. Together they had two sons: Neil and Dean. Neil, an Account Advisor for the Royal Bank, was born in Regina, and currently works in Swift Current. Dean was born in Swift Current, received his PhD in Education and currently lives in Forrest working at Elton Collegiate.
The Beaubiers, who were originally from Ireland, emigrated to the Canadian West, making Gerry part of the fourth generation of his family to call the region home. His great-grandfather, along with his grandfather and great uncle were amongst the first one hundred settlers in Brandon. Together they first built the Beaubier House, a boarding house for early settlers and travellers. After it burnt down they began construction on the Beaubier Hotel, which stood at the corner of 8th Street and Princess Avenue in Brandon until August 17th, 2008. His grandfather, David Wilson Beaubier, continued to build and operate hotels throughout the prairies, including the Empire Hotels (of Brandon and Saskatoon) and The Park (Moose Jaw).
David Wilson Beaubier served as a secretary of the Orange Lodge of Manitoba. As an Orange Lodge Colonel, he worked with other Orange Lodge members, to recruit throughout the prairies for the purpose of World War One. For his efforts , David was promoted to Leftenant Colonel, and later Captain of the 99th Manitoba Rangers. David's sons (Gerry’s father, at University of Manitoba, and uncle at McGill), were both working towards undergraduate degrees when war broke out in 1914, and each would leave school to join their father at Camp Hughes.
Custodial History
Gerry Beaubier collected these photos primarily in the years 2000-2011, largely
from family and friends who knew of his interest in the topic. They were donated to the S.J. Mckee Archives in 2011.
Scope and Content
Collection consists of digital photographs of those who trained for battle in World War I at Camp Hughes and in Brandon, Manitoba. It also includes a digital copy of the cover of the Nominal Roll of Officers, Non-Commissioned Officers and Men, who departed from Brandon in 1917.
The photos, taken primarily at Camp Hughes, are of a number of battalions, including the 34th, 100th, 108th, 181st and 214th. The photo, PT in England, is a postcard sent home from Beaty Beaubier. The Massey Harris building seen on the right side of, WW1 B parade0001, was used to house troops throughout the war. The man standing alone at the front of the parade in, 181 Parade, is David Wilson Beaubier.
Notes
Information for the biographical and custodial histories was provided by Gerry Beaubier on September 25, 2013. Description by Dustin Lane (October 2013).
Postcard was sent to Chuck Wilson's aunt, Mrs. W.M. Wilson in Creelman, SK by the McKenzie Seed Company in 1912. Chuck Wilson found the postcard in some of his aunt's papers in 2009 and mailed it to the McKee Archives.
Scope and Content
Item consists of a colour postcard of the McKenzie Seed Company building located on the west side of the 100 block of 9th Street. The card was sent to Mrs. W.M. Wilson of Creelman, SK to acknowledge her order.
Writing on the front of the card reads: A.E. McKenzie Co., Limited, Seedsmen, Brandon, Man
Very poor. Item has been broken in half on a diagonal from top to botton. Upper right corner is missing. Various tape stains and some tape residue on the bottom left.
History / Biographical
Lottie Louisa Currie was born on September 9, 1876 in St. Mary's, Perth, ON, to William and Eleanor Currie. She came to the Brandon area with her family in the 1880s. Currie worked as a bookkeeper and stenographer for Smith & Burton, from at least 1906 until the business ceased operations in 1917.
Currie continued working in bookkeeping and accounts, first for Brandon Gas & Power Co., then for the Manitoba Power Commission. She appears to have retired around 1942. She is not listed as living in Brandon between 1943-1945, but was once again a resident by 1947. Currie was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, a charter member of the Brandon Business and Professional Women's Club and in 1916, she passed her examinations for the St. John's Ambulance Association.
Lottie Louisa Currie died on November 25, 1972 in Brandon, MB.
Smith & Burton, a grocery store that also had mail order and china departments, was founded by E.B. Smith and John Burton in the 1886. It was housed at a few locations in downtown Brandon; their location at 829 Rosser Avenue is the one that mostly likely appears in the photograph.
Scope and Content
Item is a portrait of office employees at Smith & Burton, grocers. Lottie Currie, daughter of William Currie, is shown standing on the left.
Manitoba Flying Farmers Convention appears to have been a convention for farmers who planted and sprayed their crops using aerial techniques. The Manitoba Flying Farmers were organized in 1956 in Brandon, Manitoba. Organizational meetings were held in a hanger at the Brandon Flying Club. The first Regional 5 Flying Farmers Convention in Manitoba was held 1961. Nearly 200 people attended the first convention from various provinces and states including: Alberta, Saskatchewan, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnisota, Wisconsin, Montana and Colorado. Alberta and Saskatchewan had their own district leaving Manitoba in a district with North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnisota and Wisconsin. This photo was taken at the 11th Annual Manitoba Flying Farmers Convention on the weekend of April 7th, 1967.
Custodial History
See Fonds level description for custodial history
Scope and Content
Image of a woman presenting at the podium from the front table. Two men are sitting on either side of the woman. A sign saying "Manitoba Flying Farmers" is at the base of the table. The image appears to have been taken at the Prince Edward Hotel.
Notes
Hisotry/Bio information taken from Brandon Sun. Description by Jillian Combs.
Manitoba Flying Farmers Convention appears to have been a convention for farmers who planted and sprayed their crops using aerial techniques. The Manitoba Flying Farmers were organized in 1956 in Brandon, Manitoba. Organizational meetings were held in a hanger at the Brandon Flying Club. The first Regional 5 Flying Farmers Convention in Manitoba was held 1961. Nearly 200 people attended the first convention from various provinces and states including: Alberta, Saskatchewan, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnisota, Wisconsin, Montana and Colorado. Alberta and Saskatchewan had their own district leaving Manitoba in a district with North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnisota and Wisconsin. This photo was taken at the 11th Annual Manitoba Flying Farmers Convention on the weekend of April 7th, 1967.
Custodial History
See Fonds level description for custodial history
Scope and Content
Image of the attendants of the convention who are listening to the speaker. The image appears to have been taken in the Prince Edward Hotel.
Notes
Hisotry/Bio information taken from Henderson's Directories. Description by Jillian Combs.
Manitoba Flying Farmers Convention appears to have been a convention for farmers who planted and sprayed their crops using aerial techniques. The Manitoba Flying Farmers were organized in 1956 in Brandon, Manitoba. Organizational meetings were held in a hanger at the Brandon Flying Club. The first Regional 5 Flying Farmers Convention in Manitoba was held 1961. Nearly 200 people attended the first convention from various provinces and states including: Alberta, Saskatchewan, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnisota, Wisconsin, Montana and Colorado. Alberta and Saskatchewan had their own district leaving Manitoba in a district with North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnisota and Wisconsin. This photo was taken at the 11th Annual Manitoba Flying Farmers Convention on the weekend of April 7th, 1967.
Custodial History
See Fonds level description for custodial history
Scope and Content
Image of convention attendee. Based on the name tag he appears to be Bill Williams (?). Image appears to have been taken inside the Prince Edward hotel. There is a banner in the background.
Manitoba Flying Farmers Convention appears to have been a convention for farmers who planted and sprayed their crops using aerial techniques.. The Manitoba Flying Farmers were organized in 1956 in Brandon, Manitoba. Organizational meetings were held in a hanger at the Brandon Flying Club. The first Regional 5 Flying Farmers Convention in Manitoba was held 1961. Nearly 200 people attended the first convention from various provinces and states including: Alberta, Saskatchewan, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnisota, Wisconsin, Montana and Colorado. Alberta and Saskatchewan had their own district leaving Manitoba in a district with North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnisota and Wisconsin. This photo was taken at the 11th Annual Manitoba Flying Farmers Convention on the weekend of April 7th, 1967.
Custodial History
See Fonds level description for custodial history
Scope and Content
Image of convention attendants listening to the speaker. There is a large number of women in the audience.The large number of women in the photo could be attributed to Flying Farmers queens of each distrcits encouragement of women learning to fly. The image appears to have been taken at the Prince Edward Hotel.
Photograph shows the 800 block of Rosser Avenue facing west. On the south side of Rosser Avenue the Nation Block, Christie's Bookstore, and Reesor's Clock can be seen. A number of horse and buggies/carriages are travelling along Rosser Avenue.
Photograph shows the 700-block of Rosser Avenue facing west. Visible businesses on the north side of Rosser Avenue include: Burchill's Music Store, E.W. Woolworth Co. Ltd. 5-10 and 15 Cent Store in the E.E. Evans Block, Empire Hotel, and W.A. Paterson Drugs. Automobiles are parked on both sides of the avenue and at the time the photograph was taken, Rosser Avenue was a two-way street.
Notes
Part of "Souvenir of Brandon, Manitoba, Canada [viewbook], Printed by Photogelatine Engraving Co. Limited, Ottawa." Dates obtained from the Burchill's Music Store Henderson's Brandon City Directory listings (1927-1929). Writing on the front of the photograph reads: Rosser St. [sic.] - Brandon, Man.
Photograph shows a street view of 10th Street facing north. There are many automobiles parked along the street and several pedestrians in summer dress are on the sidewalks and street. Visible business signs include: Hentzman & Co. Pianos (possibly belonging to J.J.H. McLean Co. Ltd.), the Strand Theatre, T & D Clothes, Campbell & Campbell, the CPR Station, and Bowling Alley and Billiards.
Notes
Part of "Souvenir of Brandon, Manitoba, Canada [viewbook], Printed by Photogelatine Engraving Co. Limited, Ottawa." Dates obtained from the Burchill's Music Store Henderson's Brandon City Directory listings (1927-1929). Writing on the front of the photograph reads: 10th St., looking north (C.P.R. Station at end of Street) Brandon, Man.
Photograph shows the CPR Train Station on Pacific Avenue and 10th Street.
Notes
Part of "Souvenir of Brandon, Manitoba, Canada [viewbook], Printed by Photogelatine Engraving Co. Limited, Ottawa." Dates obtained from the Burchill's Music Store Henderson's Brandon City Directory listings (1927-1929). Writing on the front of the photograph reads: CPR Station, Brandon, Man.
Corners of photograph mat are bent. Picture is cracked.
Scope and Content
Photograph shows an early view of Brandon's 6th Street in the 1880s. The Winter & O'Neail Groceries & Provisions and James Smart Hardware storefronts have been photographed. A street sign designating 6th Street can be seen below the Winter & O'Neail sign. A horse and cart is parked in front of the grocery store. A number of men wearing hats and jackets are standing along the boardwalk while posing for the picture. Lumber/timber saws are displayed in teh windows of the hardware store.
Notes
Front of photograph reads: 6th Street, Brandon, Manitoba, 1881-1882, Entrance [to Winter & O'Neail] corner of Rosser Ave & 6th Street.
Photograph shows a southwest view of the Prince Edward Hotel and train station.
Notes
Part of "Souvenir of Brandon, Manitoba, Canada [viewbook], Printed by Photogelatine Engraving Co. Limited, Ottawa." Dates obtained from the Burchill's Music Store Henderson's Brandon City Directory listings (1927-1929). Writing on the front of the photograph reads: Prince Edward Hotel, Brandon, Man.
Photograph mat is bent. Emulsion problems with image.
Scope and Content
Photograph shows Rosser Avenue in its incipient stages. Canvas tents are mixed amongst wooden structures. The James Smart Hardware store, Winter & O'Neail Groceries & Provisions, and the law office of F.G.A. Henderson in the Molesworth Block can be seen on the north side of Rosser Avenue. A street sign designating 6th Street can be seen below the Winter & O'Neail sign. A horse and buggie is traveling down the dirt track that is Rosser Avenue. Groups of men can be seen congregating outside some of the local businesses.
Notes
Front of photograph reads: Rosser Avenue, Brandon 1882-1883, from east of Six Street. Back of photograph is stamped: I. Bennetto & Co., Photographers, Opposite Post-Office, Winnipeg, Man.
Photograph shows a panorama, bird's-eye-view of downtown Brandon, between Pacific and Rosser Avenues and 7th Street facing east. Photoraph likely taken from the McKenzie Seeds Building. Visible businesses include: Western Canada Flour Mills, Hanbury Hardware Co. Ltd., Cockshutt Plow Co., New Pacific Hotel, Gordon McKay Building, and Arlington Hotel.
Notes
Part of "Souvenir of Brandon, Manitoba, Canada [viewbook], Printed by Photogelatine Engraving Co. Limited, Ottawa." Dates obtained from the Burchill's Music Store Henderson's Brandon City Directory listings (1927-1929). Writing on the front of the photograph reads: Panorama of Brandon, Man.
Left hand corner of mat is bent. Mock-up instructions are written in pencil at the bottom right hand corner. Portions of the photograph itself are marked with pen.
History / Biographical
The Queen's Hotel was located on the corner of Rosser Avenue and Tenth Street (Steen & Boyce, 1882. Brandon, Manitoba, Canada and Her Industries. Steen & Boyce Publishers Printers & Binders, 81.). Therefore this photo appears to display Rosser Avenue looking east. P.E. 11/06/09
Scope and Content
Photograph shows early Rosser Avenue under construction between 9th Street and 10th Street in the 1880s. Buildings that line the avenue are wood framed and there are wooden boardwalks in front of a few structures. On the north side of Rosser Avenue signs for Fortier & Bucke Commision Agents and Transit House (Hotel) can be seen. On the south side of Rosser Avenue, the Queen's Hotel and Robinson Brothers and Company groceries and dry goods store are open for business. A family appears to be standing on the stoop at the dry goods store. A boy is lounging in the entryway of the Queen's Hotel. A man is standing on a wooden plank that extends across the dirt road of Rosser Avenue between the dry goods store and the commission agents' shop.
Photograph shows the Brandon Wheat Market along Pacific Avenue on November 30, 1885. Farmers can be seen driving wagon teams loaded with bags of grain in line on Pacific Avenue from 10 Street to at least 7th Street. On the north side of Pacific Avenue the CPR Land Office and grain elevators are pictured. On the south side of Pacific Avenue, the general merchant/hardware store Bower, Blackburn, Mundell & Porter is situated on the corner of Pacific Avenue and 10th Street. A 10th Street sign is affixed to the merchants' store. On the east side of the general store, Edie House, the Grand View Hotel, and a Farmers' boarding and lodging house can be seen. Most of the buildings appear to be woodframed except for the Grand View, which is constructed of brick. Sidewalks appear to be in place on the south side of Pacific and snow dusts the streets. A baby swathed in winter clothing sits in a pram/baby carriage in front of the general store.
Notes
Writing on the front of the photograph reads: Novemeber 30th, 1885, Brandon Wheat Market