Donkersloot began working at Brandon University in 1970/1971 as the Clerk of Works. From 1973 until his retirement, he was the Director of Physical Plant.
The 1960s campus expansion necessitated a large, updated heat source so a central steam plant fueled by coal was built north of the campus adjacent to the CPR rail lines on Pacific Avenue. A 25-year agreement was made between the University and John R. Brodie of the Great West Coal Company, which guaranteed BU lower coal prices tendered by the Canadian National and Canadian Pacific Railways on an annual basis. Brandon College Engineer John Kasiurak officially opened the Heating Plant on 24 January 1962. An extension and/or upgrade of the steam plant appears to have occurred in 1970.
Until the 1990s, heat was piped underground to the campus from the Pacific Avenue Heating Plant but inspection standards were outpacing the maintenance and repairs required to keep the plant operating smoothly. Consequently, a new steam plant was built immediately adjacent to the University to the west of Darrach Hall on 20th Street. This building was essential to handling additional loads from the proposed library expansion. The original steam plant was subsequently sold.
Custodial History
Photograph was taken by Tom Donkersloot during construction and stored in albums in the Physical Plant H-Hut until they were transfered to the McKee Archives by Doug Duncalf in May 2008.
Scope and Content
Photograph shows the installation of what may be a coal bin or cooling tower for Brandon University's old coal steam plant at 20th Street and Pacific Avenue. Photograph is looking northeast.
Notes
Donkersloot recorded the date and time each photograph was taken on the back of the photos.
Frank Massin purchased this building, which had been a wool mill, and added brick veneer in 1910. Frank Massin & Son Ltd. dealt in raw hides, furs and wool,and was in business from 1910 to approximately 1964. (Fred Courtice - 21 year employee)
Last owner: David Weiss. Demolished approximately 1983.
Custodial History
For custodial history see the collection level description of the Lawrence Stuckey collection.
Built in 1956 on the southeast east corner of 10th St. and Rosser Avenue (former site of the Olympia Cafe)
In the summer of 1981 the S.S. Kresge store closed, and the Bass Building was purchased by the Bank of Montreal with the intention to renovate and open in 1982.
Custodial History
For custodial history see the collection level description of the Lawrence Stuckey collection.
Scope and Content
Bass Building (ex. S.S. Kresge store)
Notes
[Mr. Stuckey indicated on the envelope that there are two negatives, but only one in enclosed.]
Photograph is looking west southwest and shows the Education Building, including the main entrance. Photograph was taken before the construction of the wheelchair ramp (built in the mid 1980s).
Files consist of blueprints, building specifications, proposed plans for the new Education building, timelines, General Faculty Council meeting minutes, building notices, correspondence, samples, memos, and tenders.
Storage Location
RG 6 Brandon University fonds
Series 4: Office of the Vice-President
4.2 Office of the Vice-President (Administration & Finance)
Box 3
Photograph is looking southeast from the north side of Victoria Avenue. Photograph shows the construction of the Jeff Umphrey Memorial Centre. Earl Oxford School, a portion of the Kinsmen Stadium and a construction trailer are visible in the background.