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 a tank at Brandon University's old coal steam plant at 20th Street and Pacific Avenue. Photograph is looking north and there are some buildings in the background. The tank is being installed by a crane from Brandon Rentals.
Notes
Donkersloot recorded the date and time each photograph was taken on the back of the photos.
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.
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.
The Strome & White Co. General Store (L. foreground; built 1902) became Brandon Hardware & Brandon Hardware block, later Ashdowns; The final tenant was Stylerite Hardware with two floors of residential suites. It was destroyed by fire March 27, 1983
Custodial History
For custodial history see the collection level description of the Lawrence Stuckey collection.
Scope and Content
View of Rosser Avenue, looking east from Seventh Street
The Brandon Club (L. of center) was built in 1904. This local businessmen's club met in the old firehall until this building was erected by them.
[The Brandon Club closed and its assets were sold at auction on 18 June 2005. P.E. 01/06/2009]
Custodial History
For custodial history see the collection level description of the Lawrence Stuckey collection.
Scope and Content
Overhead view of Princess Avenue, west of 10th Street
Notes
Taken from roof of Prince Edward Hotel. Shows: Rat Portage Lumber Co., St. Matthew's Hall, Brandon Club, In distance Brandon College, International Harvester, Pumping Station. End of brick pavement at 14th Street is notable.