Gladys Elizabeth Ward (nee Cartwright) was born August 16, 1909 in Dauphin, MB. In 1911 her family relocated to Winnipegosis, MB. Gladys worked as a school teacher in Winnipegosis from 1929-1931.
In 1931 Gladys married William Edward Ward (1910-1964), a fisherman and mechanic in Winnipegosis, MB. After her marriage, Gladys left her job as a fulltime school teacher to work part time as a substitute teacher, a cook in a girls camp and a full time housewife until 1933. In 1934, Gladys’ only child, Mervyn Ward was born. She would not find out until many years later that her only child was born at the height of her tuberculosis infection. Gladys returned to teaching full time in 1938, until she was forced to resign due to illness in 1939.
Due to her tuberculosis illness Gladys was forced to relocate from Winnipegosis to Ninette, MB in 1941, where she lived in the Sanatorium as a patient until 1947. In 1945, Gladys was well enough to work part time as a cook in the Sanatorium kitchen. After her release from the Sanatorium in 1947, Gladys continued to live in Ninette with her husband and son, continuing to work at the Sanatorium as an assistant purchasing agent under the direction of Bill Stewart. After Stewart’s retirement in 1963, Gladys took over as the purchasing agent for the Sanatorium until her own retirement in 1974.
After her retirement from the Sanatorium, Gladys cared for her elderly father, mother, and her older brother who was an epileptic, all of whom resided with her in her home in Ninette. Gladys Elizabeth Ward died in Killarney, MB on January 5, 1990. She is buried at Ninette Cemetery.
Custodial History
As part of the Westman Oral History Collection, this collection was accessioned by the McKee Archives in 1998. The original tapes from the Westman Oral History project were deposited in the Brandon Public Library. Copies of these originals were made by Margaret Pollex of the Brandon University Language Lab at the request of Eileen McFadden, University Archivist in the early 1990s. These copies compose the collection held in the McKee Archives.
Scope and Content
Item is an audiocassette tape containing an interview with Gladys Ward about her experience as a tuberculosis patient and staff member at the Ninette Sanatorium. Interviewer is Dr. DB Stewart. The item covers biographical information and personal data, including how she contracted tuberculosis. The recording documents Gladys’ recollection of her initial arrival at the Sanatorium and her first year of “chasing the cure.” Gladys explores the hardships of being a patient at the Sanatorium. Moreover, the interview documents detailed medical terminology associated with tuberculosis and treatments used by doctors at the Sanatorium during the 1940s. In addition, the interview outlines names of Sanatorium employees as well as outlines the permanence and impermanence of friendships among patients. It also documents Gladys’ recovery and movement from patient to staff member at the sanatorium. Lastly, the recording covers the conversion of the institution to the Pelican Lake Training Centre.
Notes
History/Biographical information taken from the records and the Find A Grave website. Description by Morganna Malyon (December 2011) and Christy Henry.
File consists of correspondence, financial records, comments on suggestions, a theatre sheet and an outline specification and theatre equipement proposed performing arts auditorium for Brandon, Manitoba - Ward and MacDonald, Architects general statement of purpose.
Storage Location
RG 6 Brandon University fonds
Series 4: Office of the Vice-President
4.2 Office of the Vice-President (Administration & Finance)
Box 2
John C. Cousins was the son of Thomas Cousins (b. August 17, 1882 in Truro, Nova Scotia - d. March 5, 1914) and Mary Margaret Craig (b. April 14, 1824 - d. April 25, 1903). He married Eunice Eliza Nixon from London Township, County of Middlesex, Ontario. Together they had three children: Eunice M., Eric O. and Kathleen. J.C. Cousins was Reeve of the Rural Municipality of Daly from 1905 to 1910 and Assessor for the Town of Rivers from 1931-1938.
Custodial History
Record was accessioned in 2007 by the McKee Archives. Prior custodial history unknown.
Scope and Content
This document is a rambling memoir of John C. Cousins' recollections of life in the Rural Municipality of Daly from the settlement era in the early 1880s, through to the 1940s. He touches on various themes, including: his family history; the activities of the R.M. of Daly and his role as Reeve; the history of school districts in the municipality (lists names of first teachers and early students); the history of churches in the municipality; tragedies in the municipality; lists members of the Council of the municipality for the years 1885-1946; and the devastating impact of the Spanish Influenza on Aboriginal people in the municipality.
In addition, the memoir includes documentary records, such as minutes and copies of letters. There are also many photographs of both events and individuals (virtually all of the photographs are labelled and names are provided). The memoir goes beyond a simple recounting of facts. Cousins is discursive and thoughtful, often making references to developments happening in other parts of North America and Canada. There is also a link to the Maritimes, from which his family originated.
