Robert (Bob) Troy Blair was born on March 11, 1930 in Brandon, MB. His first six years were spent in Alexander, MB, where his father and uncle operated a grocery store. In 1936, his family moved to Souris, MB, where his father ran a grocery store. Blair received his primary and high school education, with the exception of Grade 12, in Souris.
Blair remembers his school years in Souris as mainly happy years. He was involved with both piano and organ music lessons. he was never interested in physical sports with the exception of golf. World War II broke out in September of 1939. Souris became the site of #17 SFTS and home base for the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan. Many of the service men came from England, Australia and New Zealand. Blair's mother always entertained at least two for dinner every Sunday. Rationing of sugar, tea and coffee, butter and meat became a way of life. Blair had the job every Saturday of pasting the ration coupons into booklets. It was also when he was in Grade 6, that Blair realized he was more attracted to boys than to girls. Perhaps it was because so many attractive airmen surrounded him!
In November of 1947, the Blair family relocated to Alexander where Bob Blair finished his Grade 11. This was not a good year due to bullying. In September of 1948, Blair moved to Winnipeg to attend United College for his Grade 12. Upon completion of Grade 12, Blair remained in Winnipeg until June 1950. he worked at a number of businesses - Gestetner, Eaton's Mail Order shoe department, Maple Leaf Milling, and the drug store in the Medical Arts Building. In September 1950, he entered Brandon College. Blair was very active in extra-curricular affairs while at Brandon College; particularly drama. Following his B.A. he enrolled in the Education Faculty, having decided to become a teacher.
Blair's teaching career spanned 34 years. All but one year was spent in the Brandon School Division. On his first day of teaching in the Division he met the man with whom he would spend the next 46 years. He was primarily a teacher of English and Music. A highlight of his career was exchange teaching in Sacramento, California in 1961. Orientation for exchange took place in August in Washington, D.C., where Blair had the opportunity to meet President J.F. Kennedy. He vividly recals the morning that JFK was assassinated on November 22, 1963. In September 1965, Blair assumed the principalship of Park School and in September of 1969, the same position at George Fitton School where re remained until his retirement in 1989. He was a member of the Brandon Picnipals' Association, the National Association of Elementary School Principals, and servedas President of the Brandon Teachers' Association. Among his major accomplishments during his time as principal were the introduction of a centralized school library in both Park and George Fitton Schools and the integration of special needs students into regular classroom situations wherever possible. He was made a Life Member of the Manitoba Teachers' Society (Brandon) in June 1990. Following his retirement Blair worked as a Library Automation Consultant (1989-1993).
Blair also had numerous community involvements during his time in Brandon. he was active in the Brandon Little Theatre (Best Actor Award, Manitoba Drama Festival for One Act Plays in 1963), the Brandon Festival of the Arts, the Eckhardt-Gramatte National Music Competition, and Arm Industries to name a few.
Following the death of his partner in 2001, Blair moved to Saskatoon to live with a younger gay couple. He has been active in volunteerism: as an Ambassador for the Saskatoon Airport Authority, assistant with the Saskatoon Health Region's Immunization Clinics, information clerk for the Festival of Trees, data entry clerk for the Saskatoon Music Festival, on the Board of the Saskatoon Jazz Society, and Hospitality Coordinator for the Saskatoon Jazz Festival.
As of October 2013, Bob Blair continues to live in Saskatoon, SK.
Custodial History
Records were in Blair's possession until he donated them to the Mckee Archives on Homecoming weekend October 2013.
Scope and Content
Fonds consists of two scrapbooks containing 145 photographs and ephemera (play and graduation programs, tickets, pins, newspaper clippings) documenting Bob Blair's days at Brandon College. Social events and extra-curricular activities are heavily featured in the two scrapbooks. Also included are graduation portraits for the Classes of 1951, 1952 and 1953. Of the 145 photographs all are black and white except for two photos of the Class of '53 reconvocation (May 1993), and one from the Class of '53 reunion (2003).
Charles Robert Turner was born on March 8, 1912 on the family farm near Wellwood, MB. Charles left home in 1929, working as bank clerk in Pipestone and Minto before returning to Wellwood in 1935. During World War II he spent three years in the RCAF as part of the War Assets Corp out of the Neepawa airport. Charles married Nora Emma Graham (1916-1999) on October 19, 1940 and together they had five children: Jane, George, Michael, Patrick and Bill. The family lived on the farm at Wellwood until 1992, when Charles and Nora moved to Carberry. Charles Turner died in 1995. He is buried at Wellwood 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 a recording of Charles Robert Turner narrating his life story and his political philosophy.
Notes
History/bio information from the records and Nora Turner's obituary. Description by Christy Henry.
Language Note
English
Related Material
Music and the Brandon Community fonds (Bill Turner interview)
Robert Charles Tracy Wright was born on March 24, 1896 on a farm in the Ninette district. Robert attended Duncraig School, but much of his time was spent helping his father on the farm. A. Norah Wright was born on September 23, 1899, also on the family farm. She attended Lenore School. Robert farmed until his health failed, while Norah kept house. In 1947, the siblings moved to Ninette and Robert worked in the lumber yard and Norah did housework for families in the village. The Wrights left Ninette in October 1981, and moved to the Lakeview Senior Citizens Home in Killarney, MB. Robert Wright died on March 21, 1983 in Killarney, MB. Norah Wright died on January 7, 1986 in Killarney, MB. They are both 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 Norah and Robert Wright about the Ninette, MB area. Interviewer is Dr. D.B. Stewart.
Notes
History/bio information from the records and obituaries for both Wrights. Description by Christy Henry.
Audio Tracks
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Robert John Coates was born on December 30, 1908 on the home farm in the Elm Valley district. He took his schooling at Elm Valley and Virden. He received Bachelor of Science of Bachelor of Education degrees at the University of Manitoba. Bob married Margaret Grace Cullen (1915-2007) in 1936 and together they had two children: Karen and John. Bob began his teaching career as principal in Pierson, MB, later moving to Ninga as principal. During the Second World War he joined the RCAF, serving as a navigation officer and teaching pilots in the Commonwealth Air Training Plan. After the war, the family moved to Brandon where Bob taught at Brandon Collegiate Institute (BCI), Earl Haig, Earl Oxford and was principal at Central School. He was the first principal at Green Acres School, teaching there until retiring in 1973. Bob was made a Brandon Diocesan Layreader of the Anglican Church and spent years taking services throughout the Diocese.
Bob served as president of the Manitoba Teachers' Society, Brandon Local, The Western Manitoba Teacher's Association, the Brandon PC Association and the UN Association. He also served as executive member of the International School Masters Club, The Manitoba Teachers' Society Pensions Committee, Men's Canadian Club and the Westman Oral History Association. He served as Chairman of the Local MTS Pension Committee and on the board of directors of Hobbs Manor. Bob was a lifetime member of the Mantioba Teachers' Society and the Brandon Teachers' Society, as well as a charter member of the Assiniboine Historical Society, the Daly House Museum, and the Commonwealth Air Training Museum. He was also a member of The Monarchist League of Canada and Royal Canadian Legion No. 3. At the time of his death Bob was an honourary Vestryman at St. Matthew's Cathedral. Robert Coates died on March 10, 1990 in Brandon, MB. He is buriedat Rosewood Memorial Gardens.
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 Robert Coates about the history of St. Matthew's Anglican Cathedral, Brandon. Interviewer is Irene Heeney.
Notes
History/bio information from the records and Coates' obituary. Description by Christy Henry.
Audio Tracks
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Robert James (RJ) Campbell was born on January 16, 1905 on Section 14-11-23 in the RM of Woodworth. He attended Education Point School. RJ worked in the Rivers area on a number of farms, then in 1925 went to Regina and worked in a garage. He returned to Manitoba shortly thereafter to work on his uncle's farm and then on the home farm with his mother until 1935. RJ married Edith Marian Bell (1913-2010) on December 23, 1937, and together they had two sons: Cordell and Urschel.
The family lived on the farm in the Brierwood district south of Harding until 1946, when they moved to Halls Bridge district north of Griswold where they continued to farm until 2006. RJ built all of the buildings on the farm including "Halls Bridge Dance Garden" in 1966. He loved to sing square dance calls, and along with Marian, travelled a great deal in North America and Europe, as well as a trip to the Soviet Union. Due to ill health, RJ moved to Hillcrest Place Personal Care Home in 2006. Robert Campbell died on February 14, 2007 in Brandon, MB. He is buried at Griswold 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 Robert Campbell about farming in the 20th century. Interviewer is Phyllis M. Cairns.
Notes
History/bio information from the records and Campbell's obituary. Description by Christy Henry.
Audio Tracks
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File consists of copies of articles written by Brockway.
Notes
A black and white photograph of Dr. Brockway (12.5 x 17 cm) wearing a knitted coat and hat, standing in the stairwell of the Brodie Building, as been removed from the file and placed in the Brandon University Photograph Collection.
Dr. Evans was born in Nanaimo, B.C. on March 15, 1891. In the fall of 1907, at the age of sixteen, Dr. Evans entered the Academic Department of Brandon College. He played an integral part at the College, participating in academics, sports, and various other college functions and organizations. In his final year he was Senior Stick, the highest position in the Student Government. In 1913, Dr. Evans graduated from Brandon College. Immediately after graduation he was hired to teach Science and Academic Mathematics. In 1917, he became Principal of the Academic Department, while continuing to teach Mathematics and Science. Dr. Evans took leave in 1920 to study post graduate work at the University of Chicago. During the summers, he was the Acting Dean of the Department of Geology in Chicago. He received his Ph.D. in Geology in 1923, and returned to Brandon College. His new positions at the college were of Professor of Geology and Resident Master. He also taught some Chemistry.
On August 1, 1927, Dr. Evans married Adelene M. Bailey (Class of 1921, Music 1924) at the Joseph Bond Chapel in Chicago. He took over as College Dean in 1928 after the position became vacant. In September of 1928, Dr. Evans accepted the position of President of Brandon College, thus becoming its fifth president since the college’s inception. Dr. Evans was head of the college at a very difficult time. He guided the College through the Depression and repeated threats of closure from the Baptists. Dr. Evans resurrected the Department of Theology in the mid-1930’s. He helped with the reorganization of Brandon College as a non-denominational college in 1938, and its new affiliation with the University of Manitoba. During World War II, Dr. Evans started a War Emergency Fund, aimed at keeping the College from sinking into debt during the war years as enrollment shrank. With increased financial support from the government, Dr. Evans began expansion plans for the College. In 1958, he created the Dr. J.R.C. Evans Student Loan Fund in conjunction with the Alumni Association in order to provide worthy students with interest-free loans. It was also in 1958 that Dr. Evans was awarded the Queen Elizabeth Coronation Medal for his outstanding contribution to education in the British Commonwealth.
On July 29, 1959, Dr. Evans died suddenly at his summer home in Robson, B.C.. On his desk was the programme for the sod-turning ceremony for the new Arts and Library Building and Lecture Theatre. When it was completed, the Lecture Theatre was christened the Dr. J.R.C. Evans Lecture Theatre on behalf of the man who had made sure that it would be built. The Theatre had been his dream, a place to hold Chapel and Assemblies, as the student body grew in number.
Scope and Content
Photograph is a portrait of John Robert Charles Evans, Brandon College student, faculty member and president.
Notes
Information that accompanies the photograph reads: John Robert Charles Evans. Born 1891 in Nanaimo, BC. Died 1959 in Brandon, MB. President of Brandon College 1928-1959. Professor of Geology 1923-1959. Instructor, Academic Dept 1913-1920. Note: Evans actually died in Robson, B.C. not in Brandon, MB. History/Bio information copied from the Brandon College fonds finding aid.
Dr. Evans was born in Nanaimo, B.C. on March 15, 1891. In the fall of 1907, at the age of sixteen, Dr. Evans entered the Academic Department of Brandon College. He played an integral part at the College, participating in academics, sports, and various other college functions and organizations. In his final year he was Senior Stick, the highest position in the Student Government. In 1913, Dr. Evans graduated from Brandon College. Immediately after graduation he was hired to teach Science and Academic Mathematics. In 1917, he became Principal of the Academic Department, while continuing to teach Mathematics and Science. Dr. Evans took leave in 1920 to study post graduate work at the University of Chicago. During the summers, he was the Acting Dean of the Department of Geology in Chicago. He received his Ph.D. in Geology in 1923, and returned to Brandon College. His new positions at the college were of Professor of Geology and Resident Master. He also taught some Chemistry.
On August 1, 1927, Dr. Evans married Adelene M. Bailey (Class of 1921, Music 1924) at the Joseph Bond Chapel in Chicago. He took over as College Dean in 1928 after the position became vacant. In September of 1928, Dr. Evans accepted the position of President of Brandon College, thus becoming its fifth president since the college’s inception. Dr. Evans was head of the college at a very difficult time. He guided the College through the Depression and repeated threats of closure from the Baptists. Dr. Evans resurrected the Department of Theology in the mid-1930’s. He helped with the reorganization of Brandon College as a non-denominational college in 1938, and its new affiliation with the University of Manitoba. During World War II, Dr. Evans started a War Emergency Fund, aimed at keeping the College from sinking into debt during the war years as enrollment shrank. With increased financial support from the government, Dr. Evans began expansion plans for the College. In 1958, he created the Dr. J.R.C. Evans Student Loan Fund in conjunction with the Alumni Association in order to provide worthy students with interest-free loans. It was also in 1958 that Dr. Evans was awarded the Queen Elizabeth Coronation Medal for his outstanding contribution to education in the British Commonwealth.
On July 29, 1959, Dr. Evans died suddenly at his summer home in Robson, B.C.. On his desk was the programme for the sod-turning ceremony for the new Arts and Library Building and Lecture Theatre. When it was completed, the Lecture Theatre was christened the Dr. J.R.C. Evans Lecture Theatre on behalf of the man who had made sure that it would be built. The Theatre had been his dream, a place to hold Chapel and Assemblies, as the student body grew in number.
Scope and Content
Dr. Evans collection is quite substantial, owing to the fact that he was President of Brandon College for thirty one years. His collection is primarily made up of correspondence between Dr. Evans and various people. The letters deal with students, teachers, finances, fundraising, the Bursar, the Registrar, and legal matters. The collection also includes the minutes from various meetings, including Board of Director meetings and National Conference on Canadian Universities. There are accounts dealing with World War II, its affect on campus, the C.O.T.C, and the lending of part of Brandon College to the R.C.A.F. during the war. The complete withdrawal of Baptist support for Brandon College is well documented in this collection, as is the ensuing affiliation of the College with the University of Manitoba. The Brandon College Campaign and other fundraising endeavors are documented in Evans’ papers as well. Evans was bent on the expansion of Brandon College, and there is a lot of correspondence dealing with this topic. There are various financial accounts and financial histories of Brandon College in Evans’ collection.
Dr. Robert Dudley Howland was born June 1, 1909 in Bexley, Kent, England. He attended Queen Elizabeth Grammar School Faversham, Kent. In 1926, he came to Canada where he attended Brandon College, graduating in Arts in 1935. He subsequently attended the London School of Economics where he obtained a doctorate in Economics.
During his years at Brandon College, Howland participated in debating and drama. He also acted as a student minister for the Baptist Church.
Howland spent his working eyars in various positions in the federal and provincial governments. Energy was an important focus of his work. His introduction to energy problems came in 1944, when he was appointed Secretary of the Carroll Commission on coal. From this experience he accepted appointments in Nova Scotia as Vice-President of their Research Foundation; Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry and Economic Advisor to the Nova Scotia government.
In addtion to the Carroll Royal Commission on Coal, Howland was associated with the Royal Commission on Saskatchewan's Coal Mining Industry, was an ecnomist on Canada's Economic Prospects from 1955-1957, and a member of the Royal Commission on Energy.
In 1959, Howland was appointed Vice-President of the National Energy Board and Chairman from July 1, 1968, until his retirement in August 1973. Howland was granted an honorary LL.D. by Brandon University in May 1974.
Howland had a lifelong interest in the Fabian Society and Fabian Socialism, assembling a rich collection of original edition Fabian publications.
Custodial History
Dr. Howland presented his collection of Fabian publications to Brandon University sometime in the 1970s. The collection remained in the John E. Robbins Library until it was placed in the Archives in 1997.
Scope and Content
The Howland Collection includes a wide range of books, pamphlets, and assorted publications of the Fabian Society assembled by Dr. Howland.
The Fabian Society, a socialist society, was founded in 1883-1884, in London. The Fabian Society was created with the goal of fostering the creation of democratic socialism in Great Britain. Unlike revolutionary Marxists, the Fabians placed their hopes for change in evolutionary socialism not revolution.
The creation of the Fabian Society is generally attributed to Thomas Davidson, a Scottish philosopher. Its charter members included George Bernard Shaw, Sidney Webb, Annie Besant, Edward Pease, and Graham Wallas. Shaw and Webb, later joined by Webb's wife, Beatrice, were the outstanding leaders of the Society for many years. In 1889, the Society published its best-known tract, "Fabian Essays in Socialism," edited by Shaw. The Fabian Society played an integral role in the creation of the British Labour Party.
Notes
The items in the collection have been added to the Brandon University Library catalogue. Description by Mike White.
Storage Location
MG 2 Brandon College Students
2.16 Robert Dudley Howland
All of the photographs had been rolled for storage, so they all have some minor cracking on the surface. A few of them also have small tears around the edges.
History / Biographical
Biographical information for Robert (Bert) Lane is currently unavailable.
Custodial History
Collection was accessioned by the McKee Archives in 1997. Prior custoridal history is unknown.
Scope and Content
Collection consists of materials related Robert Lane’s role as an officer of the International Union of the Brotherhood of Railroad Trainmen. The textual records include the presentation, press clippings and related correspondence of the Brandon local of the Brotherhood to the Parliamentary Committee on Transport in 1966, which dealt with the reduction in passenger service on the Canadian Pacific Railway.
Collection also includes five photographs:
40-1997.1
Brotherhood of Railway Trainmen - 8 x 10" b/w
ca. 1950
E.W. Cadman, Oliver - Studio, Calgary, AB
40-1997.2
Canadian Delegation Brotherhood of Railroad Trainmen (30th Convention) - 40 x 10" b/w
Miami Beach, Florida - August 30 - October 9, 1954
Marchada Photo, 8 W. Gay Columbus, Ohio
40-1997.3
Grand Lodge Officers and Delegates Brotherhood of Railroad Trainmen (30th Convention) - 46 x 10" b/w
Miami Beach, Florida - August 30 - October 9, 1954
Marchada Photo, 8 W. Gay Columbus, Ohio
40-1997.4
Grand Lodge Officers and Delegates Brotherhood of Railroad Trainmen (30th Convention) - 20 x 10" b/w
Miami Beach, Florida - August 30 - October 9, 1954
Marchada Photo, 8 W. Gay Columbus, Ohio
40-1997.5
Young Turks Delegation (31st Convention) - 20 x 10" b/w
Cleveland, Ohio 1960
Miller-Ertler Studios, Cleveland, Ohio
Dr. Robert Harvey graduated from Brandon College in 1913 (McMaster Arts). He received a diploma in theology from Brandon College in 1915. Initially a minister in the Presbyterian Church, Dr. Harvey spent the greater part of his life as a minister in the service of the United Church of Canada.
Custodial History
This fonds was accessioned by the McKee Archives in 1998. Prior custodial history is unknown.
Scope and Content
This fonds consists of manuscripts written by Dr. Robert Harvey, various newspaper clippings, primarily from the Brandon Sun, featuring articles written by Harvey. Fonds also contains war-time publications from the Soviet Union, United States of America, and Canada. Topics include: the armistice, biographical accounts of war-time figures, the history of the church in Canada, human rights, communism and fascism.
