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).
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 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.
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 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.
Laurie V. Smith served as the President of the Brandon Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion during the 1940s.
Custodial History
This fonds was accessioned by the McKee Archives in 1997. Prior custodial history is unknown.
Scope and Content
Fonds includes correspondence, policy documents, and publications relating to the activities of the Royal Canadian Legion, primarily in Brandon under the Presidency of Laurie V. Smith, during and after the Second World War. Prominant themes include the aquiring of gifts for hospitalized veterans, primarily through the Canadian Legion Christmas Tree project, veteran rehabilitation, and promotion of the Canadian Victory Loans project.
For custodial history see the collection level description of the Lawrence Stuckey collection.
Scope and Content
West side of Sixth Street, north of Rosser Avenue; looking north
Notes
Businesses displayed (S to N) include: Winter & O'Neill - general store; James A. Smart - hardware; Grand Central Hotel - built 1882, razed 1890; American House - hotel; Brandon House (far end) - hotel
For custodial history see the collection level description of the Lawrence Stuckey collection.
Scope and Content
900 block of Rosser Avenue
Notes
T.D. McLean - jeweller & watchmaker; Imperial Bank of Canada; The New Era - real estate; Fortier & Bucke - Manufacturers' Agents/Canada Pacific Express Co.
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
Bylaws to keep cattle off streets were being debated by city council about this time.
Custodial History
For custodial history see the collection level description of the Lawrence Stuckey collection.
Scope and Content
J. Birtles Meat Market "Family Butcher", 608 Rosser Avenue
Notes
Mr. Birtles on right, including Mr. Hammell, Hiram Chesley, and Lew Wicket; Photo includes Red Cross Drug Store with proprietor Mr. McCullagh in front; From Brandon Sun files.
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.
[The land on which city hall stood in this photo is now known as Princess Park. P.E. 01/06/09]
Custodial History
For custodial history see the collection level description of the Lawrence Stuckey collection.
Scope and Content
Princess Avenue, showing City Hall & CKX radio tower
Notes
[View is from 9th Street looking east. P.E.]
"Radio towers of CKX on city hall grounds were 150 feet tall; Studio and transmitter were on the east side of city hall." - Fred McGuinness collection (20-2009).
July 12 Orange Lodge parade in progress; Shows that there was a building in what was for many years, a small vacant lot behind the Bank of Montreal; Campbell & Campbell building and Security Block. Davidson (photography) Studio on awning - became Henfries studio and, in 1923, Jerrets' Studio.
Custodial History
For custodial history see the collection level description of the Lawrence Stuckey collection.
Scope and Content
100 Block of Tenth Street
Notes
Probably taken from Strathcona Block
Creator provided by Fred McGuinness collection (20-2009).
