For history/bio information see the collection level description of the Lawrence Stuckey collection.
Custodial History
For custodial history see the collection level description of the Lawrence Stuckey collection.
Scope and Content
Box contains the following slides:
Glendenning (10): October 5, 1980
Assiniboine River (37): July 14, 1963 to December 25, 1979
Souris River (57): 1962 to August 16, 1977
Manitoba Harvest Scenes and Manitoba Autumn Colours (129): March 4, 1962 to October 4, 1979
Manitoba Sidney - Firdale (4): September 5, 1976 to September 19, 1976
Manitoba Whiteshell (18): August 23, 1959 to June 23, 1974
Small Rivers & Creeks (27): 1955 to April 17, 1977
Manitoba Carberry Hills (Onah) (25): Fall 1976
Manitoba Baldhead Hills (26) October 6, 1968 to August 21, 1979
Manitoba Sprucewoods (48): August 23, 1964 to June 9, 1976
Manitoba Winter (30): August 23, 1959 to June 25, 1974
Notes
Slide descriptions are as follows: Location (Number of Slides): Date of slides. Information on each slide was provided by Stuckey.
Accruals
Additional slides of flora and fauna taken by Stuckey during his travels are housed in the McKee Archives. Those slides are unprocessed at present.
Repro Restriction
The McKee Archives is the copyright holder for the Stuckey materials.
Storage Location
Lawrence Stuckey collection
Series 2: Lawrence Stuckey slide collection
For history/bio information see the collection level description of the Lawrence Stuckey collection.
Custodial History
For custodial history see the collection level description of the Lawrence Stuckey collection.
Scope and Content
Box contains the following slides:
Manitoba North & West of Brandon (20): July 11, 1962 to June 26, 1979
Northwest Brandon, Duck Mountains Rossburn (26): May 17, 1964 to August 4, 1971
Manitoba Winter & Spring (25): April 30, 1961 to February 24, 1974
Manitoba Routes to Thompson (22): July 3, 1972 to June 24, 1973
Manitoba Kelsey Trail (46): May 17, 1964 to June 22, 1973
Manitoba East of Winnipeg (14): July 5, 1964 to July 1, 1970
Manitoba E.T. Seton Park (18): July 15, 1962 to August 8, 1965
Steeprock Bay & River (6): May 17, 1964 to June 21, 1973
Flin Flon, Manitoba (10): July 31, 1966 to July 4, 1972
Rocky Lake, Manitoba (18): July 31, 1966 to June 22, 1973
Manitoba South of Brandon (8): May 31, 1961 to October 6, 1963
Manitoba Lake Winnipegosis (12): July 27, 1958 to June 21, 1973
Manitoba Natural Impressions (50): July 16, 1965 to October 19, 1975
Manitoba Turtle Mountains (50): July 25, 1962 to July 12, 1972
Riding Mountain Moon Lake (23): July 10, 1966 to September 30, 1973
Riding Mountain Lake Katherine (14): July 4, 1973 to September 2, 1973
Riding Mountain Southwest Shore (22): July 17, 1966 to June 29, 1974
Notes
Slide descriptions are as follows: Location (Number of Slides): Date of slides. Information on each slide was provided by Stuckey.
Accruals
Additional slides of flora and fauna taken by Stuckey during his travels are housed in the McKee Archives. Those slides are unprocessed at present.
Repro Restriction
The McKee Archives is the copyright holder for the Stuckey materials.
Storage Location
Lawrence Stuckey collection
Series 2: Lawrence Stuckey slide collection
For history/bio information see the collection level description of the Lawrence Stuckey collection.
Custodial History
For custodial history see the collection level description of the Lawrence Stuckey collection.
Scope and Content
Box contains the following slides:
Riding Mountains Ice in Clear Lake (22): May 12, 1965 to May 5, 1968
Riding Mountain Arrowhead Trail (7): August 1, 1971 to July 15, 1972
Riding Mountain B&B Trail (8): September 23, 1973 to September 30, 1973
Riding Mountain Ominik Trail (11): July 15, 1972 to October 8, 1972
Miscellaneous Horticulture Ontario 80-81: May 26, 1980 to May 10, 1981
Scarborough, Ontario (31): June 2, 1980 to May 17, 1981
Trip 80 Edwards Gardens (9): June 4, 1980 to May 5, 1981
Trip 80 Royal Botanical Gardens (33): June 3, 1980 to May 13, 1981
Saskatchewan Mines (17): July 2, 1961 to July 24, 1966
Saskatchewan Flin Flon - Prince Albert (7): July 2, 1968
Saskatchewan Saskatoon (16): July 3, 1968
Saskatchewan Duck Mountains Lake Madge (17): May 18, 1964 to July 10, 1966
Winnipeg City Parks (44): May 19, 1963 to April 23, 1977
Saskatchewan (22): June 20, 1965 to October 16, 1982
Peace Gardens (35): May 24, 1961 to September 18, 1974
South Dakota's Black Hills (46): July 7, 1954 to September 17, 1961
*An additional 8 slides in this group are located in Box 4
Notes
Slide descriptions are as follows: Location (Number of Slides): Date of slides. Information on each slide was provided by Stuckey.
Accruals
Additional slides of flora and fauna taken by Stuckey during his travels are housed in the McKee Archives. Those slides are unprocessed at present.
Repro Restriction
The McKee Archives is the copyright holder for the Stuckey materials.
Storage Location
Lawrence Stuckey collection
Series 2: Lawrence Stuckey slide collection
For history/bio information see the collection level description of the Lawrence Stuckey collection.
Custodial History
For custodial history see the collection level description of the Lawrence Stuckey collection.
Scope and Content
Box contains the following slides:
South Dakota's Black Hills (8): July 7, 1954 to September 17, 1961
*An additional 46 slides in this group are located in Box 3
South Dakota's Badlands (4): July 3, 1954
North Dakota (41): September 6, 1959 to August 16, 1976
Ontario-Quebec Trip (5): May 23-24, 1971
Kenora, Ontario (South & East) (58): July 15, 1962 to June 14, 1964
Qu'Apelle Valley (Saskatchewan) (12): July 2, 1961 to July 1, 1973
South Dakota (6): September 6, 1959
North Dakota Badlands, Theodore Roosevelt National Monument (19): September 6, 1959 to October 9, 1966
Toronto, Ontario (25): May 30, 1980 to May 10, 1981
Point Pelee, Ontario (9): May 28, 1980
Port Dover, Ontario (5): May 24, 1980 to May 3, 1981
Windsor, Ontario (15): May 27, 1980 to April 10, 1981
Yellowstone National Park (Wyoming) (111): August 27, 1970 to September 1, 1970
Ottawa (5): 1971
Scotsbluff, Nebraska (43): May 28, 1962 to July 16, 1962
Yellowstone (7): August 23, 1955
Yellowstone (41): May 28-29, 1962
Nebraska (28): June 28, 1954 to September 1967
*An additional 12 slides in this group are located in Box 5
Notes
Slide descriptions are as follows: Location (Number of Slides): Date of slides. Information on each slide was provided by Stuckey.
Accruals
Additional slides of flora and fauna taken by Stuckey during his travels are housed in the McKee Archives. Those slides are unprocessed at present.
Repro Restriction
The McKee Archives is the copyright holder for the Stuckey materials.
Storage Location
Lawrence Stuckey collection
Series 2: Lawrence Stuckey slide collection
For history/bio information see the collection level description of the Lawrence Stuckey collection.
Custodial History
For custodial history see the collection level description of the Lawrence Stuckey collection.
Scope and Content
Box contains the following slides:
Nebraska (12): June 28, 1954 to September 1967
*An additional 28 slides in this group are located in Box 4
Mt. Evans Road Colorado (19): September 1960 & September 12-13, 1970
Berthoud Pass Colorado (5): September 11, 1970
Milner Pass Colorado (6): September 8, 1970
Dinosaur Park Colorado (10): September 7, 1970
Trail Ridge Colorado (5): September 8, 1970
Trail Ridge Colorado (36): September 1960
Rollins Pass Colorado (22): May 1956 & September 9-10, 1970
Grand Teton & Vic. Wyoming (12): September 1961 & September 1-3, 1970
Beartooth Pass Montana (13): August 26, 1970
Colorado (32): May 9, 1956 to September 16, 1970
Craters of the Moon Idaho (49): September 1961 to June 4, 1962
Wyoming (17): June 22, 1954 to September 3, 1970
Medicine Bow National Fort Wyoming (14): June 22, 1954
Michigan-Wisconsin (12): May 19, 1971
Idaho (36): September 1961 to September 14, 1970
Quebec City (54): dates unknown
Notes
Slide descriptions are as follows: Location (Number of Slides): Date of slides. Information on each slide was provided by Stuckey.
Accruals
Additional slides of flora and fauna taken by Stuckey during his travels are housed in the McKee Archives. Those slides are unprocessed at present.
Repro Restriction
The McKee Archives is the copyright holder for the Stuckey materials.
Storage Location
Lawrence Stuckey collection
Series 2: Lawrence Stuckey slide collection
For history/bio information see the collection level description of the Lawrence Stuckey collection.
Custodial History
For custodial history see the collection level description of the Lawrence Stuckey collection.
Scope and Content
Box contains the following slides:
Mt. Tremblant Park Quebec (28): May 31 - June 1, 1971
Sugar Camp (J.W.) Quebec (6): July 17, 1971
Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue Canal Quebec (6): June 3, 1971
Montreal and Area (49): September 1967 to June 4, 1971
Banff National Park - Larch Valley (29): September 4, 1963 & September 18, 1964
Banff National Park - Sentinel Pass (13): September 4, 1963 & August 1, 1975
Banff to Calgary (34): September 1961 to September 1969
Banff National Park - Lake Louise (18): September 1961 to September 13, 1968
Banff National Park - Moraine Lake (10): September 1961 & September 8, 1963
Banff National Park - Athabaska River (8): September 1961
Banff to Jasper (23): September 1961
Banff National Park - Plain of Six (17): August 4, 1975
Banff National Park - Columbia Icefield (30): September 1961 to September 11, 1968
Banff National Park area (26): September 1961 to June 27, 1969
Banff National Park - Bow River (5): September 1961 & June 23, 1978
Banff National Park - Victoria Glacier (21): September 8, 1963 & September 13, 1968
Yoho Pass (40): September 25, 1962 to August 2, 1975
Yoho National Park - Wapta Falls (9): September 27, 1962 & September 2, 1963
Notes
Slide descriptions are as follows: Location (Number of Slides): Date of slides. Information on each slide was provided by Stuckey.
Accruals
Additional slides of flora and fauna taken by Stuckey during his travels are housed in the McKee Archives. Those slides are unprocessed at present.
Repro Restriction
The McKee Archives is the copyright holder for the Stuckey materials.
Storage Location
Lawrence Stuckey collection
Series 2: Lawrence Stuckey slide collection
For history/bio information see the collection level description of the Lawrence Stuckey collection.
Custodial History
For custodial history see the collection level description of the Lawrence Stuckey collection.
Scope and Content
Box contains the following slides:
Yoho National Park - Hoodoo Park (11): September 27, 1962 to September 2, 1963
Yoho National Park - Waterfall Valley (20): September 9, 1968
Yoho National Park - Highline Trail (22): September 24, 1962 to September 9, 1965
Burgess Pass (22): September 25, 1962 to September 9, 1965
Takakaw Falls (28): September 1961 to August 2, 1975
Yoho National Park - Kicking Horse (25): September 1961 to June 19, 1978
Yoho National Park - Skyline Trail (23): September 9, 1963 to June 29, 1969
Waterton Lakes National Park (20): June 5, 1962
Yoho National Park Trans Canada (27): September 1961 to September 6, 1982
Yoho National Park - Emerald Lake (75): September 1961 to August 3, 1975
Yoho National Park - Natural Bridge (24): September 22, 1962 to August 3, 1975
Yoho National Park - Yoho Valley (64): September 1962 to June 29, 1969
Twin Falls Creek (42): September 1961 to August 2, 1975
*An additional 35 slides in this group are located in Box 8
Notes
Slide descriptions are as follows: Location (Number of Slides): Date of slides. Information on each slide was provided by Stuckey.
Accruals
Additional slides of flora and fauna taken by Stuckey during his travels are housed in the McKee Archives. Those slides are unprocessed at present.
Repro Restriction
The McKee Archives is the copyright holder for the Stuckey materials.
Storage Location
Lawrence Stuckey collection
Series 2: Lawrence Stuckey slide collection
For history/bio information see the collection level description of the Lawrence Stuckey collection.
Custodial History
For custodial history see the collection level description of the Lawrence Stuckey collection.
Scope and Content
Box contains the following slides:
Twin Falls Creek (35): September 1961 to August 2, 1975
*An additional 42 slides in this group are located in Box 7
Gallup, New Mexico - Cortez, Colorado (5): 1957
Mesa Verde (14): 1957
Arizona - New Mexico (21): no dates
Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming (31): August 27 - Setpember 1, 1970
Little Qualicum Park, B.C. (14): September 17, 1969 & April 20, 1974
Honeymoon Bay, B.C. (11): Aprill 21 & 23, 1974
Yoho National Park - Mt. Paget Trail (49): September 30, 1962 to June 17, 1978
Trans-Canada Highway B.C. (79): September 3, 1964 to June 13, 1978
Victoria, B.C. (8): September 1965 to May 4, 1974
Miscellaneous, Victoria Island, B.C. (16): September 1965 to May 2, 1974
Glacier National Park (68): September 26, 1969 to September 7, 1982
Pacific Rim National Park (32): September 13, 1969 to April 28, 1974
Victoria B.C. Marineland 66 (16): September 1965 to September 1969
Notes
Slide descriptions are as follows: Location (Number of Slides): Date of slides. Information on each slide was provided by Stuckey.
Accruals
Additional slides of flora and fauna taken by Stuckey during his travels are housed in the McKee Archives. Those slides are unprocessed at present.
Repro Restriction
The McKee Archives is the copyright holder for the Stuckey materials.
Storage Location
Lawrence Stuckey collection
Series 2: Lawrence Stuckey slide collection
For history/bio information see the collection level description of the Lawrence Stuckey collection.
Custodial History
For custodial history see the collection level description of the Lawrence Stuckey collection.
Scope and Content
Box contains the following slides:
Victoria B.C. Sealand 72 (22): September 17, 1972
North of Vancouver, B.C. (14): September 8, 1966
Fence Art, Victoria 1966 (22): September 11, 1966
Victoria Thetis Lake Park (13): April 22 - May 4, 1974
Parks on Victoria Island, B.C. (16): September 1965 to May 5, 1974
Southern Routes B.C. (12): October 2, 1962 to September 1969
Okanagan Valley, B.C. (48): June 6, 1962 to September 20, 1966
Yoho National Park - Sherbrooke Trail (3): September 12, 1963
Yoho National Park - Miscellaneous (32): June 8, 1962 to June 14, 1978
Mt. Baker - Washington (110): September 27, 1965
Olympic National Park - Beaches (198): September 7, 1963 to September 15, 1972
Notes
Slide descriptions are as follows: Location (Number of Slides): Date of slides. Information on each slide was provided by Stuckey.
Accruals
Additional slides of flora and fauna taken by Stuckey during his travels are housed in the McKee Archives. Those slides are unprocessed at present.
Repro Restriction
The McKee Archives is the copyright holder for the Stuckey materials.
Storage Location
Lawrence Stuckey collection
Series 2: Lawrence Stuckey slide collection
For history/bio information see the collection level description of the Lawrence Stuckey collection.
Custodial History
For custodial history see the collection level description of the Lawrence Stuckey collection.
Scope and Content
Box contains the following slides:
Olympic National Park - Forests (97): September 3, 1964 to September 13, 1972
Olympic National Park - Mountains (26): September 4, 1964 to September 25, 1965
Olympic National Park - Hurricane Ridge (35): September 3, 1964 to September 13, 1972
Washington - Miscellaneous (23): September 11, 1964 to September 18, 1966
Notes
Slide descriptions are as follows: Location (Number of Slides): Date of slides. Information on each slide was provided by Stuckey.
Accruals
Additional slides of flora and fauna taken by Stuckey during his travels are housed in the McKee Archives. Those slides are unprocessed at present.
Repro Restriction
The McKee Archives is the copyright holder for the Stuckey materials.
Storage Location
Lawrence Stuckey collection
Series 2: Lawrence Stuckey slide collection
The Provincial Exhibition of Manitoba has been an institution almost as long as Brandon has been a city, although under the guise of several different names. The idea of an exhibition came from Charles Whitehead, who was the founder and first president of the fair. Whitehead was one of the earliest and most prominent businessmen in Brandon. The first Brandon fair was organized in October of 1882, by the Brandon Agricultural Society (BAS). The Board of Directors of the BAS offered up two hundred dollars in prize money, but poor weather and a subsequently small turnout of people and exhibits to the downtown location caused the fair to do poorly. Undeterred, the Board of Directors began to make plans for the second fair, in what was to become an annual event. This time, due to generous grants from the city, district, and province, the Board of Directors was able to purchase land just south of the city to hold the fair on and built a Crystal Palace to hold exhibits in. In October 1883, there were seven hundred and thirty entries, and the fair, the first to be held on the new fair grounds, was considered successful.
The Brandon Exhibition was not financially sound however, and by 1888, the Directors knew that major changes had to be made if they wanted to continue the fair. It was decided that October was not the best time to hold an agricultural exhibition because most farmers were in the middle of harvesting and did not have time to leave their farms for an exhibition. A decision was made to move the exhibition to the summer, when most farmers could get away for a few days. In July 1889, the first Brandon summer fair was held. The Directors had managed to revamp the fair in order to appeal to the wider public. The fair was a huge success, with both city and rural people attending.
The Board of Directors formally established the Western Agricultural and Arts Association (WAAA) in 1892 to take over management duties of the fair from the BAS. However, the first meeting of the WAAA was not until 1897. There is no explanation for the five year delay. The WAAA received generous donations from the various governments, and the citizens of Brandon. In 1897, the Board of Directors purchased another 42 acres of land from the city that was located beside the fair grounds. They erected a grandstand and new stables. Prize money was increased, there were special prizes offered for the first time, and special exhibition trains were available to transport fair goers at a reduced rate.
The 1897 fair was the major turning point for the Brandon exhibition. The fair appealed to both urban and rural dwellers. The Board wanted to put Brandon on the map, and accordingly, they brought forward events and entertainment that would do so. The first Traveller’s Day, still running strong today, was put on in 1912. The parade associated with it was unlike any Brandon had seen before. Despite the attractions, carnivals and midways that were beginning to dominate the fair, organizers insisted that it was still primarily an agricultural event. The promotion of agriculture was still prominent at the exhibition. As local historians have written, “the exhibition symbolized the accomplishments and potential of the region, and encouraged all agriculturists to strive towards higher standards.”
By 1912, all outstanding loans had been paid off, and the Board of Directors could boast an eleven thousand dollar surplus in funds. As well, the physical assets available to the summer fair were expanded dramatically in 1913. In 1913, Brandon was granted the honour of hosting the Dominion Exhibition. From the funding that came in for this prestigious event the Board of Directors was able to build a new grandstand, erect new display buildings, replace the racetrack, and generally expand and improve the fair grounds. Another 80 acres of land was bought from the city for the summer fair. The Brandon Dominion Exhibition was declared open on 15 July 1913 by Manitoba Premier Rodmond Roblin. Although it was a resounding success, the Directors ended up having to pay for parts of it out of their own pockets.
Canada entered World War One in the late summer of 1914. The WAAA reached an agreement with the military that the army could use the fairgrounds during the year if they allowed the WAAA use of the grounds for the fair week. Because of limitations put on the fair because of the war, the Brandon exhibition became more involved with the Western Canada Fair Circuit. This organization enabled the summer fair to join in the exhibitions that worked together to bring events like the midway to their exhibitions.
It was also during this time that moral reform became more prevalent in Canadian society. Due to this growing concern with moral purity and the desire for social reform, the Directors had to find ways to ensure that the summer exhibition did not cross the boundaries of good taste. There was a short-lived protest in 1913 against horseracing, but by 1916, then-president of the fair, R.M. Matheson, cast the tie breaking vote in favour of letting both the horseracing and the betting continue. By 1917, the Board had decided against allowing betting, but the horseracing was allowed to continue.
After the war ended, financial stress on the part of the winter fair brought forward a proposal to amalgamate the summer and winter fairs. The provincial government stated that they were interested in supporting an amalgamation, and the two fair boards resolved to consider the option. In spring of 1920, the winter fair backed out the deal because they felt they would lose out to the WAAA in the deal. Not to be deterred, the WAAA applied for incorporation with the provincial government. On 3 April 1920, the WAAA was incorporated as the Provincial Exhibition of Manitoba (PEM). In 1920, the official title of the summer fair was changed from the Inter-Provincial Exhibition to the Provincial Exhibition of Manitoba.
After incorporation the Board of Directors was increased to a membership of twenty. The provincial exhibition continued to increase and change with the times. The directors tried to make each fair interesting and stimulating for the people of Brandon and the surrounding areas. A Manitoba Government Building was opened in 1927, by Premier John Bracken, and an Automobile Building opened in 1927. By 1929, the Provincial Exhibition was one of the leading summer exhibitions in Western Canada. Unfortunately, 1929 was also the beginning of a decade-long Depression throughout Canada and the United States. The exhibition continued though, although at a less grandiose level. The exhibition was the site of some work relief programs throughout the thirties, but the grants were generally small.
It was also during the 1930s that people began wanting a change in the management of the Board. For many years, almost since the inception of the fair, the Board had been run by the same group of men who took turns in the various positions. In 1933, there were several men brought forward to run against the Directors at the annual general meeting. A total of forty four nominations went up for the twenty positions. After the dust had settled, seven new faces took seats around the Directors table.
During World War Two, the Provincial Exhibition managed to continue. The Board made an agreement with the military that while their buildings could be used by the military during the war, the fair would be able to take control of the buildings for fair week. While the fair remained open, its exhibits were hampered by the war. In 1942, for example, the Wartime Prices and Trades Board declared that farm machinery could not be exhibited for the duration. This was one of the fair’s bigger draws, and its absence was felt greatly. As another concession to the war, the livestock show had to be reduced from five days to three, although this decision was met by protest from many of the directors. Despite these impediments, the entries into the agricultural exhibits continued to increase. Horse racing, long a bone of contention among members of the Board was almost eliminated in 1942, but a compromise was made and the Directors allowed one day of racing at the 1943 fair.
After the war, the prize money increased by up to twenty-five percent in an effort to increase the number of exhibitors. Many new events were added to the fair roster, including an annual 4-H show and farm camps for children. A Trade Show was added in 1952 and became a large success. The fair always enjoyed support from the City of Brandon, although there were the occasional tensions between the two. In 1955 the Board approved a proposal by R.A. Hodges to sponsor a Dream Home contest. While the attraction was a big success, the Directors evidently did not receive the cut of the proceeds that Hodges had promised them. The fair Board ended up fifty-five hundred dollars in debt.
In 1958 an attempt was made to break the all male hold on the directorate. While no women were elected to the Board itself, a Women’s Advisory Committee was created to provide input into fair activities. The original committee was made up of Mrs. D. Elviss, Mrs. D. Graham, Mrs. G. McRae, and Mrs. F. Heeney.
It was also during this time that the Board began to face more direct competition from Winnipeg. The Red River Exhibition had been operating for several years, and its Board of Directors wanted their exhibition to be admitted into the Western Canadian Association of Exhibition. This would not have been particularly good for the Brandon Provincial Exhibition. Partly due to the Brandon Board’s vigorous protests, Winnipeg was only granted an associate membership.
By the end of 1958, the Brandon fair was once again facing financial difficulties. The Provincial Exhibition was at its peak at the end of the 1950s. By 1961 the fair recorded a net loss of sixty-five hundred dollars. Because of financial problems, the fair Board had to mortgage its property for $50 000. As well, the Royal American Shows left Brandon for Winnipeg in 1966, leaving the Directors scrambling to find another midway. It took several years and several different companies before the Directors settled on the Conklin Brothers Shows. To make matters worse, the grandstand was condemned in 1974, leaving the fair without a place to hold its grandstand show. This show was replaced by the Western Canada Rodeo Circuit, in an attempt to regain patrons.
By 1966 both the summer and winter fair Boards had decided that one facility could be used to house both the summer and winter fairs. Both financially and practically, it became an increasingly good idea to merge the two fairs together. In 1969, the Provincial Exhibition of Manitoba and the Manitoba Winter Fair were amalgamated to become the Manitoba Exhibition Association. Ground was broken a few years later on the summer fair grounds, and by 1972, the Keystone Centre was open for business. The official opening was at the 1973 Winter Fair. From then on, the Provincial Exhibition, Royal Manitoba Winter Fair and, later, AgEx, were housed in the same building, and run by the same board of directors.
Custodial History
These files were housed with the WAAA, the PEM, and the MEA until c1986 when they were transferred to the S.J. McKee Archives at Brandon University.
Scope and Content
The sous-fonds consists of textual records and photographs from the Provincial Exhibition of Manitoba. The textual records include prize lists, programs, minutes, financial, contracts, by laws, administrative files, original results, news releases, scrapbooks and tickets. The photographs include animal shows and events, dignitaries, entertainment, attractions, ceremonies, buildings and other events.
It has been divided into eleven series, including: (1) Documents; (2) Minutes; (3) Financial reocrds; (4) Administrative files; (5) Prize lists and programs; (6) News releases; (7) Original results; (8) Tickets; (9) Photographs; (10) Scrapbooks; and (11) Miscellaneous.
Storage Location
RG 2 Provincial Exhibition of Manitoba Association fonds
RG2SF1 Provincial Exhibition of Manitoba
The first attempts to hold a winter agricultural fair in Brandon happened in 1884, when a show was held in the buildings owned by A. Harrison and Company. However, this did not become an annual event. There were also several unsuccessful attempts to establish annual Stallion Sales in the late spring by horsemen in the area. In 1904, J.D. McGregor petitioned Brandon City Council for a winter fair. The petition was accepted by the city, and in 1906 Brandon’s first winter fair was held. It was a big success, and the Board of Directors looked forward to it becoming an annual event. The summer fair, which had been in operation since 1882 welcomed this new exhibition. The Board of the summer fair felt that a winter fair would be complementary to the summer exhibition. Although the two fairs were not amalgamated, they did share a secretary-treasurer and several Board members.
In 1907, the Cattle Breeders Association decided to make the Brandon Winter Fair the site of its annual stock sale. With this support, it was felt that the winter fair would become an annual event. A joint stock company was created in 1907 entitled the Brandon Winter Fair and Livestock Association (BWFLA), to be used primarily as a land-holding company. Land was purchased at Tenth Street and McTavish Avenue in order to erect a winter fair building.
The following year, the Provincial Winter Fair and Fat Stock Association was created to manage the winter fair. The name was soon changed to the Manitoba Winter Fair and Fat Stock Association (MWFFSA). Unlike the summer fair, the winter fair was solely an agricultural event. The Board felt no need to please the citizens with carnivals and midways. The winter fair was “by and for the farmers...[and]...the primary functions of the Brandon Winter Fair were to educate the agricultural community and to honour the community’s accomplishments.”
Additional land was bought on Eleventh Street and Victoria Avenue to build a new winter fair building. The building opened in 1913. By this time, the Brandon Winter Fair was one of the best livestock and agricultural exhibitions in the province.
When the First World War broke out, the winter fair buildings were requisitioned by the military for troop accommodation and eventually as a detention centre for Ukrainian internees and other “enemy aliens.” Unlike the summer fair, which was allowed to use their buildings during fair week, the winter fair buildings were not released for the exhibition. This led to the cancellation of both the 1915 and 1916 winter fairs.
By 1917 the winter fair was allowed to open again, but by this time both the BWFLA and the MWFFSA were experiencing financial difficulties. It was at this time that the proposal first went out regarding an amalgamation of the summer and winter fairs. The provincial government approved of the idea of an amalgamation, and both fair Boards considered the proposal. However, in early 1920 the winter fair Board pulled out of the discussions, as it felt that the winter fair would lose out to the WAAA. The winter fair Board decided to struggle on independently.
Financial problems heightened Board concerns that the winter fair was not exciting enough to keep the public interest. To add to the financial concerns of the winter fair board, in the fall of 1920, the old winter fair pavilion caught fire and burned. Forty six horses were killed and the fair Board had to cancel the 1921 winter fair. When the new winter fair building opened in 1922, it was greeted with enthusiasm. The Directors, in an attempt to ease the increasing financial burden they were feeling, tried to keep the buildings open year round for other events.
In 1929, the Depression began in Canada. While the winter fair continued to run, its buildings were once again requisitioned by the government, this time to house men looking for work. The winter fair Directors were conscious of the problems that the citizens of Brandon were facing, and they offered free admission to those on relief. The fair received grants from the government to provide work relief programs, but these were often small or canceled. The Board members may have resorted to helping to pay for the fair out of their own pockets.
Despite financial problems, the winter fair managed to survive the Depression. Unfortunately, as Brandon recovered from the Depression of the 1930s, the Second World War broke out. For the third time in as many decades, the government requisitioned the winter fair buildings. This time, however, instead of canceling the fair as in previous years, the winter fair went on as scheduled, although it was held on the summer fair grounds.
By 1945, the directors were at a loss financially. They decided that the best course of action in order to keep the fair going was to turn over the buildings to the City of Brandon. By the fall of 1946 the BWFLA had ceased operations.
While the Manitoba Winter Fair and the Provincial Exhibition of Manitoba were still not amalgamated, they continued to share the same secretary-manager and several Board members. After the cessation of the war, the Directors knew they had to become more appealing to the wider public. There were promotional events held and more entertainment was offered to attract the public. These additions led to dessention among Board members, as some wanted the fair to remain purely agricultural. The appeal for the greater good of the fair, even if it did include some non-agricultural attractions, eventually won out.
The fair was still to be plagued with difficulties though. In 1952 the fair had to be canceled because of an outbreak of hoof and mouth disease. Despite setbacks such as this, the Board persevered. The following year a 4-H seed show was created and sponsored by the provincial agronomist, P.F. Ford. A carcass class was added in 1957. Soon the fair was successful and stable and rapidly outgrew its facilities.
It was decided by 1966 that the winter fair and the summer fair should be housed in one building. In 1969, the respective Boards went one step further and decided to become one organization. The Manitoba Winter Fair and the Provincial Exhibition of Manitoba amalgamated in 1969 to become the Manitoba Exhibition Association. In 1970, the year of Manitoba’s Centennial, it was decided that an organization in the province would receive the designation “Royal” by Queen Elizabeth II. After much consideration by the province, the Manitoba Winter Fair was chosen, and in 1970 it became known as the Royal Manitoba Winter Fair. In 1972 the construction of a common facility was completed, and the 1973 winter fair was the occasion of the official opening of the Keystone Centre. The winter fair continues in this facility and under this designation to this day.
Custodial History
The records were housed at the MWFFSA, the MWF and the MEA until c1986 when they were transferred to the S.J. McKee Archives at Brandon University.
Scope and Content
The sous-fonds consists of textual records and photographs pertaining to the Winter Fair. The textual records include prize lists, programs, minutes, financial, administrative files, original results, news releases, scrapbooks, and tickets. The photographs include animal shows and events, dignitaries, entertainment, ceremonies, buildings, and other events.
The sous-fonds has been divided into eleven series, including: (1) Documents; (2) Minutes; (3) Financial records; (4) Administrative files; (5) Prize lists and programs; (6) News releases; (7) Original results; (8) Tickets; (9) Photographs; (10) Scrapbooks; and (11) Miscellaneous
Storage Location
RG 2 Provincial Exhibition of Manitoba Association fonds
In 1973, the Board of Directors of the Provincial Exhibition of Manitoba along with various farm representatives around the area began to feel the need for another, this time purely agricultural, exhibition. The issue was raised in the form of a report written by Donn Mitchell, the chairman of the livestock committee. Because of the growth of both the winter and summer fairs, there was little time and room to properly show the livestock that farmers brought into Brandon. A fall show and sale was thought to be the best solution to the pressing need for both time and space.
After receiving support from the provincial government and the Manitoba Beef Growers Association, the Board decided to hold a fall exhibition. While the Board was wary that the show would succeed, the strong support from producers, government and agri-business virtually ensured success. The first AgEx was officially opened on 3 November 1975. Although the first year was not a financial success, the concept of an agricultural exhibition was, and AgEx continues to thrive in Brandon.
While no minutes are held in this collection for either the Board of Directors or committees, it is evident from the prize lists and programs that the following committee structure existed. There were several committees created by the Board of Directors of AgEx. By 1984 the committees included the AgEx Chairman, the Executive, Aberdeen Angus, Blonde d’Aquitaine, Charolais, Hereford, Holstein, Limousin, Maine Anjou, Salers, Simmental, Steers, Swine, and 4-H/Junior Activities. A Shorthorn committee was added by 1985, and by 1988 there was a Commercial Classic committee.
Custodial History
The sous-fonds was housed at the MEA until c1986 when it was transferred on a continuing basis to the S.J. McKee Archives located at Brandon University.
Scope and Content
The sous-fonds contains textual records and photographs pertaining to AgEx. The textual records include prize lists, programs, administrative files, original results, and news releases. The photographs include animal events and shows, dignitaries. entertainment, and various other events.
The sous-fonds has been divided into five series, including: (4) Administrative files; (5) Prize lists and programs; (6) News releases; (7) Original results; and (9) Photographs. In keeping with the numbering system used for the series in the other sous-fonds in RG 2 Provincial Exhibition of Manitoba Association, the series in RG2SF3 maintain the same numbering system, therefore there is no series 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, or 3.8.
Storage Location
RG 2 Provincial Exhibition of Manitoba Association fonds
RG2SF3 AgEx
The series consists of records that either did not fit, or could not easily be placed into one of the preceding three manuscript groups. The series had several creators, including the Board of Directors for both the summer and winter fairs, the combined Provincial Exhibition of Manitoba Board of Directors, and others. The records also include several documents, and financial records of the combined winter and summer fairs organization, known as the Provincial Exhibition of Manitoba Association. This Association began in the fall of 1969 with the amalgamation of the Manitoba Winter Fair and the Provincial Exhibition of Manitoba.
Custodial History
The sous-fonds was housed in the WAAA, the PEM, the MWFFSA and the MEA until c1986 when it was transferred to the S.J. McKee Archives at Brandon University.
Scope and Content
The sous-fonds consists of textual records and photographs that did not fit easily into one of the other manuscript groups. The textual records include financial, scrapbooks, shareholder’s lists and miscellaneous. There are several documents regarding the building of the Keystone Centre, as well as administrative papers dealing with the Provincial Exhibition of Manitoba Association. There are some minutes, and several financial records, as well as a brief administrative file. The photographs are diverse.
The sous-fonds has been divided into seven series, including: (1) Documents; (2) Minutes; (3) Financial records; (4) Administrative files; (9) Photographs; (10) Scrapbooks; and (11) Miscellaneous. In keeping with the numbering system used for the series in the other sous-fonds in RG 2 Provincial Exhibition of Manitoba Association, the series in RG2SF4 maintain the same numbering system, therefore there is no series 4.5, 4.6, 4.7, or 4.8.
Storage Location
RG 2 Provincial Exhibition of Manitoba Association fonds
RG2SF4 Miscellaneous
Contains the following files:
1.1 Johnston McPherson's drivers licenses and membership cards 1923-1963 (includes 2 photos)
1.2 Miss Ella McKay/Mrs. Johnston McPherson correspondence 1903-1919
1.3 Mrs. Johnston McPherson miscellaneous [1903-1968]
1.4 Mr. and Mrs. Johnston McPherson correspondence 1960 (includes "Story of the Brandon Hills" and "Fun and Happiness on Treasure Trail"
1.5 Mr. and Mrs. Johnston McPherson correspondence 1961
1.6 Mr. and Mrs. Johnston McPherson correspondence 1962-1963
1.7 (Possibly Johnston McPherson) hay account book 1902; same volume contains a travel diary
1.8 Johston McPherson - Land Title (1910) and correspondence re: land purchase (1909)
1.9 Transcript of History of Justice, Manitoba 1956
1.10 Brandon Hills Busy Bees account book 1927-1934
1.11 Basil McDonald's land patent 1884
1.12 List of electors 1938
1.13 Brandon Hills School teacher's notebook 1927
1.14 List of electors in Glenwood [1915-1941] and Blanchard 1933
1.15 Unidentified correspondence [1902-1929]
1.16 Ella McPherson unsorted correspondence 1915-1952
1.17 Address book with newsclippings ca. 1940 (the bigger of the two address books)
1.18 Ella McPherson address book 1913-1939 (includes 2 photographs; was given to Ella McPherson by Ethel McPherson in 1913; the smaller of the two address books).
Thomas Elton Wesley (Wesley) Pentland, son of T.J. and Annie Isabel (McVety) Pentland, was born on October 21, 1889 in Justice, MB. He died on September 25, 1981 in Brandon, MB. Wesley married Harriet Mary Brownell on April 14, 1942 in Winnipeg, MB. They had no children.
Scope and Content
Contains the following files:
2.1 Income tax forms 1939
2.1a Wes Pentland correspondence 1911-1917
2.2 Moore/Thomas deed of land 1886-1906
2.3 Postcards ca.1900 - ca.1910
2.4 Correspondence 1911-1946
2.5 Oil leases (Rio Bravo, Canadian Superior, Imperior) 1949-1950
2.6 Livestock records 1947-1951
2.7 Orange Lodge speech and visitations [1939]; dividend certificates 1939
2.8 Automobile club membership 1937-1944
2.9 Life insurance documents 1919-1945
2.10 Mortgage documents 1914-1922
2.11 School records [1911-1913]
2.12 Mrs. Wes Pentland (Harriet) fur insurance policy 1948
Notes
Part of the Alfred Angus Murray McPherson collection.
File 12.6 is very fragile and has some water damage that has warped the pages, but hasn't damaged the clippings.
Physical Condition
12.5 cm
History / Biographical
For biographical information on Angus and Ethel McPherson see the description for Box 6 of the Alfred Angus Murray McPherson collection. For biographical information on Annie I. McVety (Pentland) see the descrption for Box 10 of the Alfred Angus Murray McPherson collection.
Scope and Content
Contains the following files:
12.1 Angus McPherson album (clippings, poems, etc.) - MISSING
12.2 Ethel McPherson scrapbook 1920-1942
12.3 Ethel McPherson scrapbook 1942-1947
12.4 Ethel McPherson scrapbook 1941-1954 (loose entries)
12.5 Ethel McPherson scrapbook (loose entries)
12.6 Annie I. McVitie scrapbook (poems etc. on an old school register)
12.7 Annie I. McVitie poetry 1879
Notes
Part of the Alfred Angus Murray McPherson collection.
Contains the following files:
13.1 Georgina McPherson newspaper clippings 1897-1949 (arranged by Margaret McPherson in 1952)
13.2 Angus McPherson autograph album 1901
13.3 Ella McKay McPherson 1903
13.4 Jessie Sellers autograph album 1883
13.5 Postcard albums [early 1900's] - some are loose
13.6 Souvenir cards and photo album
13.7 Angus and Ethel McPherson photograph album 1909-1915
13.8 Photograph album [turn of the 20th century] - many of the photographs appear to be of Roseland, B.C.
Notes
Part of the Alfred Angus Murray McPherson collection.
