The Brandon Ladies Auxiliary #112 of the United Commercial Travelers of America received its charter on October 30, 1937 at their first meeting, which took place in the Rose Room of the Prince Edward Hotel in Brandon, Manitoba. At this time the membership of the Ladies Auxiliary #112 consisted of 27 Sisters. Brother Ernie Tatton, Grand Counselor at the time, presented the Ladies Auxiliary with their Bible in May 1938. Winnipeg Auxiliary #48 gave the Brandon Auxiliary their Bible Book Mark and Saskatoon Auxiliary #23 gave them their gavel.
Initial meetings were held in the Rose Room of the Prince Edward Hotel on Saturday evenings, when the Brothers would meet after their weekly travels. Meetings were then moved to the Kelly Block on 8th Street. Here the Sisters would meet downstairs and the Brothers upstairs. Meetings were usually followed by dancing, singing, and lunch downstairs. Meetings were held in the Masonic Temple, the Knights of Columbus Hall, the Orange Hall, the Oddfellows Hall, and eventually in the UCT Hall. Throughout all the location changes, a social hour was still held with the Brothers.
The Brandon Auxiliary always performed the ritualistic and floor drill work. Originally, patrols only joined the Officers when Brandon Auxiliary was hosting a Grand Session. Patrols, with matching outfits, soon became a part of the floor work at every meeting. Officers were required to wear the proper attire. Capes were introduced in 1940 and white shoes, stockings, and dresses in 1941. Membership swelled over the years and 50 years after being inaugurated the Brandon Auxiliary could claim 136 Sisters.
The Brandon Ladies Auxiliary #112 was always very active within the larger community, especially with fundraising and charitable donation. Initially the Brandon Auxiliary supported the Red Cross by sewing and knitting. The Brandon Auxiliary also supported the Canadian Cancer Society at this time by making dressings. Rummage sales and teas were used to fundraise at the time. Teas were used in conjunction with the wives of the Steam Plant to purchase equipment for the first school in Brandon that taught developmentally delayed children. The Brandon Auxiliary also did fundraising teas, Walk-a-thons, bazaars, and raffles for the Camroc workshop, which was built for older handicapped students.
Bingo games were used to raise funds as well. Other projects of the Brandon Ladies Auxiliary include:
1. Builders of Women – provides help to needy girls and women and gives a scholarship out at the Festival of the Arts. In 1969 the Ladies Auxiliary refurnished the third floor of the YWCA.
2. Cancer – assistance with the annual canvas, ride and run events, putting on an event with a speaker and film, and a survey of sisters who had their annual pap test.
3. Handicapped Children – purchase of equipment for the handicapped classes at George Fitton School and the COR Enterprises (formerly Camroc) workshop. One sister was a volunteer for their swimming and bowling classes, among other things.
4. The Three Benevolent Funds
5. May E. Tisdale Educational Fund – donated to this fund every year, usually in memory of deceased sisters.
6. Brandon General Hospital Special Equipment Fund – every year a sum was included in the Ladies Auxiliary budget to purchase special equipment for the Brandon Hospital.
Civic Service donations included the Mental Health Centre Christmas gifts, three Christmas hampers for needy families, Canadian Diabetes Association, Manitoba Heart Fund, and Brandon Figure Skating Club.
In 1962, the Auxiliary's 25th birthday, their first Dessert Party and Bake Sale was held. This had the stated objectives of growing and working together as a group and raising money for the organization. This became an annual event. Sisters who had attended for 25 years were honoured at the Auxiliary's 36th birthday celebration. Every birthday after that, sisters who had attended for 25 years were guests at the dinner and presented with a corsage and a gift. Sick and bereaved were also remembered at these functions. In the 1980s the Ladies Auxiliary continued to support the UCT Brandon Council #448 in the Annual Travellers Day Parade, Grand Sessions, and other functions.
In the early 1990s the United Commercial Travelers voted to allow women to join the Councils. This marked the beginning of the end for the Auxiliaries. However, ladies who had no connection to a Council could join an Auxiliary now whereas before only a wife, sister, or granddaughter of a Council member could join.
The final Grand Auxiliary Sessions were held in Brandon in May 2003. By this point only three auxiliaries were still active across Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta and all had difficulty recruiting new members. Most of the membership at this time was elderly and unable to take office or work at teas and other such events. Calgary and Regina's Auxiliaries were down to less than twelve members. Brandon still had more than 90 on the membership roll but only about 20 attended meetings regularly and it was becoming difficult to fill Officer positions.
The final Dessert and Bake Sale was held in October 2002 and was the 40th such event. With the demise of the Grand Auxiliary in 2003, it was decided that Brandon would continue to operate; however, after a year it was decided that Brandon would no longer operate as a formal auxiliary. Monthly luncheons would now be held with December being a Christmas Party supper. The last formal meeting was held in the Parkview Seniors complex on March 22, 2004.
The money in the Grand Auxiliary's account was distributed to the three remaining auxiliaries based on how much had been contributed over the preceding ten years. Brandon received $2,500 and had about $5,000 in their account. When formal meetings were discontinued it was decided to donate $5,000 to the “A Bed for You, A Bed for Me” campaign of the Brandon General Hospital. Approximately $1,100 was given to their Chairs from Mentally Challenged and Builders of Women to use as they pleased.
All members on the membership roll were contacted and asked if they wished to remain members. Several decided not to but 50 members remained. Each member under 80 paid a $5 membership fee in April or October. Beginning in 2004, $1 was collected from every member that attended a luncheon to pay for stamps and cards sent to those who were ill, lost a loved one, turned 80, etc. Fundraising is limited to selling Riverview Curling Club Lottery Calendars for which the Ladies Auxiliary #112 received $4. In 2005 $128 was collected and $25 donated to five different charities.
In 2006, sisters of the Auxiliary still worked at the Fairview Daffodil Tea for Cancer, put on the January birthday party at Hillcrest Place, worked the Big Craft Sale at the Keystone Centre in October, worked with the Salvation Army Kettles at Christmas, and sold carnatons for multiple sclerosis and daffodils for the Cancer Society. Luncheons held averaged about 20 members and 25 at Christmas.
Custodial History
Records were created and collected by the members of the Brandon United Commercial Travelers Ladies Auxiliary #112. The collection was donated to the S.J. McKee Archives in March 2007.
Scope and Content
Collection consists of records that document the origin, activities, and ultimately the disbandment of the Brandon Ladies Auxiliary #112 of the Order of the United Commercial Travelers of America. These records were created and accumulated during the nearly 70 year existence of the UCT Ladies Auxiliary #112.
The collection consists of the minutes of their meetings from November 1939 to November 1991, photographs of the members, and sign-in books from October 1937 to March 1991. It also contains the account ledger from April 1972 to March 1997. Several scrapbooks containing photographs and newspaper clippings related to the activities and members of the Ladies Auxiliary and the United Commercial Travelers, spanning the nearly 70 lifespan of the organization, are also included in the collection.
Both the United Commercial Travelers Council #448 and the United Commercial Travelers Ladies Auxiliary #112 were very active in raising funds for various charitable organizations. Money was raised for the Brandon General Hospital, as well as for George Fitton School to assist with their special education program. Organizations such as the Red Cross, the Canadian Cancer Society, special needs organizations, United Way, the Multiple Sclerosis Society, and several other organizations all received the benefits of UCT fundraising. Scholarships were also given out. Teas, dessert and bake sales, sewing and knitting, rummage sales, Walk-a-thons, bazaars, and raffles were all used to raise money for charitable donations.
Collection also contains various artifacts including a gavel, the original charter of the Ladies Auxiliary #112, nomination balls, officer's badges, a Bible, and the cloth used for the draping of a deceased member's charter. Also included is a handbook detailing the rituals carried out by the United Commercial Travelers of America.
Notes
History/biographical information provided by Sister Bernice Nerbas of the UCT Ladies Auxiliary #112. Copies of their history are found in the collection. Description by Joseph Dauphinais (October 2013).
The Order of the United Commercial Travelers of America (UCT) fonds (5-2008), 4 photographs in the CKX fonds (11-2010.U5, 11-2010.U6a, 11-2010.U6b, 11-2010.U6c), Jack Stothard collection (4-2013)
Photograph sent to Fred McGuinness from Leila McDiarmid Leck of Mission, BC, on 08 Feb 1983 in response to his Park School column (see F.A. Rosser, “Sunbeams – Park School reminiscences from a far away friends, Brandon Sun 25 Jan 1983)
Scope and Content
Photograph shows a group of young boys posing for a picture in a school yard. Back row: Doug Barr, Bob Russel, Stan Wilkins, Murray Bowen, Rae McKenzie and Bob Epton. Middle row: Jimp Thompson, doug Jameison, Bill Beaton, Harold Barker and Harry Munroe. Front Row: Ted Tracy, Jim Richardson, Wilkie Collins, Clifford Kitson and Glen Speers.
Notes
Writing on the back of the photograph reads: Photograph is stamped: Crawford's Drug Store Brandon Tru-Tone Finish? Names of boys obtained from correspondence dated 08 Feb 1983 to Fred McGuinness from Leia McDiarmid Leck.
The Medicine Hat Exhibition and Stampede Parade Day was held on Thursday, July 19, 1962, at 9:30 a.m. The local newspaper reported that approximately 24,000 people were in attendance to see parade marshall Rod Ashburner leading 175 entries consisting of 90 floats, 75 horses, and 10 bands. There were 19 parade categories eligible for $12,000 in prize money and included: junior and senior cowboys and cowgirls; fancy and Shetland ponies; sulky class open; comic, commercial, industrial and organizational floats; decorated cars; special ranch class; 4-H Clubs; and a non-competitive class.
The parade route started at Second St. and Allowance Ave., from Second St. to Ash Ave., north on Ash to First St. SE., from First St. S.E. to Fourth Ave., south to Second St. to South Railway St., south on South Railway St. to Third St., with a finish at McLeod Trail. A route map was published in the Medicine Hat News the day before the parade.
Aerial photographs of the parade were taken by Medicine Hat News photographer Howard Heid (1930-2005) from the private helicopter of John Bourn. Bourn was a pilot from Woodville, Wisconsin, who chartered his four-seater helicopter for sight-seers at exhibitions and stampedes across the county.
(Sources: Pat Currie, "Let 'Er Go!," Medicine Hat News, 19 July 1962,1; Harald Gunderson, "'Eye in the Sky' Best Parade View," Medicine Hat News, 19 July 1962,1; "Parade Starts at 9:30 Sharp," 18 July 1962)
Scope and Content
Photograph shows an aerial view of the Medicine Hat Exhibition and Stampede Parade route, with a focus on the First Street SE and North Railway Street merge.
Notes
This photograph appeared on the front page of The Medicine Hat News (19 July 1962).
Fred McGuinness is popularly known for his work as the prairie essayist for CBC Radio’s Morningside with Peter Gzowski, a position he held for 17 years. Many of McGuinness’ Morningside essays were autobiographical in nature. He often reported about life on Christmas Tree Farm, a section of land where he and his wife, Christine, built their dream home in the late 1970s. The couple planted a Christmas tree farm on the property and Christine maintained an extensive kitchen garden, while Fred tended honey bees. Life on the farm made its way into radiobroadcasts, Neighborly News columns, and the book "Letters from Section 17: A Collection of Morningside Essays" (Winnipeg: Great Plains Publishing, 1999).
Scope and Content
Set consists of 13 negatives showing work being conducted on the McGuinness property, Christmas Tree Farm, Section 17. The first 12 negatives show the McGuinness family planting with their tractor and the last negative shows a woman working on a swimming pool liner.
Notes
McGuinness drafted a manuscript, titled "Hole in the Ground," about the family pool on Section 17. It was one manuscript McGuinness was re-tooling before he passed away in 2011.
The Order of United Commercial Travelers of America (UCT) is a fraternal benefits society. It was founded in Columbus, Ohio on January 16, 1888 by eight traveling salesmen (commercial travelers) for the purpose of providing accident insurance for traveling salesmen, protecting the rights of its members and aiding those dependent upon them.
UCT came to Canada in 1898 with the creation of Winnipeg Council No. 154. The organization gradually spread westward with Councils established in Regina, Saskatoon, Calgary and Brandon. Brandon Council No. 448 was granted a charter on December 12, 1908.
Brandon Council No. 448 incorporated in 1984. Soon after they purchased and renovated the UCT Hall (now East Port Hall) at 530 Richmond Avenue East. The goals of Brandon Council No. 448 are "to improve our community, meet new friends, improve fellowship, to discover the best in ourselves and others, and to derive satisfaction from helping others." UCT Brandon Council No. 448 supports a number of organiztions and programs in Brandon; to raise money, the Council holds a weekly bingo (first held on May 9, 1963) and a canteen at bingos. As well, they participate in an anuual ticket raffle within Manitoba.
The governing body of UCT in the United States and Canada is the Supreme Council, which is located in Columbus, Ohio. States or groups of states and provinces are divided into Grand Jurisdictions; Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta make up a Grand Jurisdiction, of which Brandon Council forms a part. The Grand charter was granted on June 10, 1911. Prior to 1911, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta formed part of the Grand Jurisdiction of Minnesota and North Dakota.
Custodial History
The UCT Brandon Council #448 decided to donate their records to the McKee Archives after selling their meeting hall (UCT Hall - now East Port Hall). Records were stored in East Port Hall on Richmond Avenue East until their donation in January 2008.
Scope and Content
Fonds consists of: Brandon UCT Council scrapbooks (1974-1999, 1997-2006); Brandon Council minutes (1990-1996); unidentified attendance registers (probably Brandon); Minutes of the Grand Council of Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta (1911-17, 1919); Proceedings of the Grand Council of Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta (1914-15, 1917-19,1922-35, 1937-62, 1964, 1966-75, 1977, 1981-83, 1988-89); Minutes and Correspondence of the Grand Council of Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta (1958-59); Annual Reports to the Grand Council Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta from various councils (1948, 1949, 1950, 1952); Grand Council of Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta documents including Cash Book (1911-1948) and Ledger (1911-1948); Proceedings of the Supreme Council (1964-68); Proceedings of the Grand Council of Illinois (1956-57); Proceedings of the Grand Council of Minnesota and North Dakota (1931, 1949); Swift Current Council, minutes (1939-45, 1959-71), membership and financial records (1937-63); Lethbridge, attendance register (1914-1930, 1933-55); Regina, membership [nd]; Miscellaneous documents: Constitution and Bylaws UCT of America, 1962; The UCT Story 1888-1988, compiled by William C. Shortt; and 9 b/w photographs, various sizes.
Notes
History/Bio information taken from the UCT webstie available at: http://www.uct.org/History.html (February 2008), from "The UCT Story: Do you Know It?" by James B. Chrisp, and published in the May 18, 1986 edition of the Sunday Sunday, and the Brandon Council #448 pamphlet. Description by Christy Henry and Tom Mitchell.
Photograph shows the northeast corner of 10th Street and Princess Avenue facing east. In the background the following Brandon businesses can be seen: back of the Brandon Inn, B/A gas station, The Princess Cafe, and the Central Fire Hall.
Notes
Photograph dated from "Tara's Bulba," the movie playing at the Strand Theatre and similiar vehicles captured in the photograph.
Photograph shows the west side of 10th Street between Rosser and Princess Avenues in the winter. Visible businesses include: Bottomley's, Simpsons-Sears, Lionel Electric, Allied Hardware Stores, Box Brothers Hardware, Doig's. Painted on the north face of the Strathcona Block are two advertisements, one for Sutherland and Robertson [Grocery] and the other for Boyd Electric Co. Ltd.
First Church United began as the First Methodist Church. It was renamed in c. 1925 and was located on the corner of 8th Street and Lorne Avenue, just south of the YMCA. From 1913-1919, A.E. Smith was the Methodist minister. The church was demolished c. 1975.
Scope and Content
Photograph is looking northeast and shows First Church United.
Repro Restriction
The McKee Archives is the copyright holder for the Stuckey materials.
Stuckey's notes: Back row (L to R): Mrs. Alden Blight, Wes. Stewart, Bessie Waugh (nee Roddick, later Chapman), Mary Baker, Alden Blight. Front row (L to R): Rachael Baker, Aletha Blight, Mr. Waugh. Courtesy of J.V. Baker.
Scope and Content
Portrait of the members of the Brandon Hills Church Choir.
Notes
Corresponds with negative 1-2002.3.9.OA2.
Repro Restriction
The McKee Archives is the copyright holder for the Stuckey materials.
See sub sub series level (RG 6, 8.4.1) for history/bio information.
Custodial History
See sub sub series level (RG 6, 8.4.1) for custodial history.
Scope and Content
Photograph of the authors who participated in Panel 3: Seven Porcupines into the Future held Saturday morning in the J.R.C. Evans Lecture Theatre. (L-R): Louise Halfe, Warren Cariou and Kateri Akiwenzie-Damm.
Storage Location
RG 6 Brandon University fonds
Series 8: Library Services
8.4 Library special events
8.4.1 Brandon Aboriginal Literary Festival
See sub sub series level (RG 6, 8.4.1) for history/bio information.
Custodial History
See sub sub series level (RG 6, 8.4.1) for custodial history.
Scope and Content
Photograph of the participants in Panel 3: Seven Porcupines into the Future held Saturday morning in the J.R.C. Evans Lecture Theatre. (L-R): Louise Halfe, Warren Cariou, Kateri Akiwenzie-Damm and Paul DePasquale (Chair).
Storage Location
RG 6 Brandon University fonds
Series 8: Library Services
8.4 Library special events
8.4.1 Brandon Aboriginal Literary Festival
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