Search Results - S. J. McKee Archives

History / Biographical: James Walter Collinson was born on March 6, 1900 in Newcastle-on-Tyne, England. He arrived in Canada in 1904, and lived in Carroll and then Souris, MB. From 1918-1938, Walter was a CPR yardmaster. He then took up farming. Walter married Muriel Ruby Lavery (1902-1981) in 1930. Together they had two children: Jim and Jeanne. The family was active in the community, particularly in music. Walter and Muriel played with Professor Racine during the Depression, as well as in orchestras and bands. During World War II, Walter delivered milk in the community. Walter also enjoyed gardening and would often deliver flowers to people in town who were unable to get out. Walter and Muriel retired to Souris in 1979. Walter Collinson died on February 13, 1981 at his home in Souris, MB. He is buried at Souris Glenwood 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 re-recording of a narration by Walter Collinson about the early days in Souris, MB, 1904-1913. Alhtough Walter Collinson died in 1982, his family agreed to allow the Voices of Yesteryear group to include the interview in their project. The re-recording was made by F.M. Collinson in 1983.

Notes: History/bio information from the records, the Souris-Glenwood local history "The People of Souris and Glenwood," and Collinson's obituary. Description by Christy Henry.

1 audio

History / Biographical: Walter Borotsik was born on July 14, 1911 in Brandon, MB. He attended Park School, leaving after grade 10. The Borotsik family lived in Brandon until 1931, when they bought a farm near Justice, MB. Walter left the farm in 1937, and moved back to Brandon. That same year, on March 10, Walter married Jean Aldith Gray (1919-2002) in Brandon. The couple had four sons: Ronald, Dennis, Greg and Jack. During the period 1929 to 1948, Walter worked as a dectorator, except for three years service in the Canadian Navy during the Second World War. Following the war, he again worked as an interior decorator, this time in Toronto, until his doctor advised him to change to outdoor work. As a result, he started pedigreed seed production in 1953. Walter was elected to the Rivers Co-Op Seed Cleaning Plant Board in 1961. He was also involved with the Keystone Centre and the Porvincial Exhibition Assoiciation of Manitoba, serving on each organizations respective Board of Directors. He was also chair of the Royal Manitoba Winter Fair Seed Show for more than 22 years. Walter Borotsik died on August 26, 2003 in Brandon, MB. He is buried at Brandon Municipal 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 audiocasette tape containing an interview with Walter Borotsik about early agriculture and seed growing. Interviewer is Frank Anderson.

Notes: History/bio information from the records. Description by Christy Henry.