Brandon College established a Canadian Officer Training Corps (COTC) program in 1916 and had enough students for a platoon that would join the 196th Western Universities Battalion's B Company. COTC logs for in the SJ McKee Archives show that at least 40 men regularly attended classes on campus during the 1916 winter term.
The Brandon Daily Sun published the names of 60 potential platoon recruits before they headed to Camp Hughes to train in the summer of 1916. Although Lt. J.R.C. Evans spearheaded the training of the COTC enlistees at Brandon College, he was found medically unfit for overseas service. In his stead, the son of the college's founder, Lt. William Carey McKee, lead the platoon to Camp Hughes where they joined the 196th Battalion. Of the 60 recruits identified in the local paper, 20 would not survive the war, including Lt. McKee. [ST/2016]
Scope and Content
Photograph shows a group of 40 men wearing WWI uniforms. The men have the Canada general service cap badge on their headdress. The officer in the centre of the group (i.e., the man with the cane) is J.R.C. Evans. The group of men are likely members of the first Brandon College Platoon, which joined the 196th Western Universities Battalion.
Photograph shows a CPR passenger trains at the old Brandon train station. Carts/trolleys appear to be loaded with wooden crates and metal milk containers. Photograph was likely taken from the 8th Street Bridge. The ramp to the 8th Street Bridge can be seen on the ride of the photograph, where residences line Assiniboine Avenue.
A piece of the photograph is missing on the left side. A small portion of one of the buildings is missing as a result.
History / Biographical
The Brandon Insane Asylum was located on the north bank of the Assiniboine River, two miles north of Brandon. It had a southern aspect.
Custodial History
See fonds level description of the Alf Fowler collection for custodial history.
Scope and Content
Photo was taken looking northeast and shows the front and west side of the Brandon Insane Asylum. Construction materials are visible at the base of the building.
Notes
A 5" x 7" (b/w) reproduction of the photograph is located with the original.
Storage Range
RG 5 Western Manitoba Manuscript collection - photograph storage drawer
The Brandon Club, designed in 1904 by local architect and builder W.R. Marshall, was Brandon's oldest chartered club. It was located at 158 11th Street. In the early years as an exclusive institution, the club boased such notable members as Sir Clifford Sifton, Senator J.N. Kirchoffer, and Sir R.P. Roblin. The Brandon Club closed its doors c. 2005. At present (June 2007), it is the future home of Lennon Trilogy, professional land surveyors.
Custodial History
See fonds level description of the Alf Fowler collection for custodial history.
Scope and Content
Photo shows the exterior of the Brandon Club. Photograph is looking west.
Notes
History/Bio information taken from the Assiniboine Historical Society's Brandon: An Architectural Walking Tour pamphlet (1982).
Storage Range
RG 5 Western Manitoba Manuscript collection - photograph storage drawer
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