Clarence Westover McLean was born in 1907 at Shoal Lake, MB. After attending school in Shoal Lake, Clarence entered his father's implement and dealership business. He continued in the business after his father's death until his own retirement in 1979. Clarence married Moira Best (1916?-2006) in 1942. They had no children. Clarence was a sports enthusiast, particularly hockey, curling and golf. He was a long time member of Wasagaming Golf Club and Lakeside Golf Club, serving over ten years as president of the latter. Clarence also served on the Village Council, belonged to the Chamber of Commerce, was active in the planning of and fundraising for the local arena, and worked on the committee that organized Shoal Lake water works. A member of the Masonic Lodge for over 40 years, Clarence was also a charter member of Royal York Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star. Clarence McLean died on December 28, 1981 in Shoal Lake, MB. He is buried at Shoal Lake 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 an interview with Clarence McLean about his father's life and his life as an auto, implement and livestock dealer. The interviewer is Cliff Findlay.
Notes
History/bio information from the records and McLean's obituary. Description by Christy Henry.
Language Note
English
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Clarence Benjamin Graham? Spurr, was born in on February 13, 1891 in Bancroft, Ontario. Spurr began working for the Canadian Pacific Railway in 1914 as a station agent at Rocanville, SK and spent many years as an agent in various communities in Saskatchewan and Manitoba before retiring in 1955. In 1923, he married Elizabeth Wallace Lindsay (1893-1979) and they raised three children, sons Ewart and Delbert and adopted niece Verna Spurr. Clarence and Elizabeth moved to Brandon, MB following his retirement. Spurr joined the Canadian military in 1915, and was initially sent to Camp Hughes. A signaler and runner, he spent 1916-1918 overseas. Clarence Spurr died on December 21, 1982 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 audiocassette tape containing an interview with Clarence B.G. Spurr about his experiences during World War I. Spurr discusses and reminisces about details of the Great War and some of the major turning points within it from Vimy Ridge, Lamont, Mons, Neuville-Saint-Vaast and the Armistice that ended the war on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day in November from the perspective of a Canadian soldier. Interviewer is Delbert Spurr.
Notes
History/bio information from the records and Spurr's obituary. Transcript by Whitney Hodgins (2017). Description by Christy Henry.
Access Restriction
Content Warning: Some of the material discussed in the interview is sensitive in nature, dealing with the war and some of the gruesome acts that go with it. Listener discretion is advised.
Language Note
English
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History / Biographical
Clarence Frank Hopkin was born September 11, 1913 in Brandon, MB. He worked for the family bakery (Hopkin's Bakery), which was located on the southside of Rosser Avenue downtown, for the railroad in the mail cars and the Brandon Post Office. At the same time Hopkin's worked for the Post Office he and his wife operated Hopkin's Home Bakery from their house after the downtown bakery had ceased operations.
Hopkin's was a member of the First Baptist Church and a Golden K Kiwanis Club member. He took an active interest in community theatre, attending and participating in a number of plays. In 1994, Hopkin received the Mayor's Volunteer Service Award for Education in recognition of his volunteer work at Betty Gibson School where he read to and with the students there.
Hopkin married Ivy Margaret Ward on June 2, 1945 in Brandon. Ward was born in 1913 and predeceased her husband in 1986. Together they had two children: Keith and Elaine.
Clarence Frank Hopkin died in Brandon on March 17, 2009.
Custodial History
Records were collected by Hopkin's and possibly other family members at the house on 7th Street where the family lived for approximately 100 years. After Hopkin's death in March 2009, his daughter Elaine and granddaughter Holly contacted the Archives regarding donation of some of the materials to the McKee Archives. Visits were made to the Hopkin's house by Archives staff the week of April 13-17, 2009, at the end of which the records in the accession were officially donated to the Archives.
Scope and Content
Collection consists of records collected by Clarence Hopkin over the course his life, which document his personal interests and certain community events.
Included in the collection are: scrapbooks (mostly newspaper clippings); play programs from productions staged by the Brandon Little Theatre; cookbooks; four play scripts; copies of the BCI New Era yearbook (1926, 1928 (may not be complete - missing cover), 1929); 1946 Brandon Business and Professional Classified Directory; Brandon College/University programs from recitals, plays and convocations; materials related to the radio show broadcast by First Baptist Church; Harrison High Literary Society play programs; miscellaneous programs to events held in the city; Brandon City District Drama Festival and The Mantioba Drama League Provincial Festival programs; The Brandon Canadian Concert Association programs; information on the Brandon Street Railway and the Criddle family; advertisement cards from Brandon businesses; a typescript copy of "How Englishmen Get That Way;" and a radio broadcast talk by Christopher Ellis.
It also contains copies of: Northern-Lights and Shadows by J.S. Clark; A Bundle of Burnt Cork Comedy by Harry L. Newton; Picturesque Brandon; Petit Pettitt: Biography of a Brandon Oldtimer by Joan T. Thompson; and Pioneer Patches by Mildred Donley.
Collection also includes four photographs and one negative. Negative: Brandon Collegiate Form 3A, 1928-1929. Photographs: City Hall looking southeast; Grain elevator on Pacific Avenue; Brandon Central Fire Station; interior parlour photograph.
Notes
History/Bio information provided by Hopkin's daughter Elaine in April 2009.
Ethel Elizabeth Mary Allen (nee Baker) was born on June 30, 1915 on Springhill Farm in the RM of Rosedale. She attended Springhill School and Neepawa Collegiate. An accomplished pianist, she formed a band with her brothers and together they played many dances. Ethel married William Allen (1902-1964) in June 1938 and together they had one son, Larry. Following the marriage, the couple lived in the residence at Howden elevator where Bill was the elevator agent for the Ogilvie company. Ethel helped Bill with bookkeeping. When Bill died, Ethel moved to Neepawa, where she worked for the Osborone Senior Citizens Home for a number of years. A long time member of the Order of the Eastern Star, Naomi Chapter No. 11, Ethel enjoyed curling, sewing and travel. Ethel Allen died on May 14, 2001 in Neepawa, MB. She is buried at Riverside 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 an interview with Ethel Allen about the history of the Potter-Baker Centennial Farm. Interviewer is Isabelle Heeney.
Notes
History/bio information from the records and the local history "The Beautiful Plains Story, 1983-2008." Transcript by Sarah Gerdis-Filipchuk (2023). Description by Christy Henry.
Language Note
English
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Faith Ellen Flay (nee Willis) was born on September 17, 1884 in Little Burn, Devonshire, England. Faith married William Frederick Flay (1877-1965) in Tiverton, Devon on December 26, 1906 and together they had two children: Winnifred Ellen and William George. She immigrated to Canada with her children in 1916 to join her husband who had come to Canada in 1913. The family lived in many communities in southern Manitoba - Deloraine, Clearwater, Whitewater, Boissevain, Hartney and Brandon - where William farmed and worked for the railroad. Faith took her midwife training in Britain and continued to work as a midwife in Manitoba, working closely with Dr. Buchanan (Deloraine) and Dr. Corbett (Crystal City). Faith Flay died on Septebmer 22, 1985 in Brandon, MB. She is buried at Riverside 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 an interview with Faith Flay about pioneering to Canada. Interviewer is Hazel Rose.
Notes
History/bio information from the records and Flay's obituary. Description by Christy Henry.
Language Note
English
Audio Tracks
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Faith Ellen Flay (nee Willis) was born on September 17, 1884 in Little Burn, Devonshire, England. Faith married William Frederick Flay (1877-1965) in Tiverton, Devon on December 26, 1906 and together they had two children: Winnifred Ellen and William George. She immigrated to Canada with her children in 1916 to join her husband who had come to Canada in 1913. The family lived in many communities in southern Manitoba - Deloraine, Clearwater, Whitewater, Boissevain, Hartney and Brandon - where William farmed and worked for the railroad. Faith took her midwife training in Britain and continued to work as a midwife in Manitoba, working closely with Dr. Buchanan (Deloraine) and Dr. Corbett (Crystal City). Faith Flay died on Septebmer 22, 1985 in Brandon, MB. She is buried at Riverside 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 an interview with Faith Flay about child labor in England and her career as a midwife. Interviewer is Kay Briggs.
Notes
History/bio information from the records and Flay's obituary. Description by Christy Henry.
Language Note
English
Audio Tracks
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Florence Alice Hinch (nee Matthews) was born on October 21, 1898 in Charlottetown, PEI. She came to Brandon with her parents James Ewen and Deborah (Lowther) Matthews, as well as brother Ralph, in 1911. James Matthews served in the Canadian Parliament for a number of years. Florence received her education in Brandon, graduating from Brandon College. After teaching at Hunter and Hayfield schools, she married John S Hinch (1888-1954) in October 1926. Together they had two children: John and Howard. Florence and John farmed SE 2-10-20 in the RM of Whitehead. She was an avid supporter and player at the Roseland Curling Rink, and also participated in many school and church activities. Florence Hinch died on April 16, 1991 in Brandon, MB. She 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 audiocassette tape containing an interview with Florence Hinch about the history of J.E. Matthews and family. Interviewer is Effie McPhail.
Notes
History/bio information from the records and Hinch's obituary. Description by Christy Henry.
Language Note
English
Audio Tracks
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Floyd Renwick Amos was born in September 1900 in Waskada, MB. Floyd attended schools in the area and worked with his father as a blacksmith, until he began farming in the Bagot area. In 1935, he moved to Austin. That same year, Floyd married Irene B. Martin (1909-1964). Together they had two children: Irma and John. Floyd farmed until 1955, and the next year he became night supervisor at the Manitoba Home for Boys in Portage la Prairie. He held this position until retiring in 1967. Following retirement, Floyd moved to Winnipeg where he lived with his sister and niece. Floyd Amos died on April 1, 1989 in Winnipeg, MB. He is buried at Austin 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 an interview with Floyd Amos about Waskada and area. Interviewer is Roberta Poole.
Notes
History/bio information from the records and Amos' obituary. Description by Christy Henry.
Language Note
English
Audio Tracks
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Frank William Anderson was born on October 23, 1911 on the family farm at NW 20-11-18 near Forrest, MB. He attended school at Turriff and Brandon before graduating with a degree in agriculture from the University of Manitoba in 1935. He then served ten years as an Ag Rep for the Manitoba Department of Agriculture, first in Teulon, later in Minnedosa. Frank married Elizabeth Helen Barson (1919-2016) on August 7, 1943. Together they had four children: William, Margaret, Bonnie and Shirley. The family moved to the Anderson family farm in 1946, where Frank returned to his first love, farming. He retired from active farming in 1982, but continued to live on the farm until 2000. In 1989, the Anderson farm was recognized as a Century Farm. In 1994, Frank received a Manitoba Heritage Award for restoration of the barn. In 1996, in partnership with Delta Water Fowl, the RM of Elton, Ducks Unlimited and PFRA, a wetland habitat site was created on the farm. This habitat was enhanced by a shelter belt planted by the wood lot program of Habitat Heritage. Frank had a life long commitment to the co-operative movement, serving in various capacities with Federated Co-ops, Manitoba Pool Elevators and United Grain Growers. He was also a 4-H Club Leader, a school trustee, a board member of the Royal Manitoba Winter Fair, and a member of the United Church. He devoted 37 years to the beautification of Humesville Cemetery. In his later years, Frank was an active member of the Elton Leisure Club and a regular at the Brandon YMCA. Frank Anderson died on February 28, 2002 in Brandon, MB. He is buried at Humesville 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 an interview with Frank Anderson about early education and early agriculture. Interviewer is Blair Loree.
Notes
History/bio information from the records and Anderson's obituary. Description by Christy Henry.
Language Note
English
Audio Tracks
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Frank Clarence Hitchock was born on March 18, 1893 on the home farm at NE 31-8-22. The family moved to Griswold, MB in 1907. In 1910, Frank moved to Winnipeg to attend Manitoba Agriculture College; he graduated in 1914. In 1917, Frank was accepted as a trooper with the Fort Garry Horse and saw action at Sanctuary Wood. He returned to Brandon in 1919 and joined the civil service as Field Supervisor with the Soldiers Settlement Board in Saskatoon. Frank married Harriet A Keeble (1895-1954) on October 20, 1919. Together they had one son. When his position was cut, Frank worked at a number of jobs in the province before taking post graduate work at the University of Saskatchewan. During the Second World War, Frank became Employment Supervisor with the Saskatchewan Department of Agriculture. Frank moved to Winnipeg in 1954, where he continued to work in the civil service. He retired in 1959, and moved to Souris, MB. Frank Hitchcock died on July 19, 1983 in Souris, MB. He is buried at St. John's Cathedral 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 an interview with Frank Hitchcock about his life as a farmer, soldier, student and civil servant. Interviewer is John Forsyth.
Notes
History/bio information from the records and Hitchcock's obituary. Description by Christy Henry.
Language Note
English
Audio Tracks
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Frank Morgan May was born on February 23, 1907 in the Oberon district. Frank
married Vera Isabella Connell (1904-1995) in July 1934. Together they had five children: James, Kenneth, Robert, Gordon and Katharine. Frank farmed in the Oberon district until the 1960s. He was among the first farmers in his district to try growing unique crops (seed potatoes, peas, sunflowers etc). In his spare time, Frank restored two steam engines, which were both displayed at the Austin Threserman's Reunion every summer. Frank May died on December 6, 1991 in Carberry, MB. He is buried at Riverside 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 an interview with Frank May about acquiring a steamer. Interviewer is Dorothy Martin.
Notes
History/bio information from the records and May's obituary. Description by Christy Henry.
Language Note
English
Audio Tracks
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Frank Presunka was born on February 3, 1919 in Dauphin, MB. He grew up on the family farm. Frank graduated from Winnipeg Normal School in 1941, and then spent the next eight years at schools in Killarney, Crystal City, Plum Coulee and Glenboro as a teacher and principal. Frank married Edith Wheeler (1927-2011) on November 8, 1946 in Crystal City. Together they had two children: Dallas and Reid. In 1949, Frank became the editor and publisher of the Western Prairie Gazette, which became the Glenboro Gazette. Frank sold the business to Glen and Agnes Witherspoon in August 1967, to accept a teaching position in Carberry. During evenings and the summer months, Frank completed BA and BEd degrees at Brandon University. In 1975, he graduated with his Master of Education degree from the University of Manitoba. Frank retired from teaching in 1982, following which, he returned to writing some articles for The Gazette. Frank and Edith were very active in the community, through the Lutheran Church, curling, the chamber of commerce and the hospital auxiliary. Frank Presunka died on December 30, 1985 in Glenboro, MB.
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 an interview with Frank Presunka about his life as a teacher and editor, as well as the RM of South Cypress Centennial. Interviewer is Irene Brown.
Notes
History/bio information from the records, the Glenboro local history "Beneath the Long Grass" and Presunka's obituary. Description by Christy Henry.
Language Note
English
Audio Tracks
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