Peter Alexander (P.A.) Alex McPhail was born on July 11, 1897 in the RM of Elton. Raised on the family farm in Forrest, MB, he was the eldest son of Archie and Mary McPhail who came to Manitoba from Ontario. Alex took over the farm in 1915, and farmed there until 1949, when he and his family moved to Brandon. During the First World War, Alex was a lieutenant in the Royal Canadian Air Force. He married Effie Irene Weir (1900-1999) in 1933 and together they raised four children: Ronald, Malcolm, Archie and Donna. Effie and Alex were both active members of their community. Alex was especially involved in the agricultural community and won many prizes over the years for his livestock. From 1954-1965, Alex was the General Manager for the Provincial Exhibition Association of Manitoba and the Manitoba Winter Fair. He also served one term as the president of the Canadian Association of Exhibitions. Additionally, Alex was on the Brandon General Hospital board, the Brandon College board, and was a member of the Kiwanis and Shriners clubs. He was also involved in local sports. Both Alex and Effie McPhail were active members of the United Church. Alex McPhail died on June 28, 1989 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 Alex McPhail about his family history, agriculture, the Provincial Exhibition Association of Manitoba and the Manitoba Winter Fair. Interviewer is Frank Anderson.
Notes
History/bio information from the records and the description for the Effie and Alex McPhail collection at the Daly House Museum. Transcript by Alana Donohoe (2017). Description by Christy Henry.
Language Note
English
Conservation
Preservation copy made 2021 (R. Hess)
Audio Tracks
Media missing or recording not available.
An unexpected error occurred.
Update Required
To play the media you will need to update your
browser to a recent version, or update your Flash plugin.
Alexander Hector Black was born on August 31, 1901 in Oak River, MB. Alex lived in the Oak River area his entire life, farming until he retired in 1976. He married Blanche Edith Paddock (1905-1985) on October 14, 1936 and together they had four children: Frank, Margaret, Melvin and Eileen. The couple moved into Oak River in 1976, and Alex remained in the home until 1997. Alex was active in the community as a member of the church board, teasurer of the church, and Sunday School Superintendent. He was also a member of the school board and the Pool Elevator board, as well as a director of the Agricultural Society (1925-198?). Alex Black died on April 1, 1999 in Hamiota, MB. He is buried at Oak River 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 Alex Black about his life from crofter to a modern farmer. Interviewer is Stan Henry.
Notes
History/bio information from the records and Black's obituary. Transcript by Rhys Fletcher (2023). Description by Christy Henry.
Language Note
English
Audio Tracks
Media missing or recording not available.
An unexpected error occurred.
Update Required
To play the media you will need to update your
browser to a recent version, or update your Flash plugin.
Alice May (nee Heal) was born August 13, 1910 in Strathclair, MB to Charles and Kristina Heal. Alice worked as a secretary and bookkeeper and then as a homemaker. She married Frank May (1901-1985) on November 16, 1932 and together they had two children: Frances and Arthur. The family moved to Strathclair in 1946. Alice May died on August 10, 2006 in Shoal Lake, MB. She is buried at Strathclair Muncipal 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 Alice May about the family history of the Heals. Interviewer is William R. Patterson.
Notes
History/bio information from the records and May's obituary. Transcript by Joe Haw (2023). Description by Christy Henry.
Language Note
English
Audio Tracks
Media missing or recording not available.
An unexpected error occurred.
Update Required
To play the media you will need to update your
browser to a recent version, or update your Flash plugin.
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
Audio Tracks
Media missing or recording not available.
An unexpected error occurred.
Update Required
To play the media you will need to update your
browser to a recent version, or update your Flash plugin.
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
Audio Tracks
Media missing or recording not available.
An unexpected error occurred.
Update Required
To play the media you will need to update your
browser to a recent version, or update your Flash plugin.
Ida Beatrice "Bea" Carr (nee Johnson) was born on December 23, 1912 in Brandon, MB. Bea attended school in Brandon, including Brandon Collegiate Institute (BCI). She worked at Doig's in downtown Brandon for many years, retiring in 1976. Bea married Thomas George Carr (1905-1992) in 1943. They had no children. Bea was a member of Central United Church and the UCW. She was also a member of the Teck Chapter of the IODEI and loved playing golf and bridge. Beatrice Carr died on November 11, 1995 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 Bea Carr about pioneers, the Power and William Johnson families, and Rhoda Tennant. Interviewer is Marjorie Lange.
Notes
History/bio information from the records and Carr's obituary. Transcript by Mary Longman (2023). Description by Christy Henry.
Language Note
English
Audio Tracks
Media missing or recording not available.
An unexpected error occurred.
Update Required
To play the media you will need to update your
browser to a recent version, or update your Flash plugin.
Betty Margaret Gibson was born on July 14, 1911 in Brandon, MB. She attended primary school in Alexandra and Park schools, and took her teachers education at the Brandon Normal School. She began her teaching career in 1929. Teaching first in Deloraine and Chater, in 1936, Gibson travelled to South Africa to be the headmistress at Kingsmead College, Johannesburg. She returned to Brandon ten years later to take up the post of Principal at Fleming School. During this time she completed a BA from Brandon College (1959). Attaining her Master's degree in Early Childhood Education, she taught at the University of Saskatoon and Brandon College/University. At Brandon University she was heavily involved with Indigenous teacher programs, including BUNTEP, PENT and IMPACT. She was briefly the Assistant Superintendent for the Brandon School Division (1967-1968). Gibson was active in the Children's Aid Society, co-created and appeared in a television show called "Common Sense About Reading" (CBC), and was the author of a children's book called "The Story of Little Quack." Gibson received the Centennial Medal in 1967, and the J.M. Brown Award (1974), for contribution to education in Manitoba. She was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Liberal Laws from BU in 1975, and even in retirement continued to teach education courses at BU and help children with reading disabilities. In 2003, she was inducted into Brandon University's Hall of Fame. Betty Gibson School in the Brandon School Division is named in her honor. Gibson never married. Betty Gibson died on February 23, 2001 in Brandon, MB. She is buried at Rosewood Memorial Gardens.
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 Betty Gibson about her teaching career. Interviewer is JE Bateman.
Notes
History/Bio information taken from the Manitoba Historical Society, The Brandon Sun and the records. Transcript by Nathan Qumsieh (2014). Description by Christy Henry.
Language Note
English
Conservation
Preservation copy created 2021 (R. Hess)
Audio Tracks
Media missing or recording not available.
An unexpected error occurred.
Update Required
To play the media you will need to update your
browser to a recent version, or update your Flash plugin.
Edward John "Jack" Blatchford was born on the family farm near Bradwardine, MB on July 1, 1904. He remained at home to help with farm duties after attending Bradwardine School. In 1930, he rented a farm, but also worked odd jobs plowing the town gardens, hauling frieght and coal, taking care of the rink and butchering for the mink ranch in Hamiota and the beef ring. Jack married Jessie Bowyer Mawer on August 6, 1931 in Winnipeg.
Jessie was born on July 14, 1910 in the Tarbolton district of the RM of Daly and attended schools in Spring Valley, Tarbolton and Bradwardine. Her nursing training at the Brandon Mental Hospital was not completed when she married in 1931. After the marriage, the couple farmed north of Bradwardine before moving into the village in 1944, when Jack changed his occupation; he started a trucking business hauling grain for farmers and also working for Good Roads. Jack was also employed with Canadian Comstock at Rivers, Brandon and Carberry-Portage before being hired in the C.E. Section of the Department of National Defence at Rivers CFB. He held this position from 1959 until his retirement.
Jack was an avid sportsman, playing hockey, footbball, broomball, curling, baseball, softball, as well as speed skating. He also enjoed hunting. In Bradwardine, Jessie provided care for the sick, as well as maternity care, but also worked in the local gorcery and hardware store, and was Postmistress from 1969-1972. Jessie was active in her community as a member of the United Church, Forerester's Lodge, Hospital Guild, and 50 Plus Club. The couple moved to Hamiota in 1984, and then Rivers the following year. Jack and Jessie Blatchford had no children. Jack Blatchford died on November 7, 1992. Jessie Blatchford died on May 16, 2008. They are both buried in Saint Matthew Anglican Cemetery in Bradwardine, 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 Jack and Jessie Blatchford about early schooling and home nursing in the 1930s. The interviewer is Mrs. K. Cochrane.
Notes
History/bio information from the records, the Bradwardine local history and Jessie Blatchford's obituary. Transcript by Michyla Turnbull (2020). Description by Christy Henry.
Language Note
English
Audio Tracks
Media missing or recording not available.
An unexpected error occurred.
Update Required
To play the media you will need to update your
browser to a recent version, or update your Flash plugin.
Edward Peter "EP" Boyle was born on January 7, 1887 in Watertown, Minnesota. After training as a creamery operator with Hutchinson Produce Company for five years, EP bought the Shellmouth Creamery near Russell, MB in 1913. He married Rose Mary McHale (1887?-1973) in 1915. The couple had six children: Jack, Irene, Winnifred, Robert, Kenneth and Forrest. In 1916, EP his second creamery, the Laurentian Milk Company in Neepawa, MB, which became known as the Neepawa Creamery & Produce Company. In 1933, EP bought another non-functioning plant, Central Creameries of Brandon, which was renovated and successfully managed by his brother Neil Boyle. EP retired in the late 1960s after incorporating his business in 1958. EP was active in the Roman Catholic church in Neepawa, served as president of the local Board of Trade and the Manitoba Diary Association. He was a charter member of both the Neepawa BPOE and the Neepawa Golf Club. Edward Boyle died on February 4, 1990 in Neepawa, 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 Edward Boyle about buttermaking in Neepawa, MB. Interviewer is Winnie Cheetham.
Notes
History/bio information taken from the records and Boyle's obituary. Transcript by Simon Richard (2023). Description by Christy Henry.
Language Note
English
Audio Tracks
Media missing or recording not available.
An unexpected error occurred.
Update Required
To play the media you will need to update your
browser to a recent version, or update your Flash plugin.
Dorothy Irene Broomhall was born on March 28, 1920 in Brandon, MB. She attended Business College and then worked for the Federal Government from 1942-1976, mostly with the Vetran's Land Act. Dorothy never married. Involved with the Girl Guide organization for over 80 years, she also volunteered at Fairview Personal Care Home for more than 30 years, and was very active in her church (St. Mary's Anglican Church and then St. Matthew's Cathedral). In addition to travelling, her hobbies included knitting for family, friends and Christmas Cheer. Dorothy Broomhall died on November 14, 2020 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 Dorothy Broomhall primarily about the history of St. Mary's Anglican Church in Brandon, MB, although some autobiographical topics are covered at the beginning of the interview. Interviewer is Isabelle Heeney.
Notes
History/Bio information taken from Broomhall's obituary. Transcript by John Ball (2014). Description by Christy Henry.
Language Note
English
Audio Tracks
Media missing or recording not available.
An unexpected error occurred.
Update Required
To play the media you will need to update your
browser to a recent version, or update your Flash plugin.
Violette Chapman (nee Turner) was born on May 16, 1898 in Ednas Cross, England. Her first job was making needle envelopes in a factory. When she was 16, she met Isaiah Chapman (1889-1966), a soldier in the 2nd Battalion of the Coldstream Guards in the First World War. Isaiah was given leave from France to marry Violette on October 16, 1918. The couple lived in England for serveral years after the war, but in 1921 they sailed to New York, then travelled by train to Montreal and through to Winnipeg.
Isaiah worked as a farm hand for a couple of years before joining the Canadian Pacific Railway at Treesbank. Eventually he was transfered to Glenboro. Violette took work in the kitchen of the Leland Hotel. She stopped working once their children - Verna and Sydney - were born. In 1932, the family bought a farm north of town in the Patricia District. Violette and Isaiah moved back to Glenbroro in 1949, where they owned a grocery store and then a cafe. In 1966, the couple purchased the old Connaught School and moved it to their farm where they planned to use it as their summer home. For the last nine years of her life, Violette lived at the Personal Care Home in Glenboro. Violette Chapman died in May 1993 in Glenboro, MB. She is buried at Glenboro 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 Violette Chapman about her life story. Interviewer is Irene Brown.
Notes
History/bio information from the records, the Glenboro local history "Beneath the Long Grass," and obituaries for Sydney and Isaiah Chapman. Transcript by Sydney Wright (2023). Description by Christy Henry.
Audio Tracks
Media missing or recording not available.
An unexpected error occurred.
Update Required
To play the media you will need to update your
browser to a recent version, or update your Flash plugin.
Clifford McDonald Clarke was born on March 23, 1914 on section 8/12/29, near Elkhorn, MB. He married Margaret Eleanor Hayward (1918-2003) in 1937, and together they had four children: Larry, Donald, Rose Marie and Kaylynn. Cliffe was a farmer for many years (1937-1952) in the Mossgiel area. While in the Mossgiel district, Cliff served on the school board, was active in baseball and hockey, and was a member of the L.O.L. lodge. Cliff moved to Elkhorn in 1951, and in 1968 became the curator for the Elkhorn Automobile Museum. Prior to assuming the role of curator, Cliff was involved with the museum board, working with the first curator, Isaac Clarkson. While living in Elkhorn, Cliff served on the town counil and was chairman of the Elkhorn Centennial Committee in 1970. Clifford McDonald Clarke died on August 17, 1989 in Virden, MB. He is buried at Elkhorn 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 Clifford Clarke about the Elkhorn Automobile Museum and its first curator, Isaac Clarkson. Interviewer is Elmer Armstrong.
Notes
History/bio information taken from the records, the Elkhorn local history "Steel and Grass Roots" and Clarke's obituary. Transcript by John Ball (2014). Description by Christy Henry.
Language Note
English
Related Material
OH151 Clifford Clarke
OH169 Clifford Clarke
Audio Tracks
Media missing or recording not available.
An unexpected error occurred.
Update Required
To play the media you will need to update your
browser to a recent version, or update your Flash plugin.
Mary Evelyne Conley (nee Dixon) was born on November 30, 1919 in Carievale, SK. She lived in Carievale until 1940, at which point she moved to Brandon, MB. In Brandon she received her nurses training, graduating as an RN in 1943, and then working at Brandon General Hospital (BGH). In 1945, she moved to Toronto where she continued working as a nurse and also married Murray Ross Conley (1919-1998) on April 21, 1945. The couple had three children: Judith, Sharon and Bradley. After a year in Toronto, Evelyne returned to Brandon to raise her family and work as a private nurse at BGH. She retired from Fairview Personal Care Home in 1971, to care for her son, who developed multiple sclerosis (MS) in his 20s. This experience precipitated Evelyne's involvement with the MS Society. Evelyne Conley died on September 3, 2013 in Brandon, MB. She is buried at Rosewood Memorial Gardens.
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 Evelyne Conley about health services, specifically the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada. The interview includes a brief history of the MS Society, the trials and tribulations of funding, and Evelyne’s personal ties to the organization. In particular she discusses the Prairie Division and the Brandon chapter. Interviewer is Phyllis Long.
Notes
History/bio information from the records and Conley's obituary. Transcript by Kyle Head (2020). Description by Christy Henry.
Language Note
English
Audio Tracks
Media missing or recording not available.
An unexpected error occurred.
Update Required
To play the media you will need to update your
browser to a recent version, or update your Flash plugin.
James Cowan was born on May 26,1884 in Archie Municipality. He attended school at Le Claire and Cherry Grove and later farmed southeast of Mcauley, MB. Jim married Caroline (Lena) Willamina Johnson (1887-1965) in 1914, and together they had five children: Marjorie, Helen, Archibald, Elmer and Clarence. James Cowan died in December 1982. He is buried at Elkhorn 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 narration by Jim Cowan of his life story.
Notes
History/bio information from the records, the Find A Grave website and Ancestry.ca. Transcript by Tanner Garnham. Description by Christy Henry.
Language Note
English
Audio Tracks
Media missing or recording not available.
An unexpected error occurred.
Update Required
To play the media you will need to update your
browser to a recent version, or update your Flash plugin.
John Duncan McDonald was born on April 30, 1893 in Brandon, MB. He attended Winterton and Basswood schools. John married Margaret Emily Greer (1894-1980) in the Greer home in the Moline district in 1917. Together they had four children: Sadie Julia Elva, Robert James, John Elmer and Roy Peter. From 1919-1965, he farmed at Basswood, MB on SW 36-14-20. John McDonald died on January 11, 1989. He is buried at Basswood 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 John MacDonald about pioneer farming. Interviewer is Gordon Shanks.
Notes
History/bio information from the records. Transcript by Desiree Glover (2023). Description by Christy Henry.
Audio Tracks
Media missing or recording not available.
An unexpected error occurred.
Update Required
To play the media you will need to update your
browser to a recent version, or update your Flash plugin.
Eva Blanche Roddick Davis was born September 20, 1900 at Linkwood Lodge farm in the Brandon Hills area of the RM of Cornwallis. She was the daughter of John Hardy Roddick and Ida Johnson, and spent her childhood on the home farm in the Brandon Hills, which had been settled by her grandfather, the Rev. George Roddick, a pioneer who came to the are in 1879 from Nova Scotia. Eva attended Brandon Hills school and Brandon Collegiate Institute (BCI), before graduating from the Brandon Normal School in 1920. From 1920-1921, she taught at Little Souris. Although her parents moved to Brandon that year, she returned to the Brandon Hills to the Davis family farm, Glenwood Farm, after marrying Meredith William Davis (1897-1968) on February 28, 1931. The Davis family came to the Brandon Hills in 1879 from Palmer, Massachusetts. The couple sold the farm in 1940, and moved into Brandon, where Med worked as a motor mechanic. The Davis' had three children: Georgina, Shirley, and Bill. Eva was involved with the family farm and on a committee for planning the Brandon Hills district centennial in 1979. Additionally, she was a member of the Brandon Hills Busy Bees, the Women's Missionary Society, the UCW at Knox United Church, the Canadian Lady Foresters and the Court Princess Mary L2. Eva Roddick Davis died in Brandon on December 20, 1986. She is buried at Brandon Hills 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 Eva Roddick Davis about the pioneer years in the Brandon Hills and her family history. Interviewer is Effie McPhail.
Notes
History/bio information taken from the Brandon Hills local history "The Brandon Hills Story" and Davis' obituary. Transcript by Jaclyn Matchullis (2014). Description by Christy Henry.
Language Note
English
Audio Tracks
Media missing or recording not available.
An unexpected error occurred.
Update Required
To play the media you will need to update your
browser to a recent version, or update your Flash plugin.
Violet Leween Bernice Drysdale (nee Singleton) was born on March 27, 1925 on the farm at SW 32-16-14 in the RM of Landsdowne. She attended Glenholm School for grade school and Arden for high school. During her school years she enjoyed participating in festivals, concerts and sports, especially baseball. Leween taught as a permit teacher at Tobermore and Molesworth schools, and then afte a year at Normal School, she taught as a licensed teacher at Salisbury and Inkerman schools. Leween married Charles M Drysdale (1919-2004) on March 27, 1948. Together they had two children, Arleen and Morris. The couple farmed four miles east of Neepawa, MB for over fifty years. They had a mixed farm with grain, cattle, chickens and a large garden. Leween particularly enjoyed flowers and fruit trees. She was active in the community, belonging to the Union and Salisbury Women's Institute. She sang in the Inkerman United Church Choir, was a 4-H leader for many years, and entered her handiwork and garden produce in local fairs. Following a stroke in 1999, Leween lived at East View Lodge. Leween Drysdale died on February 6, 2005 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 Leween Drysdale about the history of the Drysdale Centennial Farm. Interviewer is Dorothy Martin.
Notes
History/bio information from the records, the Find A Grave website and Drysdale's obituary. Transcript by Kaitlyn Perrett (2023). Description by Christy Henry.
Audio Tracks
Media missing or recording not available.
An unexpected error occurred.
Update Required
To play the media you will need to update your
browser to a recent version, or update your Flash plugin.
Laurence Overton "Laurie" East was born in the municipality of Odanah on the west half of 29-13-18, on March 13, 1911. He attended Tremaine and Roseneath schools and worked on the family farm, eventually leaving school to work due to his father's ill health and then taking over the operation in 1936, after his father died. Laurie retired from farming in 1976. Laurie married Bernice McDonald (1916-2006), a teacher, on July 4, 1942. They had no children. Laurie's hobbies were music, dancing and travel; he took part in local entertainment and taught square dancing classes. He was a member of the Hunterville United Church, serving on the board and volunteering as Sunday School Superintendent or teacher. In the 1940s, Laurie was part of local commmittees to secure telephone and postal service. From 1970-1983, he was a member of Elton Municipal Council. Shortly after joining the council, Laurie was appointed as a representive to the library board; he joined representatives from Minnedosa and Minto councils, as there was support in the region for the organization and establishment of a regional library. Laurie East died on April 18, 2003 in Brandon, MB and is buried at the Rapid City 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 Laurie East about the Minnedosa Regional Library. Interviewer is Mae Johnson.
Notes
History/bio information from the records and East's obituary. Transcript by Simon Richard (2020). Description by Christy Henry.
Language Note
English
Audio Tracks
Media missing or recording not available.
An unexpected error occurred.
Update Required
To play the media you will need to update your
browser to a recent version, or update your Flash plugin.
Elmer A. Travis was born February 7, 1900 in the Rolla District of North Dakota. His family farmed sixteen miles east of Rolla, North Dakota. In May 1905, his family, which included his parents and seven children, and some friends, decided to move up to Canada as there was no wood source within 25 miles of their homestead. They also desired more range for their cattle. The group settled eighteen miles north of Roblin in the San Clara District, with a single quarter section of land, eventually expanding to five quarter sections of land. Due to their location the family often did their shopping in Togo, Saskatchewan, and shipped their grain from Mycroft, Manitoba. During his youth, he met a local girl named Mary Louise Lafournaise (1900-1993)
Travis married Mary Louise Lafournaise on May 3, 1921 in the San Clara District. After their marriage they settled on their own farm in the district. Elmer served as a blacksmith for the local area while farming, working as a mechanic, selling Rawleigh’s goods, and hauling cream (1939-1940). In 1957, due to Mary’s poor health, they moved to British Columbia for a year, before moving back to Elphinstone, Manitoba. They then moved to Souris in 1963, where they continued to live, except for another year in Creston, British Columbia from 1967-68. Elmer Travis died in 1995 and is buried in Souris-Glenwood.
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 Elmer Travis about homesteading and rural community life. Contents include settlement at Roblin, Manitoba, schooling, farming practices, housing, social life in the area, Mr. Travis’ musical talents, and his marriage to Mary Louise Lafournaise. In addition, there is content on the community working together on building, how to make lime from burning limestone, moving to BC and return to Manitoba, descriptions of the various jobs held by Mr. Travis, the installations of home telephones and hydro in his home district, Roblin hospital in the 1930’s, and his hobbies at the time of the interview in 1981. Interviewer is John E. Forsyth.
Notes
Included on the cassette are several musical recordings done by Mr. Travis. Transcript by Jaclyn Matchullis (2014). Description by Joel Springer (2011) and Christy Henry.
Language Note
English
Audio Tracks
Media missing or recording not available.
An unexpected error occurred.
Update Required
To play the media you will need to update your
browser to a recent version, or update your Flash plugin.
Emmaline "Emma" Garland Pratt was born on November 15, 1884 in Portage la Prairie, MB. She spent her early life in the village, approximately two miles down the river from Portage la Prairie. She received her education and studied music, voice and organ at the Portage Presbyterian Boarding School; while school age, she lived with white missionaries Mr and Mrs. Brown. She was adopted by the Garland family in Portage la Prairie.
Emma came to the then Oak River Reserve in 1904, to be with her mother following a family crisis. The same year, she married Matthew Tunkancekigana, who was later given the surname Pratt. The couple resided in Sioux Valley, where Matthew farmed and did farm work. Matthew died in 1951. Emma dedicated her life to her family and in service to her community, especially through her church St. Luke's Anglican Church at Sioux Valley, where she was church organist for 75 years. In 1961, she received life membership in the Women's Auxiliary of the Docese of Brandon and in 1977, she received a Good Citizenship Award from the Lieutenant-Governor. The Pratts had eleven children, including Allan, Donald, Archie, Ina, Hilda, and Dorothy. Allan was a chief on the Sioux Valley Reserve, Donald was a Reverend with the Anglican Church. Three other children died of tuberculosis. Emma Pratt died in January 1989.
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 Emma Pratt about her childhood and early married years as a Sioux woman. Interviewer is Phyllis Cairns.
Notes
History/bio information taken from the records, and articles in The Brandon Sun reporting on Pratt's 100th birthday celebration (November 22, 1984) and her death (January 16, 1989). Transcript by Brianna Workman (2014). Description by Christy Henry.
Language Note
English
Conservation
Preservation copy created 2021 (R. Hess)
Audio Tracks
Media missing or recording not available.
An unexpected error occurred.
Update Required
To play the media you will need to update your
browser to a recent version, or update your Flash plugin.
