Archie Cleveland Miller owned and operated a farm near Roland, Manitoba from 1918 to 1938. Miller was engaged principally in a commercial grain operation.
Custodial History
This fonds was accessioned in 1997 by the McKee Archives. Prior custodial history is unknown. .
Scope and Content
Fonds contains legal documents from A.C. Miller's farm near Roland, Manitoba from 1916 to 1938. They include mortgage documents, lease agreements, and bank receipts.
See biographical sketch of A.E. McKenzie under RG 3 Series 2 (Office of the President/General Manager), sub-series 1 (A.E. McKenzie).
Custodial History
See fonds level description of custodial history of A.E. McKenzie Seed Co. Ltd.
Scope and Content
The manuscript group contains records pertaining to A.E. McKenzie's personal life, such as personal correspondence and family documents. Records dealing with McKenzie's involvement with Brandon College, the Brandon Allied Arts Council and the Brandon Board of Trade are also included.
It has been divided into five sub-series, including: (1) Brandon College Inc.; (2) A.E. McKenzie Foundation; (3) Brandon Allied Arts Council; (4) Brandon Board of Trade; and (5) Miscellaneous.
RG 1 Brandon College fonds in the McKee Archives contains additional
information on A.E. McKenzie, particularly his involvement with Brandon College.
A photograph of A.E. McKenzie is located in oversized drawer #5 of the Brandon College photograph series.
Biographical information on Anna B. Enns is currently unavailable.
Custodial History
Donated to the McKee Archives in 2005 by Anne Eaton, a relative of Anna B. Enns.
Scope and Content
Fonds consists of a copy of the "Mothergoose Primer" and a handwork book (1922) from the Brandon Normal School. The latter contains samples of various kinds of art and craft work.
The Brandon Art Club was founded in November 1907, and operated in an art studio on the top floor of the Brandon College Women's Residence. The club appears to have been the creation of Miss. H. Hancock, who became the Director of the Department of Art at Brandon College c. 1907. The club moved to larger facilities made available at the First Methodist Church; the organization remained there until sometime during the Great War when the club relocated to St. Paul's Presbyterian Church and then in 1921, to the Prince Edward Hotel. The club's first public art exhibitions were held at the Prince Edward Hotel. Art classes were held for the first time in 1928. In 1968, the Brandon Art Club merged with the Allied Arts Center, which had been formed in 1959. The Allied Arts Center was located at 1036 Louise Avenue. In April 1984, the Allied Arts Center was moved to new facilities at the Arts Center of Western Manitoba located at 638 Princess Avenue. In 1989, it was renamed the Art Gallery of Southwestern Manitoba, and began to function as a "professional, regional art gallery." The Art Gallery of Southwestern Manitoba relocated to 2-710 Rosser Ave. c. 2001.
Custodial History
These records were created at different times between 1907 and 1993, and remained in the possession of the administration of the above mentioned organizations until May 2001, when they where donated to the McKee Archives.
Scope and Content
Fonds contains administrative records, minutes, personal files, correspondence, newsletters, photographs, summaries of collections and exhibits, scrapbooks, programs, submitted papers, and other miscellaneous records. All are a record of the growth and evolution of the Art Club, its administration, and of the art community in Brandon.
The A.E. McKenzie Company fonds (RG 3 MG 1, 1.3) located in the McKee Archives contains some records, primarily correspondence and minutes, relating to the Brandon Allied Arts Council.
Born on February 10, 1924, in Elgin, Manitoba, Audrey Ellen Silvius (nee Honeyman) was raised in Fairfax, Manitoba on the Honeyman homestead. In 1964, she received her Indian name, Blue Star. Silvius completed her high school education in Fairfax before moving to Winnipeg in 1943, to earn her Nursing degree from Grace Hospital. She later completed her post-graduate degree in Psychiatric Nursing at the Brandon Mental Health Centre. Married to Merritt W. Silvius, Audrey Silvius raised four children, David, Kay, Lorna (Downie) and Gail (Campos) while working in her chosen field. In addition to her family and her career, she was also involved with the Brandon Council of Women and the United Church in Brandon. Silvius was the first executive director of the Brandon Indian-Metis Friendship Centre, a founding member of the local branches of the Marquis Project and Amnesty International and initiated a project called Tools for Peace. She was also involved in various other peace and human rights organizations. In 1987, she received the Order of the Buffalo Hunt from the Province of Manitoba in recognition of her work relating to women’s issues. In 1992, she was awarded a Confederation medal for community service.
Custodial History
The records found within the collection were collected by Audrey Silvius from a number of people, including Jean Halliday, Grace Godmaire and Norma Walmsley, involved in various projects with her throughout the years. Prior to their donation to the McKee Archives at Brandon University in October and November 2000, the records were stored at Mrs. Silvius’ home.
Scope and Content
Collection consists of meeting minutes, agendas, speeches, correspondence, newsletters, brochures, written publications and newspaper clippings. Four photographs and one pencil drawing are also included within the collection.
The records deal with the creation, activities, and history of the Brandon Indian-Metis Friendship Centre, as well as the activities of its Board of Directors. In addition, materials located within the collection can be divided into two areas: (1) those that relate to various organizations associated with the Friendship Centre itself, such as the Council of Christians and Jews and the Brandon Council of Women; (2) materials related to projects of important individuals involved with the Friendship Centre, such as the South Western Manitoba Recreation Council and the 4F Club of Minnedosa. Other records deal with general aboriginal issues in Canada during the time frame of the Audrey Silvius collection.
Notes
CAIN No. 202607. Description by Christy Henry (2000).
The collection is divided into ten (10) series:
1. The Brandon Indian-Metis Friendship Centre
2. The Scout – Friendship Centre newsletter
3. The Brandon Council of Women
4. Council of Christians and Jews
5. Aboriginal Glee Club/Dancers
6. The South Western Manitoba Recreation Council
7. 4F Club of Minnedosa
8. Miscellaneous Publications related to Aboriginal Issues
9. Miscellaneous Newspaper Clippings related to Aboriginal Issues
10. Photographs and pencil drawing
A number of the letters are samples of "cross writing"
Physical Condition
Some of the letters are fragile, but generally the fonds is in good condition.
Custodial History
Ann Murdoch donated a copy of "My Dear Will" to the McKee Archives in February 2008. The formal donation of the Baker family letters occurred on September 27, 2008 at a reception in the Gathering Space at the John E. Robbins Library.
Scope and Content
Fonds consists of a collection of about 200 letters primarily written by William Baker (although letters written by other family members are also included), who left Liverpool and settled in Oak Lake, to his son William who remained in England. The letters offer insights on a wide range of subjects including the conditions of immigrants and the Riel "situation".
The fonds also contains a supplement to "My Dear Will: Reflections of Prairie Pioneer Life." This latter publication consists of transcribed copies of the letters in the Baker family fonds. The letters were originally transcribed by Ronald James Parsons and his wife Rita Olive Parsons (nee Blake) and published, along with some letters, photographs and other documents for family c. 1997. The booklet was updated in 2007 by Ronald and Rita's daughter, Ann Murdoch. The Supplement was prepared by Ann Murdock and her sister Dawn Powell.
Notes
Description by Christy Henry.
Finding Aid
My Dear Will booklet
Storage Location
2008 accessions. Booklets and family tree stored in Rare Books: RC 3399.B73Z495 2007 v.1 and v.2.
Bankburn School was located 1/2 mile west and about three miles north of Oak River, Manitoba. The Bankburn School Literary Society was formed in 1906.
Custodial History
Records were donated to the McKee Archives by Anne Pettapieces in March 1978.
Scope and Content
Fonds consists of the minutes of the Literary Society of the Bankburn School (1906-1907) and a copy of Vol.1, No.1 of The Bankburn Star, which includes some information on and two photos of the school.
The OddFellows has a long international history as a mutual assistance society for men. OddFellow Lodges were open to white males over the age of 21, who were in good health and possessed good moral character. Upon joining an OddFellow's Lodge, a member received social and financial benefits. The Constitution of the Subordinate Lodges in Manitoba, 1899, notes that OddFellows Lodges were obliged to teach the importance of fraternity. Under the organization's constitution, lodge members assumed five obligations: to visit the sick, to relieve the distressed, to bury the dead, to educate the orphan, and to aid the widow. The Progress Lodge of the Basswood OddFellows was created in 1910; it continued as a group until early 1955, when it amalgamated with the Minnedosa OddFellows. The Progress Lodge of the Basswood OddFellows included men of many different occupations and social classes including, farmers, merchants, ministers, teachers, agents, carpenters, grain buyers, clerks, and laborers.
Custodial History
The records of the Basswood Oddfellows Lodge were in the possession of Donald McNabb, who for many years was an active member of the Minnedosa Oddfellows. He donated the records to the McKee Archives in June 2000.
Scope and Content
Fonds consists of five books. The first book is a membership list from 1910-1948. The list includes the members' names and occupations, the date that they joined the lodge, and their status within the hierarchy of the lodge. The other four books consist of minutes for the years 1910-16, 1916-25, 1935-44, and 1945-54.
Administrative history for the Basswood School District is currently unavailable.
Custodial History
Accessioned in 2007 by the McKee Archives. Prior custodial history is unknown.
Scope and Content
Fonds consists of van driver contracts (1916-33), income tax forms (1919-38), school inspector's reports (1922-29), high school examination results (1926-34), correspondence with Western Seating Co. (1922), school censuses (1919-38), bus route plans (1916-34), caretaker agreemtns (1918-33), transportation expenditure forms (1917-38), equalizaton of taxes forms (1916-34), annual meeting reports (1924, 1927), Department of Education reports (1921-38), secondary school taxes notice to council forms (1926-33), Manitoba income tax employers' returns (1923-32), library reports (1929-34), requisitions for library books (1916-30), assessments (1919-34), teacher's annual reports (1937-38) and a miscellaneous file including records related to pupil promotions, teacher's retirement fund, religious teaching, a hectograph recipe, by-laws and insurance (1922-38).
Notes
Receipts from 1938-1939 were culled. Description by Christy Henry.
The “Act to Incorporate Brandon College” was assented to on June 1, 1900 and specified that the Board of Directors would consist of 21 members. The Board was to control all financial matters of the College, though all decisions had to meet the approval of the Baptist Convention.
The first officers of the Board were a Chairman, a Treasurer and a Secretary. The minutes also refer to a “President,” separate from the Principal, but does not define the President’s duties. The Principal was a member ex-officio of the Board. The first duty of the Board was to create an executive consisting of all Brandon members of the Board. The main function of the executive was the operation of the College and transaction of all business arising between Board meetings.
In pursuit of a separate university charter, the Board reorganized its affairs in 1910, appointing an investment committee, a Bursar and a Registrar. The Principal was renamed “President,” and was appointed Chairman of the Executive. The university charter was denied, leading the Board to seek affiliation with McMaster University. The Board of Directors during this time was forced to take a more active role in directing college affairs. In November 1910, the Board moved: ...that the officers of the Board be authorized to make such application for such amendments to the Charter as seem necessary and advisable.
This decision led the Board to draw up the Act to Amend An Act to Incorporate Brandon College which, by 1915, granted the Board authority over all College affairs, following the stated direction of the Baptist Convention.
On May 5, 1916 a nominating committee was struck to name the persons and mandate of all new committees.
During the existence of the Board prior to 1967 the following committees were created:
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
In 1918, the Board defined the functions of the Executive Committee as:
The Board of Brandon College shall at its organization meeting each year appoint from among its members an Executive of not less than seven in number. The Executive shall be responsible to the Board and shall exercise all the powers usually incidental to an Executive other than those delegated to the Finance Committee and Endowment Fund Committee, which two Committees shall also be responsible to the Board direct.
FINANCE COMMITTEE, 1918-1926
The Finance Committee was to consist of no fewer than seven members which:
...shall be responsible to the Board and shall under the Board have the general oversight and control of the financial policy of the College insofar as the raising of funds is concerned. The Finance Committee shall not have the power to make any expenditures except such as it may deem necessary to incur in connection with its efforts in raising funds. The Finance Committee shall report to the Board of the College at each meeting of the Board and for the purpose of keeping the Executive in close touch with its activities and of enabling the two committees to work in closest cooperation shall transmit to the Executive a copy of the minutes of each of its meetings to be read at the regular meetings of the Executive and shall give account of the progress made by the Finance Committee and generally of its plans for the future. Members of the Finance Committee shall not all necessarily be members of the Board.
ENDOWMENT FUND COMMITTEE, 1918-1926
The Endowment Fund Committee was created by the following resolution:
The Board of Brandon College shall at its Organization Meeting each year appoint an Endowment Fund Committee which shall under the Board manage the Endowment Fund and direct the re-investment of its principal. The Endowment Fund Committee shall consist of not less than three members who shall not all necessarily be members of the Board.
The creation of the latter two committees was significant because it was the first time that Brandon citizens, not necessarily Baptists, were brought into the administration.
HOUSE AND GROUNDS COMMITTEE, 1923-1926
NEW INSTRUCTORS COMMITTEE, 1923-1936
ADVERTISING COMMITTEE, 1923-1936
BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION AND ENDOWMENT COMMITTEE, 1926-1936
TEACHERS COMMITTEE, 1929-1936
GENERAL PUBLICITY COMMITTEE, 1930-1936
By 1936, however, all Committees were abandoned as Brandon College struggled for its financial survival. After the Baptist Convention withdrew all of its support in 1938, a Provisional Board was established through the Brandon Board of Trade to negotiate with the government for the transfer of Brandon College to the Government of Manitoba. The provisional board succeeded in gathering the needed support for government intervention, and resurrected the College under “An Act to Incorporate Brandon College Incorporated.”
The new Board of Directors was appointed October 11, 1939 during a general shareholders meeting. The officers of the Board were a Chairman, a Secretary and a Treasurer. There were also six new standing committees appointed, with mandates listed under clause 16 of by-law 1:
FINANCE COMMITTEE, 1939-1967
... whose duty it shall be to oversee the finances of the Corporation and make recommendations to the Board as to investments of Monies received for endowment or scholarship purposes, and to prepare and submit the annual budget.
PROPERTY COMMITTEE, 1939-1967
... who shall have general supervision of the real and personal property of the Corporation.
ENROLLMENT COMMITTEE, 1939-1967
... whose duty shall be to obtain a student body for the College, to co-operate with the President and Faculty for such purpose and report to the Board as may be required from time to time.
FACULTY COMMITTEE, 1939-1967
... whose duty shall be to make preliminary arrangements for the engagement of teachers and who shall make recommendations to the Board for consideration in the engagement of such teachers.
MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE, 1939-1967
... whose duty shall be to maintain the membership of the Corporation and see that proper records of the same are maintained.
ENDOWMENT COMMITTEE, 1939-1967
... whose duty shall be to obtain endowments for the future operation of the College and to obtain gifts for scholarship purposes.
In 1942 the Public Relations and Progress Committee was established and a Public Relations Officer was hired. A Consultant Committee was appointed in 1948 with the sole purpose of overseeing the transfer of McKenzie Seeds to the provincial government for financial support through the McKenzie Foundation.
Scope and Content
Series consists mainly of minutes of meetings and correspondence between various Board members and the College. It is a very detailed and descriptive compilation of the decision-making processes at a higher education institution. There are copies of minutes from the Executive Committee in amongst the general Board Minutes. Series also contains a copy of an appraisment of Brandon College Inc. by the General Appraisal Company Ltd. (Vancouver) completed in 1957.
Storage Location
RG 1 Brandon College fonds
Series 1: Board of Directors
Arrangement
Series has been divided into one sub-series: (1) Minutes of General Board Meetings.
The Brandon College Senate was created in 1900 under “An Act to Incorporate Brandon College.” At the time, however, the Senate was not given a clear policy mandate. The Act stated: The Professors in said College, together with three members of the Board of Directors nominated by the said Board for that purpose, shall constitute the Senate, to whom shall be entrusted the reception, academical superintendence and discipline of the students and of all other persons within the said College.
Despite general authority over the discipline of students, measures to enforce discipline and the power to appoint or remove professors rested with the Baptist Convention. As a result, the Senate remained largely ineffective until 1910 when the Board re-defined their function as follows: The Senate be composed of the Council of the College together with three members appointed by the Board of Directors. That this body shall be responsible for all matters that concern the determination of the curriculum, the recommendations to the Board regarding appointments of instructors in subjects otherwise specifically assigned to individual members of the several faculties.
These new powers provided the Senate with a rational boundary of authority including some control over the curriculum, but its main function was still recommendations to the Board on matters concerning faculty. There are no known documents regarding the Brandon College Council, which existed from 1910 to 1915. Affiliation with McMaster was a contentious issue with faculty. Courses had to correspond with those in McMaster, effectively eliminating the Brandon College Senate from its authority over academic matters.
In 1915 the Senate was re-organized following the “Act to Amend An Act to Incorporate Brandon College.” With this reorganization the Senate assumed a more direct role in the selection of faculty and tutors. As well, the Senate became a stronger advisory body of the faculty.
The Brandon College Senate remained relatively unchanged until 1939 when, under by-law 1, the Board defined the Senate functions as:
Power to regulate instructions and to determine the methods and limits of instructors.
To prepare a calendar of the College for publication.
To recommend to the Board the establishment or abolition of, or any changes in departments, chairs, lecture-ships, bursaries, scholarships and prizes, and generally have charge of all matters of an academic character, but shall not have any power to incur any expenditures or liabilities on behalf of the Corporation until specifically authorized by resolution of the Directors, nor shall their powers be construed as authority to engage teachers for the Corporation.
Along with these functions the Senate was also the body that possessed the binding authority to deal with all academic grievances.
The Senate under the new Charter and by-law 1, consisted of the President, Chairman of the Board, seven members from the faculty (including President and Registrar), and six members from the Alumni. The Registrar was to act as Secretary.
The Senate was changed once more in 1959. This change led to a more significant role in the administration of Brandon College.
Scope and Content
These records consist mainly of minutes from various faculty council and executive meetings from 1900 to 1942 including Arts, Science and Theology faculties. Included as well are Minutes of the Ministerial Committee of the Baptist Union of Western Canada As well, there are University of Manitoba Senate Minutes dating from 1950 to 1958.
Storage Location
RG 1 Brandon College fonds
Series 5: Brandon College Senate
The Brandon College Alumni Association was created in the spring of 1912. The Arts Class of 1912, the Theological graduates and also the Ad Eundem graduates met together with old graduates who were in the city. It was decided to form an Alumni Association of Brandon College open to all Arts and Theological graduates, past, present and future, as well as those admitted Ad Eundem. An executive was elected, Reverend J.C. Bowen of Winnipeg being appointed President, and J. Dempsey, Class of 1912, Secretary. The matter of drawing up a constitution was left to the executive.
A meeting was held by the executive on November 21, 1912 in order to discuss membership into the Association. A resolution was eventually passed that approved the basis set down the previous spring: All Arts, Theological and Ad Eundem graduates were to be admitted into the Association.
The Alumni Association was created by students in order for graduates and former students of Brandon College to maintain contact with the College and each other and to promote the College’s interests.
The Alumni Association’s activities included: publication of the quarterly Alumni News, mailed to all members and associate members; administration of the Alumni-contributed $17 000 J.R.C. Evans (Memorial) Student Loan Fund, providing interest free loans to worthy students; representation on Brandon College Board of Directors; contributions to College expansion; organization of Association branches in major cities and of social events for Alumni members.
Scope and Content
The records of the Alumni include newsletters, "Alumni News," and various other documents dealing with the association.
Storage Location
RG 1 Brandon College fonds
Series 7: Brandon College Alumni Association
The first organization involving the students of Brandon College was created in 1899 or 1900. It was entitled the Literary Society. This society was run by students and faculty to cultivate literary and musical gifts and to provide training in public speaking and in the transaction of business. In 1901, a College branch of the Y.W.C.A. was formed as well as a Students’ Missionary organization. A College branch of the Y.M.C.A. followed in 1902. The Brandon College Athletic Association was created in 1904 to direct the affairs of the various athletic games.
The first idea of a Student Council-type organization began in 1906 with the creation of the Students’ Committee. This committee was created in order to develop a worthy College spirit and to promote a worthy College life.
“A committee of five students shall be appointed annually early in the college session whose office it shall be to confer with the Resident Master on matters pertaining to residential life, and with the Faculty on matters pertaining to the general life of the College. This committee shall consist of five members, three resident and two non-resident. In matters relating to the residence the three resident students alone shall act. This committee shall represent the Student Body in any matters in which that body may wish to confer with the Faculty, or may of its own motion confer with the faculty on any subject thought to be of interest in promoting proper College life.”
In 1909 the Debating Society was created for training in public speaking. A Publications Committee was created in 1910 to publish the new student magazine, The Quill. The Students’ Committee became known as the Student Council in 1915. Also in 1915, a Committee on College Activities was formed. This consisted of the President, two faculty members and two students. It was appointed by arrangement of the College Council each year to regulate the various activities of College life. It became known as the Functions Committee in 1921.
The 1920-1921 College Calendar is the first calendar that mentions the Brandon College Students Association. It states under the heading of Student Organizations that:
“The Literary and Debating Societies , the Athletic Association, the Y.M.C.A. and the Y.W.C.A. are integral parts of the Brandon College Students’ Association, and are managed by committees appointed by the Association.”
1921 saw the formation of the Students’ Christian Movement which replaced the Y.M.C.A. and the Y.W.C.A. Under the Students’ Christian Movement group, students held weekly devotional and educational services, and conducted Bible and mission study classes.
The 1936-1937 College Calendar shows that a change took place that year in the student council. Instead of just five students of the College being elected to the Council, there are now two separate councils. The calendar states that:
“The students of the men’s and of the womens’ residences appoint annually a representative committee of five, whose function it is to consider the interests of College life from the point of view of the residence body, conferring with the Faculty when necessary.”
Although these groups of five were known as the student council, there was a Student Executive of the Brandon College Students Association that was a separate entity. It consisted of the Senior Stick, the Lady Stick (since 1923), the heads of various boards, and the class presidents. This governing student body continued until 1966 when it underwent an extensive reorganization. During that year, the positions of Senior and Lady Sticks were abolished so that the elected student president could be a man or a woman. This president would be assisted by elected ‘sticks’ from each faculty of Arts, Science, Education and Music. This form of government continued until 1967, when Brandon College became Brandon University.
Scope and Content
The Student Association files cover a wide variety of topics and consist mainly of minutes from various student groups and clubs on the Brandon College campus. The records are a first hand look at how student governments were run during the Brandon College era.
Series has been divided into twenty four sub-series, including: (1) Lady Stick's Notes; (2) Memorial Gymnasium Book; (3) Minutes (Literary Board); (4) Expansion Fund Committee; (5) Athletic Board Finance; (6) Finance Board; (7) Main Executive Committee; (8) Functions Committee; (9) Athletic Association/Athletic Board; (10) Contemporary Club; (11) Social Science Club; (12) BCSA Records; (13) Co-Ed Association; (14) English Club; (15) Sports Awards; (16) Record of Social Events; (17) Brandon College Ministerial Association; (18) Ledgers; (19) Freshie Week Committee; (20) Arts Banquet Committee; (21) French Club; (22) Intervarsity Night Report; (23) Publications Committee; and (24) Student Missionary Band.
Storage Location
RG 1 Brandon College fonds
Series 8: Brandon College Students Association
Related Material
RG 6 (Brandon University fonds), series 14 (BUSU - Brandon University Students Union).
Clark Hall was built in 1906 as a women’s residence. The name comes from Dr. C.W. Clark, a physician who believed that women should be as highly educated as possible. To that end, he donated $30 000 of the $40 000 dollars needed to construct the building. The residence opened on October 18, 1906 with Miss Ernestine R. Whiteside presiding as Lady Principal.
With the building of Clark Hall came new departments geared towards young women. A Music and Arts department was started, as was a Physical Culture and Expression department. The residence was soon full, and in 1911 the first Clark Hall Annex was created to house 25 women who could not get into Clark Hall proper. This annex was located at 1335 Lorne Ave., and it is still in existence today. The second Clark Hall Annex, that replaced the first, was located on Louise Ave. It is also still standing, and is now an apartment building.
LADY PRINCIPALS/DEAN OF WOMEN:
ERNESTINE ROBERTA WHITESIDE (1906-1918)
Miss Whiteside was born in 1876. She graduated from McMaster University in 1898. In 1906 she was hired as the first Lady Principal of Clark Hall. She served this post capably and was greatly admired by all who met her. In 1918 she resigned as Lady Principal to assume headship of Moulton College in Toronto. She resigned from Moulton in 1930 due to uncertain health. Miss Whiteside was a Board Member of the Women’s Baptist Missionary Society, as well as being editor of “The Link and Visitor”. She was the corresponding secretary for the Women’s Inter-Church Council of Canada from 1939 to 1949. Miss Whiteside resigned the editorship of “The Link and Visitor” in 1956. On June 14, 1960, she died in Toronto.
OLIVE A.C. WILKINS (1919-1925)
Olive Agnes Cross was born on June 17, 1891 in Newton Centre, Massachusetts. She received her B.A. from McMaster in 1912. She married Thomas Russell Wilkins on June 17, 1913. Mrs. Wilkins accepted the position of Lady Principal of Clark Hall in 1919. She also was retained as an English Teacher. Mrs. Wilkins resigned in 1925. On May 13, 1937, she died rather suddenly. Mrs. Wilkins personal files are located in the Brandon College Teaching and Administration series.
JANE (JENNIE) TURNBULL (1926-1927)
Jennie Turnbull was born c.1896. She was educated at Brandon Central School and the Brandon Collegiate Institute. Miss Turnbull entered Brandon College in 1911. She graduated with her B.A. in 1915, and followed this with her M.A. in 1916. After taking a Normal Course in Regina, Miss Turnbull returned to join the Brandon College faculty as instructor in French in 1918. She studied at La Sorbonne in Paris during the years 1921 and 1922. Miss Turnbull spent parts of 1919, 1920, 1926, and all of 1927 and 1928 at the University of Chicago, where she secured her Ph.D. During the school year 1926-1927, Miss Turnbull served as Dean of Women (formerly known as Lady Principal). She was a very well-travelled individual, and she was the author of Essential Traits of French-Canadian Poetry. In 1963 Miss Turnbull moved to British Columbia, where she died on December 30, 1966. During the time that Miss Turnbull taught at Brandon College, she was an integral part of the college community. She was responsible for the formation of a French Club, and served on various committees and boards with great skill.
ANNIE (EVANS) WRIGHT (1927-1934)
Miss Annie Evans was born on December 29, 1881 in Derbyshire, England. She moved with her family to Canada around 1889. She taught school before entering the Brandon College Business Training Department in 1908. In 1909, Miss Evans was given a position in the Business and Academic Department of the College. In 1915, she married the music professor, Dr. William L. Wright. In 1926, Mrs. Wright received her B.A. degree from Brandon College. She followed that with her M.A. from the University of Chicago in 1927. From 1927 until 1934, Mrs. Wright served as the Dean of Women. From 1927 until 1945, she was employed as a professor of English. She moved to Robson, B.C. with her husband, where she lived until her death in 1959. She was the older sister of Dr. J.R.C. Evans.
DOROTHY WERTHENBACH (1934-1935)
Miss Werthenbach received her early education in Minnesota and Saskatchewan and graduated from the University of Alberta with Honours in History. She took up the profession of teaching. She was an instructor at the Indian Residential School before she accepted the position of Dean of Women in the fall of 1934. She also taught grade 12 History at the College. Miss Werthenbach left Brandon College in 1935, after having spent one year as the Dean of Women. From 1931-1934 she served on the Executive of the Brandon Art Club, including a year as President (1933-1934). At some point after leaving Brandon, Miss Werthenbach married C.G. Nelson and relocated to Calgary. She and her husband had three, possibly four children. Mrs. Nelson died in a plane crash at Moose Jaw.
MARJORIE B. MCKENZIE (1935-1936)
Miss McKenzie was born in Brandon and was a graduate of Brandon Collegiate and Brandon College. She received her B.E. degree from the Columbia College of Expression in Chicago, and her M.Sc. in speech from Northwestern University at Evanston, Illinois. From 1927 to 1930 she was Instructor in Dramatic Art at Brandon College. She resigned to do post-graduate work. In 1935, Miss McKenzie returned as Instructor of Public Speaking in the Theological Department and Dean of Women in Clark Hall. Miss McKenzie resigned as Dean of Women after one year at the post.
SARAH PERSIS DARRACH (1936-1953)
Miss Persis Johnson was born in Rosscarberry, Ireland on February 8, 1886. She was educated in both Ireland and Canada, graduating from the Brandon General Hospital nurses program in 1911. She did her postgraduate work in Chicago. Miss Johnson was the assistant matron at Brandon General Hospital when she left for overseas in 1914 to serve in the war. Miss Johnson enlisted in the Canadian Over-seas Expeditionary Force on May 12, 1915 in London, England. She was overseas until 1918, stationed in both England and France. While there, Miss Johnson was awarded the Royal Red Cross, 2nd class, and the Royal Red Cross, 1st class, the latter of which was awarded to her in 1919 by the Prince of Wales during his visit to Brandon. She became the fourth superintendent of nurses at Brandon General Hospital. Sometime during the 1920’s, Miss Johnson married Robert Darrach, who was on the Brandon College Board of Directors. In 1934, she was named a member of the Order of the British Empire (Civilian) for her tireless effort doing charity work. In 1936 she accepted the position of Dean of Women at Brandon College. She served in this post until 1953. In 1971, Brandon College awarded her an honourary L.L.D. Darrach Hall, the Men’s Residence on the Brandon University campus, was named for her. Mrs. Darrach died on September 25, 1974.
FLORA COWAN (1953-1967)
Mrs. Flora Cowan was born on July 15, 1902 in Edinburgh, Scotland. She was the daughter of Adam and Helen Cruickshank. She married E.C. Cowan, and they had two children, Franklin and Ruth. From 1953 until Brandon College became Brandon University, she served as the Dean of Women. In 1966 she received the good Citizenship Award of the Golden Boys of Manitoba. She was a member of the I.O.D.E. and a life-member of the International Peace Garden, and the Provincial Council of Women. From 1954 to 1970 Mrs. Cowan served as a member of the Brandon City Council. She was also the Chairman of the Board for Fairview Home, Inc. In 1967, Mrs. Cowan received the Trillium Business and Professional Club Woman of the Year Award. She was also a member of several other community committees. The women’s residence at Brandon University, Flora Cowan, is named for her. In December 1980, Mrs. Cowan finally retired from her many positions. She died in Brandon on September 25, 1986 at the age of 84.
Scope and Content
The records from this series are mainly concentrated in the early years of Clark Hall. Miss Whiteside kept several journals that depict a very in-depth look at college life for young women in the early twentieth century. These records include: a Commonplace book, in which Miss Whiteside kept detailed accounts of the resident women and what was happening in Clark Hall; a “Saturday” book, which describes what she discussed at the meeting she held with the resident women every Saturday; Scrapbooks, which have programs and pictures detailing the everyday life of a College woman. These records are an invaluable source of information on the education of young women at the turn of the century. As well, Mrs. Wilkins files located in the Brandon College Teaching and Learning files give an excellent account of life at Clark Hall.
The series also contains copies of Clark Hall calendars for 1909-1925. There is also one undated calendar, which may be from 1911-1912.
Notes
The original accession number for the Clark Hall calendars is RP80-45. A copy of the program for the memorial service held at First Baptist Church October 1974 for Sarah Persis Darrach is located in her biography file in the Reading Room.
Storage Location
RG 1 Brandon College fonds
Series 9: Clark Hall Women's Residence
Related Material
MG 1 1.9 Sarah Persis Darrach fonds
Maureen Johnson collection (10-2009)
Accession 0104 Brandon University Art Collection, portrait of C.W. Clark M.D. painted by Henrietta Hancock. The portrait currently hangs in the McKee Archives. A brief biographical note concerning Clark appears with the portrait.
Arrangement
Series has been divided into four sub-series, including: (1) Clark Hall commonplace book, saturday book and chronicle; (2) Clark Hall scrapbooks 1907-1953; (3) Clark Hall calendars 1909 -1925; and (4) Clark Hall student council minutes 1928-1935
The Ministerial Committe was created with the purpose of discovering prospective students for the Baptist ministry. To become recognized as a student in Theology, a student had to be examined by the Ministerial Committee. The committee looked at the student’s intellectual, moral and spiritual fitness for the work of the ministry. He was then graded on his chances at entering the ministry. The committee could tell him that he was not suitable for ministerial work, or they could put him on the “encouraged” list. After repeated meetings with the Committee, a student could be voted as “accepted” as a prospective Baptist ministerial student.
Scope and Content
These records consist of a book from the Ministerial Committee. It contains the records of prospective theological students, including comments on their spirituality, morality and intellect. It records which students were rejected, encouraged and accepted into the program. Some notable students interviewed in this collection are: J.R.C. Evans, John Hart, Charles Stone, H. Friend, J. Church, and Tommy Douglas.
In 1914 World War I broke out in Europe. As soon as Britain became involved in the war, Canada, as part of the British Empire, was involved. As soon as Canada became involved in the war, Brandon College became involved. In keeping with the patriotism of the time, Brandon College organized a Canadian Officers Training Corps in 1915. It was soon a common sight to see students drilling several times a week in every type of weather. Often the women of the college would offer food and drink after the more grueling experiences. In 1916, a Brandon College platoon was organized under J.R.C. Evans. When he was declared medically unfit to go overseas, the command went to Lieutenant William Carey McKee. Carey was the son of S.J. McKee. He had graduated from Brandon College in 1914, and secured his M.A. in 1915. The Brandon College platoon joined up with the Western Universities Battalion, the 196th. The men went overseas in 1916, most remained there until after the war. Sadly, their admired leader, Carey McKee, was killed on August 26th, 1918 at Arras, just months before the end of the war.
Over thirty other Brandon College men failed to return home from the war. Remaining students immediately began planning for a memorial gymnasium to honour their fallen friends. They eventually raised over $20 000 towards the gym, but the money was given as a gift to the administration during the late 1920’s and early 1930’s when the College was in dire need of money. Although the Students’ Memorial Gymnasium Fund went on for several years, due to lack of money and rising building costs, the memorial gymnasium was never built.
The C.O.T.C. remained on the campus, but it was not as integral a part of daily routine until the late 1930s. Once again, hostilities broke out in Europe. This time, however, Canada did not automatically become involved in the war when Britain did. In an attempt to show the world its independence, Canada waited five days before officaially declaring war. By 1940, the C.O.T.C. was in full swing again. As well, part of Brandon College was given to the Royal Canadian Air Force for use as classrooms and accomodations.
After the cessation of World War II, the C.O.T.C. remained on campus. The S.J. McKee Archives has records of the organization up until 1960. The 1951 Brandon College Calendar decribes the University of Manitoba contingent of the C.O.T.C., so at some point the two organizations were amalgamated. The 1954 Brandon College Calendar decribes the R.C.A.F. (Reserve) University of Manitoba Squadron that students can apply for. Finally, the 1957 Brandon College Calendar contains a description on the Regular Officers Training Plan, which students could apply for. All of these programs were still in effect when the College was granted its University Charter in 1967.
Scope and Content
The first member of Brandon College to join up was a professor, Philippe Louys. He happened to be visiting his father in France when hostilities broke out. He joined the French Army, and was almost immediately taken prisoner. For several years he tried to escape, finally being successful on his fourth try. Louys immediately began retraining in the French Army, but as soon as he was ready to fight again, the war ended. Philippe Louys’ story is not uncommon in the history of Brandon College. The professors and students felt it was their duty to join the ranks and fight along with the rest of the British Empire. Most of them left the halls of the College, and many never returned.
The records consist mainly of correspondence having to do with the Canadian Officers Training Corps. There are also letters refering to Brandon College students who served in the World Wars. As well, there are lists of Unit Orders and Syllabii for the instructors of the C.O.T.C. There are also files regarding the War Maintenance Fund from 1918 and 1919. These records are a good source of material for studying how Brandon College viewed the outbreak of hostilities in Europe, and how the College responded to the crisis. Also, they show how attitudes changed about war and the college’s role in it from the period of 1915 to 1960. The Presidents’ files also have information on the role the military played at Brandon College. Finally, the series contains attestation and application for military training forms (1941-1943).
Storage Location
RG 1 Brandon College fonds
Series 11: Brandon College Military Training Programs
6 cm (excluding The Quill, The Sickle, Student Handbooks and The Spectrum)
History / Biographical
See sub-series descriptions for History/Bio information on:
The Quill
(RG 6 Brandon University fonds, series 14 (BUSU), sub-series 14.5 (publications), 14.5.3 (The Quill))
The Sickle
(RG 6 Brandon University fonds, series 14 (BUSU), sub-series 14.5 (publications), 14.5.1 (The Sickle))
Student Handbooks
(RG 6 Brandon University fonds, series 14 (BUSU), sub-series 14.5 (publications), 14.5.2 (Student Handbooks))
Brandon College Bulletin
(RG 1 Brandon College fonds, series 12 (Brandon College publications), 12.4)
Brandon Reflections
(RG 1 Brandon College fonds, series 12 (Brandon College publications), 12.5)
The Spectrum
(RG 6 Brandon University fonds, series 14 (BUSU), sub-series 14.5 (publications), 14.5.1.3 (The Spectrum))
Scope and Content
Series consists of magazines, newspapers, yearbooks, bulletins and directories published by Brandon College. It has been divided into seven sub-series, including: (1) The Quill; (2) The Sickle; (3) Brandon College Student Handbook; (4) Brandon College Bulletin; (5) Brandon Reflections; (6) Miscellaneous Brandon College publications; (7) The Brandon College Gazzette; and (8) The Spectrum.
Notes
Although many of the records in this series are part of RG 1 Brandon College fonds, it was decided administratively, because of the continuity with Brandon University and the ongoing character of the records, to locate the Quill, the Sickle (and the Spectrum) and the Student Handbooks within RG 6 Brandon University fonds as part of series 14 (BUSU), sub series 14.5 (BUSU publications).
Storage Location
RG 6 Brandon University fonds
Series 14: BUSU
14.5 BUSU publications
RG 1 Brandon College fonds
Series 12: Brandon College publications
Related Material
RG 6 (Brandon University fonds), series 14 (BUSU), sub series (BUSU publications).
Arrangement
Due to the relocation of the Quill, the Sickle, the Student Handbooks and the Spectrum within RG 6 Brandon University fonds, sub-series' 12.1, 12.2, 12.3 and 12.8 do not exist within the arrangement of RG 1 Brandon College fonds.
These files were created from 1899-1967. They include almost all of the financial records from this time. Before the creation of the Bursar position in 1910, the files were probably created by Dr. McDiarmid and Dr. McKee. After 1910, it is assumed that it was primarily the Bursar’s responsibility to update the ledgers. As well, various committees were involved in the creation of these ledgers, such as the Refund Committee and the Library Committee.
Scope and Content
Many of the Ledgers in this collection contain clear information about how Brandon College raised and spent its money. There are General Accounts Ledgers that give an overall view of the College’s finances, as well as Financial Reports from 1910 through to 1969. There are several ledgers entitled Cash Receipts and Disbursements and Petty Cash.
Some interesting files from a researcher’s point of view are the Student Accounts Ledgers. Dating from 1899, these ledgers contain information regarding each student that attended Brandon College. The ledgers record the tuition, board and other students expenses, how it was paid and who it was for. There are also Book Accounts. These two books describe the books students had to buy for their classes. There is a book of room deposits, as well as a list of students by their hometown and denomination.
The Miscellaneous file is probably the most interesting one in the collection. There is a ledger created by Sadie Northam in 1898. The book contains expenses from what was possibly the Dining Room, as the purchases are mainly large amounts of groceries. The collection also includes the minute book from the Refunds Committee from 1914 to 1923. This committee heard appeals from students who desired some or all of their money back from the College. A very intriguing article in the miscellaneous file is that of the COTC Day Sheets. This ledger runs from March through April of an unknown year, although it most likely was 1915 or 1916. It has a list of students that were in the COTC and has columns for each day that they had drill practice. They COTC drilled twice a day, and the Day Sheets mark if the student was present for drill, and if he was not, what his reason for being absent was. It also contains a list of duties for the duty officer, as well as some memorandums.
There are two books in this series that record the Staff salaries from 1918 to 1921 and 1926 to 1928. There is also a ledger from the Brandon College Institute, Session 08. There is no date on this ledger, and it is not quite certain what the Institute was, as there is no other mention of it. Although the collection has been divided under various headings, it must be noted that there is considerable overlap, especially between the General Accounts, Cash Receipts and Disbursements, and the Student Accounts Ledgers.
The series has been divided into six sub-series, including: (1) General accounts ledgers; (2) Financial reports; (3) Cash receipts and disbursments ledgers; (4) Petty cash ledgers; (5) Student accounts ledgers; and (6) Miscellaneous ledgers and minute books.
Storage Location
RG 1 Brandon College fonds
Series 13: Brandon College Ledger and Minute books
The Brandon College Expansion Fund was created by the Board of Directors in the late 1950s in order to raise money for Brandon College. This money would help with the much needed expansion of Brandon College. The school’s physical facilities had become inadequate for the number of students enrolled and the variety of courses offered. The Expansion Fund, with the initial goal of raising one million dollars, would enable Brandon College to provide students with adequate space to learn. The Fund was very successful, as the 1960s were defined by the sound of construction at Brandon College. In 1960, a new Arts and Library Building and Lecture Theatre were built. A Men’s Residence and Dining Hall arrived soon after. A Gymnasium was built, as well as a Women’s Residence and Music Building. By the time that Brandon College received its university charter an Education Building was just being completed.
Scope and Content
The Expansion Fund records contain information regarding the Fund raising campaign during the late 1950s and early 1960s. There are Daily Reports, Situation Reports, and Purchase Orders. As well, there are mailing lists, canvasser lists and division lists. The records contain several Canvasser’s Kits, as well as a booklet entitled “Brandon College Looks Ahead”. There are various reports from 1958 and 1959. The files include Corporate Donor cards, Alumni Addresses, Reference cards, Eastern Canada business contacts, lists of former students, and obituaries of alumni. There are official receipts, newsletters and some correspondence. There is also correspondence dealing with the fundraising campaign for a Centennial Auditorium.
Storage Location
RG 1 Brandon College fonds
Series 14: Brandon College Expansion Fund
Related Material
RG 6 (Brandon University fonds), series 11 (Brandon University Foundation).
From the very beginning, Brandon College has maintained library services for its students. A professor was put in charge of the library, although in the beginning it was little more than an empty shelf in a cabinet. As it grew, there became more of a need for an administrative body. A Library Committee was created in order to keep the library running smoothly. With the construction of the A.E. McKenzie Building in 1960 came a permanent resting place for the Brandon College Library.
Scope and Content
The records include a 3 cm book of Library of Congress Card Orders of Recent Publications from 1957 to 1960. As well, there are applications for employment, minutes from the Library Committee and Sub Committees. There is also correspondence from the Director of Library Services and accession records.
Series has been divided into three sub-series, including: (1) Minutes; (2) Director of Library Services; and (3) Library Accession Records.
Storage Location
RG 1 Brandon College fonds
Series 15: Brandon College Library
Related Material
RG 6 (Brandon University fonds), series 8 (Brandon University Library Services).
