Grace Rosina Magnacca (nee Jones) was born on November 22, 1922 in Cardiff, Wales. Her family came to Winnipeg in 1911. Grace graduated from Dominion Business College and worked at Stovel Advocate and NorWest Famer until she married Stephen Magnacca in 1927. Stephen Adolph Magnacca was born on October 12, 1902 in Winnipeg, MB and he received his education in the city. Steve's miltary career began in 1914 when he joined the Winnipeg Highland Cadets and for more than 50 years he served in both the active and reserve army. He was made Hon. Colonel of the 26th Field Regiment in 1967.
Following their marraige, the Magnacca's lived in Winnipeg with their children Patricia and Allan, until Steve's military career took them to Brandon. Upon arriving in Brandon in 1940, Steve opened the A4 Training Camp. Following the Second World War he was transferred from active service to the militia where he served as hospital manager with the Department of Veteran Affairs. After a year he left the position to go into business; his business interests included real estate, insurance and general contracting. Steve also served as Mayor of Brandon from 1962-1970. During his tenure as mayor, the new city hall, the Keystone Centre and the Western Manitoba Centennial Auditorim were constructed. He also worked on the development of Brandon's industrial park and the housing subdivisions of Kircaldy Heights and Riverheights. With her business background, Grace assisted her husband in his various roles.
Both Magnaccas were active in the community and St. Matthew's Cathedral. Steve was past president of the Manitoba Real Estate Association, later receiving lifetime membership. He was past president of the Brandon Lions Club, the Royal Canadian Legion Brandon Branch No. 3, and the Assiniboine Historical Society, as well as president of the Brandon Museum, a former director of the Canadian National Institute for the Blind in Brandon and a former treasurer of the Brandon Progressive Conservative Association. In 1973, Steve was named to the Order of Canada.
Stephen Magnacca died on August 4, 1980 in Brandon, MB. In 1983, Grace moved back to Winnipeg to be closer to family. Grace Magnacca died on December 20, 2004 in Winnipeg, MB. They are both 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 Grace Magnacca about the history of the Magnacca family. Interviewer is Effie McPhail.
Notes
History/bio information from the records and obituaries for both Magnaccas. Description by Christy Henry.
Language Note
English
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Lorne Melville Rogers was born on May 24, 1910 in Brandon, MB. He attended Mount Vernon School, before taking over the family farm. Lorne was on the Mount Vernon School Board for a number of years and also Forrest Elementary. He was a member of the Manitoba Pool Elevator and served on the local board. In his earlier years, he played the violin in a band for many Red Cross programs and dances in the war years. Grace Ellen Howard was born on January 10, 1910 in Stony Mountain, MB. The family moved to the "Rugby Farm" near Forrest in 1924. Grace completed her schooling at Rugby School.
Grace and Lorne married on November 20, 1934 and together had two children, Doris and Norman. The couple farmed the Rogers family farm together. Grace was active in the St. George's Red Cross during the war years and St. George's ACW. She was also a member of the Forrest Legion Auxiliary, and enjoyed flower gardening, sports, music and cards. Grace and Lorne retired to Brandon in 1983, where they enjoyed senior activities together, as well as travelling. Grace Rogers died on March 10, 2001 in Brandon, MB. Lorne Rogers died on December 19, 2001 in Brandon, MB. They are both 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 Lorne and Grace Rogers about early agriculture. Interviewer is Frank Anderson.
Notes
History/bio information from the records, the Forrest and District local history "Family Trees & rural Roots," and Grace Rogers' obituary. Description by Christy Henry.
Audio Tracks
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