A.E. McKenzie was born in Wilcox Lake, York County, Ontario in 1870 to F.B. and Maria (Carley) McKenzie. His family came to Manitoba in 1883. He was educated in Brandon, Manitoba and graduated from the Collegiate Institute at age 21. In 1897 he founded the Brandon Seed House. McKenzie was present at the cornerstone-laying ceremony of Brandon College on Juy 13, 1900. From that moment on, he was very involved in the College, first as an interested businessman, and later as a member of its Board of Directors. In 1902, McKenzie married Laura Bell in Port Arthur. They had two daughters, Marjorie Bell and Kathleen. In 1906 the Brandon Seed House was incorporated and from then on was known as the "A.E. McKenzie Co. Ltd.."
McKenzie became a member of the Brandon College Endowment Committee in 1918. The following year he was on the Finance Committee. By 1925, McKenzie was a member of the Board of Directors. In 1928, he was part of a syndicate that advised the Baptist Union that they were developing an endowment plan to provide continuing financial support to the College and talked the Union into providing $10 000 towards the accumulated deficit.
In 1931, McKenzie organized the Brandon Board of Trade to help save Brandon College when the Baptists said they could no longer afford to keep the College. After the By-law failed, he helped to organize the Brandon Citizen’s Campaign to raise enough money so that the College could open the following year.
When the Baptists withdrew support in 1938, McKenzie was one of the central figures on the Brandon Board of Trade that decided to save the College from closure. A representative delegation from Southwestern Manitoba of over 60 men descended upon Premier Bracken’s office to try and convince him to help the College. On June 12, 1938 McKenzie said he would set up a $100 000 endowment to Brandon College. He subsequently raised this amount to $300 000. On August 1, 1938 the Board of Trade launched a campaign to raise $15 000 to match what the government was prepared to offer the College. McKenzie was asked to provide Brandon College with $3000 personally. In September of 1938, McKenzie upped his endowment once more to $500 000. The fund raising worked however, and the chater establishing Brandon College Incorporated was assented to on April 17, 1939. On June 6, 1939 a by-law was again presented to the citizens of Brandon, and fortunately it passed.
In 1941, McKenzie received an honorary L.L.D. from the University of Manitoba. The A.E. McKenzie Foundation was created in 1945 by the provincial government, who had assumed 90% of the A.E. McKenzie Co. Ltd. stock.
On September 25, 1964 McKenzie died at the age of 94. He never retired, but worked full time until two weeks before his death. The funeral was held in the J.R.C. Evans Lecture Theatre. The Arts and Library Building at Brandon College was completed in 1960, and is known as the A.E. McKenzie building, in honour of the man who contributed so much time, effort and financial help to the College during a crucial period in its history.
Custodial History
Records were accessioned by the McKee Archives in 1998. Prior custodial history is unknown.
Scope and Content
A.E. McKenizie’s records in the Brandon College fonds are very useful from an administrative point of view. Because McKenzie was so involved in Brandon College from the very beginning until his death in 1964, it is easy to understand how the College Administration arrived at decisions. There is correspondence between McKenzie and various regarding College and Board of Director business. There are Brandon College financial statements and letters regarding the A.E. McKenzie Foundation. The records contain newspaper clippings, pamphlets and lists of names of members of various Brandon organizations. As well, McKenzie has letters regarding Building Expansion in the 1940’s and minutes of Board of Director meetings. There are also several photographs. One photograph is the 1919 graduation picture of Zoe Hough. Another is tentatively identified as Frances Wolverton, also of the Class of 1919. There are two more photographs of unidentified young women.
2.4 m textual records; c. 5 photographs; 1 minute book (measuring 1"x 9"x 14")
History / Biographical
The Brandon Trades and Labour Council was established in 1906, as an affiliate of the Trades and Labour Congress of Canada. The original Council contained thirteen locals, including those of railway workers, sheet metal workers, plumbers and steam fitters, bricklayers, carpenters and joiners, cigar makers, printers, and barbers. By 1912, the Council contained twenty four locals. The Council's principal function was to advance the corporate interests of labour within the framework of a largely unregulated capitalism. After 1955, the Council was affiliated with the Canadian Labour Congress, which was created through a merger of the Trades and Labour Congress of Canada and the Canadian Congress of Labour.
Custodial History
Fonds remained in possession of Brandon and District Labour Council prior to donation to the S.J. McKee Archives.
Scope and Content
Fonds consists of financial and administrative records of the Brandon and District Labour Council. Records also include collective agreements, correspondence, publications of the Labour Council and affiliated unions, some union local minutes, newspaper clippings, petitions, and various miscellaneous files. Fonds also includes a minute book for the Council (1971-1985) and two union charters.
This pin was part of a donation, along with item 24, from Jean Bennest, class of 1934. It's original owner is unknown. The date the items arrived at the McKee Archives is also unknown.
Scope and Content
The pin consists of two parts, both pins in their own right. The first pin consists of three triangles and is art deco in design. The background of the triangles is red with each triangle edged in silver. The smallest triangle contains the letter "B, " the middle triangle the lettter "C," and the largest triangle the word "Arts." All the lettering is in silver. The first pin is connected to the second pin by a silver chain. The second pin consists of the number 30 and is sterling silver.
The chain between the Brandon College portion of the pin and the '35 portion of the pin is broken. There is some discoloration on the '35 pin.
Custodial History
Item belonged to Winnifred Harvery, B.A. '35. It was donted to the Alumni Association at Brandon University in 1990.
Scope and Content
The pin consists of two parts, both pins in their own right. The first pin is a circle, 1 cm in diameter, with a small banner on top. The main circle is black with BC entwined in the middle and a link border around the outside. The lettering and border are in gold. The banner on top is also black, with the letters McM.U. in gold. This pin is linked to a second pin by a gold chain. The second pin consists of the numbers '35, in gold.
Beatrice C. Hall graduated from Brandon College c. 1923. She was a teacher of some kind and died in California when she was about 80 years of age.
Custodial History
This ring was part of a donation, along with item 23, from Jean Bennest, class of 1934. It's original owner was Beatrice C. Campbell (nee Hall), a relative of Jean Bennest, and Brandon College graduate.
Scope and Content
The ring is oval in shape and made of gold. It has the letters "BC" entwined in the centre of the oval. There is lettering around the "BC" but it is worn and difficult to make out. It may read "Recte et Suavitem."
Notes
Part of BU 16.2 Artifacts - apparel. History/Bio information provided by Jean Bennest.
The spoons celebrate Brandon University's 25th Anniversary (1967-1992). They are gold plated teaspoons with a round emblem in blue with the words "Brandon University 25, 1967-1992" in gold. The spoons are approximately 11.5 cm long.
Notes
Part of BU 16.3 Artifacts - other.
Storage Location
RG 6 Brandon University fonds
Series16: Brandon University/College artifacts
16.3 Artifacts - other
Box 2
Item was accessioned in 2007 by the McKee Archives. Prior custodial history is unknown.
Scope and Content
The pin is oval in shape, measuring 2 cm across at its longest point. The background of the pin is dark blue, with the University crest in the centre and the words Brandon University 60th Anniversary Reunion around the outside of the pin. The crest and the lettering are in gold.
Item was accessioned in 2007 by the McKee Archives. Prior custodial history is unknown.
Scope and Content
Consists of a BU Class of 1982 badge that also celebrates Brandon's Centennial. It measures 4.5 x 5.75" and is made of god polyester. It has a blue border and all of the writing on the badge is in the same blue.
Item was accessioned in 2007 by the McKee Archives. Prior custodial history is unknown.
Scope and Content
Consists of a BU Class of 1986 badge. Measuring 3.5 x 3.5", the badge is whte with blue writing and embroidered border. It reads "Class of 86 Brandon University."
In 1970, the Department of Extension was divided into the Department of Extension (Non-Credit) and the Department of Extension (Credit). In 1974, the two departments were amalgamated into the Department of Extension (Credit and Non-Credit). The department's name was changed again in 1977, when it became the Department of Continuing Education (Credit and Non-Credit).
In 1986, the Office of Continuing Education and Summer Session was renamed the Office of Extension with responsibility for non-credit offerings, distance eduation and off-campus credit courses. From 1999 to the 2001-2003 calendar, Kathleen Matheos, the last Director of Extension, is listed as the Director of the Education Technology Unit. After the 2001-2003 calendar, the Department of Extension became part of Campus Manitoba.
DIRECTORS OF EXTENSION:
R.B. INCH - Extension (1967-1969) and Extension (Non-Credit) (1970-1971)
George Robert Boyer Inch, more commonly known as R.B. Inch, was born in 1903 in Oak Point, New Brunswick. His father, James Nathaniel Inch, was a local shopkeeper and served as town postmaster. James Inch married Phoebe Elizabeth Inch (nee Boyer), a native of Hartland, New Brunswick. While working in Ontario between 1939 and 1939, R.B. Inch met and married Elizabeth Gowling of Ottawa. The couple had two children; a son named George and a daughter named Jeanne. Elizabeth Inch (nee Gowling) passed away in 1956.
R.B. Inch was educated first at Mount Allison Academy in Sackville, New Brunswick. He later went on to study at Mount Allison University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1924. After graduating, Inch traveled to western Canada looking for employment in his chosen field of journalism. From 1924-1926 Inch was unable to find a job in the newspapers so he subsisted by teaching classes at Mount Royal College in Calgary and attending lessons at the Calgary Normal School. In June 1926, the Calgary Herald, then known as the Calgary Albertan, hired Inch as a regular journalist. He stayed in that position in Calgary for two years. Inch later accepted a job with the Winnipeg Free Press, where he worked from 1928-1929.
In 1929, Inch accepted a position with the National Research Council in Ottawa as Secretary to the President and information officer. Between 1929 and 1933 he also volunteered as editor of the magazine "Interdependence," the official publication of the League of Nations Society in Canada. In 1935, Inch resigned his post at the National Research Council to become the National Secretary of the League of Nations Society in Canada. There he served until the collapse of the League at the outbreak of World War II in 1939.
In 1942, Inch was commissioned by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) to prepare a series of programs entitled "Of Things to Come - Inquiry on the Post-War World." In 1943, Inch joined the Royal Canadian Army Service Corps, but never saw action in Europe. After the war, Inch was hired by his alma mater, Mount Allison University, to serve as Director of Alumni and Public Relations. He remained in Sackville from July 1945 through to 1967. In July 1967, Inch was hired by Brandon University as the Director of Extension and as a political science lecturer.
After retiring in 1972, Inch was active in the formation of the Canadian branch of Amnesty International. He would later become National Director Emeritus of the organization.
R.B. Inch died in Brandon, Manitoba on January 7, 1983.
H.S. PERDUE - Extension (Credit) (1970-1971)
Dr. Henry Stewart Perdue was born in 1904 near Souris, Manitoba. He graduated from Souris Collegiate in 1920. After working several odd jobs, Perdue entered Brandon College in 1924. He graduated with his B.A. in 1928. After graduation, Perdue was hired as a teacher in the Academic Department. He received his M.A. in 1930, and went on to receive his Ph.D. in Geology from the University of Chicago. In 1930, Perdue became the Director of the Matriculation Department, as well as an Instructor in Geology. In 1931, he took over the position of Resident Master. In 1937, he married Ella May Higgens, who was the Resident Nurse. From 1938 until 1948, Perdue acted as Registrar of Brandon College.
In 1947, Perdue accepted the position on College Dean. This position ran until 1952, when it was changed to the position of Dean of Arts and Science. Perdue also held this position until 1962, when the office separated into the Dean of Arts and the Dean of Science. Perdue continued in the position of Dean of Science until 1967. After Dr. Evans' death in July of 1959, Perdue became acting President. He held this position from August 1959 until August 1960, when Dr. Robbins was appointed President. Perdue held the position of Director of Extension (Credit) from 1970-1971. He retired from teaching Geology in 1973. Dr. Perdue died on December 22, 1979 at the age of 75.
EVAN H. PEPPER - Extension (Credit) (1972-1974)
Evan H. Pepper was born in Windsor, Ontario. He received his BSc in Biology and Chemistry from the University of Detroit and his MSc and PhD from Michigan State University in the same fields. Pepper also attended the Henry Ford Trade School, the United States Brewer's Academy (Brewing Technology) and the Ryerson Institute (Instrictional Technology). In 1945-1946 he served in the U.S. Merchant Marine, and from 1954-1956, in the U.S. Army.
From 1960-1962, Pepper was a technical coordinator for Ladish Malting Co. He began his academic career in 1962 as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Plant Pathology at North Dakota State University, leaving that position in 1967. From 1967-1988, he was an Associate Professor, and later a Professor (1971-1988) in the Department of Botany at Brandon University.
While at Brandon University, Pepper served on the Brandon University Senate, the Senate Executive Committee, the Extension Committee, the University Act Committee and the Senate By-Laws Revision Committee. He was also assigned as a liaison to Inter-Universities North (IUN) and helped to design the RN/RPN program (1970). Pepper's administrative duties included Director of Credit Extension, Director and designer of the FOCUS program and Chair of the Botany Department. In addition, he also taught, designed and developed several courses for the Biology and Botany Departments at Brandon University.
Evan Pepper retired in 1988. He died on March 27, 2013.
R. BRUCE MCFARLANE - Extension (Non-Credit) (1972-1973); Extension (Credit and Non-Credit) (1974-1976); Continuing Education (Credit and Non-Credit) (1977-1986); and Extension - acting (1990)
No biographical information yet.
B. WESTFALL - Extension (1987-1989)
Beth Westfall was born in Birmingham, England. Her undergraduate degree in European Studies was obtained from the University of Sussex; she recieved her Master's Degree in German from the University of British Columbia and her Ed.D. in adult education from Nova University.
Westfall came to Brandon University in January 1987, as the Director of Extension. Prior to that time she a director on a regional campus on the College of New Caledonia in British Columbia. She also had extensive experience in teaching basic adult education and English as a second language, and in facilitating women's support groups and communication skills workshops.
In September 1989, Westfall became Brandon University's Dean of Student Services. See RG 6, series 12 (Student Services) for additional biographical information.
K. MATHEOS (1990 - 1997/1998)
Kathleen Matheos was appointed Director of the Office of Extension for a five year term effective September 1, 1990. Prior to coming to Brandon University, she was the Agricultural Distance Education Coordinator/Community Programs Division at Assiniboine Community College. In 1999, Matheos' title was changed to Director of the Education Technology Unit and ca. 2003 the Office of Extension was absorbed into Campus Manitoba. Matheos left Brandon University some time thereafter, and currently (January 2006) works for the Department of Extension at the University of Saskatchewan.
Scope and Content
The series is divided into four sub series, including: (1) General files; (2) FOCUS; (3) Brandon University Art Exhibition Committee; and (4) Publications.
Notes
History/Bio information was taken from Brandon University calendars and an article in "The Quill" (January 9, 1986). Biographical information on R.B. Inch was taken from the finding aid for the R.B. Inch collection written by Matthew Palmer (2003). Biographical information on H.S. Perdue was taken from the "Brandon College finding aid" prepared by Karyn Riedel for McKee Archives in 1998. Biographical information for Evan H. Pepper was taken from his resume (given to the Archives in 2006). History/Bio information for Kathleen Matheos was taken from Campus News - July/August 1990.
Storage Location
RG 6 Brandon University fonds
Related Material
Additional material on R.B. Inch is located in MG 3 1.8 R.B. Inch collection.
An oversized photograph is any photograph that exceeds 8" x 11". In some cases the photograph itself is of regular size but the matting makes it oversize.
Scope and Content
Series consists of the oversize photographs in the Brandon University photograph collection. Many of the oversize pictures are class photos from the early years of Brandon College (1900-1930). The series also includes oversize portraits of important figures in the history of Brandon College and University, such as John R. Brodie, A.E. McKenzie, and J.R.C. Evans.
Carole Paintin-Dence was raised in Souris, Manitoba and attended Brandon College in the early 1960s. While at Brandon College she was active in the Glee Club, I.R.C. and French Clubs. She was also Quill reporter for the Music Department.
Scope and Content
Collection consists of a small collection of Brandon College memorabilia and slides. The memorabilia includes programs from various Brandon College Student Association events, Alumni News, and a copy of "The New Brandon College School of Music" by Peggy Sharpe. The slide images include: the opening of the Music Building 1963 (3) - Sir Ernest MacMillan, Lady MacMillan and Lorne Watson; raising the class flag 1964 (2); the JRC Evans Lecture Theatre 1964 (1); Brandon College Original Building 1964 (1); Freshie Parade 1962 (1) - glee club float and 1963 (3) - "wedding of Jack & Jill"; French Immersion class Summer 1964 (4) - Mme Ragot, Neil Forsyth, Henri Francq; party for John 1963 (2) - Ken May, Morlene Sparrow, John Sushelnitsky, Norma Walmsley, Poppy Cumming, Chris Cassels, Pat Brake, Eleanor Riesberry; W.U.S. parties (4) - Joan Garnett, Norma Walmsley, Claude Paintin, Brian Foster, Rae Westcott, Clark Brownlee, Nina Kosakawiecz, Berth Paintin
Collection also includes school texts and pedagogical guides - forty-seven in total - dealing with reading, spelling, social studies and particularly music.
There are some holes and torn fabric. The flag also has some small stains.
Scope and Content
Item was created by the Brandon College class of 1922 as part of their commencement activities. The flag, which is made of a cotton based material, features the class colours of yellow and black, as well as the class motto "Virtus in Arduis" ("Courage in difficulties"). The flag has a pocket for hanging.
Notes
Loose translations for the class mottos were provided by Dr. Rosanne Gasse (Latin) and Dr. Steve Robinson (Greek), as well as from googling the mottos in October 2006. Description by Trinity Nylen/Jessica Old (February 2024) and Christy Henry.
Some fraying and possible mouse holes. Staining on canvas.
Scope and Content
Item was created by the Brandon College class of 1923 as part of their commencement activities. The flag, which is made of wool and canvas, features the class colours of green and gold, as well as the class motto "Vincit qui patitur" ("The one who is patient wins"). The flag has a pocket for hanging.
Notes
Loose translations for the class mottos were provided by Dr. Rosanne Gasse (Latin) and Dr. Steve Robinson (Greek), as well as from googling the mottos in October 2006. Description by Trinity Nylen/Jessica Old (February 2024) and Christy Henry.
Item was created by the Brandon College class of 1924 as part of their commencement activities. The flag, which is made of wool, features the class colours of green and white, as well as the class motto "Vincit qui patitur" ("The one who is patient wins"). The flag has no method for hanging.
Notes
Loose translations for the class mottos were provided by Dr. Rosanne Gasse (Latin) and Dr. Steve Robinson (Greek), as well as from googling the mottos in October 2006. Description by Trinity Nylen/Jessica Old (February 2024) and Christy Henry.
Item was created by the Brandon College class of 1925 as part of their commencement activities. The flag, which is made of wool and canvas, features the class colours of burgundy and grey, as well as the class motto "Ministrare est Vincere" ("To serve is to conquer"). The flag has a pocket for hanging.
Notes
Loose translations for the class mottos were provided by Dr. Rosanne Gasse (Latin) and Dr. Steve Robinson (Greek), as well as from googling the mottos in October 2006. Description by Trinity Nylen/Jessica Old (February 2024) and Christy Henry.
