Laura Anne Orchard was born on July 31, 1909 at Graysville, MB to Jeannie and Harold Orchard. She was the fourth of six children. In 1912, the family moved to Glenorchie Farm in the Morton district near Miami, MB.
Laura attended Morton School and Miami High School, completing Grade XI, then attended Manitou Normal School in 1928-1929. She taught in one-room schools: Bracken near Laurier (1929-1930); Rothesay near Isabella (19301-1931 or 1932); and Badger near Roland (1932-1933).
After Laura married Hugh Loyns in 1934, they farmed near Roseisle, MB and raised two children, Shirley, who became a high school teacher, and Alwyn, who became a university professor.
Laura continued to work with young people through 4-H Clubs. She also served on Eldviado school board, the one-room school where her children attended. In 1958, Laura returned to teaching at Roseisle Consolidated School District until 1961. When Laura and Hugh left the farm to live in Vanderhoof, B.C., she worked as a resource teacher in Vanderhoof Elementary School from 1965-1974. Though she never completed Grade XII, she did continue to keep abreast of teaching methods through correspondence courses, workshops, and summer sessions.
In the late 1970's, Laura and Hugh retired to Chilliwack, B.C. Laura Anne Orchard died at Chilliwack on July 28, 1983.
Custodial History
The records in the collection were in the possession of Shirley Hicks, Laura Anne Orchard's daughter, until donated to the S.J. McKee Archives in September 2013.
Scope and Content
Collection consists of records related to Orchard’s time at Manitou Normal School. The textual records include: An autograph book with signatures of all the students at Manitou Normal School; Department of Education Entrance examinations for drawing (1929), composition (1929,1930), science (1929), and physiology and hygiene (1930) ; a copy of the Manitou Normal School Closing Ceremonies programme (1929); a notebook on how to teach reading (c.1929); a lesson plan notebook containing notes on various subjects including Manitou Normal School executive, Students, Arithmetic, Primary Reading, Grammar, History, Poetry, Spelling, Geography, Geometry, Science, and class scores.
The collection also contains ten black and white reproduction photographs including: the 1928-1929 Manitou Normal School composite portrait; the Manitou Normal School building; Manitou Normal School Executive; Mr. Gordon, School Principal (1927-1930); various students; and an individual photo of Laura Orchard.
Notes
History/Bio information was provided by Shirley Hicks. Description by John Ball (2013).
The original photograph remains in the custody of the donor, who scanned the digital copy and sent it to the McKee Archives in 2014. The donor's paternal grandmother graduated from Brandon Normal School in the Spring of 1912.
Scope and Content
Portrait of the students of Brandon Normal School Spring 1912 class.
Composite portrait of the Brandon Normal School Fall Term 1917 class. B.J. Hales, Principal, W. Beer, Vice-Principal, M. Reid, Asst. Teacher, M. Yeomans, Drill Instructor.
Composite portrait of the Wheat City Business College class, 1920. F.A. Wood, Principal, Instructors: Mr. D.S. Forsyth; Miss. J. H. Snider; Miss. M.D. Cowan; Miss. I.E. McKewer.
Opened 1903. Closed 1923. Building became the Oak Theatre ca. 1930. Reopened as Towne Cinema ca. 1980 after being closed for many years. The building has since been demolished.
Scope and Content
Postcard shows the interior of the lunch counter and cashier register at Cafe Aagaard located at 29-8th Street Brandon.
Notes
Writing on the front of the postcard reads: Lunch Counter Cafe Aagaard, 29 Eigth St., Brandon, Man. The back of the postcard reads: Cafe Aagaard, Largest, Oldest and Best in Brandon. The postcard is addressed to Mrs. K.L. McGregor, 157-4th St.
Postcard has graphite smudge on the top right corner of image
History / Biographical
Wheat City Business College was established in 1904, when J.W. Beveridge and F.E. Werry resigned from the Commercial Department of Brandon College to establish the Wheat City Business College. It was located originally on the top floor of the Commercial Building at 143-10th Street, owned by Hughes and Co. Wheat City Business College continued to operate until the later 1960s. In 1911, the Henderson's Brandon City Directory lists the following teachers on staff: Mamie J. Macdougall, John B. Sample, John H. Snyder, Nettie M. Werry, and F.A. Wood (principal).
Custodial History
Donated to Fred McGuinness by Allena Strath (nee Coombs).
Scope and Content
Postcard depicts the 1911 class of the Wheat City Business College. Students include: O. Mutrie, E. Mailey, J.W. Belcher, S. Downey, H.R. Dustan, G. Greaves, D. Burden, C.J. Howey, M. Madder, A. Mills, E. Ballantyne, E. Lang, A. Binnie, L. Trent, M. Clark, E. Robertson, T. Ortenburg, A. Barnes, W.B. Grainger, V. Sanderson, H. Smith, E. Horror, M. Deacon, J. Smith, S. Gardiner, C.D. McMillan, N. Barss, E.J. Scott, M. McEwen, A. Scott, W. Naser, J. Cope, M. Trotman, J. Jackson, M. Gurr, P. McChesney, A.H. Andrews, M. Agnew, R.N. Truman, L. Cameron, T.C. Taylor, G. McClement, A. Armour, M. Drake, D. Chambers, M. Bourke, W.M. McGregor, Miss. McIlmoyle, J. Tendeck, G. McChesney, J.B. Stephens, O. Thornborough, A. Connor, H. Teale, E. Karr, P. Borland, J. Middleton, M. McIlmoyle, F.A. Wood, Principal D. Chambers, M.I. McGregor, B. McDougall, M. Maxwell, W. Crane, M. Vandeau, A. Lee, A. Hargreaves, H. Gimby, J. English, A. Coombes, H.J. McAnerin, M.C. Green, A.M. McGuinness, A.E. Shingfield, R. Blanshard, C. Goldstone, R. Heyden, Q. Oliver, N. Sterling, E. Cohen, V.E. Potter, H. Bellamy, Miss Pattison, Miss N. Werry, Miss. McQuarrie, J.H. Snyder, Miss M. MacDougall, Mr. J.S. Sample, Miss Lowry, A. Standal, G. Kennedy, C. Stojanosski, J. Elliott, M. Stnartk, R. Rewand, J. Mcneill, A. Kirchner, E. Green, E. Barnett, C.H. Howey, W. Main, M. Trew, M. Livingstone, B. Donaldson, A. Miller, J. Irwin, P. Brooks, R. Frank, S.A. Brown, B. Isman, M. Spearin, S. Thorsteinson, Miss Watson, J.A. McDonald, E. Zachary,S. Baglole, C. O'Brien, M. Thompson, F. Bockus, J. Hudama, E. Thompson, F. Shanks, M. Morrison, E. Cookman, ?.S. Wedderburn, E. Robinovitch, M. Maskew, C.A. Sharpe, M. Dack, M. Cossar, L. Grassie, I. Porteous, L. Markell, G. Burden, O. Paget, L. Cunningham, H.P. Hilton, F. Neilly, M.C. Feedman, E.F. Dixon
Notes
Back of postcard reads: A HAPPY XMAS./ and A very propersous / NEW YEAR / F.A. Wood [Principal of the Wheat City Business College]. Postcard is addressed to Miss Allena Coombs, Box 628, City, and has a cancelled one cent green King George stamp postmarked December 23, 1911, Brandon, Man.
Photograph is stained and water damaged. A newspaper clipping about William (Billy) Muir is glued to the top left hand corner of the mat. The image is exfoliated in the right hand corner. The negative has been reverse printed.
History / Biographical
Coombs & Stewart opened the first general store in Brandon in 1881, which was located on 6th Street and Pacific Avenue. According to G.F. Barker (Brandon: A City, 1977, 291), William (Billy) Muir worked at the store until he opened his own grocery store in 1888.
Custodial History
Donated to Fred McGuinness by Allena Strath (nee Coombs).
Scope and Content
Photograph shows the Coombs & Stewart general store located on the corner of Pacific Avenue and 6th Street. A group of men pose in front of the wood-framed store.
Notes
Back of photograph reads: One of first stores in Brandon, Coombs...[?]
According to G.F. Barker (Brandon: A City, 1977, 291), William (Billy) Muir worked at Coombs & Stewart's on Pacific Avenue until he opened his own grocery store in 1888. The shop was located at 143-6th Street, Brandon, and was demolished for a parking lot in 1952.
Custodial History
Donated to Fred McGuinness by Allena Strath (nee Coombs).
Scope and Content
Photograph shows the "Wm. Muir General Grocer" building on 6th Street. Two men pose in the doorway of the store. The man on the left is likely William Muir. Barrels are lined on the boardwalk in front of the store. Apples and mason jars can be seen in the shop's windows.
Notes
Front of photograph reads: Sixth Street between Rosser - Princess. Back of photograph reads: Billy Muir's Store, 143 6th Street Brandon - 57 years in business in this location. An address label affixed to the back of the mat reads: Mrs. James Strath, Box 421, Souris, Man.
Left hand corner of mat is bent. Mock-up instructions are written in pencil at the bottom right hand corner. Portions of the photograph itself are marked with pen.
History / Biographical
The Queen's Hotel was located on the corner of Rosser Avenue and Tenth Street (Steen & Boyce, 1882. Brandon, Manitoba, Canada and Her Industries. Steen & Boyce Publishers Printers & Binders, 81.). Therefore this photo appears to display Rosser Avenue looking east. P.E. 11/06/09
Scope and Content
Photograph shows early Rosser Avenue under construction between 9th Street and 10th Street in the 1880s. Buildings that line the avenue are wood framed and there are wooden boardwalks in front of a few structures. On the north side of Rosser Avenue signs for Fortier & Bucke Commision Agents and Transit House (Hotel) can be seen. On the south side of Rosser Avenue, the Queen's Hotel and Robinson Brothers and Company groceries and dry goods store are open for business. A family appears to be standing on the stoop at the dry goods store. A boy is lounging in the entryway of the Queen's Hotel. A man is standing on a wooden plank that extends across the dirt road of Rosser Avenue between the dry goods store and the commission agents' shop.
Postcard shows the grandstand and race track located at the Exhibition Grounds (now the site of the Keystone Centre/Westman Communications Place) in the south end of Brandon, Manitoba. The bleachers are filled with people and spectators also line the fence alongside the track. Five harness racers are making their way along the track. An observation tower and possible gazebo for dignitaries is located inside the track.
Notes
The back of the postcard is address to Mrs. Sharpe of Banff, Alberta. A green King George One Cent stamp has been postmarked Sault Ste. Maire, Ont., July 6, 1910. The message reads: Lake Superior, My dear. How are you? Glad you are charmed with B. don't get too fat. Tell Mrs. Coates my state room companion is Miss Rutherford of B. Coll: she got on at Port Arthur. Having a lovely trip. It was hard parting at B. .......Address 14 Deer Park, Toronto. Postcard manufactured by Stedman Bros. Ltd., Brantford, Canada. S.B. 2376. Made in Germany.
Photograph mat is bent. Emulsion problems with image.
Scope and Content
Photograph shows Rosser Avenue in its incipient stages. Canvas tents are mixed amongst wooden structures. The James Smart Hardware store, Winter & O'Neail Groceries & Provisions, and the law office of F.G.A. Henderson in the Molesworth Block can be seen on the north side of Rosser Avenue. A street sign designating 6th Street can be seen below the Winter & O'Neail sign. A horse and buggie is traveling down the dirt track that is Rosser Avenue. Groups of men can be seen congregating outside some of the local businesses.
Notes
Front of photograph reads: Rosser Avenue, Brandon 1882-1883, from east of Six Street. Back of photograph is stamped: I. Bennetto & Co., Photographers, Opposite Post-Office, Winnipeg, Man.
Corners of photograph mat are bent. Picture is cracked.
Scope and Content
Photograph shows an early view of Brandon's 6th Street in the 1880s. The Winter & O'Neail Groceries & Provisions and James Smart Hardware storefronts have been photographed. A street sign designating 6th Street can be seen below the Winter & O'Neail sign. A horse and cart is parked in front of the grocery store. A number of men wearing hats and jackets are standing along the boardwalk while posing for the picture. Lumber/timber saws are displayed in teh windows of the hardware store.
Notes
Front of photograph reads: 6th Street, Brandon, Manitoba, 1881-1882, Entrance [to Winter & O'Neail] corner of Rosser Ave & 6th Street.
Photograph was in possession of Mrs. Ruby Miles, who passed the image on to Fred McGuinness. McGuinness makes reference to Mrs. Miles and this photograph in his Sunbeams column (Brandon Sun 14 September 1978).
Scope and Content
Photograph shows a truck advertising O-Pee-Chee Chewing Gum parked in front of Brandon College's Clark Hall. The truck has been identified in the Stuckey collection as a Ford "Model T" delivery wagon. Its windshield is covered with a large advertisement that says, "Equipped with Dunlop Traction Tread Tires." Its license plate reads 1913 #2945. The truck is facing south on 18th Street. A middle-aged man is standing in front of the wagon; a box of gum rests on the truck's right fender. The driver, sporting a gadsby cap and tie, is proping up a box of gum on the driver's side door. Three young men, wearing suits, ties, and gadsby caps, are standing behind the wagon while holding open boxes of chewing gum.
Notes
Writing on the back of the photograph reads: Mrs. R. Miles. The photograph is stamped Davidson & Gowen, Photographers, Brandon, Man.
Photograph shows the 800 block of Rosser Avenue facing west. On the south side of Rosser Avenue the Nation Block, Christie's Bookstore, and Reesor's Clock can be seen. A number of horse and buggies/carriages are travelling along Rosser Avenue.
Photograph was in possession of Mrs. Ruby Miles, who passed the image on to Fred McGuinness. McGuinness makes reference to Mrs. Miles and this photograph in his Sunbeams column (Brandon Sun 14 September 1978).
Scope and Content
Photograph shows a wagon displaying advertisements for Taylor's Infants-Delight Toilet Soap and Dyson's Red Cross Baking Powder. The Gilmore Advertising Company appears to be responsible for the advertising and the wagon is numbered "No.3". The horsedrawn wagon is facing north on 18th Street and is parked in front of Brandon College's Original Building. An elderly man is seated at the reigns of the wagon and another man is seated at the rear. Standing to the left of the wagon is a man holding a can of Dyon's baking powder. Standing to the right of the wagon is a young man holding a cardboard ad of an infant holding a bar of soap in a wash basin.
Notes
Writing on the back of the photograph reads: Mrs. R. Miles. Cover shot. The photograph is stamped Davidson & Gowen, Photographers, Brandon, Man. Note: The two men standing in the photograph appear to be in another photograph where they are advertising O-Pee-Chee gum (see 20-2009.96).
Photograph shows the Brandon Wheat Market along Pacific Avenue on November 30, 1885. Farmers can be seen driving wagon teams loaded with bags of grain in line on Pacific Avenue from 10 Street to at least 7th Street. On the north side of Pacific Avenue the CPR Land Office and grain elevators are pictured. On the south side of Pacific Avenue, the general merchant/hardware store Bower, Blackburn, Mundell & Porter is situated on the corner of Pacific Avenue and 10th Street. A 10th Street sign is affixed to the merchants' store. On the east side of the general store, Edie House, the Grand View Hotel, and a Farmers' boarding and lodging house can be seen. Most of the buildings appear to be woodframed except for the Grand View, which is constructed of brick. Sidewalks appear to be in place on the south side of Pacific and snow dusts the streets. A baby swathed in winter clothing sits in a pram/baby carriage in front of the general store.
Notes
Writing on the front of the photograph reads: Novemeber 30th, 1885, Brandon Wheat Market
The 1901 Canadian Census places the Lehigh family near Brockville, Ontario, where Everett E. Lehigh (b. 19 May 1881) was farming with his widowed father Solon (b. 20 Aug 1849) and younger sister, Edna (b. 08 Feb 1884). The findagrave.com genealogical website identifies a Mary Wickware as marrying Everett E. Lehigh in Alqonquin, Ontario, on 04 April 1905.
E.E. Lehigh appears in the Henderson's Brandon City Directories in 1919. By 1923, he was Vice-President of Motors Ltd., which had its shop on 151-7th Street. By 1925, Lehigh had taken over the garage, renaming it Lehigh Motors, which became the sole agent for McLaughlin Motor Cars. By 1927, Lehigh Motors had opened a second branch on 12th Street and Princess Avenue, which was formerly the Brandon Auto Garage. Lehigh had become the exclusive dealer for McLaughlin-Buick, Pontiac, and Oldsmobile motor cars.
It appears Lehigh moved his business, E.E. Lehigh Ltd., to 799 Pacific Avenue by 1929. By then, Lehigh had a head office in Winnipeg at 640 Portage Avenue where he served as president and was the provincial distributor for Rugby trucks and Durant cars. Although E.E. Lehigh had a residence in Brandon (325 - 14th Street), Mr. S.G. Cunningham was listed as the Brandon representative for Lehigh Motors Ltd. in the Henderson Directories. By 1931, E.E. Lehigh Ltd. had moved once again, this time to 151-153 - 9th Street.
E.E. Lehigh disappears from the Henderson's Brandon City Directory by 1933 and a Mrs. E.E. Lehigh (possibly Mary (Wickware) Lehigh, d.21 July 1943) is listed under the 14th Street residence. The 9th Street garage address is divided between Munns Taxi (151-9th Street) and Wheat City Auto Wreckers (153-9th Street.)
Custodial History
Photograph was in possession of Mrs. Ruby Miles, who passed the image on to Fred McGuinness. McGuinness makes reference to Mrs. Miles and this photograph in his Sunbeams column (Source: F.A. Rosser, "Another interesting chat with a daughter of the plains," Brandon Sun 18 Aug 1981).
Scope and Content
Photograph shows a group portrait of 33 individuals standing and seated in front of the business E.E. Lehigh Ltd., Brandon. The storefront window has a sign that reads: Durant Motor Cars, E.E. Lehigh Ltd., Brandon. The door to the business has Lehigh Motors stencilled on the window. The men are wearing jackets and ties, and there are three women, possibly clerical staff, wearing 1920s era dresses. The elderly man seated in the centre of the photograph, wearing a long-sleeved white dress shirt might be Everett E. Lehigh.
Notes
Writing on the front of the photograph is embossed: C.J. Smith
Photograph was in possession of Mrs. Ruby Miles, who passed the image on to Fred McGuinness. McGuinness makes reference to Mrs. Miles and this photograph in his Sunbeams column (Brandon Sun 14 September 1978).
Scope and Content
Photograph shows the interior of the Hanbury Manufacturing Co. Mill. Men identified in the photograph include: Mr. Tom McKenzie (right), Elden Darrow, and Jack Silliker.
Notes
Writing on the back of the photograph reads: Mrs. R. Miles. Provenience and identifications obtained from Lawrence Stuckey collection.
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