Category: Archival Holdings

Patricia Monture (later Monture-Angus), a member of the Mohawk Nation from the Six Nations Grand River Territory, was an incredible force for change in the realm of Aboriginal women’s rights during her lifetime. She obtained her BA in sociology from the University of Western Ontario (1983), her law degree from Queen’s University (1988) and her Masters in law from Osgoode Hall Law School (Toronto) in 1998.  In 1988 she filed a suit in Ontario’s Supreme Court arguing that as a member of a sovereign nation, she should not be required to take an oath of allegiance to the Queen in order to join the Ontario Bar. In response, the Law Society made the oath-taking optional. Monture taught law at both Dalhousie University and the University of Ottawa before being offered a position in the Department of Native Studies at the University of Saskatchewan in 1994. She was granted tenure in 1998 and obtained full professorship in 1999, and was during this period one of very few Indigenous women in a faculty position on campus—at one point being the only Indigenous person in the Department of Native Studies. In 2004 she joined the sociology department and became the academic coordinator of the Aboriginal Justice and Criminology Program (also known as the Indigenous People and Justice Program). Her work on Indigenous and women’s rights stretched far beyond her activities on campus, and she served on a number of major inquiries including the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples, the task force on federally sentenced women, and the task force on the use of solitary confinement in federal prisons. In 2009 she was given an Honorary Doctor of Laws from Queen’s University, and she was also a recipient of the Sarah Shorten Award for the advancement of women. She passed away at the age of 52 in 2010. A center for student success was opened posthumously in her name at the University of Saskatchewan.

Links:

• Articles by Patricia Monture  : on topics such as Indigenous people and the law, child welfare, Aboriginal women and justice, and colonial attitudes.
• OCN article:  on Patricia’s involvement in the creation of the Canadian Museum of Human Rights (2009).
• Trish Monture Centre for Student Success
• Honourary Doctor of Laws
• Sarah Shorten Award
• Tribute to Patricia Monture : Published in the winter 2011 edition of the Arts & Science newsletter.
• Guide to Patricia Monture’s papers at the University Archives and Special Collections.

For links to further Indigenous Resources accessible through the University Library and Archives and Special Collections, check out this post!

The following is a list of some of the most recent collections to be processed at the University of Saskatchewan’s Archives and Special Collections. Note that this list is not comprehensive, but is meant to give a taste of some of the materials we are currently collecting, and which provide new research opportunities for our patrons. Subjects of interest are: Printed media personalities and literary figures; University history; John Diefenbaker; women’s histories; the Fabian Society; Northern studies (in co-operation with Russia); the performing and visual arts; AIDS, same-sex marriage and other LGBTQ+ issues; Indigenous justice; early rural life in Saskatchewan (particularly the Borden area); World War II; plant sciences. Also a fascinating array of rare signatures from historical figures have turned up this year, well worth checking out. E-mail ua.sc@usask.ca if you would like to explore any of these collections!

Art and Advertising Collection – MG 623: – 1926-2005 (inclusive); 1967-1998 (predominant). – 1.5 m of textual records (exhibition catalogues, posters, ephemera, and books), including oversize.

This collection consists of exhibition catalogues, posters, invitations and promotional ephemera, primarily (but not exclusively) from Canadian art galleries.  The catalogues predominantly feature the work of Canadian artists, with some European and American artists (and minimal representation from Asian artists).  The collection provides interesting documentation of the development of Canadian art across the country, including regional focus and to some extent, the development of interest in Indigenous art.  In addition, the collection includes some auction catalogues, as well as items relating to advertising; art and design used in industry promotion; and industrial design.

Donna Bronson Scrapbook – MG 581 – 1926-1930 – textual records and ephemera, 14 photographs.

This scrapbook, “College Days,” contains materials collected by Donna during the years she attended university.  Much of the material relates to student events, including initiation; banquets (“The New Girls’ Banquet given in honour of The Old Girls”); dances sponsored by Pente Kai Deka, Arts and Science, the Engineering Society, and the Literary Society.  It also include various clippings about University faculty and students; some material relating to student elections (Sexton, Culliton, Mackenzie); the 1927 program for Varsity Follies; the 1926 commemoration service on November 11; class timetables, etc.  Also included are original ink drawings, of a couple dancing, and of “Study Hour at Varsity,” as well as photographs of Donna and classmates “Mac” [Mary McLeary],  Eleanor Knox, Winona Yager, and Hazel [?], as well as a group known as the “Swift Current gang.”  Also included are samples of University stationery, a letter, song lyrics and college yells, various ads, including one for the Halfway House, etc.

Nils Clausson and Guy Michaud Collection- MG 620 – 1989-2017 (inclusive); 1989-1997 (predominant). – 5 cm of textual records; 2 o/s posters.

Nils Clausson served as Executive Director of AIDS Regina from 1987-1993. In 1989, he produced William Hoffman’s As Is, both as a fundraiser and to raise awareness of the AIDS epidemic, then often thought of as a “big city” problem.  He continued with four other benefits over the next five years, with Guy Michaud directing the productions.  Michaud had considerable experience as an actor, director, and playwright, in addition to working for CBC Radio-Canada. In October 1993, Clausson and Michaud co-founded Oscar Wilde & Company, a theatre group in Regina, the only gay theatre company on the Canadian prairies.  Its primary mandate was to produce plays about AIDS and gay issues, as well as other important social and political issues. This collection contains materials related to AIDS Regina and the dramatic productions initiated by them as fundraisers / education.  An outreach of that work was the formation of Oscar Wilde & Company.  This collection includes scripts, posters, and programmes; and by extension documents the collaboration between Nils Clausson and Guy Michaud, who established the first gay theatre company in Saskatchewan.

Douglas and Novia Cole collection (additionals) – MG 369. – 1743-1994 (inclusive). – 20 cm of books and textual records.

Douglas and Novia Cole are residents of Saskatoon.   This accrual adds to their collection of materials created by, or about, Canadian author Robertson Davies (1913-1995).  Davies was editor of Saturday Night and the Peterborough Examiner prior to joining Trinity College, University of Toronto as professor of literature.  The author of numerous plays and books, Davies is perhaps best known for The Salterton trilogy and the Deptford trilogy.  He received both the Stephen Leacock medal for humour and the Governor General’s Award for fiction.  Specifically, these items were from Davies’ personal library.  Some of the items included correspondence or other material laid in, including a letter from Edmund Wilson (1895-1972; American writer, editor and critic), and a postcard from Thornton Wilder (1897-1975; American playwright and novelist).

Robert Cole fonds. – MG 368 (additionals) – 1919-2016 (inclusive); 2004-2016 (predominant). – 5 cm. of textual records.

Robert Cole earned his BA and MA from St. Thomas More College and the University of Saskatchewan, and his PhD from the University of Alberta.  He currently works as Peel Bibliographer and Digital Content Coordinator at the University of Alberta Library. Previously, he served as a researcher and copy-editor for Chinook Multimedia in Edmonton. This accrual contains materials received primarily as a result of Bob Cole’s student days at the University of Saskatchewan and STM.

 Lorne and Mabel Connell Family fonds – MG 600 – –1942-1979 (inclusive); 1951-1965 (predominant) – 45.72 cm of textual records, 19 photographs, 1 audio cassette, library, memorabilia and artifacts; plus oversize.

James Lorne Connell (1894-1965) was born in Manitoba; he enlisted in the CEF on 24 November 1915 (he was a dental student at the time).  He married fellow dental student Mabel Gertrude Killins (1894-1963); they settled in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan where they both continued to practice dentistry.  Mabel Connell served for a time on the Board of Broadcast Governors. This fonds contains materials relating to John Diefenbaker’s political career and personal friendship with the Connells; and in particular, reflects Diefenbaker’s career following his election as leader of the Progressive Conservative Party of Canada, and his constituency of Prince Albert.

Sophia Dixon– MG 224 – (2016 accession) – 1901-2012 (inclusive); 1940-1990 (predominant) -1.62 metres of textual records, 146 postcards, 79 photographs, 25 audio cassettes.

Sophia Rossander was born in 1900 in Denmark; her family immigrated to Saskatchewan in 1911. Despite a lack of formal schooling, in 1916 Sophia took her Grade 10 examinations, winning the Governor General’s Award.  By 1917 she had completed Grade 11 and had taken three months of Normal School training in Saskatoon.  Sophia worked as a teacher in rural schools for two years, then took courses in Business College in Regina prior to returning to teaching in 1920.  At her school near Tramping Lake she met Charles Dixon, whom she married in 1921.  Sophia was active in the early Grain Growers’ Association and other co-operative movements in Saskatchewan; and played an early and influential role in the Farmer-Labor Group, the CCF, the Saskatchewan Farmers’ Union, and co-operative marketing associations.    This fonds contains materials created or accumulated by Sophia Dixon, and to a lesser extent, by her daughter, Jean Dixon Pettifor.  It includes materials for memoir -biography project initiated by Sophia and later worked on by Jean, with help from other feminist academics.  It contains much of Sophia’s writing (original documents and transcriptions); but also includes considerable material relating to her family.

Fabian Society Tracts Collection – MG 347 – nd, 1889-1935 (inclusive); 1889-1925 (predominant). – 15 cm of textual records.

The Fabian Society was founded in Britain in 1884, as a progressive movement characterised by a commitment to social justice, and increased equality in society.  Many notable left-wing thinkers wrote tracts published by the Society, on topics relating to child labour, women’s suffrage, old age pension (1897), and working conditions; as well as encouraging democratic socialism and change through local government and trade unionism.  Fabian pamphlets first proposed a national health service (1911), minimum wage (1906), and the Society is credited with helping to establish the modern welfare state.  It’s members played a role in the formation of the British Labour Party in 1900; and were also involved in the creation of The New Statesman, and the London School of Economics, founded initially as a “research institute to provide proof positive of the collectivist ideal.” This collection contains 147 pamphlets, including some revised editions, organized by tract number; together with some annual reports.

Robert Finch fonds – MG590 – 10 cm textual materials; 40 black and white photos ; 51 negatives –1901-1946 (1933-1946 predominantly)

Correspondence from British emigrants describing their lives in Canada and concern over the war. The collection includes letters, photographs, negatives, manuscript drawings, maps, greeting cards, newsclippings, and one small watercolor.

Harald Finker fonds – MG 621 – Dates: 1986-2010 (inclusive). – Extent: 1.14 m: 4,940 photographs, 185 reprints/enlargements, 4 polaroids, 4,128 negatives, 3 internegs, 659 slides, 49 CDs

Harald Finkler formerly headed the Circumpolar Affairs Directorate of Indian and Northern Affairs Canada. Harald played a pivotal role in the Directorate’s longstanding contribution to Canada-USSR/Russia arctic cooperation achieved through technical assistance initiatives in building the capacity of the Indigenous Peoples of the Russian North. Since his retirement, he continues his polar engagement as consultant on northern and indigenous issues. This collection of images by H. W. Finkler, were taken of activities within the framework of Canada – USSR / Russia cooperation on the arctic.  The subject matter follows the development of international relations, with an emphasis on the Chukotka Autonomous Okrug and particularly, Indigenous peoples of the north.  The collection contains images of cities, towns, and herding camps; various officials from Canada and Russia; and numerous images of local people.  It is an exceptionally comprehensive glimpse into the architecture, landscape, and daily lives of people in the Russian federation, over a period of roughly 20 years.

T.Y. and Judith Rice Henderson collection.- 2017-082 – [ca. 1994]-2017. – 0.6 m of textual records, 2 cds, 1 dvd

Judith Rice Henderson is a Professor of English and former associate dean at the University of Saskatchewan. T.Y. Henderson is a retired Professor of Philosophy at the University of Saskatchewan. Collection consists of programs from theater productions, but also music and dance and some special events. The collection primarily documents the performing arts in Saskatoon and area – notably Persephone Theater, Saskatoon Gateway Players and the Saskatoon Symphony – and includes representation from a number of independent theater companies, some no longer in operation. Internationally, there is an extensive set of programs from the United Kingdom, most extensively from London, Cambridge, and the Royal Shakespeare Company.

Mona Holmlund fonds. – MG 417 – 1996-1997 (inclusive). -20.32 cm of textual records; 60 audio cassettes.

Mona Holmlund earned her BA at St. Thomas More College, University of Saskatchewan; her MA at Reading University, and her PhD from Cambridge.  She taught Art History at the University of Saskatchewan; and various courses on visual culture at Dalhousie University, where she holds appointments with the departments of History and Gender and Women’s Studies, and the Fountain School of Performing Arts; and is coordinator for the Certificate program in Art History and Visual Culture. This fonds contains materials relating to the publication of Women Together : Portraits of Love, Commitment, and Life ( essays by Mona Holmlund, photographs by Cyndy Warwick, foreword by Candace Gingrich. Philadelphia, Pa.: Running Press, 1999. In University library:  HQ75.5 .H655 1999).  The book was based on interviews with couples throughout North America, including those involved at the time with changes to legislation regarding same-sex marriages, etc.

The Hinde-Horn-Wake family fonds- MG604 – 1888-1998 (inclusive); 1910-1950 (predominant). – 0.4 m textual records; 6 photographs; 53 photographic negatives; memorabilia.

This fonds consists of records of the Joseph Hinde and Henry Wake families, members of an English Quaker community in Birmingham who immigrated to Canada in 1912. The records reflect their daily lives and the operation of the Hinde family’s Valley Springs Ranch near Borden, Saskatchewan. Materials relating to the Horn family farm at Spring Valley Saskatchewan during the Depression comprise the second series of records in this fonds. The types of records included are diaries, correspondence, photographs, financial records, publications, artifacts and clippings.

Reverend Joseph Holmes fonds – MG584 –  1875- 1967, Pre-1800 predom – 10 cm textual material

Reverend Joseph Holmes a Methodist minister in Exeter, Ontario. He was married to Lucretia (Cretia) Burke. He and his family travelled between churches in Ontario, and ultimately retired in Saskatoon around 1918. Two of his sons worked as dentists in Saskatoon, and his daughter worked for the Star Phoenix. This substantive family archive of Canadiana consists of multi-page correspondence for southern and south-central Ontario beginning in 1875 through 1929, but mostly pre-20th century, and comprises of several different threads of personal/familial writings with letters received between Saskatoon Saskatchewan, and many other locations across Canada. Along with the over 85 letters are some loose covers, an account book, one check book with stubs and perhaps another 20 pieces of ephemera.

C. Stuart Houston fonds-  MG 164 –  1817 – 2017 (inclusive); 1950-2015 (predominant). – 7 m textual records; 1.4 m books;  456 photographs; 105 negatives; 15 35mm slides; 6 CD-R.

This accrual includes personal information on Stuart Houston, relating to his childhood in Yorkton, his secondary and postsecondary studies in the field of Medicine, and his family. Also included are his collected research and articles on birds, the environment, medicine, and history. A set of research files on persons related to all of these fields of interest is also included. Finally, materials related to Houston’s books in his Arctic Trilogy, 18^th Century Naturalists of the Hudson’s Bay Area, Tommy’s Team, and 36 Steps on the Road to Medicare are included. Of particular note are an 1831 letter written by John Richardson, still with original wax seal, and hand painted drawings of birds of Chile.

Ian Innes fonds – MG 597 – n.d., 1915-1984 (inclusive); 1958-1984 (predominant). – 500 35 mm colour slides.

Ian Innes was hired by Colb McEown and Jim Wedgewood in July, 1958 and worked as a Planner and Architect for the University of Saskatchewan from 1958-1992. This fonds contains images depicting many of the building projects that were done during Innes’ years working on campus. They are not limited to buildings, but include available building sites, roads and walks, landscaping and some graphics. In addition, it includes images of other university campuses from around North America, and some from Europe.

Donald Cameron Kerr fonds – MG169- 1908 – 2017 (inclusive), 1940-2017 (predominant). -8.85 m, 786 photographs, 651 negatives, 15 35mm slides, 1 31/2” floppy, 5 CD-R, 23 cassette tapes, ephemera.

Donald Cameron Kerr was born in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan in 1936 and educated at St. Joseph’s School, Nutana Collegiate and the University of Saskatchewan where he received an Honours B.A. in English in 1958. He earned an M.A. in English at the University of Toronto in 1960. Kerr taught at the U of S from 1960 to 1962 and, after two years in London, U.K., from 1964 to his retirement. In addition to serving as acting chair of the department of English in 1985-86, Kerr has served on a number of departmental, college and university committees.  This fonds reflects Kerr’s vocational and avocational interests. His academic activities include not only his own writing in a variety of genres but also his editing, assessment and review of the contributions of others to prose, poetry, drama and film. His service to the community  external to the university  is primarily evident in the political, arts  and heritage fields.

Edward Alexander Maginnes-MG 611- 1903-1995 (inclusive); 1965-1983 (predominant). – 50 cm of textual records; 8 VHS tapes; 2 audio cassettes; 3118 35mm slides; 52 photographs.

Edward Alexander Maginnes was a Professor of Horticulture Science at the University of Saskatchewan. He remained there teaching and conducting research for 36 years, retiring in 2000. Areas that were of particular interest to him included Waste Heat Greenhouse Management, turf grass growth and maintenance as well as hydroponics growing methods. Ed was an honorary member of the Saskatchewan Turf Grass Association and the North American Lily Society. He was married to Beverly Maginnes in 1964, and the couple had three children (Elizabeth, Susan, and Sean). In his retirement, Edward was instrumental in the development and construction of an Abbeyfield House in Saskatoon. Edward passed away in 2010. The fonds is comprised of small press gardening publications and offprints collected by Maginnes, as well as videos on his subjects of interest. The largest segment of the fonds is Maginnes’ collection of 35mm slides, which feature lecture slides and images related to his greenhouse work, images of his sabbatical trips to Denmark, Sweden, and Japan, and personal family images.

R.N.G.  Marken fonds -MG 187 –  1972-2017 (inclusive). –  20 cm of textual records.

Ronald Norman George Marken joined the English department at the University of Saskatchewan in 1966 as an instructor and was granted tenure as professor in 1980.  He has served as Head of the department as well as acting head of the department of Native Studies.  Marken has received a number of awards in recognition of his teaching prowess. In addition to literature and composition courses, Marken has taught modern drama and British poetry.  He has published a number of poems, including collections entitled Cycles of Youth & Age and Dark Honey, articles and reviews pertaining to drama productions and monographs, edited The Easterner’s Guide to Western Canada and co-authored 1919: The Love Letters of George and Adelaide, which was subsequently presented by Regina’s Globe Theatre as “Dancing in Poppies” and “Flights of Angels” presented by Saskatoon’s 25th Street Theatre.  Marken has also presented a number of academic papers and popular addresses to audiences at home and abroad.As part of his academic duties, Marken has served on a variety of committees at the departmental, college and university level.  He is an active member of a number of professional organizations is involved with several community groups. These two additional accessions contains correspondence, teaching and research material and fiction and non-fiction writings by Marken.

Don McGuire fonds – MG 613 – nd, 1981-2015 (inclusive) -5 cm of textual records, memorabilia.

Don McGuire has been an advocate for the LGBTQ community in Regina, and nationally.  As a practicing Catholic, McGuire has been particularly strong advocating within the Catholic church; and has also been active within Dignity Canada Dignité, “an organization of Gay Catholic men and women and other concerned people” providing a “positive communal ministry to gay people.” This fonds contains materials relating to the history and work of Dignity Canada Dignité, McGuire’s published letters and other correspondence, together with articles and materials outlining the debate within the Catholic church (echoed within other Christian denominations) regarding homosexuality.

Patricia Monture fonds – MG 539 – 1960-2010 (inclusive); 1980-2005 (predominant). – 5.6 m of textual records; 8 color photographs; 10 35mm slides; 2 CD-ROM; 16 VHS tapes; 2 DVD; 1 artifact.

Patricia Monture (later Monture-Angus) was a member of the Mohawk Nation from the Six Nations Grand River Territory.  In 1988 she filed a suit in Ontario’s Supreme Court arguing that as a member of a sovereign nation, she should not be required to take an oath of allegiance to the Queen in order to join the Ontario Bar. In response, the Law Society made the oath-taking optional. Monture taught law at both Dalhousie University and the University of Ottawa before being offered a position in the Department of Native Studies at the University of Saskatchewan in 1994. She was granted tenure in 1998 and obtained full professorship in 1999, and was during this period one of very few Indigenous women in a faculty position on campus—at one point being the only Indigenous person in the Department of Native Studies. In 2004 she joined the sociology department and became the academic coordinator of the Aboriginal Justice and Criminology Program (also known as the Indigenous People and Justice Program). Her work on Indigenous and women’s rights stretched far beyond her activities on campus, and she served on a number of major inquiries including the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples, the task force on federally sentenced women, and the task force on the use of solitary confinement in federal prisons. She passed away at the age of 52 in 2010.This fonds includes materials relating to Patricia Monture’s teaching, research, and professional activities on campus, as well as an extensive collection of materials relating to Indigenous rights, women’s rights, Indigenous women’s rights, the Canadian justice system, and how the Canadian justice system interacts with Aboriginal, female, and Aboriginal female offenders. The papers also explore issues of child welfare and domestic violence. A number of legal documents are included, as are materials relating to Indigenous self-governance, treaties, and the Indian Act. Also included are materials relating to Monture’s involvement in a number of national commissions including the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples, the task force on federally sentenced women, and the task force on the use of solitary confinement in federal prisons. Through Monture’s correspondence, it is possible to get a sense of what it was like working as an Indigenous woman in academia during this period.

Maude Palmer fonds – MG588 – 1924-1933 – 5 cm textual records

Mrs. Maude Palmer of Aylmer Ontario had landholdings in Griffiths and Colgate Saskatchewan, managed from afar by her agent John Leonard. A number of letters dealing with the management of Mrs. Palmer’s landholdings and agricultural operations there during the early years of the Great Depression.

E. Priest fonds – MG587 –1881-1885-1 journal

 E. Priest of Carnarvon, England was a teacher and governess until her marriage to Mr. Edward Jones, whereupon the couple immigrated to Canada, beginning their own homestead in Moosomin Saskatchewan. Her sister opened the first school in Moosomin.  This diary spans four eventful years of Ms. Priest’s life, touching on her activities as a teacher, her wedding, holiday trips to England and Wales, and early years homesteading in Canada. Personal and philosophical thoughts are also explored within the diary. Many flowers are pressed in the diary.

Jack Quinlan fonds. – MG 593. – nd, 1935-1953 (inclusive); 1938-1944 (predominant). – 3 cm of textual records, 31 photographs, memorabilia.

John Michael (“Jack”) Quinlan was born on 28 July 1915, in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan.  His father, a bank accountant and manager, moved the family frequently: Jack’s elementary education was taken in Melfort, Winnipeg and “points west;” but in the 1930s the family moved to Prince Albert, where they remained.  Quinlan worked for the Bank of Nova Scotia and in 1935, passed his examinations to become an Associate of the Canadian Bankers’ Association (Queen’s University), and worked for the PA Herald prior to attending the University of Saskatchewan, where he obtained both a BA and LL.B (1941).  Upon graduating, he immediately joined the Royal Canadian Air Force.  After a training course in PEI Quinlan was stationed in England; in early 1944 he was sent to North Africa.  He died on 4 March 1944. This fonds contains materials relating to the life of Jack Quinlan.  It includes photographs of his years as a student at the University of Saskatchewan, but predominantly reflects his time with the RCAF.  It is notable for the letters of condolence sent to his family following his death, which provide clear evidence of the extent to which one family’s loss was felt throughout the community.

Bruce Reeder fonds – MG576 – 20 cm textual records; 46 35mm slides (glass and cardboard); 12 8x10cm glass slides; 275 negatives –1956-2001

Bruce Reeder spent many years working for the School of Public Health at the University of Saskatchewan. He is now a Professor Emeritus of Community Health and Epidemiology. His areas of research are Global Health, infectious disease, the prevention of obesity and cardiovascular disease, and complex adaptive systems and systems thinking. In the 1990’s, he worked for Health Canada, and was involved in the Canadian Heart Health Initiative. He has also been a leader in the One Health initiative.

 

Clarence White Rife fonds – 1872, 1910, [ca. 1940s]. – 3 cm of textual records, 1 photograph.

Clarence White Rife graduated from the University of Saskatchewan with a BA in history and political science (1914), and spent 1915-1917 as a teacher in Swift Current, Saskatchewan before pursuing his MA from the University of Toronto (1918). He spent 1918-1919 as a sessional lecturer at Queen’s University prior to enrolling at Yale, from which he earned his PhD in 1922.  He then began his career as professor of history at Hamline University in St. Paul, Minnesota.  By 1927 he became chair of the department, a role he continued for nearly thirty years.  He retired in 1956 and was named professor emeritus. Rife co-founded the Hamline University Institute of World Affairs, served as financial director for the Minnesota Student Project for Amity Among Nations (SPAN), was an active member of the Ramsey County Historical Society, and was active in the Hamline Methodist Church, serving as chair of its Historical Committee. This fonds contains Rife’s diary for 1910, the year he decided to lease his homestead and pursue a degree at the University of Saskatchewan.  A book owned by his father, George Rife, documents the area of Pennsylvania where Rife family were before they emigrated to Canada.  Notes by Rife’s daughter provide context and additional information.

Ross Family Autograph Album – MG 598 –  [ca. 187-?] – 1981 (inclusive); [187-?]-1915 (predominant). – 5 cm of textual records.  Album: 110 pages, approximately 362 autographs; 5 letters; clippings and ephemera.

This album contains over 360 autographs from prominent individuals of the time, including six Prime Ministers (all those who served between 1878-1911); eight Governors-General; 25 cabinet ministers; and over 100 members of parliament, predominantly those who served in the first 10 parliaments between 1867 and 1905.  Other individuals of achievement and/or fame in various fields are also represented: scientists; public officials from other countries; diplomats; religious leaders; those in the performing arts.  Uniquely, the album also contains several signatures from members of the Royal Family: extremely rare in an album of this kind.  This album was initiated by Jessie Flora Ross (1839-1937) and maintained by three generations of the Ross family.  Some of the entries have specific references to Donald, her son; it is his name in the frontispiece.  Donald’s son, Arthur Dwight Ross (1907-1981) and his wife Marguerite Wynn (1908-2003) also encouraged prominent people of their day to sign.

Vipen Sawhney fonds – MG 509– 2017-081. – 1979-2016. 0.80 m. of textual records.

Vipen Sawhney came to the University of Saskatchewan in 1975.  Dr. Sawhney rose through the ranks serving as the Rawson Professor of Biology and Department Head from 2003-2007.  In addition to his U of S appointment, he has been a visiting Professor and Fellow several times.  Dr. Sawhney maintained a first rate research program throughout his career, co-editing a book and authoring more than a hundred refereed papers. He is an internationally recognized plant geneticist focusing on understanding the processes and mechanisms controlling flower and pollen development in angiosperms using floral and male-sterile mutants in tomato, canola  and Arabidopsis.  By using microscopic, physiological and proteomic approaches, Dr. Sawhney has investigated the various factors, and their possible interactions, in plant developmental processes. His research on male sterility in tomato has been applied in the hybrid seed industry.  He has received many awards and honours including the Master Teacher 2007, Earned Doctor of Science 2010 and the Award of Innovation from the University of Saskatchewan.  He served as the President, Canadian Botanical Association, 2004-2006, President, International Association of Sexual Plant Reproduction and Research, 1998-2002 and Vice-President, Canadian Botanical Association, 1998-1999.

Jason Schoonover fonds – MG 583 –  1975 (predominant); 1957-1977 (inclusive). – 10 m of textual material; 25 photographs; 4 audio reels; 3 film reels; 1 audio cassette; 1 45 rpm record.

“Writer, adventurer, expedition leader, ethnologist, archaeologist, paleontologist, canoeist, naturalist, photographer and Fellow Emeritus, Stefansson Medalist, Citation of Merit awardee, and on the Honor Roll of the prestigious Explorers Club—was brought up on farms, and in villages and small towns in Saskatchewan, Canada, and cities like Saskatoon and Vancouver. This explains why he feels equally at home canoeing in the remote north of his homeland, one of his passions, and living in mega-cities like Bangkok. Following university, he launched a multi-media career as a disk jockey, and expanded into writing, directing and producing in radio, TV, stage, newspapers and magazines, including stints as a columnist. His largest stage production was writing, directing and producing Prime Minister John Diefenbaker’s 80th birthday party gala in 1975, an extravaganza involving over 300 performers and personnel”:  (from Jason Schoonover’s website ) This fonds contains textual materials and audiovisual materials pertaining to the writing and planning of Diefenbaker’s 80^th Birthday Party in 1975. Specifically it includes handwritten and typed notes, correspondence, photographs, audio visual reels, and some clippings.

Shirley Serviss fonds-MG 617 – nd, 1975-1992 (inclusive). – 2 cm of textual records; 1 photograph.

Shirley Serviss is an author and poet.  She was raised on a farm near Ethelton, Saskatchewan attended the University of Saskatchewan in 1971-1972, and took art classes from Reta Cowley.   While working as a journalist for the Prince Albert Daily Herald, Serviss met John Hicks.    Serviss earned her BA in creative writing from the University of Alberta, and her MA in theology from St. Stephen’s College (1997).  She and Alice Majors started Roland Books; and she taught at MacEwan University.  Serviss was a founding member of the Writers Guild of Alberta.  This fonds contains correspondence from Reta Cowley, and John Hicks.  The Cowley correspondence in part, discusses her painting process; and the Hicks correspondence discusses the Saskatchewan writing scene (particularly Prince Albert); his publications and awards, and his ideas about writing.

Joseph and Stella Skwara Farming History fonds. – MG 596- 1911-2012 (inclusive); 1950-2012 (predominant).- 40 cm of textual records.

Joe and Stella married in 1945, and together they farmed in the Borden area from 1945 to 1983.  They had two daughters.  Joe and Stella retired to Borden in 1983, where Joe died in 2005. Stella died in 2012.  The Skwara farm near Borden, Saskatchewan, has remained in the hands of a single family for over 70 years.  The majority of that period – over 60 years – is documented in this fonds.  In particular, as farmers such as the Skwaras are self-employed, details in income tax and Canadian Wheat Board permit books provide considerable insight into the changing nature of farming practices and the economic reality of farming over time.  Blacksmithing costs; beekeeping; the nature of the crops being grown; diversification through livestock; cost (and availability) of transient help; and the number of acres under cultivation all combine to tell not only the personal story of one farm family, but also farming as a business.

The Walter Slipchenko fonds.- MG 599 – 1930-2010 (inclusive); 1970-1995 (predominant)-  5.28 m of textual records, library, 1,304 slides, 231 photographs, 10 internegs, 1 disc; website

  Walter Slipchenko was born in Winnipeg in 1934 and grew up in that city. He attended the Canadian Military College at Royal Roads, Victoria, BC, and the Royal Military College (RMC), Kingston, ON, becoming an officer in the Royal Canadian Engineers. Upon leaving the military, he graduated from the University of Manitoba with a Masters in Arts in 1966 before joining the federal public service in Ottawa. Walter had a distinguished 35-year career in the public service within the Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and the Government of Northwest Territories, focused on Aboriginal affairs and Canada’s circumpolar relations. He was instrumental in developing Canada’s cooperation with other circumpolar states, and nurturing agreements with Russia on the Arctic. He was unwavering in his support of Indigenous peoples throughout the circumpolar world. [Sources: obituary, and material supplied by Andrew Slipchenko and Harald Finkler]. This fonds contains materials created or accumulated by Walter Slipchenko during his career and during research for his definitive report, Canada’s Arctic Cooperation with the Soviet Union and Russia, 1965-2000.   The documentation is comprehensive, covering a number of subjects and organizations, and provides a valuable record of circumpolar life across several nations.  In addition to the physical items, it includes a website, www.walterslipchenko.com which provides further information on the scope of the report and the development of international, circumpolar relationships.

Duff Spafford- MG 281. – 1908-2015. – 2015-098; 2017-045. – 3.4 m.

Duff was a member of faculty at the University of Saskatchewan for over 40 years. He started in the Department of Economics and Political Science, where he taught both economics and political science. When the department separated in 1985, he took the option of joining the new Department of Political Studies. His research interests included public finance, economic development, and Saskatchewan history. After shifting to political studies, his primary interests were election systems, representation, and the mathematical relationship between seats and votes. After Duff retired in 2002, he was active in the University of Saskatchewan Retirees Association and the College and University Retirees Association. He was passionate about the university and scoured primary sources to record the achievements of its alumni, in the process discovering forgotten students of critical importance to the history of the institution. This fonds includes material relating to Duff’s University of Saskatchewan research interests, including Frank Anderson, the Ceramics Department, books written by alumni, teaching and department files, consulting and The Sheaf.

David Williams – MG 453 

David Larry Williams was born 22 June 1945 at Souris-Glenwood, Manitoba.  He earned and Pastor’s Diploma from Briercrest Bible Institute in 1965, a BA from the University of Saskatchewan in 1968 and a MA and PhD from the University of Massachusetts in 1970 and 1973.  He joined the faculty of the University of Manitoba in 1972 where he has taught classes in the Canadian Novel, Seventeenth-Century British Literature, Literature Since 1900, Media and Memory, Media and Nation, Milton, Milton & the Levellers and Contemporary Critical Theory.  His major works include. Media, Memory, and the First World War; Imagined Nations: Reflections on Media in Canadian Fiction; Confessional Fictions: A Portrait of the Artist in the Canadian Novel; The River Horsemen; Eye of the Father; and The Burning Wood. Williams’ novels recreate the world of his childhood in rural Saskatchewan exploring the competing mythologies of the people who came to settle the region.  His literary criticisms explore the place of Canadian literature within the wider field of modern literature written in English.

MG 216 – RG Williamson – 2017 accessions. – 1952-2009 (inclusive); 1977-2002 (predominant). – 0.81 metres of textual records.

While wintering at Ft. Simpson, Northwest Territories, Robert Gordon Williamson began recording Dené folklore as an independent initiative. Williamson’s extensive record of scholarship in cultural anthropology and ethnology can be dated from this period forward.  Between July 1953 and October 1954 while based at Pangnirtung, Baffin Island, he learned Inuktitut and extended his ethnological experience by travelling throughout Cumberland Sound. During the summers while working toward his first degree, Williamson was employed with the Department of Northern Affairs.  In 1958 he joined the Department of Northern Affairs on a full-time basis, where he established their Eskimology section, founded the first Eskimo language journal, and became Welfare and Rehabilitation Superintendent for the district of Keewatin, dealing primarily with social issues.  His career with the University of Saskatchewan began at the Centre for Community Studies, with a study of Fringe Saulteaux near Kamsack, Saskatchewan; by 1964 he had joined the department of Anthropology as a lecturer and was an associate director with the Institute for Northern Studies.  In addition, Williamson served for over a decade as the director of the University’s Arctic Research and Training Centre.   In 1966 he was elected by acclamation in the first of his two terms as member for Keewatin to the Legislative Council of the NWT.   Williamson has worked on behalf of numerous organizations, including the Inuit Tapirisat of Canada, the Canadian Eskimo Arts Council, the Inuit Circumpolar Conference, and the CBC Northern Service.  He was invested into the Order of Canada in 1983.  Upon his retirement from the University in 1999 Williamson was named Professor Emeritus, and at the fall 2000 convocation ceremony, was recognized with the JWG Ivany Internationalization Award. This final accrual to the Williamson fonds documents Dr. Williamson’s work relating to the Canadian north and other circumpolar regions.  It includes his memoirs; and in particular documents some of his later research work, notably that relating to the Distant Early Warning (DEW) Line.

Grant Wood fonds – MG 609 – 1956-2005 inclusive – 20 cm textual

Grant Wood worked for many years in Agricultural Extension at the University of Saskatchewan, and upon the closure of that Department became an Assistant Professor in the College of Agriculture and Bioresources in the Department of Plant Sciences. Wood has been a driving force behind the University’s rooftop gardens and other urban agricultural initiatives, and specializes in teaching urban agriculture, a course he developed to help students understand why we should be growing more food locally. He has acted as faculty advisor to the U of S horticulture club, and is also involved in various food-growing initiatives off-campus, frequently working with new Canadians, and sharing his love of urban farming. He has also been involved with “The Gardener for the Prairies” magazine, and donated many copies to our Special Collections. This fonds contains materials relating to the professional activities of Grant Wood, including papers he has presented at conferences, and his work in the Canada Mongolia Training for Rural Development Project. Also included are some of his early teaching materials, and materials collected on subjects related to his field.

Woolsey Family Collection MG585 – 1943 – 1944 –1 file

Two of the letters in this grouping were written by V-10860 Telegrapher Leonard R. Woolsey, who was an original member of the crew of the HMCS Athabaskan, which was disabled by German air attack in August 1943. He later served at sea in H.M.C.S. Chaudiere, and finally received a commission, ending the war attached to the Royal Navy as a Fleet Air Arm fighter controller. The other correspondence was written by his mother, and include content about the early service of the Athabaskan, and about her sinking in 1944. The letters were written to Leonard’s brother L.A.C. Eldon Woolsey, R-120650, who served overseas in the R.C.A.F. from 1943 to 1945, much of the time with 422 Squadron. [Two other brothers, Donald, served in the Canadian Parachute Corps late in the war and Able Seaman Boyd H. Woolsey, who served at sea on anti-submarine duties in Fairmile motor launches.]

 

The following is a list of some of the most recent collections to be processed at the University of Saskatchewan’s Archives and Special Collections. Note that this list is not comprehensive, but is meant to give a taste of some of the materials we are currently collecting, and which provide new research opportunities for our patrons.

MG454 – Sharon Bakker fonds

Sharon Bakker was born in 1952 in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Her contributions to the Saskatchewan and Canadian drama scene have been extensive. Paper Wheat, which first opened in Sintaluta SK in 1977, stands as a highlight on Bakker’s CV as she at various times both acted in and directed the play. . She was herself a founder of a number of theater co-operatives, including the Fully Dressed Ladies Co-op and Bakkery Products Co-op. In the early seventies, Bakker was a founding member of the 25^th Street Theater group, and in the early eighties established VIEW, a group for female performing artists in Vancouver.

The material in this fonds consists largely of scripts, clippings, photographs and ephemera pertaining to Bakker’s involvement in theater in the province of Saskatchewan, and Canada at large. Materials highlighting Bakker’s career are included, as are materials pertaining to her involvement in various theatrical professional organizations. Some personal materials have also been retained.

MG557 – Gordon Barnhart fonds

Gordon Leslie Barnhart was born in Saltcoats, Saskatchewan on January 22, 1945. He earned a BA in History from the University of Saskatchewan (Regina Campus) in 1967, a MA from the University of Regina in 1977 and Ph.D from the University of Saskatchewan in 1998.  He briefly taught at North Battleford Collegiate Institute before accepting an appointment as Clerk of the Saskatchewan Legislative Assembly. In 1989, he was appointed Clerk of the Senate.  From 2000 to 2005, he served as University Secretary, University of Saskatchewan before retiring to teach political studies classes, specializing in Canadian politics, government and the Canadian Senate.  In 2006, Dr. Barnhart replaced Lynda Haverstock as Lieutenant-Governor of Saskatchewan. In 2012, he returned to the U of S as an Adjunct Professor in the Department of History and on May 21, 2014, Barnhart was appointed interim President of the University of Saskatchewan.  He held the post until October 24, 2015. On June 24, 2014, Barnhart was named a Member of the Order of Canada. Barnhart’s book Peace, Progress and Prosperity detailed the life of Saskatchewan’s first premier, Thomas Walter Scott. Other works include E. H. Oliver : a study of Protestant progressivism in Saskatchewan, 1909-1935; Saskatchewan’s Premiers of the Twentieth Century, Building for the Future; a photo journal of Saskatchewan’s Legislative Building and Parliamentary Committees: Enhancing Democratic Governance. The material in this fonds documents the career, interests and writing of Gordon Barnhart.

MG418 – Robert Calder fonds

Born in Moose Jaw on 3 April 1941 and raised in Saskatoon, Robert Lorin Calder is a lifelong resident of Saskatchewan. Having taken a BA (1964) and MA (1965) at the University of Saskatchewan and a PhD at the University of Leeds (1970), he was the longest-serving (45 ½ years) member of the Department of English at the University of Saskatchewan, and at 38, was also the youngest Department Head in its history. Additionally, he served as the Acting Head of the Music Department and as the first Associate Dean of Fine Arts and Humanities in the College of Arts and Science.

Calder is the author or editor of eleven books, most of which have been published internationally.  He was the first writer in the history of Saskatchewan to have a book published by an international trade publisher while residing in the province. His Willie: the Life of W. Somerset Maugham, for which he was awarded the Governor General’s Literary Award, made him recognized as the leading authority in the world on Somerset Maugham. In 2005 he was given the University of Saskatchewan’s Distinguished Researcher Award, and in 2011 he was selected among the first hundred College of Arts and Science Alumni of Influence.

Throughout his career, Calder has been an active member of the Saskatchewan writing community, serving as President of the Sage Hill Writing Experience, the Saskatchewan Writers’ Guild, and The Word on the Street Saskatoon (of which he is a founding member). He was instrumental in the creation of the Kloppenburg Award for Literary Excellence, and the innovative Master of Fine Arts in Writing at the University of Saskatchewan. In addition to the Governor General’s Literary Award, he has won two Saskatchewan Book Awards, and has twice won the John V. Hicks Manuscript Award.

This fonds is a record of Calder’s activities in three areas: personal life and career as student and faculty member, career as an internationally published author, and contributions to the Saskatchewan writing community.

MG513 – Christopher Chapman fonds

Born in Toronto in 1927, Christopher Chapman was an innovative Canadian filmmaker and documentarian. He was best known for A Place to Stand, produced for the Ontario Pavilion at Expo 67 and for which he won an Academy Award. A Place to Stand represented the beginning of IMAX technology, and Chapman pioneered the “multiple dynamic images” technique.

The fonds includes film footage and audio recordings created during Christopher Chapman’s film project relating to Richard St. Barbe Baker; photographs of the film shoot in British Columbia; correspondence, drafts, proposals, notes, etc. documenting the film project, including correspondence between Chapman and St. Barbe and between Chapman and others; photographs taken and collected by St. Barbe; letters sent to St. Barbe care of Chapman during his extended visit to Canada; articles and other resource material compiled by both Chapman and St. Barbe, especially relating to forestry and the environment, and about St. Barbe; and related material including slides of the Findhorn Community in Scotland.

MG545 – Allan Cushon Collection

Owner of Saskatoon’s most recognizable locksmithing shop, Burnett’s keys. Allan was a graduate of the University of Saskatchewan, and an avid collector of books, magazines, and other materials with particular focus on mysteries, Sherlockian works, and anything to do with locks and keys. Allan passed away in 2015.

This collection contains books, magazines, and a variety of ephemera. Much of the material consists of advertising (dating from the Victorian era to the present), and Canadiana. Other themes include socialism, sex and gender, science fiction, western living, and adventure. In line with Cushon’s interests as a locksmith, there are also a variety of materials relating to locks, keys, and locked room mysteries.

MG580 – D. W. (Zach) Hauser fonds

Donald William (Zach) Hauser earned his BFA from the University of Saskatchewan in 1979 and did post-graduate studies in Gesamthoschschule Kassel (the Consolodated University of Kassel), Germany.  He has taught photography for Camosun College, Victoria, and for the University of Saskatchewan, both through Art and Art History and the Extension Division.   A photographer since his first photograph was published in 1962, Hauser also began furniture making; and in 1998 became a blacksmith.  He has had individual and group exhibitions in Germany and western Canada. Hauser is a member of the Saskatchewan Craft Council and has served on the Board of Directors of the Mendel Art Gallery, and on the board of CARFAC.

This series contains original images of arctic flora found on Axel Heiberg and Ellesmere Islands, and to a lesser extent, from Cornwallis Island (specifically, Resolute Bay).  The photographs were taken by Hauser over the course of two separate research trips with James Basinger, a professor of geology with an interest in fossil plants, the evolution of land plants, and tertiary plants and climate change.  The images taken by Hauser document both common and rare plants, together with detailed records on the location and date of each photograph.  As such, these images provide excellent documentation of one aspect of the northern Canadian environment at a specific point in time, and may well provide evidence of change over time as the climate (and human impact) may alter the northern landscape.

MG548 – Cecil King fonds

Cecil King is an Odawa from Wikwemikong, and a residential school survivor. He obtained his BEd (1973), and his MEd (1975) through the INEP program. He received a PhD in 1983 from the University of Calgary through the Department of Policy and Administrative studies. He has spent fifty years in education as a teacher, professor, researcher, and consultant. He was one of the founders of the Indian Teacher Education Program, and served as it’s first director. He was Head of the Indian and Northern Education Program at the University of Saskatchewan, as well as Dean of the Saskatchewan Campus of the First Nations University of Canada. For many years, King also served as the first Director of the Aboriginal Teacher Education Program at Queen’s University, and is a Professor Emeritus of that school.

This fonds contains materials related to Cecil King’s work in Aboriginal Education. Important documents surrounding the aboriginal education work done by the University of Saskatchewan, Queens University, the Indian and Northern Education Program, the Indian Teachers Education Program, the Northern Teachers Education Program, the Saskatchewan Urban Native Teachers Education Program, the First Nations University of Canada (formerly SIFC), the Gabriel Dumont Institute, and the Saskatchewan Indigenous Cultural Center form the core of these materials. The history of troubles at the First Nations University of Canada is tracked through nearly-daily news reports collected by King from 2005-2010. King also extensively collected materials on Aboriginal Education, language, and general matters of indigenous interest.

MG364 – Edgar Mapletoft

Edgar Mapletoft was born October 7, 1920 in Lloydminster, Saskatchewan.  His father, John, and uncle, Charlie, homesteaded in the Fort Pitt District, just north of Lloydminster, on the north side of the North Saskatchewan River in 1911.  His parents, John & Martha Mapletoft, had one son, Edgar, and a daughter, Mary Margaret.  Edgar grew up and remained in the Fort Pitt District all his life.  He attended the School of Agriculture in Saskatoon and in 1941 received his Diploma.  Edgar married Florence Patricia Chapman on July 2, 1942 and they raised three sons on the Little Pipestone Ranch just a couple miles from their childhood homes.  He died on April 1, 2006. Mr. Mapletoft was an authority on Simmental cattle.  He first imported the breed to Canada in 1969 and was a successful breeder for several years.  In 1983, he was given the Golden Book Award by the World Simmental Federation.  Included in this accrual are materials regarding the local history of Frenchman Butte, and slides of celebrations in the area.

MG551 – Reuben Mapletoft fonds

Reuben Mapletoft was born on Little Pipestone Ranch near Fort Pitt, Saskatchewan. His father, Edgar Mapletoft was among the earliest importers of Simmental cattle in Canada.  Reuben received his DVM from the University of Guelph before interning at the University of Saskatchewan in 1967-1968—the first student to intern at the college. After obtaining his PhD, Mapletoft returned to the WCVM as a professor in the Department of Clinical Studies. He became the Head of the Department of Herd Medicine and Theriogeneology in 1998, and in 2002 he became a consultant to the pharmaceutical industry (Bioniche). His main area of research and innovation is in bovine reproduction, and more specifically, embryo transfer, superovulation, and in-vitro fertilization. Through the course of his career, he has been involved in many collaborative efforts with universities around the world, most notably in South America, and Japan. Dr. Reuben J. Mapletoft is now a professor emeritus in the Western College of Veterinary Medicine’s Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences.

This accrual includes a broad array of teaching slides on the subject of large animal reproduction, conference and workshop proceedings from around the world, information on international courses taught by Mapletoft, an array of papers written by Mapletoft, and a small selection of relevant ephemera.

MG568 – McConnell Family fonds

John McConnell attended the University of Saskatchewan, earning a degree in Agricultural Economics (1951).  He began a 21-year career with the Saskatchewan public service, working for the departments of Co-operation and Co-operative Development, and Agriculture.  During this period, he hosted a radio show, “Good Listening for Good Farming,” and a television show, “Rural Route Saskatchewan.”

Doreen Muriel Ratcliffe was born in Regina on 17 July 1927.  She earned a BA from the University of Saskatchewan, and worked as an executive secretary and advertising copywriter in Vancouver and Regina. She married John McConnell in 1957. Doreen was active as pianist for her church, with the CGIT, and with the Canadian Institute of International Affairs and the World Food Program.

This fonds documents McConnell’s work in communications, his work for the Canadian and Saskatchewan governments, together with materials relating to his interest in the environment and social and international development issues.  It also includes materials relating to the interests and activities of Doreen.

MG561 – Carol Morrell fonds

Carol Morrell received her BA (1966) from the University of New Brunswick, and earned her MA from the University of Toronto (1968).  She taught part-time at UNB while completing her dissertation; and joined the faculty at the University of Saskatchewan in 1985, as assistant professor of English.  She served as co-chair of the Dean of Arts and Science’s Special Committee on Women’s Studies (1989-1990) and was one of three members of the Ad Hoc Committee of Academic Affairs looking into Women’s Studies at the University of Saskatchewan.

This fonds focuses on the initial proposals for courses relating to women’s studies at the University of Saskatchewan, leading eventually to the development of the department of Women’s and Gender Studies.  The organization reflects the description of materials provided by the donor.

MG223 – R. H. D. Phillips fonds

In 1948, Robert Howard Daniel Phillips began his lifelong career as a journalist, working variously for the Canadian Press, the Regina Leader Post, and the United Press.  In 1960 he joined the staff of the Saskatchewan Wheat Pool, becoming its first research analyst and subsequently, director of their Research Division.  In 1973 he was named editor and publisher of the Western Producer, as well as general manager of Western Producer Publications.  Phillips was active in the Presbyterian Church as well as with both the University of Saskatchewan and the University of Regina.

Tanyss Phillips, wife of R. H. D. Phillips,  was one of the earliest female economists in Canada, and worked with the research department at the Bank of Canada in Ottawa, with the Saskatchewan Royal Commission of Agriculture and Rural Life, and was an instructor at the University of Regina from 1960-1973. She also served many years as a member of the University of Regina’s Senate.

This fonds contains materials created or collected by RHD Phillips relating to the establishment and demise of St. Stephen’s Church in Regina, photographs and textual materials relating to Phillips’ work with the SWP and Western Producer Publications. Also included are a variety of (primarily Scottish and Irish) genealogies compiled by Phillips, documents pertaining to Tanyss’ work with the Royal Commission on Agricultural and Rural Life, and documents relating to post-secondary education in Saskatchewan.

MG579 – Roger Pierson fonds

Roger A. Pierson joined the faculty of the University of Saskatchewan in 1988 as a professor in the department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, and director of the Reproductive Biology Research Unit (College of Medicine).  His research is multi-disciplinary: he is an associate member of the department of Herd Medicine and Theriogenology (Western College of Veterinary Medicine), and a member of the department of Biomedical Engineering (College of Engineering).  This fonds contains materials relating to Pierson’s research interests, and his collaborative work with graduate students and faculty from medicine, nursing, veterinary medicine, and computational science.  Pierson and the reproductive biology research unit made medical history when they were the first to capture natural human ovulation, witnessed with the use of an intra-vaginal probe to produce ultrasound waves.  Those original images, on video tape, form part of this fonds; as do other images and data relating to Pierson’s research in reproductive technologies.

MG355 – Neil Richards Collection

Born and educated in Ontario, but based in Saskatchewan since 1971, Neil Richards (1949 – ) has been an active participant in local, provincial and national gay organizations since the early 1970s. His activist work included participation in the Committee to Defend Doug Wilson in 1975, the organization of the 1976 convention of the National Gay Rights Coalition in Saskatoon, and many of the earliest AIDS awareness efforts in Saskatchewan. In conjunction with his work at the University of Saskatchewan Library, he produced many exhibitions and public events concerning AIDS and gay history and life. This accrual extends the existing series relating to cross-dressing; and adds a series relating to “beefcake,” physique or body-building magazines; articles from popular magazines, as well as a collection of serious magazines relating to the LGBT community; and works from artist and fellow activist, Duncan Campbell.

MG572 – Ron Steer fonds

Ron Steer received his B.Sc. (1963), Ph.D. (1968) and D.Sc. (1995) degrees from the University of Saskatchewan. He did postdoctoral research at the University of California, Riverside, concentrating on the chemistry and relaxation dynamics of electronically excited molecules. After returning to the University of Saskatchewan as an assistant professor in 1960, he was promoted to full professor in 1978. Steer served a term as department head from 2002 to 2005, and served as the elected representative of the faculty on the University of Saskatchewan’s Board of Governors from 2001 to 2004. Steer received the Master Teacher award in 1996; was awarded the title of distinguished professor by the University in 2011; and received the John C. Polanyi award (from Canadian Society for Chemistry) in 2013.  This fonds contains materials relating to Steer’s education at the University of Saskatchewan and his career: including his research and publications; teaching material; and various presentations and addresses.

MG 169 – Bill Waiser fonds

The most recent materials donated to the University of Saskatchewan Archives and Special Collections by historian and professor Bill Waiser include material relating to his academic and writing career, such as instructional material; assessments and referential material; and research and publication activities. Specifically, the accrual contains material collected by Waiser relating to the 1906 census and his research on Canadian National Parks, and working papers relating to his Governor General Literary Award winning book A World We Have Lost: Saskatchewan Before 1905. More information on the Bill Waiser fonds.

MG305 – Sam Wynn fonds

S.N. Wynn began his career at the West Toronto Tribune where he learned to operate the Monoline, a forerunner of the linotype machine.  This skill provided him with the opportunity to move west, and in 1904 he accepted a printer’s job in Yorkton, Saskatchewan.  In 1928 he became the publisher of the Yorkton Enterprise.  Under his direction, the paper won numerous honours in provincial and national weekly newspapers competitions.  He served as a director of the Canadian Weekly Newspaper Association; was first vice-president of the Western Canada Press Association; director of the Yorkton Agricultural and Industrial Exhibition Association; president of the Saskatchewan Hospital Association; chairman of the Yorkton Hospital Board; a member of the advisory committee to the health services planning commission; trustee of the Anti-Tuberculosis League; served on the school board and was a member of Yorkton city council for six years.  In 1955, the University of Saskatchewan awarded him an honorary degree.  This fonds contains materials relating to the Yorkton Enterprise and the newspaper business in Canada, correspondence with various individuals (usually in relation to Wynn’s career), as well as material relating to his family and volunteer community organizations.

MG586 – Raymond Yochim Collection

Raymond Pius George Yochim was born on August 17, 1935, and died July 25, 2016. He was married sixty years to wife Irene, and had three sons. He was, for much of his career, a travelling salesman, and his collecting was partially a result of his ongoing travels as well as his multitude of interests. Ray was a member of the Air Force Club, Royal Canadian Legion, Army Navy & Air Force Veterans, and Knights of Columbus. He was an avid collector of coins and stamps, books and ephemera.

Yochim’s collecting ranged over a variety of topics and medium. Often, he would take interest in a specific subject and collect everything from articles and clippings to books on the subject, interleaving the former with the latter. He also gathered collectible items such as trading cards and magnets on a variety of subjects.

 

Our archive largely collects the papers and materials of the University of Saskatchewan’s researchers and professors and because of this we come to possess materials on topics that may surprise you. One such fascinating example is John Edward Kennedy’s papers on the Great Moon Hoax of 1835. This collection of papers includes research materials and photocopied and typed copies of the original articles.

In August 1835, a New York newspaper called The Sun ran a series of six articles describing in detail the new and groundbreaking observations of the moon, made astronomer Sir John Hershel. The first article which was published on August 25^th described the new and powerful telescope that Herschel had created, “24 feet in diameter”.¹ Tantalizing mentions of what Herschel then saw with the use of his telescope were hinted at, but not revealed to readers in this first installment.

The second article, printed on the 26^th, begins to describe the wonderful discoveries Hershel has made – plant and animal life! They describe dark red flowers, trees, a lake, and other stunning geographic features. They then spot “herds of brown quadrupeds, having all the external characteristics of the bison, but more diminutive”.² They also describe seeing a blue goat-like creature, with a single horn, as well as varieties of birds and fish.

On August 27^th they speak more on the geology and fauna of the moon, and describe in detail the charming lunar biped beaver. From the article:

… resembles the beaver of the earth in every other respect than in its destitution of a tail, and its invariable habit of walking upon only two feet. It carries its young in its arms like a human being, and moves with an easy gliding motion. Its huts are constructed better and higher than those of many tribes of human savages, and from the appearance of smoke in nearly all of them, there is no doubt of its being acquainted with the use of fire.³

August 28^th is the pièce de ré·sis·tance of this set of astronomical discoveries, in which they describe human-like creatures who “averaged four feet in height, were covered, except on the face, with short and glossy copper-colored hair, and had wings composed of a thin membrane, without hair, lying snugly upon their backs, from the top of their shoulders to the calves of their legs.”⁴ They name this species Vespertilio-Homo.

Day five describes a mysterious temple, “built of polished sapphire, or of some resplendent blue stone”.⁵ The article ends with these cliff-hanging bits of speculation, sure to draw in readers for the finale:

Had the devotees of these temples gone the way of all living, or were the latter merely historical monuments? What did the ingenious builders mean by the globe surrounded by flames? Did they by this record any past calamity of their world, or predict any future one of ours?⁶

The last article describes a higher order of Vespertilio-Homo, which “were of larger stature than the former specimens, less dark in color, and in every respect an improved variety of the race.” They are described as “eminently happy and polite” and the journalist describes “their happy hours in collecting various fruits in the woods, in eating, flying, bathing, and loitering about on the summits of precipices”.⁷

As you may have guessed from the title of this blog (oops, spoilers) that of course none of this was true. Sir John Hershel was a real astronomer, but he did not create a new and intensely powerful telescope that allowed him to view life on the moon, and in fact knew nothing of these articles until after they were published. It is widely assumed that the author of the Moon Hoax was the new editor of The Sun, Richard Adams Locke. At first Locke denied that it was a hoax, then denied he wrote the hoax, after the hoax was confirmed. He eventually confessed, but said that he had intended it as satire, not a hoax. Other possible authors have been also been theorized though Locke remains the most likely candidate. (He did confess – sort of – eventually!)

The fact that it is referred to as a hoax suggested that people fell for it – and by many accounts they did. Edgar Allen Poe is quoted as having said “not one person in ten discredited it”.⁸ It was reprinted in newspapers across the country, and thus the hoax was spread and believed to varying extents, across the country. It was the War of the Worlds of it day – though with less panic.

This is a fascinating piece of history, of a time before journalistic standards had become a thing, and we see the early ancestor of those supermarket tabloids which announce to the world, “Bat Boy Found in West Virginia Cave!”⁹

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Cited

1  The Sun: Aug 25^th, 1835. J.E. Kennedy fonds (University of Saskatchewan, University Archives and Special Collections)
2  The Sun: Aug 26^th, 1835., ibid.
3  The Sun: Aug 27^th, 1835., ibid.
4  The Sun: Aug 28^th, 1835., ibid.
5  The Sun: Aug 29^th, 1835., ibid.
6  ibid.
7  The Sun: Aug 30^th, 1835., ibid.
8  Boese, Alex. “The Great Moon Hoax“. Hoax Museum. c. 2015.
9  “Bat Boy Found in West Virginia Cave!” by Bill Creighton, Weekly World News, June 23, 1992, pp 46–47. Reprinted July 16, 1999, pp. 46–47. Reprinted June 20, 2005 pp. 58–59

Also check out the Missed in History podcasts on the topic if you are interesting in hearing more about the moon hoax.

This blog quite frequently highlights holdings from the Neil Richards Collection for Sexual and Gender Diversity as prime examples of intriguing materials collected for the study of sexuality and gender issues. However, the University Archives and Special Collections’ holdings on these topics do not end there.  A number of fonds include materials which would be useful to those pursuing a study of gender and or sexuality from a local perspective.

One of these is the Sexual Health Awareness Center, at one point an office within Student Health Services. The archives holds nine boxes transferred from the Sexual Health Awareness center in 2007. These boxes contain publications on topics ranging from teaching children about sex, to contraception, to sexual violence, disease, women’s rights, and same-sex relationships. What is interesting about a collection like this is the way it encapsulates rapidly changing notions about sex and sexuality during a specific period (in this case, the 1970’s into the 1990’s).  While the materials are generally too outdated to be used within Student Health Services today, they still serve an important purpose in historically framing the discussion of sex and gender on campus. Along these lines also are materials held in the USSU Student Help Centre fonds and the Student Representative Council.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For anyone interested in studying the impact of HIV/AIDS in the province, University of Saskatchewan University Archives and Special Collections has papers from both the Saskatchewan AIDS Network (est. 1995) and AIDS Saskatoon   (est. 1986). These two organizations played (and in the case of AIDS Saskatoon continue to play) an important role in spreading education about HIV/AIDS within Saskatchewan. Organizations like these have facilitated the creation and maintenance of community partnerships and support networks which serve those living with HIV/AIDS. These two collections supply 6 meters of material relating to the early impact of HIV and AIDS on a local level.

With specific reference to LGBTQ issues, the University Archives and Special Collections has gathered the papers of a number of early participants in the gay rights movement in Saskatchewan including Gens Hellquist, Don Cochrane, Donald McNamee, Peter Millard, and Neil Richards. Also noteworthy are the USSU LGBTA Centre holdings which include posters and pamphlets, and materials from the Canadian Rainbow Health Coalition (est. 2002) which was a National organization based out of Saskatoon,  devoted to improving the health care and status of LGBTQ individuals. A more lighthearted look at the province through a queer lens can be found in exploring the Cross-dressing in Saskatchewan collection and the Greystone Secrets fonds.

Women’s issues are also a highlight of UASC’s holdings. For the visually inclined, there is a large collection of women’s and feminist posters acquired from the Avenue Community Centre, and a number of fascinating portraits of Canadian women in the John Reeves collection. The Saskatoon Women’s Calendar Collective fonds contains both visual and textual materials highlighting women of significance. Extensive materials on women’s rights and gender issues can be found in the USSU’s Women’s Centre fonds as well. For more individualized perspectives on women’s rights and forward-thinking local women of the past, the Charlotte Caron, Marie Dunn, S. A. Gingell, Gwenna Moss, M. H. Pattillo, Nan McKay, and Jean Murray papers provide a plethora of material.

These materials represent only a small portion of those available for primary and secondary resource study of gender and sexual diversity from a local perspective. There is always more to be discovered, and always new materials coming in. If you would like to access any of these materials, please contact ua.sc@usask.ca or phone (306) 966-6029 with details on your research project to receive full finding aids and research advice.

It’s that time of year again : when exhausted archivists, archival technicians and assistants emerge from a chaotic maelstrom of processing work — finely polished finding aid clutched firmly in hand and a trail of beautifully organized boxes left in their wake.

It is my pleasure to introduce you to this year’s newest additions. May the collections intrigue and excite you as much as they have done us.

MG 543 – Carlyle Allison fonds

Carlyle Allison was a journalist, and close friend and advisor of Prime Minister John Diefenbaker. Born in Staynor, Ontario in 1907, his family moved to Winnipeg when he was a child. He attended the University of Manitoba (B.A., 1926). His journalism career started immediately after graduation: starting as a reporter and editor with the Winnipeg Tribune, 1926-1928; and reporter, bureau chief and editor with the Saskatoon Star-Phoenix, 1928-1935. After a brief stint with the Montreal Gazette, he returned to the Winnipeg Tribune, progressing through the ranks as managing editor (1944), editor (1946), and editor-in-chief (1951). In 1958, he was appointed by Prime Minister Diefenbaker as a full-time (and founding) member of the Board of Broadcast Governors, the precursor to the CRTC. He served as Vice-Chairman between December 1960 and 1965, but his term was not renewed by the new Liberal government. Subsequently he worked for CJAY-TV in Winnipeg, until his retirement in 1971. He died in February 1972.

The collection consists primarily of correspondence, photographs and memorabilia documenting Allison’s friendship and political association with John Diefenbaker – starting with Allison’s advice to Diefenbaker about his leadership convention in 1948. In addition to correspondence, there are a few detailed notes documenting conversations between Allison and Diefenbaker, including a 19-page document entitled “Notes on the Election of the Diefenbaker Government” (1957), which also covers the appointment of Diefenbaker’s first cabinet.

MG 163 – David C. Carpenter fonds

The most recent set of materials from one of Saskatchewan’s most well-known authors includes correspondence with a number of other notable names in Saskatchewan’s writing scene. Samples of Carpenter’s own writing and opinion pieces are present.  Notably, materials collected in the writing of Carpenter’s acclaimed book The Education of Augie Merasty including correspondence with the 86 year old residential school survivor are contained within this accrual.  Carpenter has also donated extensive research materials on the literary history of the province, including interviews with several authors. Personal ephemera, as well as material from various writing events are also included.

MG 390 – Dave Glaze fonds

Born in New Westminster, British Columbia, Dave Glaze grew up in Alberta, Ontario and Saskatchewan. He earned a BA (1968) and B.Ed (1983) from the University of Saskatchewan. He worked for twenty-five years as an elementary teacher, librarian and education consultant. Specializing in juvenile fiction, his books Pelly, Who took Henry and Mr. Z?, Waiting for Pelly, The Light-Fingered Gang, The Last Flight of the Birdman and Danger in Dead Man’s Mine were all published by Coteau Books. Glaze also served on the editorial boards of Green Teacher, Briarpatch and NeWest Review magazines. Thousands of Canadian children have attended his book readings. The material in this fonds deal with Glaze’s life including school and extracurricular interests as a youth and later as a journalist, fiction writer, editor and educator.

MG 354 – B. A. Holmlund fonds

Blaine Adrian Holmlund began working at the age of 12 as a hired farm laborer in 1942. From these humble beginnings, he went on to work with the CPR, and eventually get his degree in Engineering in 1955. After convocation, Blaine worked variously with Shell Oil, Atomic Energy of Canada, and Sask Power. In 1958 he joined the faculty of the University of Saskatchewan, where he remained for the rest of his career, coming to fill the position of Acting President of the University in 1989. He was awarded an honorary doctorate in 1998, and spent his retirement volunteering with Habitat for Humanity, helping to initiate partnerships with employment programs and to establish  the Re-Store. This fonds reflects Holmlund’s interest in the philosophy of education, his varied career at the University of Saskatchewan, and his concern for an equitable society. It is particularly valuable as a source for university history, specifically for the period of Leo Kristjanson’s tenure; and for issues surrounding health delivery, education, and the College of Medicine; the development of computer / IT services on campus; and First Nations educational opportunities. As a reflection of planning at a post-secondary U-15 institution, this fonds is particularly strong, notably for the materials surrounding the Issues and Options project.

MG 183 – Mac & Beth Hone fonds

This accrual expands on the already fascinating array of personal and art or art-related materials donated to the archives in the past. The materials added this year provide additional materials relating to the Hone’s family, friends, and also expands the collection of their artwork held by the Archives, including materials used in process (sketches, printing blocks, etc) as well as completed pieces.

MG 282 – David Kaplan fonds

David Leon Kaplan was born in Chicago on Dec. 12, 1923 and grew up in a musical family. His father, Joshua Samuel played euphonium in a Russian army band and later in Chicago brass bands. His mother, Nettie (née Lurie), born in Lithuania, was a student of the piano. David served with the US Army Sothern Command Variety Ensemble from 1942 until 1946 under Major Wayne King, known as the Waltz King of America. Kaplan credited his wartime service for exposing him to new musicians and new musical styles, including jazz. Over the next number of years he earned a series of degrees – Bachelor of Music from Roosevelt University (1948), Master of Music from Oberlin College (1950) and a PhD in Music from the University of Indiana (1958). He taught music in Chicago, rural Illinois and West Texas State University before moving to Saskatoon in 1960 and a two-year term position at the University of Saskatchewan’s College of Education. He remained at the U of S for the rest of his career and served as Department of Music head from 1966 to 1982, introducing several new programs. He taught courses in music history, theory and world music until his retirement in 1991. In addition to his academic career, Dr. Kaplan was very active in the music and social life of his newly adopted community. He conducted the Saskatoon Symphony Orchestra (SSO) from 1963 to 1969 and again from 1970 to 1971. He also composed music for plays and musical productions, adjudicated at music festivals, gave public lectures and wrote about the clarinet and music education. A number of organizations benefited from Dr. Kaplan’s involvement, including the Canadian Music Council, the Canadian Music Centre, the Saskatchewan Arts Board, the Nutana Rotary Club and the Saskatoon Multicultural Council. He was founding chair of the Saskatchewan Music Council in 1967. He co-founded the Saskatoon Festival of Faith bringing together people of different faiths, including aboriginals, Christians, Jews, Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, Sikhs and others, to express their spiritual traditions through speech, music and dance. He was the festival’s music director from 1985 to 1989 and wrote five choral works on multicultural themes. An impromptu jam session at a bar mitzvah at the Congregation Agudas Israel synagogue led Kaplan to found Zmarim: the Saskatoon Klezmer Band. He went on to write more than 200 arrangements for the ensemble.  The inaugural Saskatoon Klezmer Music Festival was held in November, 2007. He was also an avid collector of musical instruments and donated his personal collection of almost 200 instruments to the University of Saskatchewan in early 2013. Kaplan received numerous honours, including the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal, the Saskatchewan Order of Merit and induction into the Order of Canada. In 2009, he was named ambassador of the Canadian Music Centre in recognition of his life’s work. Kaplan Green, in Arbor Creek, a residential neighbourhood in northeast Saskatoon, was named in his honour. He died in Saskatoon on April 6, 2015. This fond documents the life and career of David Kaplan. It contains material related to his family, academic and teaching career and community involvement.

MG 169: Donald Cameron Kerr fonds

Donald Cameron Kerr was born in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan in 1936 and educated at St. Joseph’s School, Nutana Collegiate and the University of Saskatchewan where he received an Honours B.A. in English in 1958. He earned an M.A. in English at the University of Toronto in 1960. During his tenure at Saskatchewan, Kerr has been promoted from instructor to lecturer (1965), assistant professor (1966), associate professor (1976) and professor (1983). In addition to serving as acting chair of the department of English in 1985-86, Kerr has served on a number of departmental, college and university committees.

This accrual contains materials related to Kerr’s personal life, including his love of art and drama; his work as an editor with NeWest publishers and the Saskatoon History Review; his interest in heritage societies and imperatives, including Doors Open, the Heritage Canada Foundation, and the Heritage Property Review Board. The accrual also contains extensive materials on some of his historical research projects, including a history of Saskatchewan libraries and a Nutana School history. Finally, the accrual showcases a variety of Kerr’s own poetry and prose dating from his earliest days writing to present.

MG 547 – Jack Lydiard Photograph Album

John Munro (“Jack”) Lydiard attended the University of Saskatchewan between 1926 and 1930, earning a BSc in 1930. During his college years, Jack was an avid photographer, and was dedicated to student athletics. As a math teacher at Bedford Road Collegiate in Saskatoon he also took on coaching duties for the (then) Bedford Road Redmen football team (now the Bedford Road Redhawks). In 1948 he became the founding president of the Saskatoon High Schools Athletics Association, and in 1949 he brokered an arrangement with the Saskatoon Hilltops Football Club to create the Saskatoon Track and Field Club. He later moved to Vancouver where he wrote the Grade 13 math textbook that was used throughout BC, beginning in 1965. In retirement he travelled throughout South America, Africa and Asia. Jack died on 2 May 1981.

This album contains images of University students involved in various activities; interiors of residence rooms; the university campus; and Saskatoon, taken between 1926 and 1930. The majority of images were taken by Jack Lydiard; most of the individuals are identified.

MG 106 – Allison Mitcham fonds

An addition to a pre-existing fonds, this accrual continues the extensive and unique family documentation that is such a hallmark of the Mitcham holdings. Elizabeth Allison Mitcham (nee Brown) was born in Tisdale, Saskatchewan, on 9 June 1932. Her public and high school education was taken at schools across Canada: Saskatchewan, Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, and Alberta. She earned her first degree from the University of Saskatchewan (BA 1952) and there also began her teaching career. Mitcham continued her education at the University of New Brunswick, earning both her MA (1954) and PhD (1972). She taught at Mount Allison University, prior to accepting a position as professor of English and Comparative Canadian Literature at the University of Moncton in 1968. In 1978. When Mitcham was made full professor, she was one of the few women in North America at that time to have achieved that academic rank. Mitcham was a prolific author, having written over 30 fiction and non-fiction books and children’s literature, as well as scores of poems and articles. She received an honorary degree from the University of Moncton and was named professor emerita upon her retirement in 1989.

During the period covered by this accrual, several major events occurred. Peter Mitcham, Allison’s husband, died on 30 November 2010, shortly after his 84^th birthday; and she eventually moved out of The Pond Shore, the family home. Material relating to Peter’s work as an illustrator is particularly well documented in this accrual. Similarly, materials relating to Mitcham’s work as an author continue with this accrual, including some (as yet) unpublished manuscripts and stories.

MG 223 : R.H. D. Phillips fonds

This accrual expands on previous holdings relating to Robert Howard Daniel (“Bob”) Phillips, who spent most of his career as a journalist and editor/publisher with the Saskatchewan Wheat Pool’s Western Producer. He also served as a research analyst for the Wheat Pool for many years This fonds contains materials created or collected by RHD Phillips, particularly during his tenure with the Saskatchewan Wheat Pool. In particular, it contains extensive materials documenting the work of the Research Division. Additionally there is documentation relating to the running and operations of the Western Producer, Modern Press, and Western Producer Publishing.

MG 212 – Nik Semenoff fonds

Another addition to pre-existing materials donated by the eminent printmaker and innovator. This accrual contains samples of Semenoff’s artwork and designs for prints, jewelry and sculpture; material from his work with electronics; professional correspondence; text on various printmaking processes, and personal material. A number of candid photographs of projects Semenoff worked on, or of Semenoff and his peers are also included.

MG 554 – Westcott-Hurley Collection

Robert Hurley trained as an apprentice printer-compositor before serving in the Suffolk Regiment (1917-1920). In 1923, Hurley immigrated to Canada and moved to Saskatoon in 1930. Finding himself unemployed at the age of forty during the Depression, Hurley learned to paint with berry juices and a toothbrush. Largely self-taught with only a few classes from Ernie Linder, he quickly became well known in Saskatchewan and other parts of Canada for his treatment of the prairie landscape. Jim Westcott met Robert Hurley sometime around 1949 and they remained friends till Hurley’s death in 1980. Westcott was active in promoting and selling Robert Hurley’s artwork. This collection contains materials created by Robert Hurley, and sent to (or, in the case of some paintings, purchased from Hurley by) Jim Westcott over the course of their friendship, including four watercolour paintings by Robert Hurley, a pencil sketch, and correspondence.

MG 216 RG Williamson fonds

This accrual contains material created or collected by Dr. Williamson and wife Karla (executive head of the Arctic Institute of North America, and Inuk educator). Although primarily documenting Dr. Williamson’s work for and with the Inuit of northern Canada, this fonds includes material relating to all circumpolar countries, other aboriginal groups in Canada, international affairs, and a very broad range of topics as they relate to the north, including art and culture, physical geography, sport, environment, botany, zoology, economics, defence, etc.   It includes his personal and professional correspondence, research data, articles and scholarly writing, as well as a substantial collection of reference publications. A large portion of the material (both written and recorded) is in Inuk, or Greenlandic languages.

MG 559 – Norman Zepp and Judith Varga Collection

A stunning contribution to the University and the University library, this collection primarily reflects Zepp’s interest in Inuit art and artists. It includes interviews with artists, images taken over the course of several years of the northern landscape, community and individuals. Importantly, Zepp and Varga spent time at fishing and hunting camps or in the homes of artists, and the resulting material reflects that friendship and intimate relationship. Material created or acquired during Zepp’s career as a curator is also evident, including a significant photo resource of Inuit art from major collections. The reference library is an uniquely complete set of articles and major works relating to Inuit art in Canada. Additionally, the collection includes material relating to a number of other artists, predominantly from Saskatchewan, whose work Zepp admired (in many instances, Zepp organized the first major exhibition of their work).