Thunder Bay
Historical Museum Society
Index of
Personal Papers
List of Fonds,
A-B
-
Allison,
John
-
Andrews,
John
-
Auger,
Rosalee
-
Barrie, Anne
J.
-
Beckwith,
Wendell
-
Black, Bernard
I.
-
Blake-McNaughten
-
Borg, Helmer
(Brotherhood of Carpenters & Joiners)
-
Brown, Clifford (Port
Arthur, Duluth & Western Railway)
-
Brown,
Robert
-
Brown,
W.S.
A 11
John Allison
fonds
1826
9 cm of textual records
Biographical Sketch
John Allison was likely born in Bristol, England, in
1813 and was the great, great uncle of the donor. He
was the son of Thomas (b.1781) and Barbara (b.1789)
Allison.
Scope and Content
Series A 11/1/1-2 - Notebooks
Two school notebooks penned by John Allison as a boy
of thirteen showing a superb example of penmanship.
Both were bound at a later date.
1) Entitled "Algebra by J.A. Allison, BOTHEL". 1826,
bound in 1860. Written on parchment. Fragile.
2) Entitled "Linear Geography" [1826] bound in 1839
by J. Allison.
Additional Information
Custodial History - Formerly catalogued into
the museum collection, 972.89.8-9.
A 90
John Andrews Fonds
Original, 1925-1996
212.5 cm of records
Biographical Sketch
John Andrews was born in Belfast, Northern Ireland, on February 17th, 1902.
His family moved to Fort William in 1907, where he entered the local public
school system. A graduate of Fort William Collegiate Institute, he first worked
for 18 years with the Western Grain Commission. In 1938, he established his own
company, Northland Machinery Supply Company, and it became one of the leading
companies in Northwestern Ontario under his direction. The company eventually
opened premises in Vancouver, Calgary, Winnipeg, and Sault Ste. Marie. Mr.
Andrews sold the company to Westeel-Rosco Ltd. in 1968, and officially retired
in 1969. In 1962, John Andrews was appointed to the Lakehead Harbour Commission.
He would eventually serve this organization twice as chairman, 1967-1969,
and 1975-1977. Mr. Andrews represented the Province of Ontario overseas as
a delegate on a Provincial Trade Mission to Italy and Germany in 1967.
Many other organizations also benefitted from his expertise. John Andrews
was involved in the capital fundraising campaign to establish Lakehead
University, and eventually served on the Board of Governors of that institution.
He was a long standing member of the Freemasons, a serving brother of the Order
of St. John, and a parishioner of St. Andrews Presbyterian Church. Mr. Andrews
died in Thunder Bay on May 16th, 1986, survived by his wife of 59 years, Rheta.
Scope and Content:
The John Andrews Fonds is composed of fourteen series of personal correspondence,
speeches, financial papers, records, photos, day planners, films, and newspaper
clippings spanning 1925 to 1996. Series One through Seven are predominantly
composed of personal papers, where as Series Eight through Fourteen relate
more directly to Mr. Andrews' company Northland Machinery Supply Ltd., and
other organizations
Series A 90/1/1-20:
personal correspondence, 20 cm, 1949-1984 (original).
20 folders of correspondence sent and received by John Andrews. Contents
include thank-you letters, correspondence between Mr. Andrews and his lawyer
J. A. Thompson regarding his will, several Christmas cards, and cards of
congratulations received by Mr. Andrews after he announced his retirement
in 1969. Most correspondence is typed, but a small amount is handwritten
in ink. Arranged chronologically.
1) Personal Correspondence, 1949.
2) Personal Correspondence, 1950.
3) Personal Correspondence, 1951-1953.
4) Private Letters, 1957.
5) Private Letters, 1960.
6) Private Letters, 1961.
7) Letter to Don A. T. Re: Will, 1961.
8) Private Letters, 1963.
9) Private Letters, 1965.
10) John Andrews: Private Letters, 1966.
11) John Andrews: Personal Letters, 1967.
12) John Andrews, Personal, 1968.
13) Thompson, D. A., 1968. (Re: Will)
14) Thank-you Letters, 1969.
15) Personal: John Andrews, 1970.
16) John Andrews, Personal, 1970.
17) J. A.- Personal, 1971.
18) Thompson, D. A., 1972-1984.
19) Misc. Correspondence (re: Arthur Grout and NODC).
20) Correspondence Misc.
Series A 90/2/1-9-
speeches, toasts, and addresses, 8 cm, 1960-1983 (original).
9 folders of toasts, speeches, and addresses given by John Andrews between
1960 and 1983. Contents include a speech given at the opening of CHFD
Television station in 1972, various speeches regarding the Lakehead
Harbour Commission, and an address to the Northwestern Ontario Associated
Chambers of Commerce. Also included are copies of speeches given by other
individuals which were relevant to Mr. Andrews' interests. Organized in
a generally chronological manner.
1) Misc. Speeches and Bulletins.
2) J. Andrews: Toasts, Speeches, 1965.
3) Society of Industrial and Cost Accountants: Panel Discussion - J. Andrews, 1966.
4) Toasts, Speeches, 1966.
5) Toasts, Speeches, etc., 1968.
6) John Andrews- Speeches, Addresses, etc.
7) John Andrews: Toasts, Speeches etc., 1969.
8) Toasts, Speeches etc., 1970-1972.
9) John Andrews, Speeches, 1971.
Series A 90/3/1-29- financial papers, 26 cm, 1945-1984 (original).
29 folders of miscellaneous financial papers such as invoices, receipts,
and shareholder reports. All are related to personal expenditures
and investments on the part of Mr. Andrews, and have little or no
bearing on his business interests and Northland Machinery Supply Company.
Contents include tax receipts, bank statements, and hospital invoices
from treatment received in the United States following a heart attack
in 1978. Arranged, generally, in a chronological order.
1) Misc. Documents, 1945.
2) Tax Receipts and Stocks, 1956-1957.
3) Tax Receipts and Misc. Financial Papers, 1957-1958.
4) Kam Aggregates Ltd., 1961.
5) Kam Aggregates, 1964-1965.
6) Kam Aggregates, 1966.
7) Twin City Gas Company Limited, 1967.
8) Kam Aggregates, 1969.
9) Kam Aggregates, 1970.
10) Westeel-Rosco, 1970.
11) John Andrews - Misc. Receipts, 1971.
12) Kam Aggregates, 1971.
13) Royal Bank of Canada, Monthly Letter, 1971.
14) Summer Camp, 1974. (bills, receipts)
15) Westeel- Rosco, 1974.
16) Clarkson, Gordon & Co.
17) Valley National Bank, Scottsdale, 1977-1978.
18) First National Bank, Minneapolis, 1978.
19) O.H.I.P. Files - Naeve Hospital.
20) Naeve Hospital Etc., April, 1978.
21) Ed Post Realty - Scottsdale.
22) Ebond Epoxies Inc., 1979.
23) Annual Reports.
24) Misc. Financial Papers, 1966-1984.
25) J. Andrews Personal Income Tax, 1973-1975.
26) J. Andrews Personal Income Tax, 1976-1979.
27) J. Andrews Two Island Lake Camp, 1980.
28) J. Andrews Personal Income Tax, 1980-1983.
29) Personal Financial Papers, 1979-1984.
Series A 90/4/1-16- records of organizations & clubs, 23 cm, 1963-1985 (original).
16 folders containing miscellaneous papers relating to John Andrews'
involvement with organizations such as the Port Arthur Hunt Club, the
Highwater Duck Club, St John's Ambulance, and the Masonic Order. Also,
the contents of several folders pertain to Mr. Andrews' involvement with
Lakehead University, first in a capital fundraising capacity, and later
as a donor and member of the university senate. Organized, generally,
in a chronological order.
1) Lakehead College Building Fund, 1963.
2) Nor'Wester (Lakehead University Yearbook) 1966.
3) Nor'Wester (Lakehead University Yearbook) 1967.
4) Lakehead University Development Fund Campaign, 1967.
5) Lakehead University Minutes of Meetings, 1968-1969.
6) Thunder Bay United Appeal, Special Gifts, 1970.
7) Masonic Temple Building Voluntary Fund, 1970-1976.
8) Highwater Duck Club, 1977.
9) Port Arthur Hunt Club, 1978.
10) Professor J. P. Lovekin- L. U., 1980.
11) Lakehead University, 1976-1984.
12) Order of St. John 1981-1984.
13) St. John Ambulance Wintario Capital Grant ‘82 Application.
14) Order of St. John Capital Building Fund 1981-1983.
15) Scholarships, Lakehead University and Confederation College, 1984-1985.
16) 18th Service Battalion (Regimental Senate Constitution).
Series A 90/5/1-8- photos, 13 cm, c.1925-1972 (original).
7 folders and one scrapbook of miscellaneous photographs. Subjects
depicted include employees of Northland Machinery Supply Company,
John Andrews himself, a 1952 grain elevator explosion, the opening
of Keefer Terminal, and a 1972 visit by then Ontario Premier Davis
to the Lakehead harbour. The vast majority of the photos are in
excellent condition, but not in a strictly chronological order.
1) photographs, 1950-1955.
2) photos & staff at Northland Machinery.
3) photos- re: Lakehead Harbour Commission ship arrival, 1968.
4) John Andrews - Photographs - Lakehead Harbour Commission Opening of Navigation, 10 April, 1968.
5) John Andrews Misc. Photographs, 1960's.
6) Misc. Photographs.
7) scrapbook - Rheta Andrews (McKellar School of Nursing, c. 1925).
8) Valley Camp Coal Official Opening - Photographs.
Series A 90/6/1-12- day planners, 17 cm, 1967-1977 (original).
4 pocket calender books, 1 address book, and 7 day planners used by John
Andrews, spanning the years 1967 to 1977. Mr. Andrews noted meetings,
events, and other important information on the pages. Many include a
list of contact information for acquaintances. Organized chronologically.
1) pocket calender, 1970.
2) pocket calendar, 1971.
3) pocket calendar, 1972.
4) pocket calendar, 1975.
5) day planner, 1970.
6) day planner, 1971.
7) day planner, 1972.
8) day planner, 1973.
9) day planner, 1975.
10) day planner, 1976.
11) day planner, 1977.
12) address book c. 1967-1970.
Series A 90/7/1-11- miscellaneous, 15 cm, 1942-1996 (original).
1) 1 audio tape of an interview with Dr. J. R. Augustine, Annette Augustine, and Dorothy Sutton regarding Rheta Andrews. Dated April 8th, 1996, and conducted by
Roy H. Piovesana.
2) 1 large envelope containing certificates earned by John Andrews through his involvement with the Masonic Order. Also contains one certificate earned by
Rheta Andrews from the Order of the Eastern Star.
3) a guest book from the funeral services for Rheta Andrews (1995).
4) a guest book from the funeral services for John Andrews (1986).
5) Vacation (Africa), 1970.
6) John Andrews Vacation, 1975.
7) John Andrews Trip to Singapore- Australia, 1975.
8) Misc. (receipts, correspondence, and a hand drawn route map to the Andrews' camp on Two Island Lake. Arranged, as best as can be determined, in a chronological fashion, and compressed from originally 3 folders).
9) Rev. Agnew H. Johnson, Eulogy for John Andrews, 1986.
10) newspaper clippings.
11) Misc., 1971.
Series A 90/8/1-16- Northland records, 14 cm, 1949-1984 (original).
16 folders of records pertaining to Northland Machinery Supply Company
kept by John Andrews. Contents include employee reference letters,
copies of the sale agreement of Northland Machinery Supply Company
to Westeel-Rosco Ltd. in 1968, company donations to the C.D.
Howe Memorial Foundation between 1963 and 1967, and papers
relating to Mr. Andrews' trip to the 1967 Milan and Hanover Trade
Fairs as part of the official Ontario delegation.
1) Supplementary Letters Patent Subdividing Shares, Northland Machinery Supply (1968).
2) Dominion Oxygen (New Plant), 1954.
3) Northland Dun & Bradstreet, 1955-1956.
4) Northland Machinery Staff Meetings, 1960-1965.
5) Estate of C. S. Maxwell re: Northland Machinery Shares, 1962.
6) C.D. Howe Memorial Foundation, 1963-1967.
7) Ont. Department of Economics & Development, Milan & Hanover Fairs, 1967.
8) Westeel- Rosco, 1967-1968.
9) K. A. Powell (Canada) Ltd., 1968.
10) Manitoba Pool # 1 Addition.
11) Northland Machinery Supply Co. Ltd., 1970.
12) Office Furniture & Fixtures, 1970.
13) Northland Machinery Supply Company, 1971.
14) Northland: Employee References, Letters of Recommendation, 1965-1984.
15) Northland Audit Reports and Financial Statements 1957-1962.
16) Northland Audit Reports and Financial Statements 1963-1968.
Series A 90/ 9/1-15- records, 23 cm, 1964-1978 (original).
15 files of records pertaining to the Lakehead Harbour Commission
kept by John Andrews. Contents include data on grain elevator
operations for 1964-1965, proposed improvements to the Kaministiquia
River channel and James Street Bridge in 1966, the opening of the
Keefer Terminal in 1967, and Mr. Andrews' trip to the Palliser Wheat
Growers Convention in 1976 on behalf of the Lakehead Harbour Commission.
Organized, generally, in a chronological manner.
1) Lakehead Harbour Commission Grain Elevator Info, 1964-1965.
2) Lakehead Harbour Commission, 1966.
3) John Andrews Personal 1967, Lakehead Harbour Commission.
4) John Andrews, Personal: Lakehead Harbour Commission, 1969.
5) Palliser Wheat Growers.
6) LHC Photographs 1969-1976.
7) LHC Singapore Trip 1975.
8) LHC 1976 May- Aug.
9) LHC 1976 Sept.- Dec.
10) Lakehead Harbour Commission (1976).
11) LHC Reports (1976).
12) LHC - Mission Bay Dredge Proposal (1977).
13) LHC 1977 Sept.- Dec.
14) LHC 1978 Jan.- April.
15) LHC Miscellaneous.
Series A 90/10/1-6- miscellaneous records, 5 cm, 1960-1977 (original).
6 folders of records pertaining to commerce organizations, committees,
and companies which John Andrews served in varying capacities.
Included are papers and aerial views given to Mr. Andrews as a
member of the Grounds & Building Committee of the Canadian Lakehead
Exhibition in 1960, minutes of meetings and various other papers
relating to Northern and Central Gas Corporation Thunder Bay Advisory
Board, and correspondence in regards to South core development in
Thunder Bay.
1) CLE, 1960.
2) Northern Central Gas Corp Ltd.
3) GR Duncan (south core planning studies, 1975).
4) Chambers of Commerce: Northwestern Ontario.
5) Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce.
6) Guaranty Trust Co. of Canada.
Series A 90/11/1-2- clippings, 2 cm, 1954-1981 (original).
2 folders of printed material kept by John Andrews, and organized
chronologically:
1) newspaper clippings - 1957-1970. Topics include expansion of Northland to new premises in 1957, John Andrews' retirement in 1969, and news releases of various contracts awarded to Northland Machinery Supply Co.
2) 4 magazines and 2 articles pertaining to John Andrews and Northland Machinery Supply Co., 1954-1981.
Series A 90/12/1-10- films, 28 cm, c.1958-1979 (original).
7 16 mm colour movie films and 3 projector films, relating to Northland
Machinery Supply Co. and John Andrews. In good condition.
1) construction footage - unloading of beams; site preparation.
2) construction footage - steel/ metal girders and framework of building.
3) construction footage- roof and exterior work.
4) construction footage- finishing interior; start of shop operations.
5) shop operations- exterior of building and storage yard.
6) company picnic, 1965.
7) company picnic, 1965.
8) company picnic, 1958. (projector film)
9) Northland addition footage, 1965. (projector film)
10) John Andrews on beach vacation at the Buccaneer, c. 1960's. (possibly in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands)
Series A 90/13/1-6- miscellaneous records, 9 cm, 1944-1977 (original).
6 folders of miscellaneous papers relating to John Andrews'
involvement with the Northwestern Ontario Development Council.
Contents include correspondence, reports, speeches given by Mr Andrews,
newspaper clippings, and newsletters. Organized in a generally
chronological manner, though several folder overlap the same year span.
1) NODC Misc., 1944-1969.
2) Northwestern Ontario Development Council, 1968.
3) NODC- News clippings 1970-1977.
4) Thunder Bay Electronics 1971 (NODC investment).
5) NODC- Miscellaneous 1971-1977.
6) NODC Resignations, Conflict of Interest 1971-1977.
Series A 90/14/1-4- miscellaneous records, 9.5 cm, 1971-1985 (original).
4 folders of miscellaneous records pertaining to the John
Andrews Foundation. Contents include correspondence, tax receipts,
bank statements, public information returns, and financial
statements for the organization. Organized in a generally
chronologically manner, but by record type.
1) John Andrews Foundation 1971-1985 (correspondence).
2) John Andrews Foundation Tax Returns 1977-1982.
3) John Andrews Foundation Financial Statements 1977-1984.
4) John Andrews Foundation Tax Receipts and Bank Statements 1978-1985.
Additional Information:
Custodial History: The majority of the collection was originally contained in seven boxes, and was compiled by local historian Roy H. Piovesana; it was
donated to the museum by way of Mr. J. Paterson, N. M. Paterson & Sons.
However, in addition to the above collection, Mr. J. Paterson also donated
3 other boxes of material relating to John Andrews. This material has been
combined with the other Andrews collection to form the John Andrews Fonds.
The contents and labels of each folder in the fonds, for the most part,
have not been changed.
Related Material: See biography file, "Andrews, John".
Associated Material see 2004.54.1 (a printing plate for business cards), and 2004.54.2 to 2004.54.8 (several maps originally from box #6). Also see
2004.72.1 to 2004.72.7 (photographs and artifacts).
A 36
Rosalee Auger
fonds
1959
4 cm. of textual records
Biographical Sketch
Rosalee Auger, of Port Arthur, Petty Officer Wrens
(Royal Canadian Navy), was appointed as secretary to
Esmund Butler, the Queen's press secretary, and
accompanied Queen Elizabeth on her royal tour of
Canada in 1959.
Scope and Content
Series A 36/1/1 - Papers
Correspondence, arrangement book and schedules for
the 1959 royal tour, newspaper clippings regarding
Auger's role, and two magazines (The
Legionary, Jan., 1960 and Weekend
Magazine, Royal Tour Special)
Additional Information
Custodial History - Formerly catalogued into
museum collection, 984.118.1, 4-6.
Associated Material - See photo collection
984.118.2-3
A 35
Anne J. Barrie
fonds
1913-1914
4 cm. of textual records
Biographical Sketch
Anne J. Harvey came to Prince Arthur's Landing (later
Port Arthur, now Thunder Bay) on 26 Sept. 1880. She
later married photographer William J. Barrie but was
soon widowed. Later she lived in the residence of
Thomas Penfold, the local gaoler. In 1913-1914 she
was President of the Canadian Women's Press Club,
Port Arthur branch. She also taught music. Her
brother was editor of the Thunder Bay
Sentinel newspaper. Her primary interests seemed
to have been women's rights, prohibition and Ireland.
Scope and Content
Series A 35/1/1-2 - Scrapbooks
Two scrapbooks containing clippings, poetry, and
notes.
1) Mostly contains clippings relating to the dispute
over Home Rule for Ireland from the point of view of
Sir Edward Carson and the Northern Ireland
Protestants, 1914. Back half of book covers topics
such as prohibition and women's suffrage.
Indexed.
2) Handwritten notes and references to the activities
of the Port Arthur branch of the Canadian Women's
Press Club. Mostly clippings on Women's suffrage,
poetry, temperance movement, and women's rights. Most
entries deal with areas other than Northwestern
Ontario, 1914. Indexed.
Additional Information
Custodial History - formerly catalogued into
the museum's collection 972.84.5-6
A 58
Wendell Beckwith
fonds
1963-1980
174 cm of textual records
Biographical Sketch
Wendell King Beckwith (born 9 Sept. 1915 at
Whitewater Wisc., died August 1980 at Whitewater
Lake, Ont.) was the son of Raymond Beckwith and Laura
Imogene King. His father was a design engineer and
inventor. Wendell had a high-school education and
attended the University of Alabama (Botany) for one
year only. His knowledge of engineering and science
was to a large extent self-taught. He worked for a
time as a draughtsman and, in the late 1930s to the
1950s, as a research engineer for the Milwaukee
Electric Tool Co. as chief development engineer
and/or vice president where he designed and patented
for the company several pieces of equipment. In
ca.1945 he left to set up his own development lab in
Whitewater, Wisc., and also worked until 1955 as a
freelance consultant with Parker Pen, one of his
major clients. He did not invent the ball-point pen
as is sometimes suggested, but received four patents
covering writing apparatus and machinery.
In ca.1955-56 Beckwith left his job, wife (Betty
Mobert) and family (five children: Wendell Jr., David
J., Laura, Imogene and Kathleen, who later married
Harry Worth) probably due to his desire to do "pure
research" into gravitation and radiation. In
1957-1958 he was known to be working for the Gravity
Institute in New Boston analyzing submissions for
funding. By the late 1950s, however, he was searching
for a place of solitude in which to conduct his
research. After spending three years at various
locations in Northern Wisconsin he moved, in 1961, to
Best Island on Whitewater Lake in Ontario. There,
with funding from Mr. Harry Wirth, an unrelated
American businessman, a cottage was built and
Beckwith began his research. Until 1969 he wintered
in Wisconsin and spent the rest of each year at the
cottage. From 1969 onwards he stayed at Whitewater
Lake year round and received frequent visits from
friends, members of the group "Outward Bound", and the
local Native people. From Feb. 1971 to 1980 his friend Rose
Chaltry of Minneapolis lived with him during the
summer months.
In the mid 1970s, Beckwith's funding agreement with
Wirth broke down after which he relied on friends,
family and Rose Chaltry for supplies. Beckwith's
status in Canada was that of an illegal alien until
1974. He refused to apply for landed immigrant
status, declaring himself a "citizen of the world".
Because of his "great assistance to the Indian
population of the area" he was granted ministerial
permission to stay. His refusal to apply for a land
use permit, until 1977, led to protracted
negotiations with the Ministry of Natural
Resources.
His research was done mainly in the winter. He would
sit down before a blank sheet of paper each day and
work on whatever topic interested him. The sheets
he'd put into binders or folders. He took constant
astronomical and meteorological observations. He
formalized an agreement with the Ontario government
in September 1979 whereby he bequeathed his research
notes, papers and experimental apparatus to the
people of Ontario on his death.
His research interests were broad, ranging from the
magnetic and astronomical forces of the galaxy and
historic human migrations to the pyramids and
Stonehenge. He showed a great interest in "pi", the
ratio of the circumference of a circle to its
diameter and he was intrigued by such numbers and how
often they recurred in nature. He was also concerned
with the connections between astronomical events and
the migration of large groups of people. His work
suffers from several drawbacks: notably his
preference for "popular" as opposed to academic works
of science and history for his information and his
1930s high school math.
Scope and Content
The Wendell Beckwith Papers contain the
correspondence and scientific notes of Wendell King
Beckwith, scientist. Principal series include:
incoming and outgoing correspondence with relatives,
visitors to his cabin at Whitewater Lake, Ontario,
and those interested in his research and lifestyle;
sketches, plans and drawings of some of his
inventions and buildings; audio tapes; and bound and
unbound scientific notes.
Beckwith established his own dating system,
abandoning the normal calendar and it seems he began
numbering days from the point he moved permanently to
Whitewater Lake. This allows for some order to be
made of the records though, unfortunately, most of
his scientific material is undated. Dates indicated
below are approximate except where confirmed by
Beckwith. To some extent the dates of documents can
be determined by the handwriting as he seemed to have
developed a shake in his later years not present at
the beginning. This, however, is unreliable. The
records were gathered up in haste, years after
Beckwith's sudden death in 1980, and placed in boxes
apparently in no particular order. This order has
been retained with a few exceptions.
His papers appear to contain both rough and finished
notes. The former may be nothing more than a few
calculations scrawled on a page while the latter are
often neatly handwritten with full colour diagrams.
He often refers in his rough notes to a diagram or
set of figures as having been "plated". This probably
means that the rough notes have been rewritten, with
colour plates, in a more finished form, possibly
indicating a manuscript in preparation (though there
is no indication of intended publication).
Series A 58/1/1 - Correspondence -
outgoing - 5cm. - [1963]-1980
Wendell Beckwith's outgoing correspondence. Many
undated. Many of the letters are very long (one over
100 pages) and some are indicated as not having been
sent. All are handwritten in his distinctive style.
Beckwith only identified his correspondent by first
name so reference to incoming letters is necessary to
determine full names. While he starts with local
news, all of his letters quickly devolve into
treatises on his latest scientific work and thus may
be useful as guides to the theories contained in his
notes. Letters are in four files and one notebook. A
few are photocopies of letters sent to "Alice" and
obtained by the Ontario Ministry of Culture and
Communications after Beckwith's death.
Series A 58/2/1-19 - Correspondence,
incoming - 40cm - 1963-1980
Correspondence addressed to Wendell Beckwith from his
family, friends, relatives and business associates.
In particular are letters from his father's second
wife, Gertrude, his sister Eleanor Lawton (her
children are Stephen, James K., Thomas, and Charles
D.), Wendell's children (see biographical sketch
below) and Mr. Harry Wirth. Filed according to year.
All files in this series are at present
restricted.
1) 1963 (3 files)
2) 1964 (3 files)
3) 1965 (3 files)
4) 1966 (3 files)
5) 1967 (2 files)
6) 1968 (2 files)
7) 1969 (1 file)
8) 1970 (1 file)
9) 1971 (1 file)
10-11) 1972-1973 (1 file)
12) 1974 (1 file)
13) 1975 (1 file)
14) 1976 (2 files)
15) 1977 (2 files)
16) 1978 (2 files)
17) 1979 (2 files)
18) 1980 (1 file)
19) undated (1 file)
Series A 58/3/1 - Correspondence,
incoming (Rose Chaltry) - 3cm. - 1966-1978
The incoming correspondence of Rose Chaltry of
Minneapolis and Whitewater Lake, Ont., who from
1971-1980 stayed with Wendell Beckwith during the
summer months. One file. Presently
restricted.
Series A 58/4/1 - Personal papers -
2cm. - 1963-1980
Personal papers of Wendell Beckwith including a chart
outlining his father's life; a deed of gift of his
possessions to the Province of Ontario; prices of
indian artifacts bought and sold; birth certificate;
prescriptions; accounts and letters of accounts with
Hudson's Bay Co. Store and various people in the
vicinity of Whitewater Lake (mostly 1964-67);
identification; photos from wallet; clippings. One
file.
Series A 58/5/1 - Sketches and
drawings - 4cm. - 1963-1970s
Sketches and drawings by Wendell Beckwith of
buildings, furniture, beadwork designs, animals,
inventions, instruments and advertisements done for
friends. Two files.
Series A 58/6/1 - Audio tapes - 8
tapes - [1963]-1980
Audio cassette tapes of Wendell Beckwith talking
about his work (four tapes), from relatives (three
tapes), and of music performed by Indian musicians
possibly from the Whitewater Lake area ("Relocation
XIT" is written on the cassette). Sound quality of
the tapes of Beckwith himself are not good.
Series A 58/7/1-12 - Scientific
notes (bound) - 40cm. - 1963-[1979]
Wendell Beckwith's research notes on a variety of
scientific problems which he tackled while at
Whitewater Lake. It was his habit to start with a
blank sheet of paper at the beginning of each day and
devote himself to "pure research". These notes, bound
in binders, scribblers and with string are the
result. Some appear to have been re-written in more
finalized form possibly as a manuscript. Notes are
mostly undated and many were received in random
order, stuffed into boxes. Attempts have been made to
resurrect the original order within binders. Subjects
indicated below are often unsure.
1) Red binder, undated, on the sphere and the cube.
Notes are divided into numbered sections.
2) Black binder, undated, on the motion of the
planets.
3) Black binder, undated (Beckwith's own dates are:
days 903- 926), on geophysics and planetary motion.
Includes colour plates and diagrams.
4) Red binder, 1974, on oscillation and planetary
curves, Kepler's equation, time and distance, water
density, sphere-cube infusion, capilliary curve and
population explosion and water drop universal size
studies.
5) Blue binder, late summer 1974, on the development
of the spiral (various studies) and gravitation.
6) Blue binder, ca.1973, on Sun-Moon-Earth data and
geophysical maps.
7) Brown binder, winter 1973-1974, on pi,
sphere-cube, gravitation, planetary motion,
geophysics and various other subjects.
8) Spiral Notebook, undated, on pi, sphere-cube,
planetary movements, etc. (appears to be in
relatively finished form)
9) Spiral Notebook, ca.1974, on pi, harmonics, the
interaction of objects, etc. (headed "Book 3")
10) Spiral Notebook, undated, of rough calculations
on stonehenge and geophysics.
11) Spiral notebook on diagrams and notes,
undated
12) Spiral notebook, undated, subjects unknown
13) Rough notes, possibly spring/summer 1972,
subjects unknown
14) Notes on various topics, possibly spring 1972
Series A 58/8/1 - Scientific notes
(files) - 32cm. - 1971-1979
The scientific notes of Wendell Beckwith contained in
24 files. Most are rough notes though some contain
colour plates of diagrams, mostly of the Earth and
drawing of inventions such as an outboard motor and a
ball point pen. Files are arranged chronologically as
best can be determined. Notes were received largely
in random order except for those contained in old
folders.
Series A 58/9/1 - Scientific notes,
current - 32cm. - 1979-1980
Files of notes in use at the time of Beckwith's death
in 1980. Each is labeled with subject including
gravitation, math and trig. procedures, time,
numbers, pi, carbon dating, circles, planetary
motion, the chromatic spectrum, tree-ring studies,
polar axis movement, and Stonehenge. Also contains
daily logs of observations (astronomical and weather
mostly) and various publications relating to
Stonehenge. Most files have been labeled and created
by Beckwith.
Additional Information
Custodial History - The Government of
Ontario legally transferred Beckwith's papers to the
Thunder Bay Historical Museum Society in 1988 before
which they were stored at the Thunder Bay Museum.
Legal ownership of the material was challenged
unsuccessfully in the courts by Harry Wirth before
transfer to the Museum Society.
Associated Material - See 989.103 for
artifacts and photographs that came with the
papers.
Related Material - See biographical file for
Beckwith.
Restrictions - Incoming correspondence is
currently unavailable for research.
A 28
Bernard Black
fonds
1873-1958
11 cm of textual records
Biographical Sketch
Bernard I Black, Q.C., Fort William barrister,
solicitor and notary, was called to the bar in 1950
after combat duty with the Lake Superior Regiment in
World War II. He opened his practice at 105 N. May
St. in 1950-1951. He joined Morris, Babe, Pugsley and
Black in 1954. This company acted as solicitors for
the City of Fort William at the time and continued to
do so until about 1964. He worked for a time as
Assistant Crown Attorney, agent for the Ministry of
Justice, and as solicitor for the Municipality of
Neebing, and CN Rail. Mr. Black formed Black and
Hatherly in about 1967-1968 with offices in the Grain
Exchange building and practiced on his own from 1971
to his death in 1990.
He was a former president of the Thunder Bay
Historical Society and took an interest in collecting
material relating to the legal history of Thunder
Bay. He was active in the Conservative Party of
Canada and stood federally for election. His other
activities involved service with the Rotary Club, the
Fort William Public School Board and the Roman
Catholic Church.
Scope and Content
Legal papers and publications dealing with various
legal matters handled by Mr. Black. Covers industrial
and business matters such as the location of
factories, inter-switching, road construction, mining
lands, lumbering, and a taxation dispute. Also deals
with C.W. Cox, former mayor of Port Arthur.
Series A 28/1/1-9 - Legal files -
8cm. (Includes some photocopies)
1) File of correspondence regarding the application
of the Empire Elevator Co. under the Navigable Waters
Protection Act for an order approving its works, dock
and elevator, already constructed, 1918-1919.
Application is made to the minister of Public Works
of the federal government. This involves works
constructed prior to 1 June 1918 (i.e. retroactive
government approval). Includes petition with
description and blueprint plans, titles and deeds as
well as correspondence.
2) Misc. legal records: by-laws of Neebing and Fort
William, agreements (between the municipality of
Neebing and the CPR, 1887), application re:
inter-switching at Fort William and Port Arthur,
1938
3) Maps and plans relating to legal records: road
encroachments, footpaths, buildings, rifle range
4) Notice of motion in the Supreme Court of Ontario,
James Stanley, Reeve and Neebing Enterprises Ltd.,
vs. the corporation of the City of Fort William
(1954). This case concerns the erection of Fort
William's first Drive-In theatre.
5) Agreement between Nepigon Mining Lands Co. and the
Lake Coast Trading Co. Ltd. for the sale of land
known as the Woods location at Silver Islet, 1910.
Contains map catalogued into map collection.
6) Subpoenas showing changes in Royal title, 1938,
1952-1953
7) District Court appeal, Abitibi Power and Paper Co.
vs. the City of Fort William regarding an appeal of
assessment for taxation made by the city's assessor,
1954
8) File of papers, maps, clipping and legal documents
relating to the construction of Silver Mountain Road
in 1885 (Photocopies of originals in Archives of
Ontario, RG 52, Ser. I-A, Box 119)
9) File of legal papers and correspondence relating
to the bankruptcy and estate of Charles W. Cox,
former Mayor of Port Arthur, 1955-1958.
Restricted: not to be
opened until Sept. 8, 2007.
Series A 28/2/1 - Publications -
3cm. - 1911-1931
Various publications relating to legal and business
matters:
-"The Fort William and Port Arthur Grain Exchange",
constitution, by-laws, and rules and regulations,
1911
-The Grain Exchange final distribution of assets
-"The Nipigon Hydro-Electric Power Development",
constructed and operated for the municipalities of
the Thunder Bay district, Toronto, 1922
-"Respondent's factum in the supreme court of Canada
in the matter of tolls proposed to be charged by the
Arrow River and Tributaries Slide and Boom Co. Ltd.
for all timber passing certain improvements made by
it on the Pigeon River, 1931" (Toronto)
-Return in relation to the Pic River and Sturgeon
Falls timber limits (Toronto)
-Supreme Court of Ontario transcript of appeal from
the Court of Appeal for Ontario in the case of
Charles W. Cox (defendant) and George F. Hourigan
(plaintiff), 1940-1941. Regards and action to recover
plant and equipment loaned to defendant
Additional Information
Copy/Repository - A 28/1/8 is a copy of an
original file in Archives of Ontario RG 52 Ser. I-A
Box 119.
Restrictions - A 28/1/9 is not to be opened
until 8 Sept. 2007.
A 47
Blake-McNaughten
Collection
1890-1964
153 cm of textual records
Biographical Sketch
Alexander McNaughten, city clerk for Fort William
from 1900-1945, collected and preserved material in
and out of office relating to the history of the
city. He was born on 23 Dec. 1866 and died 3 Dec.
1945. He came to Fort William in 1890, taught school
for two years and then worked at the Port Office from
1892-1900. He assembled a large collection of primary
documents from City Hall, clippings from local
newspapers and interviews with individuals. When he
died his research collection was given to Sidney H.
Blake, treasurer of Fort William, 1945-1955, and
civic administrator 1955-1965.
Blake was born in 1913, in Fort William, and died in
office in 1965. A prominent and active member of the
community he was affiliated with the city's housing
authority, Neebing Valley Conservation Authority, the
Chamber of Commerce, the Home for the Aged, the Order
of St. John of Jerusalem, the Masonic Order, the
Canadian Legion, Civil Defense, Lakehead Industrial
Commission, the Association of Civic Executives, the
International city Managers Association, and the
Ontario Municipal Association. He graduated from the
Royal Military college in Kingston and the University
of Chicago. He was a major in W.W. II.
Blake's intention was to publish a book on the
history of Fort William, so much of his and
McNaughten's material was compiled in manuscript form
here.
Scope and Content
The Blake-McNaughten collection is composed of both
original documents, mostly pertaining to the business
of the city of Fort William, and a research
collection of clippings and information on the
history of the Lakehead (primarily Fort William). The
fonds also includes some documents relating to the
Mount McKay Golf Club and the Old Timer's Club. It is
broken down into eight series by producer with one, A
47/7, for miscellaneous small items.
Series A 47/1/1-36 - Files of the
treasury department, Town and City of Fort William -
29cm. - 1889-1925
1-7) Correspondence (1903-1906, 1912, 1925) including
that re: taxation, garnisheed wages, debentures,
expenditures, fees, and school board site.
8) Reports to the Minister of Agriculture of existing
municipal debenture debts (1907-1908, 1910-1911).
9) Deeds and debentures (1897-1900)
10) Drafts of debentures to be issued (1909)
11) Registry Officer account book (1906) listing
occupants and the value of all buildings and a list
of owners of all lots in Fort William by street and
lists of debenture debts held by the town of Fort
William up to May 1905.
12) Liquor license statements (1905-1913)
13) City employee time cheques (1903-1904)
14) Miscellaneous receipts and certificates of
registration of births and deaths (1901-1902)
15) Misc. cheques, memos and certificates (1902-12)
including city financial statement for 1903.
16) Treasurer's vouchers for town of Fort William
(1902).
17) Treasurer's vouchers for city of Fort William
(1910-1911).
18) One envelope of 7 Fort William debentures and
stock specimins and 2 oversized Neebing
debentures
19-36) Fort William treasurer's reports and financial
statements, 1896, 1897, 1901-1910, 1913, 1915,
1917-1918.
Series A 47/2/1-17 - Files of the
Public Utilities (hydro-electric power, lights,
waterworks and civic railway) department of Fort
William - 10 cm. - 1893-1926
1) Bids to furnish electric street lamps (1894).
2) Contract and by-laws concerning Fort William's
water supply (1894).
3) Correspondence concerning the sale of debentures
for Fort William Waterworks project (1898).
4) Report of water and light commission asking for
construction of a steam power plant (1898).
5) Three reports on Fort William's water supply by W.
Murdoch (ca.1898), A.E. Farncombe (1901) and H.S.
Hancock Jr. (ca.1910). and memo of agreement between
Fort William and the Dept. of Indian Affairs re:
access to water from Loch Lomond (1910).
6) Contract: Fort William and E.S. Jennison to build
a waterworks (1898-1899).
7) Letters, telegrams, and clippings re: the power
developments of the Hydro-Electric Commission of
Ontario (1922).
8) Miscellaneous acts, programs, letters and
brochures regarding public utilities of Fort William
and Port Arthur (ca.1911-1912).
9) Specifications for Ark, Incandescent and steam
plant, ca.1899
10) Specifications for extensions of electric
lighting system, Fort William 1903
11) Bylaw and schedules for water and light rates,
1899
12-14) Fort William water, light and telephone system
financial statements, 1902, 1906, 1907
15) Hydro-electric commission of Fort William,
souvenir booklet, turning on power at Cameron Falls,
1926
16) Report on water supply system, Fort William,
1912
17) Invitation to turning on of Loch Lomond water
system, 1909
Series A 47/3/1 - Files of the
Public Works department of Fort William - 2cm. -
1894-1895
1) Bills, schedules, petition and assessment data
relating to the construction of sewers on Victoria
Ave. and Brodie St. (1894-1895).
Series A 47/4/1 - Records of the tax
collectors of the Corporation of the town and city of
Fort William, E.S. Rutledge, tax collector - 1cm. -
1898-1900
1) Miscellaneous memos and statements regarding the
collection of taxes in Fort William, 1898-1900.
Series A 47/5/1 - Files of the
Personnel Department of the City of Fort William -
4cm. - 1962
1) Reports and correspondence relating to the City of
Fort William staff relations in 1962, including Fort
William Civic Employees Federation and City Hall
Staff Assoc. records, personnel management reports,
salary reports, job titles and descriptions,
union/city correspondence, arbitration records and
salary negotiations of fire fighters and transit
employees.
Series A 47/6/1-9 - Files of the
council and town clerk of the Corporation of the Town
of Fort William. Files of correspondence arranged by
applicant industry for bonuses - 3cm. - 1885-1930
1) Correspondence of Mayor John McKellar of Fort
William and George Parker of George A. Parker Flour
and Millstuffs, Minneapolis, concerning the erection
of a flour mill in Fort William, 1890-1897.
2) Correspondence of Fort William's town council and
John King, merchant regarding the establishment of a
pulp and paper mill, 1894.
3) Correspondence to the mayor and council of Fort
William regarding the building of a blast furnace and
rolling mill in Fort William, 1894. D.F. Burk is the
main proponent of the scheme.
4) Letters to Fort William town council regarding the
erection of a blast furnace in Fort William,
1892.
5) Correspondence regarding the wording of an
agreement to bonus the Fort William Car Co. by the
city of Fort William, 1908.
6) City clerk's fact book, 1885-1924 with statistics
and informatoin about Fort William
7) By law #1517 respecting streets, 1914
8) Clerk's voters' list, 1903-1930 recording the
results of Dominion and Provincial elections in local
ridings
9) By laws respecting the fire brigade, ca.1890, 15
p.
Series A 47/7/1-4 - Correspondence
and minutes from the Mayor's and city clerk's
offices, town of Fort William, the Mount McKay Golf
Club and the Old Timer's Club - 1cm. - 1903-1910
1) Correspondence originating in Mayor J. Dyke's
officer regarding the insurance claims on the
recently burned town hall, 1903, transcribed.
2) Claims for damages relating to the typhoid
epidemic of 1905-1906 against the town of Fort
William, 1906.
3) Minutes of meetings, membership rolls and
clippings relating to the creation and activities of
the Old Timer's Club, 1905.
4) Minutes of the Mount McKay Golf Club from its
inauguration in 1908 to 1910.
Series A 47/8/1-6 - Manuscript
binders - 87cm. - ca.1860-1964
Binders of manuscript material written by S.H. Blake
and several others, often transcribed from sources
such as newspapers, books, city records, and personal
interviews. Arranged by subject into twelve binders
each broken down into parts and sections by S.H.
Blake.
1) Index to seven binders. Some material referred to
in the index is missing from the binders as it was
removed prior to cataloguing. The illustrations in
this collection referred to in the index have been
transferred to the photographic collection. See
977.113.1-473
2) Part 1, section I gives a brief chronology of the
history of Fort William, the origins of street names
and geography. Section II covers the Ojibway Indians
-- primarily an excerpt from the diary of J.J.
Vickers on treaty making, 1859. Section III gives
biographical data on Alexander McNaughten and Donald
N. Martin, both Fort William city clerks.
3) Part 1, Section IV recounts the history of the
departments, boards, utilities and services of the
town and city of Fort William, including cemeteries,
schools, hospitals, fire, police and parks
departments, hydro-electric, waterworks, telephone,
and transit. Illustrated.
4) Part 1, Section V, covers the early legends of the
region, early Fort William history in the era of the
fur trade, and the early building of a town including
topics such as the Riel Rebellion, Jesuits, shipping,
grain trade, the C.P.R., personalities of the local
Hudson's Bay Co. fort, biographies of early pioneers
of Fort William and the political process of
incorporation of Fort William.
5) Part 1, Section VI deals with the role of women in
early Fort William history. Section VII gives short
biographical sketches of many prominent citizens of
the 20th century in Fort William along with some of
their comments or speeches. Section VIII examines
Great Lakes Paper Co. in 1930 and 1964, Abitibi in
1930, the Canadian Car and Foundry Co. and Searle
elevator in 1928. Section IX is a short history of
four local newspapers. Section X contains a list of
some of Fort William's barristers and solicitors.
6) Part 2, entitled: "Political History and the Man
and Women who made it Possible", covers topics such
as: lists of MPPs and MPs; lists of Mayors and
councillors of Fort William, 1892-1964; statistical
information such as Fort William's population, tax
rate and assessment, 1892-1963; reminiscences of
early Fort William; correspondence regarding the town
hall fire of 1903; new town hall, 1903; pamphlet
regarding municipal ownership 1904; report of the
typhoid epidemic in Fort William 1906; advertisements
and programs; the postal service; street by-law 1914;
agreement with Department of Indian Affairs 1910;
speeches of mayors Peltier and Young; Act regarding
Mt. Mckay and Kakabeka Railway 1912; the 52nd
Battalion.
7) Continuation of Part 2, "Political History of Fort
William" covering the following topics: Royal
Canadian Legion, Royal Edward Hotel, Monuments, first
airport, J.R. Lumby, reminiscences of E.S. Rutledge
1930, municipal elections (reminiscences by A.
McNaughten), the sanatorium, manuscript by Mayor R.B.
Pow entitled "Fort William" 1936, Grandview Lodge,
Paterson Park, sewage disposal plant, post office,
public utilities, and various mayors.
8) Part 3: statutes of the Corporation of the City of
Fort William, 1891-1960, indexed.
9) List of names and numbers of all bona fide Fort
William residents to enlist in the Canadian armed
forces during the period from the beginning of World
War II to January 1944.
10) Manuscript of 108 pages on "Fort William -- Her
Legends -- Geography -- Early History". Covers the
history of Fort William up to her incorporation as a
town in 1892. Contains much material from earlier
binders.
11) Collection of transcribed documents, clippings
and reminiscences relating to the legends, geography
and early history of Port Arthur, covering topics
such as town government, daily life, manufacturing
(blast furnaces and shipyards), churches,
personalities, reminiscences, education, etc.
12) Political history of Port Arthur with a list of
mayors, mostly incomplete.
Series A 47/9/1-4 - Reports, City of
Fort William - 1 cm. - 1906-1914
1) The Sanitary Investigation Report by
Thomas A. Starkey, 1906
2-3) Fort William Engineer's Annual Reports, 1909,
1910 including reports of City Treasurer and
Assessment Commissioner for 1910
4) Report of the Fort William Playground Commission,
1914
Series A 47/10/1 - Programs and by
laws - 3 cm. - 1895-1960
Programs and by laws respecting clubs, organizations
and events in Fort William, including Thunder Bay
Historical Society (1912), Twin Cities Real Estate
Assoc. by laws (1909), Curling club (1895), Free
masons (1926, 1937, 1942, 1944, 1947), West Algoma
Local Council of Women (1945), Oddfellows (1944,
1948), Board of Trade of Fort William (1912), Nanna
Bijou Sovereign Chapter of Rose Croix (1938, 1949),
Fort William Aero Club (1929), Diamond Jubilee
(1927), plaques unveiling (1960), Paterson Sailors'
Memorial (1946), coronation of Queen Elizabeth II
(1953), farewell concert, 94th Overseas
Battalion (1916).
Series A 47/11/1-34 - Publications
re: promotion of Fort William - 12 cm. -
1900-1960
1) Post Office Directory, 1900-1901 for
Northwestern Ontario
2-5) Annual Reports of St. Andrew's Presb.
Church, 1906, 1931, 1935, 1946
6) Fort William, the Future Manufacturing,
Industrial and Commercial Centre, 1906
7) Fort William, The Fastest Growing Spot, 1907
8) The Buck-Eye, ca.1908
9) Lake Shippers' Clearance Assoc., 1909
10) The Portal to the West, Mariday Park,
1910
11) Souvenir, Trades Congress of Canada,
1910
12) Municipal Ownership at Fort William,
1904
13) Monthly Guide, 1912
14) The Inland Waterways of Canada, 1913
15) Fort William, Port Arthur, The Twin Lakes
Cities, 1913
16) Electricity in Grain Elevators, by H.E.
Stafford, 1915
17-19) Annual Reports of McKellar Hospital,
1911-1913
20-21) The Iridos, 1926, 1927)
22) Grain, 1928 (statistics on Fort William,
1910-1927)
23-24) The Oracle, yearbooks for FWCI (1931,
1936)
25-28) CPR publications, 1921, 1936, 1945, 1957
29) Factual Brevities, Fort William,
ca.1930
30) Look to Canada for Expansion,
ca.1950
31) Fort William, Ont., "Seaport of the
Prairies", ca.1963
32) The Fort William Story, 1960
33) Ontario Traffic Conference newsletter, 1963
34) To the Canadian Manufacturers Assoc.,
1906
Series A 47/12/1 - Orders - 1 cm. -
1937, 1950
Orders of the 18th Medium Battery, Royal
Canadian Artillery, Officers' list (1947) of the
40th Medium Regiment, RCA
Series A 47/13/1 - Misc.
Documents including Grain Exchange advertisement,
stock certificates, insurance letters, cheques,
elections handbill, notices, deed of land, passport,
telegram (Marks to McKellar, 1893)
Additional Information
Associated Material - See photographic
collection 977.113.+ and 973.105.+
A 9
Helmer Borg fonds/United
Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners
1951-1968
11 cm of textual records
Biographical Sketch
Helmer Borg (b. Greefe, Sweden, 25 Dec. 1900, d.
Thunder Bay, 3 Oct. 1973), special field
representative of the United Brotherhood of
Carpenters and Joiners of America for the Lumber and
Sawmill Workers' Union, primarily local 2693, Port
Arthur. He was a field representative in 1953 and was
appointed special representative on 26 May 1954. His
employment was terminated on 5 July 1958, due
primarily to his inability to change with the time
(to communicate effectively with modern-day workers).
After 1958 he did mostly odd jobs. He lived in Port
Arthur.
Scope and Content
The Helmer Borg fonds, arranged into four series,
concerns union and labour activities in the forest
industries of Northwestern Ontario. The bulk of the
material is composed of his reports and
correspondence relating to his union organizing
activities. The material also pertains peripherally
to the dispute within the Lumber and Sawmill Workers
Union, local 2693, Port Arthur, which had, just prior
to these records being created, been purged of
"radical" elements.
Series A 9/1/1 - Reports and
correspondence - 7cm. - 1953-1958
Reports of Helmer Borg to local 2693 of the Lumber
and Sawmill Workers Union, Port Arthur, and to M.A.
Hutcheson, General President of the United
Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America,
Indianapolis, regarding union organization activities
in the area between Port Arthur and Sudbury (in
particular, Chapleau, Ont.). Also contains some
correspondence to and from other officials of the
above union -- A.M. Welsby, Albert LaLonde, W.J.
Baker, and Frank Chapman. Arranged chronologically in
ten envelopes, 662 fol.
Series A 9/2/1 - Letters,
manuscripts and misc. papers - 1cm. - 1951-1968
Dated letters, manuscripts and miscellaneous papers,
filed chronologically, relating mostly to Borg
personally (to his employment and income status).
Also includes union cards, tax returns, notices, and
permits.
Series A 9/3/1 - Papers and
manuscripts - 1cm. - [1950-1968]
Undated personal papers and manuscripts. Includes
credentials, invitations, telegrams, expense accounts
and manuscripts on a variety of topics including
trips taken, the situation in the Lumber and Sawmill
Workers Union in 1950-1954 (4 fol.), his job as Santa
Claus, first landing in Canada in 1924, the
Unemployment Insurance Commission (5 fol.), union
organizing in the 1950s and conditions in local
industries.
Series A 9/4/1-6 - Miscellaneous
records - 2cm. - 1953-1960
Six envelopes of records relating to the Lumber and
Sawmill Workers Union, primarily local 2963, Port
Arthur. Includes employment slips, letters of workers
to camp foremen, contract negotiation proposals,
minutes of labour negotiations (1953), union
financial reports (1955), vote results (1955), board
of labour conciliation reports, applications for
certification (1955), letters and bulletins to
members (1955-1957), employer notices, agreements
with companies (1956-1957), "Ont. Provincial Council
of United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners
Review" (1956-1957, five issues), list of wages
(1950-1957), "Ontario Bushworker" (Dec. 1956 and Feb.
1957), report of conditions at the North Western Pulp
and Paper Co. (1956-1958), union financial statement
(1957), report of educational conference (1957),
filed chronologically in six envelopes:
1) 1953-1954
2) 1955
3) 1956
4) 1957-1960
5) undated
6) lists
Additional Information
Custodial History - Formerly catalogued into
the museum collection, 984.74.1-14
A 1
Clifford Brown
Collection/Port Arthur Duluth & Western
Railway
1875-1921, 1931, 1978
94 cm of textual records
Biographical Sketch
Clifford Brown, resident of Thunder Bay had a
long-time interest in the Port Arthur, Duluth and
Western Railway (P.A.D.& W.). He collected this
material with the aim of producing a book on the Port
Arthur, Duluth and Western Railway. Mr. Brown died in
1991 without the book having been completed.
Scope and Content
Mostly newspaper photocopies from the late nineteenth
century, including an index to the clippings and
research files on the subject of the railway. Also
includes files on the history of the areas traversed
by the railway line. Arranged into three series:
Series A 1/1/1-55 - Newspaper
clipping files - 47cm. - 1875-1921 (photocopies).
55 file folders containing entries from the
Thunder Bay Sentinel, the Fort William
Herald, the Fort William Weekly Journal and
Thunder Bay Mining News, the Weekly
Herald, the Daily Times- Journal, the
Port Arthur Daily News and the
News-Chronicle covering the period from 1875
to 1921. Arranged chronologically. Annotated. Many
copies badly faded. Box 1 -1875-89 (22 files); Box 2
-1889-96 (19 files); Box 3 -1896-1904 (9 files); Box
4 -1905-21 (5 files).
Series A 1/2/1 - Index, 27cm. -
1883-1899
Card index to newspaper files and other files of the
collection. Files have been rearranged since index
was made so locations listed on cards are
inaccurate.
Series A 1/3/1-16 - Research files -
20cm. - 1879-1899, 1931, 1978
16 research files all dealing with some aspect of the
Port Arthur, Duluth and Western Railway and
associated businesses, districts and persons.
1) Capital and revenue account, 1893-1900 and
statistical returns of revenue by P.A.D. & W. to
the Department of Transport, 1894.
2) Manuscripts, clippings and articles, 19
entries.
3) Railway data, 4 entries.
4) Legal data on the Pawlson mine, 1893, 2
entries.
5) Dept. of Mines report and sessional papers,
1879.
6) Stanley Bottling Works clippings
7) Statutes regarding local railways, list of railway
charters, boundary commission report, 1931.
8) Newspaper specials, transcripts, articles and
clippings on numerous topics, 20 entries.
9) Correspondence of Clifford Brown, 16 entries.
10) Biographical notes, 12 entries.
11) Misc. correspondence, notes, manuscripts and
interviews.
12) Articles of incorporation of the P.A.D.& W.
in the state of Minnesota, 1892 and the names of
directors, 1890-1899 along with a resolution, 1890;
submission, 1890; letter, 1886 and a petition for a
subsidy, 1887.
13) Indexes to Daily Times-Journal, Fort
William Journal Port Arthur Daily News
and the Sentinel.
14)Files of notes, correspondence, seniority lists,
maps, clippings, transcripts, manuscripts and details
on the C.N.R. and the Atikokan Iron Co.
15) Misc. notes and newspaper transcripts.
16) Proposal for dining lounge and museum at the C.N.
Station on Water St., 1978.
Additional Information
Associated Material - See TBHMS 988.72.1-44
for maps and 988.72.45-47 for posters in same
accession. Also see "Pee Dee" research file.
Copy/Repository - for A 1/3/12 - see National
Archives of Canada RG 46 vol. 1007 and RG 12 vol.
1861.
A 13
Robert Brown
fonds
[1985]
7 fol. of textual records
Biographical Sketch
Robert Brown, school teacher, was born in the1920s
and was raised in Fort William. He left Fort William
in 1944 and lives in North Vancouver, B.C..
Scope and Content
Series A 13/1/1 - Reminiscences
Robert Brown's reminiscences of his days as a student
at Isabella Public School and Fort William Collegiate
primarily in the 1930s. Entitled "School Days".
Typescript.
Additional Information
Restrictions - Not to be published without
permission of the author.
A 44
W.S. Brown Research
fonds
1930-1976
25 cm of textual records
Biographical Sketch
Wilbert Stewart Brown, collector, was a former Fort
William Police Chief. He was born in 1893 in
Valcartier, Quebec, and came to Fort William in 1911.
He began his career in law enforcement in 1912 in
Fort William, one of a 14 man force and served
overseas in World War I. He became a patrol sergeant
with the Fort William police force in 1932, a staff
sergeant a decade later, and Chief Constable in 1950.
He was presented to Princess Elizabeth and Price
Philip in 1951 and was involved in the Boy Scout
Movement locally. Brown retired in 1958 and died in
1986.
Scope and Content
Series A 44/1/1-8 - Scrapbooks
Scrapbooks filled with clippings mostly from local
papers relating to police matters, military,
political and social issues, obituaries, and local
individuals. Also includes some information on
royalty and local economic issues. Arranged
chronologically into eight books; all except the last
are indexed:
1) 1930-35
2) 1934-41
3) 1941-50
4) 1938-55
5) 1955-58
6) 1959-64
7) 1964-72
8) 1971-76
Additional Information
Custodial History - Formerly catalogued into
museum collection: 977.123.1-9
Related Material - See W.S. Brown
biographical file and 1977 interview.
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