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Papers of J.S. Helmcken and members of his family, including correspondence, 1848-1920, account books, 1871-1903, deeds, contracts, certificates, 1825-1890, medical notebooks, case books and account books, 1845-1890, notes and papers concerning the Beacon Hill Park Bowling Club, 1898-1914, rough notes and drafts for articles in newspapers, speeches, and reminiscences. Account books pertaining to the estate of Arthur Thomas Bushby, 1875-1901. Papers of Harry Dallas Helmcken, 1866-1894, and William Ralph Higgins, 1890-1903. J.S. Helmcken's confederation diary and reminiscences are also on microfilm. John Sebastian Helmcken was born in Spitalfields, London on 5 June 1824, the fourth child and eldest son of Claus Helmcken and Catherine Mittler. After attending St. George's German and English school from 1828 to 1839 Helmcken apprenticed himself to Dr. W.H. Graves as a chemist and druggist. On 2 October 1844, Helmcken registered as a student at Guy's Hospital, London, and in March 1848 was admitted as a Member of the Royal College of Surgeons. Two months later he was serving as surgeon aboard the Malacca until, on 12 October 1849, he received an appointment from the Hudson's Bay Company as surgeon and clerk for a five year term. Helmcken arrived at Esquimalt on 24 March 1850 and was first posted to Fort Rupert before being ordered to return to Fort Victoria in December 1850. On 27 December 1852 he married Cecilia Douglas, eldest daughter of Governor James Douglas. In 1856 Helmcken was elected to represent Esquimalt and Victoria District in the Legislative Assembly of Vancouver Island and served as Speaker of the Assembly until union with British Columbia in 1866. Governor Musgrave appointed Helmcken to the Executive Council of British Columbia in December 1869 while he was also serving as a member of the Legislative Council of B.C., and in the summer of 1870 he travelled to Ottawa as one of three confederation delegates from the colony. With the entry of British Columbia into Confederation in 1871, Helmcken retired from active politics. Helmcken also served as president of the Board of Directors of the Royal Hospital, remained physician to Victoria's jail until 1910, and contributed numerous articles on the early history of Vancouver Island in his later life. Dr. Helmcken died on 1 September 1920. The records include the papers of J.S. Helmcken and members of his family: correspondence, 1848-1920, account books, 1871-1903, deeds, contracts, certificates, 1825-1890, medical notebooks, casebooks and account books, 1845-1890, notes and papers concerning the Beacon Hill Park Bowling Club, 1898-1914, rough notes and drafts for articles in newspapers, speeches and reminiscences. There are also account books pertaining to the estate of Arthur Thomas Bushby, 1875-1901, and papers of Harry Dallas Helmcken, 1866-1894, and William Ralph Higgins, 1890-1903. J.S. Helmcken's Confederation diary and reminiscences are also on microfilm [A00810]. An index to the records is available as part of the hard copy finding aid kept in the reference room.

The fonds consists of the records of Herbert Anscomb, who had one of the longest and most important political careers in the history of British Columbia. They document his activities as Reeve of Oak Bay, B.C., Mayor of Victoria, opposition member in the B.C. legislative assembly, cabinet minister in the B.C. government in numerous portfolios, leader of the Progressive Conservative Party of British Columbia, and member of the federal Royal Commission on Transportation from 1959 to 1962. Predominantly, the records relate to his political career which began with his election to Oak Bay council in 1924 and ended with his defeat in the provincial election of 1952. The fonds also consists of a relatively small number of records concerning his personal life, family, and his involvement in the wine and brewing industry.

The documentary forms most significant in number include correspondence, photographs, and speeches (in public, in the legislature, and for radio broadcast). In smaller numbers the documentary forms include handwritten notes which were passed from MLAs to Anscomb during sittings in the legislature, magazine articles, and political campaign literature such as brochures, posters and pamphlets. The fonds also includes collected editorial cartoons, caricature drawings and other art work, certificates, reports, guest and visitors books, and ephemera.

The records reflect a wide range of subjects; these include: government, politics and economic policy during the depression and World War II, the province’s coalition government, infrastructure building, political competition against the Co-operative Commonwealth Federation (CCF party), the single transferable vote electoral system, the process of appointment to government jobs, hospital insurance, and the history of the Conservative Party in B.C. and its relationship with the federal party.

The fonds consists of six series, as follows:
• Provincial political records
• Municipal political records
• Personal records
• Royal Commission on Transportation records
• Photograph album
• Newspaper clippings scrapbooks

Records of particular note include detailed diaries which Anscomb kept as Minister of Mines, Minister of Trade and Industry, Minister of Public Works, and Minister of Municipal Affairs in the early to mid-1940s. The fonds also consists of a rich collection of photographs which document in particular his career as mayor of Victoria and as a B.C. government cabinet minister.

The fonds also consists of a series of 12 volumes of newspaper clippings dating from 1924 to 1978. These scrapbooks cover Anscomb’s entire political career; subjects include all aspects of government and politics in Oak Bay, Victoria and the province of B.C., and not just articles pertaining to Anscomb himself. The fonds includes a manuscript of an unpublished autobiography Anscomb began in 1953.

Where possible the archivist has arranged records chronologically. Where files clearly had been used together as a group by their creator, that order was maintained.

News item. Premier Bill Bennett: "We have a basic economy now that does generate some employment." Chronically ill children are to get a better breakdown on medication costs. It's the philosophy of this government," says Bennett, "to provide some equity to all the citizens, and not just special interest groups." A lengthy discussion of tourism follows, in which Bennett blames the 1975 drop in tourism on the NDP Minister of Highways. Bennett says he will encourage more people to hold their conventions in Victoria. NDP MLA Dave Barrett also has a "philosophy" of government. He chastises the Premier for putting more emphasis on generating tourist traffic in the Okanagan, rather than on Vancouver Island. He comments on the Throne Speech and predicts that government aid for Ocean Falls and Cancel will dry up. Premier Bennett predicts economic growth and a gradual move away from a "boom and bust" economy. Conservation MLA Scott Wallace comments on the Throne Speech. Barrett says that B.C.'s economic problems are "getting worse" and forecasts a threat to crown corporations competing in the forest industry.

The item consists of two videotapes containing interviews. Tape 1. Laurier LaPierre interviews W.A.C. Bennett -- interview segments no. 1, 2, 3 & 4. Tape 2. Laurier LaPierre interviews W.A.C. Bennett -- interview segment no. 5. Interview with Premier Bill Bennett on "Vancouver" (i.e., presumably, CKVU's "The Vancouver Show").

The fonds consists of private and official correspondence and papers, notebooks of facts and figures on B.C., financial statistics, insurance policies and miscellaneous papers and photographs relating to honours and appointments. Fonds also includes clipping books, photograph albums, wallets and diaries, railway passes, a souvenir autograph booklet, a welcome home certificate signed by the officials of the Municipality of Coquitlam [MS-0347 also available on microfilm], and two oversized certificates commemorating his advancement to third degree masonry with the Free and Accepted Masons of B.C and upon the opening of Lord Selkirk School from the Municipality of South Vancouver.

The item is a video documentary containing a profile of Robert M. Strachan, former leader of the CCF/NDP in BC, leader of the opposition, and cabinet minister in BC's first NDP government.

CALL NUMBER: T3711:0001 RECORDED: Terrace (B.C.), 1980-03-01 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Recording of the Cyril Shelford Roast held at Terrace, B.C., 01-Mar-1980. Art Wiebe, master of ceremonies. Letters from Stan Carnell and Paddy Sherman are read. Tom Waterland. Bill King. TRACK 2: Bill King. Pat Jordan. Letters from Premier Bill Bennett and "some of the old-timers" at the Ministry of Agriculture are read. Alex Fraser. Art Wiebe.

CALL NUMBER: T3711:0002 RECORDED: Terrace (B.C.), 1980-03-01 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Art Wiebe. Recording of Cyril Shelford nominating Ray Williston for the 1960 provincial election. Ray Williston. Art Wiebe sings "The Cyril Shelford Song", composed by Bill Vander Zalm. TRACK 2: Presentation by Edna Cooper. Bob Cooper. Ray Williston (cont'd). Telegram from Gordon Gibson Sr. is read. Tape of Jack Webster tribute to Cyril Shelford.

CALL NUMBER: T3711:0003 RECORDED: Terrace (B.C.), 1980-03-01 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Henry Bazowski [?]. Cyril Shelford responds to roasters and toasters. TRACK 2: Cyril Shelford (cont'd). Closing of festivities.

SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Dennis Cocke: Tribute to Rae Eddie, former NDP MLA for New Westminster RECORDED: [location unknown], [1977-02-07?] SUMMARY: NDP MLA Dennis Cocke (New Westminster) pays tribute to former New Westminster MLA Rae Eddie on his death, 07-Feb-1977.;

SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Recollections of the life of Labour MLA Tom Uphill SUMMARY: In a CBC interview, Sarah Uphill talks about her husband, Labour Party MLA Thomas Uphill. She begins by recalling incidents concerning her husband's work in the coal mines of the East Kootenays.;

The series consists of photographs primarily documenting the professional and personal life of Einar Maynard Gunderson from around 1910 to 1975. The photographs consist of loose prints, framed prints, photo albums and negatives. Most photographs are black and white, but there are a few in colour. The majority of the photographs were taken by professional photographers documenting the professional activities of Gunderson, particularly those of the Premier W.A.C Bennett government. There are photographs of several trade missions undertaken by Gunderson, including to England and Japan. Additionally, there are several photo albums of personal family photographs. Included within the series are a collection of oversized certificates, speeches and scrolls.

CALL NUMBER: T0025:0001 PERIOD COVERED: 1940-1966 RECORDED: Vancouver (B.C.), 1966-11-05 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Recording of a banquet dinner at the 1966 Social Credit Convention, commemorating the service of Hon. Eric Martin, Minister of Health, 1952-1966. Entertainment: several songs performed by the Maori dancers of New Zealand. Premier W.A.C. Bennett presents award to the Cariboo constituency association. Comments on Eric Martin and his roll in the Social Credit party. TRACK 2: Presentations ;to Eric Martin at the dinner banquet by: Dr. Charles Ennals, Isobel Dawson, Grace McCarthy and Einar Gunderson. Address by Ray Williston chronicling the career of Eric Martin. Remarks and reminiscences by Eric Martin, including an explanation of why he was retiring due to ill health.;

CALL NUMBER: T0025:0002 PERIOD COVERED: 1940-1966 RECORDED: Vancouver (B.C.), 1966-11-05 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Continuation of remarks by Eric Martin at the 1966 Social Credit Convention dinner banquet. Presentation to Mrs. Martin. Comments by Premier W.A.C. Bennett.;

SUMMARY: CBC interview with Andrew Petter concerning his satirical take-off on the BC government sponsored "Ask Your Provincial Government" series. The spoof included parodies of Premier W.A.C. Bennett and his; major cabinet ministers.

Item consists of a mount of one photograph on card of one unidentified woman [Mary Ellen Smith?] and numerous men posed on the front steps of the B.C. Parliament Buildings.

Smith was a Member of the B.C. Legislative Assembly from 1918-1928 and President of the B.C. Liberal Party from 1928 until her death in 1933. Her likely inclusion within the photograph dates the image from the late 1920s to 1933.

Item consists of a mount of one group portrait of unidentified men and women from the October 3-4, 1932 convention of the British Columbia Liberal Party in Vancouver, B.C.

The item is a copy of part of a National Film Board news reel print of one of the items in Eye Witness no. 21. The Hon. Nancy Hodges is seen at home, at work as a columnist for the Victoria Times newspaper, and in her role as Speaker in the Legislative Assembly of B.C. in Victoria.

News footage. Miscellaneous footage of Premier W.R. Bennett. On an open-line talk show at the CJVI radio studio, he discusses a study of the proposed fixed link to Vancouver Island. At a press conference, he compares federal subsidies to east and west coast provinces. At the Legislative Buildings, he welcomes Washington Governor Dixy Lee Ray, discusses the sale of gas to the U.S.A., takes part in "The Big Run for Little Brothers", etc.

Stock shots. 1. Jean Chretien and other politicians make speeches. 2. Unidentified interview. 3. Construction project. 4. Royal Jubilee Hospital -- nurses, exteriors. 5. Victoria General Hospital, Northern Component -- drawings and models. 6. Dr. D.R. Carlow -- Medical Director. 7. [Jim Nielsen?] 8. Construction site prior to start. 9. Ribbon cutting ceremony. 10. Mount Tolmie Hospital. 11. Juan de Fuca Hospital. 12. Labour unrest. 13. Premier W.R. Bennett -- cabinet swearing-in ceremony. 14. Dave Barrett. 15. W.R. Bennett in track suit, jogging at a school. 16. W.R. Bennett in office. 17. Provincial government newsletter. 18. Different shots of W.R. Bennett -- indoors and outdoors.

Footage. Aerial scenes from a wing-mounted camera. Also includes a brief segment of B.C. politician Derril Warren in a Safeway parking lot.

News item. In an interview, Mr. Kelly says he had always planned to have his own business eventually, but the "events" of last year (his dismissal from the Socred caucus) speeded up his decision. Now he has gone into the brass rubbing business, and he is also preparing a book about his political life. Some of the Socreds he worked for (or with) were "excellent people", he says, and they should not be totally maligned.

News item. Footage shows B.C. Legislature in full session. Sound is poor (except for the desk slapping by the MLAs), photography is on the dark side but still acceptable for available light situation.

News item. Charles Barber explains the value of his constituency office. He is a liaison between the NDP and the voters.

News item. At a press conference, Premier Bill Bennett talks about the price freeze extension (February 16) and other BC government anti-inflation measures. Bennett outlines the areas where the price freeze will have the most effect, and explains necessity for federal government to reduce tax on provincial resource exports. He talks about the anti-inflation board and the need for both governments to co-operate on an inflation control agreement.

News item. Mr. Stephens will run for the leadership of the BC Conservative Party. His main goal will be to unify the party. "In order to have unity in this party," he says, "the provincial wing must be free and totally independent" from the federal Conservative party. Too many people view the Conservatives as a party for boardroom executives, says Stephens, when in fact it is "a workers' party." The image of the party must be changed.

RECORDED: [location unknown], 1979-10-24 SUMMARY: An oral history interview with G. Scott Wallace, former leader of the B.C. Progressive Conservative Party.;

News item. Shots of a nearly empty legislature. Human Resources Minister Bill Vander Zalm comments on Rosemary Brown's filibuster against Bill 65.