University Archives
& Special Collections

Local History

Balcom, Samuel

(1888-1981) Samuel Rosborough Balcom was a prominent Halifax businessman and politician. He founded the retail and wholesale drug business MacLeod Balcom Ltd. in Halifax, which later became Balcom-Chittick Ltd. Balcom served in both World Wars. He was overseas with the Dalhousie University Medical Unit in World War I and was Officer Commanding, Medical Stores (1942-43) and Chief Medical Stores Inspection Officer (1944-45) during World War II. In 1950 Balcom entered federal politics when he won a local by-election and became Liberal MP for Halifax, a position he held until his defeat in 1957. Extent 1 m. Locator number: MS-2-128 Finding aid available

Berthier, Seigneurie de

(fl. 1860) Petition des Habitants du Comte de Berthier au Parlement de la Province du Canada Concernant les Salaires des Commissionaires et L'assessments de la Seigneurie. (c. 1860) Extent 2 p. Locator number: MS-2-345

Betts, Lannes H.

(fl. 1904) Wallace, N.S. Certificate of Assignment of Property for Creditors, Amherst, N.S., March 5, 1904. Extent 1 p. Locator number: MS-2-497

Bigelow, Ebenezer and Family

(b. 1814-d. 1889) Shipbuilder, Canning, NS. Manuscript of "Life History," 1882; ledger, 1881-1887; plan of Bieglow property in Canning, 1838; family's genealogical information; correspondence; information about vessels owned and operated by the Potter family; papers of John Bigelow. (Some materials are copies) Extent approx. 1 m. Locator number: MS-4-92

Bruce, Harry

Writer-Journalist, Halifax, N.S. Business and personal correspondence (1960-1985), manuscripts and reviews (including extensive notes and drafts of his biography of Frank Sobey) (1944-1985). Extent 1.1 Locator number: MS-2-548 Finding aid available

Cahoon, William

(fl. 1784) Letter from Simeon Perkins, Liverpool, December 16, 1794. Locator number: MS-2-221

Cameron, Alexander & John D.

(fl. 1851-1896) Postmasters, Pictou, N.S. Letters of Appointment as Postmasters, 1851, 1855, 1877, 1896; miscellaneous papers and family correspondence, 1877, 1928, 1938. Extent 16 pp. Locator number: MS-2-138

Chapman, Alan J.

Papers of Herbert Greenough; clippings, poems - originals and transcripts. Chapman family history. Locator number: MS-2-709

Chester, Nova Scotia - Municipality

Locator number: MS-2-464

Clark, E.P.

(fl. 1856-1858) Boston, Mass. Letter from Dr. Lewis Johnston, Wolfville, N.S. Extent 30 pp. Locator number: MS-2-725

Clifford, Mrs. Theodore A.

(fl. 1972-76) Bethel, Vermont, USA Manuscript of "The De CASTRO STORY" and miscellaneous notes on Rev. Donald MacMillan, Margaret Sibella Brown (b. 1866- ) and Mary Louise de Castro McMillan, 1895, 1897, 1927, 1950, 1972. Extent 0.5 cm. Locator number: MS-2-228

Comet, The

(fl. 1900-1901) The Comet, volume 1, number 1, January 19, 1900, Osborne, Nova Scotia. Extent 12 pp. Locator number: MS-2-116 Finding aid available

Conrad, Laidlaw, Smith

(fl. 1978-1989) Research material for "No Place like Home: Diaries and Letters of Nova Scotia Women, 1771-1938" by Toni Laidlaw, Margaret Conrad, and Donna Smyth. Extent 1.8 m and 7 reel to reel tapes. Locator number: MS-2-686

Creighton, Catherine and Family

(fl. 1886-1993) Halifax, NS. Correspondence, diaries, photographs, and family history notes. Extent 2.3 m. Locator number: MS-2-656 Finding aid available

Creighton, Norman

(fl. 1926-1998) Writer, Journalist, Radio Personality. Hantsport N.S. C.B.C. Radio talks, scripts; Photo albums; Misc. Scripts and Papers; Family genealogy; Financial Papers; Corres.; Corres. of Harriet Creighton, 1927-29; Tapes of Radio Broadcasts; Diaries of Leleah Creighton. Extent Approx. 17.6 m. Locator number: MS-2-689

Cumberland Co., N.S. Poor District, No. 8

(fl. 1899-1948) Wallace, N.S. Ledger, 1899-1948. Extent 1 cm. Locator number: MS-2-396

Daly, Sir Malachy Bowes

(1836-1920) Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia, Halifax, N.S. Visitors book of Lieutenant Governor and Lady Daly, 1890-1893, 1897-1900. Extent 2 volumes. Locator number: MS-2-19 Finding aid available

Davidson, William

(fl. 1783-1787) Miramichi, NB. Statement of Accounts with Michael Wallace, Halifax, N.S., April 4, 1787. Extent 4 p. Locator number: MS-4-137

Davison, Edward D.T.

(fl. 1902) Lumber Merchant, Bridgetown, N.S. Diary, 1902. Extent 39 p. Locator number: MS-2-109 Finding aid available

Day, Cecil

(fl. 1924-59) Newspaper Editor, Liverpool, N.S. Correspondence, 1924, 1929, 1942-44, 1959; Nova Scotia history material, 1941; scrapbooks on Ireland, n.d. Extent 4 cm. Locator number: MS-2-355

Dexter, Lucius Dill

(1858- ) Journalist and Historian, Brooklyn, N.S. Poetry, essays, epigrans and History of Brooklyn manuscripts; correspondence, miscellaneous dates, 1898-1934; Dexter Family records; Booklyn Templar Lodge papers; memorabilia and newspapers, 1782, miscellaneous dates, 1805-1893. Extent 60 Locator number: MS-2-354

Digby Co., N.S.

(fl. 1885-1957) Registrar of Deeds, Weymouth, N.S. Indexes, 1939-1957; copies of Bills of Sale, Agreements and Mortgages, 1886-1915. Extent 1.1 m. Locator number: MS-2-184

Dimock, Ralph Venning

(1870- ) Bank Officer and City Treasurer, Halifax, N.S. Miscellaneous correspondence, deeds and papers regarding property in Halifax and Amherst, N.S., legal papers, miscellaneous dates, 1888-1947. Extent 10 cm. Locator number: MS-2-477

Dobson, Dorothy & John

Notes of Joseph O'Brien and Family; Printed Material; Photographs. Extent Approx. 15 cm. Locator number: MS-2-679

Essex Institute

(fl. 1930) U.S.A. Letter to the President, Mr. White, from Harriet Taber Richardson, Cambridge, Mass., May 28, 1930 enclosing a circular on the rebuilding of the Habitation of Port Royal. Extent 5 p. Locator number: MS-2-462

Feltmate, Charles

New Glasgow, N.S. Nova Scotia sea songs, n.d. Extent 4 pp. Locator number: MS-2-353

Fraser, Frances Jayne Day

(1945- ) Halifax, N.S. Genealogical charts of the descendants of Rev. Frederick Day (1841-1911) and the family of Captain Edwad Capstick (1840-1924). Notes on the Day family, clippings and family papers, 1904, 1939-80, scrapbook belonging to Mima Cumming (Grant) Day, 1933-40. Extent 2.5 cm. Locator number: MS-2-388

Gossip, Jean

(fl. 1940-61) Halifax, N.S. Miscellaneous papers and clippings on Dr. Charles J. Gossip and his family in Halifax, N.S., 1909, 1942, 1946, 1960-61. Extent 14 pp. Locator number: MS-2-467

Halliburton, John

(fl. 1806) Surgeon, Halifax, N.S. Deed from William and Elizabeth Peck for land on the North West Arm, Halifax, N.S., August 10, 1806. Extent 4 pp. Locator number: MS-2-271

Harris, J. Simpson

(fl. 1872-1933) Pictou, N.S. Legal papers, 1865, 1894, 1901, 1909; executions for court cases - Supreme Court and County Court, 1885-1906; day books, 1903, 1910-1913; correspondence, 1889, 1905; miscellaneous papers (various dates) 1872-1907. Extent 15 cm. Locator number: MS-2-147

Hart, Margaret Janet

(fl. 1935) Victoria, B.C. Manuscript "Our Webb of Life": an account of Dougal McPhell, pioneer to eastern Nova Scotia, his wife Mary McMillan and their family. (c. 1935) Extent 20 pp. Locator number: MS-2-333

Hatt, Fenwick, W.

(1860-1924) Master Mariner and Manufacturer, Port Medway, N.S. Notebook of sailors ballads collected by Captain Hatt, c. 1875-83. Extent 88 pp. Locator number: MS-2-375

Hattie, George

(fl. 1858) Land Surveyor, Pictou Co., N.S. Two maps of Pictou, N.S., 11 March and 26 March, 1858 drawn by George Hattie and a map of Merrigomish Harbour, n.d. drawn by William Hatie, n.d. Extent 3 Locator number: MS-2-564

Hughes, Ann

(fl. 1831) Saint John, NB. Deed for land - Anne Hughes to Abel Sands, Saint John, New Brunswick, September 19, 1831. Extent 4 pp. Locator number: MS-2-92

Inglis, Robert E.

(1887- ) Lawyer and Judge, Halifax, N.S. Diaries, 1906-78; autobiographical notes, manuscripts and notes including "Annals - United Memorial Church, 1917-1962"; papers of Katharine Inglis including records of the Halifax Protestant Orphas Home, 1945-49. Extent 1 m. Locator number: MS-2-359

Inness, Robert

Notes and correspondence relating to shipping; manuscripts "As I Remember It"; Inness Genealogy - Beech Hill, Hunts Point, and Liverpool, Nova Scotia. Locator number: MS-2-600

Jennison, Mary

(fl. 1950-65) Social Worker, Spryfield, N.S. Manuscript: "Study of the Canadian Settlement Movement", c. 1965. Extent 236 pp. Locator number: MS-2-420

Logan, Robert A.

(1892- 1992) Duluth, Minnesota. Research notes, correspondence, subject files, manuscripts, adresses, etc. Extent 3.3 m. Locator number: MS-2-580 Finding aid available

Lunenburg County, N.S., Registrar of Deeds

(fl. 1889-1904) Chester, N.S. Register book, 1889-91; letter of certification, 1904. Extent .5 cm. Locator number: MS-2-426

MacAskill, Wallace R.

(1890-1956) Photographer, Halifax N.S. Corres., 1952-53, 1956 and a catalogue of photographs, n.d. Extent 6 pp. Locator number: MS-2-199 Finding aid available

MacKay, Donald Cameron

(b. 1906 -d. 1979) Artist, Halifax, N.S. Corres., 1920-79; Manuscripts of Articles, Art Catalogues and Adresses; Notes, Corres, Photographs and Manuscripts for "Silversmiths and Related Craftsmen of the Atlantic Provinces"; Family papers of the MacKay, MacMillan, Guion, Estey and Bell-Coles Families; Extensive Reference Files on all Aspects of Artand Art History; Halifax and Numerous Nova Scotia towns, containing Clippings from Magazines, Manuscripts and Notes, Pamphlets, Photographs and Original Art Work, 1920-79. Extent 10 m. Locator number: MS-2-280 Finding aid available

MacMechan, Archibald McKellar

(b.1862-d. 1933) Author, Prof. of English, Halifax, NS. Private journals; correspondence; Manuscripts; notes; Scrapbooks; miscellaneous material. 1890-1933. Extent approx. 8 m. Locator number: MS-2-82 Finding aid available

McInnes, Hector

(1860-1937) Lawyer, Halifax, N.S. Political and Personal Corres., 1911 1912, and 1921; Deeds, Mortgages and Misc. Corres., 1896-1909, Misc. Dates, 1932-1933. Extent 30 cm. Locator number: MS-2-446

McIntosh, James

(d. 1829) Pictou, N.S. Papers relating to settlement of his estate, 1982 and 1842. Extent 4 pp. Locator number: MS-2-141

McLennan, John Stewart

(b.1853-d. 1939) industrialist, Publisher and Senator, Sydney, NS. Three letters from Sir Arthur Doughty, Quebec, July 14- Sept, 21, 1902 and two letters from Sir William Van Horn, Montreal, QC, Feb.15, 1893 and May 29, 1894. Extent 8 pp. Locator number: MS-2-192 Finding aid available

McOdrum, Maxwell Murdock

(1901-55) Halifax, N.S. and Brockville, Ont. Manuscript of "Nova Scotia Ballads," 1922. Extent 2 cm. Locator number: MS-2-234

Meagher, John Ives

(fl. 1875-76) Pictou, N.S. Two Deeds, 1875 and 1876. Extent 4 pp. Locator number: MS-2-145

Mitchell, George

(1787-1825) Merchant, Halifax, NS. Licence for land, Halifax, N.S. June 5, 1818 signed by Earl of Dalhousie. Extent 2 pp. Locator number: MS-2-51

Mitchell, George

(1787-1825) Merchant, Halifax, NS. Licence for land, Halifax, N.S. June 5, 1818 signed by Earl of Dalhousie. Extent 2 pp. Locator number: MS-2-Ref

Moore, John

Cooper, Marksboro, N.J. Genealogy of Moore Family. (c. 1863). Extent 72 pp. Locator number: MS-2-344

Morrison, M.D.

( c. 1900) Manuscript "The Early Scotch Settlers of Cape Breton" n.d. (c. 1900) Extent 31 pp. Locator number: MS-2-165

Morton, Ralph S.

(fl. 1930-77) Editor and Publisher, Dartmouth, NS. and New Rochelle, NY. Books and correspondence; also papers relating to the 50th anniversary of Phi Delta Theta Fraternity, 1979-1980. Locator number: MS-2-249 Finding aid available

Muckell, D.

Locator number: MS-2-55

Murray, Duncan

(fl. 1875) Pictou, N.S. Deed from Issac A. Grant, Pictou, N.S. May 20, 1875. Extent 3 pp. Locator number: MS-2-146

Oland Family

(fl. 1884-1994) Brewers, farmers, public figures, Halifax, NS. Personal and business papers of the Oland Family, including Col. Sydney Oland, Bruce Oland, Victor Oland, Don J. Oland, and others. Records less than 30 years old are closed; other access restrictions may apply. Extent approx. 11.53 metres of textual records ; approx. 583 photographic prints ; approx. 18 slides ; approx. 12 blueprints ; approx. 100 negatives ; 2 Japanese silk flags. Locator number: MS-2-135 Finding aid available

Parker, Sidney Mansfield

(1890-197) Poet, Truro, N.S. Scrapbooks: Lest We Forget, 1928-50; Verse, 1942-47; Truro - County, 1953-54; Nova Scotia Poets, 1954-57. Extent 12 cm. Locator number: MS-2-378

Perkins, Simeon

(b. 1734/1735-d. 1812) Norwich, Conn. and Liverpool, NS, Letter from Richard Uniacke, Halifax, May 1, 1798. Extent 2 pp. Locator number: MS-2-220

Power, Thomas

(fl. 1748) Shelburne, N.S. Grant for 50 acre lot No. 228, Masons Division, Shelburne, N.S. June 7, 1784. Extent 5 pp. Locator number: MS-2-191

Publicover, Jacob and Frederick

(fl. 1831) New Dublin, N.S. Deed to Jacob and Frederick Publicover from James Leonard Baker, New Dublin, N.S. Feb 20, 1831. Extent 4 pp. Locator number: MS-2-104 Finding aid available

Raddall, Thomas Head

(b.1904-d. 1994) Writer, Liverpool, NS. Manuscripts of published and unpublished works; copies of books and magazines containing his work; research material; historical studies; correspondence; contracts; photographs; diaries; medals; etc. Extent 8m. (Note: see Special Collections for Raddall's personal library. See the Virtual Archives for more information on this collection.) Locator number: MS-2-202 Finding aid available

Ruffman, Alan

(fl. 1975-1987) Halifax, N.S. Files for the Atlantic Subcommittee of Oceanography 1975-1982 and the Canadian Committee on Oceanography 1975-1979; Transcript of papers relating to the loss of HMS DRAKE, June 22, 1822. Extent approx. 35 cm. Locator number: MS-2-578

Ryan, Terry

(fl. 1982-1985) Film director and producer. Halifax, NS. Scripts, contracts, correspondence, clippings, and photographs, etc., of the production of the film Bayo, adapted from the book Lightly by Chipman Hall. Extent approx. 60 cm. Locator number: MS-2-579

Seaside Inn

(fl.1928-1943) Hotel, Lockeport, NS. Hotel Registers: May 29, 1928- August 18, 1943. Extent 6 cm. Locator number: MS-4-136

Shatford, J.D. Memorial Trust

(fl. 1957-1985) Correspondence and administrative files of the J.D. Shatford Memorial Trust. Some access restrictions may apply. Extent approx. 39 cm. Locator number: MS-2-687

South Shore Exhibition

(fl.1891- ) Exhibition, Bridgewater, N.S. Records of the Bridgewater Agricultural Exhibition (1891-1960); the Lunenburg County Exhibition (1960-197?); and the South Shore Exhibition. Extent approx. 6 m. Locator number: MS-4-119

Steele, Jonathan, E.

(fl. 1872-1919) Shipbuilders, Scotts Bay, NS. Ledgers 1874-1877, 1918-1919; Cost Accounts of Vessels 1871-1885; Corres. 1872-97, Plans of Vessels and Misc. Papers 1864, 1867, 1872-1880. Extent Locator number: MS-2-70 Finding aid available

Thompson, Fred

Locator number: MS-10-2

Tratt, William Richard

(1850-1935) Minister, Wentworth, N.S. Corres. and family papers, 1890-1937. Extent 2 cm. Locator number: MS-2-198 Finding aid available

Troop, J.D. Eric

(fl. 1974-1978) Sutton West, ON. Pedigree of Troop (Troup), Canada, 1974-75. Extent 6 pp. Locator number: MS-2-321

Tupper, Charles

(b.1821-d, 1915) Prime Minister of Canada. Halifax, NS. Correspnodence from and to Sir William Young (1866) and Sir Andrew Clarke (1887), and . Extent 6 pp. Locator number: MS-2-75 Finding aid available

Uniacke, A.M.

(fl. 1847) Letter from John Inglis, 3rd. Bishop of Nova Scotia, 1847. Extent 2 pp. Locator number: MS-2-76

Veniot, Hon. Harvey Alfred

(b.1916- ) Barrister, Pictou, N.S. Manuscript- "Rev. Thomas McCulloch" Address on the Opening of the new Auditorium, Pictou, NS., Sept. 15, 1961. Extent 11 pp. Locator number: MS-2-100

Waldren Studios

Collection Subject Guides available.

Locator number: PC 2

Ward Two Residents Council

(fl. 1973-1975) Halifax, NS. Minutes, reports, correspondence and newspaper clippings regarding the Quinpool Road Development. Extent 25 cm. Locator number: MS-11-12

Waterman Family

(fl. 1830- ) Queens and Lunenburg Counties, N.S. Papers of Lewis Edson Waterman (1838-1922), Recollections, 1912 and Corres. 1869 and 1908; Simeon Waterman, History of Middlefield, Queens Co., 1927; Henry Waterman, Corres., 1903 and notes, 1918 and 1922 and Carol Waterman, notes on the Waterman Family, 1959. Extent 1.5 cm. Locator number: MS-2-356

Wiswall, Rev. John

(1731-1821) Missionary, Wilmot, N.S. Deed for grant of land of Rev. John Wiswall and the church wardens of the parish of Wilmot, Halifax, April 2, 1803. Extent 1 p. Locator number: MS-2-93

Young, John

(b.1773-d. 1837) Merchant, Halifax, NS. Letters from his son, Sir William Young, 1815 and 1833. Extent 5 pp. Locator number: MS-2-80 Finding aid available

Young, Sir William

(b.1799-d. 1887) Merchant, Halifax, NS. Draft of Speech, Halifax, Nov. 1, 1870; and 2 letters to his family. St. Petersburg and Dresden, 1857; book of literary quotations. Extent 1.5 cm. Locator number: MS-2-81 Finding aid available