 The Archives of Samuel R. Balcom: A GuideCollection Number: MS-2-128Collection Level DescriptionTitle:
Samuel R. Balcom fonds Dates:
1830-1980 Extent:
1 metre of textual records and photographs Biographical SketchSamuel Rosborough Balcom was born on 24 March 1888 in Port Dufferin, Nova Scotia, to Elizabeth (Bollong) and Henry Jonas Balcom.
He was educated at the Halifax Academy; studied arts and medicine at Dalhousie University (1907-11); and attended the Maritime
School of Pharmacy (1914-15). In 1915 he married Elizabeth Vera Rankin.
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. He was also active on the city's Board of Trade, serving as president
from 1949 to 1951. 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. Balcom was highly involved with local organisations. He served on the board of directors for many causes, and played
an active role in the community. 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. Balcom also had a close relationship with Dalhousie University.
He was a member of the Board of Governors for more than thirty years and was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Laws in 1969.
He died in 1981 at the age of 93.
BibliographyJohnson, J.K., ed. "Balcom, Samuel." The Canadian Directory of Parliament 1867-1967. Ottawa: Public Archives of Canada, 1968.
"Samuel R. Balcom: Former Halifax MP Owned Drugstores."
The Globe and Mail. 5 May 1981: 14. The Globe and Mail: Canada's Heritage From 1844. 5 July 2006.
Custodial HistoryThe majority of materials in this fonds were donated by Samuel Balcom in the 1970s.
AccrualsNo further accruals are expected.
Scope and ContentThe fonds contains various records from the many different activities, organisations, and associations of which Balcom was
a part. Balcom played an important role in organising reunions of those who served at the No. 7 Stationary Hospital, and amassed
several photographs and other records for these events. He was fond of keeping records indicating his involvement in clubs
and associations, and newspapers clipping that mention him or his work.
The records have been divided into the following series:
ArrangementBalcom's records have been grouped together into series based on similar content at the archives. These subject based series
were created in order to make the materials of the collection more easily accessible by researchers.
Related MaterialDalhousie University, No. 7 "Overseas" Stationary Hospital Fonds, MS-13-2; John Stewart Fonds, MS-13-39; Halifax Visiting
Dispensary Fonds, MS-13-84.
Access RestrictionsA small number of files containing personal information are closed.
Preferred Citation[Identification of item], Samuel Balcom fonds, MS-2-128, Box [box number], Folder [folder number], Dalhousie University Archives
and Special Collections, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.
Combined Series and File Level Descriptions
Correspondence
Date:
1939-1979
Scope and Content:
Balcom's letters. See also correspondence held within other subseries of the fonds.
Access Restrictions:
All files are open.
Folder -
1.18
Correspondence 1939-1940
1939-1940
Folder -
1.17
Correspondence 1970s
1972-1979
Return to the Table of Contents
Dalhousie No. 7 Stationary Hospital
Date:
1912-1967
Scope and Content:
The Dalhousie University No. 7 "Overseas" Stationary Hospital was established in response to the need
for qualified medical personnel required to serve in the First World War. It was first mobilized on
November 9, 1915 at Dalhousie Medical College in Halifax. Balcom was involved as pharmacist and
stock keeper for the second half of the war. In later years he was an active force in keeping the survivors
in touch and organising reunion events.
Access Restrictions:
All files are open.
Folder -
1.2
Dalhousie #7 Stationary Hospital Reunion dinner menus
1912, 1922, 1965
Folder -
1.14
Dalhousie #7 Stationary Hospital - John Stewart Correspondence
1912-1932
Folder -
PC2.9.79
Stormcliff, England - 1914
1914
2 b/w print, 4"x3" On back of print (soldiers in the photo): "SR Balcom, Karl
Woodbury, Victor N MacKay, Col John Stewart, Col EV Hogan, Dan A MacLeod, Walter Taylor"
Folder -
2.5
Circulars - Canadian Government Railways
1914-1915
Pertaining to leave taking of enlisted employees.
Folder -
1.15
Invoices, Receipts - Dalhousie #7 Stationary Hospital
1916
Folder -
PC2.9.84
SR Balcolm Lt. and Major JA Murray - 1916
1916
1 b/w print, 9"x7"
Folder -
PC2.9.72
Argues France - 1917, grounds views
1916-1917
12 b/w prints, various sizes On back of print: "Hospital tents by Canal"
Folder -
3.1
Log Book
1916-1918
Register of Nursing Sisters.
Folder -
1.13
Dalhousie #7 Stationary Hospital - Matron's Correspondence
1916-1919
Folder -
PC2.9.94
Capt. Kenneth MacKenzie & Col. John Stewart - 1917
1917
1 b/w print Includes photocopy of print.
Includes several soldiers and nurses in portrait at camp base.
Folder -
PC2.9.89
German Prisoners of War - Argues, France
1917
12 b/w prints, various sizes On back of print: "German Prisoners of War -
Argues, France"
Folder -
PC2.9.87
Capt. JA Murray and batman
1917
3 b/w prints, 10"x7" On back of print: "Capt. JA Murray and ? Sydney, outside
hospital tents"
Folder -
3.3
Camp Journal
1917-1918
Record of daily events around the camp.
Folder -
1.3
Dalhousie #7 Stationary Hospital memorabilia
1917-1918
Stationery, Officer's Pass (Josie Cameron), list of officers and committees for dance.
Folder -
3.2
Accounts Ledger
1917-1918
Records kitchen food purchases, and receipt of weekly meal payments.
Folder -
4.1
Scrapbook
1917-1965
"Record of Post-Graduate Scholarship Holders for the 20 Years of the First War Memorial" used as
scrapbook. Mostly clippings, and ephemera pertaining to those who served at the Stationary Hospital.
Folder -
PC2.26.6
Woodcote Park, Epsom. Remedial Gymnastics Course 1918-19
1918-1919
1 b/w images, 6"x10"
Folder -
1.11
Correspondence
1918-1919
Folder -
2.2
Dalhousie #7 Stationary Hospital - J. Stewart - Staff References
1920
Copies of letters of reference for former members of the hospital staff.
Folder -
PC2.9.85
Sydney Cadet Camp 1921
1921
1 b/w print On back of print: "Souvenir of Sydney Cadet Camp 1921. From C.J.
Gallant, Capt."
Folder -
5.9
Letter from Herbert G. Smith
1935
Requesting assistance with Smith's claim for injuries sustained during the war.
Folder -
1.12
Dalhousie #7 Stationary Hospital Correspondence
1965
Re: 1965 reunion dinner
Folder -
5.20
Dalhousie #7 Stationary Hospital History
1967
Pamphlet with history and details of unit, published for the 1967 reunion. File includes letter from Irene
Spicer regarding photos donated for the event.
Folder -
PC2.8.2.5
School run by Brothers
ca. 1890s
2 b/w images, 13"x9" on back of one print: "Rev. Father Alphonse Donahoe, Rev.
Father George Courtney"
Folder -
PC2.9.82
Rev. Mithcell
ca. 1914-1918
1 b/w print On back of print: "Rev Mitchell who came over with us as a private -
received his Commission in Eng. Came to France as Padre to our Unit."
Folder -
PC2.9.93
St. Martins Rectory
ca. 1914-1918
1 b/w print, 10"x7" On back of print: "the church tower on the left"
Folder -
PC2.9.92
Hospital - Christmas
ca. 1914-1918
2 b/w prints, 3"x5"
Folder -
PC2.9.91
Capt. S.J. MacLennan?
ca. 1914-1918
1 b/w print, 8"x10" On back of print: "Canadian tents in distance"
Folder -
PC2.9.90
Seabrooke, Sandgate Station
ca. 1914-1918
5 b/w print, 10"x7" On back of print: "Ambulance coming up the hill"
Folder -
PC2.9.88
Dr. Hugh MacKinnon?
ca. 1914-1918
1 b/w print, 9"x7"
Folder -
PC2.9.73
Samuel Balcom
ca. 1914-1918
5 b/w prints, various sizes Soldiers and nurses who served at #7 Hospital
Folder -
PC2.26.52
Officers outside tents at Arles, France
ca. 1914-1918
6 b/w images, various sizes one image identified on back "one of Josie's
Australian boyfriends".
Folder -
PC2.9.81
Patients at Granville Canadian Hospital, Ramsgate
ca. 1914-1918
1 b/w print, 3"x5"
Folder -
PC2.9.80
Clyde Holland
ca. 1914-1918
3 b/w prints On back of print: "Clyde Holland in bed"
Folder -
PC2.9.78
Dalhousie #7 Stationary Hospital - Group images, mostly unidentified
ca. 1914-1918
15 b/w prints, various dimensions
Folder -
PC2.9.77
Laura May Hubley
ca. 1914-1918
18 b/w prints, various sizes On back of print: "Sitting at my table in my tent office
quite Indian like. Will always want to live in a tent after this. I am trying to work the Quarter Master - so I
can get this one to take home with me. Lovely sleeping out a hot night."
On back of print: "To the Mission Stewart - South Street. In front of my tent office having one morning
lunch I am cutting the bread. Sister Mitchell is just in the act of taking a piece of bread when snapped."
Folder -
PC2.9.75
Locations around France
ca. 1914-1918
7 b/w prints, 1 hand-tinted. Various sizes Building in France, mostly near Arles.
Beech tree planted by Wellington after battle of Waterloo
Folder -
PC2.9.74
The Medical Hospital
ca. 1914-1918
3 b/w prints Print subjects include army medical hospital.
Folder -
PC2.9.83
Rev. Father McQuillan & Capt. James A. Murray
ca. 1914-1918
2 b/w print
Folder -
PC2.26.51
Pre-war negatives
ca. 1915
10 b/w transparencies, 3.5"x5.5" Scenes of rural Nova Scotia, battleship, and
Dunloe Castle - Oban
Only Dunloe Castle is identified on the negative, written in the hand of Louise Hubley.
Folder -
PC2.26.52
"Dead of #7" unidentified soldiers
ca. 1917
9 b/w images, 2"x3" Envelope enclosed in file reads "Photos, Dead of 'No. 7'"
Folder -
PC2.26.56
War Hospitals - Interiors with patients
ca. 1917
3 b/w images, various sizes
Folder -
PC2.26.57
Col. Stewart with N.C.O.s - Arles, France
ca. 1917
3 b/w images 9"x7"
Folder -
1.1
Dalhousie #7 Stationary Hospital Sports Banner
ca. 1917
Painted fabric, 4'x1'
Folder -
PC2.26.58
The Orderlies with Col. Stewart - Arles, France
ca. 1917
3 b/w images 6"x9"
Folder -
PC2.26.61
Photos od People, not identified, wartime
ca. 1917-1918
5 b/w images, 2"x3"
Folder -
PC2.26.54
Edward VIII visits Stationary Hospital #7
ca. 1918
2 b/w images, 5"x7"
Folder -
PC2.26.55
Col. John Stewart CBE
ca. 1918
1 b/w images, 4"x6"
Folder -
PC2.26.59
Officers, Variously identified
ca. 1918
5 b/w images, 5"x9" plus negative The 7 officers in the image are identified on the
backs of 2 images, but the names do not always match
Folder -
PC2.26.49
Nursing Sisters, Reunion
ca. 1920s
1 B/W photo, 7"x9"
Folder -
PC2.26.63
Stationary Hospital Reunion at Halifax Cenotaph
ca. 1965
2 b/w images, 9"x7"
Folder -
PC2.26.67
#7 Benevolent Society - Annual Dinner
ca. 1965
4 b/w images, 7"x9"
Return to the Table of Contents
Memorabilia
Date:
1830-1980
Scope and Content:
Balcom kept a wide variety of items that indicated his involvement in associations and society generally.
This series includes newspaper clippings, association lists that list Balcom on their boards, and
keepsakes that do not otherwise fit into the other series.
Access Restrictions:
File 5.8 is closed
Folder -
5.22
Page from "family bible'
1830s
Cut out frontpiece (presumably) from a family bible listing deaths of John Saunders (1828) and Mary
Saunders (1838). Originally housed with contents of file 3.5.
Folder -
5.11
Pennan School Register
1898
Pennan School, District 23, West Halifax District. Register of student attendance. Includes curriculum
outline.
Folder -
5.7
Free Mason Membership Certificate
1913
Folder -
PC2.8.2.7
Dr. S.G. Ritchie, dentist with patient
1918
b/w image, 9"x7"
Folder -
5.8
Membership Lists
1919-1977
Priory of Canada - 1977, Halifax Rotary Club - 1969, Commercial Club of Halifax - 1919.
Closed
Folder -
5.24
Various memorabilia
1919-1977
Balcom's 1952 driver's licence, Halifax Board of Trade dinner program - 1977 (including autographs),
Receipt for cleaning services 1919, and other odds and ends.
Folder -
5.15
Dalhousie Alumni Association
1937-1980
Predominantly from 1969-1970 when Balcom was honorary president of the association.
Folder -
5.12
A Lenten Message
1950
Newspaper clipping of Balcom editorial.
Folder -
PC2.9.71
Snapshots
1958
2 b/w prints Print subjects are an adolescent male, and an adolescent female.
On back of print: "Robert Graeme French at Miami"; " 'Jackie' Mary French, Xmas 1958"
Folder -
5.19
Thank you notes
1960s-1970s
Mostly from family and friends, but from professional associations too, including a note from Lester B.
(Mike) Pearson.
Folder -
PC2.26.64
Cornwallis Branch, Canadian Legion, Annual Meeting 1963
1963
3 b/w images, 6"x9"
Folder -
5.17
Dalhorizons
1968-1970
"A Planning Report of Funding Program for Dalhousie Fund Council", 1968. Revitalization plans.
Folder -
4.7
Convocation program - Dalhousie
1969
Balcom receives Hon. Doctor of Law.
Folder -
PC2.26.66
Samuel Balcolm receiving honorary doctorate
1969
1 b/w image 7"x9" "Picture SRB may 16/69 Convocation Dalhousie" on back
Folder -
6.4
Associations - Members Lists
1969-1977
NS Liberal Century Club - 1969, NS Liberal Association - n.d., Cornwallis Branch #13 Legion - 1977.
Folder -
6.3
Monarchist League
1971
Receipt of membership payment, and pamphlets from org.
Folder -
6.6
Parish of Port Dufferin
1974-1977
Newsletter and financial report.
Folder -
5.18
Balcom Park
1974-1979
Remarks on the dedication of Balcom park, and letters of congratulations.
Folder -
5.16
Halifax County Anti-Tuberculosis League - Financial Statements
1975
Folder -
6.5
Balcom School
1980
S.R. Balcom School newsletter, Oct 1980 including note to Balcom about fund raising efforts.
Folder -
PC2.9.76
Samuel Balcom
ca. 1895-1960
4 b/w prints, 3"x5" On back of a print is the photographer's insignia: E. Purdy's C,
Boston
On back of a print is the photographer's insignia: Fancy's, Boston
Earlier images possibly include Samuel Balcom as child in family portrait
Folder -
PC2.26.69
Various unidentified images
ca. 1940s-1970s
various Balcom in theatrical production, and early, unidentified portraits.
Folder -
PC2.26.62
Halifax Images
ca. 1965
3 colour images, 3"x3" on back of one image "Halifax Harbour from Citadel Inn.
June 1965"
other images are from Halifax Public Gardens
Folder -
5.23
Maritime School of Social Work Expansion Fund Appeal
n.d.
Appeal letter from chairman (Balcom) and brochure.
Return to the Table of Contents
Parliamentary Papers
Date:
1955-1957
Scope and Content:
Balcom represented Halifax on Parliament Hill from 1950 until 1957. This series contains his records
pertaining to his work in government including the speeches made in parliament, and questions raised in
the House.
Access Restrictions:
All files are open
Folder -
2.8
Question to House - N.S. Coal Used in Ontario Government Buildings
Folder -
5.13
Parliamentary Seating Plans
1950-1951
21st parliament, 3rd and 4th sessions.
Folder -
4.6
Report of the Chief Electoral Officer - By-Elections 1950
1951
Reports Balcom's electoral victory.
Folder -
5.4
Budget Speech
1954
Folder -
4.4
Scrapbook
1954-1956
Press clippings
Folder -
2.7
Question to House - Family Allowances to Nova Scotians
1955
Folder -
2.17
Question to House - Educational Grants to Nova Scotia
1955
Folder -
2.16
Question to House - Mackerel and Herring Catches, 1954
1955
Folder -
2.15
Question to House - Lobster Catch
1955
Folder -
2.6
Question to House - National Harbours Board Act
1955
Folder -
5.1
Question to House - Old Age Security
1955
Folder -
2.9
Question to House - Payments to Nova Scotia by the Federal Government
1955
Folder -
2.13
Question to House - Hospital Grants to Nova Scotia
1955
Folder -
5.2
Question to House - Immigrants to Canada by Ship
1955
Folder -
2.12
Question to House - Traffic Through Halifax Port.
1955
Folder -
2.11
Question to House - Grants for Vocational Training
1955
Folder -
2.10
Question to House - Government Income and Expenses
1955
Folder -
2.14
Question to House - Immigrants to Canada, 1954
1955
Folder -
PC2.9.86
Samuel Balcolm
1955-06
1 b/w transparency Room 114 House of Commons
Folder -
PC2.26.65
Samuel Balcolm as M.P.
1955-1956
2 b/w images, 6"x9" one image identified on back as "NS members of parliament
-1956"
Folder -
4.2
Scrapbook
1955-1957
Press clippings pertaining to Balcom's work in parliament.
Includes index.
Folder -
1.16
Speech to House of Parliament
1956
Folder -
4.3
Scrapbook
1956
Press clippings
Folder -
5.21
Parliamentary Memorabilia
1956
Christmas card, poem in homage to Balcom, public letter to voters.
Folder -
5.6
Correspondence - Robert Winter
1956
Discusses raising Old Age Security payments to recipients.
Folder -
2.18
Port Dufferin Wharf
1956-1957
Includes original petition for new wharf, and correspondence on the project.
Folder -
4.5
Calendar of Maritime College of Pharmacy
1956-1957
Balcom listed on Board of Trustees.
Folder -
5.5
Speech to House of Parliament
1957
Folder -
5.14
Communiqué
1971
"Underwater Excavation of the 18th Century French Supply Vessel to Resume in Gaspe's Baie des
Chaleurs." and "Historic RCMP Schooner St. Roch will be Restored."
Folder -
3.6
Liberal Government Achievements 1968-1971
1971
Liberal Party of Canada report
Return to the Table of Contents
Pharmacy
Date:
1946-1961
Scope and Content:
The records in this subseries all relate to Balcom's career pharmacist whether pertaining to the
operations of his pharmacy or the professional pharmacy organisations to which he belonged.
Access Restrictions:
File 3.5 is closed
Folder -
PC2.8.2.6
Balcom and Chittick Pharmacy (?)
1923
b/w image, 9"x7"
Folder -
5.10
Speech - Pharmacy as a Career
1946
Folder -
3.4
Pharmacy Log Book
1959-1961
Record of customer orders and payments.
Folder -
5.25
Halifax Visiting Dispensary President's Report
1962
Working draft (partial) with edits.
Folder -
PC2.26.5
Balcom and Chittick Pharmacy
n.d.
3 B/W photos, 9"x7" 2 exterior, and 1 interior image of pharmacy
Folder -
3.5
Customers' Address book
n.d.
Contained scrap of family bible now in file 5.22
Closed
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Red Cap Snow Shoe Club
Date:
1874-1974
Scope and Content:
In 1874 the Red Cap Snowshoe club was founded in Halifax, making it the oldest local sports
organization. Balcom was an active member until the club was disbanded in 1974 after its centenary.
Access Restrictions:
All files are open
Folder -
1.10
Correspondence
1959-1966
Folder -
1.8
Dinner Invitations
1909-1963
Folder -
1.9
Forms, Stationery
(n.d.)
Blanks
Folder -
PC2.26.68
Last meeting of the Red Cap Snowshoe Club, 1974.
100th anniversary
1974
4 colour slides
Folder -
2.1
List of Members, Potential Members
1959
Folder -
1.7
Newspaper Clippings
1960-1963
Folder -
PC2.2.1
Red Cap Snow Shoe Club
1874
b/w image, 9"x6" Inaugural year
Folder -
PC2.2.2
Red Cap Snow Shoe Club
ca. 1930s
mounted b/w image, 9"x7" Several members identified in margins
Folder -
PC2.2.3
Red Cap Snow Shoe Club
ca. 1950s
mounted b/w image, 9"x7" Several members identified around margins of image.
On reverse is written "1975, 20 at least of this picture dead" and "Wm Brown's father was only original
member. Bill died 1973."
Folder -
PC2.2.4
Red Cap Snow Shoe Club
ca. 1960s
mounted b/w image, 5"x7" 4 names provided on back
Folder -
1.4
Red Cap Snow Shoe Club By-Laws
1912-1969
By-Laws and Rules 1921, 1969. Activities program for 1949-1950 season.
Folder -
1.5
Red Cap Snow Shoe Club Journal
1884-1953
Records members, dues, race results.
Folder -
1.6
Red Cap Snow Shoe Club Minutes
1960-1965
Return to the Table of Contents
World War II
Date:
1942-1944
Scope and Content:
Records from Balcom's time as Officer Commanding, Medical Stores, and Chief Medical Stores
Inspection Officer during World War II.
Access Restrictions:
All files are open
Folder -
2.20
Correspondence - Central Medical Supplies
1942
Original file split between files 2.19 and 2.20.
Folder -
2.19
Correspondence - Central Medical Supplies
1942
Original file split between files 2.19 and 2.20.
Folder -
6.2
Correspondence - Central Medical Supplies
1942-1943
Folder -
2.3
Central Medical Stores Requisitions
1942-1943
Folder -
6.1
Correspondence - Central Medical Supplies
1943-1944
Folder -
2.4
Circulars - National Defence HQ
1943-1944
Mostly pertaining to stock keeping.
Folder -
5.3
MS - History of the Council of Social Agencies (Halifax) - Section
1962
Portion of ms. Includes letter from Gwendolyn Shand requesting input on content from Balcom.
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