This fonds contains materials primarily related to Richard Sweet’s interest and research into the history of brewing. There are extensive materials relating to Canadian and western US breweries; beer companies; and beer-related materials, including magazines, newsletters, other published reference material, and collectibles (predominantly, posters, labels and mats). It includes Richard Sweet’s extensive notes, and his research materials leading to his publications, The Directory of Canadian Breweries (first and second editions); Malted Manitoba; and Brewed Right on the Prairies: 122 Years of Brewing in Saskatchewan.

This collection contains books, magazines, and a variety of ephemera associated with themes of Canadiana, advertising, keys, locks, and locksmithing, mysteries, socialism, sex and gender, science fiction, western living, adventure.