The fonds consists of records by and relating to E.H. Oliver, his travels in Saskatchewan and his teaching at St. Andrew’s College, his experiences in the First World War and involvement with educational programs for the soldiers (through the University of Vimy Ridge and Khaki University), his postwar work as Principal of St. Andrew’s College and later Moderator of the United Church, and his research and publications.

Contents include: correspondence (1911-1916); diary of trips to the Doukhobor area around Veregin (1915), the Cote Reserve, and to the Ruthenians of Kamsack and Canora; military publications and wartime memorabilia; materials related to the University of Vimy Ridge (1917-1918) and Khaki University (1917-1919); Oliver’s postwar correspondence (1920-1935), as he resumed his duties as Principal of St. Andrew’s College; and various historical and research publications and manuscripts, on topics such as Church Union, education, Saskatchewan history and settlement. There is also a collection of material pertaining to the drought situation on the prairies and the United Church response (1930-1932), at which time Oliver was serving as Moderator.

The collection also includes letters and tributes to E.H. Oliver, from after his death (1935-1936).

Fonds consists of papers primarily relating to Dr. Murray's work with the Presbyterian Church and the United Church of Canada. Murray, who was a prominent Presbyterian, supported the church union movement (which led to the founding of the United Church, in 1925) and these records cover his time on the Joint Committee on Union, from 1905, and later as a member of the Dominion Church Property Commission, ca.1924-1928, which assigned assets of the three uniting churches (Presbyterian, Methodist, Congregationalist).

Contents include: reports, Records of Proceedings (minutes) and other papers relating to the Joint Committee on Union and its sub-committees; correspondence, notes and exhibits relating to the Dominion Church Property Commission; and additional correspondence relating to Church Union.

This collection includes Howdy McPhail’s aerial photographs, predominantly of individual farms and views of towns and cities. Some images are of specific landmarks, scenic views, or fauna. All images are identified and a majority are dated. A second accrual contains examples of printed calendars and postcards that were sold by McPhail, as well as some correspondence and other business documentation. Images used in an exhibition curated by Helen Marzolf were added in 2018. Further accruals of correspondence, order forms, negatives and prints were interfiled in Series B.

This fonds contains the personal correspondence, office, and research files of the Murray family, including W.C. Murray (President, University of Saskatchewan), his wife Christina, and his daughters, Christina, Dr. Lucy H. Murray (Professor of English, Regina College), and Dr. Jean E. Murray.