Bio/Historical Note: The Virus Laboratory Building was constructed from 1947-1948, and was designed by the architectural firm of Webster and Gilbert. It was located on what is now a grassy area in front of the Western College of Veterinary Medicine. The construction of the building was financed with proceeds from the sale of the equine encephalomyelitis vaccine. The disease equine encephalomyelitis, more commonly known as "sleeping sickness," first appeared in Saskatchewan in 1935. It recurred in 1937 and 1938, when it killed an estimated 13,000 to 15,000 horses. The vaccine was developed by Dr. Fulton in the late 1930s while he was still head of the Veterinary Sciences Department, and was first sold by the University in 1939. While commercial production companies in the United States were selling a similar vaccine for $1.80 per dosage, the University undersold them at 75 cents – which accounted for all the funding available for construction. Dr. Fulton also demonstrated that a human disease previously diagnosed as non-paralytic poliomyelitis was in fact caused by the same virus, at which time he produced a vaccine for humans. Demolition of the J.S. Fulton Virus Laboratory was completed in 1989.
This series contains materials created and/or acquired by Walter Murray during his tenure as President, from 1908-1937, documenting nearly three decades of the University of Saskatchewan’s history including its establishment; the faculty crisis of 1919; the development of the Colleges of Agriculture, Arts & Science, Education, Engineering; Law; Medicine, Pharmacy and the Extension Division; and the financial crisis of the Depression years.
These postcards are printed photographs (not real photo) images of the University of Saskatchewan campus, and Saskatoon, taken during the 1940s. The postcards have not been used: each is identified with a “negative number” on the back, although the photographer is not known. It is assumed these were a reference set, from which orders for more postcards could be made. They are in pristine condition and provide exceptionally clear images of early University buildings, such as the original Veterinary Medicine building and the student-built “New Medical College,” as well as rare images of Saskatoon, including the Bessborough Hotel gardens and views of bridges from the road.
This fonds contains building files from the early years of the University (1916-1949). These files include correspondence with the architect, contractor, superintendent of buildings, architect's representative as well as progress estimates, reports on work completed, and inspection reports. Also included are approximately 1300 slides detailing every element of the original administration building and architectural drawings of campus buildings and a computer tape backup of the scanned architectural plans and drawings.
