: This fonds contains the personal records of an extended family, including photographs, correspondence, and diaries. It documents their interests, careers, and family life predominantly two generations – the Ratcliffes and McConnells. The first accrual documents the interests, careers and family of John and Doreen McConnell and their daughter, Mary Ann. It includes materials related to McConnell’s work in communications, his work for the Canadian and Saskatchewan governments, together with materials relating to his interest in the environment and social and international development issues. It also includes materials relating to his wife, Doreen, who predeceased him. The second accrual adds the records of Doreen’s parents, the Ratcliffes, which includes documents related to their personal life and interests, Elma’s travel, James’ World War I service, and family life.

These papers include (handwritten and typed): manuscripts, drafts, journal publications, volumes and collections of his work, articles and reviews of his work; volumes of other poets work; personal correspondence and poems from the likes of Margaret Atwood, Milton Acorn, Earle Birney and Irving Layton; photos; vinyl cuts; audio recordings

The collection consists primarily of correspondence, photographs and memorabilia documenting Allison’s friendship and political association with John Diefenbaker – starting with Allison’s advice to Diefenbaker about his leadership convention in 1948. In addition to correspondence, there are a few detailed notes to file documenting conversations between Allison and Diefenbaker, including a 19-page document entitled “Notes on the Election of the Diefenbaker Government” (1957), which also covers the appointment of Diefenbaker’s first cabinet.