The Skwara farm near Borden, Saskatchewan, has remained in the hands of a single family for over 70 years. The majority of that period – over 60 years – is documented in this fonds. In particular, as farmers such as the Skwaras are self-employed, details in income tax and Canadian Wheat Board permit books provide considerable insight into the changing nature of farming practices and the economic reality of farming over time. Blacksmithing costs; beekeeping; the nature of the crops being grown; diversification through livestock; cost (and availability) of transient help; and the number of acres under cultivation all combine to tell not only the personal story of one farm family, but also farming as a business. A plow, purchased in 1945 for $10.50, is replaced in 1950 by one costing $345.00; a tractor in 1967 cost more than a house in 1961.

This fonds contains biographical material, including a Paul family history and reminiscences and anecdotes by L.C. Paul, as well as several of his articles. In addition, there is both the manuscript and published version of the History of Extension (1910-1970), and a file on the Retired Faculty Association. The addendum contains clippings and article pertaining to the history of agriculture and agricultural science in Western Canada.

This fonds contains a history of the Soils department written in 1942, lecture notes, and speeches and addresses given by Professor Mitchell between 1932-1955.

This fonds contains materials documenting the personal and academic life of David Farmer. The bulk of the academic, research, and reference material deals with the history of agriculture, prices, and marketing in England and during the Middle Ages.

This fonds contains material that documents Dr. Bell’s teaching and research activities during his career at the University of Saskatchewan. Of particular note is the resource material for his history of the Department of Animal and Poultry Science, Hoofprints to Reprints, published in 1996.

Portraits and activities of a homesteading family, believed to be from near Springwater, Saskatchewan. Images include breaking the sod; travel with horse and buggy; threshing; and various portraits of family members.

This fonds contains correspondence, reports, articles and addresses relating to Professor Shaw's career and research. There is considerable material regarding the development of livestock breeding, agricultural marketing in Canada, and the drought on the prairies during the 1930s. In addition, it contains memorabilia related to the career of Winkona Wheelock Frank, the first nutritionist at the University of Saskatchewan.

This fonds contains correspondence, reports, articles, newspaper clippings, and the research material. Included are several files of photographs, documenting horse pulling contests, construction of a rammed-earth building, and agricultural machinery. The files on the American Society of Agricultural Engineers contain minute books, by-laws, manuals, a student branch history, and reports.

This fonds contains the correspondence, reports, articles, addresses, speeches, minutes, clippings and publications pertaining to the various activities John Evans was engaged in between 1919 and 1940. The material has been arranged alphabetically according to certain topics or subject matter. However, in sorting such material, often an item would make reference to more than one issue. In this case material was grouped under the main, or predominant subject. No cross referencing has been made. Subjects are further subdivided into correspondence, articles, addresses, reports, etc.

This fonds contains material related to the Mapletoft family, Fort Pitt, Frenchman's Butte and Onion Lake areas, the First Nations, the Métis, the Northwest Rebellion and the Little Pipestone Ranch and Simmental cattle.

In terse, usually one line descriptions, the daily work of a male farmer on a mixed farm through the depression years are depicted. In addition to grain the couple raised both cattle and pigs; if there was also poultry this would presumably have been the purview of the woman and was not noted. Entries in a second hand are found at the back of the 1927 diary, primarily regarding quilting; and at the back of the 1939-1942 diary, noting household expenditures. At the end of 1929, the main author noted "Very poor year. Drought. Shortage of feed and water;" to which his partner appended, "All poor if you ask me???"

This fonds contains the drafts, notes, and reference materials relating to Cherwinski’s research on prairie labour and history. It has been organized into 9 series:

1. Personal
2. Letters to Albert: The Main Family Correspondence from Saskatchewan, 1908-1925.
3. Prairie Farm Labour
4. Research – Various
5. Saskatchewan Organized Labour
6. Schwinghamer General Store
7. Winter on the Prairies: 1906-1907
8. Posters
9. Library

This fonds reflects Holmlund’s interest in the philosophy of education, his varied career at the University of Saskatchewan, and his concern for an equitable society. It is particularly valuable as a source for university history, specifically for the period of Leo Kristjanson’s tenure; and for issues surrounding health delivery, education, and the College of Medicine; the development of computer / IT services on campus; and First Nations educational opportunities. As a reflection of planning at a post-secondary U-15 institution, this fonds is particularly strong, notably for the materials surrounding the Issues and Options project.