: 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.

This fonds contains correspondence, including that between Dr. and Mrs. Oliver while he was serving overseas as a chaplain during World War I; his diary from travels in Europe between 1908-9; his sermons and prayers, articles, addresses; as well as newspaper clippings concerning: the war, Oliver's position as Moderator of the United Church, book reviews, and obituaries. In addition, there are several manuscripts, including the "Minutes of Council of Assiniboia," "The History of the North West Territories," "James Anderson Fonds," "Roman Economic Conditions to the Close of the Empire," and "The Canadian North West: Its Early Development and Legislative Records;" as well as offprints from the transactions of the Royal Society. The fonds also contains some photographs, miscellaneous souvenirs, and Dr. Oliver's diplomas.