Example 1

RAD Description

Fonds level

MG H 124

Citizens’ Bridge Committee (Fredericton, N.B.) fonds. – 1968-1977; predominant 1972-1977. –51.5 cm of textual records; 96 photographs: b&w and col.; 1 audio reel

Administrative History: The Citizens’ Bridge Committee was formed in May 1974 to urge the provincial government of New Brunswick to find an alternative to the proposed highway bridge at the Westmorland Street site. Its primary objection to this site was the location and the size and cost of the project. The committee felt that there were other alternatives, such as other bridge sites and less costly design features. The Citizens’ Bridge Committee was supported initially by the Fredericton chapter of the New Brunswick Conservation Council and Fredericton Heritage Trust. Although the committee operated independently, they sought other established organizations to endorse their goals.

The principal officers of the Citizens’ Bridge Committee included Anthony Pugh (Co-Chairman), Marguerite Haywood (Co-Chairman), and Sabine Campbell (Secretary-Treasurer). The eligibility requirement for membership was anyone who shared the committee’s objectives. The objectives of the Citizens’ Bridge Committee included the following: to acquire citizen participation in the decisions relating to bridge and highway construction in the city of Fredericton, to develop public awareness of the problem, to coordinate public input, and to articulate community concerns. The committee sought expert opinions on bridge and highway matters, released news items, provided speakers to groups and information to the general public, and represented public concerns before governments and government agencies.

The Citizens’ Bridge Committee dissolved in September 1975 because it was felt the anti-bridge case had been presented to the public and there were many people who agreed with the committee’s position. However, the committee did continue to present its views when public hearings were held on the bridge issue. In January 1977, a new committee was created, called Save Our City. This committee included representatives from the York-Sunbury Historical Society, the New Brunswick Conservation Council, the University Women’s Club, Fredericton Heritage Trust, Community Planning Association of Canada, various neighbourhood associations, and some members from the Citizen’s Bridge Committee. The aim of this new committee was to “open the eyes and ears of civil servants and politicians who have persisted in ignoring the substantial opposition to the Westmorland Street bridge proposal.”

Scope and Content: This fonds documents the role of the Citizens’ Bridge Committee in opposition to the proposed Westmorland Street Bridge, from 1968 to 1977. Contents include newspaper clippings, news releases, brochures, petitions, reports, circulars, and correspondence. This fonds also includes a log book from 1974-1975, which contains a detailed daily record of communications among committee members; and a name index of members, supporters, and contacts. There is an also an assortment of slides and photographs that were probably used for demonstration purposes.

This fonds is divided into three series:
Series 1. Office Files. – 1968-1977; predominant 1971-1977
Series 2. Correspondence. – 1972-1977
Series 3. Audio-visual materials. – 1972-1974

Notes:
Title: Title based on name of creator.
Extent: Of the 96 photographs, 66 are slides.
Immediate Source of Acquisition: Material deposited by Janet Phillipps in 1979 and 1980.
Access: Unrestricted.
Access points:

• Citizens’ Bridge Committee (Fredericton, N.B.)
• Pugh, Anthony
• Haywood, Marguerite
• Campbell, Sabine

Series level

Series 3. Audio-visual materials. – 1972-1974. – 96 photographs: b&w and col., 8.5 x 8.5 cm or smaller; 1 audio reel

Scope and Content: This series consists of 66 slides and 30 photographs. The slides appear, for the most part, to have been prepared by the Citizens’ Bridge Committee to be used for demonstrations. These slides contain pictures, diagrams, and caption/text. The slides are not identified and are not in any specific order. This series also contains 30 photographs of physical features to be affected by the Bridge construction. Finally, this series also includes a sound recording of a public meeting that was held on September 30, n.d.

Notes:
Title: Title based on content of series.
Other: File 3 containing sound recording of a public meeting was transferred from Series 1 - Office Files.

RAD2 Description

Descriptive Records

Fonds level

Reference code: CA NBFU MG H 124

Level of description: Fonds

Title: Citizens’ Bridge Committee (Fredericton, N.B.) fonds

Dates of creation: 1968-1977, predominant 1972-1977

Extent and material: 51.5 centimetres of textual material
96 photographs : b&w and col., 8.5 x 8.5 cm or smaller
1 audio reel

Scope and content: This fonds documents the role of the Citizens’ Bridge Committee in opposition to the proposed Westmorland Street Bridge, from 1968 to 1977. Contents include newspaper clippings, news releases, brochures, petitions, reports, circulars, and correspondence. This fonds also includes a log book from 1974-1975, which contains a detailed daily record of communications among committee members; and a name index of members, supporters, and contacts. There is an also an assortment of slides and photographs that were probably used for demonstration purposes.

System of arrangement: This fonds is divided into three series:
Series 1. Office Files. – 1968-1977; predominant 1971-1977
Series 2. Correspondence. – 1972-1977
Series 3. Audio-visual materials. – 1972-1974

Conditions governing access: access unrestricted

Immediate source of acquisition: Material deposited by Janet Phillipps in 1979 and 1980.

General note: Of the 96 photographs, 66 are slides.

Rules or conventions: Fonds and series descriptions based on RAD2.

Date of description: Last update: 2001/07/11

Access points:

• Citizens’ Bridge Committee (Fredericton, N.B.), provenance
• Pugh, Anthony, provenance
• Haywood, Marguerite, provenance
• Campbell, Sabine, provenance

Series Level

Reference code: CA NBFU MG H 124 Series 3

Level of description: Series. Part of Citizens’ Bridge Committee (Fredericton, N.B.) fonds.

Title: Audio-visual materials.

Dates of creation: 1972-1974.

Extent and material: 96 photographs : b&w and col., 8.5 x 8.5 cm or smaller
1 audio reel

Scope and content: This series consists of 66 slides and 30 photographs. The slides appear, for the most part, to have been prepared by the Citizens’ Bridge Committee to be used for demonstrations. These slides contain pictures, diagrams, and caption/text. The slides are not identified and are not in any specific order. This series also contains 30 photographs of physical features to be affected by the Bridge construction. Finally, this series also includes a sound recording of a public meeting that was held on September 30, n.d.

Source of descriptive information: Title based on content of series.

General note: File 3 containing sound recording of a public meeting was transferred from Series 1 - Office Files.

Date of description: Last update: 2001/07/11

Authority Record

Authorized name: Citizens’ Bridge Committee (Fredericton, N.B.)

Administrative/Biographical History:

The Citizens’ Bridge Committee was formed in May 1974 to urge the provincial government of New Brunswick to find an alternative to the proposed highway bridge at the Westmorland Street site. Its primary objection to this site was the location and the size and cost of the project. The committee felt that there were other alternatives, such as other bridge sites and less costly design features. The Citizens’ Bridge Committee was supported initially by the Fredericton chapter of the New Brunswick Conservation Council and Fredericton Heritage Trust. Although the committee operated independently, they sought other established organizations to endorse their goals.

The principal officers of the Citizens’ Bridge Committee included Anthony Pugh (Co-Chairman), Marguerite Haywood (Co-Chairman), and Sabine Campbell (Secretary-Treasurer). The eligibility requirement for membership was anyone who shared the committee’s objectives. The objectives of the Citizens’ Bridge Committee included the following: to acquire citizen participation in the decisions relating to bridge and highway construction in the city of Fredericton, to develop public awareness of the problem, to coordinate public input, and to articulate community concerns. The committee sought expert opinions on bridge and highway matters, released news items, provided speakers to groups and information to the general public, and represented public concerns before governments and government agencies.

The Citizens’ Bridge Committee dissolved in September 1975 because it was felt the anti-bridge case had been presented to the public and there were many people who agreed with the committee’s position. However, the committee did continue to present its views when public hearings were held on the bridge issue. In January 1977, a new committee was created, called Save Our City. This committee included representatives from the York-Sunbury Historical Society, the New Brunswick Conservation Council, the University Women’s Club, Fredericton Heritage Trust, Community Planning Association of Canada, various neighbourhood associations, and some members from the Citizen’s Bridge Committee. The aim of this new committee was to “open the eyes and ears of civil servants and politicians who have persisted in ignoring the substantial opposition to the Westmorland Street bridge proposal.”

Related name: Save Our City

Related archival materials: Citizens’ Bridge Committee (Fredericton, N.B.) fonds

Rules or conventions: Authority record based on RAD2.

Reference Record

Citizens’ Bridge Committee (Fredericton, N.B.)
See also Save Our City

Example 2

RAD Description

Fonds level

CREATOR/COLLECTOR: Pacific National Exhibition

TITLE: Pacific National Exhibition fonds

INCLUSIVE DATES: 1907-1985

EXTENT: 21.81 m of textual records and other material - Includes 7,992 photographs (prints, negatives and 1 slide), 15 plans and 24 architectural drawings

SCOPE AND CONTENT NOTE: The fonds consists of records created and received by the Pacific National Exhibition (P.N.E.). Records include: minutes of various committee meetings; correspondence; financial records, contracts, and other legal records; public relations and advertising records; records regarding exhibit spaces and parking; administration records; subject files; reports, studies, and surveys; programmes, prize lists, and brochures from fairs; guest books; photographs; and other records.

ADMIN HISTORY/BIO: The Pacific National Exhibition (P.N.E.) is an organization which holds an annual agricultural, manufacturing and entertainment fair in Vancouver. The organization also manages other events held on fairground buildings throughout the year.

In 1907, the P.N.E. was formed under the name the Vancouver Exhibition Association. The organization was founded by a group of businessmen with the intention of using a city fair as an opportunity to promote the development of the city, its industry and its natural resources.

The first fair was held at Hastings Park in 1910. In its early years the fair was composed of three main components: agricultural judging and displays, industrial exhibits, and a carnival. In 1925, the organization began a Winter Fair, funded annually by the federal government, and held in a newly constructed livestock building until 1939. Also in the 1920s, permanent carnival grounds were established. These grounds were called Happyland and were operated by the British Columbia Amusement Company, and then by the Pacific Coast Amusement Company. In the 1930s, many new buildings were constructed by workers on relief grants. These buildings included the Forum, the Manufacturers’ Building, and the Pure Foods Building.

The fair continued during the 1940 and 1941 seasons, but was closed for the remainder of the war years, as the fair grounds were occupied by the Canadian military, after the Exhibition Association was forced to accept the takeover by an Order in Council. During 1942, the grounds were used as a holding area for interned Japanese and Canadians of Japanese descent. In 1946, after acquiring more land for the fair grounds (including Con Jones Park, later renamed Callister Park), the fair was renamed the Pacific National Exhibition and the grounds were renamed Exhibition Park (formerly Hastings Park).

Planning during the war years led to a shift in focus for the fair. Less emphasis was placed on agriculture and industry and more was placed in entertainment. Two long running events began in 1948 with the staging of the Miss P.N.E. beauty pageant and the inclusion of the Shrine Circus during the fair. Further development of the grounds followed the awarding of the British Empire Games to Vancouver in 1952. The games required a large outdoor stadium and the P.N.E. grounds were offered as one of the possible sites. After some debate, the 35 000 seat Empire Stadium was built at Exhibition Park. This facility was then placed under the control of the P.N.E. after the British Empire Games in 1954.

The direction of the fair continued to change throughout the 1950s. In an effort to market the fair, a central theme was chosen for each year and the advertising and publicity was focused around this theme. The physical configuration of the fairgrounds was also changed with the closing of Happyland in 1958. Its successor, Playland, was constructed at the northeast area of the grounds, while Happyland had been located in the south west area.

The reconstruction of the site continued into the next decade with the construction of the Agrodome (which was used for livestock shows and as an exhibition facility) and the Pacific Coliseum, which served as the location of various sporting, entertainment, and exhibition events, and as the home arena of the Vancouver Canucks until the construction of General Motors Place in 1994.

On April 18, 1973, the provincial government passed the Pacific National Exhibition Incorporation Act, which significantly affected the composition of the directorate of the P.N.E. The Act reduced the number of directors from sixty to sixteen, with ten directors appointed by the provincial government and six by the civic government. These appointments brought the Board of Directors into the realm of provincial politics.

ACQUISITION NOTE: The fonds has been permanently loaned to the Archives. Records were received by the Archives in 1974, 1986, and 1988.

ARRANGEMENT NOTE: Arranged into the following eleven series: 1) Minutes with accompanying reports, financial statements, and other records; 2) Correspondence; 3) Budget files and other financial records; 4) Legal services records; 5) Public Relations and Information and Advertising records; 6) Gates and Parking and Exhibit space records; 7) Administration and Attractions Department records; 8) Subject files; 9) Reports, bulletins, programmes, prize lists, and related records; 10) Guest books; and 11) Photographs (CVA 180).

RESTRICTIONS: To view records, written permission must be obtained from the donor. To obtain permission, please contact: Manager, Communications and Public Relations. Pacific National Exhibition. P.O. Box 69020. Exhibition Park, Vancouver, B.C. V5K 4W3. Telephone: 253-2311.

FINDING AID NOTE: Series descriptions, subseries descriptions, and file lists are available.

RELATED RECORDS: For related records, see: the published history of the PNE called “Vancouver’s Fair . . . “ by David Breen & Kenneth Coates (S 557 C22 V353 1982); the Justice, Webb and Vincent Landscape Architects Ltd. fonds (Add. MSS. 1194), the Pearl Steen fonds (Add. MSS. 272), the Charles Van Norman fonds (Add. MSS. 755), and the topical files within the Major Matthews fonds (Add. MSS. 54)

GENERAL NOTE: Add. MSS. 561 and 939 have been amalgamated into Add. MSS. 281. Therefore, all citations for these records should refer to Add. MSS. 281.

ACCESS POINTS: Pacific National Exhibition

Series level

CREATOR/COLLECTOR: Pacific National Exhibition

TITLE: Gates and Parking and Exhibit Space records

INCLUSIVE DATES: 1959-1979

EXTENT: 20 cm of textual records – 6 plans – 24 architectural drawings

SCOPE AND CONTENT NOTE: The series consists of records created and received by the Gates and Parking and Exhibit Space Departments. Records include reports, notes, meeting minutes, lists of exhibitors, and other records.

Series contains two subseries: 1) Gates and Parking records; and 2) Exhibit Space records.

FINDING AID NOTE: Subseries descriptions and file lists are available.

PART OF: Pacific National Exhibition fonds

RAD2 Description

Descriptive Records

Fonds level

Reference code: CA BVAA Add. MSS. 281

Level of description: fonds

Title: Pacific National Exhibition fonds

Dates of creation: 1907-1985

Extent and material: 21.81 metres of textual material
7 992 photographs
15 plans
24 architectural drawings

Scope and content: The fonds consists of records created and received by the Pacific National Exhibition (P.N.E.). Records include: minutes of various committee meetings; correspondence; financial records, contracts, and other legal records; public relations and advertising records; records regarding exhibit spaces and parking; administration records; subject files; reports, studies, and surveys; programmes, prize lists, and brochures from fairs; guest books; photographs; and other records.

System of arrangement: Arranged into the following eleven series:

1. Minutes with accompanying reports, financial statements, and other records;
2. Correspondence;
3. Budget files and other financial records;
4. Legal services records;
5. Public Relations and Information and Advertising records;
6. Gates and Parking and Exhibit space records;
7. Administration and Attractions Department records;
8. Subject files;
9. Reports, bulletins, programmes, prize lists, and related records;
10. Guest books; and
11. Photographs (CVA 180).

Conditions governing access: To view records, written permission must be obtained from the donor. To obtain permission, please contact: Manager, Communications and Public Relations. Pacific National Exhibition. P.O. Box 69020. Exhibition Park, Vancouver, B.C. V5K 4W3. Telephone: 253-2311.

Finding aids: Series descriptions, subseries descriptions, and file lists are available.

Immediate source of acquisition: The fonds has been permanently loaned to the Archives. Records were received by the Archives in 1974, 1986, and 1988.

Related archival materials: For related records, see: the Justice, Webb and Vincent Landscape Architects Ltd. fonds (Add. MSS. 1194), the Pearl Steen fonds (Add. MSS. 272), the Charles Van Norman fonds (Add. MSS. 755), and the topical files within the Major Matthews fonds (Add. MSS. 54)

Publication note: For related records, see the published history of the PNE called “Vancouver’s Fair: An Administrative and Political History of the Pacific National Exhibition,” by David Breen & Kenneth Coates (S 557 C22 V353 1982)

General note: Add. MSS. 561 and 939 have been amalgamated into Add. MSS. 281. Therefore, all citations for these records should refer to Add. MSS. 281.

Rules or conventions: Descriptions based on RAD2.

Access points: Pacific National Exhibition, provenance

Series Level

Reference code: CA BVAA Add. MSS. 281 Series 6

Level of description: Series. Part of Pacific National Exhibition fonds.

Title: Gates and Parking and Exhibit Space records

Dates of creation: 1959-1979

Extent and material: 20 cm of textual records – 6 plans – 24 architectural drawings

Scope and content: The series consists of records created and received by the Gates and Parking and Exhibit Space Departments. Records include reports, notes, meeting minutes, lists of exhibitors, and other records.

Series contains two subseries: 1) Gates and Parking records; and 2) Exhibit Space records.

Finding aids: Subseries descriptions and file lists are available.

Authority Record

Authorized name: Pacific National Exhibition

Administrative/Biographical History:

The Pacific National Exhibition (P.N.E.) is an organization which holds an annual agricultural, manufacturing and entertainment fair in Vancouver. The organization also manages other events held on fairground buildings throughout the year.

In 1907, the P.N.E. was formed under the name the Vancouver Exhibition Association. The organization was founded by a group of businessmen with the intention of using a city fair as an opportunity to promote the development of the city, its industry and its natural resources.

The first fair was held at Hastings Park in 1910. In its early years the fair was composed of three main components: agricultural judging and displays, industrial exhibits, and a carnival. In 1925, the organization began a Winter Fair, funded annually by the federal government, and held in a newly constructed livestock building until 1939. Also in the 1920s, permanent carnival grounds were established. These grounds were called Happyland and were operated by the British Columbia Amusement Company, and then by the Pacific Coast Amusement Company.

In the 1930s, many new buildings were constructed by workers on relief grants. These buildings included the Forum, the Manufacturers’ Building, and the Pure Foods Building. The fair continued during the 1940 and 1941 seasons, but was closed for the remainder of the war years, as the fair grounds were occupied by the Canadian military, after the Exhibition Association was forced to accept the takeover by an Order in Council. During 1942, the grounds were used as a holding area for interned Japanese and Canadians of Japanese descent. In 1946, after acquiring more land for the fair grounds (including Con Jones Park, later renamed Callister Park), the fair was renamed the Pacific National Exhibition and the grounds were renamed Exhibition Park (formerly Hastings Park).

Planning during the war years led to a shift in focus for the fair. Less emphasis was placed on agriculture and industry and more was placed in entertainment. Two long running events began in 1948 with the staging of the Miss P.N.E. beauty pageant and the inclusion of the Shrine Circus during the fair. Further development of the grounds followed the awarding of the British Empire Games to Vancouver in 1952. The games required a large outdoor stadium and the P.N.E. grounds were offered as one of the possible sites. After some debate, the 35 000 seat Empire Stadium was built at Exhibition Park. This facility was then placed under the control of the P.N.E. after the British Empire Games in 1954.

The direction of the fair continued to change throughout the 1950s. In an effort to market the fair, a central theme was chosen for each year and the advertising and publicity was focused around this theme. The physical configuration of the fairgrounds was also changed with the closing of Happyland in 1958. Its successor, Playland, was constructed at the northeast area of the grounds, while Happyland had been located in the south west area.

The reconstruction of the site continued into the next decade with the construction of the Agrodome (which was used for livestock shows and as an exhibition facility) and the Pacific Coliseum, which served as the location of various sporting, entertainment, and exhibition events, and as the home arena of the Vancouver Canucks until the construction of General Motors Place in 1994.

On April 18, 1973, the provincial government passed the Pacific National Exhibition Incorporation Act, which significantly affected the composition of the directorate of the P.N.E. The Act reduced the number of directors from sixty to sixteen, with ten directors appointed by the provincial government and six by the civic government. These appointments brought the Board of Directors into the realm of provincial politics.

Variant names: P.N.E.
Vancouver Exhibition Association

Related archival materials: Pacific National Exhibition fonds (Add. MSS. 281)

Rules or conventions: Authority record based on RAD2.

Reference Records

P.N.E.
See Pacific National Exhibition\

Vancouver Exhibition Association
See Pacific National Exhibition

Examples from University of New Brunswick Archives and Special Collections, and City of Vancouver Archives.