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About this Project
The Golden Age of St. Dunstan’s University virtual exhibit — created during the period April– July 2004 — is the first project undertaken in a broader Digital Archives initiative planned by the University Archives of the University of Prince Edward Island’s Robertson Library, with the generous support of the St. Dunstan’s University Board of Governors and alumni. Beginning in 2004, elements of the University Archives documenting the history of UPEI and its forebears, St. Dunstan’s University and Prince of Wales College, will be digitized and made available to researchers and the general public.
This virtual exhibit serves as a pilot project for the Digital Archives, while also providing an online resource to complement the July 2004 Reunion of St. Dunstan’s alumni, in recognition of the initiative shown by the SDU Class of 1954 in facilitating the Digital Archives agreement. The Reunion weekend will see the launch of a digital Campus Kiosk, sponsored by the SDU Class of 1954, and featuring this exhibit as part of its content.
Credits
Overall creative direction of the virtual exhibit was provided by a Steering Committee, comprised of the following members:
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Gerry Arsenault
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Representing the SDU Class of 1954
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Simon Lloyd
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Representing the UPEI University Archives
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George O’Connor
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Representing the SDU Board of Governors
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Web & Graphic Design:
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Debra Hannams, UPEI’s Web Resource Developer
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Digital Imaging:
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Melodie Murphy, UPEI Archives’ Digital Projects Technician
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Exhibit Text:
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Written by Simon Lloyd (in consultation with the Steering Committee)
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Edited by:
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Laurie Brinklow, of UPEI’s Graphics and Publications team
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Thanks to:
- Dr. G. E. “Ed” MacDonald for permission to quote from his book The History of St. Dunstan’s University, 1855–1956
- Dave Cairns, Darris Foster, and Blair Vessey of UPEI Computer Services, and Kent Villard and Virginia MacSwain-Jackson of ITEC, for assistance with hardware and software procurement and set-up
- Kevin Lewis and Tracey Comeau, of UPEI Advancement Services, for facilitating the funding arrangements for this initiative
- Matthew MacKay of UPEI Graphics and Publications, for advice on digital imaging
- Members of the SDU Class of 1954 Reunion organizing committee—especially Frank Zakem, Mariedith Crockett, and Gerry Steele—for their initiative in first suggesting the project, and providing advice (and images) throughout
- Members of the Robertson Library team—especially Lynne Murphy, Pauline MacPherson, Leo Cheverie, and Nicole Greenland—who provided advice and support throughout the project
Image Sources
“Splash” homepage
The images of the three priests and of the WUSC formal dance are taken from the 1956 SDU Memories yearbook, while the aerial shot of campus is taken from an original photo (ca. 1954) belonging to the UPEI Archives. The crest is taken from a leaflet on the SDU coat of arms (date unknown) belonging to the UPEI Archives.
“Buildings and Expansion” Chapter
All images were taken from photo plates published in the SDU Calendar 1945–46, 1948–49, 1951–52, and 1952–53, except for the yellow, green, and red campus map, which was published as part of the information package issued at SDU’s 1954 Centennial Alumni Reunion, and the chapel interior, which appeared in the Centennial Booklet and Directory, published by the SDU Alumni Association in 1954.
“Academics” Chapter
The image of the procession was created from a photograph courtesy of an SDU alumnus, class of 1954. The convocation program image was taken from an original document belonging to the UPEI Archives. The lists of fees and faculty were taken from the SDU Calendar 1952–53 and 1954–55 respectively. The composite image of faculty photographs and the group portrait taken at the front of the chapel were taken from photo plates originally published in the Centennial Booklet and Directory. The images of students writing exams, examining blueprints, and grouped around chemistry apparatus in the science lab all appeared in the 1956 Memories yearbook.
“Athletics” Chapter
The colour image of the 1952 Intercollegiate Rugby Championship crest is from a digital photograph taken May19, 2004, by project technician Melodie Murphy, of an athletic jacket held by the UPEI Sport Hall of Fame. The Athletics pages (including the team photo images) of the Red and White were taken from the Autumn 1946, 1947, 1951, 1952, 1953, and Winter 1948 issues. The photographic image of the alumni gymnasium was published in the SDU Calendar 1952–53, while the sketch of the same was published on the cover of the SDU Alumni Bulletin Spring 1949. The photograph and memorial of A. J. McAdam appeared in Mnemosyne 1969.
“Student Life” Chapter
The images of the Student Union executive, the dramatic production of Romeo and Juliet, Kristina Moysiyahka [female grad] and the Prince Edward Theatre, and Milton’s Tea Room advertisements were taken from the Red and White (Spring 1952, Winter 1955, Spring 1953, Winter 1948, and Winter 1949 issues respectively). The Nonsense pages of the Red and White were from the Spring 1952 issue. The images of the choir, the WUSC formal, and of two students blowing bubbles appeared in the 1956 Memories yearbook, while the students at Mass appeared in the Centennial Booklet and Directory. The image of the Red and White covers is from a digital photo taken by Melodie Murphy on June 11, 2004. The images of the “funeral march” and “funeral notice” were taken from a photograph and an original document from the personal collection of an alumnus, SDU Class of 1954.
“Spirit” Chapter
The naval students’ group portrait and the image of the faculty at dinner were published in the 1956 Memories yearbook. The portrait of Rector Mackenzie and the history of the SDU alumni were published in the Centennial Booklet and Directory. The image of Owen Connolly was taken from the cover of Owen Connolly, Esq. 1820–1887 by M. F. Hagan (published by the Trustees of the Estate of Owen Connolly). The documentation concerning scholarships was taken from the SDU Calendar 1952–53. The portrait of Bishop Kelly was taken from a photo plate published in The History of St. Dunstan’s University 1855–1956. The image of the library books/card catalogue was created from a digital photograph taken by Melodie Murphy (July 6, 2004), as was the image of the quilt block depicting St. Dunstan’s College, part of a quilt created by the Sister’s of St. Martha congregation (July 14, 2004). The Congregation of St. Martha’s pin image was created using a pin kindly provided to Melodie Murphy by Sr. Frances Johnson, CSM..
Text Sources
Dasgupata, Satadal. “The Island in Transition: A Statistical Overview.” In The Garden Transformed : Prince Edward Island, 1945–1980. Charlottetown: Ragweed Press, 1982.
Ledwell, Frank J. Island Sketchbook. Charlottetown: Acorn Press, 2004.
MacDonald, G. Edward. The History of St Dunstan’s University, 1855–1956. Charlottetown: Board of Governors of St. Dunstan’s University and Prince Edward Island Museum and Heritage Foundation, 1989
McKenna, Mary Olga. “Higher Education in Transition.” In The Garden Transformed : Prince Edward Island, 1945–1980. Charlottetown: Ragweed Press, 1982.
Prince Edward Island. Royal Commission on Higher Education. Report of the Royal Commission on Higher Education for Prince Edward Island. Charlottetown: Queen’s Printer, 1965
St. Dunstan’s University. Red and White. Charlottetown: St. Dunstan’s University, 1809–1969.
St. Dunstan’s University. St. Dunstan’s College Prospectus and Course of Studies [Calendar]. Charlottetown: St. Dunstan’s University, 1886–1969.
St. Dunstan’s University. Alumni Association. Centennial Booklet and Directory of All Students Registered since January 17, 1855. [Charlottetown : the Association], 1954.
St. Dunstan’s University. Board of Governors. Commission of Inquiry. The report of the Commission of Inquiry to the Board of Governors of St. Dunstan’s University, Charlottetown, P.E.I. Charlottetown : St. Dunstan's University, 1972.
St. Dunstan’s University. President [Rector]. Report of the President, 1944–1969. Charlottetown: St. Dunstan’s University, 1944–1969.
In addition to these sources, some anecdotal elements of the text are from conversations with various SDU alumni and retirees, especially Steering Committee members Gerry Arsenault and George O’Connor.
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