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Finding Aid

Morton, W. L. (William Lewis), 1908-

W. L. Morton fonds. -- 1944-1978. -- 11 m of textual records and graphic material.

William Lewis Morton, historian, was born in Gladstone, Manitoba on 13 December 1908. Having obtained his first degree at the University of Manitoba he pursued further studies as a Rhodes Scholar at St. John's College, Oxford, before returning to lecture in history at what was then known as St. John's College, Winnipeg, later to become part of the University of Manitoba. Professor Morton's association with Manitoba continued unbroken until 1966 when, having completed terms as Head of the Department of History and as Provost of the newly established University College, he left Manitoba to become Master of Champlain College at the University of Trent. In 1969 he was appointed Vanier Professor of Canadian History at Trent, retiring in 1975 to return to Manitoba. Professor Morton continued to teach, research and write at the University of Manitoba until his death in Medicine Hat, Alberta on 7 December 1980. He was the author of several books including The Progressive Party of Canada (1957) and Manitoba: A History (1957). He was also the recipient of several awards and honorary degrees.

There have been two accruals which have been combined. The fonds is arranged into the following series: Correspondence; Published Work; Unpublished Material. The fonds contains various drafts of Morton's major books, manuscripts, editorial work, reviews, articles and lectures, unpublished manuscripts, research files, and material relating to Morton's teaching and conference participation. The fonds was supplemented by books from his library which were catalogued for the general stacks.

Title based on content of fonds.
The first accrual was acquired in 1977; the second accrual was acquired in 1980, both from W.L. Morton.
Finding aid available in hard copy and electronically.
The following correspondence is closed until March 2005: letters about Lionel Dorge, Richard Glover, John Kendle, Thor Thorgimsson, Norman Zacour; Ferns and Forsey correspondence; one letter each to Saunderson and Woods.
Further accruals are not expected.


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