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Spackman, Miss. A., Matron (1913-1915), Boys’ Residence, Main Floor
Miss A. Spackman was the matron, housekeeper, dietician, and frequently nurse for the whole residence, girls and boys, at the old college in Tuxedo.[1] However, when the college moved in the fall of 1913 to the new site along the Red River south of Winnipeg, new staff was hired to remove the burden from her, and Miss Spackman continued as matron of the boys’ residence only. She continued in this role for 1914-1915, but left for a year, before being hired again in the fall of 1916. At that time, Managra, the student journal, included a glowing tribute to her.[2]
She comes to us with a thorough knowledge of boys, and, looking back we find not a single incident to mar our past relationship. In the minds of the old boys there remains nothing but feelings of respect and admiration, and the younger students are already beginning to know and appreciate her.
Indeed, Miss Spackman looked after her boys while at the college and afterwards when they had gone off to war. Frank Whiting’s diaries testify that she not only knit them socks, but she corresponded with them as well.[3]
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[1] The M.A.C. Gazette, v. VII, no. 1 (Oct. 1913), p. 34.
[2] University of Manitoba, Archives and Special Collections, Managra, 1916-1917, v. X, No. 1 (Nov. 1916), 25.
[3] For examples, see Frank J. Whiting, Diary 1, entry 28 May 1915, and Diary 2, entry 28 Dec. 1915.