Beatrice and William Cain fonds

Scope and Content: The fonds consists of written and compiled histories about the people and institutions of Delta, particularly as they were in the 1970s when the Cains created their albums, scrapbook and informally published book on Delta. The scrapbook also contains information about the Cains' community activitie…

History / Biographical: William Cain was born in Lovillia, Iowa, on March 14, 1897, the son of J. Cain, a farmer and cattle breeder. William attended agricultural college and was hired by a farm, and later a creamery, in Saskatchewan. He met his wife Beatrice Panabaker in Estevan and they were married in 1929. Beatrice was born in Kitchener, Ontario in January 1907, shortly after which her farming family moved to Riding Mountain, Manitoba, and then Manor, Saskatchewan. Beatrice taught school for four years before marrying William. In 1934 William and Beatrice moved to Manor to help with her family's farm. The Cains raised seven children, and, after difficult years in the Depression, sold their now prosperous farm in 1954. William then studied for the Ministry. In 1962, the Cains moved to Ladner to look after Beatrice's father. William and Beatrice became very active in the community of Delta. William became caretaker and gardener for Memorial Park, retiring when he was 73. The Cains helped organize the seniors group "Hobbies Unlimited", and, in 1971, a youth group called "Delta Talent Scouts". Proceeds from their Variety Concerts held each spring went to various projects, incuding the writing of their book "Progressive Delta". The Cains were very interested in documenting the history and life of Delta, resulting in several projects that are found in this collection. William passed away in 1981 and Beatrice in 1987.

Scope and Content: The fonds consists of written and compiled histories about the people and institutions of Delta, particularly as they were in the 1970s when the Cains created their albums, scrapbook and informally published book on Delta. The scrapbook also contains information about the Cains' community activities.

Acquisition Source: Donated by Beatrice and William Cain. Original "Progressive Delta" donated by Mackie Library.