Fonds 01-003 - Thomas H.B. Symons fonds. 2001 additions

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Thomas H.B. Symons fonds. 2001 additions

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    Fonds

    Reference code

    01-003

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    Edition statement of responsibility

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    Statement of scale (cartographic)

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    Dates of creation area

    Date(s)

    • 1929-1999 (Creation)
      Creator
      Symons, Thomas H.B.

    Physical description area

    Physical description

    7.7 m of textual records
    13 photographs

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    Archival description area

    Name of creator

    (1929-2021)

    Biographical history

    Thomas H.B. Symons was born at Toronto, Ontario 30 May 1929, son of Harry Lutz Symons and Dorothy Sarah Bull. He was educated at Upper Canada College, University of Toronto (B.A. 1951), and Oxford University (B.A. 1953, M.A. 1957). He married Christine Ryerson 17 August 1963 and with her had three children: Mary, Ryerson and Jeffery. Professor Symons held many posts as an educator, including Assistant Dean of Men, Trinity College and Instructor of History, University of Toronto 1953-1955; and Dean, Devonshire House, University of Toronto 1955-63. His most notable post, however, was as the founding President and Vice-Chancellor of Trent University, 1961-1972. Symons also held many presidencies, chairmanships and memberships in various organizations, mainly dealing with the topics of education, Canadian studies, Indigenous rights and human rights. From 1971 to 1973, Symons was the President of the Canadian Association in Support of Native Peoples. He was the author of several reports and articles and contributed chapters to many books including: "Political Education in Canada" 1988; "Archives Libraries and the Canadian Heritage" 1983; "A Century of Canada's Arctic Islands, 1880-1980" 1981; "A History of Peel County" 1967; and "Native Rights in Canada" 1970. Professor Symons resided in Peterborough, Ontario until his death on January 1, 2021.

    Custodial history

    This fonds was created by and in the custody of Thomas H.B. Symons before it was donated to Trent University Archives.

    Scope and content

    Fonds consists of personal records of Thomas H.B. Symons relating to his career and to his family. Included are records of his wife, Christine Symons, his children, Mary, Jeffrey, and Ryerson Symons, his father, Harry Lutz Symons, including his father's manuscript for "Three Ships West", and his mother, Dorothy Sarah (Bull) Symons. Also included are materials relating to Professor Symons' activities on various boards and committees, addresses, articles, manuscripts, typescripts, and correspondence, documents and notes concerning Trent University, Association of Commonwealth Universities, Celanese Canada, Science Council of Canada, Department of External Affairs, Royal Society of the Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council, etc.. Also included are photographs of Thomas H.B. Symons, Christine Symons, and His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales.

    Notes area

    Physical condition

    Immediate source of acquisition

    This fonds was donated by Thomas H.B. Symons.

    Arrangement

    Language of material

      Script of material

        Language and script note

        Some of the correspondence in the fonds is in French.

        Location of originals

        Availability of other formats

        Restrictions on access

        None, except for Boxes 21 and 22 which are closed until 2026.

        Terms governing use, reproduction, and publication

        Finding aids

        Associated materials

        For related records see: 82-015, 86-029, 86-030, 86-031, 86-032, 87-009, 88-016, and RG 1.

        Related materials

        Accruals

        This fonds along with 82-001, 97-019, 11-001, 15-006 , 17-001, 17-004 , 18-001, and 19-001 is an addition to 78-003.

        General note

        This fonds was originally accessioned as 81-005 and 87-003.

        General note

        Box 1

        Personal records

        Folder

        1. Biographical information, C.V.
        2. Wills, 1970, 1971, 1983; codicils, 1986 - Tom and Christine Symons; passport, 1981; wedding invitation - Tom and Christine Symons, 1963
        3. Memberships and subscriptions, 1974-1976
        4. Charitable donations, 1960-1973 (a sampling only)
        5. The Friends of Zac Phimister, charitable donation, 1968
        6. Books given as gifts
        7. Shares, investments, etc., ie. Debord Circus, James Morrison Brass Co., etc., 1964-1969
        8. Correspondence and information on University Halls of Residence, 1957-1961
        9. Correspondence and information on University Halls of Residence, 1957-1961
        10. "The Residence Hall and the University" for the Queen's Quarterly, 1958
        11. Sabbatical leave from Trent University, 1967; leave of absence from Trent, 1971
        12. Career opportunities, including invitations to consider presidential positions at various universities, Board of Governors positions, council appointments, director appointments, etc.
        13. Appointment to the Order of Canada, 1976-1977
        14. The Distinguished Service to Education Award of the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education, 1982
        15. The Distinguished Service to Education Award of the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education, 1982
        16. Honorary degree, University of Prince Edward Island, 1983
        17. Honorary degree, University of New Brunswick, 1972
        18. Personal correspondence, 1921, 1964-1966
        19. Personal correspondence, 1967-1969
        20. Personal correspondence, 1970
        21. Personal correspondence, 1971
        22. Personal correspondence, 1972
        23. Personal correspondence, 1973
        24. Personal correspondence, 1974
        25. Personal correspondence, 1975
        26. Personal correspondence, 1976
        27. Personal correspondence, 1977
        28. Personal correspondence, 1978
        29. Personal correspondence, 1979
        30. Personal correspondence, 1980
        31. Personal correspondence, 1981
        32. Personal correspondence, 1982
        33. Personal correspondence, 1983
        34. Personal correspondence, 1984
        35. Personal correspondence, 1985
        36. Personal correspondence, 1986
        37. Personal correspondence, undated
        38. Invitations; programs; letters of congratulations, condolence, thanks, etc., 1963-1969 (Note: No attempt has been made to maintain all the letters of congratulations, condolence, or letters regarding Symons' donations; those letters which have been saved have been done so at random)
        39. Invitations; programs; letters of congratulations, condolence, thanks, etc., 1970-1972
        40. Invitations; programs; letters of congratulations, condolence, thanks, etc., 1973-1974
        41. Invitations; programs; letters of congratulations, condolence, thanks, etc., 1975-1976
        42. Invitations; programs; letters of congratulations, condolence, thanks, etc.,1977-1978
        43. Invitations; programs; letters of congratulations, condolence, thanks, etc., 1979-1980
        44. Invitations; programs; letters of congratulations, condolence, thanks, etc., 1981
        45. Invitations; programs; letters of congratulations, condolence, thanks, etc.,1982

        Box 2

        (Personal records, continued)
        Folder

        1. Invitations, etc., 1983
        2. Invitations, etc., 1984
        3. Invitations, etc., 1985
        4. Invitations, etc., 1986
        5. Invitations, etc., undated
          loose in box: 3 personal calendars, 1979, 1980, 1981

        Box 3

        (Personal records, continued)
        11 daily journals, 1964-1974

        Box 4

        (Personal records, continued)

        Folder

        1. Family greeting cards
        2. DEACCESSIONED: Mary Symons (daughter of THBS), correspondence, notes, school reports, etc., 1965-1986
        3. DEACCESSIONED: Ryerson Symons (son of THBS), correspondence, notes, school reports, etc., 1974-1985
        4. DEACCESSIONED: Jeffrey Symons (son of THBS), correspondence, notes, school reports, etc., 1969-1986
        5. Dorothy Sarah (Bull) Symons (mother of THBS), correspondence, 1964-1983
        6. Harry Lutz Symons (father of THBS), correspondence, biographical sketch, etc., 1971-1983
        7. "Cuba from Within", notes for two articles by Harry L. Symons, c.1920
        8. Two stories by "Windup" by Harry L. Symons, c.1929
        9. Draft textual material for "Ojibway Melody" by Harry L. Symons, c.1944
        10. Draft material for booklet on Ontario Agriculture by Harry L. Symons, c.1945
        11. Notes for two talks by Harry L. Symons, 1947
        12. Talk by Harry L. Symons to the Durham County Club of Toronto, 1948
        13. Pointe-au-Baril Islanders' Association, 1950
        14. "Seventh Heaven" typescript, by Harry L. Symons, 1958
        15. Arrangement with the publisher for the paperback editions of "Fences", 1974
        16. Manuscript material for "Friendship" by Harry L. Symons, n.d.
        17. Correspondence, notes, and draft manuscripts regarding "Three Ships West" by Harry L. Symons, 1939-1949
        18. Original manuscript of "Three Ships West" by Harry L. Symons, 1939
        19. Manuscripts concerning "Three Ships West" by Harry L. Symons
        20. "Columbian" manuscript by Harry L. Symons, 1943
        21. Rough notes and research material for "Columbian"

        Box 5

        Speeches, notes for remarks, notes for discussion, articles and papers, addresses, workshop participation, etc., 1957-1980

        Box 6

        Speeches, notes for remarks, notes for discussion, articles and papers, addresses, workshop participation, etc., 1957-1980

        Box 7

        Trent University - miscellaneous correspondence, etc., 1962-1986

        Box 8

        Trent University - correspondence, specific subjects

        Folder

        1. Atlantic College, Wales, 1964-1971 (re establishment of Trent)
        2. Official opening ceremonies, October 17, 1964
        3. Presentation of 100,000th volume to the Trent library, October 22, 1968
        4. Dedication of Founders Walk, October 28, 1978
        5. Opening of Chemistry building, 1969
        6. Opening of Staging building (Biology, Psychology), 1968
        7. Opening of Lady Eaton College, 1969
        8. Visit of the Commissioner of Official Languages, 1980
        9. Visit of Dr. D.J. LeRoy as the Ashley Fellow, 1979
        10. Modris Eksteins, correspondence re History faculty position, 1969-1971
        11. History 10, 1968-1971
        12. History-Politics 400 seminar, 1967-1972
        13. Lectures in religion, 1968
        14. Arrangements to found a Native Studies Programme, 1968-1971
        15. Draft proposal for prospectus and syllabus for Canadian Studies 403, 1979-1980 ("Aspects of Canadian Intellectual and Cultural Life")
        16. Seminar on National Unity: "Quebec: Province or Nation", held at Trent, 1978
        17. Seminar on Science and Research in the Yukon and the North West Territories, held at Trent, 1979
        18. Guest lecture to Politics 301, 1980
        19. Guest lecture to Geography of Canada class, 1980
          20: Talk to History 403 seminar: "Trent and the Canadian Intellectual Tradition", 1981
        20. Reception for Trent alumni at Marchbanks, 1980
        21. Medical community reception at Trent, 1969
        22. Ottawa dinner and reception, 1969
        23. Reception for part-time students, 1968
        24. Reception for prize-winners and scholars at Trent, 1968
        25. Visit of the Bishop of Peterborough, 1968
        26. Trent University Development Funds, 1968-1969
        27. Discussions and arrangements with the Flavelle Foundation, 1970-1972
        28. Rt. Hon. Lord Thomson of Fleet, correspondence, 1966
        29. Notes for remarks presenting Trent's Brief to the Ontario Committee on University Affairs, 1970
        30. Rowat-Hurubise Commission (Commission on the Relations between Universities and Government), 1969
        31. "The First Three Years", 1963-1966
        32. "A review of the goal-setting processes of Trent University from 1961 to 1979", a paper presented by Maria D. Zinck for the Dept. of Educational Theory, University of Toronto, 1980
        33. Thesis of Irene Matthews for EdD., O.I.S.E., re Trent, 1980
        34. Student demonstration at Trent, 1968
        35. Trent University, the Peterborough community, and the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, 1966
        36. Robertson Davies correspondence, 1968-1969

        Box 9

        Peterborough and area - related records

        Folder

        1. Miscellaneous correspondence, notes, etc., 1967-1984
        2. Edgar Boland correspondence regarding "History of the Diocese of Peterborough", 1973-1976
        3. Downtown redevelopment, Peterborough, 1965-1971
        4. Some links with the labour community, Peterborough, 1968-1969
        5. The Mayor's Committee on Growth, Development, and Employment, Peterborough, 1977
        6. Greater Peterborough Economic Council, 1978-1982
        7. Greater Peterborough Economic Council, 1978-19828. Restoration of Hutchison House, Peterborough, 1975-1978
        8. Opening of the 10th anniversary exhibition "Peterborough Collects" at the Peterborough Centennial Museum, 1977
        9. Opening of the Cobourg Horse Show, 1970
        10. Seminar on Development and Planning in the Peterborough Community, organized for the visit to Peterborough of the Duke of Edinburgh's Fifth Commonwealth Study Conference, 1980
        11. Canadian Club of Peterborough, 1972-1976
        12. Academy Theatre, Lindsay, 1964-1971
        13. Greater Peterborough Economic Council, 1978-1982Greater Peterborough Economic Council, 1978-1982, 1972-1974
        14. Greater Peterborough Economic Council, 1978-1982, 1975-1979

        Box 10

        Folder

        1-5. Statistics Canada: National Advisory Committee on Educational Statistics, and, Evaluation Advisory Committee on the Education Statistics Program, correspondence, minutes, etc., 1985-1986
        6-7. Journal of Canadian Studies, correspondence, etc., 1970; 1975-1980
        8-23. Commission on Canadian Studies, correspondence, etc., 1972-1982, plus undated

        Box 11

        Association of Commonwealth Universities, minutes, correspondence, etc. 1964-1978 (Note: Folder 8 includes a photograph of THBS and two unidentified people)

        Box 12

        Association of Commonwealth Universities, minutes, correspondence, etc. , 1976-1982

        Box 13

        Association of Commonwealth Universities, minutes, correspondence, etc. , 1983-1985

        Box 14

        Association of Commonwealth Universities, minutes, correspondence, etc. , 1985-1989, plus undated

        Box 15

        Special Advisor to the Secretary of State for Canada, on matters relating to education, correspondence, documents, etc., 1976-1983

        Box 16

        Upper Canada College, correspondence, etc., 1958-1979

        Box 17

        Upper Canada College, correspondence, etc., 1977-1986

        Box 18

        Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC), 1976-1981

        Box 19

        Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC), 1980-1984

        Box 20

        Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC), 1983-1986

        Box 21 & Box 22

        Celanese Canada, including materials relating to Internationalist Fellowship, 1996-1999, and Social Responsibility Committee of the Board of Directors, 1985-1999; also, correspondence, documents, etc., 1979-1999 (Note: Boxes 21 & 22 closed until 2026)

        Box 23

        Folder
        1-5. Canadian Council on Social Development, correspondence, etc., 1965-1976
        6-16. Canadian Conference on Social Development, correspondence, etc., 1973-1976

        Box 24

        Folder

        1. Association for Canadian Studies, 1979-1982
        2. C.M. Hincks Treatment Centre, correspondence, etc., 1966-1972
        3. Calgary Institute for the Humanities, Visiting Fellow, 1977
        4. Canada Studies Foundation, correspondence, etc., 1979-1981
        5. C.A.P.S. (Canadian Association for Planning Students) Conference, on "Canadian Content in Planning Education", 1977
        6. Canadian Federation for the Humanities, 1985
        7. Canadian Northern Studies Trust, correspondence, etc., 1984-1986
        8. Committee of Presidents of Universities of Ontario, 1970-1971
        9. Conference on Higher Education in Canada, 1977
        10. Conference on Philosophy in Canada, 1979
        11. Creation 2, 1971
        12. Destiny Canada Destinee Conference, 1977
        13. Rt. Hon. J.G. Diefenbaker, correspondence, 1968-1970
        14. Hon. Leslie Frost, correspondence and manuscript re the Scugog portage book, 1971
        15. Harvard Club of Toronto, 1967-1970
        16. John A. MacLaren Newspaper Awards, adjuducation of, 1973
        17. Lakefield College School, correspondence, etc., 1968-1979
        18. Laurentian University, correspondence, 1973
        19. World University Service of Canada, correspondence, etc., 1971-1979
        20. Native Canadian Centre, 1976-1978
        21. Northern Corridor Development Committee, correspondence, etc., 1967-1968
        22. Ontario Committee on the Costs of Education, meeting, 1972
        23. Ontario Advisory Committee on Confederation, colloquium on the first report, 1978
        24. Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, advisory role, 1979
        25. "Options" - Conference on the Future of the Canadian Federation, 1977
        26. Sir Sandford Fleming College, correspondence, etc., 1968-1983
        27. Social Science Federation of Canada, re meeting, 1986
          28-29. St. Francis Xavier University, correspondence re meeting, etc., 1972-1973
        28. University of Manitoba Distinguished Professors Selection Committee, 1983-1984
        29. "The Twig", yearbook of the University of Toronto Schools, 1962 (article re THBS and Trent University)
          32-38. Canada Council, appointment to, etc., 1976-1978

        Box 25

        United World Colleges, correspondence, etc., 1972-1981

        Box 26

        United World Colleges, correspondence, etc., 1981-1985 (Note: Folder 15 includes 4 photographs: 4 are of THBS in a classroom in Waterford, 1984; 1 is of THBS with 4 others in Swaziland, 1984; and one is of THBS, Christine Symons, and one unidentified man in Waterford, 1984)

        Box 27

        United World Colleges, correspondence, etc., 1985-1986 (Note: Folder 5 includes a photograph of His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales, Corrado Belci, and one unidentified man). (Note: Folder 6 includes 2 photographs: one is of THBS and 3 unidentified people; one is of THBS, Christine Symons, and one unidentified woman)

        Box 28

        Folder

        1-5. Department of External Affairs: Advisory Committee on Academic Relations, correspondence, etc., 1976-1982

        1. Commonwealth Standing Committee on Student Mobility, correspondence, etc., 1981-1986
          7-9. Canadian Association in Support of Native Peoples (CASNP), formerly Indian-Eskimo Association of Canada (IEA), minutes, correspondence, etc., 1968-1976
        2. British-North American Committee, correspondence, photograph, etc., 1984-1985 (Note: this folder includes a photograph of THBS and Christine Symons aboard the Matchez)
          11-15. Heritage Ontario Congress, minutes, correspondence, remarks, etc., 1971-1974
          16-18. Cultural Diplomacy: Colloquium at the University of Leeds on UK-Canada relations, correspondence, manuscript draft, etc., 1980-1981

        Box 29 & Box 30

        Ontario Arts Council, minutes, correspondence, materials relating to "To Know Ourselves" (T.K.O.) committee, 1967-1983

        Box 31

        Folder

        1-5. Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada (AUCC): Canadian Commonwealth and Fellowship Committee, minutes, correspondence, etc., 1983-1986
        6-10. AUCC: Selection Committee for Canadian Studies Visting Professor in Japan, and, Canadian Studies Fellowship in the United Kingdom, correspondence, etc., 1977-1985

        1. AUCC, correspondence, minutes, etc., 1968-1986
          12-17. University of Toronto: Log book "Fartle's Close", Uxbridge, Ontario, 1961-1962 (references to Devonshire House); articles by THBS: "Devonshire House", "The University in Summer", "The Planning and Operation of Some New Residential Colleges at the University of Toronto"; report of the Higher Education Group to the Dean of Graduate Studies, 1957-1976
          18-21. Trinity College, Toronto, correspondence, minutes, etc., 1963-1978
          22-24. Oriel College, Oxford, correspondence, etc., 1964-1986

          Box 32

        Ontario Human Rights Commission, minutes, conferences, correspondence, etc., 1970-1979; also includes Special Advisor on Human Rights to the Secretary of State for Canada, 1982-1984 (Note: Folder 14 includes a photograph of Valerie Kasurak)

        Box 33

        Folder

        1-2. Conference of Independent Schools, consultant to, correspondence, etc., 1984-1986
        3-6. Royal Society of Arts, correspondence, etc., 1964-1975
        7-9. Royal Society of Canada, correspondence, "Arctic and Canadian Culture" colloquium, etc., 1977-1982
        10-11. First Canadian Conference on Multiculturalism, correspondence, paper, etc., 1973

        1. Order of St. Lazarus: Commission on Canadian Unity, correspondence, minutes, etc., 1976-1978
          13-18. Science Council of Canada, consultant to, correspondence, presentation, minutes, etc., 1978-1984
          19-20. Association of Canadian Universities for Northern Studies, paper given, correspondence, etc., 1979-1986
          21-24. Australia-Canada Colloquium, Canberra, correspondence, paper, etc., 1981-1985
          Box 34 & Box 35

        French language issues, including the following: Franco-Ontarian Community (1971-1978), Cornwall School Question (1972-1975), Sturgeon Falls School Question (1971), Ministerial Commission on French Language Education in Ontario (1966-1973), Ministerial Commission on French Language Secondary Education (1971-1972), Languages of Instruction Commission of Ontario (1973), and miscellaneous correspondence (1973-1983)

        Box 36

        Folder

        1. Advisory Committee on Cultural Policy to the Secretary of State for Canada, correspondence, etc., 1979-1980
        2. Amnesty International, correspondence, etc., 1973-1980
          3-8. Impact Research - Study on Native Employment in Government, correspondence, report, etc., 1975-1977
          9-12. John Graves Simcoe Foundation, correspondence, etc., 1969-1976
          13-16. Ontario Medical Foundation, minutes, correspondence, etc., 1975-1976
        3. Inter-Council Coordinating Committee (Ministry of State. Science and Technology. Canada), minutes, notes, etc., 1980
          18-19. Progressive Conservative party politics, correspondence, etc. relating to the PC party, political issues, etc., 1969-1985 (Note: Folder 18 also includes a photograph of a large formal gathering of people seated at long dinner tables; a speaker stands at the front of the room)

          Box 37

        Miscellaneous non-personal correspondence, 1961-1979

        Box 38

        Miscellaneous non-personal correspondence, 1980-1982

        Box 39

        Miscellaneous non-personal correspondence, 1983-1986, and undated

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