The fonds consists of photographs, correspondence, and other records documenting Milton Ward's involvement in the co-operative sector.
Custodial History
Milton Henry "Milt" Ward, 1890-1994, was born in Nogies Creek, Ontario. In 1905 he migrated with his family to Arrowwood, a community east of High River, Alberta. He assisted his father, and established his own homestead in the district at an early age. He also worked as a ranch hand and blacksmith. He became a manager in the Crowsnest Pass coal mining industry during the First World War, but returned to farming and ranching in the Arrowwood district. He served on the council of the Municipal District of Marquis from 1916 to 1941. He was an active member of the United Farmers of Alberta, serving as a director from 1932 to 1969, a delegate to the Alberta Wheat Pool, and a director of the Arrowwood Co-operative Association. In 1977 he was inducted into the Alberta Agriculture Hall of Fame. He was married twice, to Lena Steiner, ?-1923, and to Myrtle Foreman, 1903-1995. He had six children: Ruby Della (Fletcher), Audrey Helen (Neubauer), Shirley Margaret (Hood), Jack Foreman, George Alan, and Beverly Joan (Weeks).
The fonds consists of the 1928 Certificate of Incorporation, Memorandum of Association, quarterly and annual financial statements, minutes of annual meetings (1926-1949) with lists of shareholders, share certificates issued to shareholders, agreements, and instructions to mailing room staff.
Administrative History
The official newspaper of the United Farmers of Alberta, The U.F.A., began publication in March 1922. W. Norman Smith was its editor. Initially publication was supervised by a committee of the United Farmers of Alberta, but in 1928 "The U.F.A." Limited was incorporated under the Companies Act of Alberta to allow the newspaper to operate with legal independence. The U.F.A. was renamed The United Farmer in 1934 and ceased publication in 1936. A subsequent publication of the United Farmers of Alberta Co-operative Association, 1962-1985, was also titled The United Farmer. The officers of the United Farmers of Alberta generally were concurrently officers of The U.F.A. Limited. The company apparently wound up its affairs in 1949.