MSS 191 (A.03-80)

Title: Isabel MacArthur fonds

Dates: 1952-1979

Extent: 5 cm of textual records and three medals

Biographical Sketch: Isabel MacArthur, a dietician and a social worker,was born on June 29, 1916 in Winnipeg. She graduated from the University of Manitoba in 1937 obtaining her B.Sc from the School of Home Economics. (Her intership was at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto). After the graduation, she worked as a hospital dietician in Brandon and Winnipeg. During the Second World War she served as a messing officer in the women's division of the Royal Canadian Air Force in Canada and overseas. She received a master's degree (1948) and a doctor of education degree (1952) from the Teachers College, Columbia University. In 1952 Isabel MacArthur became a director of the University of Manitoba School of Home Economics and a president of the Canadian Dietetic Association . She held the position of director of the University of Manitoba School of Home Economics until 1957. From 1958 she was a dietary consultant for the Manitoba Hospital Commission and from 1959 joined the staff of the Manitoba Department of Health and Public Affairs. She began to encounter the physical disabilities and became a member of the Canadian Paraplegic Association. To eliminate architectural barriers for disable persons, she joined the Community Welfare Planning Council Committee. She helped and brought changes in the Elections Act to permit disable persons to vote by mail. For her work on behalf of handicapped persons she received the Order of Canada by the Governor-General Ronald Michener in 1972. Her awards and honors include: a merit award by the Canadian Paraplegic Association in 1969; an engraved Centennial Commemorative Medals and a bound gold-lettered Centennial Book of Remembrance received from the president of the Manitoba Historical society in 1971; and a medal of the 10th Anniversary of the Order of Canada, 1967-1977 in 1977. She was awarded a lifetime membership to the Manitoba Home Economics Association and Manitoba Dietetic Associaiton. She was also a member of the American Dietetic Association; the Canadian and American Economics; University Women's Club; and Women's Club and Manitoba Council of girl Guides. Isabel MacArthur passed away on December 24, 1978 in the Deer Lodge Hospital at age of 62.

Scope and Content: The fonds consists of Isabel MacArthur awards and honors; photographs, medals, and newspapers clipping describing her achievements.

Custodial History: The fonds was donated by Campbell MacArthur to the Archives & Special Collections, University of Manitoba in 2003.

Accruals: Further accruals are not expected

Finding aid available