Introduction
The following exhibit is a sample of McGill Memorabilia collected and donated to the McGill University Archives by a very active Alumnus of the Faculty of Law, Ian C. Pilarczyk, B.A. ’92, L.L. M. ’97, D.C.L ’03. This collection serves as an illustration of McGill's history from the unique perspective of an independent collector. Pilarczyk serves as a Regional Director of the McGill Alumni Association and is President of the McGill Young Alumni of Boston. The theses he has written at McGill are as follows:
- Justice in the premises: family and violence and the law in Montreal, 1825-1850, © 2003.
- The law of servants and the servants of the law: judicial regulation of labour relations in Montreal, 1830-1845, © 1997.
He has also published A noble roster: one hundred and fifty years of law at McGill, © 1999.
Medals
BAAS Medal
This medal commemorates the first meeting in North America by the British Association for the Advancement of Science (BAAS) in 1884, largely orchestrated by Sir John William Dawson who became its first North American president in 1885.
 This medal commemorates the first meeting in North America by the British Association for the Advancement of Science (BAAS) in 1884. |
 This medal commemorates the first meeting in North America by the British Association for the Advancement of Science (BAAS) in 1884. |
Bronze McGill Medal
 McGill University Archives 2005-233.11 |
British War Medal to H. Lipsey
 McGill University Archives 2005-233.11 |
 McGill University Archives 2005-233.11 |
Track Medal from Harrier Club, 1909
 Track Medal from Harrier Club, 1909 |
 Track Medal from Harrier Club, 1909 |
Postcards
E. & H.T. Anthony, View of McGill, 1875
View of McGill (with Crest), 1905
Redpath at Night, 1906
McGill Observatory, ca. 1930's
Fire at McGill, ca. 1907
The Engineering building of McGill burned in 1907. The following was written on the back of this peculiar postcard featuring a fire at McGill in 1907:
"Poor Old McGill College An Awful Fire! Great Loss. J.M
Am Writing & Expecting letter. Love to all J.M"
McGill Hockey Team, 1909
McGill University Stadium, 1932
Fountain of Good Will, 1946
Four Views of McGill, 1932
Theatre
The following are samples taken from a drama scrapbook documenting theatre activities at McGill between 1957 and 1965. In addition to an illustration and photograph of the set design for a McGill performance of Brecht’s “The Caucasion Chalk Circle” the scrapbook includes a story board indicating lighting considerations for Beckett’s “Waiting for Godot” as well as performance photographs and even a series of telegraphs sending good wishes to participants.
"An Elizabethan Miscellany" Program
"Waiting for Godot" by Samuel Beckett
"The Caucasian Chalk Circle" by Bertolt Brecht
McGill's Image
McGill Commemorative Calendar (7 pages), 1902
This calendar was printed to commemorate the conferring of an honorary degree of L.L.D to the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and York by Principal Peterson on September 19th, 1901, during their nation-wide tour of Canada.
New York Herald, Photo of McGill Hockey Team, 1911
"A University with a Musical Ideal," The Musical Courier, 1913
"Montreal" - Article by C.H.Farham, Harper’s New Monthly Magazine, 1889
This article is written by C.H. Farnam who visited Montréal as an American tourist, writing: "Montreal is a striking exception to the text that a house divided against itself cannot stand." He also commented: "One of the largest and most important social elements of Montreal are the professors of McGill University."
McGill Card from Murad Cigarettes, ca. 1910
Tobacco cards were included in packages of cigarettes until around the mid-twentieth century. They were used to stiffen the packages and as an early form of advertising. Marketed as collector’s items they were meant to encourage brand loyalty. This card is part of the Murad Cigarettes College Series which featured scenes taking place at various North American universities.
