Theodore David Regehr was born in Coaldale, Alberta in November 1937. He obtained his first degree from the University of Alberta (1959), his MA from Carlton University (1963), and his PhD from the University of Alberta (1967). Regehr joined the faculty at the University of Saskatchewan in 1968 as assistant professor in the department of history, becoming full professor in 1975 and serving a term as Head of the department, starting in 1976. He took early retirement in 1996. During his career at the U of S, Regehr taught a variety Canadian history courses. Many of his graduate students have gone on to distinguished careers. Prior to coming to the University of Saskatchewan, Regehr worked as an archivist at the National Archives of Canada (1960?1968), serving as of Head of the Public Records Section (1965?1968). Among the several senior profession and academic positions he has held are: President of the Mennonite Historical Society of Canada; member of the Mennonite Central Committee's Historical Committee; Chairman of the University of Saskatchewan Faculty Association; President of Saskatchewan Association of University Teachers; member of the Council of the Canadian Historical Association; and founding Chairman of the Western History Section of the Canadian Historical Association. Author and editor of several books and numerous articles, Regehr is a leading authority in Western Canadian history and Canadian business history, but is probably best known for his work on the history of the Canadian railways.
This fonds contains materials relating to the personal research interests and academic activities from Dr. Regehr’s career. Included are materials pertaining to his publications: The Canadian Northern Railway; Wirtschaft und Gesellschaft im Industriezeitalter; Education with a plus : the story of Rosthern Junior College; The Possibilities of Canada are Truly Great, Memoirs 1906-1924 By Martin Nordegg; Remembering Saskatchewan. A History of Rural Saskatchewan; and The Beauharnois Scandal. A Story of Canadian Entrepreneurship and Politics. This fonds also contains records relating to various University committees, including the Archives Committee, Budget Committee, International Studies Committee, and College Review Committee; as well as from the Faculty Association. Dr. Regehr’s activities relating to several national and provincial heritage organizations are also documented.
Some of Dr. Regehr’s papers have been deposited elsewhere. Material related to his involvement with the Canadian Mennonite Historical Society are at the Mennonite Heritage Centre at 600 Shaftesbury Bldg. Winnipeg, Manitoba. Materials related to the writing and publication of Mennonites in Canada, 1939-1970. A People Transformed can be found at the Conrad Grebel College Library and Archives, Conrad Grebel College, University of Waterloo, Ontario.
Some material in Series I has been restricted. Please consult with the archivist. Researcher access is at the discretion of the Archivist.