This sub-series contains the private and business-related correspondence of Norman M. Paterson, which begins with his early years in Fort William (containers 1-30). This correspondence is arranged alphabetically by title and by the calendar year. The principal areas of concern include Paterson's grain and shipping interests, mining ventures, investments and other business matters; his involvement in community organizations; and his recreational activities. The number of letters written by Mr. Paterson himself declines quite noticeably after the year 1940, when Mr. Paterson was appointed Senator and moved his primary residence to Ottawa. After 1940, a substantial amount of letters were written by William Hume, Senator Paterson's secretary in Ottawa, addressed to the Fort William office on the Senator's behalf (containers 31 to 41). Almost all of this correspondence is related to the purchase and sale of stocks and bonds as well as receipts for tax purposes.
The correspondence listed in containers 42 to 51 concerns Senator Paterson's community, political, financial and social interests. There are extensive files related to the following: his involvement with Carleton University in Ottawa and Lakehead University in Thunder Bay; the Paterson family history; the 1950 restructure of his company; and the Senate of Canada, which includes his speeches and related correspondence. This correspondence includes well-known figures like Paul Martin, Colonel R.S. McLaughlin, Bora Laskin and Princess Alice, Countess of Athlone. Container 42 also contains books with telegraph messages. These include copies of outgoing messages sent by N. M. Paterson from Fort William and other addresses. They are arranged alphabetically by correspondent or subject.
Containers 52 to 58 contains letters written between Paterson family members; correspondence concerning houses, cars and yachts owned by Senator Paterson; correspondence concerning Senator Paterson's relations with the Presbyterian Church in Canada, particularly the Fund for Ministerial Assistance which Senator Paterson established in 1951.
Other records found in this sub-series:
Correspondence while N.M. Paterson was abroad. Four files of correspondence were written in England during N. M. Paterson's residence there, from January to April 1932. This includes letters from E.B Sutherland, his manager in Fort William, and letters from other managers in Winnipeg and Montreal. These letters offer an insightful and comprehensive look into the affairs of the company as well as that of the grain trade at large. For this reason, these years are the best-documented period of the company's history. (In container 1)
Records related to Department of Railways and Canals, 1932-1933, etc. This includes correspondence with Railway Minister R. J. Manion and Prime Minister R.B. Bennett in relation to the grain trade, and more specifically, with Manion over the Prescott, Ontario elevator (1932). The correspondence reveals an amicable relationship between the two - Manion attended the Windigo Hunt Club at least once by way of invitation from Paterson - but this contrasts to the hostility that Paterson later expressed towards Manion. (In containers 1, 4, 7, 9).
D.B. Fegles, 1932-1955. This includes letters related to Fegles' attempts to land government contracts in the U.S. during the end of the Depression; it showcases his growing hostility for the Roosevelt administration. (In containers 1, 4, 7, 10, 11, 12, 13, 15 etc.)
Hogarth, General Donald M., 1934. This includes correspondence between N. M. Paterson and General Hogarth, who was also his brother-in-law. Topics include politics (Hogarth was a Tory, N. M. Paterson a Liberal) and mining. Hogarth later co-founded Steep Rock Iron Mines Ltd, which explains the Paterson family's long involvement with the company. (In containers 7, 13 and 68)
Norman M. Paterson while he was in England, 1937. These are similar records to that found in container 1, however Paterson was away in England for a period of two months, from April to June 1937. It includes complete reports from E.B. Sutherland and some correspondence from his manager in the Winnipeg location. (In container 15)
Correspondence during the Second World War when the company lost marine vessels (in container 27 files 17-20).
Correspondence with painting collectors from England such as Mr. Bradley and others (container 5 file 26, container 8 file 25, container 10 file 42, container 13 file 24, container 14 file 6 and container 15 file 15).