Frank F. Wesbrook

First president of the University of British Columbia.
Daily entries from his diary dated exactly 100 years ago.
Commemorating the centenary of UBC's opening.

[Frank F. Wesbrook @Pres_FFWesbrook]

[UBC Archives has shifted all its social media activities to Bluesky (https://t.co/BzrolaUBPt). This account will remain on-line as both a memorial to Dr. Wesbrook and as a scholarly resource. Come check out our content at @UBCArchives.bsky.social! #Wesbrook #UBChistory]

[Frank F. Wesbrook @Pres_FFWesbrook]

[We are done transcribing Frank Wesbrook's diaries, but this Twitter account will remain on-line as both a memorial and a scholarly resource.]
#Wesbrook #UBChistory

[Frank F. Wesbrook @Pres_FFWesbrook]

["On Sunday, October 20, 1918, the end came. It was unexpected by the community which knew and admired Wesbrook, but had been feared for a long time by the physicians who were attending him." - Gibson, p. 187] #Wesbrook #UBChistory

[Frank F. Wesbrook @Pres_FFWesbrook]

["It is human nature to translate it [Tuum est] as 'It is your own' which is to eliminate any idea of obligation.... It is very gratifying to me to know that there is an increasing tendency on the part of the students to translate it as 'It's up to you'". - Gibson p. 186]

[Frank F. Wesbrook @Pres_FFWesbrook]

[FFW's last message to staff and students, on opening of UBC's 4th session, 24 Sept. 1918: "To the students new and old, to the Faculty members and to all who derive their opportunities from the university, I would suggest a careful study of the motto, 'Tuum est'... (cont.)]

[Frank F. Wesbrook @Pres_FFWesbrook]

["I shall be glad to see you at any time.... In saying this, I do not wish to interfere in any way with your plan of action because you will be in touch with all matters and both the Board and I have complete confidence in your recommendations." - FFW to Klinck, 31 Aug. 1918]

[Frank F. Wesbrook @Pres_FFWesbrook]

["So far as words can express appreciation of what it means to me and to the institution to have you available, I wish to express them and shall hope to thank you personally at the first opportunity..." - FFW to Klinck, 31 August 1918 - Gibson p. 186] #Wesbrook #UBChistory

[Frank F. Wesbrook @Pres_FFWesbrook]

[FFW steps down from active role as President of UBC, recommends Dean of Agriculture Leonard Klinck to serve as acting president - Gibson, pp. 185-86] #Wesbrook #UBChistory

[Frank F. Wesbrook @Pres_FFWesbrook]

[FFW's secretary Mrs. Rogers: "The doctors have ordered a complete rest and tomorrow the family is proceeding to Caulfield [W. Vancouver], to a summer cottage, where it is hoped that the physicians' orders may be complied with absolutely" - Gibson p. 185] #Wesbrook #UBChistory

[Frank F. Wesbrook @Pres_FFWesbrook]

[Writing to architect Thornton Sharp: "Just now I am at home on the Doctor's orders and am sitting up a few hours each day. My eyes have been bothering me and I cannot see to read.... [I have been] away from the office most of the time for the last five months" - Gibson, p. 184]

[Frank F. Wesbrook @Pres_FFWesbrook]

[Wesbrook's last official communication w. BC govt. re. endowment lands, education of returned soldiers, & tuition fees - this day 100 yrs ago. FFW's vision severely impaired - sec'y. Mrs. Rogers read incoming correspondence to him & signed his outgoing mail - see Gibson p. 184]

[Frank F. Wesbrook @Pres_FFWesbrook]

[UBC graduating classes used to hold a memorial service in honour of President Wesbrook. Read about it in "A Forgotten UBC Tradition" https://t.co/5vdnbCXQOB #UBCTrek #UBChistory #Wesbrook]

[Frank F. Wesbrook @Pres_FFWesbrook]

[For more on President Wesbrook and his diaries, see @UBCArchives's blog post from Oct. 2014 https://t.co/76iObhxOtv.
See also the biography by William C. Gibson "Wesbrook and his university" https://t.co/LkEpxk7G7X ]
#Wesbrook #UBChistory #UBC

[Frank F. Wesbrook @Pres_FFWesbrook]

[The University of British Columbia can be considered Frank Wesbrook’s memorial, but his diaries serve as a reminder of the man behind the birth of our institution.]
#Wesbrook #UBChistory

[Frank F. Wesbrook @Pres_FFWesbrook]

[Those infections spread and led to tooth and gum infections, and later to kidney disease, high blood pressure, heart disease, and blindness.
Wesbrook died on October 20, 1918.]
#Wesbrook #UBChistory #diary

[Frank F. Wesbrook @Pres_FFWesbrook]

[By early 1918 #Wesbrook's health was deteriorating rapidly.
The chronic infections that plagued him for most of his adult life were aggravated by his heavy workload and the mental and emotional strain of guiding the birth and development of a university in war-time.]
#UBChistory

[Frank F. Wesbrook @Pres_FFWesbrook]

University Senate
[typewritten note]
[Wesbrook probably did not attend due to illness]
[*** This is the last entry in UBC President Dr. Frank Fairchild Wesbrook's diary ***]
#Wesbrook #UBChistory #diary

[Frank F. Wesbrook @Pres_FFWesbrook]

Address - Local Council of Women, Victoria.
[typewritten note]
[engagement cancelled due to Wesbrook's severe bronchitis - see tweet of Feb. 2]
#Wesbrook #UBChistory #diary

[Frank F. Wesbrook @Pres_FFWesbrook]

Leave for Victoria - midnight
[typewritten note]
[trip cancelled due to Wesbrook's severe bronchitis - see tweet of Feb. 6]
#Wesbrook #UBChistory #diary

[Frank F. Wesbrook @Pres_FFWesbrook]

["By the sixth {of February 1918}, Wesbrook was ill with severe bronchitis and had to cancel all appointments. As he continued to work from his bed at home, it became obvious to his colleagues that he could make no speaking engagements..." Gibson, "Wesbrook and His University"]