Fonds F1998 - Margaret Sharp Angus fonds

Margaret Sharp Angus (1908 - ), C.M., B.A., L.L.D. was well known both in the Kingston area and nationally as an author, historian and expert on historical preservation.

She was born in Chinook, Montana, the only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ulysses Grant Sharp, grew up in Fort Benton, Montana and graduated in 1930 with an honours degree in history from Montana State University. On the 28th of August 1929 she married William Angus and came to Kingston with him in 1937 when he joined the Faculty of Queen's University. They had two children, Barbara (Mrs. Owen Morgan) and James.

Like her husband, Dr. Angus has had a long association with Queen's University where she has acted as an assistant in the Drama Department, became the Director of Queen's Radio, 1957-1968, and Curator of the University Collection of Canadian Dress, 1968-1985.

It is characteristic of Dr. Angus that she has not waited for things to happen but has taken initiative when she saw the opportunity, her contributions to society came about largely as a result of her own enterprise. For example, the Canadian Dress Collection was created by her initiative and popular interest in Kingston's Architectural heritage dates from the publication of her book, The Old Stones of Kingston.

Over the years Dr. Angus has served as Chair of the Kingston Centennial Committee 1966-7; Kingston Committee of Architectural Review 1970-72; Director of Ontario Historical Studies Series 1972-88; President of the Frontenac Historical Foundation 1973-6, 1979-81; Governor, Heritage Canada 1974-9; Director, Ontario Heritage Foundation 1975-81; Governor, Kingston General Hospital since 1972; consultant, Canadian Historic Sites Division; member Ontario Historical Society (Pres. 1969-71; Architectural Conservancy of Ontario; Kingston Historical Society (Pres. 1972-4); director, Cataraqui Archaeological Research Foundation 1983-4.

She is the author of the books The Old Stones of Kingston, 1966; The Story of Bellevue House, 1967; and History of Kingston General Hospital, 1972. She was a contributor to Oliver Mowat's Ontario 1972; Kingston 300 1973; John A. Lived Here 1984; over 30 short stories on historical subjects for the CBC; 4 documentaries, radio plays and historical studies; series editor Buildings of Architectural and Historic Significance in Kingston. A second volume of History of the Kingston General Hospital is about to be published.

All of this activity has not gone unhonoured. Queen's University granted her an Honourary LL.D. in 1973. She has also been named "Citizen of the Year" by the Kingston Jaycees, 1968; received the Queen's University Alumni Award 1968 and Medal 1975; Cruikshank Gold Medal 1974; Heritage Canada Travel Award 1975; Silver Jubilee Medal 1977; Ontario Association of Architects and Allied Arts Award 1989, Member of the Order of Canada 1991; 125 Anniversary Medal 1992.

Dr. Angus passed away 15 February 2008.