As the contents of these files reveal, Daniel Lacelle was heavily involved with the Mechanics’ Institute from the period of 1983 to 1988, most notably as the Secretary of the General Board of Management. He held the position of Honorary Secretary for the year of 1984 and Secretary for 1985 and 1986. In 1985 and 1986 he was also a member of the Finance Sub-committee. In 1987 and 1988 he remained an Officer on the board.
These files were given to the Atwater Library in 1997 by Lafleur Brown, his former employer. The contents of these files are very revealing of the activities of the Institute during this period, especially due to Mr. Lacelle’s legal expertise. He was very involved in several legal matters and retained paperwork documenting by-law changes, the activities surrounding the start-up of the Computer Centre, the process of applying for tax-exemption, and several hiring processes of staff members for the library. He also kept meeting minutes and Annual Reports, as well as handwritten notes taken during meetings. Some lists of members during this period can be found in these files. As well, copies of the 1845 Act of Incorporation and the original Deed of Sale for the property the Atwater Library presently owns are in these files.
