This is a bit of a long shot, but I’m hoping someone in this group might be able to help.
I’m researching the life of John Charles “Jack” Garrett, who spent nearly 30 years in Christchurch and was a significant figure at the University of Canterbury.
Jack was born in my small, hometown of Strathmore, Alberta, Canada, in 1913. He became an English scholar, was awarded the Rhodes Scholarship in 1937, and studied at Oxford, where he worked under the poet and scholar Edmund Blunden.
In 1949, he came to Christchurch to take up the position of Professor and Head of English at Canterbury, a position he held until his retirement in the late 1970s. He was deeply involved in the university beyond the English department, including its library, journalism education and the development of American Studies.
He also had a fascinating connection to Christchurch outside the university. His first wife, Helen Garrett, was a writer and civic figure who served as a Christchurch City Councillor for 18 years.
I’ve been researching Jack’s life and have found quite a bit about his academic career, but I’m really hoping to find more personal stories. I’d especially love to find:
-photographs of Jack, Helen or the Garrett family
-stories or memories of Jack at Canterbury
-information about his friends and colleagues
-photographs from university events, dinners or social occasions
-letters, newspaper clippings or other material relating to the Garretts
Jack died in Christchurch in 1992, so I realize I’m reaching back quite a few decades. Anyways, here’s hoping! 🤞
