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Senator Norman M. Paterson was born in 1883 in Portage La Prairie, Manitoba. He began working for his father’s grain business before becoming the owner of multiple elevators, and his own grain and transportation business, N. M. Paterson and Sons. He was appointed to the senate in 1940 by then Prime Minister William Lyon Mackenzie King, and retired in 1981.

Outside of the senate and his business, Paterson was charitable, giving to multiple organisations focusing on education and church programs. He became the first Chancellor of Lakehead University in 1965, and held the position until 1971. He died in 1983 at the age of 100. He founded a charity in his name through the Presbyterian Church which is still operating. He was a key figure in Lakehead University's history, and he helped open the library on the Thunder Bay Campus which is named after him.

These records include text and photographs related to the Library's connections with Paterson.

A black and white photograph of Chancellor Paterson Library at Lakehead University.

A typed copy of a speech given by Paterson for the opening of Lakehead University's Library.

A photograph of the main building for Kaministiquia Lumber Company. Description reads, “Main building of Kaministiquia Lumber Company in the 1920’s. A subsidiary of N.M Paterson & Sons Co. Ltd. from the early 1920s to 1954”

A black and white photograph taken of the first elevator company owned by N.M Paterson. Description reads “The first prairie elevator company that N.M Patterson owned. This photo, taken around 1918, shows farmers lining up to empty grain wagons outside the Paterson elevator”

A typed history of Paterson’s career with grain elevators and steamships.

Posters advertising a 100th birthday celebration for Senator Norman M. Paterson held in the Chancellor Paterson Library in 1983.