Fonds consists of textual records and photographs by and about Aileen Harmon, as well as collected items. Textual records include: letter from Harmon to the Director of Alberta's provincial parks re addition of Yamnuska area to Bow Valley Provincial Park, 1973; brief, from Harvie Heights and Bow Va…
26.5 cm of textual records. -- 33 photographs (26 prints : b&w and col. ; 20.5 x 30 cm or smaller -- 6 negatives : b&w nitrate negatives ; 12.5 x 10 cm -- 1 transparency : col. slide ; 35 mm)
History / Biographical
Aileen Harmon (1912 - 2015), daughter of Byron Harmon, worked as a government naturalist at Banff, Alberta, Canada and was involved in local natural history groups and activities. Aileen was a founding member, alongside Bruce Gordon, of the Bow Valley Naturalists, and was also on the Board of The Canadian Wildlife Federation and The Society of Alberta Naturalists. Aileen moved to Mill Bay on Vancouver Island, B.C. in 1981 following the end of a lengthy career with Parks Canada. During her retirement years, Aileen travelled extensively, reaching all seven continents. She also authored an autobiographical book, titled "Tales of My Mountain Life", in 2004. Aileen passed away on January 9, 2015 at the age of 102.
Scope & Content
Fonds consists of textual records and photographs by and about Aileen Harmon, as well as collected items. Textual records include: letter from Harmon to the Director of Alberta's provincial parks re addition of Yamnuska area to Bow Valley Provincial Park, 1973; brief, from Harvie Heights and Bow Valley subdivision residents to public hearings on land use and resource development in the eastern slopes, 1973; letter re James Hector, 1979; notes on career, 2003; notes on Catharine Whyte for CBC recording, 2004; Christmas cards and collected articles, ca.1960. Photographs, made by and collected by Aileen Harmon, pertain to Aileen Harmon and friends, skiing, Skoki area, Mount Yamnuska, Banff Indian Days. Includes photographs by Byron Harmon.
Added content from accession 2016.8596 : ca. 25 cm of textual records including personal correspondence, guest book, original writing and notes by Aileen Harmon, personal travel journals from a 1931 packing trip and 1933 ski trip to Skoki, drafts of autobiographical book "Tales of My Mountain Life", articles pertaining to or written by Aileen Harmon, Christmas cards, and letters of condolence to Carole Harmon following Aileen's passing. Also 26 print photographs, 6 negative photographs from a 1937 hiking trip, and one transparency.
Fonds consists of one series :
Series I - Personal records
Fonds constitutes the principal resource for the study of the history of Canadian mountaineering. It provides a wealth of information on individual alpinists, expeditions, mountains, national parks, conservation, climbing, alpine organizations, publications, guiding, scientific study and the Alpin…
ca.42 m of textual records. -- ca.12,500 photographs: prints, stereographic prints, transparencies, slides, negatives, postcards. -- 85 photograph albums. -- 8 motion pictures: films, video recordings. -- 3 sound recordings
History / Biographical
The Alpine Club of Canada, the national mountaineering club, was co-founded in 1906 by A. O. Wheeler and Elizabeth Parker, and other like-minded climbers. The club espoused scientific study and exploration, cultivation of art, public education, acquisition of climbing skills, and preservation of natural areas within the mountainous regions of Canada. Through a national executive, local sections and volunteer committees, the club provided climbing camps, clubhouse, huts, and publications, including the Canadian Alpine Journal. ACC expeditions and projects resulted in pioneer exploration, first ascents, and included mountain warfare training during the Second World War. In recent years, the club's membership has increased dramatically with the popularity of climbing and its programs have evolved to serve the needs of unguided climbers using sophisticated technical aids.
Scope & Content
Fonds constitutes the principal resource for the study of the history of Canadian mountaineering. It provides a wealth of information on individual alpinists, expeditions, mountains, national parks, conservation, climbing, alpine organizations, publications, guiding, scientific study and the Alpine Club itself.
The fonds consists of four Sous-fonds: I. Alpine Club of Canada records; II. Mount Everest Expedition (1982) records; III. Personal papers and photographs; IV. Other material. Club administration records (series I.A.) pertain to executive positions; head office; finance; camps, climbing and treks; expeditions; huts and properties; clubhouses; library; publications; photography; other committees; other activities; and other. Other club records include section records (series I.B.), hut registers and summit records (series I.C.).
Fonds consists of seven series: I. Personal and professional series, 1937-1993 (diaries, correspondence, filing systems and papers pertaining to awards, memberships, biography and other); II. Business series, 1948-1982 (pertaining to guiding, outfitting, trail riding, ranching, Andy Russell and S…
6 m of textual records and printed material. -- ca.6100 photographs : prints, negatives, transparencies. -- 1 photograph album (49 prints). -- 29 motion pictures. -- 5 sound recordings
History / Biographical
Andy Russell, 1915-2005, was a trapper, guide and outfitter, writer, photographer, cinematographer, lecturer and environmental advocate in the Pincher Creek, Alberta, Canada.
Russell was born in Lethbridge, Alberta and spent his childhood on a ranch in the foothills near Pincher Creek. He became a skilled horseman, hunter, fisherman and trapper, and, in 1936, was employed by Bert Riggall, a pioneer guide and outfitter of wilderness pack trips in the southern Rockies since 1907. He became Riggall's partner in 1939 and took over the business when Riggall retired in 1946. Andy Russell and Kathleen (Kay) Riggall married in 1938 and raised five children at their ranch bordering Waterton Lakes National Park, where family businesses included guiding, saddlehorses and ranching. Children are: Richard "Dick" H. (b.1938); Andrew Charles "Charlie" (b.1941); Harold John "John" (b.1944); Hugh Gordon Riggall "Gordon" (b.1947); Lorenda Anne "Anne" (b.1952).
Russell continued as a renowned guide and outfitter with a wealthy repeat clientele until he was forced out of guiding by 1960 with the advance of the oil industry concerns upon wilderness areas in southern Alberta and British Columbia. Russell began to write nature articles in 1945 and after 1960 concentrated upon writing, photography, film making, lecturing and ranching. He wrote for numerous magazines and newspapers, produced radio broadcasts, and, using colour motion picture photography, developed programs on wildlife and wilderness habitat research for live public performances. Russell's films launched his career as an author of popular wildlife and mountain culture books, which included Grizzly Country. In later years, he was an active writer, consultant and advocate of wilderness and environmental management and received numerous awards and honours, including Member of the Order of Canada.
Scope & Content
Fonds consists of seven series: I. Personal and professional series, 1937-1993 (diaries, correspondence, filing systems and papers pertaining to awards, memberships, biography and other); II. Business series, 1948-1982 (pertaining to guiding, outfitting, trail riding, ranching, Andy Russell and Sons, royalties and lecturing); III. Writing, broadcasting and public appearances series, 1908-1990 (papers and photographs pertaining to writing, book projects, columns, broadcasts, reviews, advertising, promotion and other); IV. Photography and cinematography series, 1909-1990 (details below); V. Wildlife study and conservation activities series, 1945-[198-]; VI. Other activities series, 1931-[199-] (politics, interviews, information files); VII. Russell family series, [1867]-1983.
Photography and cinematography series consists of: Riggall/Russell guiding activity photographs, 1909-1962, ca.280 items; Andy Russell and Sons Production Ltd / Andy Russell professional photographs and films, ca.1940- ca.1990, ca.4200 photographs (mainly transparencies), 28 motion pictures, accompanied by some textual and printed items; personal and family photographs, 1916-1989, ca.1550 items; collected photographs, ca.1940-197-, ca.75 items. Professional photography and cinematography primarily arose from field work by Andy, Dick and Charlie Russell and pertains mainly to flora, fauna and landscape of the Canadian Rockies in continental divide region, British Columbia, Yukon and Alaska.
Motion pictures, ca.1950-1974, include original film "Grizzly Country" by Dick, Charlie and Andy Russell, produced by Evan J. Anton, ca.1969, copy print of same; also unedited wildlife and landscape footage of Waterton area, Yukon and British Columbia.
Sound recordings are interviews with Andy Russell, [ca.1970]-1988.
Fonds consists of personal and business papers regarding automobile traffic, visitation and tourism in Banff National Park, east gate; clippings and ephemera regarding history and personalities of the Bow Valley; prints and copy negatives pertaining mainly to Exshaw, Rocky Mountains Park entrance, …
4 cm textual records: originals and photocopies. -- ca.45 photographs: prints, postcards, copy negatives
History / Biographical
Annie Staple, 1883-1973, was born in Shrawley, Worcestershire, England. While working as a caregiver in a hospital in Derbyshire, she met Tom Staple. Annie and Tom were married in 1907 and immigrated to Canada. Tom became a warden for Rocky Mountains Park in 1913. Tom's assigned area was Kananaskis and a house (Gateway Lodge) was built for Tom and Annie between Kananaskis and Exshaw in 1916. In addition to area patrols, Tom's warden duties included issuing permits to visitors entering the park by automobile. The permit process included sealing guns, collecting park fees and distributing metal plates (the precursor to the park pass system). During Tom's absences, Annie issued the permits to automobile visitors. In 1916 Annie became the gatekeeper of the east-gate, which at that time was a table set up at the side of the road. Tom Staple died in 1919 while Annie was pregnant with their fourth child. Annie continued to work as the keeper of the east gate until 1948, when she retired.
In 1930 the park boundary was moved west of Canmore and while the entrance was under construction, Parks authorities relocated Annie to the west entrance of Yoho Park. Annie worked the winter of 1930-1931 at the Upper Hot Springs in Banff and returned to her position as keeper of the east gate in the spring of 1931. Construction of the new gate and a residence for Annie and her family lasted six years and during this period, the park boundary was moved again.
Following her retirement in 1948, Annie Staple moved to Seebe to live with her daughter's family and in 1953, she moved to Calgary to live with her sister, Nellie Whitburn. Following Nellie's death, Annie returned to live with her daughter's family in Canmore.
Annie and Tom Staple had four children, Joyce (1909-2001), Tom (1912-1941), Geoffrey (1913-1973), and Albert b.1920.
Scope & Content
Fonds consists of personal and business papers regarding automobile traffic, visitation and tourism in Banff National Park, east gate; clippings and ephemera regarding history and personalities of the Bow Valley; prints and copy negatives pertaining mainly to Exshaw, Rocky Mountains Park entrance, Spray River warden cabin, Lake Minnewanka and Banff; postcards views of Banff and Rocky Mountains by Byron Harmon and Wm. J. Gibbons.
Fonds pertains to Baker family, Glacier House and area, ca.1902-1916; also pack trip, Laggan to Jasper and Kootenay Plains, Alberta, 1926. Many views are unidentified. Album was assembled by Sydney Baker.
Sydney Baker, 1880-1948, was an outfitter and photographer at Banff, Alberta and Glacier, British Columbia, Canada. Baker married Elizabeth "Bessie" Simpson Walker in Banff, ca.1902. Syd Baker operated the Canadian Pacific Railway concession at Glacier House from 1905 until 1915, while Bessie had a curio tent there. Children, Muriel (1907-1976), Jack (1911-ca.1992) and Hiram (b.1914) accompanied the Bakers on a 1926 trip through Syd Baker's 1902 trapping / guiding territory. After 1915, Baker lived in Vancouver, where he operated a photography business and bookstore.
Scope & Content
Fonds pertains to Baker family, Glacier House and area, ca.1902-1916; also pack trip, Laggan to Jasper and Kootenay Plains, Alberta, 1926. Many views are unidentified. Album was assembled by Sydney Baker.
Fonds consists of ephemera and video recordings. Ephemera includes programme notes, 1974, 1975, re Boris Roubakine and Roubakine Hall; list of painting instructors for 1936 to 1974; letters, agendas, minutes and reports for the Annual Banff Festival of Mountain Films, 1981-1984. Video recordings …
The Banff Centre for the Arts of an institution of advanced education at Banff, Alberta, Canada. It was founded as the Banff School of Fine Arts in 1933.
Scope & Content
Fonds consists of ephemera and video recordings. Ephemera includes programme notes, 1974, 1975, re Boris Roubakine and Roubakine Hall; list of painting instructors for 1936 to 1974; letters, agendas, minutes and reports for the Annual Banff Festival of Mountain Films, 1981-1984. Video recordings are: interview with Paul Stutz by Margot La Rocque, 1982; "Man and Mountain," Bruno Engler's reminiscences of early days at Sunshine, by Sandra Dolan, 1985; interview with Jon Whyte for "Travelogue Four" project, 1991; "Travelogue Four: Coming from the Wrong Side," 1992.
Fonds consists of records in the form of drafts, columns, notes, press releases and photographs in numbered and dated files. Also includes photographic prints pertaining to town and national park events, including the Banff National Park Centennial in 1985, acquired separately from above records.
ca.40 cm of textual records. -- ca. 84,528 photographs: ca.10,528 prints, ca.74,000 negatives, 7 computer diskettes, 3 CD-ROM, 2 zip disks.
History / Biographical
The Banff Crag and Canyon, est. 1900, is a weekly newspaper published every Tuesday in Banff, Alberta, Canada by Bowes Publishers Limited. The newspaper is directed at local area residents and visitors covering news, sports and entertainment in the Town of Banff and area.
Scope & Content
Fonds consists of records in the form of drafts, columns, notes, press releases and photographs in numbered and dated files. Also includes photographic prints pertaining to town and national park events, including the Banff National Park Centennial in 1985, acquired separately from above records.
Fonds consists of administrative records in the form of correspondence, minutes, judging files, evaluations, grant applications, financial records and other, 1970-1995; newsletters, 1975-1977; programs and posters, 1970-1979; and also records pertaining to the Alberta Winter Games, 1976; and the So…
ca.1 m of textual records. -- 60 photographs: 15 prints, 45 negatives.
History / Biographical
The Banff Figure Skating Club, est.1970, promotes figure skating skills in children. Program involves professional instructors, testing, events, etc. The club is affiliated with the Canadian Figure Skating Association and is successor to the Figure Skating Club of Banff.
Scope & Content
Fonds consists of administrative records in the form of correspondence, minutes, judging files, evaluations, grant applications, financial records and other, 1970-1995; newsletters, 1975-1977; programs and posters, 1970-1979; and also records pertaining to the Alberta Winter Games, 1976; and the Southern Alberta Figure Skating sub-section competition, 1970. Photographs are primarily colour and relate to Club events and members. Included are 2 signed b&w portraits of Brian Orser and Brian Boitano.
Consists of five series. I. Minutes, 1964-1991, ca.20 cm of textual records; II. Administrative files, 1974-1991, ca.156 cm of textual records; III. Other records, 1958-1985, 10.5 cm and 14 v.; IV. Publications, 1977-1991, 2 cm of printed material; V. Photographs and films, ca.1970-1988, 143 photo…
2 m of textual records. -- 143 photographs : transparencies, prints. -- 7 motion pictures : films, video recordings
Scope & Content
Consists of five series. I. Minutes, 1964-1991, ca.20 cm of textual records; II. Administrative files, 1974-1991, ca.156 cm of textual records; III. Other records, 1958-1985, 10.5 cm and 14 v.; IV. Publications, 1977-1991, 2 cm of printed material; V. Photographs and films, ca.1970-1988, 143 photographs and 7 motion pictures. Records pertain mainly to Chamber of Commerce operations and Banff events.
Fonds includes minutes, agenda and other meeting material; correspondence; administrative, building, architectural and other reports; financial records; newsclippings and brochures; also related minutes of the Banff Library Board, survey results and other materials. Includes material pertaining to …
The Committee was a planning and fundraising body for library / seniors centre, Banff, Alberta, Canada. It was formed in 1980 through the initiative of the Banff Library Board and was composed of representatives of Banff School District No. 102, Banff Library, senior citizens groups, library users and community groups. The committee was responsible for raising 300 thousand dollars towards building construction costs.
Scope & Content
Fonds includes minutes, agenda and other meeting material; correspondence; administrative, building, architectural and other reports; financial records; newsclippings and brochures; also related minutes of the Banff Library Board, survey results and other materials. Includes material pertaining to lease arrangements with the Peter and Catharine Whyte Foundation and Parks Canada; needs assessment for library, drop-in and senior centre; and facilities and building planning.
Notes
Includes bound volume of records, 1981, which has incorrect title on the spine.
Fonds consists of correspondence re establishment and premises, 1949-1961; constitution and minutes, 1949-2006; miscellaneous textual items, including poster, blueprint and calendar of community events, 1974-1976; and a sound recording of the Banff Library/Seniors Centre opening ceremony, April 20,…
6 cm of textual records. -- 1 sound recording : audio tape reel; 217cm of unprocessed textual and visual material
History / Biographical
The Banff Public Library, also known as the Banff Library, was initially sponsored by local service groups in various premises, including the Banff Clinic, 1949-1961, a home on the Whyte property, 1961-1967, and in the Peter and Catharine Whyte Foundation building (now Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies) from 1968-1985. In 1985, the Banff Public Library relocated to the lower floor of the new Banff Library/Seniors Centre, and in 1990 the library came under the jurisdiction of the new Town of Banff.
Scope & Content
Fonds consists of correspondence re establishment and premises, 1949-1961; constitution and minutes, 1949-2006; miscellaneous textual items, including poster, blueprint and calendar of community events, 1974-1976; and a sound recording of the Banff Library/Seniors Centre opening ceremony, April 20, 1985.
Unprocessed Includes:
Box 1 consists of Banff Public Library minutes 1949 to 1994
Box 2 consists of Banff Public Library minutes 1995 to 2006
Box 3 consists of: Banff Public Library Needs Assessment, 1987, Banff Public Library Collection Assessment Project January – April 1995, Banff Public Library Renovations 1998, Banff Public Library Bylaws & Policy (1983?), Banff Public Library Plan of Service, By-Laws & Policy (1994?), Banff Public Library Rules & Regulations (1953-54?), George Stacey, Proposed Library Philosophy 1981, and Banff Public Library Goals & Objectives 1998, and Minutes of the Banff Library/Seniors’ Centre Building Committee.
Also included is Proposed Banff Seniors’s Centre/Library Complex: Proposed Financing and funds, Proposal for Architectural Services, Budget for Construction and Consulting costs, Site Plan.
Documents regarding establishing a Building Committee: Letter from George Stacey, Secretary-Treasurer, Banff Library Board to W. R. Roberge, Chairman, Banff School District No. 102 requesting School District representation on the Building Committee and List of Committee members
Other various documents included are: Library Building Program Checklist, Review and remarks of the Building Committee’s visit to Lacombe, Space & design requirements; Fundraising, Planning, Clippings, One file “Banff Public Library up to 1962 clippings (incl. 1949 & before), Nine files labelled 1990-91, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999 containing newspaper clippings, advertisements, and programme posters. Also included: library logo contest c. 1985, One blue receipt book containing receipts for fundraising donations for the new library at 101 Bear St. c. 1982-83, Seniors’ Centre: Plans, Anticipated Needs and Suggestions, Library Citizen Survey, and Space Plan April 1981
Leasehold Correspondence
Letter; E. J. Hart, Administrator, Peter and Catharine Whyte Foundation to George Stacey, Secretary/Treasurer Banff Library Board
Letter; George Stacey, Secretary/Treasurer Banff Library Board to Cliff White, President, Peter and Catharine Whyte Foundation
Letter; Lee Racine, Building and Development Officer, Parks Canada, Banff Township Office to Patricia Langridge, Chairperson Banff Library/Seniors’ Centre Building Committee
Letter; Patricia Langridge, Chairperson Banff Library/Seniors’ Centre Building Committee to Mr. Tom Ross, Acting Superintendent, Banff National Park
Letter; E. J. Hart, Administrator, Peter and Catharine Whyte Foundation to Patricia Langridge, Chairperson Banff Library/Seniors’ Centre Building Committee
Letter: Patricia E. McNamee, Librarian/Secretary/Treasurer, Banff Public Library to Patricia Langridge, Chairperson Banff Library/Seniors’ Centre Building Committee
Letter: Patricia E. McNamee, Librarian/Secretary/Treasurer, Banff Public Library to Patricia Langridge, Chairperson Banff Library/Seniors’ Centre Building Committee
Box 4
Two small green photograph albums
Banff Public Library 1984-1989
Banff Public Library 2003-2007 Programming, staff events, renovations
Fourteen photos mounted on foam core with a sheet of paper describing the images. Copied and mounted by Chic Scott for a library celebration c. 2005.
Box 5
Two guest books containing visitor comments from 1999 and 2000
One file of negatives – ca. 1970? to 2000? and 1 CD-R disc containing 109 J-PEG photos dating 2000-2007
One VHS containing the Much Music Snowjob event, March 1995 containing a segment filmed in the library (staff Margaret Watson & Max Elliott).
Special program event posters
Fonds consists of three series: I. Textual records, 1973-1997; II. Photographs, ca.1960-1989; III. Moving Images, 1991-1992. Textual material consists of administrative and operational records in the form of files of reports, transcripts, letters, minutes of meetings, legal papers, lists, registra…
1.4 m textual records. -- ca.4500 photographs: ca.3100 prints, ca.1000 negatives, ca.400 transparencies. -- 2 video tape recordings: VHS
History / Biographical
Banff Winter Festival, successor to Banff Winter Carnival, was coordinated under the Chamber of Commerce until 1986. After that time it operated in association with the Recreation and Culture Department of what is now the Town of Banff. The Banff Winter Festival Society was founded in 1988 and has operated in conjunction with the Banff-Lake Louise Tourism Bureau since 1994.
Scope & Content
Fonds consists of three series: I. Textual records, 1973-1997; II. Photographs, ca.1960-1989; III. Moving Images, 1991-1992. Textual material consists of administrative and operational records in the form of files of reports, transcripts, letters, minutes of meetings, legal papers, lists, registrations, advertising, poster entries, handbills and print material. Photographs pertain mainly to festival events, activities, including the Festival Queen contest. Videos pertain to 1991 and 1992 Banff Winter Festivals.
Fonds consists of sample report cards from the Mountain School, 1939; manuscripts, clippings, etc. re Mineral Springs Hospital and Brett Hospital history and nursing, ca.1956-1965; "The Mountain School: a dream come true" by Susan J. Webb, 1978, re Margaret and Henry Greenham and their private scho…
.5 cm of textual records. -- 6 photographs : prints
History / Biographical
Barbara Webb, d.2004, was a former Banff, Alberta, Canada resident who attended the Mountain School as a girl
Scope & Content
Fonds consists of sample report cards from the Mountain School, 1939; manuscripts, clippings, etc. re Mineral Springs Hospital and Brett Hospital history and nursing, ca.1956-1965; "The Mountain School: a dream come true" by Susan J. Webb, 1978, re Margaret and Henry Greenham and their private school; photographs pertaining to the Sanitarium, Brett Hospital, Henry Greenham, Rotary Club of Banff, ca.1890-ca.1945.
Fonds consist of six separate series: A. Motion Picture; B. Photograph Albums; C. Negatives; D. Copy Negatives; E. Film Transparencies; F. Written Materials. Fonds consists mainly of photographs pertaining to Barbara and Dave White, family, friends, activities, friends; Barbara and Ruth Carpenter, …
Barbara Carpenter, 1907-2000, and her twin sister, Ruth Carpenter, 1907-1932, married Dave (Jack) White and Alan Mather respectively, of Banff, in 1931. Barbara Whyte adopted an alternate family name spelling. Barbara Whyte and her children, David, Barbara, Harold and Jon, later moved to Medicine Hat, Alberta.
Scope & Content
Fonds consist of six separate series: A. Motion Picture; B. Photograph Albums; C. Negatives; D. Copy Negatives; E. Film Transparencies; F. Written Materials. Fonds consists mainly of photographs pertaining to Barbara and Dave White, family, friends, activities, friends; Barbara and Ruth Carpenter, wedding and as children; Carpenter family; Dave White Jr. and White family; Jon Whyte, 1941-ca.1960; Banff people, places, events; other. Includes photographs by George Noble re banjo promotion; include Cliff White Sr. and Chief Calf Child. Also includes obituary of Ruth Carpenter Mather; birth notice for Barbara Jayne Whyte, ca.1933; nursery rhymes by Florence Carpenter, n.d.; and biography of Jon Whyte by Barbara Whyte, 1992, 6 pages. Textual records also include a register ca.1941-1955 of room rentals at the Whyte House, 111 Bear Street, a marriage certificate for Allan Mather and Ruth Carpenter as well as various diplomas for Ruth (Mather) and Barbara Carpenter (Whyte).
Fonds consists of materials pertaining to Ben Gadd's personal life and career as an environmental researcher, educator, interpretive guide, publisher, public speaker and author, ca.1956-2018. Fonds includes maps, research materials, publication notes/drafts, correspondence, contracts, photographs, …
ca. 7.9 metres of textual records -- ca. 274 maps -- 29 VHS tapes -- ca.15 discs with digital files -- 21 cassettes -- photographs -- oversized materials -- USB stick with 15 sldeshows
History / Biographical
Ben Gadd (1946-) is a retired naturalist, guide, geologist, instructor, freelance writer and award-winning author based in the Canadian Rockies.
Ben was born in Colorado Springs, Colorado in 1946. He met his wife, Cia (Langdon) Gadd at Colorado College in 1965, and the couple married four weeks later. Ben and Cia had two sons, Will and Toby. Ben and his family relocated to Jasper in the late 1960s. Ben later attended the University of Lethbridge and graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Earth Science in 1972.
Between 1976 and 1980, Ben taught classes at Mount Royal College and the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology; he later taught additional classes at Grant MacEwan College and Lakeland College. From 1981, Ben also worked as a seasonal naturalist/guide for Parks Canada. Ben left Parks Canada in 1985 to start an independent naturalist guiding business with Cia based in Jasper and other parts of the Canadian Rockies, which the couple continued to operate for over two decades.
Ben published his best-known work, "Handbook of the Canadian Rockies", through his publishing company Corax Press in 1986. The second edition of "Handbook of the Canadian Rockies" received multiple awards after its release in 1995. Ben's fiction book, "Raven's End" won the title of Best Canadian Rockies Book at the Banff Mountain Film and Book Festival in 2001 and became a Canadian bestseller. Overall, Ben has authored or co-authored 11 books and received nearly one dozen awards for his achievements as a writer, researcher and guide.
Ben continued to lead guided hikes and school programs until his retirement in 2016.
Scope & Content
Fonds consists of materials pertaining to Ben Gadd's personal life and career as an environmental researcher, educator, interpretive guide, publisher, public speaker and author, ca.1956-2018. Fonds includes maps, research materials, publication notes/drafts, correspondence, contracts, photographs, video and sound recordings, and other related material. Materials donated in 2024 include one USB stick containing
Notes
Ben Gadd fonds arrangement:
Series I : Personal records
- Subseries A : Travel guides and maps
- Subseries B : Education and early writings
- Subseries C : Personal interest files
- Subseries D : Other personal and collected
Series II : Research and publication records
- Subseries A : Handbook of the Canadian Rockies
- Subseries B : Other publications
Series III : Professional records
- Subseries A : Parks Canada Records
- Subseries B : Interpretive guiding
- Subseries C : Teaching records
- Subseries D : Other contracts and projects
Series IV : Legal and financial records
- Subseries A : Legal records
- Subseries B : Financial records
Fonds includes seven series: I. Personal and professional, 1884-1959; II. Business and financial, ca.1910-1959; III. Professional photography, 1900-1955; IV. Writing, 1906-1957; V. Natural history, 1904-1954; VI. Other interests, 1913-1956; VII. Riggall family, ca.1865-1959. Personal and pro…
ca.13,100 photographs: ca.7080 prints, ca.5310 negatives, ca.700 transparencies. -- 9 photograph albums. -- ca.2 m textual records, print material and graphic records. -- 33 cartographic records
History / Biographical
Frederick Herbert (Bert) Riggall, 1884-1959, was a mountain guide, outfitter, hunter, trapper, rancher, naturalist, photographer, writer and gunsmith/loader in southern Alberta. Born in 1884 at Gayton-le-Wold Grange, Lincolnshire, his family moved to Grimsby where his father was an auctioneer and, in 1905, served as Mayor. In England, Riggall was an athlete, avid sportsman and naturalist. He was exposed to alpine country on school holidays in Switzerland and, determined to visit Canada, left for North America in 1904.
Upon arriving in western Canada, Riggall worked for a year at Craighurst Farm near Calgary. There he met Dorothea (Dora) Williams, 1877-1951, an Irish Quaker ranch cook who had emigrated with her sister Anna in 1902. In 1905, Bert worked on the Correction Land Survey in southwestern Alberta and explored Waterton Lakes. Bert and Dora married in 1906 and until 1946 they homesteaded and ranched adjacent to Waterton Lakes National Park.
Initially, Bert and partner Jack Hazzard built boats and guided fishing parties on Waterton Lakes. In 1909, with partner Cyril Watmough, the Riggalls began guiding and outfitting summer and fall hunting and fishing trips for numerous repeat clients, especially, after 1913, four Minneapolis, Minnesota families: Bovey, Crosby, Bennett and McKnight. Hunts involved Big Horn Sheep, goats, black and grizzly bears. Bert served as chief guide and Dora as camp cook. Prior to 1911, the Riggalls worked at Gloyne's oil camp and Oil City to supplement their income. In 1911, Bert and partner Cyril Watmough made a 1000 mile (1600 km) exploratory trip from Fort Steele, B.C. to the Yellowhead Pass and beyond. Following that trip, Riggall concentrated guiding activities on the continental divide as far north as the Highwood region, but primarily in the upper Oldman River Valley and Gap in the Livingstone Range. Their outfit grew to include numerous saddle and pack horses.
Of five children, only two daughters survived infancy. Kay Riggall (Russell), 1909-1984, and Doris (Babe) Riggall (Burton), 1910-1999, were both able riders, markswomen and packtrain workers. They accompanied their parents on summer back country trips starting in 1918. Bert Riggall was renowned for his knowledge of botany, geology, zoology, wilderness life and lore as well as literature and current affairs. He was especially endeared to his clients for his skill as a raconteur and campfire storyteller. He wrote articles for magazines such as: Arms and the Man, American Rifleman, Field and Stream and the Boone and Crockett Club's book: North American Big Game. Riggall was an accomplished semi-professional photographer who specialized in wildlife studies, panoramic landscapes, Dufaycolor and later Kodachrome transparencies. His photographs appear in Department of Interior Reports and other publications.
Bert's heart problems forced the Riggalls to move to Pincher Creek in 1947. Daughter Kay and son-in-law Andy Russell continued the packtrain and guiding business until 1960. After Dora's death, Bert experienced medical problems and lived with or close to Doris.
Scope & Content
Fonds includes seven series: I. Personal and professional, 1884-1959; II. Business and financial, ca.1910-1959; III. Professional photography, 1900-1955; IV. Writing, 1906-1957; V. Natural history, 1904-1954; VI. Other interests, 1913-1956; VII. Riggall family, ca.1865-1959.
Personal and professional series consists of diaries and notes, correspondence and personal papers.
Business and financial series consists of guiding and ranching records, gunsmithing, shooting and loading records; and legal and financial records.
Professional photography series consists of standard photographs, panoramas, transparencies and textual records
Writing series contains manuscripts, published magazines, book outlines, newspaper articles and letters to the editor
Natural history series contains bird and plant records, and other natural history papers
Other interests series consist of clippings, annotated books and collected material
Riggall family series contains Bert and Dora Riggall family papers and photographs, Williams family photographs, Frederick W. and Fanny Riggall papers and photographs, and Allan Riggall papers and photographs. Negatives and transparencies pertain to Andy Russell as a young man with Bert Riggall.
Notes
Some transparencies in V110 Dick Russell are marked Andy Russell, some marked 64 dup; V110 - original transparencies have full set of duplicates (2 sets were made, 1 for Dick Russell and the other is part of this accession)
Fonds includes textual material in the form of a manuscript, ephemera and photographs made by and collected by Bill de Haan. The manuscript is titled "Photographs to accompany P. M. Sauders report of snow survey in the vicinity of Lake Louise . . . June 14, 1918." Also includes posters and calend…
ca.220 photographs : prints, transparencies. -- ca.1 cm of textual records
History / Biographical
Bill de Haan, b.1903, was a hotel worker, labourer and government worker at Banff, Alberta, Canada. De Haan came to Banff in 1944 after working across Canada. From ca.1950 to ca.1968, he worked for Banff National Park at Tunnel Mountain campground, the east park gate and the warden service equipment building. After 1968, de Haan was a volunteer at the government fish hatchery in Banff. An avid photographer, de Haan was a member of the Bow Valley Camera Club. He photographed wildflowers and warden cabins throughout the park.
Scope & Content
Fonds includes textual material in the form of a manuscript, ephemera and photographs made by and collected by Bill de Haan. The manuscript is titled "Photographs to accompany P. M. Sauders report of snow survey in the vicinity of Lake Louise . . . June 14, 1918." Also includes posters and calendar pertaining to Banff National Park and Banff Indian Days. Photographs pertain mainly to cabins, including warden cabins, Banff National Park, 1963-1966; also Brett family, early Banff and area, Bankhead, Canmore cemetery (1975); flooding along Bow River, 1972; and construction of archives and library building, 1967-1968, (now Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies).
Fonds consists of photographic business records of professional photographer Bill Gibbons in three series: I. Commercial black and white series, ca.1945-ca.1958, ca.5400 photographs; II. Canadian Rockies colour series, ca.1945-ca.1990, predominant ca.1966-ca.1972, ca.8000 photographs; III. Other …
Fonds consists of the private business records of Bill Gibbons. Some photographs may have been made by employees.
Date Range
[ca.1945-ca.1990]
Physical Description
ca.13,404 photographs: negatives, prints, transparencies, albums, postcards. -- 2.5 cm textual records
History / Biographical
W. J. L. "Bill" Gibbons, 1914-1994 , was a professional photographer at Banff, Alberta, Canada from 1945 until 1959. Gibbons came to Canada in 1941 and settled in Banff after the war with his wife, Ella Mae (Becker), a Banff native. He established British Photographic Laboratories, with partners Lou Crosby and Jack Anderson, in the basement of the Mount Royal Hotel, moving later to street-level. Bill and Ella Mae Gibbons travelled throughout the mountain parks photographing views for sale in the Banff shop. These were offered as hand-coloured prints, with much of the colouring done or supervised by Ella Mae.
Later the business expanded to include colour postcards and slide sets. Gibbons employed other photographers, such as Bruno Engler, for specialty work, such as ski photography, and the Banff studio also did portraiture. Gibbons himself did most of the 4 x 5 format landscape work and made extensive use of models, many of who were young women employed by his Banff store. In 1959, Gibbons sold his business to a group of Banff businessmen and moved to Vancouver. In subsequent years, he continued to be active as a photographer and in publishing, working in different areas of the world. He made several photographic trips through the mountain parks, ca.1966-1972.
Scope & Content
Fonds consists of photographic business records of professional photographer Bill Gibbons in three series: I. Commercial black and white series, ca.1945-ca.1958, ca.5400 photographs; II. Canadian Rockies colour series, ca.1945-ca.1990, predominant ca.1966-ca.1972, ca.8000 photographs; III. Other black and white series, ca. 1947, 4 photographs.
I. Commercial black and white series consists of six sub-series: A. Portraits and documentary views, 1945-1950, 2437 negatives (individual and group portraits, weddings, conferences, events, buildings, facilities and places; Banff and area); B. Banff School of Fine Arts, ca.1949, 277 negatives (privately produced views of classes, group portraits, activities, buildings and facilities); C. "S" sub-series, ca.1950, 1220 negatives (scenic views in the vicinity of Banff, Lake Louise, Banff-Jasper Highway, Jasper National Park, Radium and Columbia Valley, British Columbia and Pacific Coast, First Nations views); D. "T" sub-series, ca.1950, 482 negatives (scenic and commercial views, mainly Jasper, Banff-Jasper Highway and Lake Louise areas); E. Rolliflex and panorama negatives, 1949-1958, 584 negatives (Banff Winter Carnival, Banff School of Fine Arts, and Banff and area); F. Other, ca.1945-1951, 364 items (material similar to that in other series, some unidentified). Accompanied by small number of prints and postcards; also, publication: "Photographing the Canadian Rockies" by Bill J. L. Gibbons, 1948.
II. Canadian Rockies colour series consists of four sub-series: A. CR1 to CR84, ca.1966-ca.1972, ca.260 prints; B. CR1 to CR443, ca.1966-ca.1972, ca.5130 photographs; C. CR35-2 to CR35-81, ca.1966-ca.1972, ca.2310 photographs; D. Other photographs, ca.1945-ca.1990. Series consists primarily of commercial colour negatives and corresponding proof prints pertaining to Banff, Jasper and Yoho National Parks, also some transparencies and oversize display prints.
III. Other black and white series. Series consists of 2 black and white prints of crash landing at Sunshine with Al Gaetz and Dick Pike, 1947 and two copy negatives with prints of Bruno Engler and Ella Mae Gibbons, ca.1947.
Textual records are record book, 1945-1953, 62 p; and book layout.
Fonds consists of three series: I. Mountain travel and recreation, western Canada (A. Trips and activities, 1931-1992; B. General, between 1928 and 1960). II. Personal (A. Photography notes, 1938-1996; B. World travel, ca.1930-ca.1950; C. Personal photographs, 1927-ca.1955). III. Other, between ca…
Robin Cyril (Bob) Hind, 1911-2000, was an electrical engineer and mountaineer at Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Hind was born on a farm in northern Alberta was educated at the University of Alberta, Edmonton. He was a Life Member of ACC, joining in 1933, and attended over 30 ACC camps, often with his family. Hind received the Silver Rope Award in 1935, was recipient of Centennial Medal, and served the ACC in offices of President, Vice-President and Chairman of Hut Committee.
In 1948, Bob Hind married Margaret (Peggy) Trotter, a fellow mountaineer and skier. Together they had two children. After Peggy Hind was killed in an avalanche in 1955, Hind married Marjory Bugler, and the couple had three more children. Marjory (Marj) Hind was a homemaker and mountaineer.
During his extensive mountaineering career, Bob Hind climbed most of the significant peaks in Rockies and Selkirks, including some first ascents. He also climbed in Wales and the Alps. Hind was active in the Calgary Tennis Club, the Boy Scout movement and was a member of the American Alpine Club and The Alpine Club, London. Bob Hind worked on electrical projects in Canada and Europe.
Scope & Content
Fonds consists of three series: I. Mountain travel and recreation, western Canada (A. Trips and activities, 1931-1992; B. General, between 1928 and 1960). II. Personal (A. Photography notes, 1938-1996; B. World travel, ca.1930-ca.1950; C. Personal photographs, 1927-ca.1955). III. Other, between ca.1925 and ca.1955.
Series I consists of photographs, motion pictures and textual records pertaining to mountaineering, hiking, travel, Alpine Club of Canada camps and activities in western Canada by Bob Hind, Bob and Marj Hind, and the Hind family.
Collection consists mainly of postcard views of Banff, Lake Louise and areas by various photographers, including Byron Harmon, J. Howard A. Chapman, S. J. Thompson and R. H. Trueman. Also, includes hand-coloured prints of Lake Louise, one by Alfred Blyth.
Bob Holscher was a postcard collector at Banff, Alberta, Canada.
Scope & Content
Collection consists mainly of postcard views of Banff, Lake Louise and areas by various photographers, including Byron Harmon, J. Howard A. Chapman, S. J. Thompson and R. H. Trueman. Also, includes hand-coloured prints of Lake Louise, one by Alfred Blyth.