Fonds consists of two sous-fonds: M521 and V75.
M521 consists of four series, 154 cm, ca.1870-2002. Series I: Dorothy Wardle Personal Papers, 69.5 cm, ca.1870-2002 (includes Dorothy's written work and research and notes related to Banff). Series II: Wardle Family, 32.5 cm, 1872-1998 (including cor…
154 cm of textual records. -- 1304 photographs (1190 prints, 95 negatives, 19 transparencies). -- 6 photograph albums.
History / Biographical
The Wardle family was comprised of husband and wife, James Morey Wardle (June 26,1888 - May 18,1971) and Maud Leette (Roney) Wardle (May 24,1889 - December 1,1969), and their one child, Dorothy Hope Wardle (May 23,1919 - July 20,2003).
James Wardle, born in Chiliwack, British Columbia, was a civil engineer and public servant. He was the Superintendent of Banff National Park from 1918-1921, Chief Engineer for Parks Canada from 1921-1935, and Deputy Minister of the Interior from 1935-1936. He is primarily known as a highway design engineer, particularly for building the Banff-Windermere, Banff-Lake Louise, and Banff-Jasper highways. He was a councillor for the Municipality of Rockcliffe Park in Ontario and he was the President of the Trail Riders of the Canadian Rockies in Banff from 1925-1929. Mount Wardle in Vermillion was named after him in 1921. James married Leette on November 4, 1913, with whom he had one child, Dorothy.
Born in Calgary, Alberta, Dorothy (also known as Dot and Dorie) grew up in Banff, Alberta and Ottawa, Ontario, due to her father's position with the federal government. She was educated at the Mountain School in Banff and at the Elmwood School in Ottawa. All three family members were graduates of Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario. James graduated in 1912 with a Bachelor of Science in Engineering, Leette graduated with a Bachelor's degree, and in 1942, Dorothy also earned a Bachelor's degree. Dorothy was prominent in student life and active in athletics. In 1941, Dorothy became the first woman elected as President of the Alma Mater Society and during her academic career, Dorothy was a member of the Levana Intercollegiate Debative, University Centenary Committee, and Queen’s War Aid Commission.
Dorothy spent her career as a freelance writer however, upon graduation she served as the first Secretary-In-Charge of Records at Carleton College (now Carleton University) from 1942-1944 in Ottawa and in the mid-1950s worked as a secretary for the Glenbow Foundation in Calgary. Dorothy pursued a lifelong interest in traveling, art, and antiques. Although she was fiercely proud and protective of Banff and the Park, and remained a volunteer and patron of the Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies, Dorothy eventually settled in Sidney, British Columbia and shared an apartment with Sheila Iris Ritchie, with whom Dorothy travelled extensively. After her death in 2003, Dorothy, "Dorie," was laid to rest alongside her parents in the Old Banff Cemetery.
Scope & Content
Fonds consists of two sous-fonds: M521 and V75.
M521 consists of four series, 154 cm, ca.1870-2002. Series I: Dorothy Wardle Personal Papers, 69.5 cm, ca.1870-2002 (includes Dorothy's written work and research and notes related to Banff). Series II: Wardle Family, 32.5 cm, 1872-1998 (including correspondence with Carl Rungius and Mrs. Helen Brett, and Christmas and other greeting cards from Peter and Catharine Whyte). Series III: Queen's University, 7.5 cm, 1911-1980 (including graduation certificates for each family member and records pertaining to Dorothy's participation on the Alma Mater Society). Series IV: Travel, 44.5 cm, ca.1950-1988 (includes hand-written notebooks meticulously detailing their travels).
V75 consists of two series, 79.5 cm, ca. 1912-2001. Series I: Wardle Family, ca. 1912-1971, 6 albums, 31 cm of photograph prints and negatives (including family trips, trail rides in the Canadian Rocky Mountains, and family gatherings). Series II: Dorothy Wardle, 1972-2001, 34 cm of photograph prints, negatives, and transparencies (including Dorothy's travels in Alberta and British Columbia, overseas, and various outings with friends).
Fonds consists of textual, visual and sound materials pertaining to Norman Luxton, Eleanor Luxton and their family members and friends (including Georgina Luxton, Norman's parents and siblings, and members of the Ross, Graham and McDougall families). Includes correspondence, personal and profession…
ca.32.1 m of textual records (29.3 m textual records, 47 scrapbooks) -- ca.7290 photographs (ca.5300 b&w and col. prints, ca.1915 negatives, 75 transparencies, 2 tintypes) -- 17 albums -- ca.74 cm sound recordings (29 CDs, 45 audio cassettes, 17 R120 DAT tapes, 1 VHS, 8 voicewriter discs)
History / Biographical
The Norman Luxton family was a prominent family in Banff, Alberta, Canada from 1904 until 1962. Daughter Eleanor Luxton maintained the family's position in the town until her death in 1995.
Publisher and businessman Norman K. Luxton, 1876-1962, was the son of Winnipeg Free Press co-founder William Luxton. After working for the Winnipeg Free Press, Norman Luxton travelled, then joined the Calgary Herald for eight years. In 1901, he journeyed 10,000 miles on the Pacific in the dug-out canoe Tilikum. After becoming ill, Luxton abandoned the trip in Fiji and came to Banff to recuperate. The around-the-world trip was subsequently completed by his sailing partner, Capt. John Voss.
Luxton bought Banff's Crag and Canyon newspaper in 1902 and remained as publisher until 1951. Also in 1902, he established the Sign of the Goat Curio store which specialized in Stoney Indian handicrafts and taxidermy specimens. Other significant Luxton businesses were the King Edward Hotel and Livery, Luxton Bros. insurance (with brother Louis Luxton) and the Lux Block, which included a hotel, the Lux Theatre and retail stores.
In 1904, Norman Luxton married Georgina (Georgie) Elizabeth McDougall, 1870-1965, of the pioneer missionary McDougall family of Morley, Alberta. In addition to her McDougall connections, Georgie Luxton was related by marriage to Senator George Ross. Norman and Georgie Luxton had one child, Eleanor Georgina, born in Banff in 1908.
The Luxtons were important Banff "boosters" with involvement in numerous local organizations and events. Norman Luxton managed the Banff Indian Days from 1909 to 1950, was a founder of Banff Winter Carnival and was involved with native events at the Calgary Stampede for 25 years. In 1953, Norman established a museum to house his native artifacts. The Luxton Museum was built in co-operation with Eric Harvie of the Glenbow Foundation of Calgary. After Luxton's death, the museum continued to be managed by the Glenbow until 1992.
Eleanor Luxton, 1908-1995, was a writer, historian, researcher, engineer, teacher and business woman. After graduating from high school in Banff in 1926, she attended the University of Alberta from 1926 until 1939, receiving degrees in history (BA '30, MA'33), a Diploma in Education (1931) and subsequent education, biology and natural history courses during the summers.
Between 1937 and 1956, Eleanor received further degrees and certificates from studies at Garbutt Business College (Calgary), St. Stephen's College (Edmonton), Ottawa Technical High School, Havergal Ladies College (Ontario), St. George Williams College (Montreal), McGill University (Montreal) and the Banff School of Fine Arts. Subjects studied included office practices, shorthand, machine draughting, English, civil engineering (BSc '46), German, broadcast writing, management, commerce, accounting and commercial law.
Eleanor Luxton's extensive education overlapped and preceded a long and varied professional career. Her teaching career extended from high school teacher in Alberta (Banff and Sexsmith), 1933-1940, to university lecturer in Montreal in the 1950s. During the 1940s, she worked in locomotive design for the CPR in Montreal. Beginning in 1956 and continuing until 1965, when she returned to Banff to care for her mother, Eleanor worked throughout southern Alberta as a field researcher for Calgary's Glenbow Foundation. From 1965 until her death in 1995, Eleanor remained in Banff in her family home and pursued an active career in writing and research.
Scope & Content
Fonds consists of textual, visual and sound materials pertaining to Norman Luxton, Eleanor Luxton and their family members and friends (including Georgina Luxton, Norman's parents and siblings, and members of the Ross, Graham and McDougall families). Includes correspondence, personal and professional records, financial documents, organization and volunteer records, business and property records, scrapbooks and albums, research materials, candid and professional portraits, various collected materials, and other related content.
Notes
Fonds consists of three sous-fonds:
I. Norman Luxton sous-fonds, [ca.1880]-1962, ca. 7.5 m. of textual records and photographs in four series: A. Correspondence, B. Business, financial and legal, C. Personal, D. Personal and professional, E. Collected materials.
II. Eleanor Luxton sous-fonds, [ca.1890]-1995, ca. 15 m. of textual records, sound recordings and photographs in six series: A. Correspondence, B. Professional, C. Personal, D. Business, financial and legal, E. Travel and events, F. Collected materials.
III. Luxton family sous-fonds, 1836-1972, ca.6.5 m. of textual records and photographs in four series: A. Norman Luxton family series, [ca.1900-ca.1970]; B. Georgina Luxton series, [ca.1890]-1967; C. Related family series, [ca.1890]-1972; D. Other material series, 1836-1970; E. Luxton family home records [1996].
Scrapbook consists of newspaper clippings related to Banff Indian Days and the Calgary Stampede; various other newspaper clippings related to local and international news, including the opening of a new school in Morley and the Luxton Museum [now the Buffalo Nations Museum] in Banff, a fire at Jasp…
Scrapbook consists of newspaper clippings related to Banff Indian Days and the Calgary Stampede; various other newspaper clippings related to local and international news, including the opening of a new school in Morley and the Luxton Museum [now the Buffalo Nations Museum] in Banff, a fire at Jasper Park Lodge, and Canadian and international politics.
File consists of Trail Riders of the Canadian Rockies bulletins from 1931-1974 [some annotated] and one "Skyline Trails" bulletin [1960]. Content pertains to views and events from previous trips, schedules and planned destinations of trail rides, and membership lists.
File consists of Trail Riders of the Canadian Rockies bulletins from 1931-1974 [some annotated] and one "Skyline Trails" bulletin [1960]. Content pertains to views and events from previous trips, schedules and planned destinations of trail rides, and membership lists.
Notes
Brochures are organized by date [see "Content Details"]
File consists of published textual materials pertaining to Calgary Exhibition and Stampede events between 1912 and 1972. File includes cutout paper logos, books, brochures and pamphlets, "prize list and rules" booklets, informational content mailed to Eleanor Luxton [1928] empty branded Stampede en…
File consists of published textual materials pertaining to Calgary Exhibition and Stampede events between 1912 and 1972. File includes cutout paper logos, books, brochures and pamphlets, "prize list and rules" booklets, informational content mailed to Eleanor Luxton [1928] empty branded Stampede envelopes, blank pages with Stampede letterhead, and 6 cloth ribbons labelled "Native Daughter", "Pioneer" and "Pioneer Son" [n.d.].
Notes
File contains duplicates
Some excess duplicates have been temporarily moved and may be de-accessioned in the future
File consists of 6 published pamphlets and booklets, and an undated "Red Cross Banff" paper logo. Content pertains to a Teacher's Association event in Calgary in 1939; the Calgary Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals; a collection of transcribed letters sent to William McMurray of the H…
1.2 cm of textual records (6 volumes ; 17.5 x 21 cm or smaller)
Scope & Content
File consists of 6 published pamphlets and booklets, and an undated "Red Cross Banff" paper logo. Content pertains to a Teacher's Association event in Calgary in 1939; the Calgary Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals; a collection of transcribed letters sent to William McMurray of the Hudson's Bay Company which were read before the Historical and Scientific Society of Manitoba [1950]; a report by the Social Science Research Council of Canada; Alberta Blue Cross membership information; and a copy of "Pioneer Naturalists of the Rocky Mountains and the Selkirks" published for the Calgary Field Naturalists' Society with a note to Eleanor Luxton from author Beryl Hallworth.
File consists of postcards and souvenir postcard booklets sent to members and friends of the Luxton family, including Eleanor, Norman and Georgina Luxton. Content pertains to locations and landmarks in various regions, including Canada, the United States, England, France and the Ivory Coast. File a…
ca. 250 prints : b&w and col. postcards ; 16 x 12 cm or smaller -- 1 b&w photograph : print ; 16 x 10.5 cm
Scope & Content
File consists of postcards and souvenir postcard booklets sent to members and friends of the Luxton family, including Eleanor, Norman and Georgina Luxton. Content pertains to locations and landmarks in various regions, including Canada, the United States, England, France and the Ivory Coast. File also includes one b&w photograph depicting a group of unidentified children.
Notes
Items in this file have been organized by geographical location. See "Content Details" entry field for contents of individual folders.
File consists of programs, pamphlets and invitations for events held in Banff National Park, Yoho National Park, Red Deer River and Edmonton. Content pertains to musical performances, the opening of the Banff School Auditorium, a memorial unveiling for John Murray Gibbon, the opening of the John Wa…
File consists of programs, pamphlets and invitations for events held in Banff National Park, Yoho National Park, Red Deer River and Edmonton. Content pertains to musical performances, the opening of the Banff School Auditorium, a memorial unveiling for John Murray Gibbon, the opening of the John Ware Cabin, the Banff Public Library and Archives of the Canadian Rockies, Government House in Edmonton, and a commemoration program for Edouard Gaston Deville.
File consists of notes by Eleanor Luxton pertaining to her family history [including notes on Georgina Luxton], Norman Luxton's 1901 voyage aboard the Tilikum, a 1909 hunting trip north of Banff involving Norman Luxton and mountain guide George Harrison, and other related notes. Includes notes writ…
File consists of notes by Eleanor Luxton pertaining to her family history [including notes on Georgina Luxton], Norman Luxton's 1901 voyage aboard the Tilikum, a 1909 hunting trip north of Banff involving Norman Luxton and mountain guide George Harrison, and other related notes. Includes notes written on an envelope which was previously mailed to Georgina Luxton in 1924.
File consists of one diary kept and annotated by Eleanor Luxton. Content pertains to Eleanor's personal travels Diary is heavily annotated, and has one photograph print, two pressed flowers and several small textual inserts between pages.
3.5 cm of textual records -- 2 photographs : b&w prints
Scope & Content
File consists of one diary kept and annotated by Eleanor Luxton. Content pertains to Eleanor's personal travels Diary is heavily annotated, and has one photograph print, two pressed flowers and several small textual inserts between pages.
Notes
Diary was likely purchased by Eleanor during her trip to Japan in 1937.
File consists of one scanned copy of publication titled "Trail Riders of the Canadian Rockies historical summary 1923-1973", and a smaller copy of the same text which contains a parody of "The Old Scottish Cavalier" by John Murray Gibbon [the parody was a tribute to Tom Wilson]; one copy of "Histor…
Content produced by Mary S. Lore and John Murray Gibbon
Date Range
[1971]
1976
1987
Physical Description
1.5 cm of textual records (4 volumes ; 21.5 x 28 cm or smaller)
Scope & Content
File consists of one scanned copy of publication titled "Trail Riders of the Canadian Rockies historical summary 1923-1973", and a smaller copy of the same text which contains a parody of "The Old Scottish Cavalier" by John Murray Gibbon [the parody was a tribute to Tom Wilson]; one copy of "Historical Summary of the Skyline Hikers of the Canadian Rockies 1933-1970"; and a draft of a 1987 historical summary of the Trail Riders with editing notes.
Notes
Date range provided is estimate by Processing Archivist, as specific production date of item in file is unknown
File consists of Christmas, birthday and Father's Day cards sent to Norman Luxton. Includes Christmas cards from D[onald] "Dan" H. Bain, Eleanor Luxton, Karen Williamsen[?], Red Cathcart and "Pete"; an undated birthday card from Eleanor; and two Father's Day cards from Eleanor [ca.1950-1960?]. Card…
File consists of Christmas, birthday and Father's Day cards sent to Norman Luxton. Includes Christmas cards from D[onald] "Dan" H. Bain, Eleanor Luxton, Karen Williamsen[?], Red Cathcart and "Pete"; an undated birthday card from Eleanor; and two Father's Day cards from Eleanor [ca.1950-1960?]. Card from D. H. Bain has photograph printed on front and personal letter on back.
Notes
Card from Donald H. Bain signed with nickname, "Dan"
Material Details
Christmas card from "Pete" has small brown feather attached to front on bottom left corner
File consists of templates, text samples, printed images and final copies of Christmas and holiday cards created for Norman, Georgina and Eleanor Luxton. Includes 9 b&w photographs (n.d., no title) of an unnamed individual dogsledding near the Banff Springs Hotel, as well as images of unidentified …
Date Range
[1901-1920]
[1930-1940]
Reference Code
LUX / III / A1 / 24 and LUX / III / A1 / NA - 1 to 3
2.5 cm of textual records -- 12 photographs (9 prints : b&w ; 15.5 x 20 cm or smaller -- 3 negatives : b&w negatives ; 18.5 x 13.5 cm)
Scope & Content
File consists of templates, text samples, printed images and final copies of Christmas and holiday cards created for Norman, Georgina and Eleanor Luxton. Includes 9 b&w photographs (n.d., no title) of an unnamed individual dogsledding near the Banff Springs Hotel, as well as images of unidentified Indigenous people [possibly Stoney Nakoda], skiing, and winter views of Banff and the surrounding area. File also includes three b&w negative photographs depicting holiday greeting card designs for Norman and Georgina Luxton, and Eleanor Luxton.
Notes
Negative photographs are duplicates of some paper printed images included in file LUX / III / A1 / 24.
Negatives have been stored in separate file folder from prints an textual records, in a negative envelope; items are currently stored together in same box to maintain context, but negatives may be moved to downstairs storage in the future
Photographs are primarily printed on paper or matboard (with exception of three glossy prints). Textual and photograph items in this file have been stored together to maintain original context and due to good physical condition.
Sub-series consists of: student union constitutions and statutes, 1929; convocation programs, 1930, 1932, 1933; "Valedictory Exercises" program booklets, 1927 and 1933; The Gateway, Literary Supplement, 1930, containing essay by Eleanor Luxton, 2 copies; publication "The Trail", published by the U …
Sub-series consists of: student union constitutions and statutes, 1929; convocation programs, 1930, 1932, 1933; "Valedictory Exercises" program booklets, 1927 and 1933; The Gateway, Literary Supplement, 1930, containing essay by Eleanor Luxton, 2 copies; publication "The Trail", published by the U of A Alumni Association, 1935; miscellaneous membership cards, certificates, dance cards, invitations, and other documents from Luxton's years as a student at the University of Alberta
File consists of pamphlets, event programmes, information booklets, song books, bound publications and other published materials collected by members of the Luxton family. Content pertains to community events, including Banff and Calgary area trapshooting tournaments and organization meetings; an e…
File consists of pamphlets, event programmes, information booklets, song books, bound publications and other published materials collected by members of the Luxton family. Content pertains to community events, including Banff and Calgary area trapshooting tournaments and organization meetings; an exhibit opening at the Glenbow Museum [1981]; scientific theory and human evolution; Japanese study books; Canadian and global politics; international travel; and various other subjects.
Items in file are organized into 4 file folders based on contents:
LUX / II / F1 / 67 : Pamphlets, event programs and booklets
LUX / II / F1 / 68 : Booklets and small publications
LUX / II / F1 / 69 : Books and bound publications
LUX / II / F1 / 70 : Loose and other published materials
File consists of one personal planner/diary for 1983 which belonged to Eleanor Luxton. Content pertains to daily accounts by Eleanor Luxton: includes weather reports, plans with various friends and family members, errands and events attended by Eleanor in Banff, Calgary and other local areas.
File consists of one personal planner/diary for 1983 which belonged to Eleanor Luxton. Content pertains to daily accounts by Eleanor Luxton: includes weather reports, plans with various friends and family members, errands and events attended by Eleanor in Banff, Calgary and other local areas.
Material Details
Planner has plastic cover protector on front and metal ring bindings
File consists of invoices, receipts, financial statements and other documents sent to Eleanor Luxton. Content pertains to philatelic [stamps and other ephemera] orders from the Royal Mint and Canada Post; receipts and renewal forms for subscriptions to publications, including Maclean's Magazine, Fi…
File consists of invoices, receipts, financial statements and other documents sent to Eleanor Luxton. Content pertains to philatelic [stamps and other ephemera] orders from the Royal Mint and Canada Post; receipts and renewal forms for subscriptions to publications, including Maclean's Magazine, Financial Times, Reader's Digest, and newsletters for various charities and organizations; financial statements for Eleanor Luxton's credit accounts at Birk's, Woodward's and Eaton's; documents pertaining to publishing contracts and royalty agreements between Summerthought Ltd. and Gray's Publishing Ltd., and Eleanor Luxton; and other miscellaneous business and financial documents.
Notes
Contents arranged by subject:
LUX / II / D / 210 & 211 : Philatelic orders
LUX / II / D / 212 : Subscription receipts and renewals
LUX / II / D / 213 : Other financial accounts
LUX / II / D / 214 : Publishing contracts and royalties
LUX / II / D / 215 : Other materials
File consists of invitations, programs, brochures and other documents pertaining to the Southern Alberta Pioneers' and Old Timers' Association. Includes two copies of a "Constitution and By-Laws" booklet, invitations and programs for Annual Round-Up and banquet events [various years], and two copie…
File consists of invitations, programs, brochures and other documents pertaining to the Southern Alberta Pioneers' and Old Timers' Association. Includes two copies of a "Constitution and By-Laws" booklet, invitations and programs for Annual Round-Up and banquet events [various years], and two copies of an address given by Eleanor Luxton to the Association in 1956 titled "The Golden Link".
File consists of 24 textual records including bound books, small booklets and brochures. Content pertains to travel and tourism in the Canadian Rockies, Calgary, Fort Langley, Vancouver, Saskatoon, Montana, and Japan. Includes two "pocket directories" for Vancouver [1899 and 1900] and one for Saska…
File consists of 24 textual records including bound books, small booklets and brochures. Content pertains to travel and tourism in the Canadian Rockies, Calgary, Fort Langley, Vancouver, Saskatoon, Montana, and Japan. Includes two "pocket directories" for Vancouver [1899 and 1900] and one for Saskatoon [1914]; souvenir booklets for Pincher Creek [1900 - 1905], Turner Valley Oil Field [1915 - 1920] and the Canadian Wax Gallery; booklet "Calgary Alberta: The Land of Plenty"; two copies of a Banff National Park guide book [ca. 1912]; "A Sprig of Mountain Heather" tourist booklet by the Department of the Interior, Canada [1914]; "Hippodrome" souvenir book; “Pocket Guide to Japan”; "Westward Honk!" travel publication by the Brooklyn Daily Eagle (1919) detailing a National Parks road trip across Canada and the United States; two copies of “Pictographs in Southwestern Alberta” information booklet; an information sheet and map of the Rocky Mountains Forest Reserve signed by “E. Wakelyn”; a scrapbook of newspaper clippings from The Albertan [1963] pertaining to Calgary; a brochure on Marble Canyon; and two brochures pertaining to interpretive programming in Banff National Park [1972 and 1973 respectively].
Notes
Contents have been arranged chronologically and divided into four files (see Content Details).
”A Sprig of Mountain Heather” souvenir book contains pressed plant matter
“Picturesque Calgary” booklet placed in acid-free envelope due to damage and fragile state
”Hippodrome” souvenir book stored in mylar sleeve
”A Sprig of Mountain Heather” souvenir book kept in original envelope in file folder. Consider additional storage measures, and handle with caution as attached pressed plant is fragile and may break apart easily
File consists of 1 cm of textual records, 21.5 x 35 or smaller. File pertains to Jean's participation in and accounts of trail rides with the Trail Riders of the Canadian Rockies and Skyline Hikers of the Canadian Rockies. File includes a magazine or newspaper clipping accounting Jean's talk that s…
File consists of 1 cm of textual records, 21.5 x 35 or smaller. File pertains to Jean's participation in and accounts of trail rides with the Trail Riders of the Canadian Rockies and Skyline Hikers of the Canadian Rockies. File includes a magazine or newspaper clipping accounting Jean's talk that she gave at the Royal Alexandra Hotel on January 18, 1938 and two copies of the invitation sent to attendees for the talk (one of them has a handwritten message on the back written by Jean); two copies of the Trail Riders of the Canadian Rockies Bulletin No. 48 (1937), which Jean is featured in and wrote an article for (the first woman to do so); related correspondence between John Murray Gibbon and Jean (1937-1939) regarding writing the article and participating in the trail rides; related correspondence with the Canadian Pacific Association responding to the talk Jean gave; typed notes of Jean's trail rides talk (two drafts, similar with slight changes); a typed poem entitled "The 1937 Trail Ride" written by Jean; and an essay entitled "Boots and Saddles" by Jean.
Notes
John Murray Gibbon was the Secretary-Treasurer for the Trail Riders of the Canadian Rockies during this time.
Jean also wrote an article for the Sky Line Trail - see related material.