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].
File consists of programs, booklets and flyers pertaining to events and exhibitions hosted by the Banff Centre and the Banff School of Fine Arts. Includes flyers for a Canadian opera titled "Seabird", a pamphlet for the 50th anniversary celebration for the Banff School of Fine Arts, and a program f…
File consists of programs, booklets and flyers pertaining to events and exhibitions hosted by the Banff Centre and the Banff School of Fine Arts. Includes flyers for a Canadian opera titled "Seabird", a pamphlet for the 50th anniversary celebration for the Banff School of Fine Arts, and a program for the 8th annual Banff Mountain Film Festival.
File consists of an annotated chapter from a book, titled "An Act respecting Banks and Banking" [1927] signed by Eleanor Luxton, and a loose page with accompanying handwritten notes. Content pertains to the Bank Act of 1923 in Canada. Items were likely used as research and study materials during El…
0.5 cm of textual records (2 volumes ; 16.5 x 25 cm and 11 x 14 cm)
Scope & Content
File consists of an annotated chapter from a book, titled "An Act respecting Banks and Banking" [1927] signed by Eleanor Luxton, and a loose page with accompanying handwritten notes. Content pertains to the Bank Act of 1923 in Canada. Items were likely used as research and study materials during Eleanor Luxton's time as a student at the University of Alberta.
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 one volume titled "Canada 1936: The Official Handbook of Present Conditions and Recent Progress". Content pertains to Canadian economics and industry in 1936. Item is signed by Eleanor Luxton on front cover and has additional annotations inside. Scrap of paper stored between pages …
File consists of one volume titled "Canada 1936: The Official Handbook of Present Conditions and Recent Progress". Content pertains to Canadian economics and industry in 1936. Item is signed by Eleanor Luxton on front cover and has additional annotations inside. Scrap of paper stored between pages 106 and 107 contains additional handwritten notes.
File consists of souvenir menus from various trips on Canadian Pacific Railway and Canadian Pacific cruises. Contents pertain to various destinations within Canada, including: Banff Springs Hotel and Banff National Park, Lake Louise, Calgary, Edmonton, Victoria, Vancouver, Connaught and Spiral Tunn…
File consists of souvenir menus from various trips on Canadian Pacific Railway and Canadian Pacific cruises. Contents pertain to various destinations within Canada, including: Banff Springs Hotel and Banff National Park, Lake Louise, Calgary, Edmonton, Victoria, Vancouver, Connaught and Spiral Tunnels, Ottawa, Quebec, and St. John [New Brunswick]. Includes a set of 3 menus from 1924 and a set of 3 adult menus and 1 children's menu from 1952 which are stored in original Canadian Pacific paper envelopes.
Notes
Items in file are stored in two file folders, organized chronologically
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 various collected news articles pertaining to community events and friends and members of the McDougall and Luxton families, which are attached to 4 large pages. Materials appear to be a loose/separated section of a large scrapbook. Individuals described in articles include Annie M…
0.5 cm of textual records (4 pages : 20.5 x 34 cm)
Scope & Content
File consists of various collected news articles pertaining to community events and friends and members of the McDougall and Luxton families, which are attached to 4 large pages. Materials appear to be a loose/separated section of a large scrapbook. Individuals described in articles include Annie McDougall, Eleanor Luxton, Elizabeth (Boyd) Chantler McDougall, Rev. John McDougall, May Bagley, Norman Sanson, and others. File also includes articles pertaining to the Southern Alberta Pioneers' and Old Timers' Association.
Notes
Articles are from various publications, including The Albertan, the Calgary Daily Herald, and the Family Herald.
File consists of event invitations, programmes and newsletters sent to Eleanor Luxton by various organizations, clubs and associations between 1974 and 1993. Includes content pertaining to the Canadian Broadcasting League, the University of Alberta President's Club, the Whyte Museum of the Canadian…
File consists of event invitations, programmes and newsletters sent to Eleanor Luxton by various organizations, clubs and associations between 1974 and 1993. Includes content pertaining to the Canadian Broadcasting League, the University of Alberta President's Club, the Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies, Concordia University, the Kinette Club of Banff, the Arctic Institute of North America, the Glenbow Museum, the Royal Society of Canada, the Canadian Plains Research Center, and other organizations.
Notes
Some items are annotated
Folder LUX / II / C1 / 34 contains invitations and programmes; LUX / II / C1 / 35 and 36 contain newsletters
File consists of two programme booklets from conferences attended by Eleanor Luxton. Content pertains to a 1979 conference titled "Women Celebrate Women" held in Calgary, and a conference hosted in 1982 by the University of Alberta, titled "The Buildings of Alberta: A Useful Heritage".
File consists of two programme booklets from conferences attended by Eleanor Luxton. Content pertains to a 1979 conference titled "Women Celebrate Women" held in Calgary, and a conference hosted in 1982 by the University of Alberta, titled "The Buildings of Alberta: A Useful Heritage".
Material Details
University of Alberta programme has yellow braided string attached to binding
File consists of 5 transparency photographs pertaining to Eleanor Luxton and several friends visiting each other in Banff and Calgary, including Everett Baker and Sheilagh Jameson.
Photographs LUX/II/E/NS-1 to 3 produced by Everett Baker (Shaunavon, Saskatchewan)
Date Range
1959
Physical Description
5 photographs : col. transparency slides ; 35 mm
Scope & Content
File consists of 5 transparency photographs pertaining to Eleanor Luxton and several friends visiting each other in Banff and Calgary, including Everett Baker and Sheilagh Jameson.
Notes
Most individuals in photographs not identified
Material Details
Items LUX/II/E/NS-1 to 3 accompanied in file by small annotated paper envelope addressed to Eleanor Luxton from Everett Baker
File consists of one scrapbook containing clippings, menus, brochures, travel guides, advertisements and magazines. Content pertains to a boat cruise attended by Eleanor Luxton in 1937 to Hawaii, China and Japan aboard the Empress of Japan cruise ship, which was operated by the Canadian Pacific Rai…
File consists of one scrapbook containing clippings, menus, brochures, travel guides, advertisements and magazines. Content pertains to a boat cruise attended by Eleanor Luxton in 1937 to Hawaii, China and Japan aboard the Empress of Japan cruise ship, which was operated by the Canadian Pacific Railway Company. Includes 23 copies of Pacific Empress magazine [July and August, 1937].
Notes
Some copies of Pacific Empress magazine are duplicates
Material Details
Front cover of scrapbook has emblem with Hawaiian landscape/waterfront scene with text "ALOHA HAWAII"
File consists of one print photograph and two duplicate transparency slides depicting the headstone of Norman and Georgina Luxton (and later Eleanor Luxton), 1966.
1 photograph : col. print ; 12.5 x 9 cm -- 2 col. transparency slides, 35 mm
Scope & Content
File consists of one print photograph and two duplicate transparency slides depicting the headstone of Norman and Georgina Luxton (and later Eleanor Luxton), 1966.
File consists of published works written by members of the Luxton family. File includes copies of psalm book "The Harvest of Sunshine" by George [Nasmith] Luxton, "The Golden Link" address by Eleanor Luxton, copies of an Indigenous psalm translated by Norman Luxton, early copies of the Crag and Can…
File consists of published works written by members of the Luxton family. File includes copies of psalm book "The Harvest of Sunshine" by George [Nasmith] Luxton, "The Golden Link" address by Eleanor Luxton, copies of an Indigenous psalm translated by Norman Luxton, early copies of the Crag and Canyon [1905-1908], "The Climber" magazine [1906], and an original copy [1872] and reprinted publication [1874] of the Manitoba Free Press.
File consists of magazines, news articles and clippings, and advertisements collected by Eleanor, Norman and Georgina Luxton. Includes promotional content for local events and companies, newspaper clippings collected by Norman Luxton, a copy of Liberty Magazine [1946] with a feature article pertain…
File consists of magazines, news articles and clippings, and advertisements collected by Eleanor, Norman and Georgina Luxton. Includes promotional content for local events and companies, newspaper clippings collected by Norman Luxton, a copy of Liberty Magazine [1946] with a feature article pertaining to Norman Luxton, and home and fashion catalogues.
Items stored in three file folders organized by content type:
LUX / II / F1 / 60 : Advertisements and promotional content
LUX / II / F1 / 61 : Newspaper clippings and articles
LUX / II / F1 / 62 : Magazines
File consists of receipts, correspondence and other documents sent to Eleanor Luxton between 1978 and 1994. Contents pertain to memberships for various organizations and charities which Eleanor Luxton was involved with, including the Whyte Museum, the University of Alberta Alumni Association, the A…
File consists of receipts, correspondence and other documents sent to Eleanor Luxton between 1978 and 1994. Contents pertain to memberships for various organizations and charities which Eleanor Luxton was involved with, including the Whyte Museum, the University of Alberta Alumni Association, the Arctic Institute of North America, the Canadian Liver Foundation, and others; donations and academic scholarship funds; and related publication orders.
Notes
Contents are arranged by subject:
LUX / II / D / 205 : Membership and donation receipts, confirmations
LUX / II / D / 206 : Membership and donation correspondence
LUX / II / D / 207 : Historical association memberships, publication orders (1988)
LUX / II / D / 208 : Donation and membership cheque receipts, 1992-1993
LUX / II / D / 209 : Donation acknowledgements and thank-you letters, 1992-1994
File consists of one page of song lyrics and 18 newspaper clippings published by the Calgary Herald, the Winnipeg Free Press and The Albertan [mostly 1961 and 1962]. Content pertains to the history of the Bow Valley and Calgary from the late 19th century and onwards; biographies for famous locals i…
Items published by the Calgary Herald, Winnipeg Free Press, and The Albertan
Date Range
1938
[ca. 1960]
1961
1962
Physical Description
0.5 cm of textual records
Scope & Content
File consists of one page of song lyrics and 18 newspaper clippings published by the Calgary Herald, the Winnipeg Free Press and The Albertan [mostly 1961 and 1962]. Content pertains to the history of the Bow Valley and Calgary from the late 19th century and onwards; biographies for famous locals including John, George, and David McDougall, May Ross, Dr. R.G. Brett and others; wedding anniversaries, birthday announcements and obituary articles for friends of the Luxton family; the sale of Norman Luxton's gift shop in Banff; McDougall Day and the Calgary Stampede; the 75th anniversary of the Bank of Montreal; Chief Walking Buffalo; and other miscellaneous news.
File consists of one first edition copy of "Notes on Birds", which is part of the Nature Notebook Series. Contains illustrations of various bird species with room for annotations.
File consists of one first edition copy of "Notes on Birds", which is part of the Nature Notebook Series. Contains illustrations of various bird species with room for annotations.
Notes
Ink stamp on front cover reads "MISS ELEANOR G. LUXTON BANFF, ALBERTA".
File consists of 10 oversized holiday greeting cards, including one from Annie Whitaker with personal message on the back, one from The Standard Shoe Store in Banff, 6 from Stovel Company Limited and two sent to Eleanor Luxton from "Bill". Cards include lithograph images and printed paper copies of…
Art used in cards produced by Adrian Hill, Nicholas Hornyansky and Walter J. Phillips
Date Range
[1895-1910]
[1925-1930]
[1945-1960]
1946
1956
Physical Description
3 cm of textual records
Scope & Content
File consists of 10 oversized holiday greeting cards, including one from Annie Whitaker with personal message on the back, one from The Standard Shoe Store in Banff, 6 from Stovel Company Limited and two sent to Eleanor Luxton from "Bill". Cards include lithograph images and printed paper copies of art depicting Shakespeare's house in Stratford-Upon-Avon, England; landscapes and scenic waterfront views; and holiday-themed art designs. Two items in file are accompanied by original mailing envelopes addressed to Eleanor Luxton, 1956.
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