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).
File consists of 2.5 cm of textual records, 28 x 21.5 cm or smaller. File pertains to Christmas cards that were sent to the Wardle family from Peter and Catharine Whyte (c. 1951-c. 1968), Dean and Edith Robinson, and Carl Rungius (c.1938-c.1954). Records include a one-page typed biography of Peter…
2.5 cm of textual records (28 x 21.5 cm or smaller)
Scope & Content
File consists of 2.5 cm of textual records, 28 x 21.5 cm or smaller. File pertains to Christmas cards that were sent to the Wardle family from Peter and Catharine Whyte (c. 1951-c. 1968), Dean and Edith Robinson, and Carl Rungius (c.1938-c.1954). Records include a one-page typed biography of Peter Whyte and a handwritten letter tucked into one of the cards from the Whyte family (dated Jan. 22, 1967).
Notes
Each holiday greeting is written on a card made by Peter and Catharine Whyte, and Carl Rungius, respectively.
File consists of news clippings, programs, booklets, newsletters, invitations, correspondence and other documents pertaining to marriages, community clubs and events, death notices and World War II with connections to the Bow Valley and surrounding areas. Includes news clippings and invitations ann…
File consists of news clippings, programs, booklets, newsletters, invitations, correspondence and other documents pertaining to marriages, community clubs and events, death notices and World War II with connections to the Bow Valley and surrounding areas. Includes news clippings and invitations announcing marriages between Ben Woodworth and Edith Chambers, Margaret Dunsmore and Clifford Dethlefsen, and the 60th wedding anniversary of Mr. and Mrs. William Vicary; an obituary and letter of condolence from William McCardell for the death of Elizabeth Woodworth, 1936; event programmes for a nursing school graduation naming Margaret Dunsmore, Spray Valley Chapter meetings from 1944 and 1945, the Banff High School auditorium opening and the 23rd Southern Alberta Pioneers' and Old Timers' Association Roundup; 9 copies of "The Cascadian" Banff High School newsletters, 1935 - 1945; a list of burial locations for deceased members of the Independent Order of Oddfellows in and near Banff ca. 1940; and other loose correspondence and poetry.
Notes
Booklet "Poems of the Rank and File" first published 1920, date provided in entry [ca.1920 - ca. 1925] is estimate for specific physical copy
Date of news clipping pertaining to the marriage of Benjamin Woodworth and Edith May Chambers [ca. 1935] given based on age of bride, identified in a 1921 census listing as 10 years old [born ca. 1911], and other individuals listed. [Source:
https://www.ancestry.ca/genealogy/1921census/alberta/edith-may-chambers_6600209]
Some dates provided are estimates by Processing Archivist based on contents and additional research
File consists of 8 hand-written letters with envelopes and an assortment of smaller correspondence, H28 x W21.5 cm or smaller.
M413 / I / 1 : Each letter is addressed to Charlie and is dated, signed, and written on a business or organization's letterhead, as follows: August 27, 1929, signed by Fri…
File consists of 8 cm of textual records, 65 x 40 cm or smaller. File pertains to the personal and professional records of the Wardle family, particularly James M. Wardle. Records include: birth certificates for each family member (James Morey Wardle, 1888; Leette (Roney) Wardle, 1889; and Dorothy …
File consists of 8 cm of textual records, 65 x 40 cm or smaller. File pertains to the personal and professional records of the Wardle family, particularly James M. Wardle. Records include: birth certificates for each family member (James Morey Wardle, 1888; Leette (Roney) Wardle, 1889; and Dorothy Hope Wardle, 1919); James and Leette's marriage certificate from 1913; proof of age certificates and various notes on family (Roney) history; records pertaining to the family plot in the Old Banff Cemetery (including a photocopy of a blueprint plan of the cemetery grounds); records pertaining to the estates of James (d. 1971) and Leette (d. 1969); miscellaneous family items (including records about Dorothy's cousin Jack WIlliams who died overseas during World War II); photocopies of records pertaining to appointments and certificates for James (including his appointment to Deputy Minister of the Interior in 1935); and James' shares with the Alaska Yukon Pipeline (1966-1967). Records also include newspaper clippings (Banff Crag and Canyon, Calgary Herald) and various correspondence (related to the material) interspersed throughout.
M521 / II / A / 1 : Includes James Wardle's original birth certificate. In okay condition (some tears), currently in mylar. Consider digitizing.
M521 / II / A / 7 : The original shareholder certificate was ripped and then heavily taped back together. It is currently in mylar but could present issues in the future. Consider digitizing.
File consists of 35 black and white photographs, 8.5 x 14 cm or smaller. Photographs pertain to Charles Reid and his family and friends, over the course of approximately 40 years. Most of the photographs were taken in the 1920's and 1930's. Photographs document a number of different scenes with var…
File consists of 35 black and white photographs, 8.5 x 14 cm or smaller. Photographs pertain to Charles Reid and his family and friends, over the course of approximately 40 years. Most of the photographs were taken in the 1920's and 1930's. Photographs document a number of different scenes with various family and friends, including photographs of children and dogs, particularly in front of an unknown house, and day trips in and around Banff.
Notes
Includes photographs of Edmee (Moore) Reid
Some of the photographs were printed in Medicine Hat, Alberta
One of the photographs is annotated on the back with the date September 29, 1929
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 correspondence, legal and personal documents, and receipts belonging to Fred "Ty" Cobb. Correspondence mostly by Fred Cobb, referring to his dismissal from a job constructing the Icefields Highway and complaints of lost wages. Some correspondence also refers to a case between 1931 …
Frederick "Ty" Cobb (1887 - 1969) of Banff worked as a labourer during his adult years. Cobb was enlisted in the 82nd Battalion in World War I, and he was stationed in England and France from 1915 - 1916. Fred Cobb did not marry and there are no records of him having children. In the early 1930s, Fred Cobb worked on a construction project along the road leading to the Mt. Norquay ski area. Following World War II, Fred Cobb worked on constructing and repairing boats and docks in Vancouver, B.C. Fred Cobb's grave could not be located in any records of cemeteries in Banff and his burial place is unknown.
Scope & Content
File consists of correspondence, legal and personal documents, and receipts belonging to Fred "Ty" Cobb. Correspondence mostly by Fred Cobb, referring to his dismissal from a job constructing the Icefields Highway and complaints of lost wages. Some correspondence also refers to a case between 1931 and 1933 in which Fred Cobb was charged in a case involving the Alberta Liquor Board which was later dismissed. File also contains a certificate for financial relief under the government of British Columbia in Fred Cobb's name, membership cards for the Workers' Ex-Servicemens' League in Canada and The People's Movement, records from Fred Cobb's stay at a financial relief camp in British Columbia, receipts from various stores and cafes, including the Dominion Cafe in Banff and several from Banff Grocery; arrest records for Fred Cobb, and a notice that the charges for this arrest were revoked.
Notes
Letter dated July 3, 1931 possibly signed by Bob Liggat [d. 1941], who is buried in Banff Town Cemetery.
File consists of 3.5 cm of handwritten and typed correspondence, 21.5 x 27.5 cm or smaller. File pertains to letters sent by Mrs. Helen Brett to Leette Wardle from 1935-1944. The letters mostly document the progress of the Wardles payment for a lease that they had with Mrs. Brett, but also includes…
3.5 cm of textual records (21.5 x 27.5 cm or smaller)
Scope & Content
File consists of 3.5 cm of handwritten and typed correspondence, 21.5 x 27.5 cm or smaller. File pertains to letters sent by Mrs. Helen Brett to Leette Wardle from 1935-1944. The letters mostly document the progress of the Wardles payment for a lease that they had with Mrs. Brett, but also includes local town gossip (including drama with Dr. Dean Robinson) and musings regarding the progress of the war (World War II). File also includes obituaries in the Banff Crag and Canyon for Helen Brett.
Notes
Helen Brett was married to Dr. Harry Brett, son of the founder of the Brett Sanitarium.
File pertains to 44 hand-written letters written by Catharine Robb Whyte to her mother, Edith Morse Robb from August 1 to November 20, 1935. Topics include day to day life, visits from friends and visitors, weather, a trip to Lake O'Hara in early August following the annual Skyline Trail Hikers tri…
1 cm of textual records (70 pages ; 21.2 x 26.3 cm or smaller)
History / Biographical
See fonds level description.
Scope & Content
File pertains to 44 hand-written letters written by Catharine Robb Whyte to her mother, Edith Morse Robb from August 1 to November 20, 1935. Topics include day to day life, visits from friends and visitors, weather, a trip to Lake O'Hara in early August following the annual Skyline Trail Hikers trip, photography and cameras, hiking/climbing, wildflowers, activities and people at camp, Pete's work on commission paintings/photography projects, events and people in Concord, trips to Bow Lake to paint, dinner and tea parties [both at home and around town], overnight camping trips to Lake Louise to paint, going to the movies and seeing friend's homemade films, going back to Lake O'Hara in early September to paint and hike, Russ and Kitty's travels and activities, day trips around the National Park [mostly to Lake Louise, Bow Lake and Moraine Lake] to paint/sketch, updates on what Pete and Catharine's friends are doing [mostly as it pertains to Skoki and Assiniboine Lodges], wildlife, an overnight trip to Calgary [and a visit to Morley on the way back] in early October, 3 young Doukhobor fugitives escaping police custody that resulted in a chase and shootout in Banff National Park [October 6 - 7] and the subsequent funerals, developing photos and print-making, politics [mostly pertaining to the provincial and federal elections], various holidays [both Canadian and American], skiing, matters pertaining to the Ski Club, and preparing to leave for a trip to Concord at the end of November.
Notes
Please note: language pertaining to Indigenous Peoples used throughout is outdated and may be offensive.
A few letters written on lodge letterhead.
Most letters are marked with a small x in pencil, indicating where Jon Whyte made notes for use in his project "Catharine Robb Whyte, Peter Whyte: Commemorative Portfolio," originally published in 1981.
Some letters have numbers written in pencil in the upper margin of the first pages from an unknown project.