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 consists of research materials, publications, ephemera, and other materials collected by Jon Whelan. Fonds includes three Canadian Pacific bell boy log books, 1970-1980; five bound scrapbooks with collected newspaper clippings, ca.1880-1890; and collected advertisements and articles pertainin…
Jon Whelan (1952-2022) was a researcher, historian, and collector based in Banff, Alberta. Jon had a special interest in topics related to Banff National Park and Canadian Pacific Railway Company. Jon conducted independent research, as well as research for various authors and historians, from the 1980s onwards. Jon was also an active participant in municipal politics in Banff.
"For most of Jon’s life, he was engaged in community affairs and fearless in voicing an opinion. He was successful in raising public awareness and his tenacity achieved a personal goal, which was to initiate the use of video for regular Town of Banff council meetings. He dedicated himself to the concerns of Banff residents."
-Barry Kelly, Rocky Mountain Outlook, July 30, 2022
Scope & Content
Fonds consists of research materials, publications, ephemera, and other materials collected by Jon Whelan. Fonds includes three Canadian Pacific bell boy log books, 1970-1980; five bound scrapbooks with collected newspaper clippings, ca.1880-1890; and collected advertisements and articles pertaining to Canadian Pacific, Banff, travel and tourism within Canada, and related subjects.
Fonds consists of materials personally collected by Margaret Gmoser. Fonds includes photographs and textual records pertaining to Hans Gmoser, Robson Gmoser, and traverse trip with Chic Scott. Fonds also includes an original letter from Orville Wright regarding early helicopters.
4 cm textual records -- ca. 42 photographs -- 1 oversized poster
Scope & Content
Fonds consists of materials personally collected by Margaret Gmoser. Fonds includes photographs and textual records pertaining to Hans Gmoser, Robson Gmoser, and traverse trip with Chic Scott. Fonds also includes an original letter from Orville Wright regarding early helicopters.
Fonds consists of textual records, postcards, drawings and one photograph album pertaining to Mary (Molly) Wright Adams (1868-1909); transcripts of Molly's original letters which were compiled by Molly's sister, Catharine Elkin (nee Adams) between ca.1939 and 1941; and transcriptions of letters sen…
Some materials produced by Catharine (Adams) Elkin
Date Range
[ca.1844 - 1909]
[ca.1939 - 1944]
1980 - 1981
2014
Physical Description
21 cm of textual records -- 16 postcards -- 3 drawings -- 1 photograph album : 107 b&w photographs
History / Biographical
Mary Wright (Molly) Adams was born on 15 October 1868. in Ridgefield Connecticut. She was the third of five children born to Cornelia Ann Cook (1830-1902) and Daniel Lucius Adams (1814 - 1899) She died in Kobe, Japan on 23 January 1909 and was buried there.
Scope & Content
Fonds consists of textual records, postcards, drawings and one photograph album pertaining to Mary (Molly) Wright Adams (1868-1909); transcripts of Molly's original letters which were compiled by Molly's sister, Catharine Elkin (nee Adams) between ca.1939 and 1941; and transcriptions of letters sent between Molly's extended family members [including members of the Adams, Cook and Wright families], ca.1844 and 1866.
Textual records primarily consist of correspondence sent between Molly Adams and various friends and family members [ca.1891-1909].
Notes
Fonds consists of two series:
Series I : Correspondence [contains two sub-series: I / A : Molly Wright Adams ; I / B : Extended family]
Series II : Personal and collected records
Fonds consists of photographs pertaining to Placido Monachello and family; and a bound publication titled "Machinery's Handbook", 1943, which belonged to Placido. 12 photographs pertain to Placido's experiences at the Alternative Service Corps work camp at the Spray River Trail near Banff Springs H…
ca.172 photographs : b&w prints -- 3 digital files : col. JPG images -- 4 cm of textual records (1 volume)
History / Biographical
Placido Monachello (1920-2018) received a conscription notice to join the war effort between 1940-1941. Placido opposed the conscription notice, identifying himself as a Conscientious Objector who refused to participate in the war. After appealing his case in court, Placido was sentenced to one year of work in an internment/work camp. Placido completed his year of work at the Alternative Service Corps work camp, located near the Sunshine Road/Brewster Creek area (ASW Camp No. 1). While at the work camp, Placido aided in the clearing of land and road construction around Banff. Placido returned home to Hamilton, Ontario in 1942, where he worked odd jobs as a labourer and farm hand.
Placido married his partner, Leonarda "Leona" (Borsellino) Monachello (1920-2019) in 1944, with whom he later had two children, John and David. Placido sent numerous letters and photographs to Leona during his time at the ASW camp. While Placido was in Banff, Leona directly supported the war effort as an employee at Westinghouse in Hamilton, Ontario, where she produced high-tech military components. Placido and Leona ran two delicatessen businesses together after the war, one of which was initially funded by her parents. The couple sold their business in the 1970s, after which Placido worked for Stelco (a steel manufacturing company) until 1985. Placido and Leona took a trip to visit Banff together in 2010.
Scope & Content
Fonds consists of photographs pertaining to Placido Monachello and family; and a bound publication titled "Machinery's Handbook", 1943, which belonged to Placido. 12 photographs pertain to Placido's experiences at the Alternative Service Corps work camp at the Spray River Trail near Banff Springs Hotel (ASW Camp No. 1). ca.160 photographs pertain to Placido's family and personal life, including his wedding to Leonarda (Leona) in 1944 and their children [ca.1950s]. Fonds also includes 3 digital images of Placido and Leona visiting Banff in 2010.
Fonds consists of textual and photographic records, including society correspondence, memberships, advertising, newspaper clippings, photographs, albums and scrapbooks outlining the societies activities. textual records are organized through five series and visual records are organized under 2: M5…
Fonds consists of textual and photographic records, including society correspondence, memberships, advertising, newspaper clippings, photographs, albums and scrapbooks outlining the societies activities. textual records are organized through five series and visual records are organized under 2:
M580 / I : Programs, advertisements, posters, newsletters
M580 / II : Banff Precipice Society, Memberships, society information
File contains the Treasurer's Reports, Financial reports, Financial Information Packages for Board meetings, and Audited Financial statements and reports from 1985 to 2007. Includes a report on Financial Statements Revamping Proposal from 1992, a report on the Analysis of Canadian Alpine Journal Co…
File contains the Treasurer's Reports, Financial reports, Financial Information Packages for Board meetings, and Audited Financial statements and reports from 1985 to 2007. Includes a report on Financial Statements Revamping Proposal from 1992, a report on the Analysis of Canadian Alpine Journal Costs from 1985, and the Second Quarter Financial Report from May 1986.
File includes the agendas and meeting minutes of the Executive Committee Meeting that took place in Canmore in September 2000. Also includes reports from the St. Boniface Section, the Okanagan Section, VP Access-Environment, as well as a draft of the Access and Environmental Policy from October 200…
File includes the agendas and meeting minutes of the Executive Committee Meeting that took place in Canmore in September 2000. Also includes reports from the St. Boniface Section, the Okanagan Section, VP Access-Environment, as well as a draft of the Access and Environmental Policy from October 2000. Reports from the Publications Committee, the National Office, and the Awards Committee are included.
File consists of the agenda and schedule for the Board meeting, the meeting minutes of the meeting and Section reports to the Board from Jasper-Hinton, the Central Alberta Sections, the Edmonton Section, the Montreal Section, St. Boniface Section and others. Also includes the Activities Update Repo…
File consists of the agenda and schedule for the Board meeting, the meeting minutes of the meeting and Section reports to the Board from Jasper-Hinton, the Central Alberta Sections, the Edmonton Section, the Montreal Section, St. Boniface Section and others. Also includes the Activities Update Report, the VP of Facilities Report.
Notes
The financial report to the Board has been separated into M200 / II / A / 168 [2000 Board Meeting] accn. 2017.8658
File contains the Operating Fund Budget Income Statement and Report that was presented at the Board Meeting.
Notes
These financials have been separated from their corresponding Board meeting minutes and reports. For these records, see file M200 / I / A / 243 [2000 Board Meeting] accn. 2017. 8658.
File consists of plans and agendas of Board meetings, A.C.C.'s Statement of Environmental Values and Principles, the Calgary Section's report to the Board. Also includes reports from the Edmonton Section, Jasper-Hinton Section, Manitoba Section, Montreal Section, Okanagan Section, Ottawa Section, O…
File consists of plans and agendas of Board meetings, A.C.C.'s Statement of Environmental Values and Principles, the Calgary Section's report to the Board. Also includes reports from the Edmonton Section, Jasper-Hinton Section, Manitoba Section, Montreal Section, Okanagan Section, Ottawa Section, Outaouais Section, Prince George Section, Rocky Mountain Section, Thunder Bay Section, Toronto Section, Saskatchewan Section, Vancouver Section, as well as the Vancouver Island Section. Also includes the Ski Mountaineering Competition report to the Board.
Notes
The original file contained Club financial records that have been separated into the M200 / II / A / 173 [2008 Spring Board Meeting] accn. 8002.
Sub-series of hut registers from the A. O. Wheeler Hut produced by the Alpine Club of Canada between 1989 and 2016. Registers include entries from visitors to the huts which pertain to individuals' hiking and climbing trips; details of specific events which occurred while staying at the hut, wildli…
The A. O. Wheeler Hut is located at Rogers Pass National Historic Site in Glacier National Park. The hut was built between 1945 and 1946, and it is a Recognized Federal Historic Building. The hut is named after one of the founding members of the Alpine Club of Canada, Arthur Oliver Wheeler. A. O. Wheeler was the first President of the Alpine Club of Canada, and he served as Honorary President of the Club for almost twenty years.
According to the Alpine Club of Canada's website:
"Carrying on the tradition of the Glacier House which was closed in 1925 and now exists only as a few concrete foundation pieces, the Wheeler Hut serves as a base for the legendary powder skiing of the Rogers Pass area. In summer there are numerous opportunities for climbing and hiking.
This is the birthplace of alpinism in North America. Many of the routes are steeped in tradition and history, an interesting fact to remember as you reach for that next impeccable quartzite handhold or take that next footstep along one of the many trails which wind through the lush cedar forests that dominate the region.
This is the one and only ACC hut which can be reached by vehicle in summer. Winter access is a mere 2 km along a well-broken and level trail.
It is difficult to convey to the first time visitor the number and quality of the summer and winter day trips possible from the hut. The potential is outstanding from this single hut including summer hikes to Asulkan Pass or up the Great Glacier Trail to the Illecillewaet Glacier, summer climbs to Sapphire Col, Mt. Sir Donald, and Avalanche Peak; winter ski tours to Young’s Peak, the Seven Steps of Paradise, the Dome Glacier – the list goes on and on. Go and explore for yourself, you will not be disappointed!
The Wheeler Hut is quite luxurious! A propane system provides the cooking and lighting, with two wood stoves for heating. The hut sleeps 30 in summer and 24 in winter."
Scope & Content
Sub-series of hut registers from the A. O. Wheeler Hut produced by the Alpine Club of Canada between 1989 and 2016. Registers include entries from visitors to the huts which pertain to individuals' hiking and climbing trips; details of specific events which occurred while staying at the hut, wildlife sightings, custodial issues and updates, and related topics.
The sub-series is separated into individual hut registers, arranged by date:
M200 / IV / D / 1: "A. O. Wheeler Hut Register" May 13, 1989 - Sept. 30, 1995
M200 / IV / D / 2: Wheeler Hut register Oct. 6, 1995 - Mar. 28, 1998
M200 / IV / D / 3: Wheeler Hut [1998 - 2000]
M200 / IV / D / 4: A. O. Wheeler Hut Register 2000-2006
M200 / IV / D / 5: A. O. Wheeler Hut 2001 - 2003
M200 / IV / D / 6: A. O. Wheeler Hut Register 2003 - 2006
M200 / IV / D / 7: The Wheeler Hut Registers. Part 1 of 2.
M200 / IV / D / 8: The Wheeler Hut Registers. Part 2 of 2.
M200 / IV / D / 9: [2009 - 2012 Wheeler Hut Register]
M200 / IV / D / 10: 2013 - 2016 Wheeler Hut Register
M200 / IV / D / 11: Wheeler Hut Register [2014-2022]
The Alpine Club of Canada website: https://www.alpineclubofcanada.ca/a-o-wheeler-hut/
The Government of Canada - Parks Canada website: https://www.pc.gc.ca/apps/dfhd/page_fhbro_eng.aspx?id=11716
File consists of agendas, business plan reports, and meeting minutes presented at the Annual General Meeting of the Alberta Sections in Canmore, February 19, 2000. Also included are reports to the Board, Executive meeting records and updates/reports to Executive members.
File consists of agendas, business plan reports, and meeting minutes presented at the Annual General Meeting of the Alberta Sections in Canmore, February 19, 2000. Also included are reports to the Board, Executive meeting records and updates/reports to Executive members.
Notes
Financials related to donations have been separated into M200 / II / B / 46 AB SECTIONS [ca. 1989-2001] accn. 2023.11.
Sub-series of hut registers from Abbot Hut produced by the Alpine Club of Canada between 1954 and 2017. Registers include entries from visitors to the huts which pertain to individuals' hiking and climbing trips; details of specific events which occurred while staying at the hut, wildlife sightings…
Abbot Pass Hut was built in 1922 and sits at an elevation of 2,926 meters. It is one of the highest structures in Canada. The hut was named after Philip Stanley Abbot who had died from a fall during the first known attempt to reach the summit of Mount Lefroy. The hut was a national historic site, but the hut was closed to visitors in 2018 due to the erosion of the slope beneath the hut. On June 30, 2022 Parks Canada officially removed Abbot Pass Hut, due to those environmental factors.
Scope & Content
Sub-series of hut registers from Abbot Hut produced by the Alpine Club of Canada between 1954 and 2017. Registers include entries from visitors to the huts which pertain to individuals' hiking and climbing trips; details of specific events which occurred while staying at the hut, wildlife sightings, custodial issues and updates, and related topics.
The sub-series is separated into individual hut registers, arranged by date:
M200 / IV / A / 1: Abbot Pass Hut register [1954 - 1960]
M200 / IV / A / 2: [Abbot Pass Hut Register 1954 - 1970]
M200 / IV / A / 3: [Abbot Pass Hut? loose register 1972 - 1974]
M200 / IV / A / 4: [Abbot] Pass Hut [register 1974 - 1978]
M200 / IV / A / 5: Abbot Hut [register 1979 - 1980]
M200 / IV / A / 6: [Abbot]'s Hut Registry [1980 - 1982]
M200 / IV / A / 7: [Abbot Pass Hut Register 1982 - 1983]
M200 / IV / A / 8: [Abbot Pass register 1983]
M200 / IV / A / 9: [Abbot Hut Register 1987]
M200 / IV / A / 10: Abbot's Hut Bible [register, 1988 - 1992]
M200 / IV / A / 11: Abbot Pass Hut 1992 - 93
M200 / IV / A / 12: "Abbot Pass Hut Log Book" Aug. 24, 1993 - July 20, 1995
M200 / IV / A / 13: Abbot Pass hut register Aug. 11, 1995 - July 30, 1996.
M200 / IV / A / 14: [Abbot Pass] hut register July 30, 1996 - May 4, 1997
M200 / IV / A / 15: "Abbot Pass Hut Register" June 26, 1997 - September 3, 1998
M200 / IV / A / 16: Abbot Pass Hut [1998- 2000]
M200 / IV / A / 17: Abbot Pass Sep 6, 2000 - July 26, 2002
M200 / IV / A / 18: Abbot Hut Register 2002 - 2003
M200 / IV / A / 19: Abbot Pass Aug 31, 2003 - Aug 20, 2005
M200 / IV / A / 20: Abbot Pass Register 2004 - 2007
M200 / IV / A / 21: Abbot Hut Register 2007 - 2009
M200 / IV / A / 22: [2011 Abbot Hut Register]
M200 / IV / A / 23: Abbot Hut Register [2012 - 2014]
M200 / IV / A / 24: Abbot Pass Hut Register [2014 - 2016]
M200 / IV / A / 25: Abbot Pass Hut Register, 2016 - 2017
M200 / IV / A / 26: [Abbot Pass Hut Register: 2017-2018]
The Alpine Club of Canada website:
https://www.alpineclubofcanada.ca/abbot-pass-hut/
The Government of Canada website:
https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/bc/yoho/culture/abbot
File contains the Alpine Club of Canada's Annual Report from 2011, which includes reports on Access & Environment, Services, Mountain Adventures, Awards and Donations received, and Executive Committee members.
File contains the Alpine Club of Canada's Annual Report from 2011, which includes reports on Access & Environment, Services, Mountain Adventures, Awards and Donations received, and Executive Committee members.
File consists of Board meeting minutes and reports that were presented at the May 15 and 16 Board of Directors meeting in 2004.
Notes
File originally contained financial information that was separated into M200 / II / A / 244 [AGM Board of Directors (meeting minutes, May 15/16, 2004)] accn. 8002.
File contains the Outaouais Section's Annual Financial Report Year 2002-2003, which includes the ACC National 2005 Budget Overview, the Fiscal Year 2005 Operating Budget, and the Fiscal Year 2005 Capital Budget.
File contains the Outaouais Section's Annual Financial Report Year 2002-2003, which includes the ACC National 2005 Budget Overview, the Fiscal Year 2005 Operating Budget, and the Fiscal Year 2005 Capital Budget.
Notes
These financial reports have been separated from their corresponding club meeting minutes and reports. For these records, see file M200 / I / A / 260 [AGM Board of Directors (meeting minutes, May 15/16, 2004)] accn. 8002.
Files consist of summit notes and summit registers from the Alberta Centennial Mountain Expedition 2005 produced by the Alpine Club of Canada between 2005 and 2017. Summit records include entries from visitors to the various summits which pertain to individuals' hiking and climbing trips; details o…
Summit Registers and Notes produced by Alpine Club of Canada
Date Range
2005-2017
Physical Description
25 cm of textual records
12 volumes
History / Biographical
The Alberta Centennial Mountain Expedition 2005 was a way for the Alpine Club of Canada, the Rocky Mountain Ramblers and other climbing groups to celebrate the Centennial of Alberta. These groups climbed various mountains throughout Alberta and placed registers on their peaks for climbers to commemorate their climbs during the centenary period. Various summits were reached including Mount Aylmer, Pigeon Mountain, Mount Niblock and others.
Scope & Content
Files consist of summit notes and summit registers from the Alberta Centennial Mountain Expedition 2005 produced by the Alpine Club of Canada between 2005 and 2017. Summit records include entries from visitors to the various summits which pertain to individuals' hiking and climbing trips; details of specific events which occurred while at the summit, wildlife sightings, trail updates, and related topics.
Files consist of:
M200 / V / A / 14: Mount. Aylmer 2005
M200 / V / A / 15: 2005 Alberta Centennial Mtn. Expedition Summit Register – Pigeon Mtn., Aug 2005 – July 2006
M200 / V / A / 16: Summit Register + Notes – Big Sister, Aug 2005 – Aug 2007 (AB. Centennial Mtn. Expedition 2005 Register)
M200 / V / A / 17: Sentry Mountain Summit Register 2005 - 2017
M200 / V / A / 18: Mount Niles [summit register] [2005-2017]
M200 / V / A / 19: Alberta Centennial Mtn. Expedition, 2005 Summit Register – MT. Niblock, July 2006 – July 2009
M200 / V / A / 20: 2005 AB. Centennial Mtn. Expedition Middle Sister July 2006 – July 2007
M200 / V / A / 21: 2005 AB. Centennial Mountain Expedition, Yamnuska, 2005 – 2006. Summit Register
M200 / V / A / 22: Summit Register – Crowsnest Mtn., July 2005 – July 2007 2005 AB. Centennial Mtn. Expedition
M200 / V / A / 23: Alberta Centennial Mountain Expedition. [Part 1 of 2].
M200 / V / A / 24: Alberta Centennial Mountain Expedition. [Part 2 of 2].
M200 / V / A / 25: [unidentified Alberta Centennial Mountain Expedition Log]
File consists of a signed work agreement, correspondence, research notes, reference materials, newspaper articles and other related documents pertaining to an article titled "The Ravens & the Road: Life & Death on National Park Highways", which Ben wrote for Alberta Views magazine between 2004 and …
File consists of a signed work agreement, correspondence, research notes, reference materials, newspaper articles and other related documents pertaining to an article titled "The Ravens & the Road: Life & Death on National Park Highways", which Ben wrote for Alberta Views magazine between 2004 and 2005.