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 consists of three series: I. Personal, literary and research papers, 1907-ca.1935; II. Mary Schaffer photographs, 1893-ca.1920; II. Other, 1895-1928. I. Papers series consists of four sub-series: A. Correspondence, 1908-1922; B. Literary manuscripts (original and published), 1907-ca.1925; …
35 cm of textual records. -- ca.2025 photographs (ca.1550 transparencies, ca.400 negatives, 75 prints). -- 7 photograph albums (ca.1760 prints)
History / Biographical
Mary Schaffer, 1861-1939, also known as Mary Schaffer Warren, was an American explorer, photographer and artist who visited the Canadian Rockies and Selkirk Mountains frequently beginning in 1888, finally settling in Banff, Alberta in 1912. Born Mary Townsend Sharples to moderately wealthy Quaker parents at West Chester, Pennsylvania, she first visited the Canadian Rockies and Selkirk Mountains in 1888 with her friend Mary Vaux. She returned the following year with her husband, Dr. Charles Schaffer, and until Charles died in 1903, the Schaffers travelled annually to the mountains to study botany. Using Dr. Schaffer's data and her drawings and photographs, Mary Schaffer and Stewardson Brown completed "Alpine flora of the Canadian Rocky Mountains" in 1907.
Schaffer continued to travel in the Canadian mountains, often through remote regions. In 1908, she reached Maligne Lake in Jasper National Park, Alberta, and returned in 1911 to survey the region. "Old Indian Trails of the Canadian Rockies," 1911, recounts her adventures of 1907 and 1908. Schaffer settled in Banff in 1912 and married her guide, Billy Warren, in 1915.
Scope & Content
Fonds consists of three series: I. Personal, literary and research papers, 1907-ca.1935; II. Mary Schaffer photographs, 1893-ca.1920; II. Other, 1895-1928.
I. Papers series consists of four sub-series: A. Correspondence, 1908-1922; B. Literary manuscripts (original and published), 1907-ca.1925; C. Maps of Maligne Lake; D. Other, 1905-ca.1935. Literary manuscripts pertain to the Athabasca River, Maligne Lake, Howse, Yellowhead and Athabasca passes; hunting; Dr. Gilbert Atkin and Nurse Fulcher's medical mission to Ya Ha Tinda Ranch; Banff, Revelstoke BC, Saskatchewan River; Stoney Nakoda; Palliser Expedition; and Mary Schaffer life and activities.
II. Photographs series consists of four sub-series: A. Lantern slides; B. Photograph albums; C. Negatives; D. Prints. Lantern slides pertain to Mary Schaffer's trips to Maligne Lake and Yellowhead Pass, mountain scenics, nature subjects (animals, birds, flowers); and includes Mary Schaffer's lantern slide presentations "In the Heart of the Canadian Rockies", accompanied by scripts; Philip Moore's Indigenous lecture series, mainly copies from books and other graphic sources; and Mary Schaffer's slides of China and Japan. Photograph albums, 1908-ca.1921, pertain mainly to trips in the Canadian Rocky and Selkirk Mountains, especially expeditions to the Yoho and Ptarmigan Valleys, Nakimu Caves, North Saskatchewan River, Wilcox Pass and Maligne Lake. Two albums pertain to travels in Mexico and Asia. Negatives pertain mainly to Schaffer's trips and explorations, Glacier House and environs, alpine flora and fauna, mountain views, portraits, Sampson Beaver family, 1902-1911.
III. Other material series consists of diaries of Molly Adams, 1908, and Mrs. H. H. Sharples, 1911, and original manuscripts and published reports by other writers, 1895-1928.
Fonds consists of papers, photographs and sound recordings of Peter and Catharine Whyte and the papers and photographs of their respective families. Consists of three sous-fonds: V683, S37 and M36. M36 and S37 consists of three series. Series I: Peter and Catharine Whyte, Series II: Robb and Morse …
25 m of textual records. -- ca.46,000 photographs : prints, albums, postcards, cased photographs, transparencies, negatives. -- 178 sound recordings : audio tape reels, audio tape cassettes. -- 6 motion pictures (and film strips)
History / Biographical
Peter and Catharine Whyte were artists, photographers, outdoor enthusiasts, travelers, philanthropists and cultural workers at Banff, Alberta, Canada. Peter Whyte, 1905-1966, was born at Banff in 1905 to pioneer merchant Dave White and Annie (Curren) White. He was an accomplished skier and ski jumper and one of the region's first native-born painters with an intimate knowledge of the mountains and was an active photographer from ca.1920 until the 1950s. Peter Whyte studied art at the Otis Art Institute, Los Angeles, 1923-1924, and at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts at Boston, 1925, where he met Catharine Robb. Catharine Robb Whyte, 1906-1979, was born in 1906 at Concord, Massachusetts and grew up amongst the wealth and creativity of the Robb and Morse families. She studied at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts at Boston, 1925-1929.
Following their marriage in 1930, the Whytes pursued a life of painting, photography, hiking, skiing and travelling. Their log home and studio in Banff became a focal point for their artist friends, Stoney Indians and local pioneers. Catharine shared Pete's involvement in skiing and hiking organizations and together they managed Skoki Lodge from 1932-1934. In following years, the Whytes travelled extensively. During the Second World War, Peter served in the reserve army, with the Royal Canadian Air Force as a photographer and, briefly, as an official war artist. Catharine continued to paint and maintain their home and, when possible, accompanied Pete to his military postings. In civilian life, Pete resumed his art career, explored new photographic techniques and sculpted.
Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, the Whytes formulated plans for a foundation to preserve the art and history of the Canadian Rockies. Plans for a building to house an archives, public library and gallery were in preparation when Pete died in 1966. The Peter Whyte Foundation was named in his honour. Catharine immersed herself in the development of what is now the Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies, in the cultural community, painting, outdoor activity, travel and work with the Stoney First Nations. She became a more active photographer, recording her travels and outdoor pursuits. She served in an official capacity with numerous cultural and charitable organizations, was a patron to individuals studying art and music, and supported numerous causes relating to the Stoney First Nations. Catharine also supported causes related to multiculturalism, regional culture and recreation, and cancer research. Despite her modesty and often anonymous patronage of causes, Catharine was recognized with numerous awards and honours, including the Order of Canada in 1978. She died in Banff in 1979.
Scope & Content
Fonds consists of papers, photographs and sound recordings of Peter and Catharine Whyte and the papers and photographs of their respective families. Consists of three sous-fonds: V683, S37 and M36. M36 and S37 consists of three series. Series I: Peter and Catharine Whyte, Series II: Robb and Morse families, Series III: White and Curren families. Within Series I, there are four Sub-series: Series: A. Catharine Robb Whyte papers; B. Peter Whyte papers; C. Peter and Catharine Whyte papers accessioned after 2017; D. Peter and Catharine Whyte sound recordings.
File consists of 6 negative photographs pertaining to a 1937 trip to Larch Valley near Moraine Lake, Alberta. Includes images of hikers posing by mountain and lake views.
File consists of 6 negative photographs pertaining to a 1937 trip to Larch Valley near Moraine Lake, Alberta. Includes images of hikers posing by mountain and lake views.
Notes
Accompanied by original envelope from "Harmony Drug Store, Banff Alberta" which also provides location and date of photographs
Note: It is believed that the handwritten information on the back of the contact sheets was written by former archival staff in the initial phases of processing the photographs of Peter and Catharine Whyte. There is no list of titles attached to the individual images. Any descriptive information or identification of people has been provided by research done through the Recognizing Relations project
Stoney Nakoda Elders provided naming and other culturally relevant information during interviews held for Recognizing Relations, an archives initiative active from 2014-2023.
The goal of this initiative was to name local Indigenous peoples in photographs held in the WMCR archives as well as encouraging access for Indigenous communities to these images.
Item consists of Agnes Kaquitts (pronounced Heg-a-nesh by Stoney Nakoda speakers) in regalia.
Notes
Note: It is believed that the handwritten information on the back of the contact sheets was written by former archival staff in the initial phases of processing the photographs of Peter and Catharine Whyte. There is no list of titles attached to the individual images. Any descriptive information or identification of people has been provided by research done through the Recognizing Relations project
Stoney Nakoda Elders provided naming and other culturally relevant information during interviews held for Recognizing Relations, an archives initiative active from 2014-2023.
The goal of this initiative was to name local Indigenous peoples in photographs held in the WMCR archives as well as encouraging access for Indigenous communities to these images.
Item consists of close-up photograph of Agnes Kaquitts (sometimes pronounced Heg-a-nesh by Stoney Nakoda speakers).
Notes
Note: It is believed that the handwritten information on the back of the contact sheets was written by former archival staff in the initial phases of processing the photographs of Peter and Catharine Whyte. There is no list of titles attached to the individual images. Any descriptive information or identification of people has been provided by research done through the Recognizing Relations
Stoney Nakoda Elders provided naming and other culturally relevant information during interviews held for Recognizing Relations, an archives initiative active from 2014-2023.
The goal of this initiative was to name local Indigenous peoples in photographs held in the WMCR archives as well as encouraging access for Indigenous communities to these images.
Note: It is believed that the handwritten information on the back of the contact sheets was written by former archival staff in the initial phases of processing the photographs of Peter and Catharine Whyte. There is no list of titles attached to the individual images. Any descriptive information or identification of people has been provided by research done through the Recognizing Relations project
Stoney Nakoda Elders provided naming and other culturally relevant information during interviews held for Recognizing Relations, an archives initiative active from 2014-2023.
The goal of this initiative was to name local Indigenous peoples in photographs held in the WMCR archives as well as encouraging access for Indigenous communities to these images.
This image is a part of the Recognizing Relations project, an archives initiative undertaken since 2014 to identify First Nations people in photographs held in the Whyte Museum Archives.
Note: It is believed that the handwritten information on the back of the contact sheets was written by former archival staff in the initial phases of processing the photographs of Peter and Catharine Whyte. There is no list of titles attached to the individual images. Any descriptive information or identification of people has been provided by research done through the Recognizing Relations
Stoney Nakoda Elders provided naming and other culturally relevant information during interviews held for Recognizing Relations, an archives initiative active from 2014-2023.
The goal of this initiative was to name local Indigenous peoples in photographs held in the WMCR archives as well as encouraging access for Indigenous communities to these images.
Content Details
[Dan Wildman Jr. is father to Burt Wildman, Alma (Simeon) and Lily (Wildman) Wesley]*
Note: It is believed that the handwritten information on the back of the contact sheets was written by former archival staff in the initial phases of processing the photographs of Peter and Catharine Whyte. There is no list of titles attached to the individual images. Any descriptive information or identification of people has been provided by research done through the Recognizing Relations project.
Stoney Nakoda Elders provided naming and other culturally relevant information during interviews held for Recognizing Relations, an archives initiative active from 2014-2023.
The goal of this initiative was to name local Indigenous peoples in photographs held in the WMCR archives as well as encouraging access for Indigenous communities to these images.
Note: It is believed that the handwritten information on the back of the contact sheets was written by former archival staff in the initial phases of processing the photographs of Peter and Catharine Whyte. There is no list of titles attached to the individual images. Any descriptive information or identification of people has been provided by research done through the Recognizing Relations project
Stoney Nakoda Elders provided naming and other culturally relevant information during interviews held for Recognizing Relations, an archives initiative active from 2014-2023.
The goal of this initiative was to name local Indigenous peoples in photographs held in the WMCR archives as well as encouraging access for Indigenous communities to these images.
Note: It is believed that the handwritten information on the back of the contact sheets was written by former archival staff in the initial phases of processing the photographs of Peter and Catharine Whyte. There is no list of titles attached to the individual images. Any descriptive information or identification of people has been provided by research done through the Recognizing Relations project
Identification made through cross referencing with E.Curtis, Reeves and F.Gully images at the Glenbow Archives.
Stoney Nakoda Elders provided naming and other culturally relevant information during interviews held for Recognizing Relations, an archives initiative active from 2014-2023. .
The goal of this initiative was to name local Indigenous peoples in photographs held in the WMCR archives as well as encouraging access for Indigenous communities to these images.
Content Details
Identification made through cross referencing with E.Curtis, Reeves and F.Gully images at the Glenbow Archives.
This image is part of the Recognizing Relations project, an archives initiative undertaken in 2014 to identify Stoney people in photographs held in the Whyte Museum Archives.
Item consists of side profiles of Elijah Hunter (Sûga Pore) (Dog Nose) and Enoch Rider (Sûkârâgan).
Notes
Note: It is believed that the handwritten information on the back of the contact sheets was written by former archival staff in the initial phases of processing the photographs of Peter and Catharine Whyte. There is no list of titles attached to the individual images. Any descriptive information or identification of people has been provided by research done through the Recognizing Relations project
Stoney Nakoda Elders provided naming and other culturally relevant information during interviews held for Recognizing Relations, an archives initiative active from 2014-2023.
The goal of this initiative was to name local Indigenous peoples in photographs held in the WMCR archives as well as encouraging access for Indigenous communities to these images.
Item consists of side profile of Eliza Hunter (Wîchîyânâgish) (Young Woman), Stoney Nakoda.
Notes
Note: It is believed that the handwritten information on the back of the contact sheets was written by former archival staff in the initial phases of processing the photographs of Peter and Catharine Whyte. There is no list of titles attached to the individual images. Any descriptive information or identification of people has been provided by research done through the Recognizing Relations project
Stoney Nakoda Elders provided naming and other culturally relevant information during interviews held for Recognizing Relations, an archives initiative active from 2014-2023.
The goal of this initiative was to name local Indigenous peoples in photographs held in the WMCR archives as well as encouraging access for Indigenous communities to these images.
Note: It is believed that the handwritten information on the back of the contact sheets was written by former archival staff in the initial phases of processing the photographs of Peter and Catharine Whyte. There is no list of titles attached to the individual images. Any descriptive information or identification of people has been provided by research done through the Recognizing Relations project
Stoney Nakoda Elders provided naming and other culturally relevant information during interviews held for Recognizing Relations, an archives initiative active from 2014-2023.
The goal of this initiative was to name local Indigenous peoples in photographs held in the WMCR archives as well as encouraging access for Indigenous communities to these images.
Content Details
[Elizabeth was daughter of Flora and George McLean (Tatâga Mânî)(Walking Buffalo) and married to Johnny Bearspaw.]*
Negatives pertain mainly to explorations, including landscapes, participants, camps and activities; also fauna, flora and Japan. Areas include Fortress Lake, Maligne Valley and Lake, Kootenay Plains, Mount Columbia and Athabasca River
Negatives pertain mainly to explorations, including landscapes, participants, camps and activities; also fauna, flora and Japan. Areas include Fortress Lake, Maligne Valley and Lake, Kootenay Plains, Mount Columbia and Athabasca River
Notes
NA-101: Sky is masked out by a combination of fabric and paintlike substance.
Note: It is believed that the handwritten information on the back of the contact sheets was written by former archival staff in the initial phases of processing the photographs of Peter and Catharine Whyte. There is no list of titles attached to the individual images. Any descriptive information or identification of people has been provided by research done through the Recognizing Relations project
Stoney Nakoda Elders provided naming and other culturally relevant information during interviews held for Recognizing Relations, an archives initiative active from 2014-2023.
The goal of this initiative was to name local Indigenous peoples in photographs held in the WMCR archives as well as encouraging access for Indigenous communities to these images.
Content Details
[Flora was the daughter of Hector Crawler. She married George McLean (Tatâga Mânî) (Walking Buffalo) and was mother to Bill McLean and Mary (McLean) Kootenay.
Flora was also called Mî-kú-shîn, which means 'grandma'.]*
Note: It is believed that the handwritten information on the back of the contact sheets was written by former archival staff in the initial phases of processing the photographs of Peter and Catharine Whyte. There is no list of titles attached to the individual images. Any descriptive information or identification of people has been provided by research done through the Recognizing Relations project
[Flora was the daughter of Hector Crawler. She married George McLean (Tatâga Mânî) (Walking Buffalo) and was mother to Bill McLean, Mary (McLean) Kootenay, Florence (McLean) Dixon and Elizabeth (McLean) Bearspaw
Flora was also called Mî-kú-shîn, which means 'grandma'.]*
Stoney Nakoda Elders provided naming and other culturally relevant information during interviews held for Recognizing Relations, an archives initiative active from 2014-2023.
The goal of this initiative was to name local Indigenous peoples in photographs held in the WMCR archives as well as encouraging access for Indigenous communities to these images.
This image is a part of the Recognizing Relations project, an archives initiative undertaken since 2014 to identify First Nations people in photographs held in the Whyte Museum Archives. Not all women identified yet.