Sub-series consists of personal writings, 1917-1979, in the form of general diaries, trip diaries, notebooks, notes, calendars and a scrapbook; school papers, 1912-1931, pertaining to Catharine Whyte's childhood schools, including Concord Academy, Mary C. Wheeler School, School of the Museum of Fin…
I.A. Catharine Robb Whyte papers and photographs series
Reference Code
M36 / I / A / 1 / 1 - 63
Physical Description
96 cm of textual records.
Scope & Content
Sub-series consists of personal writings, 1917-1979, in the form of general diaries, trip diaries, notebooks, notes, calendars and a scrapbook; school papers, 1912-1931, pertaining to Catharine Whyte's childhood schools, including Concord Academy, Mary C. Wheeler School, School of the Museum of Fine Arts; and other papers, 1929-1980, including awards, certificates, memberships, identification cards, interview, newsclippings, and miscellaneous.
Finding Aid
File-level description available in printed form and through this database.
Related Material
Constitutes Sub-series 1 of I.A., Catharine Robb Whyte papers and photographs.
Sub-series consists of correspondence with Peter Whyte, 1927-1962; Robb family, 1862-1962; Edith Morse Robb, 1913-1962; Russell Robb Sr., 1907-1925. Also includes alphabetical people files, 1912-1979; chronological files, 1913-1979; greeting cards, 1929-1978, including letters; related materials, 1…
I.A. Catharine Robb Whyte papers and photographs series
Reference Code
M36 / I / A / 2 / 64 - 658
Physical Description
789 cm of textual records.
Scope & Content
Sub-series consists of correspondence with Peter Whyte, 1927-1962; Robb family, 1862-1962; Edith Morse Robb, 1913-1962; Russell Robb Sr., 1907-1925. Also includes alphabetical people files, 1912-1979; chronological files, 1913-1979; greeting cards, 1929-1978, including letters; related materials, 1930-1978, including card file, business cards, guest book, guest register and miscellaneous. Correspondence with Edith Morse Robb consists of Catharine Whyte's letters both to and from her mother, Edith Robb. Outgoing letters provide a detailed account of life in Banff, including local events, personalities and travels in the Canadian Rockies.
Finding Aid
File-level description available in printed form and through this database.
Related Material
Constitutes Sub-series 2 of I.A., Catharine Robb Whyte papers and photographs.
Title Source
Title based on papers.
Content Details
Guest book with illustrated entries, belonging to Peter and Catharine Whyte, 1933-1935. held in oversize "E"
Sub-series consists of five major groups of records: a. Personal and family papers, 1901-1979, pertaining to Catharine Robb Whyte, Robb family, Peter Whyte, Whyte family and to Peter and Catharine Whyte; b. Legal and financial papers, blueprints and miscellaneous items pertaining to properties, 190…
I.A. Catharine Robb Whyte papers and photographs series
Reference Code
M36 / I / A / 3 / 659 - 1092
Physical Description
504 cm of textual records.
Scope & Content
Sub-series consists of five major groups of records: a. Personal and family papers, 1901-1979, pertaining to Catharine Robb Whyte, Robb family, Peter Whyte, Whyte family and to Peter and Catharine Whyte; b. Legal and financial papers, blueprints and miscellaneous items pertaining to properties, 1902-1978; c. Business papers, 1930-1953, pertaining to Canadian Rockies Winter Sports Ltd, Ski Club of the Canadian Rockies and Skoki Lodge; d. Correspondence and financial papers pertaining to Indians, 1955-1979; e. Banking records, 1926-1973.
Finding Aid
File-level description available in printed form and through this database.
Related Material
Constitutes Sub-series 3 of I.A., Catharine Robb Whyte papers and photographs.
Sub-series consists of files pertaining to the Wa-Che-Yo-Cha-Pa Foundation and Peter Whyte Foundation, 1953-1978; alphabetical files, 1931- 1979, pertaining to organizations. travel, conservation and parks, Indians, cancer research, Gray's Publishing and magazines and books.
I.A. Catharine Robb Whyte papers and photographs series
Reference Code
M36 / I / A / 4 / 1093 - 1561
Physical Description
419 cm of textual records
Scope & Content
Sub-series consists of files pertaining to the Wa-Che-Yo-Cha-Pa Foundation and Peter Whyte Foundation, 1953-1978; alphabetical files, 1931- 1979, pertaining to organizations. travel, conservation and parks, Indians, cancer research, Gray's Publishing and magazines and books.
Finding Aid
File-level description available in printed form and through this database.
Related Material
Constitutes Sub-series 4 of I.A., Catharine Robb Whyte papers and photographs.
Sub-series consists of personal writings, 1913-1956; trip diaries, 1930; note books, 1913-1935; notes, 1929, 1956, n.d.; and other material, 1905- 1960, in the form of certificates, memberships, cards, permits, passes, letters of introduction, and other.
Sub-series consists of personal writings, 1913-1956; trip diaries, 1930; note books, 1913-1935; notes, 1929, 1956, n.d.; and other material, 1905- 1960, in the form of certificates, memberships, cards, permits, passes, letters of introduction, and other.
Finding Aid
File description available in printed form and through this database.
Related Material
Constitutes Sub-series 1 of I.B. Peter Whyte papers and photographs.
Sub-series consists of correspondence with Catharine Robb Whyte, 1927-1962; chronological correspondence files, 1909-1962; and other papers, [ca.1920- ca.1930], in the form of business cards, addresses, greeting cards, and other.
Sub-series consists of correspondence with Catharine Robb Whyte, 1927-1962; chronological correspondence files, 1909-1962; and other papers, [ca.1920- ca.1930], in the form of business cards, addresses, greeting cards, and other.
Finding Aid
File description available in printed form and through this database.
Related Material
Constitutes Sub-series 2 of I.B. Peter Whyte papers and photographs.
Sub-series consists of skiing papers, 1920-1928; photography papers, 1932-1958; art papers, 1925-1961; army papers, 1940-1943; airforce papers, 1941-1956; and other papers, 1923-1930.
Sub-series consists of skiing papers, 1920-1928; photography papers, 1932-1958; art papers, 1925-1961; army papers, 1940-1943; airforce papers, 1941-1956; and other papers, 1923-1930.
Finding Aid
File description available in printed form and through this database.
Related Material
Constitutes Sub-series 4 of I.B., Peter Whyte papers and photographs.
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.
Interviewees, sources and subjects of this sub-series include: James White Saga, John B.H. Dunphy, Murray and Frances (James) Adaskin, Gray Campbell family, Vern Castella, Dorothy Whyte, Jimmy Simpson, Belmore Browne, music, Carl Rungius, George Encil, Edward Feuz, Rudolf Aemmer, Walter Feuz, Basil…
I.D. Peter and Catharine Whyte sound recordings series
Sous-Fonds
S37
Accession Number
3069
Reference Code
S37 / 1 - 40
Date Range
1950 - 1975
Physical Description
40 sound recordings.
Scope & Content
Interviewees, sources and subjects of this sub-series include: James White Saga, John B.H. Dunphy, Murray and Frances (James) Adaskin, Gray Campbell family, Vern Castella, Dorothy Whyte, Jimmy Simpson, Belmore Browne, music, Carl Rungius, George Encil, Edward Feuz, Rudolf Aemmer, Walter Feuz, Basil Gardom, Ethel Fulcher, Ethel James Knyvett Estcourt Howard, Tim Hutch, George Paris, Bill Potts, Howard Sibbald, Jack Warren, Gilbert M. Atkin, Ike Brooks, Banff Springs Hotel, John "Dad" Barnett, Robert George Brett, Canadian Pacific Railway employees, Cave and Basin, curling rinks, Davmmond Galletly, Ralph Connor Memorial United Church, ski jumping, snowshoeing, tobogganning, Waverly Hotel. Mrs. Davderson, Arlene Voorbies, poetry, Catharine Whyte, Peter Whyte, Tom Javanaugh, Mr. Neilson, Eau Claire Lumber Company, Ben Holbrow, Bill Legarde, bears, fishing, Indigenous history, Highwood Valley, hunting, Lake O'Hara region, Monkman family, George Pocaterra, George K.K. Link, Doris Burditt, Ruth Gorman, Robb family, Lawren Harris, J. E. H. MacDonald, Shale Splitters Club, Nick Morant, Christian Hasler, Billy Mackenzie, Mount Ogden, Sherbrooke Lake, Jon Whyte, Castle family, Mount Cline, J. Norman Collie, Mount Columbia, Crag and Canyon, Hector Crawler, Douglas Lakes, Mount Forbes, glaciers, hunting, Lake Louise, moose, mountaineering, Martin Nordegg, Nordegg region, James Outram, Ross Peecock, Bill Peyto, Silver City, Joe Smith, Skoki Lodge, Earl Spencer, Spray Lakes, trail-making, Nigel Vavsour, Waterfowl Lake, Edward Whymper, Tom Wilson, Peter Whyte, Billy Wolfe, Fred Stiles, buses, fish hatchery, Estelle Painter, Trail Riders of the Canadian Rockies, Grizzly bears, Fern Brewster, Jack Brewster, John Murray Gibbon, Pearl Moore, Philip A. Moore, music, Jean Stewart, Stoney First Nations, William Twin, Tom Wilson, Yoho Valley, Mary Vaux, glaciers, George Vaux, Vaux family, C. M. Walker, Indigenous burial grounds, Kananaskis region, Ribbon Creek, trails, Wilkinson Pass, Sam Ward, Cis Ward, Indigenous pits on Tunnel Mountain, dwellings, Dr. Leechman, Hiriam Smith, Tunnel Mountain Drive, Silver City, Erling Strom, Billie Simpson, Mary Simpson, Norman Tabuteau, Flossie Currie, Tilly Moffatt, Moffatt Dairy, Edmee Reid, Dell Brewster, Norman Curard, Charlie Phillips, Joe Louis, Ezra Charles, Hoot Gibson, films and film making, Sydney and Doris Vallance, Walter Perren, Gilbert and Frances Roddy.
Finding Aid
Inventory available in computer database form; select M36INV. More detailed inventory is available in printed form. Reference copies and printed summaries are available for some recordings.
Related Material
Constitutes Sub-series 1 of I.D., Peter and Catharine Whyte sound recordings.
Sub-series consists mainly of letter tapes from members of Catharine Whyte's family, including mother, Edith Morse Robb, and brother, Russell (Rusty) Robb III, also from members of the Newbury family. Letter tapes are mainly family news and recorded music. Mention is made of Jimmy Simpson and Dor…
I.D. Peter and Catharine Whyte sound recordings series
Accession Number
3069
Reference Code
S37 / 41 - 51
Physical Description
11 sound recordings.
Scope & Content
Sub-series consists mainly of letter tapes from members of Catharine Whyte's family, including mother, Edith Morse Robb, and brother, Russell (Rusty) Robb III, also from members of the Newbury family. Letter tapes are mainly family news and recorded music. Mention is made of Jimmy Simpson and Doris Burditt. Other tapes are recorded music, discussion of Jon Whyte trip to Vancouver, musical clock of Mrs. Dave Whyte Sr. from Scotland, Billy McKenzie, and other family material.
Finding Aid
Inventory available in computer database form; select M36INV. More detailed inventory is available in printed form. Reference copies and printed summaries are available for some recordings.
Related Material
Constitutes Sub-series 2 of I.D., Peter and Catharine Whyte sound recordings.
Sub-series consists of student speeches re politics, possibly Banff High School; speech re Egypt and Israel war, Independent Order of Odd Fellows and Rebekah Lodge; Arts Council meeting? re financing projects; Indians, Ottawa 1973; and meeting re Canadian Citizenship and Immigration.
I.D. Peter and Catharine Whyte sound recordings series
Accession Number
3069
Reference Code
S37 / 52 - 56
Physical Description
5 sound recordings.
Scope & Content
Sub-series consists of student speeches re politics, possibly Banff High School; speech re Egypt and Israel war, Independent Order of Odd Fellows and Rebekah Lodge; Arts Council meeting? re financing projects; Indians, Ottawa 1973; and meeting re Canadian Citizenship and Immigration.
Finding Aid
Inventory available in computer database form; select M36INV. More detailed inventory is available in printed form. Reference copies and printed summaries are available for some recordings.
Related Material
Constitutes Sub-series 3, I.D. the Peter and Catharine Whyte sound recordings.
Interviewees, sources and subjects in this sub-series include: Banff Indian Days, Paul Amos, Bill Peyto, David Bearspaw, Johnny Bearspaw, Paul Francis, Noah Goat, Frank Kaquitts, Tom McCullough, Tom Kaquitts, Jon Whyte, Billy MacKenzie, George McLean (Chief Walking Buffalo), Peter Whyte, Indigenous…
I.D. Peter and Catharine Whyte sound recordings series
Sous-Fonds
S37
Accession Number
3069
Reference Code
S37 / 57 - 83
Date Range
1950 - 1973
Physical Description
27 sound recordings.
Scope & Content
Interviewees, sources and subjects in this sub-series include: Banff Indian Days, Paul Amos, Bill Peyto, David Bearspaw, Johnny Bearspaw, Paul Francis, Noah Goat, Frank Kaquitts, Tom McCullough, Tom Kaquitts, Jon Whyte, Billy MacKenzie, George McLean (Chief Walking Buffalo), Peter Whyte, Indigenous camp at Nordegg, Dorothy Whyte, Moral Rearmament, Flora McLean, Jacob Two Youngman, Hanson Bearspaw, Joe Kaquitts, Tom Simeon, Bill McLean and Percy Wildward. Includes numerous native songs and stories, many recorded at Banff Indian Days camps.
Access Restrictions
Reproduction of certain native recordings must be approved by the Head Archivist.
Finding Aid
Inventory available in computer database form; select M36INV. More detailed inventory is available in printed form. Reference copies and printed summaries are available for some recordings.
Related Material
Constitutes Sub-series 4 of I.D., Peter and Catharine Whyte sound recordings.
Sub-series consists of broadcasts pertaining to the Canadian Rockies, 18 items; and miscellaeous broadcasts, 59 items. Interviewees, sources and subjects for Canadian Rockies broadcasts include: Jack Brewster, John Fisher, Campbells, Rundle Memorial United Church, Rev. Tom Lonsdale, church unity, …
I.D. Peter and Catharine Whyte sound recordings series
Sous-Fonds
S37
Accession Number
3069
Reference Code
S37 / 99 - 175
Date Range
1959 - 1969
Physical Description
77 sound recordings : audio tape reels
Scope & Content
Sub-series consists of broadcasts pertaining to the Canadian Rockies, 18 items; and miscellaeous broadcasts, 59 items. Interviewees, sources and subjects for Canadian Rockies broadcasts include: Jack Brewster, John Fisher, Campbells, Rundle Memorial United Church, Rev. Tom Lonsdale, church unity, Joe Weiss, parachute rescue work at Jasper, Don White, Lyle Brown, Jimmy Simpson, Ed Feuz, Jim Boyce, Andy Russell, Bruno Engler, Sen. Cameron, George McLean, Charlie Beil, Catharine Whyte, Banff library, Archives of the Canadian Rockies, Jon Whyte, Peter Whyte, Catharine Whyte, Banff Indian Days, Pearl Moore, Village Lake Louise, Palliser Expedition, Cameron Stockand, Mary Schaffer Warren. Miscellaneous broadcasts pertain to politics, sports, royalty, Canadian painting, military speeches, Hawaiian music, and other topics.
Finding Aid
Printed inventory is available. Reference copies and printed summaries are available for some recordings.
Related Material
Constitutes Sub-series 6 of I.D., Peter and Catharine Whyte sound recordings.
Consists of prints generated from negatives, also additional prints taken by and filed by Catharine Robb Whyte from this period. Includes photographs of social events, art school, trip to Glacier Park, Montana, and Banff, 1929, and trip to Scotland, 193O, where she met up with Peter Whyte prior to…
Consists of prints generated from negatives, also additional prints taken by and filed by Catharine Robb Whyte from this period. Includes photographs of social events, art school, trip to Glacier Park, Montana, and Banff, 1929, and trip to Scotland, 193O, where she met up with Peter Whyte prior to her marriage.
Access Restrictions
Access to photographs requires approval of Head Archivist arranged in advance.
Sub-series consists of 17 oversize b&w prints, some mounted. The prints pertain to Peter White ski jumping, Thomas Meehan and Estelle Taylor filming 'The Alaskan,' Mary Frances James, movie dogs Strongheart and Lady Jule, Anna May Wong, a man standing in the 'hole in the wall' near Banff, film acto…
Date Range
1924, ca.1920
Reference Code
V683 / II / A / PA - 278 O.S. to PA - 293 O.S., PA - 727
V683 / II / A / PA - 278 O.S. to PA - 293 O.S., PA - 727
Date Range
1924, ca.1920
Physical Description
Photographs: 17 prints; b&w, oversized --
Scope & Content
Sub-series consists of 17 oversize b&w prints, some mounted. The prints pertain to Peter White ski jumping, Thomas Meehan and Estelle Taylor filming 'The Alaskan,' Mary Frances James, movie dogs Strongheart and Lady Jule, Anna May Wong, a man standing in the 'hole in the wall' near Banff, film actors standing in snow, interior of the Banff Springs golf course clubhouse, Mount Temple photographed by Fred Armbrister (a print and a photogravure), an unknown mountain scene by Fred Armbrister, a beach scene by Fred Armbrister, a nude by Fred Armbrister, and Ike Mills and Peter delivering mail by dogsled.
V683 / II / A / PA - 278 O.S.
V683 / II / A / PA - 279 O.S.
V683 / II / A / PA - 280 O.S.
V683 / II / A / PA - 281 O.S.
V683 / II / A / PA - 282 O.S.
V683 / II / A / PA - 283 O.S.
V683 / II / A / PA - 284 O.S.
V683 / II / A / PA - 285 O.S.
V683 / II / A / PA - 286 O.S.
V683 / II / A / PA - 287 O.S.
V683 / II / A / PA - 288 O.S.
V683 / II / A / PA - 289 O.S.
V683 / II / A / PA - 290 O.S.
V683 / II / A / PA - 291 O.S.
V683 / II / A / PA - 292 O.S.
V683 / II / A / PA - 293 O.S.
V683 / II / A / PA - 727 O.S.