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].
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 two different presentations of the same manuscript. Longer volume (4 cm) includes photographs. Shorter volume (2 cm) contains annotations attributed to Eleanor Luxton, likely made during her preparation of Luxton's Pacific Crossing
File consists of two different presentations of the same manuscript. Longer volume (4 cm) includes photographs. Shorter volume (2 cm) contains annotations attributed to Eleanor Luxton, likely made during her preparation of Luxton's Pacific Crossing
Access Restrictions
Access to the original volume with photographs is restricted. Photocopy of pages with photographs is available for reference use
File consists of 37 photographs which were produced by George Luxton for publication in the Minneapolis Journal, ca.1910-1930. Content pertains to train and vehicle crashes, collapsed buildings, human remains and rescue missions.
37 photographs : b&w prints ; 18 x 13 cm or smaller
Scope & Content
File consists of 37 photographs which were produced by George Luxton for publication in the Minneapolis Journal, ca.1910-1930. Content pertains to train and vehicle crashes, collapsed buildings, human remains and rescue missions.
Notes
WARNING: File contains violent and graphic content. Materials may be accessed at personal discretion.
File consists of 24 accounting books, 1871 to 1904 are accounting books from Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island. The remaining accounting books are for Deer Lake Lodge and include charge accounts, dismemberments and receipts. XXX
File consists of 24 accounting books, 1871 to 1904 are accounting books from Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island. The remaining accounting books are for Deer Lake Lodge and include charge accounts, dismemberments and receipts. XXX
File consists of 13 folders of samples from accounting books. Accounting books or ledger from Deer Lake Lodge and include charge accounts, dismemberments and receipts. XXX
File consists of 13 folders of samples from accounting books. Accounting books or ledger from Deer Lake Lodge and include charge accounts, dismemberments and receipts. XXX
File consists of three textual publications and a subject index booklet for a separate publication [accompanying publication not present in fonds]. Content pertains to the history of the Calgary Herald [ca. 1905]; the Alberta Division Canadian Weekly Newspapers Association; the history of Calgary's…
2 cm of textual records (4 volumes ; 23 x 29.5 cm or smaller)
Scope & Content
File consists of three textual publications and a subject index booklet for a separate publication [accompanying publication not present in fonds]. Content pertains to the history of the Calgary Herald [ca. 1905]; the Alberta Division Canadian Weekly Newspapers Association; the history of Calgary's business and financial development; and Alberta's economy.
File consists of 7 published paperback booklets. Contents include 3 copies of "Dr. A.W. Chase's Calendar Almanac" dated 1931, 1933 and 1934 respectively; 2 copies of "Dodd's Almanac and Household Hints" dated 1933 and 1934; one copy of "Things Worth Knowing: Reliable Recipes, Valuable Formulas and …
Published by Murray Printing Co. Ltd.; The Dodds Medicine Co. Ltd.; Dr. Williams Medical Co.; and The W.H. Comstock Co. Ltd
Date Range
[ca. 1895]
1908
1927
1931
1933
1934
Physical Description
2 cm of textual records
Scope & Content
File consists of 7 published paperback booklets. Contents include 3 copies of "Dr. A.W. Chase's Calendar Almanac" dated 1931, 1933 and 1934 respectively; 2 copies of "Dodd's Almanac and Household Hints" dated 1933 and 1934; one copy of "Things Worth Knowing: Reliable Recipes, Valuable Formulas and Methods of Home Treatment for Common Diseases", annotated on the back cover in blue/purple ink with recipe for a health drink.; and one copy of "Dr. Morse's Indian Root Pills", stamped "D.C. McDougall Morley, AB" on the back cover.
File consists of information pamphlets and a bound reference handbook. Content pertains to an exhibition at Heinz Ocean Pier in New Jersey featuring the painting "Custer's Last Rally" by artist John Mulvaney; the Kihn-Ten Eyck Art School in Stamford, Connecticut; the art collections of the Henry E.…
1 cm of textual records (5 items ; 15 x 30.5 cm and smaller)
Scope & Content
File consists of information pamphlets and a bound reference handbook. Content pertains to an exhibition at Heinz Ocean Pier in New Jersey featuring the painting "Custer's Last Rally" by artist John Mulvaney; the Kihn-Ten Eyck Art School in Stamford, Connecticut; the art collections of the Henry E. Huntington Library and Art Gallery in California; "This is the Place Monument" in Salt Lake City; and various community events and a state fair in Minot, North Dakota.
Notes
Handbook is signed "N.K. Luxton" inside front cover
File consists of panormaic negatives depicting the elk, buffalo, and a cougar in the Banff animal paddock, Bow River Bridge and Cascade Mountain,fish trophies, Bow River boat house, Sign of the Goat, view near the Trading Post, Bow Valley, and Hoodoos
File consists of panormaic negatives depicting the elk, buffalo, and a cougar in the Banff animal paddock, Bow River Bridge and Cascade Mountain,fish trophies, Bow River boat house, Sign of the Goat, view near the Trading Post, Bow Valley, and Hoodoos
Notes
Some negatives annotated "Copyrighted Luxton, Banff"
File consists of cards, stationery, small publications and other collected items. Includes thank you and business cards for The Home Insurance Company in Calgary and the Canadian Bank of Commerce; two blank pages with letterhead for Hotel Wales in Calgary; a round paper placemat/coaster advertising…
File consists of cards, stationery, small publications and other collected items. Includes thank you and business cards for The Home Insurance Company in Calgary and the Canadian Bank of Commerce; two blank pages with letterhead for Hotel Wales in Calgary; a round paper placemat/coaster advertising La Ronde Revolving Restaurant in Edmonton; a copy of "Bill and Al's Happy Motoring" by Esso Imperial Service containing an article about Banff National Park [pages 2-3]; a Laura Secord advertisement and info booklet, "The History of Our Flag"; a partial pack of blank score cards titled Auction Bridge; a page titled "Rules for the Game of Five Hundred"; a newspaper clipping with comics on both sides; and a large [23 x 15 cm] postcard with illustration titled "What Would You Have Done?" [see notes].
Notes
NOTE: Large postcard "What Would You Have Done?" contains outdated and potentially offensive language which is reflective of the time period in which it was produced.
"Bill and Al's Happy Motoring" publication has mailing stamp on back addressed to Norman Luxton.
"Rules for the Game of Five Hundred" card annotated in pencil
File consists of photographs and postcard prints pertaining to the Ballard family and their travels within England, Western Canada and the United States. Includes images of Jack Ballard[?] and children Sidney and Shirley Ballard; Stonehenge; transport and telegraph stations; foot bridges, hiking, c…
29 photographs : b&w prints ; 16.5 x 10.5 cm or smaller
Scope & Content
File consists of photographs and postcard prints pertaining to the Ballard family and their travels within England, Western Canada and the United States. Includes images of Jack Ballard[?] and children Sidney and Shirley Ballard; Stonehenge; transport and telegraph stations; foot bridges, hiking, canoeing and camping scenes; and the Totem Cafe in Montana.
Locations include: New Iskoot, Aiyanish[?], Echo Lake, 25 Mile Cabin, Yellowstone [Montana], Iron River, and Idaho.
Notes
Some items are dated and/or contain personal letters written on the back.
File consists of Eleanor Luxton's personal album which contains 195 black and white prints pasted in, most spreads are captioned. Content pertains to family and school photographs, events and travels between 1921 and 1925, in addition to potentional childhood photographs as well. Locations include …
Photograph Album: 1 image from album (195 b&w prints)
Scope & Content
File consists of Eleanor Luxton's personal album which contains 195 black and white prints pasted in, most spreads are captioned. Content pertains to family and school photographs, events and travels between 1921 and 1925, in addition to potentional childhood photographs as well. Locations include Banff, Lake Louise, Yoho, Marble Canyon, Takakkaw Falls, Lake Minnewanka, Summit Lake, Victoria, Vancouver, Yoho Valley Bungalow Camp and Radium Hot Springs. Events include the opening of the Banff-Wintermere Highway at Kootenay Crossing in 1921, a dog derby on frozen Lake Minnewanka, Banff Indian Days, Banff Winter Carnival. Subjects include unidentified and identified people including Norman Luxton, Georgina Luxton, Enos Hunter, Ben Kaquitts, Hector Crawler, John Englishman, Mrs. Wood, Edmée, Mrs Mitt and Miss Maemillan. Album cover is leather with burned annotation "Snap Shots" with paint and cloth leaf detailing. The album i sbound by a cord with leather tassels.
Notes
File consists of several loose photographs. Some photographs are detaching from the paper.
File consists of photographs pertaining to businesses, tourist attractions and natural views in and around Banff. Includes images of backcountry camps in Banff National Park; the Bow River Boat House; Beaver Lodge and Bampton Cottage [both located on Beaver Street in Banff]; fires at Breton Hall Ho…
50 photographs ; b&w prints ; 25 x 20.5 cm or smaller
Scope & Content
File consists of photographs pertaining to businesses, tourist attractions and natural views in and around Banff. Includes images of backcountry camps in Banff National Park; the Bow River Boat House; Beaver Lodge and Bampton Cottage [both located on Beaver Street in Banff]; fires at Breton Hall Hotel and Banff Springs Hotel; the Park Museum and Information Bureau; early views of Banff Springs Hotel [1904]; Vermillion River Bungalow Camp and the Lake Louise Chalet; Paddy J. Nolan’s home [built by Norman Luxton]; a postcard print titled “Starved Bachelors Retreat Banff Alberta"; swimming at the Cave and Basin[?] and Banff Upper Hot Springs; the Crag and Canyon office [ca.1905]; Skoki Lodge; and the office of photographers Wilson and Fear [1896-1898].
Notes
Photographs LUX/I/D6c/PA-181 and 182 [depicting Wilson and Fear storefront] are copies of the same image but annotated with different dates [ca.1896 and ca.1898]. Based on context and dating of related images in Whyte Museum archives, actual image date may be closer to [ca.1894].
Material Details
LUX/I/D6c/PA-173 has three red sun-shaped stickers attached to back left corner, red ribbon attached to back right corner
File consists of 42 photographs pertaining to landscape views, wildlife, and hiking and horseback riding trips within Banff National Park and the surrounding area. Includes images of Goat Cave, trips through Johnston Canyon and Marble Canyon, the Banff animal paddock, CPR trains travelling through …
42 photographs : b&w prints ; 25 x 20.5 cm or smaller
Scope & Content
File consists of 42 photographs pertaining to landscape views, wildlife, and hiking and horseback riding trips within Banff National Park and the surrounding area. Includes images of Goat Cave, trips through Johnston Canyon and Marble Canyon, the Banff animal paddock, CPR trains travelling through the Canadian Rockies, and hoodoo rock formations. One photograph depicts unidentified riders on horseback during winter, annotated “Carnival 1923” [Banff Winter Carnival?]
Notes
Two individuals in photos identified by their titles and last names [“Mrs. Hutchings” and “Mr. Edwards”], but first names not confirmed
Items PA-108 to 119 in file consist of 6 unique images and one duplicate of each image [12 photographs total]
File consists of 14 b&w photograph prints [loose and on matboard]. Content pertains to local views near Banff, including Georgina Luxton riding in a carriage along Tunnel Mountain Trail, a hunting trip north of Banff with guide George Harrison[?], the King Edward Hotel building exterior and surroun…
Items LUX/I/D6c/PA-232 and 233 produced by Norman Luxton
Date Range
1904-1905
1910
[ca.1910-1920]
Physical Description
10 photographs : b&w ; 29.5 x 18 cm or smaller -- 4 photographs : b&w prints on matboard ; 35.5 x 14 cm and 25 x 21 cm
Scope & Content
File consists of 14 b&w photograph prints [loose and on matboard]. Content pertains to local views near Banff, including Georgina Luxton riding in a carriage along Tunnel Mountain Trail, a hunting trip north of Banff with guide George Harrison[?], the King Edward Hotel building exterior and surrounding property [1904-1910] and an event hosted in the hotel, and panoramic views of Banff and a waterfront area [Lake Minnewanka?] taken by Norman Luxton.
Items stored in three file folders: PA-220 to 222 [Tunnel Mountain Trail and hunting trip]; PA-223 to 231 [King Edward Hotel]; and PA-232 to 233 [Banff & area panoramas]