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.
Fonds includes business papers, 1922-1957, including legal documents, 1922-1957, and other papers, 1925-1957; miscellaneous items pertaining to James I. McLeod and the McLeod family, 1955-1980; and photographs, ca.1875-ca.1956. Textual records pertain to McLeod's tour and transport activities and H…
6.2 cm of textual records. -- 305 photographs : prints, postcards
History / Biographical
James Irving McLeod, 1879-1955, was a businessman at Banff, Alberta, Canada. After coming to Lake Louise from Ontario in 1906, McLeod cut ice for the hotels there and was a manager for Brewster Transport Co. from ca.1912 until 1920. In 1921, McLeod and William Warren formed Rocky Mountain Tours and Transport Co. Ltd. which McLeod operated until his retirement in 1946. The firm was operated by his sons, James and Allan, and his sons-in-law, H. H. Waterhouse and R. V. Bray, until amalgamating with Brewster Transport Co. Ltd. in 1957. McLeod also had an interest in the Homestead Hotel. James McLeod was married to Evelyn Davidson McLeod, 1885-1951.
Scope & Content
Fonds includes business papers, 1922-1957, including legal documents, 1922-1957, and other papers, 1925-1957; miscellaneous items pertaining to James I. McLeod and the McLeod family, 1955-1980; and photographs, ca.1875-ca.1956.
Textual records pertain to McLeod's tour and transport activities and Homestead Hotel, Rocky Mountain Tours and Transport operations, late 1940s and early 1950s and successors. Partners, vendors, etc. referred to include R. V. Bray, R. H. Brett, Earl Gammon, J. H. McLeod, D. M. Soole and H. H. Waterhouse.
Photographs pertain to James Irving McLeod, Evelyn Davidson McLeod, family and friends; also, Rocky Mountain Tours and Transport Co. Ltd. cars, drivers, buses, promotional photographs.