Sub-series consists of textual and visual materials pertaining to the history of Southern Alberta. Includes personal accounts, day books and diaries, genealogical research, records of livestock and other trade, and portrait and group photographs depicting early settlers of Southern Alberta. Materia…
29 cm of textual records -- 29 photographs (28 b&w prints, 1 tintype) ; 20 x 25 cm or smaller
Scope & Content
Sub-series consists of textual and visual materials pertaining to the history of Southern Alberta. Includes personal accounts, day books and diaries, genealogical research, records of livestock and other trade, and portrait and group photographs depicting early settlers of Southern Alberta. Materials in sub-series believed to have been collected by Eleanor Luxton, possibly on behalf of the Southern Alberta Pioneers' and Old Timers' Association or as part of Eleanor's personal research.
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 consists of six series: 1. Business Correspondence; 2. Cheques, Receipts, Invoices; 3. Personal Documents; 4. Miscellaneous; 5. Blueprints; 6. Painting.
Series 1 consists of business related correspondence to various companies, individuals, and two branches of the Canadian Government. Govern…
David McDougall, son of George Millward McDougall and Elizabeth Chantler McDougall, was born on May 14, 1845 in Owen Sound, Ontario. David had four siblings: John, Eliza, Lubby, and Nellie. David married Annie McKenzie in 1871 in Manitoba. Together, they had six children, including their daughter named Georgina (Georgie) Elizabeth McDougall (1872-1965). Georgina was the wife of Norman Luxton and an active member in Banff and the mother of Eleanor Georgina Luxton (1908-1995).
David was an early pioneer of Calgary and Banff, who helped build both community life and their economies. While David’s father and brother were both members of the clergy and did missionary work in Morley, Alberta, David become a successful businessman. He established a general merchant store in Morley where he was a dealer in cattle, horses, furs, and curios. In addition to managing his own business block in Calgary, David also owned properties in Edmonton and Calgary. In Banff, David and Annie owned the Mount Royal Hotel for six years until they sold it to Jim Brewster in August 14, 1913.
David died in December 6, 1927 and Annie died in 1939.
Scope & Content
Fonds consists of six series: 1. Business Correspondence; 2. Cheques, Receipts, Invoices; 3. Personal Documents; 4. Miscellaneous; 5. Blueprints; 6. Painting.
Series 1 consists of business related correspondence to various companies, individuals, and two branches of the Canadian Government. Government correspondence pertains to taxes and by-laws for McDougall’s properties. Series 2 contains invoices, receipts, cheques, and bank statements pertaining to McDougall’s business and properties. Series 3 contains personal letters and legal documents. Materials includes handwritten letters, property transactions and proof of ownership on properties. Series 4 contains cheque books, Dominion Travellers’ Hotel Guide, event program featuring Commissioner Coombs and “Safety First Guarantee” slip. Series 5 contains blueprints of Mount Royal Hotel and McDougall business block, Calgary 1911. The last series consist of a painting of George Noble photograph of Banff Ave, 1929.