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].
Series consists of cards, postcards, letters, and other correspondence which was sent to and/or collected by Eleanor Luxton. Content pertains to holiday and birthday greetings from family and friends, get well soon cards, collected gift tags, travel correspondence, and related subjects.
Series consists of cards, postcards, letters, and other correspondence which was sent to and/or collected by Eleanor Luxton. Content pertains to holiday and birthday greetings from family and friends, get well soon cards, collected gift tags, travel correspondence, and related subjects.
Notes
Series arrangement:
LUX / II / A / 1 to 47 : General correspondence, organized chronologically (see Content Details)
LUX / II / A / 48 to 51 : Holiday greeting cards, dated (chronological order)
LUX / II / A / 52 to 62 : Holiday greeting cards, not dated
LUX / II / A / 63 : Holiday gift tags
LUX / II / A / 64 to 65 : Thank you, friendship and get well soon cards
LUX / II / A / 66 to 67 : Easter and Valentine's Day cards
LUX / II / A / 68 to 70 : Birthday cards
LUX / II / A / 71 : Other holiday cards and letters
LUX / II / A / 72 : Postcards sent to Eleanor
LUX / II / A / 73 : Luxton family research correspondence
File consists of personal mail sent to or from Eleanor Luxton between ca. 1915 and 1980. Content pertains to Valentine's day letters between Eleanor and her parents, Norman and Georgina; a personal greeting card sent from "Aida" [n.d.]; a greeting card titled "To Father" [possibly sent from Eleanor…
File consists of personal mail sent to or from Eleanor Luxton between ca. 1915 and 1980. Content pertains to Valentine's day letters between Eleanor and her parents, Norman and Georgina; a personal greeting card sent from "Aida" [n.d.]; a greeting card titled "To Father" [possibly sent from Eleanor to Norman Luxton]; a letter addressed to Eleanor from Alberta Theatre Projects with a ticket order form for local performances [1973]; a letter from Laura Oakander sent to Eleanor thanking her for a donation to the McDougall Stoney Mission Society [1980]; and invitations to round-up events hosted by the Southern Alberta Pioneers' and Old Timers' Association.
Notes
Most items in file are not dated; part of date range is estimate by the Processing Archivist based on context and formatting of contents in file
File consists of dated Christmas and holiday cards sent to Eleanor Luxton between 1940 and 1994. Includes cards sent from various family members, friends and organizations which Eleanor was involved with [including the National Philatelic Centre and the University of Alberta]. Some cards have attac…
File consists of dated Christmas and holiday cards sent to Eleanor Luxton between 1940 and 1994. Includes cards sent from various family members, friends and organizations which Eleanor was involved with [including the National Philatelic Centre and the University of Alberta]. Some cards have attached photograph prints or personal images printed into the cards [i.e. family photographs].
File consists of non-dated Christmas and holiday greeting cards sent to Eleanor Luxton between ca.1940 and 1994. Cards are signed by various friends, family members and coworkers of Eleanor, as well as some organizations and groups which Eleanor was involved with [including the Trail Riders of the …
File consists of non-dated Christmas and holiday greeting cards sent to Eleanor Luxton between ca.1940 and 1994. Cards are signed by various friends, family members and coworkers of Eleanor, as well as some organizations and groups which Eleanor was involved with [including the Trail Riders of the Canadian Rockies and UNICEF].
Notes
Some cards have personal photographs printed onto front covers, or have photograph prints physically attached.
File consists of Christmas gift tags collected by Eleanor Luxton between ca.1940 and 1994. Most tags are stored in envelopes which are annotated with lists of names and corresponding gifts received from them. File also contains some loose items.
File consists of Christmas gift tags collected by Eleanor Luxton between ca.1940 and 1994. Most tags are stored in envelopes which are annotated with lists of names and corresponding gifts received from them. File also contains some loose items.
Notes
Majority of items are dated or may be dated between ca.1975-1990
File consists of greeting cards not pertaining to specific holidays which were sent to Eleanor Luxton, including: thank you cards, friendship and "just because" cards, and get well soon cards. Cards are signed by various friends and family members of Eleanor, including numerous cards from Eleanor's…
File consists of greeting cards not pertaining to specific holidays which were sent to Eleanor Luxton, including: thank you cards, friendship and "just because" cards, and get well soon cards. Cards are signed by various friends and family members of Eleanor, including numerous cards from Eleanor's friend "Miriam".
File consists of Easter and Valentine's Day cards addressed to Eleanor Luxton which were sent by various friends and family members between ca.1940 and 1995.
File consists of Easter and Valentine's Day cards addressed to Eleanor Luxton which were sent by various friends and family members between ca.1940 and 1995.
File consists of birthday cards sent to Eleanor Luxton between ca.1940 and 1995. Includes one folder of birthday cards [ca.1960-1995?] which do not name a recipient.
File consists of birthday cards sent to Eleanor Luxton between ca.1940 and 1995. Includes one folder of birthday cards [ca.1960-1995?] which do not name a recipient.
Notes
Cards without a named recipient were likely sent to Eleanor Luxton based on their approximate time period and other items stored with them prior to processing; some of earlier cards possibly sent to Georgina Luxton[?]
File contents stored in three folders:
LUX / II / A / 68 and 69 : Birthday cards addressed to Eleanor Luxton
LUX / II / A / 70 : Birthday cards, recipient not named
File consists of assorted greeting cards and letters sent to Eleanor Luxton [and some possibly sent to unidentified family members]. Includes cards for St. Patrick’s Day and Halloween; letters marking donations given in Eleanor Luxton’s name to charities [including the Multiple Sclerosis Society]; …
File consists of assorted greeting cards and letters sent to Eleanor Luxton [and some possibly sent to unidentified family members]. Includes cards for St. Patrick’s Day and Halloween; letters marking donations given in Eleanor Luxton’s name to charities [including the Multiple Sclerosis Society]; letters from organizations including the Southern Alberta Pioneers’ and Old Timers’ Association; wedding invitations; and other personal correspondence.
Notes
Most items in file are not dated, some items do not name a recipient
One card in file is unsent letter written by Eleanor Luxton addressed to Mr. and Mrs. Stockand[?]
File consists of postcards sent to Eleanor Luxton from various friends and family members between 1928 and 1985. Content pertains to family, domestic and international travel, holiday wishes and other related subjects.
3 cm of textual records (ca.130 postcards ; 18 x 12.5 cm or smaller)
Scope & Content
File consists of postcards sent to Eleanor Luxton from various friends and family members between 1928 and 1985. Content pertains to family, domestic and international travel, holiday wishes and other related subjects.
File consists of correspondence sent to Eleanor Luxton between 1961 and 1986 pertaining to the history of the Luxton family. Materials were collected by Eleanor for personal research.
File consists of correspondence sent to Eleanor Luxton between 1961 and 1986 pertaining to the history of the Luxton family. Materials were collected by Eleanor for personal research.
Series consists of 7 sub-series:
*1. Personal education, [ca.1920]-1973: Records in this sub-series pertain to Eleanor Luxton's personal education and include records relating to her primary and secondary schooling; the University of Alberta, her teacher training at the University of Alberta summ…
16 m textual records, graphic materials and sound recordings
Scope & Content
Series consists of 7 sub-series:
*1. Personal education, [ca.1920]-1973: Records in this sub-series pertain to Eleanor Luxton's personal education and include records relating to her primary and secondary schooling; the University of Alberta, her teacher training at the University of Alberta summer school; the Provincial Normal School in Edmonton; post-secondary schooling at Sir George Williams College where she studied Commerce, Engineering, and received her Bachelors of Science (B.Sc.). Between 1933 and 1952, Eleanor Luxton participated in numerous other personal education activities, including: drama studies, 1933 (Banff School of Drama? and/or Banff School of Fine Arts?); Garbutt Business College, Calgary (office practices, 1937), St. Stephen's College, Edmonton (1940), Ottawa Technical High School (machine draughting, 1940-1941); German language studies (1951); Banff School of Fine Arts (radio writing and techniques, 1951, 1952); Western Canada Institute, Calgary (literature, before 1952).
*2. Teaching career: Records in this sub-series pertain to Eleanor Luxton's teaching career and include her teaching papers from secondary school and university.
*3. Engineering career, 1935-1946: Records in this sub-series pertain to Eleanor Luxton's work at the Canadian Pacific Railway in Montreal.
*4. Historical research, 1890-[ca.1995]: Records in this sub-series pertain to biographical research files on individuals and families in the High River area and other ranching communities of southern Alberta; research notes, files, and recordings gathered for the High River and southern Alberta ranching research projects; articles, photographs collected for the High River and southern Alberta ranching research projects, and project records relating to the Glenbow-Alberta Institute research projects on High River and southern Alberta ranching. These records include project outlines, monthly and annual reports, expense statements, correspondence, register book, lists and notes. Also included in this sub-series are Canadian and western history research papers; McDougall family research papers; Luxton family research papers.
*5. Literary papers, 1969-1975: Records in this sub-series pertain to Eleanor Luxton's writings on Luxton's Pacific Crossing; Banff, Canada's First National Park; Latch String Out; Stoney Medicine.
File consists of two programme booklets from conferences attended by Eleanor Luxton. Content pertains to a 1979 conference titled "Women Celebrate Women" held in Calgary, and a conference hosted in 1982 by the University of Alberta, titled "The Buildings of Alberta: A Useful Heritage".
File consists of two programme booklets from conferences attended by Eleanor Luxton. Content pertains to a 1979 conference titled "Women Celebrate Women" held in Calgary, and a conference hosted in 1982 by the University of Alberta, titled "The Buildings of Alberta: A Useful Heritage".
Material Details
University of Alberta programme has yellow braided string attached to binding
Series consists of textual records and photographs pertaining to Eleanor Luxton's personal life, including Eleanor's hobbies, travel, volunteering and collected materials.
2.6 m textual records -- oversize textual records -- photographs
Scope & Content
Series consists of textual records and photographs pertaining to Eleanor Luxton's personal life, including Eleanor's hobbies, travel, volunteering and collected materials.
Notes
Series consists of 6 sub-series:
C1 : Volunteer activities: Records in this sub-series pertain to Eleanor Luxton's involement with the Junior Red Cross, the Canadian Women's Press Club, the Historical Society of Alberta, and the Southern Alberta Women's Pioneer and Old Timers' Association.
C2 : Scrapbooks
C3 : Diaries, daybooks, notebooks, notes
C4 : Travel and hobbies
C5 : Other (includes personal government documents, business and membership cards and some personal correspondence)
File consists of invitations, programs, brochures and other documents pertaining to the Southern Alberta Pioneers' and Old Timers' Association. Includes two copies of a "Constitution and By-Laws" booklet, invitations and programs for Annual Round-Up and banquet events [various years], and two copie…
File consists of invitations, programs, brochures and other documents pertaining to the Southern Alberta Pioneers' and Old Timers' Association. Includes two copies of a "Constitution and By-Laws" booklet, invitations and programs for Annual Round-Up and banquet events [various years], and two copies of an address given by Eleanor Luxton to the Association in 1956 titled "The Golden Link".
File consists of a report and memorandum for the Arctic Institute of North America, 1974. Content pertains to organizational goals and objectives and the nomination of members for election as governors.
The Arctic Institute of North America was founded in 1945 as a research and educational non-profit organization sponsored by the Canadian Federal Government. The institute was incorporated into the University of Calgary in 1976. The Arctic Institute focuses its research on the "physical, environmental and social conditions" of the Arctic regions, and makes this research accessible through an online database and publications through the organization's academic journal, "ARCTIC".
Scope & Content
File consists of a report and memorandum for the Arctic Institute of North America, 1974. Content pertains to organizational goals and objectives and the nomination of members for election as governors.
File consists of 6 published pamphlets and booklets, and an undated "Red Cross Banff" paper logo. Content pertains to a Teacher's Association event in Calgary in 1939; the Calgary Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals; a collection of transcribed letters sent to William McMurray of the H…
1.2 cm of textual records (6 volumes ; 17.5 x 21 cm or smaller)
Scope & Content
File consists of 6 published pamphlets and booklets, and an undated "Red Cross Banff" paper logo. Content pertains to a Teacher's Association event in Calgary in 1939; the Calgary Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals; a collection of transcribed letters sent to William McMurray of the Hudson's Bay Company which were read before the Historical and Scientific Society of Manitoba [1950]; a report by the Social Science Research Council of Canada; Alberta Blue Cross membership information; and a copy of "Pioneer Naturalists of the Rocky Mountains and the Selkirks" published for the Calgary Field Naturalists' Society with a note to Eleanor Luxton from author Beryl Hallworth.
File consists of brochures, programs and other textual items pertaining to associations and clubs based in Alberta and across Canada. Includes a small logo for the I.O.D.E. [Imperial Order Daughters of the Empire] Banff Winter Sports event in 1946 with attached ribbon; a lodge directory booklet for…
File consists of brochures, programs and other textual items pertaining to associations and clubs based in Alberta and across Canada. Includes a small logo for the I.O.D.E. [Imperial Order Daughters of the Empire] Banff Winter Sports event in 1946 with attached ribbon; a lodge directory booklet for the B.P.O.E. [Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks] from 1929; a program and menu for a Northern Alberta Old Timers' Association banquet and dance in 1927; a brochure for a Calgary Gun Club trapshooting tournament; a banquet menu, list of members and event program for The Military and Hospitaller Order of Saint Lazarus of Jerusalem through the Grand Priory of Canada; and an event booklet/menu for an Old Time Range Men's Dinner" hosted by Canadian Pacific.
File consists of event invitations, programmes and newsletters sent to Eleanor Luxton by various organizations, clubs and associations between 1974 and 1993. Includes content pertaining to the Canadian Broadcasting League, the University of Alberta President's Club, the Whyte Museum of the Canadian…
File consists of event invitations, programmes and newsletters sent to Eleanor Luxton by various organizations, clubs and associations between 1974 and 1993. Includes content pertaining to the Canadian Broadcasting League, the University of Alberta President's Club, the Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies, Concordia University, the Kinette Club of Banff, the Arctic Institute of North America, the Glenbow Museum, the Royal Society of Canada, the Canadian Plains Research Center, and other organizations.
Notes
Some items are annotated
Folder LUX / II / C1 / 34 contains invitations and programmes; LUX / II / C1 / 35 and 36 contain newsletters