Fonds consists of records pertaining to the Calgary Mountain Club. Fonds includes two volumes of club meeting minutes, 1960-1987; one financial ledger book, 1964-1980; bound volume containing the club's constitution, route descriptions, photographs, and related content from various expeditions; one…
7 bound volumes -- two mounted b&w prints : 28 x 35 cm -- 3 cm textual records
History / Biographical
The Calgary Mountain Club (CMC) is Calgary's oldest mountaineering organization that is dedicated specifically to the furtherance of hard climbing objectives on significant peaks. These peaks are predominantly in the Canadian Rockies, but in many cases extend to significant mountain ranges throughout North America and Europe.
The CMC was founded in 1960 and is still an active club as of 2023. Chic Scott's publication, "History of the Calgary Mountain Club" (1988) provides a detailed summary of the club's early history.
Scope & Content
Fonds consists of records pertaining to the Calgary Mountain Club. Fonds includes two volumes of club meeting minutes, 1960-1987; one financial ledger book, 1964-1980; bound volume containing the club's constitution, route descriptions, photographs, and related content from various expeditions; one copy of Chic Scott's publication, "History of the Calgary Mountain Club" (1988); registers for Archie Simpson Hut (1972-1974) and Castle Mountain Hut (1967-1984); two mounted black & white prints depicting the Graham Cooper Hut and Black Rock Needle; memorial booklet for Archie Simpson; and one folder of loose textual records including correspondence, pamphlets, administrative documents, and related materials.
Fonds consists of research materials, publications, ephemera, and other materials collected by Jon Whelan. Fonds includes three Canadian Pacific bell boy log books, 1970-1980; five bound scrapbooks with collected newspaper clippings, ca.1880-1890; and collected advertisements and articles pertainin…
Jon Whelan (1952-2022) was a researcher, historian, and collector based in Banff, Alberta. Jon had a special interest in topics related to Banff National Park and Canadian Pacific Railway Company. Jon conducted independent research, as well as research for various authors and historians, from the 1980s onwards. Jon was also an active participant in municipal politics in Banff.
"For most of Jon’s life, he was engaged in community affairs and fearless in voicing an opinion. He was successful in raising public awareness and his tenacity achieved a personal goal, which was to initiate the use of video for regular Town of Banff council meetings. He dedicated himself to the concerns of Banff residents."
-Barry Kelly, Rocky Mountain Outlook, July 30, 2022
Scope & Content
Fonds consists of research materials, publications, ephemera, and other materials collected by Jon Whelan. Fonds includes three Canadian Pacific bell boy log books, 1970-1980; five bound scrapbooks with collected newspaper clippings, ca.1880-1890; and collected advertisements and articles pertaining to Canadian Pacific, Banff, travel and tourism within Canada, and related subjects.
File consists of three published records collected by Marshall Diverty, who served as President of the Trail Riders of the Canadian Rockies in 1943. File includes one copy of a 1941 Banff Indian Days pamphlet; "Historical Summary of the Skyline Hikers of the Canadian Rockies, 1933-1970"; and a sign…
File consists of three published records collected by Marshall Diverty, who served as President of the Trail Riders of the Canadian Rockies in 1943. File includes one copy of a 1941 Banff Indian Days pamphlet; "Historical Summary of the Skyline Hikers of the Canadian Rockies, 1933-1970"; and a signed copy of "History of Moraine Lake" by Lillian Gest.
Fonds consists of textual and visual materials pertaining to members of the Soole and Astley family, as well as the Homestead Hotel and property near Lake Minnewanka. Includes family photographs and albums; published materials, including two guidebooks; collected newspaper articles; notes and corre…
3 photo albums -- ca.6 cm of textual records -- ca.124 photographs (48 prints; 76 transparencies) -- one annotated ribbon
History / Biographical
David Mowbray Soole (1885-1959) was postmaster at Bankhead until 1913 when he moved to Banff to establish a real estate and insurance business. He sold the business in 1919 and bought the Homestead Hotel in Banff which he operated until 1945. Eric and his wife, Violet, had two children: a daughter, Ivy (Bond), and a son, Eric A. Soole.
Eric Astley Soole (1918-2012) grew up in Banff and Calgary. He married Sylvia (Maberley) Soole (1924-2016) in 1942 or 1943. Eric served in the Royal Canadian Air Force
Scope & Content
Fonds consists of textual and visual materials pertaining to members of the Soole and Astley family, as well as the Homestead Hotel and property near Lake Minnewanka. Includes family photographs and albums; published materials, including two guidebooks; collected newspaper articles; notes and correspondence, including genealogical records; Eric and Sylvia Soole's marriage certificate; and other related materials.
File consists of published research materials collected by Ben Gadd pertaining to diamond mining, asteroids, glacial movement, the Canadian Arctic Islands and other subjects related to the field of Geology.
File consists of published research materials collected by Ben Gadd pertaining to diamond mining, asteroids, glacial movement, the Canadian Arctic Islands and other subjects related to the field of Geology.
File consists of published research materials collected by Ben Gadd pertaining to climate change, cloud formations, wind and other weather-related subjects.
File consists of published research materials collected by Ben Gadd pertaining to climate change, cloud formations, wind and other weather-related subjects.
File consists of published research materials collected by Ben Gadd pertaining to trees, plant identification and growth patterns, gardening and related subjects. File includes handwritten notes produced by Ben.
File consists of published research materials collected by Ben Gadd pertaining to trees, plant identification and growth patterns, gardening and related subjects. File includes handwritten notes produced by Ben.
File consists of published research material collected by Ben Gadd pertaining to the study of Geomorphology and the Pleistocene Epoch. File includes one photograph print sent to Ben Gadd depicting a boulder [in file M590/II/A/32].
12 cm of textual records -- 1 photograph : col. print
Scope & Content
File consists of published research material collected by Ben Gadd pertaining to the study of Geomorphology and the Pleistocene Epoch. File includes one photograph print sent to Ben Gadd depicting a boulder [in file M590/II/A/32].
Storage Range
Materials stored in two file boxes: M590/II/A/26 to 32 and M590/II/A/33 to 38
File consists of loose notes, pamphlets, newspaper clippings and other textual records which were collected or produced by Ben Gadd between 1968 and 1989. Some materials are annotated with sketches, maps and diagrams drawn by Ben.
File consists of loose notes, pamphlets, newspaper clippings and other textual records which were collected or produced by Ben Gadd between 1968 and 1989. Some materials are annotated with sketches, maps and diagrams drawn by Ben.
Notes
Contents of file folders:
M590 / I / D / 8 : Other notes/collected, 1968-1971
M590 / I / D / 9 : Other notes/collected, 1972-1984
M590 / I / D / 10 : Other notes/collected, 1985-1986
M590 / I / D / 11 and 12 : Other notes/collected, 1987-1989
File consists of various scientific journal articles which were collected and used as research materials by Ben Gadd during the creation of his book "Geology Road Tours". Articles pertain to Canadian and North American geological history, and related subjects.
File consists of various scientific journal articles which were collected and used as research materials by Ben Gadd during the creation of his book "Geology Road Tours". Articles pertain to Canadian and North American geological history, and related subjects.
File consists of a 1997 Parks Canada Diving Lake Minnewanka Submerged Cultural Resources brochure, a photocopied diagram of the Department of the Interior's plan for the subdivision of villa lots at Lake Minnewanka [consisting of two pieces of paper taped together], a Calgary Power Company progress…
0.4 cm of textual records (4 volumes ; 21.3 x 27.6 cm or smaller)
History / Biographical
See fonds level description.
Scope & Content
File consists of a 1997 Parks Canada Diving Lake Minnewanka Submerged Cultural Resources brochure, a photocopied diagram of the Department of the Interior's plan for the subdivision of villa lots at Lake Minnewanka [consisting of two pieces of paper taped together], a Calgary Power Company progress pictures report pertaining to the Cascade Project - specifically the construction of the Stewart Canyon Bridge - accompanied by two printed colour maps of the details surrounding the pump house [most likely printed from a computer by Bob Smith at a later date], and three print-outs pertaining to various components of the Calgary Power Company Minnewanka Storage Dam.
File consists of two published booklets - one is about the St. Mary's Of the Assumption Catholic church in Banff and the other is about Vermilion Lakes. Both were printed by the Craig & Canyon.
0.7 cm of textual records (2 volumes ; 16.4 x 25 cm)
History / Biographical
See fonds level description
Scope & Content
File consists of two published booklets - one is about the St. Mary's Of the Assumption Catholic church in Banff and the other is about Vermilion Lakes. Both were printed by the Craig & Canyon.
Fonds consists of materials pertaining to Ben Gadd's personal life and career as an environmental researcher, educator, interpretive guide, publisher, public speaker and author, ca.1956-2018. Fonds includes maps, research materials, publication notes/drafts, correspondence, contracts, photographs, …
ca. 7.9 metres of textual records -- ca. 274 maps -- 29 VHS tapes -- ca.15 discs with digital files -- 21 cassettes -- photographs -- oversized materials -- USB stick with 15 sldeshows
History / Biographical
Ben Gadd (1946-) is a retired naturalist, guide, geologist, instructor, freelance writer and award-winning author based in the Canadian Rockies.
Ben was born in Colorado Springs, Colorado in 1946. He met his wife, Cia (Langdon) Gadd at Colorado College in 1965, and the couple married four weeks later. Ben and Cia had two sons, Will and Toby. Ben and his family relocated to Jasper in the late 1960s. Ben later attended the University of Lethbridge and graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Earth Science in 1972.
Between 1976 and 1980, Ben taught classes at Mount Royal College and the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology; he later taught additional classes at Grant MacEwan College and Lakeland College. From 1981, Ben also worked as a seasonal naturalist/guide for Parks Canada. Ben left Parks Canada in 1985 to start an independent naturalist guiding business with Cia based in Jasper and other parts of the Canadian Rockies, which the couple continued to operate for over two decades.
Ben published his best-known work, "Handbook of the Canadian Rockies", through his publishing company Corax Press in 1986. The second edition of "Handbook of the Canadian Rockies" received multiple awards after its release in 1995. Ben's fiction book, "Raven's End" won the title of Best Canadian Rockies Book at the Banff Mountain Film and Book Festival in 2001 and became a Canadian bestseller. Overall, Ben has authored or co-authored 11 books and received nearly one dozen awards for his achievements as a writer, researcher and guide.
Ben continued to lead guided hikes and school programs until his retirement in 2016.
Scope & Content
Fonds consists of materials pertaining to Ben Gadd's personal life and career as an environmental researcher, educator, interpretive guide, publisher, public speaker and author, ca.1956-2018. Fonds includes maps, research materials, publication notes/drafts, correspondence, contracts, photographs, video and sound recordings, and other related material. Materials donated in 2024 include one USB stick containing
Notes
Ben Gadd fonds arrangement:
Series I : Personal records
- Subseries A : Travel guides and maps
- Subseries B : Education and early writings
- Subseries C : Personal interest files
- Subseries D : Other personal and collected
Series II : Research and publication records
- Subseries A : Handbook of the Canadian Rockies
- Subseries B : Other publications
Series III : Professional records
- Subseries A : Parks Canada Records
- Subseries B : Interpretive guiding
- Subseries C : Teaching records
- Subseries D : Other contracts and projects
Series IV : Legal and financial records
- Subseries A : Legal records
- Subseries B : Financial records
Fonds consists of personal photographs, biographical notes, memoir drafts and other collected materials pertaining to Robert Neville (Bob) Smith. Fonds also includes plans and maps pertaining to the development of land near Lake Minnewanka and the Cascade Power Plant project (1943).
ca.300 photographs : b&w and col. prints ; 12 x 18 cm or smaller -- 7 cm of textual records -- 7 topographical maps/plans -- 8 postcards
History / Biographical
Robert Neville (Bob) Smith (1926-2021) was born in Banff. He was the only child of parents Enoch Smith and Laurene Smith (nee Munson). Bob grew up near Lake Minnewanka until 1941, when a hydro dam was installed resulting in the intentional flooding of the area. The family moved to Banff, where Bob met his future wife, Mary Parkinson. The couple were married in 1953 and moved to Seebe, where they raised two daughters, Marjory and Shirley.
Bob worked for Calgary Power Co. (later renamed TransAlta Utilities) from 1953 until his retirement in 1986. In his spare time, Bob founded the Bow Valley Camera Club and the Bow Valley Naturalists organization. In 1999, Bob was part of a successful project with the Bow Valley Naturalists to designate the Mount Yamnuska area as a Bow Valley Protected Area, following 25 years of lobbying with the Government of Alberta. Bob also formed the Meanderthals seniors hiking club in 1993 and led various local hiking trips in his later years.
Scope & Content
Fonds consists of personal photographs, biographical notes, memoir drafts and other collected materials pertaining to Robert Neville (Bob) Smith. Fonds also includes plans and maps pertaining to the development of land near Lake Minnewanka and the Cascade Power Plant project (1943).
Fonds consists of photographs, published booklets and film reels which belonged to William Royle. Content pertains to the Banff Boy Scouts: local events, including Banff Winter Carnival, Banff Indian Days and Banff's Centennial Parade in 1967; hiking, camping, skiing and other recreational activiti…
ca.348 photographs (204 b&w and col. prints, 144 col. transparencies) -- 0.5 cm of textual records -- 7 film reels
History / Biographical
William "Bill" Royle (1905-1980) moved to Banff from Lethbridge in 1952 with his mother (Mary Elizabeth) and two young sons (Bernard and Walter), following the death of his wife. William started the business Banff Plumbing and Heating Ltd., which he operated until his death. William and his brother, John J. Royle, were also involved with a laundromat business in Banff. From its inception in 1953, William also worked as director and president of the Banff Park Savings and Credit Union (now Bow Valley Credit Union). In his spare time, William volunteered with the Banff Boy Scouts, as well as St. Mary's Church in Banff, the Seniors' Society and the Alberta Council of the Aging.
William's son, Bernard, tragically passed away in a plane crash in 1969 while searching for new heliskiing routes in British Columbia with his friend, John Gow, who survived.
Scope & Content
Fonds consists of photographs, published booklets and film reels which belonged to William Royle. Content pertains to the Banff Boy Scouts: local events, including Banff Winter Carnival, Banff Indian Days and Banff's Centennial Parade in 1967; hiking, camping, skiing and other recreational activities; Bernard Royle and friends; the Banff High School curling team; natural views and wildlife in Alberta and British Columbia; and other related subjects.
Includes three visual series: I - Prints ; II - Motion pictures ; III - Transparencies. Series I includes five sub-series: A - Boy Scouts [includes o.s. items] ; B - Banff Indian Days ; C - Banff Winter Carnival ; D - St. Mary's Baptist Church ; E - Misc.
Fonds consists of photographs pertaining to Placido Monachello and family; and a bound publication titled "Machinery's Handbook", 1943, which belonged to Placido. 12 photographs pertain to Placido's experiences at the Alternative Service Corps work camp at the Spray River Trail near Banff Springs H…
ca.172 photographs : b&w prints -- 3 digital files : col. JPG images -- 4 cm of textual records (1 volume)
History / Biographical
Placido Monachello (1920-2018) received a conscription notice to join the war effort between 1940-1941. Placido opposed the conscription notice, identifying himself as a Conscientious Objector who refused to participate in the war. After appealing his case in court, Placido was sentenced to one year of work in an internment/work camp. Placido completed his year of work at the Alternative Service Corps work camp, located near the Sunshine Road/Brewster Creek area (ASW Camp No. 1). While at the work camp, Placido aided in the clearing of land and road construction around Banff. Placido returned home to Hamilton, Ontario in 1942, where he worked odd jobs as a labourer and farm hand.
Placido married his partner, Leonarda "Leona" (Borsellino) Monachello (1920-2019) in 1944, with whom he later had two children, John and David. Placido sent numerous letters and photographs to Leona during his time at the ASW camp. While Placido was in Banff, Leona directly supported the war effort as an employee at Westinghouse in Hamilton, Ontario, where she produced high-tech military components. Placido and Leona ran two delicatessen businesses together after the war, one of which was initially funded by her parents. The couple sold their business in the 1970s, after which Placido worked for Stelco (a steel manufacturing company) until 1985. Placido and Leona took a trip to visit Banff together in 2010.
Scope & Content
Fonds consists of photographs pertaining to Placido Monachello and family; and a bound publication titled "Machinery's Handbook", 1943, which belonged to Placido. 12 photographs pertain to Placido's experiences at the Alternative Service Corps work camp at the Spray River Trail near Banff Springs Hotel (ASW Camp No. 1). ca.160 photographs pertain to Placido's family and personal life, including his wedding to Leonarda (Leona) in 1944 and their children [ca.1950s]. Fonds also includes 3 digital images of Placido and Leona visiting Banff in 2010.
File consists of Mount Royal Hotel stationery and envelopes, and an article from the Crag and Canyon newspaper pertaining to a fire which destroyed the hotel in 1967.
File consists of Mount Royal Hotel stationery and envelopes, and an article from the Crag and Canyon newspaper pertaining to a fire which destroyed the hotel in 1967.
Notes
Newspaper article in file is accompanied by handwritten note by Maryalice Harvey Stewart with further information about the image used in the article