Fonds consists of textual records and photographs by and about Aileen Harmon, as well as collected items. Textual records include: letter from Harmon to the Director of Alberta's provincial parks re addition of Yamnuska area to Bow Valley Provincial Park, 1973; brief, from Harvie Heights and Bow Va…
26.5 cm of textual records. -- 33 photographs (26 prints : b&w and col. ; 20.5 x 30 cm or smaller -- 6 negatives : b&w nitrate negatives ; 12.5 x 10 cm -- 1 transparency : col. slide ; 35 mm)
History / Biographical
Aileen Harmon (1912 - 2015), daughter of Byron Harmon, worked as a government naturalist at Banff, Alberta, Canada and was involved in local natural history groups and activities. Aileen was a founding member, alongside Bruce Gordon, of the Bow Valley Naturalists, and was also on the Board of The Canadian Wildlife Federation and The Society of Alberta Naturalists. Aileen moved to Mill Bay on Vancouver Island, B.C. in 1981 following the end of a lengthy career with Parks Canada. During her retirement years, Aileen travelled extensively, reaching all seven continents. She also authored an autobiographical book, titled "Tales of My Mountain Life", in 2004. Aileen passed away on January 9, 2015 at the age of 102.
Scope & Content
Fonds consists of textual records and photographs by and about Aileen Harmon, as well as collected items. Textual records include: letter from Harmon to the Director of Alberta's provincial parks re addition of Yamnuska area to Bow Valley Provincial Park, 1973; brief, from Harvie Heights and Bow Valley subdivision residents to public hearings on land use and resource development in the eastern slopes, 1973; letter re James Hector, 1979; notes on career, 2003; notes on Catharine Whyte for CBC recording, 2004; Christmas cards and collected articles, ca.1960. Photographs, made by and collected by Aileen Harmon, pertain to Aileen Harmon and friends, skiing, Skoki area, Mount Yamnuska, Banff Indian Days. Includes photographs by Byron Harmon.
Added content from accession 2016.8596 : ca. 25 cm of textual records including personal correspondence, guest book, original writing and notes by Aileen Harmon, personal travel journals from a 1931 packing trip and 1933 ski trip to Skoki, drafts of autobiographical book "Tales of My Mountain Life", articles pertaining to or written by Aileen Harmon, Christmas cards, and letters of condolence to Carole Harmon following Aileen's passing. Also 26 print photographs, 6 negative photographs from a 1937 hiking trip, and one transparency.
Fonds consists of one series :
Series I - Personal records
Fonds consists primarily of 155 topical files prepared by Alice Fulmer as a personal project between 1964 and 1969 and composed of historical notes, transcripts, clippings, ephemera and photographs. Topics center around Banff history and personalities; Canadian Rockies history, flora and fauna; sk…
ca.95 cm of textual records. -- 40 photographs : prints
History / Biographical
Alice G. Fulmer, 1896-1989, was a resident and amateur local historian at Banff, Alberta, Canada.
Scope & Content
Fonds consists primarily of 155 topical files prepared by Alice Fulmer as a personal project between 1964 and 1969 and composed of historical notes, transcripts, clippings, ephemera and photographs. Topics center around Banff history and personalities; Canadian Rockies history, flora and fauna; skiing, Indians and miscellaneous Alberta and British Columbia subjects. ; Also includes the marriage record of Fulmer's great-grandparents, 1833; reminiscences about Emmeline Savatard, 1980; and a scrapbook on Banff history and personalities containing mainly Walter P. Fulmer's papers.
Photographs include personal and family photographs; also photographs collected by Alice Fulmer. Photographs pertain to Alice Fulmer, alpine trips, Fulmer family, early Banff activities and buildings, 1886-1967; includes some copies.
Fonds constitutes the principal resource for the study of the history of Canadian mountaineering. It provides a wealth of information on individual alpinists, expeditions, mountains, national parks, conservation, climbing, alpine organizations, publications, guiding, scientific study and the Alpin…
ca.42 m of textual records. -- ca.12,500 photographs: prints, stereographic prints, transparencies, slides, negatives, postcards. -- 85 photograph albums. -- 8 motion pictures: films, video recordings. -- 3 sound recordings
History / Biographical
The Alpine Club of Canada, the national mountaineering club, was co-founded in 1906 by A. O. Wheeler and Elizabeth Parker, and other like-minded climbers. The club espoused scientific study and exploration, cultivation of art, public education, acquisition of climbing skills, and preservation of natural areas within the mountainous regions of Canada. Through a national executive, local sections and volunteer committees, the club provided climbing camps, clubhouse, huts, and publications, including the Canadian Alpine Journal. ACC expeditions and projects resulted in pioneer exploration, first ascents, and included mountain warfare training during the Second World War. In recent years, the club's membership has increased dramatically with the popularity of climbing and its programs have evolved to serve the needs of unguided climbers using sophisticated technical aids.
Scope & Content
Fonds constitutes the principal resource for the study of the history of Canadian mountaineering. It provides a wealth of information on individual alpinists, expeditions, mountains, national parks, conservation, climbing, alpine organizations, publications, guiding, scientific study and the Alpine Club itself.
The fonds consists of four Sous-fonds: I. Alpine Club of Canada records; II. Mount Everest Expedition (1982) records; III. Personal papers and photographs; IV. Other material. Club administration records (series I.A.) pertain to executive positions; head office; finance; camps, climbing and treks; expeditions; huts and properties; clubhouses; library; publications; photography; other committees; other activities; and other. Other club records include section records (series I.B.), hut registers and summit records (series I.C.).
Fonds consists of seven series: I. Personal and professional series, 1937-1993 (diaries, correspondence, filing systems and papers pertaining to awards, memberships, biography and other); II. Business series, 1948-1982 (pertaining to guiding, outfitting, trail riding, ranching, Andy Russell and S…
6 m of textual records and printed material. -- ca.6100 photographs : prints, negatives, transparencies. -- 1 photograph album (49 prints). -- 29 motion pictures. -- 5 sound recordings
History / Biographical
Andy Russell, 1915-2005, was a trapper, guide and outfitter, writer, photographer, cinematographer, lecturer and environmental advocate in the Pincher Creek, Alberta, Canada.
Russell was born in Lethbridge, Alberta and spent his childhood on a ranch in the foothills near Pincher Creek. He became a skilled horseman, hunter, fisherman and trapper, and, in 1936, was employed by Bert Riggall, a pioneer guide and outfitter of wilderness pack trips in the southern Rockies since 1907. He became Riggall's partner in 1939 and took over the business when Riggall retired in 1946. Andy Russell and Kathleen (Kay) Riggall married in 1938 and raised five children at their ranch bordering Waterton Lakes National Park, where family businesses included guiding, saddlehorses and ranching. Children are: Richard "Dick" H. (b.1938); Andrew Charles "Charlie" (b.1941); Harold John "John" (b.1944); Hugh Gordon Riggall "Gordon" (b.1947); Lorenda Anne "Anne" (b.1952).
Russell continued as a renowned guide and outfitter with a wealthy repeat clientele until he was forced out of guiding by 1960 with the advance of the oil industry concerns upon wilderness areas in southern Alberta and British Columbia. Russell began to write nature articles in 1945 and after 1960 concentrated upon writing, photography, film making, lecturing and ranching. He wrote for numerous magazines and newspapers, produced radio broadcasts, and, using colour motion picture photography, developed programs on wildlife and wilderness habitat research for live public performances. Russell's films launched his career as an author of popular wildlife and mountain culture books, which included Grizzly Country. In later years, he was an active writer, consultant and advocate of wilderness and environmental management and received numerous awards and honours, including Member of the Order of Canada.
Scope & Content
Fonds consists of seven series: I. Personal and professional series, 1937-1993 (diaries, correspondence, filing systems and papers pertaining to awards, memberships, biography and other); II. Business series, 1948-1982 (pertaining to guiding, outfitting, trail riding, ranching, Andy Russell and Sons, royalties and lecturing); III. Writing, broadcasting and public appearances series, 1908-1990 (papers and photographs pertaining to writing, book projects, columns, broadcasts, reviews, advertising, promotion and other); IV. Photography and cinematography series, 1909-1990 (details below); V. Wildlife study and conservation activities series, 1945-[198-]; VI. Other activities series, 1931-[199-] (politics, interviews, information files); VII. Russell family series, [1867]-1983.
Photography and cinematography series consists of: Riggall/Russell guiding activity photographs, 1909-1962, ca.280 items; Andy Russell and Sons Production Ltd / Andy Russell professional photographs and films, ca.1940- ca.1990, ca.4200 photographs (mainly transparencies), 28 motion pictures, accompanied by some textual and printed items; personal and family photographs, 1916-1989, ca.1550 items; collected photographs, ca.1940-197-, ca.75 items. Professional photography and cinematography primarily arose from field work by Andy, Dick and Charlie Russell and pertains mainly to flora, fauna and landscape of the Canadian Rockies in continental divide region, British Columbia, Yukon and Alaska.
Motion pictures, ca.1950-1974, include original film "Grizzly Country" by Dick, Charlie and Andy Russell, produced by Evan J. Anton, ca.1969, copy print of same; also unedited wildlife and landscape footage of Waterton area, Yukon and British Columbia.
Sound recordings are interviews with Andy Russell, [ca.1970]-1988.
File consists of one original bulletin from 1933 describing the TRCR's [Trail Riders of the Canadian Rockies] 10th anniversary with notes by Anne Wotypka; notes of memories of the Trail Riders produced by Howard Watkins in 1973, as part of 50th anniversary celebrations; 3 newspaper articles, includ…
2.5 cm of textual records (ca. 45 pages ; 21.5 x 28 cm or smaller -- 3 newspaper clippings -- 2 volumes : 17 x 25.5 cm and 26 x 18.5 cm) -- 3 photographs : col. prints ; 12.5 x 9 cm
Scope & Content
File consists of one original bulletin from 1933 describing the TRCR's [Trail Riders of the Canadian Rockies] 10th anniversary with notes by Anne Wotypka; notes of memories of the Trail Riders produced by Howard Watkins in 1973, as part of 50th anniversary celebrations; 3 newspaper articles, including two scanned copies, pertaining to the TRCR's 60th anniversary with attached notes by Anne Wotypka; information and sign-up sheets for 60th anniversary trail rides and Pow Wow event; 60th anniversary write-up titled "The Call of the Mountains - A Celebration"; 14 textual records including correspondence and a meeting agenda pertaining to TRCR's 60th and 75th anniversaries, 75th anniversary buckle design templates and plaque order forms including one duplicate; and one guest list booklet for the TRCR's 60th anniversary celebrations in 1983 containing 62 signatures. File also includes 3 colour photographs [see "Notes"].
Notes
Date "2013" is for accompanying handwritten notes by donor Anne Wotypka received with newspaper articles.
3 colour photographs have been stored in mylar and kept in folder with corresponding newspaper article to preserve context
Some excess duplicates of items have not been processed due to storage reasons; items will be offered for return to Trail Riders of the Canadian Rockies.
Fonds consists of two series: I. Expeditions and trips series, 1946-1974; II. General files series, 1913-1978. Expeditions and trips series pertains to mountaineering expeditions and trips of Arnold Wexler and companions to western and northern Canada and locations in the United States. Canadian…
Arnold Wexler was responsible for the creation of most material. Fonds also contains material created by A. C. Faberge, Alvin E. Peterson, Donald Hubbard, William L. Putnam, Samuel V. Moore, Mike Banks, and others
Date Range
1913-1978, predominant 1946-1974
Physical Description
ca.4100 photographs (ca.3000 transparencies, ca.700 negatives, ca.400 prints). -- 7 photograph albums (ca.190 prints). -- ca.40 cartographic records. -- 16 cm of textual records. -- 5 cm of print material. -- 5 graphic records
History / Biographical
Arnold Wexler, 1918-1997, was a research engineer and mountaineer in the Washington, DC area of the United States. He was a member of numerous scientific and mountaineering organizations and was actively involved in the testing of mountaineering equipment. Wexler climbed extensively in North America, Europe and South America, and also travelled throughout Asia. He is credited with over 100 ascents, almost half being first ascents.
Wexler was a key organizer and participant of expeditions to western and northern Canada beginning in 1946. Noteworthy ascents of that first expedition, to the northern Selkirks of British Columbia, were the second ascent of Mount Sir Sandford and first ascents of Sentinel Peak, Unicorn and East Blackfriar. Also, near the end of that trip, an accident claimed the life of an expedition member. Wexler and his associates made annual expeditions and trips to Canada from 1946 until 1955, and subsequently in the years 1961, 1962, 1963, and 1970 through 1974
Scope & Content
Fonds consists of two series: I. Expeditions and trips series, 1946-1974; II. General files series, 1913-1978.
Expeditions and trips series pertains to mountaineering expeditions and trips of Arnold Wexler and companions to western and northern Canada and locations in the United States. Canadian expedition destinations included the Selkirk Mountains, Cariboo Mountains, Rocky Mountains, Monashee Mountains, Coast Range, Bugaboo Mountains, Logan Mountains, Battle Range and Adamant Range. Mountaineers involved were Arnold Wexler, Sterling B. Hendricks, Donald Hubbard, Alvin (Pete) E. Peterson, Alex C. Faberge, Chris G. Scoredos, Charles C. Haworth Jr., Samuel V. Moore, Arthur Lembeck, Norman Goldstein, W. L. Putnam, A. J. Kauffman and others. Series includes extensive photographs, trip diaries and maps.
General files series consists of files pertaining to mountaineering, equipment, locations, climbing associates and expeditions. Includes correspondence, checklists, exhibition prints, climbing portraits, and research material in the form of topical files, maps and print material
Fonds consists of notes, correspondence and articles pertaining to the Astley family and early history of Lake Louise and Lake Minnewanka areas. Fonds includes correspondence between Willoughby Astley and J. A. Jaffary of the Provincial Library, Alberta, 1928-1929, re place names in the Lake Louise…
Willoughby John Astley, 1859-1948, came to Banff in 1888 and built the Beach House Hotel at Lake Minnewanka. He moved to Lake Louise in 1889. Brother, Charles D'Oyley Astley, 1849-1937, and Lucy Ann Astley continued to operate the hotel until 1907 when they retired to Banff. The hotel was destroyed as part of power development at Lake Minnewanka, ca.1912.
Scope & Content
Fonds consists of notes, correspondence and articles pertaining to the Astley family and early history of Lake Louise and Lake Minnewanka areas. Fonds includes correspondence between Willoughby Astley and J. A. Jaffary of the Provincial Library, Alberta, 1928-1929, re place names in the Lake Louise area; scrapbook of clippings re World War I, including a list of Banff men who enlisted; Beach House Hotel guest register, 1890-1906, recording name and residence of guest, and occasionally record of fish caught; Astley family photographs, ca.1886-1930s. Photographs pertain to fishing and boating on Lake Minnewanka; Beach House Hotel and Lady of the Lake steam launch; Devil's Canyon, Bankhead and Banff; views of avalanche clearing in Roger's Pass by Byron Harmon. Includes one panorama view of group at Lake Minnewanka.
Consists of five series. I. Minutes, 1964-1991, ca.20 cm of textual records; II. Administrative files, 1974-1991, ca.156 cm of textual records; III. Other records, 1958-1985, 10.5 cm and 14 v.; IV. Publications, 1977-1991, 2 cm of printed material; V. Photographs and films, ca.1970-1988, 143 photo…
2 m of textual records. -- 143 photographs : transparencies, prints. -- 7 motion pictures : films, video recordings
Scope & Content
Consists of five series. I. Minutes, 1964-1991, ca.20 cm of textual records; II. Administrative files, 1974-1991, ca.156 cm of textual records; III. Other records, 1958-1985, 10.5 cm and 14 v.; IV. Publications, 1977-1991, 2 cm of printed material; V. Photographs and films, ca.1970-1988, 143 photographs and 7 motion pictures. Records pertain mainly to Chamber of Commerce operations and Banff events.
File consists of one photograph album containing 62 print photographs [40 b&w, 22 colour] including some in loose envelopes inside album, 2 newspaper clippings and a Banff Minor Hockey green ribbon from 1968. Content pertains to members of the Banff hockey teams who played between 1908 and ca. 1980…
1 album (62 photographs : b&w and col. ; 25 x 20 cm or smaller) -- 2 newspaper clippings -- 1 fabric ribbon
Scope & Content
File consists of one photograph album containing 62 print photographs [40 b&w, 22 colour] including some in loose envelopes inside album, 2 newspaper clippings and a Banff Minor Hockey green ribbon from 1968. Content pertains to members of the Banff hockey teams who played between 1908 and ca. 1980. Includes group shots of hockey teams in various years, some featuring Jack MacAulay as coach; individual portraits and posed photographs, including Herb MacAulay ca. 1965; print depicting Herb Ollis feeding a bear in 1938; and 2 newspaper clippings from 1979 pertaining to Banff's hockey team. Individuals named in photographs include: Tommy Craig, Axie Wilson, Tommy Anderson, Joe Stenton, Bill Craig, Curly Wheatley, Cyril Paris, Fulton Dunsmore, Ernie Leacock, Mousie Saddington, Johnny Woodworth, Jack Brown, Joe Smith, Gerald Powderface, Clifford Powderface, Charles Powderface, and others.
Notes
Some prints are annotated on reverse side with date, description, individuals in photographs, etc.
Negative photographs removed from album [see "Conservation" note]
Some photographs stamped on reverse side or in envelope attributing work to Bruno Engler
Album has been placed in sub-sub-series V324 / III / B [date range 1946 - 1980] for the sake of organization as the majority of photographs are dated within or near this range
Some dates are estimates provided by the Processing Archivist based on context and format
6 negatives originally stored in album have been removed for conservation reasons and will be stored in downstairs vault with other V324 negatives under V324 / IV / C / NA
Newspaper clippings have some folding, torn edges and general aging effects, fair condition
Newspaper clippings have been left in original position inside album to preserve original order. Consider storing separately if condition deteriorates further
Fonds consists of correspondence re establishment and premises, 1949-1961; constitution and minutes, 1949-2006; miscellaneous textual items, including poster, blueprint and calendar of community events, 1974-1976; and a sound recording of the Banff Library/Seniors Centre opening ceremony, April 20,…
6 cm of textual records. -- 1 sound recording : audio tape reel; 217cm of unprocessed textual and visual material
History / Biographical
The Banff Public Library, also known as the Banff Library, was initially sponsored by local service groups in various premises, including the Banff Clinic, 1949-1961, a home on the Whyte property, 1961-1967, and in the Peter and Catharine Whyte Foundation building (now Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies) from 1968-1985. In 1985, the Banff Public Library relocated to the lower floor of the new Banff Library/Seniors Centre, and in 1990 the library came under the jurisdiction of the new Town of Banff.
Scope & Content
Fonds consists of correspondence re establishment and premises, 1949-1961; constitution and minutes, 1949-2006; miscellaneous textual items, including poster, blueprint and calendar of community events, 1974-1976; and a sound recording of the Banff Library/Seniors Centre opening ceremony, April 20, 1985.
Unprocessed Includes:
Box 1 consists of Banff Public Library minutes 1949 to 1994
Box 2 consists of Banff Public Library minutes 1995 to 2006
Box 3 consists of: Banff Public Library Needs Assessment, 1987, Banff Public Library Collection Assessment Project January – April 1995, Banff Public Library Renovations 1998, Banff Public Library Bylaws & Policy (1983?), Banff Public Library Plan of Service, By-Laws & Policy (1994?), Banff Public Library Rules & Regulations (1953-54?), George Stacey, Proposed Library Philosophy 1981, and Banff Public Library Goals & Objectives 1998, and Minutes of the Banff Library/Seniors’ Centre Building Committee.
Also included is Proposed Banff Seniors’s Centre/Library Complex: Proposed Financing and funds, Proposal for Architectural Services, Budget for Construction and Consulting costs, Site Plan.
Documents regarding establishing a Building Committee: Letter from George Stacey, Secretary-Treasurer, Banff Library Board to W. R. Roberge, Chairman, Banff School District No. 102 requesting School District representation on the Building Committee and List of Committee members
Other various documents included are: Library Building Program Checklist, Review and remarks of the Building Committee’s visit to Lacombe, Space & design requirements; Fundraising, Planning, Clippings, One file “Banff Public Library up to 1962 clippings (incl. 1949 & before), Nine files labelled 1990-91, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999 containing newspaper clippings, advertisements, and programme posters. Also included: library logo contest c. 1985, One blue receipt book containing receipts for fundraising donations for the new library at 101 Bear St. c. 1982-83, Seniors’ Centre: Plans, Anticipated Needs and Suggestions, Library Citizen Survey, and Space Plan April 1981
Leasehold Correspondence
Letter; E. J. Hart, Administrator, Peter and Catharine Whyte Foundation to George Stacey, Secretary/Treasurer Banff Library Board
Letter; George Stacey, Secretary/Treasurer Banff Library Board to Cliff White, President, Peter and Catharine Whyte Foundation
Letter; Lee Racine, Building and Development Officer, Parks Canada, Banff Township Office to Patricia Langridge, Chairperson Banff Library/Seniors’ Centre Building Committee
Letter; Patricia Langridge, Chairperson Banff Library/Seniors’ Centre Building Committee to Mr. Tom Ross, Acting Superintendent, Banff National Park
Letter; E. J. Hart, Administrator, Peter and Catharine Whyte Foundation to Patricia Langridge, Chairperson Banff Library/Seniors’ Centre Building Committee
Letter: Patricia E. McNamee, Librarian/Secretary/Treasurer, Banff Public Library to Patricia Langridge, Chairperson Banff Library/Seniors’ Centre Building Committee
Letter: Patricia E. McNamee, Librarian/Secretary/Treasurer, Banff Public Library to Patricia Langridge, Chairperson Banff Library/Seniors’ Centre Building Committee
Box 4
Two small green photograph albums
Banff Public Library 1984-1989
Banff Public Library 2003-2007 Programming, staff events, renovations
Fourteen photos mounted on foam core with a sheet of paper describing the images. Copied and mounted by Chic Scott for a library celebration c. 2005.
Box 5
Two guest books containing visitor comments from 1999 and 2000
One file of negatives – ca. 1970? to 2000? and 1 CD-R disc containing 109 J-PEG photos dating 2000-2007
One VHS containing the Much Music Snowjob event, March 1995 containing a segment filmed in the library (staff Margaret Watson & Max Elliott).
Special program event posters