Helen Reimer interview with Judy Larmour, August 18, 1999 and transcribed by Astrid Bell April 2002. Interview content relates to the following:
Introduction; Orme family background in Banff; Helen’s father had Overland touring car to drive tourists; siblings; Helen born old Mineral Springs Hospit…
31 pp. textual records.-- photographs: 11 prints, b&w
Scope & Content
Helen Reimer interview with Judy Larmour, August 18, 1999 and transcribed by Astrid Bell April 2002. Interview content relates to the following:
Introduction; Orme family background in Banff; Helen’s father had Overland touring car to drive tourists; siblings; Helen born old Mineral Springs Hospital, 1925
Early memories of Banff; father’s job with Rocky Mountain Tours; effect of the Depression on housing for the family; lived in Beaverlodge from 1943-1955
School Days – The Cascadian
Beaverlodge – state of the house when they moved it; description of house and yard
Reflections on Norman Luxton as landlord; lease agreement for Beaverlodge
Family members – William Orme (father); mother, sisters; Margaret and Betty; Helen left school too young to start nurse’s training; work in Harmon’s drug store; references to Dorothy and Loretta Bryan; places Helen lived – Vancouver, Dawson Creek, Kenora; return intermittently until 1956
Recollection of Eleanor Luxton coming over to Beaverlodge (after onset of MS); description of Eleanor Luxton walking
Recollections of Eleanor Luxton as grade 7 teacher 1937-1938; report card, subjects taught; science class; accountancy class
Recollections of a school outing with Eleanor up the river; reference to Alan Mather’s boat; meeting at Luxton house before going on trip; description of stove; reference to trap door to basement where preserves were kept; lunch before setting out to Bow River; Alan Mather’s boat house, location on bow River; canoeing as pastime in Mather’s rented canoes
High School friends late 1930s; Nellie Holmes, Beth McGreggor, Moira Wakeman, Helen Baracos, Brian ?, Jim Jecks, Wally Anderson, Bob Edwards, Ted Thompson
War time in Banff; refugees from London, Hong Kong, Singapore; Vivian Leigh’s daughter staying with grandmother (Mrs. Barkley) at the Mount Royal
Eleanor Luxton’s trip to China 1937; each student received 2 handkerchiefs beginning of classes; description of handkerchiefs
Description of Eleanor Luxton’s appearance in 1937; hair, clothing
Other teachers at Banff High School – Ida Vys, Grisdale, principles A.B. Evanson and J.C. Brown
Archibald family home in Banff
Lou Luxton family – reference to Bill, Olive and Wyona
Norman Luxton and Banff Indian Days; Banff Winter Carnival; Luxton Museum; half-man, half-fish reference; description of the Sign of the Goat
Banff Museum (government), description of; Norman Sanson; children climbing the buffalo
Harmon’s Drug and Curio Store; Mrs. Harmon; Harmon’s trips to China and items he brought back – Buddha, cloisonné, lacquered plates
Barrels of China from England during the war; unpacking, use of paper and excelsior as packing materials
Various departments in Harmon’s – reference to William Hiskcock; reference to Mr. Burns, pharmacy, Mr. Bryan; soda fountain in summer; Helen’s employment with Harmon’s
Returned to Banff in 1955/56 to work in the clinic; reference to Dr. McKenzie; Reference to Dr. Costigan; location of clinic; giving injections to Mrs. G. Luxton and Mrs. Ike Mills; description of Georgina Luxton in 1956; reference to Eleanor Luxton being in Calgary; reference to Eleanor Luxton’s private nurse
Orme family in Banff until 1974
Eleanor Luxton at the opening of the new archives; appearance
Reference to Eleanor Luxton’s involvement in Norman Luxton’s affairs; things in the house
Luxton house – storm door; piano and pictures on the wall; reference to Eleanor Luxton never mentioning her family at school
Observation – no one ever mentioned playing with Eleanor as a child
Discussion of Helen’s childhood/youth in Banff; skating parties on Whiskey Creek; canoeing on Vermilion Lakes; climbing Tunnel Mountain
Winter Carnival in Banff; preparation for events; parade; Annie Fullbrook in kilt with bagpipes; Mounties and Air Force band; ice palace; skijoring; Ike Mills and his dog sled; toboggan slide; Carnival opening on a Thursday, no school on Friday; Mount Norquay events on Saturday and Sunday
Banff Indian Days; horses tied tail to bridle; Indians photographed by tourists at bridge
Events at grounds; rodeo; Indians receiving a naval orange at the Banff Springs Hotel; Powwows at the grandstand
Memories of Helen’s re the Banff Springs Hotel; babysitting for guests; evening walk along the sidewalk; reference to bands – Mart Kenny, Murray Adaskin, Frances James
Identification and discussion of photographs (see Oral History transcript file LUX/II/F.3.i. EL 1:1 Helen Reimer interview)
1. Group shot of friends, reference to addition at back of house
2. Front of house, reference to stain on logs
3. Back of garden, reference to fence with hops
4. Living room, occasion was shower for Marion Reeves discussion of coverings and colours in room
5. Christmas at Beaverlodge, description of window
6. Chesterfield, discussion of
7. Interior shot of bedroom wall, discussion of
8. Jack Heysel – a bell hop at the Mount Royal Hotel
Story of Jack Heysel
Stories of roomers at Beaverlodge; Bill Williams, Australian hitchhiker; Joe McKinnon, from Cape Breton; Eleanor Dickson ex RCAF and reference to her friend Bette (Davidson) Carlyle
Reference to guestbook from Beaverlodge held at WMCR Archives
Frank Dowler [should be Hobart A. Dowler] – roomed at Beaverlodge while constructing addition to Luxton Museum; reference to two Indian helpers from Hobbema; reference to Dowler building cairns for mountain ascents; reference to the Abbot Cabin
Maintenance of Beaverlodge by the Orme family; description of the bathroom; natural gas installation and conversion of the furnace in 1952; Tanglewood tenants – references to David Nudd, Joe Bayne, Mrs. Jack Taylor
Story of clearing out hundreds of bats when first rented Beaverlodge; Norman Luxton bringing over an animal trap
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Henry Ness interview with Judy Larmour, August 19, 1999 and transcribed by Astrid Bell, April 2002. Interview content relates to the following:
Born Bankhead, 1908; parents from Norway; father purchased log house on Cougar Street Banff, 1913; 434 Cougar Street family home moved to Bear Street ca.…
Henry Ness interview with Judy Larmour, August 19, 1999 and transcribed by Astrid Bell, April 2002. Interview content relates to the following:
Born Bankhead, 1908; parents from Norway; father purchased log house on Cougar Street Banff, 1913; 434 Cougar Street family home moved to Bear Street ca. 1960
School in Banff; Eleanor Luxton as schoolmate; references to teachers; reflections on Eleanor Luxton as a child; growing up in Banff; school children
Duncan family; dairy at Anthracite
Ethel Knight; Harry Knight, Canadian champion bronc rider ca.1925; Norman Knight – skier
List of Eleanor Luxton’s classmates Grade 7 in February 1922 – Ness’s responses to: Sylvia Sutton, Philip Ashton, Betty McKenzie, Jean Campbell, Lillian Girling, Eleanor Luxton, Georgie Paris, Edward Fraser, Annie Ward, Lucille McVey, Margorie Davron, Hazel Mather, Edith Duncan, Elvin Hindes, Elsie Brown, Edwin Young, Nelson Williams, Jack White, Cameron Stockland, Ruth Dorrington, Kenneth Thomson; discussion of why Ness is not on the list
Community theatrical events at the Lux; reference to Mrs. Greenham’s theatrical group, 1920s
R.J. Bennet, teacher at Banff school; other teachers at the Banff school, Mr. Adnel
Louis Trono
Norman Luxton
Career in Parks Warden Service
Electrical work for Norman Luxton
Georgia Luxton
ELHF opening ceremonies for the Luxton House
Garden tools at the Luxton house – discussion
Painting by Sitting Wind in Luxton house – discussion
Outhouse in Luxton garden – discussion
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Louis Trono interview with Judy Larmour, August 27, 1999 and transcribed by Astrid Bell 2002. Interview content relates to the following:
Introduction; family background/early movements in Bow corridor; Louis Trono born in Bankhead 1909; family moved between Bankhead and Banff; father’s work; The…
33 pp. textual records.--photographs: 2 prints, b&w
Scope & Content
Louis Trono interview with Judy Larmour, August 27, 1999 and transcribed by Astrid Bell 2002. Interview content relates to the following:
Introduction; family background/early movements in Bow corridor; Louis Trono born in Bankhead 1909; family moved between Bankhead and Banff; father’s work; The Eldon copper mine – story about accident with cable release ferry c. 1924
Trono Family; reference to being from Turino area of Italy; Father was Mario Trono and Mother was Laura (Moroso) Trono; language; Piedmontese (dialect) spoken at home; first contacts with English at school; reference to Miss Garrett, a teacher in Banff; family settled in Banff at 338 Muskrat Street
Classmates recalled; Eleanor Luxton, Herbert Ashley, Jack White, John Bayne
Memories of Eleanor Luxton; relations in Banff between British and non-British; reference to recess separation of boys and girls at school; school play Hiawatha; roles played by Eleanor Luxton, Jack White and Louis Trono; Eleanor Luxton’s later recollections of play; description of Eleanor Luxton as “beautiful”; reference to her hair style and clothes
Leaving school after grade nine/becoming a musician; music in family, reference to Bankhead band; description of Bankhead as modern town; moving of houses to Banff
Bankhead Band; Major Bagley and Banff Citizen’s Band ca.1924; Trono sending to Vancouver for a trombone; story of meeting with Bagley and joining band; members of band; going to Calgary Stampede
Development of musical career; playing with Jim Hitchins and Cascade Dance Band; reference to money earned; playing in Calgary during the Depression 1930s; The Gerry Fuller Orchestra; reference to Fuller’s ability to do arrangements; Pendley Dance Hall Calgary; The Barn, Edmonton; Palliser Hotel, Banff Springs Hotel in summer
Invited to join the Navy Band, 1939
Playing in Calgary in 1930s, further discussion of reference to broadcasts on various radio stations; going overseas
The Navy Band in Belfast; launching of Canadian ship; anecdotes; stationed at Greenock; going to London for recording sessions
Reference to being trained as a gunner on aircraft carrier
Story of young Navy and musicians on the torpedoed Nabob
D-Day Invasion story
End of the war; victory parade in London; entertainment of troops waiting to go back to Canada; story about YMCA Canteen
Elsa Pickett; story about how she recognized Louis Trono from Australian TV; documentary on Banff; Meeting Elsa Pickett at Banff Springs Hotel mid 1970s
Career as musician after the war; Vancouver Symphony Orchestra; return to Banff 1948; Palliser Hotel; Bruce Bristol’s 10 piece band; making the switch to ballroom music/list of tunes; Louis Trono Trio 1970s; retirement 1980 and now playing special occasions
Banff Springs Hotel 1970s; description
Meeting Eleanor Luxton at Banff Springs Hotel; reference to later meetings once in awhile
Norman Luxton; reference to his strictness with Eleanor Luxton; reference to his temper; reference to Eleanor Luxton’s term “unsure temper”; story about Norman Luxton losing his temper when his dogs got out; reference to Luxton’s dealing at Trono family store “The Magnet”; Eleanor Luxton’s telephone calls with questions about Banff while working on history book
Sign of the Goat; description of “Manfish”; Indian crafts; Lou Luxton; reference to Lou Luxton’s character as opposite to Norman Luxton; the Lou Luxton family
Teenage years; worked as bus boy at Banff Springs Hotel; games played; reference to fishing, playing pool, hiking;
Recollections of the bear cub on the chain outside of the Sign of the Goat
Banff Indian Days; description of parade line-up; reference to Norman Luxton and Jim Brewster; parade coming into courtyard at Banff Springs Hotel; reference to bus boys on fire escapes; reference to drum beating by Native boys; Norman Luxton addressing the crowd; reference to Buffalo ranch
Indians in Banff; as guides on Sulphur Mountain; Indians visiting Catharine Whyte; Indians selling crafts
Recollections of Banff citizenry; Dunsmore, Margaret and Fulton; Lucille (Knight?); Professor Round and Louis Trono attending his theory lessons; Round’s sense of humor; Round as reporter for Calgary Herald; description of Round and his wife Elsie Square Round.
Further recollections of Eleanor Luxton; discussions about music; Eleanor Luxton’s requests for tunes at Banff Springs Hotel; reference to Eleanor Luxton in company of the Millers; memories of meeting at Cascade Plaza for coffee; reference to Eleanor Luxton spending time with Reid and Cathy Campbell
Banff Days; reference to Eleanor Luxton at book signing; various people attending – Charlie Beil, Whytes, Sooles; reference to early class distinction in Banff; reference to Eleanor Luxton not retaining this sense; Eleanor Luxton’s appearance after onset of illness; reference to Eleanor Luxton’s serious nature
Visiting Eleanor Luxton in hospital when she had pneumonia; Eleanor Luxton’s optimism
Death of Eleanor Luxton; Louis Trono not well enough to attend the service
Opening of Luxton House; description of the event; reference to McDougall connection; views on the house as a heritage house
Discussion of heritage houses in Banff; Jim Brewster house; Crosby house; designation categories; Trono house and reference to it’s builder Barnett; discussion of present architecture in Banff
Recollections of famous people in Banff; Prince of Wales visit to Banff Springs Hotel; dancing with Dorothy Lougheed and ? Brewster; anecdotes about Prince and Dorothy Lougheed in swimming pool, the prince and the media on the golf course
Film stars and movies; The Alaskan at Bow Falls; The Foreigner and Snow Blind
Part played by Louis Trono in Lost and Found
Bruno Engler and his camera; story of Marilyn Monroe on crutches; meeting Burt Lancaster; how Louis Trono got to know Alli MacGraw
Column in Crag & Canyon; how he got started in 1992; response to his column; reference to article from Summer 1999 (in transcript file); reflections on his career in music; reference to recently singing at Banff Springs Hotel Reunion; reference to Ted Kissanes
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Jeannedot Ellis interview with Judy Larmour, September 24, 1999 and transcribed by Astrid Bell, September 2002. Interview content relates to the following:
Biographical details; detained in France 1938; education at Trinity College, Toronto; move to Banff 1978; first meeting with Eleanor Luxton
R…
20 pp. textual records.-- photographs: 2 prints, b&w
Scope & Content
Jeannedot Ellis interview with Judy Larmour, September 24, 1999 and transcribed by Astrid Bell, September 2002. Interview content relates to the following:
Biographical details; detained in France 1938; education at Trinity College, Toronto; move to Banff 1978; first meeting with Eleanor Luxton
Recollections and first impressions of Eleanor Luxton
Topics of conversation with Eleanor Luxton – the past and Old Banff; modern development of Banff; Eleanor’s interest and views on development of Banff
Eleanor Luxton talking about Norman Luxton – her father’s temperament and the Tilikum voyage
Eleanor Luxton’s views on Luxton family history in Banff
Eleanor’s strength of character
Discussion of Eleanor Luxton through a painting in Eleanor Luxton’s home
Discussion of the mountains as a shared interest between Eleanor Luxton and Jeannedot Ellis
Eleanor’s views on education, learning; her great memory; Eleanor Luxton’s interest in theology and relationship with the Anglican Church
Eleanor Luxton’s very definite opinions; manners; hard work; values
Eleanor Luxton’s Christmas List – cards and gifts
Eleanor Luxton’s values in relation to her parents – admiration of Norman Luxton’s adventurous spirit and her admiration for her mother at a deeper level
Eleanor Luxton’s interest in Native people at Morley
Eleanor Luxton’s story about getting out of China 1938
Eleanor trips to Calgary, Banff Centre and problems with wheel chair
Eleanor’s stories about dinners and dances during her youth
Visiting Eleanor 1978-1985; going out to dinner with Eleanor to Caboose, Buffalo Manor, Joshua’s
Eleanor Luxton’s liver cancer; heart surgery; Eleanor’s strength of will, response to illness
Eleanor Luxton’s last weeks of life; Jeannedot’s care for her
Visitors to the house
Re-arrangement of house for wheelchair
Eleanor Luxton’s decision to set up a Foundation
Reflections on Eleanor Luxton, her privacy, moral standards, friendship
Finding Aid
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Robert Smith interview with Judy Larmour, October 24, 1999 and transcribed by Astrid Bell, March 2002. Interview content relates to the following:
Introduction; Born 1926 Nightingale Nursing Home Banff; father was Superintendent of Power Plant at Lake Minnewanka; move to Banff for school; referen…
Robert Smith interview with Judy Larmour, October 24, 1999 and transcribed by Astrid Bell, March 2002. Interview content relates to the following:
Introduction; Born 1926 Nightingale Nursing Home Banff; father was Superintendent of Power Plant at Lake Minnewanka; move to Banff for school; reference to father building Hydro plant at Lake Minnewanka 1924; parents were Enoch and Lorene Smith
Recollections of severe winter and moving to Banff with mother; renting suite in Beaverlodge
Robert Smith’s mother was a friend of Georgia Luxton; reference to bridge and tea parties; childhood impressions of Luxton house; reference to later memories of house during musical appreciation class; reference to Red Seal Victor and wind up gramophone
Reference to Robert Smith’s mother playing in Manitoba orchestra
Eleanor Luxton’s favourite music was opera – Carmen, Ring operas
Eleanor Luxton’s interest in stamp collecting; mutual interest in stamp collecting; gift of Robert Smith’s collection to Eleanor Luxton in his early 20s
Selling Eleanor Luxton’s collection for estate after her death; reference to both Georgina Luxton and her aunt May Ross as collectors; reference to correspondence re source for collection; nature of Eleanor Luxton’s collection
Discussion of Eleanor Luxton as a teacher; reference to Chinese history and artifacts from Eleanor Luxton’s travels
Reference to Miss Gaetz; reference to Ida Vyes
Miscellaneous reflections on The Banff School; classmates of Bob Smith also taught by Eleanor Luxton include: Andrew Bacaros, Jim Mitchell, Jack D. Davies, Edith Erickson, Jessie Miller, Zoey Boucher, Ken Bunn, Jim Beatty, Gary Blackburn, Ted Thompson
Refugees from Hong Kong in his class
Stories about Miss Gaetz’s approach to discipline; Eleanor Luxton’s approach to discipline; comments on Eleanor Luxton’s relationship with other teachers
Eleanor Luxton’s limited reminiscences about growing up in Banff; her mention of trail riding, tennis, golf; her enjoyment of mountains; reference to her not talking about her father; reference to her talking about McDougall side of the family
Conversations with Eleanor Luxton on areas of common interest; photography and Eleanor Luxton as active photographer; reference to Eleanor Luxton’s cameras
Cataloguing Eleanor Luxton’s stamp collection from ca.1973; discussion of collection
Observations about Eleanor Luxton’s attention to detail; her blackboard notes at school
Development of relationship with Eleanor Luxton during the 1970s; concerts at the Banff Centre
Story of Eleanor Luxton pretending she was Agnes de Mille
Art discussions at Eric Harvey Theatre Banff; Eleanor Luxton’s views on Art; story of Eleanor Luxton rearranging art installation
Eleanor Luxton as a person of strong opinions; her views on politicians; her political views; reference to Trudeau, Pearson, Diefenbaker
Eleanor Luxton’s approval of bilingualism; her western perspective
Sepculation on Eleanor Luxton’s activities during WWII; reference to her being in Britain; reference to her predated letters going to her parents; reference to her story about being on the last train out of Beijing before Japanese invasion
Discussion of Eleanor Luxton’s marriage engagement
Eleanor Luxton’s privacy re her family; reference to Eleanor Luxton’s stories about important things that happened to her family
Multiple Sclerosis, effects of living with Eleanor Luxton; reference to her handwriting; reference to her determination; trips taken with the Millers, with Thelma Nickles to Hawaii, trip to west coast with Mary Smith
Eleanor Luxton as a social hostess and visitors to the house; reference to Jim and Marion Miller, George and Lillian Mandyrk, Eleanor Luxton’s cousins passing through, dinner party at Banff Springs, Eleanor Luxton’s manners and standards
Loss of Annie manuscript
Eleanor Luston’s writing projects, purchase of word processor in 1990
Eleanor Luxton’s views on technology
Eleanor Luxton’s dinner parties; her cooking and style of serving; singing at the piano
Eleanor Luxton’s reflections on her illness; her generosity; gift giving at Christmas
Eleanor Luxton’s relationship with Bob’s daughters Shirley and Marjorie; reference to Shirley living with Eleanor Luxton while at Banff Centre; reference to Marjorie visiting periodically; reference to Marjorie naming her daughter Eleanor after Eleanor Luxton
Eleanor Luxton’s ability to adapt and change with time; her interest in teaching and mentoring young people
Eleanor Luxton as outspoken
Eleanor Luxton as conversationalist
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Mary Smith interview with Judy Larmour, October 24, 1999 and transcribed by Astrid Bell, March 2002. Interview content relates to the following:
Introduction; family background; teacher training under War Emergency Programme; post war training in home economics at Olds College; Port Radium teachin…
25 pp. textual.-- 11 photographs: prints, negatives; b&w, col.
Scope & Content
Mary Smith interview with Judy Larmour, October 24, 1999 and transcribed by Astrid Bell, March 2002. Interview content relates to the following:
Introduction; family background; teacher training under War Emergency Programme; post war training in home economics at Olds College; Port Radium teaching position; move to St. Catherine’s, Ontario; return to Port Radium; working in Banff during summer holidays at Gus Baracos’s restaurant; meeting Bob Smith, a friend of Baracos’s son
Marriage to Bob Smith in 1957 and move to Seebe
Meeting Norman and Georgia Luxton while at Banff Café
First meeting with Eleanor Luxton in her Calgary apartment; location and description of apartment; first impressions of Eleanor Luxton; breadth of her knowledge
Eleanor Luxton’s health; back surgery – spinal fusion; difficulties with MS; reference to her Doctor’s prognosis affecting Norman Luxton’s will
Fire at Luxton house in Banff
Discussion of the chronology of Eleanor’s various illnesses; reference to Eleanor Luxton declining marriage proposal after the war; Eleanor Luxton’s engagement during the war and death of fiancée; Eleanor Luxton’s reference and description of her rings; reference to rings being left to Mrs. Nickles
Eleanor Luxton’s years in Montreal
Eleanor’s reference to working in a medical clinic processing blood test
Eleanor Luxton’s job with Canadian pacific Railway
Development of relationship with Eleanor Luxton during early 1960s in Banff; going out to dinner; view from old Rimrock Hotel; dinner at the Banff Springs Hotel; Eleanor Luxton’s reaction to service; Eleanor Luxton’s restrictive diet at that time
Eleanor Luxton’s love of cooking; reference to a collection of cookbooks later found in the house
Jim and Marion Miller living in Banff; clothing store and Grandma Lee’s; reference to Eleanor Luxton having house “Evergreens” built for them; Miller’s move to Comox; reference to Miller’s helping Eleanor Luxton prepare meals for guests
Description of dinner parties at Eleanor Luxton’s house
Family at house; Copithorne family members; cousins from California
Reflections on Eleanor Luxton’s wide interest; reference to the number of magazines Eleanor Luxton subscribed to
Development of relationship with Eleanor Luxton during the 1970s; taking over chauffeur role held by Marion Miller; pattern of day trips to Calgary; shopping with Eleanor Luxton; grocery shopping in bulk; Eleanor Luxton’s preference for shopping Canadian at Woodwards
Comments re Eleanor Luxton’s arguments with various levels of government
Eleanor Luxton’s chain smoking; reference to Eleanor Luxton having a dress maker in Banff
Trip to West Coast with Eleanor Luxton to see Marion Miller who was dying of cancer; description of trip; Eleanor Luxton’s desire to see the murals at Chemanius
Accompanying Eleanor Luxton to concerts and exhibits at the Banff Centre of Fine Arts; reference to story about Eleanor Luxton rearranging an art installation; reference to the possibility that Eleanor Luxton had ACTM from the Toronto Conservatory; Jim Miller playing the piano for Eleanor
Story of Jim Miller and second wife visiting Eleanor Luxton on day oil tank ran dry; how it was resolved
Visits with Eleanor Luxton in her front room; Eleanor Luxton doing her own housework
Eleanor Luxton’s admiration for Georgia Luxton; Georgina Luxton’s knowledge and dealings with the Stoney people; Georgina Luxton’s gardening abilities and stoicism in dealing with Norman Luxton
Reference to Eleanor Luxton’s feelings toward Norman Luxton
Discussion of Annie manuscript, biography of Annie McDougall; reference to Eleanor Luxton speaking of Annie McDougall as her Grandmere; reference to Eleanor Luxton’s view on the car crash that killed her grandmother
Moorecraft vases and grandfather clock, from Eleanor Luxton’s aunt May Ross
Eleanor Luxton’s views on role of women in society; Norman Luxton not encouraging Eleanor Luxton in sciences; reference to Norman Luxton calling Eleanor “Billy” as a small child
Eleanor Luxton’s views on feminist changes in 1970s; reference to Eleanor Luxton being “unable to see what all the fuss was about”; reference to contemporary Myrna Bennett interview with Peter Gzowski; reference to Eleanor Luxton’s feminine appearance; Eleanor Luxton enjoying the company of women; close friendship with Thelma Nickles
Eleanor Luxton views on children
Discussions about teaching with Eleanor Luxton
Eleanor Luxton’s eye issues after cataract surgeries
Reflections of Eleanor Luxton as demanding when ill
Eleanor Luxton’s open heart surgery in Calgary 1986; reference to Eleanor Luxton’s mastectomy six months following heart surgery; story of Eleanor Luxton’s preparations for heart surgery
Reflections on Eleanor Luxton’s tendency to always put her affairs in order
Eleanor Luxton’s enjoyment of Christmas time; Eleanor Luxton’s shopping and choosing of gifts; wrapping and notes; decorations; reference to Eleanor Luxton’s ceramic tree
Description of Christmas Day with Eleanor Luxton at the Smith’s; reference to Bill Sampson as another guest; reference to Eleanor Luxton also spending Christmas with Nickles and Millers
Family members visiting Eleanor Luxton
Opening of the Buffalo Nations Luxton Museum, 1992
Reference to photo of Eleanor with General John DeChastelaine (see interview file); reference to Jackie Duntan and Pete Brewster
Description of Eleanor Luxton riding in carriage; reference to Eleanor Luxton as being accustomed to riding in parades
Eleanor Luxton as public speaker; reference to her speech at opening of new wing of Whyte Museum; reference to speech at family event in Calgary
Story of return of the cow to the Buffalo Nations Luxton Museum; reference to Eleanor Luxton riding on a trailer; reference to Eleanor Luxton catching a chill
Eleanor Luxton and royalty; Eleanor Luxton meeting Prince Philip at Parks Canada Centennial Celebrations; Prince Philip’s question re the Luxton Museum; Eleanor Luxton’s attendance at naming of the four Mountain Parks as UNESCO World Heritage Site; reference to Eleanor Luxton having met George VI and Queen Elizabeth in Banff; Eleanor Luxton as a monarchist; Eleanor Luxton’s friendship with G. Stanley, Lieut.Gov of New Brunswick
Discussion of Kathy Campbell’s help during last month’s of Eleanor Luxton’s life
Discussion of Eleanor Luxton’s vision for her Foundation
Discussion of portrait photo of Eleanor Luxton taken by Bob Smith for a dust jacket; reference to Eleanor Luxton as “a gracious lady who brooked no nonsense”; quality of Eleanor Luxton’s iron will.
Finding Aid
Electronic finding aid and printed interview summary available
Frances de Haan-Holscher interview with Judy Larmour, October 25, 1999 and transcribed by Astrid Bell, July 2002. Interview content relates to the following:
Biographical details; move from Holland to Vancouver with husband; hotel business and holiday in Rockies; move to Banff; purchase of Emerald…
Frances de Haan-Holscher interview with Judy Larmour, October 25, 1999 and transcribed by Astrid Bell, July 2002. Interview content relates to the following:
Biographical details; move from Holland to Vancouver with husband; hotel business and holiday in Rockies; move to Banff; purchase of Emerald Lake Lodge and operation of the Lodge until 1980
Living in Banff; renting Beaver Lodge
Impressions of Eleanor Luxton
Selling Emerald Lake Lodge; opening a wine store in Banff 1985
De Haan-Holscher’s activities; work at the Banff Centre
Nature of discussions with Eleanor Luxton
Description of Beaver Lodge and neighbors
Impressions of Banff early 1970s
Changes in Banff; Eleanor Luxton’s views on Banff’s changes and development
Relationship with Eleanor Luxton 1981-1995
Reflections on Eleanor Luxton’s house
Renovations to Beaver Lodge; taking in renters following de Haan-Holscher’s divorce
Reference to last time de Haan-Holscher spoke with Eleanor Luxton; her impressions of Eleanor Luxton
Finding Aid
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Ralphine Locke interview with Judy Larmour, October 25, 1999 and transcribed by Astrid Bell July 2002. Interview content relates to the following:
Biographical details; born in Lake Louise 1925
Reference to Uncle Tom Wilson “discovering” Lake Louise and Ralphine Locke’s father working for Brewste…
Ralphine Locke interview with Judy Larmour, October 25, 1999 and transcribed by Astrid Bell July 2002. Interview content relates to the following:
Biographical details; born in Lake Louise 1925
Reference to Uncle Tom Wilson “discovering” Lake Louise and Ralphine Locke’s father working for Brewster Transportation Co.; parents were Ralph Strathie Harvie and Elizabeth Boyd Brewster who met through a Brewster connection; reference to her mother nursing Aunt Fern Brewster; reference to Brewster’s move from Tally Ho to motorized vehicle; reference to Jim and Bill Brewster; grandfather was James Irvine Brewster; discussion of family; parent’s marriage in 1921; reference to Ralphine Locke’s birth in a cottage at Lake Louise; memories of summers at Lake Louise; winter houses in Banff; reference to walking everywhere
Eleanor Luxton as her teacher in grades 6 & 7
Luxton’s keeping to themselves
Recollections of Eleanor Luxton and Georgina Luxton at Banff Indian Days and Carnival; description of Banff Indian Days
Reflections on family’s Morley connections
Rodeo and races on Indian grounds
The Banff school; Junior and Senior buildings; reference to no library in school or town; reference to Catharine Whyte’s role in public library; access to Uncle P. Moore’s library
Eleanor Luxton as a teacher
Visiting the Luxton house
Aunt “Georgie” Luxton
Eleanor Luxton’s love of clothes
Aunt Georgie’s costumes; purchased in Montreal and New York
Reflections on the clannishness of the McDougall family
Recollections of Norman Luxton; hunting with R. Harvey; setters; his community involvement and promotion; the Trading Post and description of the store and products, Merman
Memories of Mount Royal Hotel as a child; description, conversations that took place
Lou Luxton; description and comparison to Norman Luxton
Jim Brewster; recollections of his way with people; King and Queen visit to his home in 1939
Sunshine Lodge, opening 1935; description of Ralphine & MaryAlice Stewart’s trip up
School bus trip up Banff-Jasper road; Mistaya Canyon
School trips; Eleanor Luxton’s after school hikes; Miss Gratz’s field trips
Eleanor Luxton; walks, ski-joring, skating with Mrs. Simpson as her teacher
Duncan family
Eleanor Luxton’s decision to leave the Banff school and engineering training in Montreal
Move to Calgary during War with her family
Move to Montreal after the War
Discussion of chronology of Eleanor Luxton’s career in Montreal
Reference to Eleanor as guest for dinner; conversation topics
Eleanor’s involvement with the South Alberta Oldtimers Association
Reference to Eleanor Luxton persuading Ralphine Locke to go on Board
Ralphine Locke’s admiration of Eleanor Luxton; Eleanor Luxton’s upbringing, sense of humor, encouragement of young people
Leaves of the Medicine Tree – history of the High River area
Visiting Eleanor Luxton in Calgary; her apartment; illness and visiting her in Calgary General Hospital
Norman Luxton’s will
Eleanor Luxton’s return to Banff; not working again
Eleanor Luxton’s paper presented to newly founded Canmore Historical Society
Eleanor Luxton’s relationship with her parents
Luxton house; changes after Georgina Luxton’s death; modernization of kitchen and bathroom
Luxton garden
Georgina Luxton’s brother’s farm near Morley
Eleanor Luxton driving a car
McDougall Church Centennial Anniversary; celebration at Morley 1995; Eleanor Luxton and erection of cairn; annual services
Ida Graves’s assistance to Eleanor Luxton
Eleanor Luxton’s social life
Eleanor Luxton’s interest in historical things; loss of grand-parents papers; concern for preservation; discussion of Annie manuscript
Annie McDougall - community involvement; Ontario background and meeting David McDougall; David McDougall’s business losses; living in Calgary 1930s
Eleanor Luxton’s relationship with grandmother Annie McDougall
Eleanor Luxton’s romantic side; reference to fiancée being killed overseas; Ralphine Locke’s son at Eleanor Luxton’s house
Elizabeth Costello
Changes in Eleanor Luxton; short temper
Work on Eleanor Luxton’s manuscript Annie; Kathy Campbell typing it; George Stanley editing it
Eleanor Luxton’s vision for the Foundation
Eleanor Luxton’s views on the protection of the Parks
Language
English
Finding Aid
Electronic finding aid and printed interview summary available
Kathy Campbell interview with Judy Larmour, November 22, 1999 and transcribed by Astrid Bell August 2002. Interview content relates to the following:
Daughter of Ron Duke, photographer in Banff; biographical details of Ron Duke
Growing up in Banff; educational background, marriage; work in the fi…
21 pp. textual records.-- photographs: 2 prints, b&w
Scope & Content
Kathy Campbell interview with Judy Larmour, November 22, 1999 and transcribed by Astrid Bell August 2002. Interview content relates to the following:
Daughter of Ron Duke, photographer in Banff; biographical details of Ron Duke
Growing up in Banff; educational background, marriage; work in the fire lookouts and Kananaskis Park
Early memories of the Luxton family; meeting Eleanor Luxton and working for Eleanor Luxton; description of 202 Beaver Street; Luxton garden work; Eleanor Luxton’s style of dress; Eleanor Luxton’s circle of friends
Assisting Eleanor Luxton with family research for Annie manuscript; word processing and editing of manuscript; Eleanor’s discussion of the publication of the Tillikum book; Eleanor Luxton’s family tree assembly and Luxton family Bibles
Topics of conversation between Kathy Campbell and Eleanor Luxton; Reader’s Digest books; Eleanor Luxton’s love of sweepstakes; catalogue ordering
Kathy Campbell’s impressions of Eleanor Luxton
Reference to Leslie and Graham Elliot who lived in 202 Beaver Street before the Campbell’s
Reflections on Eleanor Luxton’s death and the events leading up to her death
Reflections on Eleanor Luxton’s house and the artifacts on display in the house; Eleanor’s food preferences
Reflections on Eleanor Luxton teaching school
Reflections on Eleanor Luxton’s character
Finding Aid
Electronic finding aid and printed interview summary available
MaryAlice Stewart interview with Judy Larmour November 23, 1999 and transcribed by Astrid Bell September 2002. Interview content relates to the following:
Introduction; born March 1923 in Miss Hurcombe’s nursing home; father was Ralph Harvey, born in Nova Scotia and came to Banff after the war in…
MaryAlice Stewart interview with Judy Larmour November 23, 1999 and transcribed by Astrid Bell September 2002. Interview content relates to the following:
Introduction; born March 1923 in Miss Hurcombe’s nursing home; father was Ralph Harvey, born in Nova Scotia and came to Banff after the war in 1919; hired at Brewsters by Jim McLeod; later became Superintendent for Brewster. Mother was Elizabeth Brewster, born Innisfail, NWT 1895; daughter of James Irvine Brewster and Mary Jane Boyd; graduated from Calgary General Hospital 1919; married Ralph Harvey
Growing up in Banff late 1920s, 1930s; reference to Brewster, Norman Luxton, Billy Warren as leaders; reflections on sense of community; how seasonal aspects of tourist trade affected Harvey family; relationship with other children; summers at Lake Louise; returning to different house in Banff at end of each season; staying with Aunt Pearl (Brewster) Moore; reference to intellectual influence of Uncle Philip Moore
Eleanor Luxton as her teacher in grades 5-7; Eleanor Luxton’s encouragement of potential in young people
Reference to not seeing much of Eleanor as a child
Memories of visiting Aunt “Georgie” Luxton; McDougall connection; memory of three women of the 1890s; Aunt Georgie, Lizzie McDougall, Rettie Sibbald; reference to all three wearing velvet ribbon around neck; Aunt Georgie’s moccasins; reference to never seeing Aunt Georgie on street; the Luxton house
Reference to Carl Rungius welcoming the Harvey children
Reference to the Brewster’s and McDougall’s as being very clannish; reference to her classmates not knowing she was related to Eleanor Luxton
Eleanor Luxton’s qualities as a teacher; story of Eleanor Luxton encouraging MaryAlice with a present of china; reference to Bennett medal at Banff school
Memories of young adulthood; pack trip through mountains to Jasper in 1938; being met by Uncle Jack Brewster from Jasper; John Murray Gibbon hear MaryAlice sing; reference to lessons arranged with Frances James; summer work at Columbia Icefields Chalet; singing in Calgary during the war
Reference to marriage and leaving for Oklahoma in 1945; return to Banff ca. 1964
Connection with Eleanor maintained; Ralphine (Harvey) Locke’s husband Gerald was Eleanor Luxton’s dentist
Reference to Eleanor Luxton’s work with the Glenbow Foundation; “Leaves of the Medicine Tree”
Discussion of Eleanor’s difficulties of early 1960s; her illness and expected death; reference to Eleanor Luxton being very much like Norman; Norman’s dealings with Eric Harvey re: luxton property; reference to Eleanor’s property from David McDougall; seven years of litigation with Glenbow; Eleanor’s tactics in dealing with the Glenbow: Eleanor Luxton’s nurses; Death of Eleanor Luxton’s parents; Eleanor’s decision to return to house in Banff
Discussion of how Eleanor arranged the house; furniture; use of buzzer to house on corner; reference to house on corner built by George McKenzie and purchased by Eleanor Luxton
Discussion of going to History conference with Eleanor; Calgary, Edmonton, Winnipeg in late 1960s and 1970s; reference to Bill Sampson meeting Eleanor; reference to Eleanor’s wheelchair; reference to people they met at conferences, George Stanley, Bill Sampson, L.G. Thomas and Jonsey Thomas; reference to Sheilagh Jameson, Ruth Gorman, L.H. Thomas, friend of Eleanor and MaryAlice
Eleanor Luxton giving paper at Old Timers in 1956
Reference to Eleanor Luxton as tremendous book buyer
Story about memorable Fur Trade Conference in Winnipeg 1970; Eleanor Luxton had become accustomed to being catered to; MaryAlice was too tired to attend but Eleanor Luxton persuaded her to go; description of room that Eleanor took in Winnipeg Hotel; entertaining a group of historians; references to Lamb of BC Provincial Archives, John Bovey from Winnipeg, Bill Sampson; Group of four men carrying Eleanor’s wheelchair upstairs
Story of going to Lloydminster with Eleanor Luxton; reference to Eleanor Luxton’s fondness for MaryAlice’s sister Helene; Eleanor Luxton’s collapse on escalator in railway station
Reference to Luxton connection with Winnipeg
Eleanor Luxton meeting old friends from Glenbow days at conferences
MaryAlice’s involvement with Canadian Museums Association; reference to trying to find friends of Eleanor’s Luxton in the East
Reflections on Eleanor Luxton’s historical work; Banff book and editor George Stanley; Eleanor Luxton’s research and writing tendencies; the Annie manuscript; Eleanor Luxton’s lack of discussion with MaryAlice about her work
Eleanor Luxton’s relationship with Native people; reference to Eliza?
Reference to Catharine Whyte giving money to Native people; discussion of photograph of Eleanor Luxton with Tom Kaquitts, 1976; Kaquitts posing on Sulphur Mountain; reference to Claude Brewster; Eleanor Luxton’s interest in Native history; Eleanor Luxton’s own Ojibwa blood; Georgie Luxton a Cree speaker; question of whether Eleanor Luxton spoke any Stoney
Eleanor Luxton’s life and career in relationship to her father; characterization of Norman Luxton; reference to Norman and Georgina Luxton honoured by Stoney Nation; reference to Norman as great promoter; reference to Doug Light interview re Norman Luxton; reference to Eleanor Luxton’s romance at a young age; reflections on her career path; Eleanor Luxton’s lack of concern with gender issues; Eleanor Luxton’s encouragement of young people; Eleanor’s work in engineering; discussion of BSc (1946) and chronology of Montreal years at CPR
Eleanor Luxton’s connection with the David McDougall family of Morley-Cochrane area; McDougall Day at the Calgary Stampede
Eleanor Luxton’s coping strategy for her illness in later years; Eleanor Luxton’s iron will; references to her speaking at McDougall party; standing to speak at Archives opening; attendance at a Parks event
Miscellaneous observations on Eleanor Luxton; 1990s close to the Smith’s and their daughters; letter from Della Stanley to Eleanor Luxton; Eleanor Luxton always dressed well; effect of having Norman Luxton as a father Luxton newspaper connecton – Winnipeg and Minneapolis; importance of Eleanor Luxton’s mother in her life; reference to layering of Banff society
Finding Aid
Electronic finding aid and printed interview summary available