Fonds consists of notebook, ca.1910 of Jack Watters, manager of Bankhead Mines; Bankhead papers n.d., 1903-1969, including articles, reminiscences, plans, maps regarding geology, mine, townsite and inhabitants of Bankhead, Alberta; other papers, 1933, 1952; photographs, 1885-1928, mainly collected …
3 cm of textual records. -- 69 photographs (67 prints, 2 copy negatives). -- 1 video recording
History / Biographical
The Wheatley family were coal miners and shippers at Bankhead, Blairmore and Banff, Alberta, Canada. Frank M. Wheatley Sr., 1877-1958, began coal mining in Yorkshire at age twelve and continued in the business for almost sixty-five years. Mr. and Mrs. Wheatley came to Bankhead in 1908-1909 and worked there until closure of the mines in 1922. Frank Wheatley was involved in union activities locally in Bankhead and nationally after leaving Bankhead. Wheatley's sons started a small coal mine, Anthracite Collieries, near Banff in 1926. Frank Sr. was involved after 1930 and the family operated this concern until 1953.
Scope & Content
Fonds consists of notebook, ca.1910 of Jack Watters, manager of Bankhead Mines; Bankhead papers n.d., 1903-1969, including articles, reminiscences, plans, maps regarding geology, mine, townsite and inhabitants of Bankhead, Alberta; other papers, 1933, 1952; photographs, 1885-1928, mainly collected by Wheatley pertaining to Bankhead mine, townsite and residents, 1885-1928; video recording titled "The story of Frank and Alice : Wheatley family reunion", 2000. Some prints originally belonged to John Watters, manager of Bankhead mine, ca.1905-1944. Many prints are annotated. Video recording is accompanied by transcript and bibliography.