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 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.
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)
Records in this series relate to Eleanor Luxton's business, legal and financial activities and consist of banking records; income tax returns; correspondence and invoices related to property and building construction, maintenance and management; household receipts; medical receipts; commercial and …
4.8 m textual records -- oversize materials -- 31 photographs (15 prints, 16 negatives)
Scope & Content
Records in this series relate to Eleanor Luxton's business, legal and financial activities and consist of banking records; income tax returns; correspondence and invoices related to property and building construction, maintenance and management; household receipts; medical receipts; commercial and residential leases; insurance; investments; donations; rentals; legal papers relating to the estate of Annie McDougall and May Ross McDougall; mortgage papers; Parks Canada Lease agreements and need to reside challenge; Eleanor Luxton's living will.
Notes
Contents arranged by subject - see file level descriptions
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 pertains to 120 b&w prints of various historical topics, some photos taken by Bruno Engler, others collected [presumably] by him. Includes various Canadian Pacific Railway events, community events and celebrations, Skoki Lodge's 60th anniversary, the Norquay Ski Hill rope-tow, the 1968 Winter …
File pertains to 120 b&w prints of various historical topics, some photos taken by Bruno Engler, others collected [presumably] by him. Includes various Canadian Pacific Railway events, community events and celebrations, Skoki Lodge's 60th anniversary, the Norquay Ski Hill rope-tow, the 1968 Winter Olympics bid, Princess Margarite's [sic] visit in 1958, the Cosmic Ray Observatory operations, a Kiwanis Club event, ranching and ranch lands, portraits, and more.
File consists of 2 b&w negatives. Negatives are copy negatives made from original prints loaned by Findlay Barnes. File pertains to the Barnes home in Banff, Windermere Cottage, 1905 - 1908; interior of the Barnes home at Jumping Pound.
File consists of 2 b&w negatives. Negatives are copy negatives made from original prints loaned by Findlay Barnes. File pertains to the Barnes home in Banff, Windermere Cottage, 1905 - 1908; interior of the Barnes home at Jumping Pound.
File consists of one photograph album containing 54 photograph prints and 2 newspaper clippings pertaining to Norman Luxton winning a turkey shooting contest [ca. 1940] and an Old Timers Association event attended by Eleanor Luxton in Calgary in 1964. Photographs pertain to Eleanor Luxton as a baby…
1 album (54 b&w prints ; 9 x 14 cm or smaller -- 2 newspaper clippings)
Scope & Content
File consists of one photograph album containing 54 photograph prints and 2 newspaper clippings pertaining to Norman Luxton winning a turkey shooting contest [ca. 1940] and an Old Timers Association event attended by Eleanor Luxton in Calgary in 1964. Photographs pertain to Eleanor Luxton as a baby and young child with her parents, posing with chickens and a turkey on a farm, with other small children [unidentified] and standing by the Bow River; portrait photographs of Eleanor as a young girl [roughly ages 5 to 12 years old]; a wedding celebration [possibly that of Norman and Georgina Luxton in 1904]; and images of a pregnant woman and a man on a farm [likely Georgina Luxton and possibly her father, David McDougall, ca. 1908]
Notes
One photograph of Eleanor Luxton as a young child, posing alone and smiling in a dark dress, was moved to its current location from album LUX / III / A3 / PD - 2.
File consists of 24 textual records including bound books, small booklets and brochures. Content pertains to travel and tourism in the Canadian Rockies, Calgary, Fort Langley, Vancouver, Saskatoon, Montana, and Japan. Includes two "pocket directories" for Vancouver [1899 and 1900] and one for Saska…
File consists of 24 textual records including bound books, small booklets and brochures. Content pertains to travel and tourism in the Canadian Rockies, Calgary, Fort Langley, Vancouver, Saskatoon, Montana, and Japan. Includes two "pocket directories" for Vancouver [1899 and 1900] and one for Saskatoon [1914]; souvenir booklets for Pincher Creek [1900 - 1905], Turner Valley Oil Field [1915 - 1920] and the Canadian Wax Gallery; booklet "Calgary Alberta: The Land of Plenty"; two copies of a Banff National Park guide book [ca. 1912]; "A Sprig of Mountain Heather" tourist booklet by the Department of the Interior, Canada [1914]; "Hippodrome" souvenir book; “Pocket Guide to Japan”; "Westward Honk!" travel publication by the Brooklyn Daily Eagle (1919) detailing a National Parks road trip across Canada and the United States; two copies of “Pictographs in Southwestern Alberta” information booklet; an information sheet and map of the Rocky Mountains Forest Reserve signed by “E. Wakelyn”; a scrapbook of newspaper clippings from The Albertan [1963] pertaining to Calgary; a brochure on Marble Canyon; and two brochures pertaining to interpretive programming in Banff National Park [1972 and 1973 respectively].
Notes
Contents have been arranged chronologically and divided into four files (see Content Details).
”A Sprig of Mountain Heather” souvenir book contains pressed plant matter
“Picturesque Calgary” booklet placed in acid-free envelope due to damage and fragile state
”Hippodrome” souvenir book stored in mylar sleeve
”A Sprig of Mountain Heather” souvenir book kept in original envelope in file folder. Consider additional storage measures, and handle with caution as attached pressed plant is fragile and may break apart easily
File consists of 10 oversized holiday greeting cards, including one from Annie Whitaker with personal message on the back, one from The Standard Shoe Store in Banff, 6 from Stovel Company Limited and two sent to Eleanor Luxton from "Bill". Cards include lithograph images and printed paper copies of…
Art used in cards produced by Adrian Hill, Nicholas Hornyansky and Walter J. Phillips
Date Range
[1895-1910]
[1925-1930]
[1945-1960]
1946
1956
Physical Description
3 cm of textual records
Scope & Content
File consists of 10 oversized holiday greeting cards, including one from Annie Whitaker with personal message on the back, one from The Standard Shoe Store in Banff, 6 from Stovel Company Limited and two sent to Eleanor Luxton from "Bill". Cards include lithograph images and printed paper copies of art depicting Shakespeare's house in Stratford-Upon-Avon, England; landscapes and scenic waterfront views; and holiday-themed art designs. Two items in file are accompanied by original mailing envelopes addressed to Eleanor Luxton, 1956.
File consists of musical study booklets and sheet music belonging to various members of the McDougall and Luxton family, including Georgina McDougall [Luxton], Eleanor Luxton, May and Annie McDougall, and Ruth McDougall, and one book signed “Nina Wynn” of WLC [Wesleyan Ladies’ College]. Some items …
File consists of musical study booklets and sheet music belonging to various members of the McDougall and Luxton family, including Georgina McDougall [Luxton], Eleanor Luxton, May and Annie McDougall, and Ruth McDougall, and one book signed “Nina Wynn” of WLC [Wesleyan Ladies’ College]. Some items belonged to Georgina during her studies at Wesleyan Ladies' College in London, Ontario.
File consists of Christmas/holiday greeting cards sent by various friends and family to members of the Luxton family [primarily Norman and Georgina] between ca.1905 and 1940. Includes several unsent holiday cards made by Norman and Georgina Luxton.
File consists of Christmas/holiday greeting cards sent by various friends and family to members of the Luxton family [primarily Norman and Georgina] between ca.1905 and 1940. Includes several unsent holiday cards made by Norman and Georgina Luxton.
Notes
File may contain duplicates
Items are not arranged by date within file; some items not dated
Material Details
Some items have attached string and/or decorative ribbons
File consists of templates, text samples, printed images and final copies of Christmas and holiday cards created for Norman, Georgina and Eleanor Luxton. Includes 9 b&w photographs (n.d., no title) of an unnamed individual dogsledding near the Banff Springs Hotel, as well as images of unidentified …
Date Range
[1901-1920]
[1930-1940]
Reference Code
LUX / III / A1 / 24 and LUX / III / A1 / NA - 1 to 3
2.5 cm of textual records -- 12 photographs (9 prints : b&w ; 15.5 x 20 cm or smaller -- 3 negatives : b&w negatives ; 18.5 x 13.5 cm)
Scope & Content
File consists of templates, text samples, printed images and final copies of Christmas and holiday cards created for Norman, Georgina and Eleanor Luxton. Includes 9 b&w photographs (n.d., no title) of an unnamed individual dogsledding near the Banff Springs Hotel, as well as images of unidentified Indigenous people [possibly Stoney Nakoda], skiing, and winter views of Banff and the surrounding area. File also includes three b&w negative photographs depicting holiday greeting card designs for Norman and Georgina Luxton, and Eleanor Luxton.
Notes
Negative photographs are duplicates of some paper printed images included in file LUX / III / A1 / 24.
Negatives have been stored in separate file folder from prints an textual records, in a negative envelope; items are currently stored together in same box to maintain context, but negatives may be moved to downstairs storage in the future
Photographs are primarily printed on paper or matboard (with exception of three glossy prints). Textual and photograph items in this file have been stored together to maintain original context and due to good physical condition.
File consists of postcards and souvenir postcard booklets sent to members and friends of the Luxton family, including Eleanor, Norman and Georgina Luxton. Content pertains to locations and landmarks in various regions, including Canada, the United States, England, France and the Ivory Coast. File a…
ca. 250 prints : b&w and col. postcards ; 16 x 12 cm or smaller -- 1 b&w photograph : print ; 16 x 10.5 cm
Scope & Content
File consists of postcards and souvenir postcard booklets sent to members and friends of the Luxton family, including Eleanor, Norman and Georgina Luxton. Content pertains to locations and landmarks in various regions, including Canada, the United States, England, France and the Ivory Coast. File also includes one b&w photograph depicting a group of unidentified children.
Notes
Items in this file have been organized by geographical location. See "Content Details" entry field for contents of individual folders.
File consists of magazines, news articles and clippings, and advertisements collected by Eleanor, Norman and Georgina Luxton. Includes promotional content for local events and companies, newspaper clippings collected by Norman Luxton, a copy of Liberty Magazine [1946] with a feature article pertain…
File consists of magazines, news articles and clippings, and advertisements collected by Eleanor, Norman and Georgina Luxton. Includes promotional content for local events and companies, newspaper clippings collected by Norman Luxton, a copy of Liberty Magazine [1946] with a feature article pertaining to Norman Luxton, and home and fashion catalogues.
Items stored in three file folders organized by content type:
LUX / II / F1 / 60 : Advertisements and promotional content
LUX / II / F1 / 61 : Newspaper clippings and articles
LUX / II / F1 / 62 : Magazines
File consists of published works written by members of the Luxton family. File includes copies of psalm book "The Harvest of Sunshine" by George [Nasmith] Luxton, "The Golden Link" address by Eleanor Luxton, copies of an Indigenous psalm translated by Norman Luxton, early copies of the Crag and Can…
File consists of published works written by members of the Luxton family. File includes copies of psalm book "The Harvest of Sunshine" by George [Nasmith] Luxton, "The Golden Link" address by Eleanor Luxton, copies of an Indigenous psalm translated by Norman Luxton, early copies of the Crag and Canyon [1905-1908], "The Climber" magazine [1906], and an original copy [1872] and reprinted publication [1874] of the Manitoba Free Press.
File consists of pamphlets, event programmes, information booklets, song books, bound publications and other published materials collected by members of the Luxton family. Content pertains to community events, including Banff and Calgary area trapshooting tournaments and organization meetings; an e…
File consists of pamphlets, event programmes, information booklets, song books, bound publications and other published materials collected by members of the Luxton family. Content pertains to community events, including Banff and Calgary area trapshooting tournaments and organization meetings; an exhibit opening at the Glenbow Museum [1981]; scientific theory and human evolution; Japanese study books; Canadian and global politics; international travel; and various other subjects.
Items in file are organized into 4 file folders based on contents:
LUX / II / F1 / 67 : Pamphlets, event programs and booklets
LUX / II / F1 / 68 : Booklets and small publications
LUX / II / F1 / 69 : Books and bound publications
LUX / II / F1 / 70 : Loose and other published materials
File consists of 12 prints depicting Eleanor and Norman Luxton, as well as various friends and colleagues. Content pertains to a book signing event featuring Eleanor Luxton [possibly ca.1971 after publication of the book "Tilikum: Luxton's Pacific Crossing"]; early photographs of Norman and Eleanor…
12 photograph prints : b&w and col.; 20.5 x 25.5 cm or smaller
Scope & Content
File consists of 12 prints depicting Eleanor and Norman Luxton, as well as various friends and colleagues. Content pertains to a book signing event featuring Eleanor Luxton [possibly ca.1971 after publication of the book "Tilikum: Luxton's Pacific Crossing"]; early photographs of Norman and Eleanor Luxton; Moses and Mark Dixon of the Stoney Nakoda tribe with King George VI and Queen Elizabeth of England [1939?]; Eleanor Luxton with professional colleagues [ca.1940-1945?]; and a university graduation portrait of Della Stanley with a note addressed to Eleanor Luxton.
Notes
File includes three duplicate copies of LUX / II / E / PA - 340
File consists of 31 photograph prints ordered by Eleanor Luxton from Canadian Pacific. Photographs pertain to construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway, Canadian Pacific trains and ships, and historic views of Banff, Calgary, Fort McLeod, Strathcona and Edmonton.
31 photographs : b&w prints ; 24 x 18 cm or smaller
Scope & Content
File consists of 31 photograph prints ordered by Eleanor Luxton from Canadian Pacific. Photographs pertain to construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway, Canadian Pacific trains and ships, and historic views of Banff, Calgary, Fort McLeod, Strathcona and Edmonton.
Notes
Prints in file were produced by Canadian Pacific for Eleanor Luxton between 1946 and 1949; original dates of images
Photographs in file are accompanied by Canadian Pacific mailing envelope addressed to Eleanor Luxton
File consists of 47 photographs which were collected by Eleanor Luxton as research material for the book Tilikum: Luxton's Pacific Crossing. Images pertain to Norman Luxton's 1901 voyage aboard the Tilikum dugout canoe, including views of the Tilikum on public display. File also includes two letter…
47 photographs : b&w and col. prints ; 25 x 20 cm or smaller
Scope & Content
File consists of 47 photographs which were collected by Eleanor Luxton as research material for the book Tilikum: Luxton's Pacific Crossing. Images pertain to Norman Luxton's 1901 voyage aboard the Tilikum dugout canoe, including views of the Tilikum on public display. File also includes two letters: one sent to Norman Luxton in 1926 by James Hall[?] pertaining to the voyage, and one to Eleanor Luxton from J.W.D. Symons at the Maritime Museum of British Columbia pertaining to the use of the museum's images in her book.