Summary information
| Repository: | South Peace Regional Archives |
| Title: | Percy John Tooley collection |
| Reference code: | 0648 |
| Date: | 1948-1987 (date of creation) |
| Physical description: | 0.5 cm of textual records |
| Language: | English |
| Dates of creation, revision and deletion: | Exported from AoR and added to new database May 2022 – CL |
Administrative history / Biographical sketch
Percy John Tooley was born in Whitwell, Hertfordshire, England and came to Canada in 1905. His first destination was the gold fields in the Yukon and later worked he on the railroad. Percy came to Grande Prairie over the Edson Trail in 1912. Percy was a real estate agent and also sold insurance. His business was located on the north east corner of 100th and 100th in Grande Prairie. Percy soon became involved in the running of Grande Prairie, he served seven years on town council, the mayor from 1933-1939, President of the Chamber of Commerce, member and vice-president of the Grande Prairie Board of Trade, an active worker and an official of the Grande Prairie Agricultural Society and helped to organize the big Northern Winter Carnival.
Percy had a keen interest in transportation and it was during his time as Mayor that an airplane landing strip installed. Percy served as the United Air Transport agent as well as manager of the Grande Prairie Airport. When the Grande Prairie Airport completed a new terminal in 1979 a plaque was installed celebrating Percy’s contributions to air travel to the city.
Percy Tooley became sick in 1948 and passed away at the Edmonton Hospital. His funeral was held at the Christ Church in Grande Prairie and he is buried in the Grande Prairie Cemetery.
Custodial history
These records originated from Isabel Campbell’s reference files which were acquired from the Grande Prairie Public Library in 2013. These materials were part of a bequest by Isabel Campbell to the Library. The files were then donated to the archives in 2013.
Scope and content
The collection consists of a business card for P.J. Tooley, his obituary, and correspondence about the P.J. Tooley plaque that was erected at the Grande Prairie Airport between Isabel Campbell and various people.
Notes
Title notes
- Source of title proper: Title of fonds based on contents.
Access points
- Textual record (documentary form)