Fonds 052 Field’s Studio fonds

fonds-052

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Summary information

Repository: South Peace Regional Archives
Title: Field’s Studio fonds
Reference code: 0052
Date: ca. 1900-1935 (date of creation)
Physical description: 176 photographs

17 negatives

12 postcards

Language: English
Dates of creation, revision and deletion: Exported from AoR and added to new database July 2022 – TD
Note: This fonds has been identified as having Indigenous related content. Researchers may encounter language that is outdated and offensive. To learn more about Indigenous records at the South Peace Regional Archives please see our guide.

Administrative history / Biographical sketch

Clarence Wesley Field was born in the state of Ohio, circa 1880. Orphaned at the age of 8, he was on his own at an early age. He trained in an artist’s studio in New York. During the first decade of the 20th century, he married Edith Wilbur, also from Ohio, who had trained as a nurse. Together, they moved to Alberta in 1910.

By that time, the stresses of life were beginning to take their toll on Clarence, and he spent some time in the Ponoka Hospital. While there, he continued to develop his artistic skills through photography. Later he set up a studio in the town. He was a master in the use of props, as can be seen in some of the portraits taken in his studio in Ponoka.

In 1918, Clarence Field came to the Peace Country and filed on the N.W. 34-72-3, north of Bezanson. By 1920, he and Edith were living on the farm, and in 1922 he opened a photograph studio in Grande Prairie. He had an old model T van in which he traveled back and forth. The couple had no children of their own but adopted a child named Dora Cordray, who later married Leo Nelson.

After the Depression hit in 1929, he closed the studio—no one could afford expensive portraits—and returned to farming. His debt load from farm and studio were so high, however, that he lost the farm. Clarence Field passed away at his home east of Grande Prairie in 1931, at about 50 years of age; his wife later moved away from the community.

Custodial history

This collection came was preserved by several members of the Grande Prairie Community and deposited in the archives over a period of 5 years. The 1997 portion was salvaged by Frank Kohalyk who worked at Field’s Studio. He passed them on to his son Anton. The glass plates were found in an abandoned cabin near Bezanson in 1934, traced to Field’s Studio through prints in other portions of the collection, and also passed on to Anton Kohalyk. Anton donated his entire collection to Grande Prairie Museum in 1997, and they were turned over to the care of Grande Prairie Regional Archives in 2000. The 2002 portion of the collection was preserved by Edith Field, who gave them to her neighbours, Steve and Mary Sarmaga, when she left the community. They, in turn, passed them on to their son John Sarmaga. Other portraits were given to Paul Pivert, a local photographer. Both of these collection were donated to the archives in 2002.

Scope and content

The fonds consists of four series: personal photographs of Clarence and Edith Field; glass plate negatives and portraits from the Ponoka Studio; studio portraits and town/farm snapshots from the Grande Prairie Studio; and a small series of postcards.

Notes

Title notes

  • Source of title proper: Title based on the contents of the fonds

Restrictions on access

There are no restrictions.

Access points

  • Graphic material (documentary form)
  • Graphic material – photograph (documentary form)
  • Family and personal life* (subject)
  • Indigenous peoples (subject)
  • Sports, recreation and leisure* (subject)
  • Art (subject)

Table of contents

0052.01, Personal Photographs, ca. 1900-1930

0052.02, Ponoka Studio, 1910-1920

0052.03, Field’s Studio, Grande Prairie, ca. 1900-1935

0052.04, Postcard Collection, ca. 1900-1930

Series descriptions

Series 0052.01: Personal Photographs

Date: ca. 1900-1930 (date of creation)

Scope and content:

The series consists of formal portraits and snapshots of Edith Wilber and Clarence Field from early adulthood until mid-life. Some of them include props as if they were Field’s portraits, others are experimental. There is also one portrait of Dora Cordray, the child they adopted while in the Peace Country.

Physical description: 17 photographs

Access points:

•                Graphic material – photograph (documentary form)

File / item list
Reference code Title Dates Physical description
2002.54.01 Item – Edith Wilber
Pretz, Los Angeles
 
ca. 1900 1 photograph : b&w ; 1.5 x 4 in.
Scope and content:

Full-length portrait of Edith Wilber as a young adult. She later married C. W. Field and moved to Grande Prairie in 1922.

2002.54.02 Item – Clarence W. Field  ca. 1900 1 postcard : b&w ; 3 x 5 in.
Scope and content:

Snapshot of Clarence Field as a young adult.

2002.54.03 Item – Edith Wilber  ca. 1904 1 postcard : b&w ; 3 x 5 in.
Scope and content:

Nursing Graduation portrait of Edith Wilber in nurse’s uniform.

2002.54.04 Item – Clarence W. Field  ca. 1900 1 postcard : b&w ; 3 x 5 in.
Scope and content:

Clarence Field on a motorized bicycle in the early 1900s.

2002.54.05 Item – J.O.C. Reunion, West Unity Ohio  August 20, 1914 1 photograph : b&w ; 5 x 7 in.
Scope and content:

Reunion portrait of the J.O.C. in Ohio. Back row (L to R): Nettie Allen Rings, Sadie Hughes Randels, Edith Wilber Field, Nellie Runnion, and Ella Blake Quay. Middle row: Jennie Ritchey and Dollie Kenyon. Front row: Etta Shilling, Edna Runnion, and Lizzie Davidson. Names taken from the back of the photograph. Caption also notes that Mary Rings Stockton and Adaline Orton Young are absent.

2002.54.06 Item – Edith Field  ca. 1920 1 photograph : b&w ; 3 x 5 in.
Scope and content:

Head & shoulders portrait of Edith Wilber Field about the time she lived in Grande Prairie, Alberta.

2002.54.07 Item – Mrs. Wilber, Grande Prairie
Field’s Studio
 
ca. 1920 1 photograph : b&w ; 4 x 6 in.
Scope and content:

Edith Field’s mother, Mrs. Wilber, lived with the Fields on their homestead north of Bezanson. The caption on the back of the photograph reads “Edith Field’s mother. Lived with Field’s. Neighbors of Steve & Mary Sarmaga.”

2002.54.08 Item – Clarence Field in Sealskin Suit
Field’s Studio
 
ca. 1915 1 photograph : b&w ; 3 x 5 in.
Scope and content:

A “prop” photograph showing Clarence Field dressed in sealskin as a hunter, with gun ready across his knees, and seated in a moose-horn chair.

2002.54.09 Item – Edith Field by Lamplight
Field’s Studio
 
January 1, 1913 1 photograph : b&w ; 3 x 5 in.
Scope and content:

A “prop” photograph showing Edith Field in costume, examining a box in the light of a lamp. The back of the photograph reads as follows: ”Our first flash light experience. Taken at 10 P.M. New Year evening 1913. Don’t you wish you could see all the good things which I see in this box? The lamp is one of our gas lights of which I told you. It is 300 candle power. The hood is the real picture. Had it taken to show family my hood. It – the hood – attracts attention and admiration wherever I go – women will say ‘Where did you get it” – “that is a beauty.” “I want a hood but can’t endure the kind they have here.” “I believe I could knit one of those.” “Why it is silk.” “Would you mind if I pattern after that hood.” “Such a modest pretty color” etc., etc., etc. This is just proof ie. it is not retouched. Retouching would make it a fair picture. C. is an expert at hand work on negatives. We are going to practice on flash lights til we get it down to better than day light.”

2002.54.10 Item – Chimney Sweep
Field’s Studio
 
ca. 1915 1 postcard: b&w ; 3 x 5 in.
Scope and content:

A “prop” photograph of Clarence Field in a Chimney Sweep costume. The back of the photograph contains biographical information. A newspaper clipping advertising chimney sweep services is also pasted to the back.

2002.54.11 Item – Edith Wilber Field  ca. 1910 1 photograph : b&w ; 8 x 10 in.
Scope and content:

Sepia toned head and shoulders portrait of Edith Wilber Field.

2002.54.12 Item – Edith Wilber Field
Field’s Studio
 
ca. 1920 1 photograph : b&w ; 8 x 10 in.
Scope and content:

A “prop” photograph of Edith Field in sealskin suit and boots, with gun at hand, sitting in a moose antler chair.

2002.54.13a-b Item – Clarence Field at Home  ca. 1925 2 photographs : b&w ; 5 x 7 in.
Scope and content:

Two copies of the same image showing the living room of the Field farm home with Clarence and his dog sitting on the day bed.

2002.54.14a-b Item – Christmas at the Field Home ca. 1930 2 photographs : b&w ; 5 x 7 in.
Scope and content:

Two copies of the same image showing the living room of the Field farm home at Christmas with Clarence at the table.

2002.54.15 Item – Dora Cordray
Field’s Studio
 
ca. 1925 1 photograph : b&w ; 3 x 4 in.
Scope and content:

Head & shoulders portrait of Dora Cordray, the preschool child Edith & Clarence Field adopted. She later married Leo Nelson. The caption on the back of the photograph reads “Dora Cordray married Leo Nelson. Raised by Martin’s in Tranquility.”

Series 0052.02: Ponoka Studio

Date: 1910-1920 (date of creation)

Scope and content:

The series consists of a set of glass negative plates: formal portraits featuring Indigenous people in elaborate traditional dress, posing in classic studio settings. Six of the glass negatives are casual snapshots showing a trapper’s camp, his horse and sightings of bear and moose.

Physical description: 3 photographs

17 negatives

1 postcard

Access points:

•                Graphic material – photograph (documentary form)

File / item list
Reference code Title Dates Physical description
1997.45.01 Item – Mike Dion Buffalo (Cree name “Chopiw”)
Field’s Studio
 
ca. 1915 1 glass negative : b&w ; 5 x 7 in.
Scope and content:

Formal dress portrait of Mike Dion Buffalo, a member of the Hobbema First Nations in Central Alberta, sitting in a moose antler chair with rifle across his knees.

1997.45.02 Item – Hobbema First Nations Portrait
Field’s Studio
 
ca. 1915 1 glass negative : b&w ; 5 x 7 in.
Scope and content:

Formal portrait of a man from the Hobbema First Nations in Central Alberta. He sits in a moose antler chair wearing a feather headdress and holding a rifle in his left hand and a pistol in his right hand.

1997.45.03 Item – Horse and Man
Field’s Studio
 
ca. 1915 1 glass negative : b&w ; 5 x 7 in.
Scope and content:

Snapshot of a casually dressed man holding the halter of a horse, with fences, trees and open pasture in background.

1997.45.04 Item – Bear Cubs
Field’s Studio
 
ca. 1915 1 glass negative : b&w ; 5 x 7 in.
Scope and content:

Snapshot of two bear cubs climbing a tree. 2002.54.18 is a print of the same image.

1997.45.05 Item – Louis Strawhat and Josephine
Field’s Studio
1914 1 glass negative : b&w ; 5 x 7 in.
Scope and content:

Formal portrait of a man and a woman in regalia, identified as Louis Strawhat & his wife of the Hobbema First Nations in Central Alberta.

1997.45.06 Item – Trapper’s Camp
Field’s Studio
 
ca. 1915 1 glass negative : b&w ; 5 x 7 in.
Scope and content:

Snapshot of a man holding a frying pan in a trapper’s camp, with his tent and dog in the foreground and fur pelts hanging on the trees in the background.

1997.45.07 Item – Hobbema First Nations Portrait
Field’s Studio
 
ca. 1915 1 glass negative : b&w : 5 x 7 in.
Scope and content:

Formal portrait of an unidentified man from the Hobbema First Nations in Central Alberta. He wears long braids, jewelry, hat, and scarf.

1997.45.08 Item – Horse Racing
Field’s Studio
 
ca. 1915 1 glass negative : b&w ; 5 x 7 in.
Scope and content:

Snapshot of a horse pulling a man in a cart on a road with fence and trees in the background.

1997.45.09 Item – Hobbema First Nations Family
Field’s Studio
 
ca. 1915 1 glass negative : b&w ; 5 x 7 in.
Scope and content:

Formal portrait of an Indigenous family group from the Hobbema First Nations in Central Alberta. They are posed in a classical studio setting, with details such as the fireplace, clock and rug.

1997.45.10 Item – Mike Dion Buffalo (Cree name “Chopiw”)
Field’s Studio
 
ca. 1915 1 glass negative : b&w ; 5 x 7 in.
Scope and content:

Formal portrait of Mike Dion Buffalo, from the Hobbema First Nations, holding a rifle.

1997.45.11 Item – “Baby Moose at Smoky River”
Field’s Studio
 
ca. 1915 1 glass negative : b&w ; 5 x 7 in.
Scope and content:

Snapshot of two moose calves on the bank of the Smoky River.

1997.45.12 Item – Moose Hunting
Field’s Studio 
ca. 1915 1 glass negative : b&w ; 5 x 7 in.
Scope and content:

Snapshot of a small child with a hunting knife strapped around their waist, holding a rifle over a dead moose. A log cabin is in background. Most likely a “prop” photograph.

1997.45.13 Item – Hobbema First Nations Mother & Child
Field’s Studio 
ca. 1915 1 negative : b&w ; 5 x 7 in.
Scope and content:

Studio portrait of a woman and a small child from the Hobbema First Nations in Central Alberta. Image is the same as item 2002.54.16.

2002.54.16 Item – Hobbema First Nations Mother & Child
Field’s Studio
 
ca. 1915 1 photograph : b&w ; 4 x 6 in.
Scope and content:

Studio portrait of a woman and a small child in regalia from the Hobbema First Nations in Central Alberta. Image is the same as item 1997.45.13

2002.54.17 Item – Louis Strawhat and Wife  1914 1 postcard : b&w ; 5 x 7 in.
Scope and content:

Postcard featuring a photograph taken by Ponoka Studio. The photograph is a formal portrait of a man and a woman in regalia, identified as Louis Strawhat & his wife of the Hobbema First Nations in Central Alberta. The postcard is written by Clarence and sent to Edith Field on January 8, 1914.

2002.54.18 Item – Bear Cubs
Field’s Studio
 
ca. 1915 1 photograph : b&w ; 5 x 7 in.
Scope and content:

Photograph print of two bear cubs climbing a tree. Item 1997.45.04 is the glass plate negative of the same image.

2002.57.01 Item – Hobbema First Nations Family Group
Field’s Studio
 
ca. 1915 1 glass negative : b&w ; 5 x 7 in.
Scope and content:

Michael Buffalo’s family from the Hobbema First Nations in Central Alberta, left to right: Bella, Mary (Nepoose) Buffalo, Margaret, and an unidentified individual.

2002.57.02 Item – Hobbema First Nations Man
Field’s Studio
 
ca. 1915 1 glass negative : b&w : 5 x 7 in.
Scope and content:

Chief Joe Samson, son of the first Chief Samson, of the Samson Band, Hobbema Alberta.

2002.57.03 Item – Portrait of Child and Toys
Field’s Studio
 
ca. 1915 1 glass negative : b&w ; 5 x 7 in.
Scope and content:

Full-length portrait of a preschool girl beside a table of toys. The background shows a classical studio setting.

2002.57.04 Item – “I knew I would end up in Jail”
Field’s Studio
 
ca. 1915 1 glass negative : b&w ; 5 x 7 in.
Scope and content:

“Cartoon-type” photograph of a man behind the bars on a brass bed. Caption reads: “I knew I would end up in jail if I didn’t quit drinking.”

Series 0052.03: Field’s Studio, Grande Prairie

Date: ca. 1900-1935 (date of creation)

Scope and content:

The series consists of 100 studio portraits of individuals, couples and families from Field’s Studio; 30 snapshots of historic Grande Prairie scenes and buildings, and 28 photographs depicting homesteading in the 1920s. Some of the studio portraits include props such as uniforms and pets.

Physical description: 158 photographs

Access points:

•                Graphic material – photograph (documentary form)

Subseries 0052.03.01: Studio Portraits

Date: ca. 1900-1935 (date of creation)

Scope and content:

The sub-series consists of various kinds of studio portraits of individuals, couples, families and groups. Some of them include the use of props and uniforms (e.g. sports/work). Most of them are unidentified.

Physical description: 100 photographs

Note:

Because these portraits are unidentified, there is the possibility that some of them could be from the Ponoka Studio.

Access points:

•                Graphic material – photograph (documentary form)

File / item list
Reference code Title Dates Physical description
1997.13.18-77 Item – Studio Portraits  1920-1935 60 photographs : b&w ; various sizes
Scope and content:

Studio portraits of unidentified individuals, couples and families. There are several in hockey uniform.

1997.13.21 Item – Winter Carnival Queen  ca. 1925 1 photograph : b&w ; 4 x 6 in.
Scope and content:

The queen of one of Grande Prairie’s Winter Carnivals, Gertrude (Graban?) Alloway.

1997.13.31 Item – Gertrude Havelena  ca. 1925 1 photograph : b&w ; 4 x 6 in.
Scope and content:

A portrait of Gertrude (Havelena).

1997.13.36 Item – Portrait of Woman and Dog ca. 1925 1 photograph : b&w ; 4 x 6 in.
Scope and content:

A woman poses for a formal portrait with her dog.

1997.13.54 Item – Frank Donald  ca. 1925 1 photograph : b&w ; 4 x 6 in.
Scope and content:

Frank Donald owned a chain of hotels in Grande Prairie. He gained prominence in Grande Prairie’s history as a race car driver and as the volunteer undertaker during the 1918 influenza epidemic.

1997.13.59-61 Item – J. Mackey and ?  ca. 1925 3 photographs : b&w ; 4 x 6 in.
Scope and content:

Portraits of J. Mackey and ?.

1997.13.62 Item – Salvation Army Captains  ca. 1925 1 photograph : b&w ; 5 x 3.5 in.
Scope and content:

A husband and wife team of Salvation Army Captains serving in Alberta in early 1900’s.

1997.13.63 Item – Mr. and Mrs. Halwa, Sr.  ca. 1925 1 photograph : b&w ; 4 x 6 in.
Scope and content:

Portrait of Mr. and Mrs. Halwa, Sr.

1997.13.72 Item – Ike Nelson Family  ca. 1925 1 photograph : b&w ; 4 x 6 in.
Scope and content:

Ike Nelson and family (four sons). Ike was the co-owner of the Nelson and Archibald General Store in Grande Prairie.

2002.54.19 Item – Child with Doll  ca. 1900 1 photograph : b&w ; 2 x 4 in.
Scope and content:

Tintype photo of a young girl sitting in a chair with her doll

2002.54.20 Item – Mary Roberta Carney
C.H. Chowning, Urbana, Ohio
 
ca. 1900 1 photograph : b&w ; 4 x 6 in.
Scope and content:

Portrait of Mary Roberta Carney, 16 years of age, in a flowered hat.

2002.54.21 Item – Woman in Fur Stole
Field’s Studio
 
ca. 1925 1 photograph : b&w ; 2 x 4 in.
Scope and content:

Head & shoulders portrait of young woman in a cloche hat and fur stole.

2002.54.22 Item – Minnie Nelson
Field’s Studio
 
ca. 1925 1 photograph : b&w ; 2 x 4 in.
Scope and content:

Head & shoulders portrait of Minnie Nelson, from Bezanson.

2002.54.23 Item – Carnival Queen
Field’s Studio
 
ca. 1925 1 photograph : b&w ; 4 x 6 in.
Scope and content:

Full length portrait of the carnival queen from one of Grande Prairie’s Winter Carnivals.

2002.54.24 Item – Man in Hockey Uniform
Field’s Studio
 
ca. 1925 1 photograph : b&w ; 4 x 6 in.
Scope and content:

Full length studio portrait of man in hockey uniform and skates. Possibly Francis (Fran) Donald, son of Frank Donald.

2002.54.25 Item – Mr. & Mrs. Henry Wiebe
Field’s Studio
 
ca. 1925 1 photograph : b&w ; 4 x 6 in.
Scope and content:

Wedding portrait of Mr. & Mrs. Henry Wiebe. Henry taught school at Bezanson for many years.

2002.54.26 Item – RCMP Officer
Field’s Studio
 
ca. 1925 1 photograph : b&w ; 4 x 6 in.
Scope and content:

Full length portrait of RCMP Officer in dress uniform, with his Spaniel Dog.

2002.54.27 Item – Man in Uniform with Gun
Field’s Studio
 
ca. 1925 1 photograph : b&w ; 4 x 6 in.
Scope and content:

“Prop” portrait of a man in German uniform holding a German rifle.

2002.54.28 Item – Little Person from Winter Carnival
Field’s Studio
 
ca. 1925 1 photograph : b&w ; 4 x 6 in.
Scope and content:

Studio portrait of a little person from one of Grande Prairie’s Winter Carnivals. The back of the photograph reads “midget from the carnival in G.P. Fields took his picture.”

Note:

Title was originally “Winter Carnival Midget” which was changed to remove the offensive term. Description was changed to add what was written on the back of the photograph. – 22Feb2021 SF

2002.54.29 Item – Wedding Portrait
Field’s Studio
 
ca. 1925 1 photograph : b&w ; 4 x 6 in.
Scope and content:

Studio portrait of a young couple in wedding attire.

2002.54.30 Item – Miss Havilena
Field’s Studio
 
ca. 1925 1 photograph : b&w ; 4 x 6 in.
Scope and content:

Studio portrait of young woman in flapper dress.

2002.57.05 Item – Drapery Effect No. 2  ca. 1900 1 photograph : b&w ; 5 x 7 in.
Scope and content:

Illustration print from the Eastman Professional School, possibly from the portfolio of Clarence Field.

2002.57.06 Item – Portrait of a Woman  ca. 1900 1 photograph : b&w ; 8 x 10 in.
Scope and content:

Head & shoulders portrait of a woman in soft sepia tones.

2002.57.07 Item – Baby in Diaper
Field’s Studio
 
ca. 1925 1 photograph : b&w ; 3 x 4 in.
Scope and content:

Studio portrait of a year-old baby in a diaper.

2002.57.08 Item – Boy in a Knitted Suit
Field’s Studio
 
ca. 1925 1 photograph : b&w ; 3 x 5 in.
Scope and content:

Studio portrait of a two-year boy in a knitted suit.

2002.57.09 Item – Family Portrait
Field’s Studio
 
ca. 1925 1 photograph : b&w ; 8 x 10 in.
Scope and content:

Studio portrait of a family with two girls & two boys between the ages of two and ten.

2002.57.10 Item – Anniversary Portrait
Field’s Studio
 
ca. 1925 1 photograph : b&w ; 4 x 6 in.
Scope and content:

Studio portrait of a couple in their forties or fifties.

2002.57.11 Item – Wedding Portrait
Field’s Studio
 
ca. 1925 1 photograph : b&w ; 8 x 10 in.
Scope and content:

Studio portrait of a couple in dark suit and dress, with flowers as if for a wedding.

2002.57.12 Item – Couple in Fur Coats
Field’s Studio
 
ca. 1925 1 photograph : b&w ; 8 x 10 in.
Scope and content:

Studio portrait of a couple in fur coats–a buffalo robe for him and a mink coat for her.

2002.57.13 Item – Wedding Photograph
Field’s Studio
 
ca. 1925 1 photograph : colour ; 8 x 10 in.
Scope and content:

Casual wedding photograph of a young couple in the garden.

2002.57.14 Item – Portrait of a Young Woman
Field’s Studio
 
ca. 1925 1 photograph : b&w ; 4 x 6 in.
Scope and content:

Head & shoulders studio portrait of a young woman with shawl and corsage.

2002.57.15 Item – Ethel Dolly Lanctot
Field’s Studio
 
ca. 1925 1 photograph : b&w ; 4 x 6 in.
Scope and content:

Studio portrait of woman in fur collar and cloche hat, with inscription reading “Vote for Ethel Dolly Lanctot”

2002.57.16 Item – Portrait of a Young Woman
Field’s Studio
 
ca. 1925 1 photograph : b&w ; 3 x 5 in.
Scope and content:

Head & shoulders portrait of a young woman in pearls and suit jacket.

2002.57.17 Item – Portrait of a Young Woman
Field’s Studio
 
ca. 1925 1 photograph : b&w ; 3 x 5 in.
Scope and content:

Head & shoulders studio portrait of a young woman in pearls and black dress.

2002.57.18 Item – Portrait of a Young Woman
Field’s Studio
 
ca. 1925 1 photograph : b&w ; 3 x 5 in.
Scope and content:

Head & shoulders studio portrait of a young woman in pearls and light-coloured dress.

2002.57.19 Item – Portrait of a Young Woman
Field’s Studio
 
ca. 1925 1 photograph : b&w ; 3 x 5 in.
Scope and content:

Head & shoulders studio portrait of a young woman in a fur collar.

2002.57.20 Item – Portrait of a Young Woman
Field’s Studio
 
ca. 1925 1 photograph : b&w ; 3 x 5 in.
Scope and content:

Head & shoulders studio portrait of a young woman in a fur collar.

2002.57.21 Item – Portrait of a Young Woman
Field’s Studio
 
ca. 1925 1 photograph : b&w ; 5 x 7 in.
Scope and content:

Head & shoulders studio portrait of a young woman in pearls and black dress.

2002.57.22 Item – Portrait of a Young Woman
Field’s Studio
 
ca. 1925 1 photograph : b&w ; 4 x 6 in.
Scope and content:

Head & shoulders studio portrait of a young woman in a fur collar.

2002.57.23 Item – Portrait of a Young Woman
Field’s Studio
 
ca. 1925 1 photograph : b&w ; 4 x 6 in.
Scope and content:

Head & shoulders studio portrait of a young woman in pearls and black dress.

2002.57.24 Item – Portrait of a Young Woman
Field’s Studio
 
ca. 1925 1 photograph : b&w ; 4 x 6 in.
Scope and content:

Full length studio portrait of a young woman in a black dress.

2002.57.25 Item – Portrait of a Young Woman
Field’s Studio
 
ca. 1925 1 photograph : b&w ; 4 x 6 in.
Scope and content:

Full length studio portrait of a young woman at her desk.

2002.57.26 Item – Portrait of a Lady
Field’s Studio
 
ca. 1925 1 photograph : b&w ; 8 x 10 in.
Scope and content:

Sepia toned studio portrait of a lady in a silk dress with flowers.

2002.57.27 Item – Man in Boxing Outfit
Field’s Studio
 
ca. 1925 1 photograph : b&w ; 4 x 6 in.
Scope and content:

Studio portrait of a man dressed as and posing as a boxer.

2002.57.28 Item – Old Man with a Beard
Field’s Studio
 
ca. 1925 1 photograph : b&w ; 4 x 6 in.
Scope and content:

Head & shoulders studio portrait of an old man with a white beard.

2002.57.29 Item – Portrait of a Young Man
Field’s Studio
 
ca. 1925 1 photograph : b&w ; 4 x 6 in.
Scope and content:

Head & shoulders studio portrait of a young man with bow tie.

2002.57.30 Item – A Man and His Dog
Field’s Studio
 
ca. 1925 1 photograph : b&w ; 5 x 7 in.
Scope and content:

Studio portrait of a man in suit and spats with his German Shepherd Dog.

2002.57.31 Item – Champion Men’s Curling Team
Field’s Studio
 
1929 1 photograph : b&w ; 6 x 8 in.
Scope and content:

Studio portrait of the champion men’s curling team, posing with their equipment and trophies (The Delmar Pratt Trophy). Victor Tanner is seated on the right.

2002.57.32 Item – Champion Ladies Curling Team
Field’s Studio
 
ca. 1925 1 photograph : b&w ; 6 x 8 in.
Scope and content:

Portrait of Ladies Curling Team with trophies: Mrs. Pratt, Mrs. Journey, Mrs. Mantle, Mrs. Archibald.

Subseries 0052.03.02: Town of Grande Prairie

Date: ca. 1920-1930 (date of creation)

Scope and content:

The sub-series consists of scenes taken around Grande Prairie ca. 1925. Some are professionally taken and matted, stamped as Field’s Studio Photographs, while other are simple snapshots.

Physical description: 30 photographs

Access points:

•                Graphic material – photograph (documentary form)

File / item list
Reference code Title Dates Physical description
1997.13.03 Item – Richmond Avenue, Grande Prairie
Field’s Studio
 
ca. 1930 1 postcard : b&w ; 3 x 5 in.
Scope and content:

Richmond Avenue looking west from Clairmont Road, lined with cars, flags flying. The Imperial Bank of Canada, W. Pratt Real Estate and Insurance, Campbell Dentist Office and other businesses are visible.

1997.13.04 Item – Grande Prairie Municipal Hospital
Field’s Studio
 
ca. 1929 1 postcard : b&w ; 3 x 5 in.
Scope and content:

Newly built municipal hospital, completed in 1929, with building materials still visible in front of the hospital.

1997.13.05 Item – Spicer’s Bakery, Grande Prairie
Field’s Studio
 
n.d. 1 postcard : b&w ; 3 x 5 in.
Scope and content:

“Spicer’s Bakery, makers of Sweet Krust and 100% Whole Bread” was a false fronted frame building located on 99 Avenue in Grande Prairie. Wood for its ovens is stacked beside the bakery.

1997.13.06 Item – Grande Prairie Courthouse and Montrose School
Field’s Studio
 
ca. 1930 1 postcard : b&w ; 3 x 5 in.
Scope and content:

The first Grande Prairie Courthouse on the corner of 99 Street and 99 Avenue, with Montrose School prominent in the background.

1997.13.07 Item – Grande Prairie Train Station
Field’s Studio
 
ca. 1930 1 postcard : b&w ; 3 x 5 in.
Scope and content:

Bird’s eye view of the Grande Prairie Train Station in winter, crowded with people and cars. The horse-drawn dray unloading the Royal Mail from the mail car in the foreground belonged to Mr. Alex Wishart.

1997.13.08 Item – Canadian Jubilee Parade
Field’s Studio
 
1927 1 photograph : b&w ; 3 x 5 in.
Scope and content:

Parade Float in the Jubilee Parade with sign reading “Canada’s Jubilee–1927. Grande Prairie’s next great celebration when we get our Coast Outlet.”

1997.13.09 Item – Dominion Lands Office, Grande Prairie
Field’s Studio
 
ca. 1925 1 postcard : b&w ; 3 x 5 in.
Scope and content:

Dominion Lands and Government Telegraph Office at Grande Prairie, with men camped in front of it waiting to stake land claims. Same image as 2002.54.40.

1997.13.10 Item – Community Celebration
Field’s Studio
 
ca. 1930 1 photograph : b&w ; 3 x 5 in.
Scope and content:

Two unidentified men and one woman posing for snapshot behind a crowd of on-lookers at a community event, possibly horse races. Some men are seated on a raised platform.

1997.13.12 Item – Party On Top of a Log Cabin n.d. 1 photograph : b&w ; 3 x 5 in.
Scope and content:

Five men and two women on top of a flat-roofed log cabin, with other companions and pets on the ground.

1997.13.13 Item – Spaulding Hotel  n.d. 1 photograph : b&w ; 3 x 5 in.
Scope and content:

A large group of people stand on the balcony of the The Spaulding Hotel in High Prairie, which was a fully modern hotel when it was built.

1997.13.14,15 Item – Canadian Utilities Crew
Field’s Studio
 
ca. 1930 2 photographs : b&w ; 3 x 5 in.
Scope and content:

A group of workers surrounds a Canadian Utilities truck with “Canadian Utilities Ltd. No. 4” on the door. Douglass & Co. Ltd. is in the background.

1997.13.17 Item – Massey-Harris Dealership  ca. 1930 1 postcard : b&w ; 3 x 5 in.
Scope and content:

Corner view of a false-fronted business warehouse, with a Massey-Harris sign and two cars in front. Some equipment is visible along the side of the business.

1997.13.85 Item – Canadian Utilities Ltd.  ca. 1930 1 photograph : b&w ; 5 x 7 in.
Scope and content:

The Canadian Utilities building in Grande Prairie, with Spicer’s Bakery and the grain elevators in the background.

1997.13.88 Item – Grande Prairie Fire Hall  ca. 1920 1 photograph : b&w ; 6 x 8 in.
Scope and content:

New fire hall and water tower with well-equipped firefighters ready for service.

1997.13.90 Item – Grande Prairie Town Council 1924-1925 1 photograph : b&w ; 10 x 12 in.
Scope and content:

Composite of individual photographs of Mayor Sharpe and Councilors: Spicer, Stredulinsky, Crerar, Shaver and Nelson. H.D. Thomson photograph is missing. See 1999.16.

2002.54.31 Item – Field’s Studio, Grande Prairie
Field’s Studio
 
ca. 1925 1 photograph : b&w ; 2 x 3 in.
Scope and content:

Snapshot of Field’s Studio, beside Lanctot Hardware on the north side of Richmond Avenue, between 101 and 102 Street.

2002.54.32 Item – Grande Prairie, Alberta
Field’s Studio
 
ca. 1925 1 photograph : b&w ; 3 x 5 in.
Scope and content:

Bird’s eye view of Grande Prairie water tower and elevators from a roof-top on Richmond Avenue between 101 and 102 Street.

2002.54.33 Item – Street Scene, Grande Prairie
Field’s Studio
 
ca. 1925 1 photograph : b&w ; 3 x 5 in.
Scope and content:

Two men with bear cubs on chains are watched by a young office clerk and two children playing with a go-cart.

2002.54.34 Item – Immigration Hall, Grande Prairie
Field’s Studio
 
ca. 1925 1 photograph : b&w ; 3 x 5 in.
Scope and content:

Man, child and car outside of Grande Prairie’s Immigration Hall on Lots 19, 20 and 21 in Block 2, Plan 1836 BP in the Town of Grande Prairie.

2002.54.35 Item – Immigration Hall, Grande Prairie
Field’s Studio
 
ca. 1925 1 photograph : b&w ; 3 x 5 in.
Scope and content:

Two men, a child and a car outside of Grande Prairie’s Immigration Hall on Lots 19, 20 and 21 in Block 2, Plan 1836 BP in the Town of Grande Prairie.

2002.54.36 Item – New Farm Truck
Field’s Studio
 
1928 1 photograph : b&w ; 3 x 5 in.
Scope and content:

A farm family of man, wife and two small children beside their new truck. In the background is the United Church and Mills’ Feed & Livery Barn.

2002.54.37 Item – Moose Trophies
Field’s Studio
 
ca. 1925 1 photograph : b&w ; 3 x 5 in.
Scope and content:

The two dead moose on the sleigh were shot by D. Patterson and B. Mickaels.

2002.54.38 Item – Water Slide at Bear Lake
Field’s Studio
 
ca. 1925 1 photograph : b&w ; 3 x 5 in.
Scope and content:

Crowd at Benson’s Point watching children play on the water slide.

2002.54.39 Item – Court House, Grande Prairie
Field’s Studio
 
ca. 1930 1 photograph : b&w ; 3 x 5 in.
Scope and content:

First court house at Grande Prairie, on the corner of 99 St. and 99 Ave.

2002.54.40 Item – Waiting to File on Land
Field’s Studio
 
ca. 1925 1 photograph : b&w ; 3 x 5 in.
Scope and content:

Men camped outside the Dominion Lands Office at Grande Prairie, waiting to file on homestead land. Same image as 1997.13.09

2002.54.41 Item – Richmond Avenue on Circus Day
Field’s Studio
 
1930 1 photograph : b&w ; 5 x 7 in.
Scope and content:

A crowded Richmond Avenue on Circus Day, 1930.

2002.54.42 Item – Grande Prairie Court House and Montrose School
Field’s Studio
 
ca. 1925 1 photograph : b&w ; 5 x 7 in.
Scope and content:

An old car on the street in front of the Grande Prairie Court House. Montrose School is in the background.

Subseries 0052.03.03: Homesteading in the 1920s

Date: ca. 1920-1930 (date of creation)

Scope and content:

The sub-series consists of scenes of homesteading activities in the Grande Prairie area in the 1920s. The majority of them are casual snapshots of harvest time.

Physical description: 28 photographs

Note [generalNote]:

Because these photographs are unidentified, there is the possibility that some of them could be from the Ponoka area, or even from the United States.

Access points:

•                Graphic material – photograph (documentary form)

File / item list
Reference code Title Dates Physical description
1997.13.11 Item – Livelton Farmstead, Buffalo Lakes
McDermid Studio
 
1928 1 photograph : b&w ; 3 x 5 in.
Scope and content:

Livelton farmstead on the shore of Henderson Lake. This farm was part of a tour to demonstrate the potential of the Peace Country in 1928.

1997.13.16 Item – Farming Scene, Beaverlodge n.d. 1 postcard : b&w ; 3 x 5 in.
Scope and content:

A field of standing grain and stooks near Beaverlodge, Alberta is evidence of the fertility of the land.

1997.13.86 Item – Threshing Outfit on the Move  n.d. 1 photograph : b&w ; 5 x 7 in.
Scope and content:

Metz family threshing crew. John Metz, sons Leonard, Tim and Reuben Metz. One unknown (on right). The Metz family farmed at Kleskun Lake.

1997.13.87 Item – Threshing Outfit in Action  n.d. 1 photograph : b&w ; 5 x 7 in.
Scope and content:

Four men feeding a threshing machine being run by a steam tractor.

1997.13.89 Item – Bear Lake Hunting Trip
Field’s Studio
 
1923 1 photograph : b&w ; 6 x 8 in.
Scope and content:

The results of two hours of bird hunting, on Oct. 30, 1923, at Bear Lake, Alberta: 32 geese and 16 other birds displayed by three hunters and their spaniel hunting dog.

2002.54.43 Item – Forking Bundles
Field’s Studio
 
ca. 1925 1 photograph : b&w ; 2 x 3 in.
Scope and content:

Two men forking bundles from a wagon.

2002.54.44 Item – Threshing Machine
Field’s Studio
 
ca. 1925 1 photograph : b&w ; 2 x 3 in.
Scope and content:

Threshing machine beside a wooden granary.

2002.54.45 Item – Steam Tractor
Field’s Studio
 
ca. 1925 1 photograph : b&w ; 2 x 3 in.
Scope and content:

Proud owner stands beside a steam tractor which is being used for threshing.

2002.54.46 Item – Steel Wheeled Tractor
Field’s Studio
 
ca. 1925 1 photograph : b&w ; 2 x 3 in.
Scope and content:

Steel wheeled tractor being driven through the farmyard.

2002.54.47 Item – Going Visiting
Field’s Studio
 
ca. 1925 1 photograph : b&w ; 2 x 3 in.
Scope and content:

Woman in a two-wheeled cart with one horse in the traces.

2002.54.48 Item – Stuck in the Mud
Field’s Studio 
ca. 1925 1 photograph : b&w ; 2 x 3 in.
Scope and content:

Car stuck on a muddy road, with three men attempting to move it.

2002.54.49 Item – Stuck in the Water
Field’s Studio
 
ca. 1925 1 photograph : b&w ; 2 x 3 in.
Scope and content:

Car up to its hubs in a pool of water.

2002.54.50 Item – Ready to Travel
Field’s Studio
 
ca. 1925 1 photograph : b&w ; 2 x 3 in.
Scope and content:

Four men with a car beside a large frame building.

2002.54.51 Item – The Mail Wagon
Field’s Studio
 
ca. 1925 1 photograph : b&w ; 2 x 3 in.
Scope and content:

Seven men surround a wagon loaded with lumber and bags of mail.

2002.54.52 Item – Discing the Land
Field’s Studio
 
ca. 1925 1 photograph : b&w ; 2 x 3 in.
Scope and content:

Farmer on a disc behind a team of horses. Farmer is wearing an old army uniform–recycled clothing?

2002.54.53 Item – Plowing the Land
Field’s Studio
 
ca. 1925 1 photograph : b&w ; 2 x 3 in.
Scope and content:

Farmer plowing the land with a team of four horses. Farmer is wearing an old army uniform–recycled clothing?

2002.54.54 Item – Seeding the Grain
Field’s Studio
 
ca. 1925 1 photograph : b&w ; 2 x 3 in.
Scope and content:

Farmer seeding the land with a four-horse team. Farmer is wearing an old army uniform–recycled clothing?

2002.54.55 Item – Party of Four
Field’s Studio
 
ca. 1925 1 photograph : b&w ; 2 x 3 in.
Scope and content:

Three adults and one child beside two automobiles in a field.

2002.54.56 Item – Stook Threshing
Field’s Studio
 
ca. 1925 1 photograph : b&w ; 3 x 5 in.
Scope and content:

Threshing machine processing stooks being loaded from a wagon.

2002.54.57 Item – Stack Threshing
Field’s Studio
 
ca. 1925 1 photograph : b&w ; 3 x 5 in.
Scope and content:

Normally, a field was “stook threshed” but sometimes bundles were hauled and stacked so they could be threshed anytime the machine was available.

2002.54.58 Item – Threshing Party
Field’s Studio
 
ca. 1925 1 photograph : b&w ; 3 x 5 in.
Scope and content:

It was an exciting time when the threshing crew came. Here the whole family is gathered around to watch.

2002.54.59 Item – Mixed Team with Caboose
Field’s Studio
 
ca. 1925 1 photograph : b&w ; 3 x 5 in.
Scope and content:

A mixed team of one horse and one ox pulling a covered caboose and wagon.

2002.54.60 Item – Three Bottomed Plow
Field’s Studio
 
ca. 1925 1 photograph : b&w ; 3 x 5 in.
Scope and content:

Plow with three shares on display.

2002.54.61 Item – Busy Farmyard
Field’s Studio
 
ca. 1925 1 photograph : b&w ; 3 x 5 in.
Scope and content:

Large log farm home. In the yard a woman is milking a cow. Nearby is a calf, a wagon pulled by oxen, and a wagon pulled by horses.

2002.54.62 Item – Riding Oxen
Field’s Studio
 
ca. 1925 1 photograph : b&w ; 3 x 5 in.
Scope and content:

Man riding one of a team of oxen pulling a wagon. Man could be Ewert Ellis.

2002.54.63 Item – Fenced Farmyard
Field’s Studio
 
ca. 1925 1 photograph : b&w ; 5 x 7 in.
Scope and content:

Log farm home and barn surrounded by a log fence, poles up-right as with a picket fence.

2002.54.64 Item – Threshing Crew
Field’s Studio
 
ca. 1925 1 photograph : b&w ; 5 x 7 in.
Scope and content:

Four men with a threshing machine beside a wooden granary.

2002.54.65 Item – Mac Prentiss and His Combine
Field’s Studio
 
ca. 1930 1 photograph : b&w ; 8 x 10 in.
Scope and content:

Mac Prentiss, at Hermit Lake, had one of the first combines in the area. It was a Holt Combine and he pulled it with his Caterpillar Tractor.

2002.54.66 Item – Cattle on the Grande Prairie
Field’s Studio
 
ca. 1925 1 photograph : b&w ; 6 x 8 in.
Scope and content:

A herd of beef cattle on the prairie, with small trees and brush in background.

2002.54.67 Item – Herman Trelle Plowing
Field’s Studio
 
ca. 1925 1 photograph : b&w ; 6 x 8 in.
Scope and content:

Herman Trelle plowing the prairie with his Case Tractor.

2002.54.68 Item – Threshing Crew
Field’s Studio
 
ca. 1925 1 photograph : b&w ; 5 x 7 in.
Scope and content:

Four men with threshing with a steel-wheeled tractor beside a wooden granary.

Series 0052.04: Postcard Collection

Date: ca. 1900-1930 (date of creation)

Scope and content:

The series consists of 5 tourist postcards from the United States and 7 colour postcards of farming scenes in Western Canada ca. 1920, published by The Valentine & Sons United Publishing Co. Ltd. in Winnipeg, Manitoba and printed in Great Britain. Only one of the cards has a personal message on the reverse.

Physical description: 12 postcards

Access points:

•                Graphic material – photograph (documentary form)

•                Graphic material (documentary form)

File / item list
Reference code Title Dates Physical description
1997.13.78-84 Item – Scenes of Western Canada  n.d. 7 postcards : colour ; 4 x 6 in.
Scope and content:

Series of Valentine & Sons colour postcards of typical rural scenes in Western Canada. Also included is one “Vacation Don’ts” card by Bamforth Comic.

2002.54.69-73 Item – Postcards  1900-1930 5 postcards : colour ; 3 x 5 in.
Scope and content:

Souvenir postcards from Canada and the United States, only one with a personal message on the back.

2005.031.03 Item – Woman and Child
C.W. Field
 
1910 1 negative ; b&w ; 5 x 7 in.
Scope and content:

Glass negative of native woman and child, possibly from the Hobbema Reserve near Ponoka.

2005.031.04 Item – Cowboys
C.W. Field
 
1910 1 negative : b&w ; 5 x 7 in.
Scope and content:

Glass negative of two men in cowboy dress, in a formal portrait studio.