Summary information
| Repository: | South Peace Regional Archives |
| Title: | CFGP Radio fonds |
| Reference code: | 0005 |
| Date: | 1937-1997 (date of creation) |
| Physical description: | 49.5 cm of textual records
888 photographs 3 blueprints 2 video recordings |
| Language: | English |
| Dates of creation, revision and deletion: | Exported from AoR and added to new database in Oct. 2021 – SF |
Administrative history / Biographical sketch
CFGP was established in 1937, the first radio station north of Edmonton and the most northerly station in the British Empire at the time. It was owned by the Northern Broadcasting Corporation Ltd., and shares were sold to local people and businessmen at $200 each. Taylor, Pearson and Carson, from Edmonton, owned the largest number of shares as well heavy investments in many other radio stations throughout Alberta.
The station went on the air with 100 watts of power on November 2, 1937, on channel 1200. Howard Brooker was the first manager, followed by Mr. Cecil Berry as President and Manager, assisted by Miss Margaret Moon as secretary, Bert Churchill as music director, George Sinclair as chief engineer, and Paul Guy as Announcer. Operating hours were from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 4 to 10 p.m.
This was during the depths of the Depression, and public service broadcasting was the key, creating a communications role for CFGP within the community–not just weather and announcements, but sending greetings to friends, school broadcasts for curriculum enhancement, church services for the shut-ins, radio dances to raise money for causes such as building the Monkman Pass Highway, Armed Forces radio service shows for U.S. and Canadian army personnel, emergency evacuation and communications for disasters such as forest fires. They used local talent in programming–Mel Rodacker’s “Oldtimers” played regularly on radio during the 1940s and 50s; locally produced radio plays were aired in cooperation with Little Theatre. Free advertising was given to many community causes: Victory Loans, the Kinsmen’s Milk for Britain campaign, the construction of the Curling Rink, improvements on the Memorial Arena, the development of Bear Creek Park, . Today, CFGP still promotes many community events such as Stompede, Golf Classics, Fairs, Rodeos and Provincial/National Competitions. They offer community service announcements to non-profit clubs and organizations free of charge.
But it was not just in communications that CFGP contributed to its broadcast area. In 1939, they sent 250 children to Edmonton to see the King and Queen; in 1940 they assisted the National Film Board in filming Peace River, a promotional film for the Peace River area of Alberta and British Columbia; in 1941 they started a regular program to raise funds for the needy at Christmas; and at war’s end organized and funded Welcome and Welfare Committees throughout the Peace to welcome home returned soldiers. In 1944, the editor of MacLeans Magazine described CFGP as “Canada’s most community minded station.” The station also brought celebrities to Grande Prairie: the Edmonton Flyers Hockey Team in 1960.
Off-site broadcasting drew thousands of people to events such as the Opening of the Smoky Bridge, the Dunvegan Bridge, and the Whitecourt Cut-off, and started a tradition for “on location radio” which continues today. Sometimes the occasion was a disaster instead of a celebration and thousands of dollars were raised through CFGP coverage on disasters such as the Kinuso Forest Fire in 1944, and the Canyon Creek fire in 1945, when Jack Soars broadcast on location from the site of the fire.
News was always an important aspect of programming–starting with the first announcer, who simply read the news from the previous day’s Edmonton Bulletin. In 1940 they began to receive “ticker tape” news which they got directly from the radio transmitter. Also, during the 1940s, the newsman monitored the CBC network and re-wrote the items. In 1956, the first News Editor, Mrs. Charters, was appointed so news features. Early schedules were daytime programs that quickly extended into evenings. Other innovations in programming included “Open Line” in 1958.
CFGP started with its own building and transmitters on the rise of land just north of town, but quickly realized they needed to be more accessible. In January 1938, they moved to offices in the Donald Hotel, and in 1941 to their own building on 99th Street and Richmond Ave. The station increased in staff and broadcast area. By 1944, there were nine staff and 1,000 watts of power, in the early 50s they went to 5,000 watts, and by 1956 the signal strength was 10,000 watts. In 1964, a new building was constructed on 103 Avenue and four years later CFGP went to 24 hour programming.
Management at CFGP after a short stint by Howard Brooker: Cecil Berry 1938-1945; Art Balfour 1945-1958; Cam Perry 1958-1968; Walter Everitt from 1968-1978. In 1978, Gordon Pearcy, who began his broadcast career with CFGP in 1943, took over as manager and VP of Northern Broadcasting Ltd. until 1990. CFGP was purchased by the Selkirk Chain c. 1980, and in 1986 introduced AM-Stereo. The next year, 1987, was the station’s 50th Anniversary, and they celebrated in a big way. Their new home in Windsor Court was officially opened on by the Duke and Duchess of York, Andrew and Sarah. In 1997 the radio station began airing on FM, changing its name to SUN FM.
Custodial history
Records were collected by Gordon Pearcy and stored at SUN FM, who donated them to the Grande Prairie Regional Archives in 2003, and 2013. An accrual in 2013 was donated by Gord Pearcy.
Scope and content
The fonds consists of logos, posters, summaries and scrapbooks which detail the history of CFGP; photographs, blueprints and correspondence regarding the physical plant which housed the radio station; correspondence regarding the broadcasting market, starting with telegrams from all over the area regarding quality of transmission on first day of operations in 1937; Market statistics, reports and administrative correspondence; photographs of personnel; announcer and advertisement scripts; program schedules from the initial broadcasts to 1950; photographs of activities generated through sales and promotions; publications for promotions and celebrations; photographs and material regarding the Royal Visit in 1987, and a file of news clippings.
Notes
Title notes
- Source of title proper: Title based on the contents of the fonds
Restrictions on access
No access restrictions
Access points
- Textual record (documentary form)
- Moving images (documentary form)
- Graphic material – photograph (documentary form)
- Communications* (subject)
- Alberta (place)
Table of Contents: Series
0005.02, Physical Plant, 1937-1997
0005.03, Broadcasting Market, 1937-1984
0005.04, Administration, 1950-1990
0005.05, Personnel Photographs, 1937-1997
0005.06, Production, 1944-1989
0005.07, News & Programming, 1937-1961
0005.08, Sales & Promotions, 1945-1991
0005.09, Royal Visit/50th Anniversary, 1984-1988
0005.10, News Clippings, 1937-1990
Series descriptions
| Series 0005.01: History
Date: 1937-1997 (date of creation) Scope and content: The series consists of the logos which have represented CFGP from its creation to its conversion to SUN FM, correspondence from the opening of CFGP in 1937, yearly summaries detailing the activities of CFGP from 1937 to 1997, a special edition of a newspaper “Celebrating 50 Years”, and one 1962 scrapbook containing news clippings and memorabilia. Physical description: 6 cm of textual records Access points: • Textual record (documentary form) |
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| Series 0005.02: Physical Plant
Date: 1937-1997 (date of creation) Scope and content: The series consists of 10 photographs of the original plant and transmitter towers built north of the town of Grande Prairie in 1937; 3 blueprints, land deeds, correspondence and 18 photographs regarding the tower and transmitter sites; 2 photographs of the station built on the corner of Richmond Ave and 99th Street; 54 photographs of the new building was opened on 103 Avenue and Clairmont Road; and 14 photographs of the move and new broadcasting studio in Nordic Court in 1987. Physical description: 2 cm of textual records 88 photographs 3 blueprints Access points: • Textual record (documentary form) • Graphic material – photograph (documentary form) • Cartographic material (documentary form) |
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| File / item list | |||
| Reference code | Title | Dates | Physical description |
| 0005.02.01.01 | Item – Original CFGP Studio | 1937 | 1 photograph : b&w ; 2 x 5 in. |
| Scope and content:
The original CFGP studio and transmitter tower built on the rise of land directly north of the town of Grande Prairie. |
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| 0005.02.01.02 | Item – Original CFGP Transmitter Tower | 1937 | 1 photograph : b&w ; 2 x 5 in. |
| Scope and content:
The original CFGP transmitter tower built on the rise of land directly north of the town of Grande Prairie. |
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| 0005.02.01.03 | Item – Work Crew Building CFGP | 1937 | 1 photograph : b&w ; 2 x 5 in. |
| Scope and content:
Work crew on the construction site of the original CFGP studio and transmitter tower built on the rise of land directly north of the town of Grande Prairie. |
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| 0005.02.01.04 | Item – CFGP Office | 1949 | 1 photograph : b&w ; 3 x 5 in. |
| Scope and content:
The CFGP Office on the corner of 100th St. and 99th Ave. The main transmission building was to the left of this building. |
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| 0005.02.03.01 | Item – New CFGP Studio | 1964 | 1 photograph : b&w ; 8 x 10 in. |
| Scope and content:
New CFGP studio built at 10008-103 Ave. |
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| 0005.02.03.02 | Item – CFGP Front Office | 1968 | 1 photograph : b&w ; 3 x 5 in. |
| Scope and content:
Gail (Soars) Frey and Gloria Biegel in the front office in the new CFGP studio built at 10008-103 Ave. |
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| 0005.02.03.03 | Item – CFGP Record Library | 1968 | 1 photograph : b&w ; 3 x 5 in. |
| Scope and content:
Don Lindsay in the record library in the new CFGP studio built at 10008-103 Ave. |
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| 0005.02.03.04 | Item – CFGP Broadcasting Equipment | 1964 | 1 photograph : b&w ; 3 x 3 in. |
| Scope and content:
Broadcasting equipment in the new CFGP studio built at 10008-103 Ave. |
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| 0005.02.03.05a | Item – Aerial View of Grande Prairie | 1979 | 1 negative : b & w ; 2 x 2 in. |
| Scope and content:
Aerial view of northern portion of Grande Prairie business district with Clairmont Road running diagonally, and CFGP to its left in the centre of the photograph. |
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| 0005.02.03.05b | Item – Aerial View of Grande Prairie | 1979 | 1 negative : b & w ; 2 x 2 in. |
| Scope and content:
Aerial view of a portion of the City of Grande Prairie showing schools in the top left quarter, Jubilee Park, and CFGP in the center of the photograph. |
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| 0005.02.03.05c | Item – Aerial View of Grande Prairie | 1979 | 1 negative : b & w ; 2 x 2 in. |
| Scope and content:
Aerial view of northern portion of Grande Prairie business district showing fire hall and police station in lower left quarter, Jubilee Park in lower right quarter, and CFGP in the center of the photograph. |
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| 0005.02.03.05d | Item – Aerial View of Grande Prairie | 1979 | 1 negative : b & w ; 2 x 2 in. |
| Scope and content:
Aerial view of the northern of Grande Prairie business district, with CFGP in the center of the photograph. |
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| 0005.02.03.05e | Item – Aerial View of Grande Prairie | 1979 | 1 negative : b & w ; 2 x 2 in. |
| Scope and content:
Aerial view of the northern portion of the Grande Prairie business district, with Grande Prairie High School in the lower right hand quarter. |
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| 0005.02.03.05f | Item – CFGP Radio Towers | 1979 | 1 negative : b & w ; 2 x 2 in. |
| Scope and content:
Aerial view of the CFGP radio towers north of Grande Prairie. |
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| Series 0005.03: Broadcasting Market
Date: 1937-1984 (date of creation) Scope and content: The series consists of 121 telegrams sent in from all over the broadcast area on opening day, November 2, 1937, reporting on the quality of the transmission; letters of community support for an FM Station in 1978-79; an proposal to start FM transmitting in 1985-86; and efforts to expand the market into Tumbler Ridge in 1981, Valleyview in 1982 and High Level in 1983. Physical description: 7 cm of textual records Access points: • Textual record (documentary form) |
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| Series 0005.04: Administration
Date: 1950-1990 (date of creation) Scope and content: The series consists of Market Statistics produced by the Bureau of Broadcast Measurement from 1958-1979 which estimate the number of households tuned in to CFGP at any given hour of the day; in-depth Market Reports from 1960-1968 which analyse the population of the area; two financial reports from 1961 and 1988; correspondence files from 1969 to 1984; 4 photographs of early admin staff and a series of 16 photographs (also the slides and negatives) of administrative personnel in their offices in 1990. Physical description: 10 cm of textual records 20 photographs Access points: • Textual record (documentary form) • Graphic material – photograph (documentary form) |
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| File / item list | |||
| Reference code | Title | Dates | Physical description |
| 0005.04.09.01 | Item – Broadcasters’ Convention | 1950 | 1 photograph : b&w ; 8 x 10 in. |
| Scope and content:
The 1950 Western Association of Broadcasters’ Convention held in Calgary with Jack Soars from CFGP Grande Prairie third person from left in third row. |
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| Series 0005.05: Personnel Photographs
Date: 1937-1997 (date of creation) Scope and content: The series consists of 5 photographs of the first five staff in 1937; 10 photographs of staff before 1958; 83 photographs of staff in the 1960s and 70s including the 1963 photo of a group standing with spades to mark the place where the new CFGP station was to be built; 81 photographs of staff in the 1980s; and 28 photographs of staff in the 1990s. There are also 54 photographs of staff events, such as farewells, summer camp-outs and Christmas celebrations. Physical description: 261 photographs Access points: • Graphic material – photograph (documentary form) |
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| File / item list | |||
| Reference code | Title | Dates | Physical description |
| 0005.05.01.01 | Item – Gordon Pearcy | 1944 | 1 photograph : b&w ; 2 x 3 in. |
| Scope and content:
Gordon Pearcy at the controls, CFGP Grande Prairie Radio Station. |
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| 0005.05.01.02 | Item – Jack Soars Paquin | 1960 ca. | 1 photograph : b&w ; 8 x 10 in. |
| Scope and content:
Two lucky winners receiving their prize from Jack Soars in the CFGP Radio Station control room. |
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| 0005.05.01.03 | Item – Jack Soars, Announcer | 1960 ca. | 1 photograph : b&w ; 5 x 7 in. |
| Scope and content:
Jack Soars worked at Grande Prairie’s CFGP Radio Station as an announcer and assistant manager for many decades. |
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| 0005.05.01.04 | Item – Opening of the Dunvegan Bridge | 1960 | 1 photograph : b&w ; 5 x 7 in. |
| Scope and content:
CFGP Grande Prairie radio station broadcasting the opening of the Dunvegan Bridge. Jack Soars is standing in the middle of the back row. |
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| Series 0005.06: Production
Date: 1944-1989 (date of creation) Scope and content: The series consists of material written by creative writers for programs and commercials. There are announcer scripts for “The Land of Twelve Foot Davis” a history program written by J.G. MacGregor which aired from 1953-1954; announcer scripts for “Pionera: GWG Salute to Pioneers” which aired from 1960 to 1961, including original submissions from the public; A 1969-70 document called ‘In the Public Interest’ which details CFGP involvement in the community; Local Talent searches from 1986-89; and 11 photographs of Jane Cada’s program, Feedback. There are also photographs of Iona-Jewel Frelund (4 ½ years old) at the mike for a Gospel Broadcast in 1944; Mel Rodacker’s Old-timers band in 1948; and two photos of Jack Soars doing interviews for Open-Line c. 1965. Physical description: 6 cm of textual records 15 photographs Access points: • Textual record (documentary form) • Graphic material – photograph (documentary form) |
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| File / item list | |||
| Reference code | Title | Dates | Physical description |
| 0005.06.01.01 | Item – Iona Jewel Fredlund | 1944 | 1 postcard : b&w ; 3 x 5 in. |
| Scope and content:
Iona Jewel Fredlund (4 1/2 years old) at the mike for a Gospel Broadcast, “The Fellowship Haven” in 1944. |
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| 0005.06.01.02 | Item – Mel Rodacker’s Old-Timers
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1948 | 1 photograph : b&w ; 4 x 6 in. |
| Scope and content:
Mel Rodacker’s Olde-Timers on CFGP Grande Prairie radio. From L-R: George Bol, Cecil Morton, Clarence Sjerdal, Bill Remple, Mel Rodacker and announcer Jack Soars. |
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| Series 0005.07: News & Programming
Date: 1937-1961 (date of creation) Scope and content: The series consists of program schedules for Nov. 14-Nov. 20, 1937; July 10-16, 1938; and the month of July, 1941; a ‘Home-O-Gram’ program booklet for Radio Programs in the winter of 1949-50; and an order of worship c. 1960 for the ‘Pioneer Radio Church of the North’, St. Paul’s United Church. There is also an in-house called “A Study of News” looking at news broadcasts from 1971-1975. Physical description: 0.5 cm of textual records Physical location: Vault Access points: • Textual record (documentary form) |
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| File / item list | |||
| Reference code | Title | Dates | Physical description |
| 0005.07.01 | Item – CFGP Program Schedule | 1941 | 1 program |
| Scope and content:
CFGP program schedule from July 1941 |
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| Series 0005.08: Sales & Promotions
Date: 1945-1991 (date of creation) Scope and content: The series consists of collections of publications, photographs and anniversary celebration correspondence and memorabilia. The publication files include copies of ‘Northland Calling’ in 1945; ‘Segue’, put out by Selkirk Communications from 1973-88; an “Anniversary Celebration” booklet for the 20th anniversary; a Cookbook of recipes from listeners printed c. 1985; and the Gazette, published for CFGP by the Daily Herald in 1990. Sales and Promotions Photographs show CFGP in its role in the community, both as an advertising business and as a promoter of public events. CFGP sponsored their own events, but also advertised and participated in events for charity. Events included: the Christmas Tree Burn, Family Ski Bus to Powder King, Showcase of the Stars, Family Day events, Trade Fairs, CFGP Scholarship Program, Secretary’s Luncheon, Bed Races, Bath-tub Races, Dinosaur Festivals, United Way events, Peace Country Summer Fairs and Parades, Great Canadian Duck Race, July 1st events, Terry Fox Run, Horse Racing, Civic Elections and many more. Anniversary files for the 20th , 25th, 45th and 50th anniversaries contain special publications, correspondence and a few photographs. There are also two promotional posters and two posters celebrating CFGP’s 45th Birthday and a “What Price Freedom” promotional map. Physical description: 8 cm of textual records 467 photographs Access points: • Textual record (documentary form) • Graphic material – photograph (documentary form) |
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| File / item list | |||
| Reference code | Title | Dates | Physical description |
| 0005.08.01 | Item – What Price Freedom Map Western Printing & Lithographing Co. | 1942 | 1 map : 25 x 38 in. |
| Scope and content:
“Sunland” Map of the World with a calendar of war events. War activity is plotted out on the map as well as in text at bottom. Caption reads, “Keep posted on current world events. Follow the daily news broadcasts over Radio Station CFGP. Tune in Sunday Evenings and hear ‘What Price Freedom’, a stirring cavalcade of world freedom. Follow this radio feature with your Sunland Map of the World.” |
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| 0005.08.02 | Item – Match the Mystery Merchant Contest poster | 1990 | 1 p. (23 x 17.5 in.) |
| Scope and content:
Large poster advertising the “Match the Mystery Merchant” contest. The grand prize was “His & Hers” vehicles. |
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| 0005.08.03 | Item – The Heat is On – August Super Sale poster | n.d. | 1 p. (23 x 17.5 in.) |
| Scope and content:
Large poster advertising the August Super Sale for CFGP. |
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| 0005.08.06.01 | Item – Jens Dalen and Tex Moron Rex Harper | 1950 ca. | 1 photograph : b&w : 4 x 6 in. |
| Scope and content:
Tex Moron (left) and Jens Dalen (right) performing on CFGP Grande Prairie Radio in the early 1950s. |
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| 0005.08.06.02 | Item – Grace Children’s Home Residents | 1959 | 1 photograph : b&w ; 4 x 4 in. |
| Scope and content:
Kiddies Corner was a CFGP programme which raised money for children’s charities. At Christmas 1959 the Grace Children’s Home, located at Dimsdale, were the recipients. The photograph was taken in D Company Army Hut. |
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| 0005.08.07.01 | Item – Al Oeming and Cheetah | 1965 ca. | 1 photograph : b&w ; 8 x 10 in. |
| Scope and content:
Jack Soars interviewing Al Oeming, owner of a game farm near Edmonton, on CFGP Grande Prairie. Al Oeming was on a promotional tour with his cheetah. |
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| 0005.08.08.01 | Item – Wapiti Aviation Flying Fun Finder Panda Camera | 1972 | 1 photograph : b&w ; 5 x 7 in. |
| Scope and content:
CFGP staff Gordon Pearcy and Al Dickison on a Wapiti Aviation promotion. |
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| 0005.08.10.01 | Item – Royal Visit | 1987 | 1 photograph : colour ; 5 x 5 in. |
| Scope and content:
The Duke and Dutchess of York, Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson, at the celebration for CFGP’s 50th anniversary. |
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| Series 0005.09: Royal Visit/50th Anniversary
Date: 1984-1988 (date of creation) Scope and content: In 1987, the 50th anniversary was marked by a Royal Visit from the Duke and Duchess of York, Andrew and Sarah, to open the new facility in Windsor Court. The series consists of the plans and events for the day itself; correspondence before and after the event regarding the planning and protocol; copies of news clippings covering the Royal Tour; photographs of the event; and two videos: a VHS titled “Christmas Tour of CFGP ‘87 by Paul Ouellette and Tim Kennedy”, and a master tape of the Royal Tour of Grande Prairie on July 25, 1987 by the Duke and Duchess of York. Physical description: 6 cm of textual records 37 photographs 2 video recordings Access points: • Graphic material – photograph (documentary form) • Textual record (documentary form) • Moving images (documentary form) |
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| File / item list | |||
| Reference code | Title | Dates | Physical description |
| 0005.09.01 | Item – Royal Tour of Grande Prairie | 1987 | 1 video cassette (30 min.) : 1 3/4 inch U Matic Cassette |
| Scope and content:
On July 25, 1987, the 50th anniversary of CFGP Radio or SUN FM was marked by a Royal Visit from the Duke and Duchess of York, Andrew and Sarah, to open the new facility in Windsor Court. This master tape was created to preserve a record of the Royal Tour of Grande Prairie. |
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| 0005.09.02 | Item – Christmas Tour of CFGP | 1987 | 1 video cassette (32 min.) |
| Scope and content:
The 50th Anniversary of CFGP was marked by many celebrations. One was this Christmas Tour of CFGP in 1987 by Paul Oulette and Tim Kennedy. The video is a spoof showing the CFGP offices and staff. |
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| Series 0005.10: News Clippings
Date: 1937-1990 (date of creation) Scope and content: The series consists of miscellaneous clippings detailing the opening of the station and its activities over the years. Physical description: 1 cm of textual records Access points: • Textual record (documentary form) |
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