Fonds 024 Holroyd Drugs Photograph collection

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Summary information

Repository: South Peace Regional Archives
Title: Holroyd Drugs fonds
Reference code: 0024
Date: 1900-1970, 1990 (date of creation)
Physical description: 1 cm of textual records

251 photographs

Dates of creation, revision and deletion: Exported from AoR and added to new database Jan. 2022 – SF
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 Researchers may encounter language that is outdated and offensive.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

Lynn Holroyd obtained a degree in Pharmacy from the University of Alberta in 1955, Marian (Hudz) Holroyd achieved the same in 1956. In 1958, they set up Holroyd Drugs Ltd. in the Donald Hotel in Grande Prairie. Here they operated until 1966, when they built new premises at 9923-100 Avenue, next door to the Donald. Holroyd Drugs was run at this location by the Holroyds for 31 years, until the business was sold in 1989.

At the 9923-100 Avenue location, Marian Holroyd created a window display of historical photographs each year for the County Parade and Fair days. Area residents offered family and personal photographs to add to the collection over the years, and Marian built up a sizable collection of photographs covering the early history of the south Peace Country. As well, she obtained photographs of notable events in the City of Grande Prairie from Paquin Photographs, which operated next door to them.

Custodial history

The collection was donated by Lynn and Marian Holroyd to Grande Prairie Regional Archives in 2000. An accrual was donated by Lynn Holroyd in 2008.

Scope and content

The fonds consists of Lynn Holroyd’s research notes on pharmacies in the south Peace Country and Marian Holroyd’s collection of historical photographs from families in the County of Grande Prairie and from Paquin Photographs. The accrual consists of historical photographs, 5 Paquin photographs, a 1962 County Fair Prize List booklet, a booklet “Place Names of Alberta”, 1928.

Notes

Title notes

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

Conditions governing use

Permission must be obtained for use/reproduction of photographs from the Glenbow Archives and from Paquin Photography.

Copyright on Paquin Photographs is the property of Lyn Watson, Paquin’s Sprucewood Studio, Grande Prairie, AB.

Access points

  • Textual record (documentary form)
  • Graphic material – photograph (documentary form)
  • Family and personal life* (subject)
  • Land, settlement and immigration* (subject)
  • Health care (subject)
  • Alberta (place)

Table of contents: Series

0024.01, Historical Photos, 1900-1937, 1960, 1970

0024.02, Paquin Photos, 1952-1975

0024.03, Lynn Holroyd Research Papers & Booklets, 1990

Series descriptions

Series 0024.01: Historical Photos

Date: 1900-1937, 1960, 1970 (date of creation)

Scope and content:

The sub-series consists of b&w historical photographs of all sizes from pioneer families in the area, as well as a collection from the Glenbow Museum. The subjects of the photograph include the Edson & Long Trail, stopping places and mail delivery on the trail, homesteading activities, early fairs, buildings and street scenes in Grande Prairie, Lake Saskatoon, Valhalla and other communities, and family photographs from the Freiberg, Gustafson, Kinderwater, Knight and Lovering families.

Physical description: 146 photographs

Access points:

•      Graphic material – photograph (documentary form)

File / item list
Reference code Title Dates Physical description
0024.01.01.01 Item – Ox Team and Sleigh Leaving Edson for Grande Prairie 1911 1 photograph : b&w ; 8 x 10 in.
Scope and content:

Three people, oxen and a loaded sleigh are waiting to leave Edson to travel to Grande Prairie. L. to R.: E. Davidson; Doctor R. Saw; Harvey A. Switzer – April 1911. A snow covered building, a dog and some animals are visible in the background.

0024.01.01.02 Item – Stopping Place at the Tony River on the Edson Trail ca. 1910 1 photograph : b&w ; 8 x 10 in.
Scope and content:

The stopping place is a log cabin, two smaller sod roofed buildings and another small building. Two flags are flown from the main cabin. A fence encloses the area along the Tony River on the Edson Trail.

0024.01.01.03 Item – Opening of Dominion Lands Office, Grande Prairie 1911 1 photograph : b&w ; 8 x 10 in.
Scope and content:

The opening of the Dominion Lands Office in Grande Prairie, Alberta, attracts a crowd – c. 1910. One man is lying on the ground.

0024.01.01.04 Item – Settlers Camped on Grande Prairie Trail n.d. 1 photograph : b&w ; 8 x 10 in.
Scope and content:

A woman is standing beside a group of settlers seated on the ground at their bull outfit camp. A stove and loaded wagons are visible in their camp on the Grande Prairie Trail. L-R in group: Mrs. Lossing; Mrs. Drake; Mr. McNaught; Clarence Lossing; Mrs. Smith; E. A. Smith; Mr. Gaudin; Garnet Truax; R. C. Lossing.

0024.01.01.05 Item – Settler’s Wagon Upset on Grande Prairie Trail 1909 1 photograph : b&w ; 8 x 10 in.
Scope and content:

This was known as the “Bull outfit” as oxen were used. The upset wagon on the Grande Prairie Trail was owned by R. C. Lossing. Includes: J. M. (Mac) Miller; George Flint; Elias Smith; William Crabbe

0024.01.01.06 Item – View of Grande Prairie 1916 1 photograph : b&w ; 8 x 10 in.
Scope and content:

“Where rail and trail meet”…Grande Prairie was the end of steel at this time. The Wishart House is to the right of the rail tracks.

0024.01.01.07 Item – Moving Thomson’s Hardware Store, Grande Prairie 1916 1 photograph : b&w ; 6 x 10 in.
Scope and content:

Teams of horses moving Thomson’s store, Grande Prairie, Alberta, April 1916. The Selkirk Trading Co. seen behind the hardware store was built in 1913 and later occupied by Ludbrook’s and Al’s News.

0024.01.01.08 Item – Laying Cornerstone of the Kathryn Prittie Hospital, Grande Prairie 1913 1 photograph : b&w ; 8 x 10 in.
Scope and content:

A group of men, women and children are gathered to watch the laying the cornerstone of the first hospital in Grande Prairie, The Kathryn Prittie Hospital, in 1913. At left in long white dress is Ms. A. D. Wishart; to the right of cornerstone Mrs. Forbes; Doctor Higbee; Miss Baird.

0024.01.01.09 Item – Settlers on the Edson-Grande Prairie Trail n.d. 1 photograph : b&w ; 8 x 10 in.
Scope and content:

Horses are used to transport wagons loaded with household effects on the Edson – Grande Prairie Trail. A man, woman and child are standing amid horses and their two covered wagons.

0024.01.01.10 Item – Main street at Grande Prairie 1916 1 photograph : b&w ; 8 x 10 in.
Scope and content:

A view of both sides of Main Street, Grande Prairie, 1916. Two hotels, a meat market, drug store, laundry facility and other businesses are identifiable by their signs.

0024.01.01.11 Item – Mail Stage Leaving Grande Prairie for Sturgeon Lake 1924 1 photograph : b&w ; 8 x 10 in.
Scope and content:

Winter scene of a boxed-in sleigh and four horse team leaving Grande Prairie. The driver, D. Phelps, who is not shown made trip once or twice weekly from Grande Prairie to Sturgeon Lake. The main street of Grande Prairie is decorated for carnival. View is from a point just east of the Clairmont Road and Richmond Avenue intersection.

0024.01.01.12 Item – Field of Wheat in Lake Saskatoon District 1916 1 photograph : b&w ; 8 x 10 in.
Scope and content:

Field of wheat in Lake Saskatoon district, Alberta – 1916. Lake Saskatoon is visible in the background.

0024.01.01.13 Item – Main Street at Lake Saskatoon 1916 1 photograph : b&w ; 8 x 10 in.
Scope and content:

Main street of Lake Saskatoon on September 6, 1916. Lake Saskatoon Blacksmith Shop and Bob Abbott’s Pool Room was owned by Bob Abbott. The building on the end of the street on the right hand side was Diamond P. Peace River Trading & Land. Tilden’s restaurant is not shown. The building on the left hand side with a veranda is the other restaurant. The next building with a veranda is Dr. McDonald’s and drugstore. He came in 1914 and married Luella Patterson. They later divorced; she is now Mrs. Walter Roberts. Crofton Cody was the manager of the first Bank of Commerce. He came in 1911.

0024.01.01.14 Item – The Canadian Bank of Commerce, Lake Saskatoon 1916 1 photograph : b&w ; 8 x 10 in.
Scope and content:

The Lake Saskatoon Bank of Commerce, September 6, 1916. A poster with drawings of horses is posted on the front of the bank. A man is walking on the left with a building behind him.

0024.01.01.15 Item – Threshing Outfit in Grande Prairie District 1917 1 photograph : b&w ; 8 x 10 in.
Scope and content:

Threshing outfit in Grande Prairie District, Alberta, 1917. A tractor, threshing machine, wagon of bundled grain and sacks of grain are in the middle of a field. The pile of straw is larger than the machine.

0024.01.01.16 Item – Man and Dog on Edson-Grande Prairie Trail 1913 1 photograph : b&w ; 8 x 10 in.
Scope and content:

Man with backpack and dog wearing a pack are traveling on the snowy Edson – Grande Prairie Trail.

0024.01.01.17 Item – Severson’s Stopping place, Grande Prairie-Edson Trail 1913 1 photograph : b&w ; 8 x 10 in.
Scope and content:

Severson’s stopping place at 70 miles on Grande Prairie – Edson Trail, 1913. Three men are standing in the snow near three log buildings, some bales of hay, a wagon and equipment.

0024.01.01.18 Item – Settlers Going In On The Edson-Grande Prairie Trail 1913 1 photograph : b&w ; 8 x 10 in.
Scope and content:

Settler families going in on Grande Prairie – Edson trail, Alberta, 1913. Four men, three women and two children in winter clothing stand in front of two horses pulling a caboose. One man has his arm around the head of a cow.

0024.01.01.19 Item – Mail Sleigh Leaving Sturgeon Lake for Grande Prairie 1913 1 photograph : b&w ; 8 x 10 in.
Scope and content:

Three men sitting with furs on a mail sleigh are being pulled by two horses. They are leaving Sturgeon Lake for Grande Prairie, Alberta, 1913. There is a “Lost” poster on the front of the Hudson’s Bay Company building behind the sleigh. Three men stand on the wooden boardwalk.

0024.01.01.20 Item – Mail Sleighs On The Edson-Grande Prairie Trail 1913 1 photograph : b&w ; 8 x 10 in.
Scope and content:

Relaying His Majesty’s mail by Mail sleighs on Grande Prairie trail, Alberta, 1913. Four teams of horses and sleighs take a break on the trail. Furs and sacks are visible on the sleighs. Grass and dirt show through the snow.

0024.01.01.21 Item – Scottie’s Stopping Place On The Edson-Grande Prairie Trail 1913 1 photograph : b&w ; 8 x 10 in.
Scope and content:

Scottie’s stopping place on Edson – Grande Prairie trail, Alberta, 1913. Four men lean on the large log building near a wet stone. Another log building, two barrels and small barns with hay bales on top are in the right hand side of the photograph.

0024.01.01.22 Item – Grande Prairie 1914 1 photograph : b&w ; 8 x 10 in.
Scope and content:

The city of Grande Prairie, Alberta, March, 1914. A wooden building with a false front is being built. This building, a hotel and pool room are in the foreground. The dirt of the street is visible through the snow. Approximately thirteen buildings make up the background.

0024.01.01.23 Item – Grande Prairie 1916 1 photograph : b&w ; 8 x 10 in.
Scope and content:

A bird’s eye view of Main Street Grande Prairie, Alberta, September 6, 1916. The Empire Hotel, Selkirk Trading Company, Kirby’s Photos, a barber shop with pole, an autolivery, hotel (Cochline?), confectionery and real estate office are identifiable.

0024.01.01.24 Item – Grande Prairie, Richmond Avenue 1914 1 photograph : b&w ; 7 x 10 in.
Scope and content:

Street scene of Richmond Avenue in 1914, showing the Pool Hall, the Empire Hotel and the Selkirk Trading Company. Original negative is at Glenbow Archives, photograph number NC-6-725.

0024.01.01.25 Item – Grande Prairie, Richmond Avenue 1916 1 photograph : b&w ; 7×10 in.
Scope and content:

Street scene of Richmond Avenue in 1916, showing the Empire Hotel, Selkirk Trading Company, Coghland Hotel, a confectionary and a barber shop. Original negative is at Glenbow Archives, photograph number NC-6-1847.

0024.01.02.01 Item – School Picnic At Valhalla Centre n.d. 1 photograph : b&w ; 3.5 x 5 in.
Scope and content:

School picnic at the first Valhalla Centre School which was built in 1913-14. People are gathered under the covered porch and at the rear of the building.

0024.01.02.02 Item – Celebrations at Ronning Homestead, Valhalla 1917 1 photograph : b&w ; 4 x 6 in.
Scope and content:

A Norwegian celebration in Valhalla at the Ronning Homestead, June 7, 1917. A large group of people is gathered in a grassy area in front of trees and a large house with two covered balconies.

0024.01.02.03 Item – First Lumberyard In Valhalla 1920 c. 1 photograph : b&w ; 3.5 x 5 in.
Scope and content:

The wooden building with a false front farthest from the camera is the first lumberyard in Valhalla. Next to it is the De Laval Cream Separators building. Snow is in the foreground.

0024.01.02.04 Item – Moving First General Store To Valhalla Centre 1920 c. 1 photograph : b&w ; 3.5 x 5 in.
Scope and content:

A steam engine is used to move the first general store to Valhalla Centre from its former location on Flayton place (2 miles W and 1 mile N) in the early 1920s.

0024.01.02.05 Item – Hauling Butter to Sexsmith 1920 c. 1 photograph : b&w ; 3.5 x 5 in.
Scope and content:

A four horse team and sleigh are used to haul butter about 25 miles over the snow from Valhalla Centre to Sexsmith.

0024.01.02.06 Item – Valhalla Lutheran Church 1920 c. 1 photograph : b&w ; 4 x 6 in.
Scope and content:

The Valhalla Lutheran Church in the early 1920s. This photograph was time exposure taken at midnight

0024.01.02.07 Item – Fence Building Workbee 1920 c. 1 photograph : b&w ; 3.5 x 5 in.
Scope and content:

The men of Valhalla constructing a fence around the graveyard at Valhalla Centre.

0024.01.02.08 Item – Valhalla Band 1926 1 photograph : b&w ; 4 x 6 in.
Scope and content:

The Valhalla Band members are standing in the snow in front of a lumber camp with their instruments. The visible instruments are drums, tubas, trumpets, a trombone, a guitar, a clarinet and a saxophone. The leader of the Valhalla Band was Mr. Harry Horte who is at the rear of the drums.

0024.01.02.09 Item – Valhalla Band 1926 1 photograph : b&w ; 3 x 5 in.
Scope and content:

Band at Valhalla Centre.

0024.01.02.10 Item – Valhalla General Store [1920] 1 photograph : b&w ; 3 x 5 in.
Scope and content:

One of the first stores in Valhalla, with Gus or Peter Nepstad (father) standing in front. This store was built by Gus Nepstad and later was destroyed by fire.

0024.01.02.11 Item – Valhalla General Store [1920] 1 photograph : b&w ; 3 x 5 in.
Scope and content:

General Store at Valhalla around 1920.

0024.01.02.12 Item – Ronning & Horte Sawmill [1920] 1 photograph : b&w ; 3 x 5 in.
Scope and content:

Ronning & Horte sawmill at Skunk Lake near Valhalla. This was 12 miles north west of Valhalla Centre. A team of oxen was used to skid the lumber to the sawmill.

0024.01.02.13 Item – Ronning & Horte Sawmill [1920] 1 photograph : b&w ; 3 x 5 in.
Scope and content:

Anton Horte’s house, one of the first home built in Valhalla Centre.

0024.01.02.14 Item – Horneland & Neptead Drillers [1920] 1 photograph : b&w ; 3 x 5 in.
Scope and content:

Well drillers Merlin Horneland and Albert Neptead drilling a well on the Rorem homestead. The well bucket had knives under it, and when it was full, was pulled out to dump. This well was 90 ft. deep and the water came right to the top. The cribbing was made out of wood. and the wooden casing had a 2” hole

0024.01.02.15 Item – Horneland & Neptead Drillers [1920] 1 photograph : b&w ; 3 x 5 in.
Scope and content:

Well drillers Merlin Horneland and Albert Neptead drilling a well on the Rorem homestead. The well bucket had knives under it, and when it was full, was pulled out to dump. This well was 90 ft. deep and the water came right to the top. The cribbing was made out of wood. and the wooden casing had a 2” hole.

0024.01.02.16 Item – Sawing Wood [1920] 1 photograph : b&w ; 3 x 5 in.
Scope and content:

Equipment used in the community sawmill. Note the water tank in the foreground. The first year, wood was hauled in voluntarily when anyone had time, then the group got together and saw it into lumber.

0024.01.02.17 Item – Hauling Ice for Valhalla Creamery [1920] 1 photograph
Scope and content:

Boys on horseback haul ice from the ice house for the Valhalla Creamery in the 1920s. This creamery made about 1200 lb. of butter per churn load, about two times per week. They won several prizes for their butter at national exhibitions.

0024.01.02.18 Item – Blacksmith Ivor Wold [1920] 1 photograph
Scope and content:

Ivor Wold blacksmithing outside of his blacksmith shop just under construction at Valhalla Centre. The Blacksmith shop was located north of the Creamery.

0024.01.02.19 Item – Ronning Homestead [1920] 1 photograph
Scope and content:

Rev. Ronning’s original homestead house, a two storey home built near Valhalla. He was the minister of the Norwegian Lutheran Church and the father of Chester Ronning, Canadian ambassador to China.

0024.01.02.20 Item – Norwegian Lutheran Church Picnic [1925] 1 photograph : b&w ; 4 x 6 in.
Scope and content:

Norwegian Lutheran Church picnic at the creek below Rev. Ronning’s house in 1925 or 1926. Rev. Ronning and his son Chester are on the left hand side.

0024.01.02.21 Item – Pool Family Children [1920] 1 photograph
Scope and content:

The Pool family children ca. 1920. Clarence was a director of the Valhalla Creamery. He and his wife, Minnie (Johnson) Pool had six children: Ralph, Mina, Clarence (Todd), Lee, Harold, and Yukola.

0024.01.03.01 Item – John and Fred Friberg 1912 c. 1 photograph : b&w ; 5 x 7 in.
Scope and content:

Indoor portrait of John and Fred Friberg who walked the Edson Trail to their homestead in LaGlace.

0024.01.03.02 Item – Churning Butter n.d. 1 photograph : b&w ; 5 x 7 in.
Scope and content:

John Friberg is seated on a wooden chair in the doorway churning butter.

0024.01.04.01 Item – Mrs. Gothard Gustafson and Child 1925 c. 1 photograph : b&w ; 5 x 7 in.
Scope and content:

Mrs. Gothard Gustafson holding a child in a farm yard at LaGlace. Note the outside laundry facilities for boiling clothes.

0024.01.04.02 Item – Stone Boat Ride 1925 c. 1 photograph : b&w ; 5 x 7 in.
Scope and content:

Gothard Gustafson holds the horse while Mrs. G. Gustafson and Jeany ride on the stone boat.

0024.01.04.03 Item – Rail Line Maintenance 1925 c. 1 photograph : b&w ; 5 x 7 in.
Scope and content:

Gothard Gustafson holding a rifle and standing beside a hand car. Two barrels, some equipment and a dog are also on the railroad between Wembley and Grande Prairie.

0024.01.04.04 Item – Mr. Gothard Gustafson, Railway Worker 1925 c. 1 photograph : b&w ; 5 x 7 in.
Scope and content:

Gothard Gustafson taking a break and sitting on a bale of reinforcing wire for laying the railroad. Some wood, equipment and a small wooden building are visible on the right side of the photograph.

0024.01.04.05 Item – Stan Johnson and Roy Gustafson With Muskrat Skins 1925 c. 1 photograph : b&w ; 5 x 7 in.
Scope and content:

Stan Johnson (about 15 years of age) and Roy Gustafson are standing in front of a wood house. Muskrat skins are leaning against the house while being stretched.

0024.01.05.01 Item – Camp at Beaverlodge River 1911 1 photograph : b&w ; 4 x 6 in.
Scope and content:

Image shows an Indigenous peoples camp on the Beaverlodge River. Three men and a child are standing in front of three tipis. The ground is partially covered in snow. The original description said Indian camp instead of Indigenous peoples camp. The title is taken from the back of the photograph.

0024.01.05.02 Item – Leaving for Supplies, Edson-Grande Prairie Trail 1912 1 photograph : b&w ; 4 x 6 in.
Scope and content:

Two teams of horses pulling sleighs holding horse feed for the journey from Grande Prairie to Edson on the Edson Trail.

0024.01.05.03 Item – First Automobile In Grande Prairie 1912 c. 1 photograph : b&w ; 4 x 6 in.
Scope and content:

Three men and a woman are seated in and around the first automobile in Grande Prairie owned by George S. Lovering.

0024.01.05.04 Item – Grande Prairie Agricultural Fair 1913 1 photograph : b&w ; 8 x 10 in.
Scope and content:

Displays in the Grande Prairie Agricultural Fair, 1913 included two birds in a cage, pillows, quilts, clothing, soap and other handicraft items.

0024.01.05.05 Item – Grande Prairie Fair 1913 1 photograph : b&w ; 8 x 10 in.
Scope and content:

Spectators surround the Union Jack flag at the Grande Prairie Agricultural Fair, 1913.

0024.01.06.01 Item – Kinderwater Horse and Oxen Outfit 1918 c. 1 photograph : b&w ; 3.5 x 5 in.
Scope and content:

A close up of Frank Kinderwater’s team of two oxen and two horses that is breaking land southeast of LaGlace.

0024.01.06.02 Item – Kinderwater Breaking Land 1918 c. 1 photograph : b&w ; 3.5 x 5 in.
Scope and content:

A man is driving Frank Kinderwater’s team of two oxen and two horses and is breaking land southeast of LaGlace.

0024.01.07.01 Item – Knight and Team Of Four Oxen Plowing The Land 1917 c. 1 photograph : b&w ; 3.5 x 5 in.
Scope and content:

Roy Knight, Valhalla bachelor, plowing with team of four oxen in the Valhalla District.

0024.01.07.02 Item – Team Of Four Oxen Plowing The Land 1917 c. 1 photograph : b&w ; 3.5 x 5 in.
Scope and content:

Roy Knight and team of four oxen plowing land in the Valhalla District.

0024.01.07.03 Item – Knight and Team Of Four Oxen Plowing The Land 1917 c. 1 photograph : b&w ; 3.5 x 5 in.
Scope and content:

Roy Knight and team of four oxen plowing land in the Valhalla District.

0024.01.08.01 Item – Settlers On The Edson Trail 1911 c. 1 photograph : b&w ; 5 x 7 in.
Scope and content:

Hilltop view of the horse teams and wagons of the Spencer party coming down the snowy Edson-Grande Prairie Trail. Note the heavy boiler they are bringing over the trail.

0024.01.08.02 Item – Horses Pulling Boiler On The Edson Trail 1911 c. 1 photograph : b&w ; 5 x 7 in.
Scope and content:

Team of horses from the Spencer party pulling boiler up a hill on the snowy Edson-Grande Prairie Trail.

0024.01.08.03 Item – Horses Pulling Boiler On The Edson Trail 1911 c. 1 photograph : b&w ; 5 x 7 in.
Scope and content:

Team of horses from the Spencer party taking boiler downhill on the Edson-Grande Prairie Trail.

0024.01.08.03a Item – Rest Stop on the Edson Trail 1911 c. 1 photograph : b&w ; 5 x 7 in.
Scope and content:

Spencer party stopping for a rest on the Edson-Grande Prairie Trail.

0024.01.08.04 Item – Grande Prairie School Construction 1917 1 photograph : b&w ; 7 x 10 in.
Scope and content:

Construction of the Grande Prairie School, July 31, 1917. It was built on land donated by Rev. Forbes and named Montrose after Mrs. Forbes’ birth place in Scotland.

0024.01.08.05 Item – Argonauts Company Building 1917 1 photograph
Scope and content:

Charles Spencer was a partner in the Argonaut Company which established the townsite of “Grande Prairie City”.

0024.01.09.01 Item – Grande Prairie Catholic Church 1909 c. 1 photograph : b&w ; 4 x 6 in.
Scope and content:

Image shows a woman on horseback, beside another horse, standing in front of the Roman Catholic Church and cemetery. The first Roman Catholic Mission to be established in the Grande Prairie District was built by Father Alac with the aid of Brother Mathias about 1909. The Catholic population at this time consisted of about 20 Cree families located around the Flying Shot Lake area. The title is taken from the caption on the back of the photograph.

0024.01.09.02 Item – Campbell Benson’s Early Stopping Place at Bear Creek 1910 c. 1 photograph : b&w ; 4 x 6 in.
Scope and content:

Pioneers gathering outside Campbell Benson Stopping Place at Bear Creek include Harry Robertson, Ralph Brown, Campbell Benson, Mrs. Benson, Morton Emerson, George Lovering and Jake Weber. The cabin and 80 acres belonged to a French Canadian, Joseph Germaine, who sold the land to the Argonaut Company. These 80 acres were surveyed to create “Grande Prairie City.”

0024.01.09.03 Item – At the Sports 1910 1 photograph : b&w ; 8 x 10 in.
Scope and content:

A crowd is gathered in front of teepees and tents at the Lake Saskatoon sports, July 1, 1910.

0024.01.09.04 Item – Hotel Breeden 1910 c. 1 photograph : b&w ; 8 x 10 in.
Scope and content:

Family group of three men, three women and four children in front of the fence surrounding the sod-roofed Hotel Breeden. Blacksmith George Breeden’s one room log cabin, near his shop overlooking Bear Creek, was the first hotel in Grande Prairie and was situated between present day Park Hotel and Bear Creek.

0024.01.09.05 Item – “Cracker Jack” Feed and Livery Barn 1911 c. 1 photograph : b&w ; 5 x 7 in.
Scope and content:

A group of men, horses and a sleigh in front of “Lloyd & Son Feed & Livery Transfer & Storage”. E.J. Holtom was the proprietor of the “Cracker Jack” feed, livery, and transfer barn in Edson, Alberta, the beginning of the Edson Trail.

0024.01.09.06 Item – Hauling Large Boat Over the Edson Trail 1911 c. 1 photograph : b&w ; 5 x 7 in.
Scope and content:

A team of horses hauling a large boat over the Edson Trail to Grande Prairie. “Freighting Motor Boat” is the caption at the bottom of the photograph.

0024.01.09.07 Item – Traveling by Caboose 1911 c. 1 photograph : b&w ; 3 x 5 in.
Scope and content:

A couple traveling over the Edson Trail by horse and caboose. A caboose was a small canvas covered sleigh which served as shelter and kitchen for the settlers on the long trip.

0024.01.09.08 Item – Horse and Caboose Sleigh on the Edson Trail 1911 c. 1 photograph : b&w ; 4 x 6 in.
Scope and content:

Horses are pulling a caboose sleigh on the snowy Edson-Grande Prairie Trail, 10 miles from Little Smoky River.

0024.01.09.09 Item – Doubling Up Teams On The Little Smoky 1911 c. 1 photograph : b & w ; 4 x 6 in.
Scope and content:

Men are doubling up a team of horses and oxen for the hill. The back of the photograph reads, “Six on this load and then they had all they could do.” Little Smoky River had the longest hill on the Edson-Grande Prairie Trail.

0024.01.09.10 Item – Rafters 1911 c. 1 photograph : b & w ; 4 x 6 in.
Scope and content:

Three men are rafting a river with two long poles. The river bank is partially covered in snow.

0024.01.09.11 Item – First Land Office Opening 1911 1 photograph : b&w ; 4 x 6 in.
Scope and content:

A group of men are waiting for the new land office to open on Bear Creek (Grande Prairie). From the Edmonton Bulletin in 1911, “the Grande Prairie Agency of the Dominion Lands opened here July 15. A.S. McLean, formerly assistant of the Edmonton Land Office is in charge.” James Lowe is on the extreme left in the front row, Mr. Carveth Sr. is in the white hat in the second row. George Burke, George Lovering and Hugh Ferguson are also in the picture.

0024.01.09.12 Item – Opening Of Dominion Lands Office, Grande Prairie 1911 1 photograph : b&w ; 3.5 x 6 in.
Scope and content:

Men lining up in front of the new land office, Grande Prairie, Alberta. One man is lying on the ground.

0024.01.09.13 Item – First Post Office, Grande Prairie 1911 1 photograph : b&w ; 4 x 6 in.
Scope and content:

A group picture with J.O. Patterson, the postmaster whose caboose housed the first post office in Grande Prairie

0024.01.09.14 Item – Edson Mail Stage at Grande Prairie Post Office 1912 1 photograph : b&w ; 4 x 6 in.
Scope and content:

Edson Mail Stage at Grande Prairie Post Office. The building was erected by Alphaesus Patterson the previous year as the first building on the future town site, housing the first bank, hotel, general store, and post office.

0024.01.09.15 Item – Mail Stage and Buckskin Charlie 1912 c. 1 photograph : b&w ; 4 x 6 in.
Scope and content:

Buckskin Charlie driving the Mail Team across a river on the snowy Edson-Grande Prairie Trail.

0024.01.09.16 Item – Ferry at the Big Smoky 1912 1 photograph : b&w ; 4 x 6 in.
Scope and content:

Ferrying settler with horse and loaded wagon travel across the Big Smoky.

0024.01.09.17 Item – Stuck in a mud hole on the Edson TrailCovert 1912 1 photograph : b&w ; 3.5 x 5 in.
Scope and content:

“A bad hole on the Edson Trail”. Taft’s Mail Stage is stuck in a mud hole on the Edson-Grande Prairie Trail. A group of horses are standing in front of the stuck team. Men are trying to free the wagon using logs.

0024.01.09.18 Item – Man Camping Outside the Grouard Dominion Land Office W.D. Albright 1913 1 photograph : b&w ; 4 x 6 in.
Scope and content:

A man is camped on the wooden sidewalk outside the Dominion Land Office in Grouard waiting to file. The land office was first located in Grouard. A land office opened in Grande Prairie later on.

0024.01.09.19 Item – Laying the Cornerstone For the First Hospital 1913 1 photograph : b&w ; 3.5 x 5 in.
Scope and content:

A crowd is watching the laying of the cornerstone at the Kathryn Prittie Hospital, the first hospital in Grande Prairie.

0024.01.09.20 Item – Building the Railway Station 1917 1 photograph : b&w
Scope and content:

Men are building Grande Prairie’s railway station, beside the town’s railroad tracks.

0024.01.09.21 Item – Planing Lumber 1913 1 photograph : b&w ; 3.5 x 5 in.
Scope and content:

Two men are planing lumber at Grande Prairie, Alberta. Large piles of lumber are stacked behind the men.

0024.01.09.22 Item – Grain Farming Near Bear Lake 1913 1 photograph : b&w ; 4 x 6 in.
Scope and content:

A postcard photo, near Bear Lake, of a horse drawn wagon full of grain with men working on top. The postcard was sent from Wm. To Mr. S. Noll, Almina, Wis., USA. The back reads “This is a picture of grain raised about 5 miles from my place -Regards from all – Wm.”

0024.01.09.23 Item – Hamilton Threshing Outfit 1914 1 photograph : b&w ; 5 x 7 in.
Scope and content:

J. D. Hamilton Threshing outfit harvesting an early crop in the grande prairie area.

0024.01.09.24 Item – Third Annual Fair, Grande Prairie 1913 1 photograph : b&w ; 7 x 9 in.
Scope and content:

Third Annual Fair scene, Grande Prairie, 1913. Various lengths of lumber are in the foreground. People, horses, wagons and displays are scattered across the picture.

0024.01.09.25 Item – Going To Church In Bear Lake Country 1913 1 photograph : b&w ; 4 x 6 in.
Scope and content:

A family is off to Church by oxen team and wagon in the Bear Lake District.

0024.01.09.26 Item – Main Street, Grande Prairie 1914 1 photograph : b & w ; 2 x 5 in.
Scope and content:

Grande Prairie Main Street on Nov. 4, 1914. The side with Selkirk Trading Co. and the pool room is shown.

0024.01.09.27 Item – Grande Prairie Sports Day 1914 1 photograph : b&w ; 7 x 9 in.
Scope and content:

A large group of people is watching a man riding a bull. Several of the people are holding umbrellas.

0024.01.09.28 Item – The Beaver Carrying Freight and Men To Enlist 1915 c. 1 photograph : b&w ; 3 x 4 in.
Scope and content:

The Beaver river boat is carrying freight and men who are going to enlist in the First World War.

0024.01.09.29 Item – Bourassa Brothers Threshing, Fairview 1915 1 photograph : b&w ; 3 x 5 in.
Scope and content:

The Bourassa brothers are threshing, Fairview. A steam tractor, threshing machine and two wagons of hay are in the field.

0024.01.09.30 Item – First Hospital in the Beaverlodge District 1915 c. 1 photograph : b&w ; 3 x 4 in.
Scope and content:

Winter photograph of the first hospital in the Beaverlodge District.

0024.01.09.31 Item – Grande Prairie Fire 1916 1 photograph : b&w ; 3 x 5 in.
Scope and content:

People trying to save items from the fire include a man in a R.C.M. P. uniform . Plumes of smoke appear to be coming from the building to the left of the City Pool Hall. Note on the back of the postcard reads: From: Mrs. Mary E. Davidson, Sooke Road, Sooke B.C. formerly Clendenan -daughter of pioneers Thomas & Lila Clendenan of Bear Lake, Alta., who lived on Bear Lake from 1909-1923.

0024.01.09.32 Item – Sexsmith, Alberta 1916 1 photograph : b&w ; 3.5 x 5.5 in.
Scope and content:

The Edmonton, Dunvegan & British Columbia Railroad arrived at Sexsmith (in the background) in 1916.

0024.01.09.33 Item – First Train 1916 1 photograph : b&w ; 3.5 x 5.5 in.
Scope and content:

First train traveling on the Edmonton, Dunvegan & British Columbia railroad to Grande Prairie.

0024.01.09.34 Item – Edmonton, Dunvegan and British Columbia Railway Station, Grande Prairie 1917 1 photograph : b&w ; 3.5 x 5.5 in.
Scope and content:

A horse team is pulling a loaded sleigh in front of the snow covered Grande Prairie Railway Station.

0024.01.09.35 Item – Harness Racing, Grande Prairie 1917 1 photograph : b&w ; 2.5 x 4 in.
Scope and content:

A large crowd watches trotters pulling men on sulkies at a fair ground.

0024.01.09.36 Item – Harness Racing, Lake Saskatoon Fair 1916 1 photograph : b&w ; 2.5 x 4 in.
Scope and content:

A crowd watches trotters pulling men on sulkies in a field.

0024.01.09.37 Item – View of Grande Prairie 1917 1 photograph : b&w ; 3.5 x 5.5 in.
Scope and content:

Winter view of Grande Prairie looking east from across Bear Creek.

0024.01.09.38 Item – View of Grande Prairie 1917 1 photograph : b&w ; 8 x 13.5 in.
Scope and content:

Winter view of Grande Prairie looking east from across Bear Creek.

0024.01.09.39 Item – Four Oxen Pulling a Binder 1920 c. 1 photograph : b&w ; 3.5 x 5 in.
Scope and content:

Close up of four oxen pulling a binder.

0024.01.09.40 Item – Montrose School 1920 c. 1 photograph : b&w ; 3 x 4 in.
Scope and content:

Montrose School, when it was built in 1917, was the largest brick building north of Edmonton.

0024.01.09.41 Item – Main Street, Grande Prairie 1914 c. 1 photograph : b&w ; 3.5 x 5.5 in.
Scope and content:

A photograph of main street Grande Prairie shows the Murray Hotel and other businesses.

0024.01.09.42 Item – Halfway House 1920 c. 1 photograph : b&w ; 4.5 x 6.5 in.
Scope and content:

A man is standing by the front door of the Halfway House, an early hotel at Hythe, Alberta.

0024.01.09.42a Item – Halfway House at Hythe 1920 c. 1 photograph : b&w
Scope and content:

A man and a woman standing on the balcony of the Halfway House at old Hythe.

0024.01.09.43 Item – Halfway House at Hythe 1920 c. 1 photograph : b&w ; 4.5 x 6.5 in.
Scope and content:

A man is standing at the entrance of a log building with large front windows, possibly a store, which is next to the Halfway House hotel.

0024.01.09.44 Item – Sir Henry Thornton & Party, Hythe 1920 c. 1 photograph : b&w ; 4.5 x 6.5 in.
Scope and content:

Sir Henry Thornton and a crowd of people gather at the Halfway House at Hythe, Alberta.

0024.01.09.45 Item – Mail Plane Landing At Bear Lake 1920 1 photograph : b&w ; 3.5 x 4.5 in.
Scope and content:

Two men are unloading mail bags from a float plane onto a small pier . CF-BKV is written near the tail.

0024.01.09.46 Item – First Plane To Land In Grande Prairie 1920 c. 1 photograph : b&w ; 3.5 x 5 in.
Scope and content:

Wop May was the first pilot to land in Grande Prairie.

0024.01.09.47 Item – Early Grande Prairie Firemen 1920 c. 1 photograph : b&w ; 4.5 x 6.5 in.
Scope and content:

Nineteen municipal firefighters, with their chief and tools of their trade, pose in front of the new fire hall.

0024.01.09.48 Item – Winter Carnival 1924 c. 1 photograph : b&w ; 2.5 x 4 in.
Scope and content:

A winter carnival float is passing a dentist’s office.

0024.01.09.49 Item – Grande Prairie Stampede 1927 1 photograph : b&w ; 3.5 x 5.5 in.
Scope and content:

Ira Gilmour is riding Paint at the Grande Prairie Stampede. The saddle blanket has an advertisement on it for Hoot Gibson’s show.

0024.01.09.50 Item – Flying Shot School Float, Sports Day 1927 1 photograph : b&w ; 3.5 x 5.5 in.
Scope and content:

Flying Shot School float won first and second prize at July 1 Sports Day. The driver is Whitney Fletcher, later of Goodfare.

0024.01.09.51 Item – Man On Steps Of Country Store 1930 c. 1 photograph : b&w ; 4.5 x 6.5 in.
Scope and content:

A young man is sitting on the steps of a country store. Signs read “Alberta Government Telephones”, “Cash For Cream, Ship Your Cream To Grande Prairie Creamery”, “Listings Taken P. Batson Auctioneer” and “Ice Cold Coca Cola Sold Here”.

0024.01.09.52 Item – Frank Donald’s Peacocks 1937 1 photograph : b&w ; 2.5 x 3 in.
Scope and content:

Frank Donald’s peacocks in the yard of the Bell Fleming Hardware Store.

0024.01.09.53 Item – Rorem Homestead n.d. 1 photograph : b&w ; 3 x 4.5 in.
Scope and content:

Two buildings on the Rorem homestead; the original house is on the left, and the newer building is on the right.

0024.01.09.54 Item – Grande Prairie 1914 c. 1 photograph : b&w ; 4.5 x 6.5 in.
Scope and content:

The aerial view of one side of Grande Prairie’s Main Street including “Cochlin Hotel”, a confectionery, a café and a pool hall.

0024.01.09.55 Item – Hamlet of Grande Prairie 1917 1 photograph : b&w ; 3.5 x 5 in.
Scope and content:

Hamlet of Grande Prairie in 1912.

0024.01.09.56 Item – Grading the Streets 1917 1 photograph : b&w ; 3.5×5 in.
Scope and content:

Grading the streets of Grande Prairie in May 1917. Looking east from the intersection of 102 street and Richmond Avenue

0024.01.09.57 Item – Selkirk Trading Company [1915] 1 photograph : b&w ; 2.5×4.5 in.
Scope and content:

Group men in front of Selkirk Trading Company includes: Ike Nelson (young man at the door with white shirt and tie), Alex Wishart driving the team, Delmar Pratt sitting beside Mr. Wishart. (Could be Tom Paul in back of the wagon)

0024.01.09.58 Item – Grande Prairie Creamery 1920 1 photograph : b&w ; 2.5 x 4.5 in.
Scope and content:

Building of the Grande Prairie Creamery, with the ice house in the background. The creamery started operations in the fall of 1920.

0024.01.10.01 Item – Break-up on the Simonette [1920] 1 photograph : b&w
Scope and content:

The Pool family children standing in the frozen Simonette ca. 1920. Clarence was a director of the Valhalla Creamery. He and his wife, Minnie (Johnson) Pool had six children: Ralph, Mina, Clarence (Todd), Lee, Harold, and Yukola.

0024.01.10.02 Item – Mrs. Alexander Forbes 1909 1 photograph : b&w ; 4 x 6 in.
Scope and content:

Agnes Forbes, wife of Rev. Alexander Forbes, taken at Spirit River on their first trip to Grande Prairie in 1909. They established the first Protestant Church at Grande Prairie, on the banks of Bear Creek.

0024.01.11.01-20 Item – Unidentified Photographs [1900-1920] 20 photographs : b&w ; 3.25 x 4.5 in., 3.5 x 5 in. and 4 x 6 in.
Scope and content:

Unidentified photographs from the Holroyd collection includes photos of an unidentified “end of steel” community, photos of a new railway station, elevator and community; a man with his oxen pulling plow/cart (and horses with covered wagon), and several of an unknown subject. Other photographs show a horse and cart in front of J.B. Oliver Furniture; a wagon being pulled by two oxen, and one driving a six horse team.

0024.01.12 Item – Aerial of Grande Prairie [1960] 1 photograph
Scope and content:

Aerial of Grande Prairie taken ca. 1960, with the Bear Creek Reservoir in the foreground.

0024.01.13 Item – Richmond Avenue [1970] 1 photograph
Scope and content:

Street scene of Richmond Avenue showing the Met Store, B & B Western Wear, and Paquin Studios.

Series 0024.02: Paquin Photos

Date: 1952-1975 (date of creation)

Scope and content:

Paquin Photographs was established in the early 50s by photographer Ron Paquin, who specialized in family portraits and special events. The business was bought out by Lyn Watson in 1975 and incorporated into the Watson’s group of photography businesses which includes Paquin’s Sprucewood Studio.

This subseries consists of collections of 8” x 10” mostly b&w photographs of events in Grande Prairie between 1958 and 1975. These include the opening of the Grande Prairie Post Office in 1952, the flooding of Bear Creek in the late 50s, the City Charter coming to Grande Prairie in 1958, aerial views and landmarks in Grande Prairie as well as a County Fair parade c. 1960, and an Air Show, the new Vocational High School, and the opening of the Alberta Resources Railway (which are in colour) c. 1970.

Physical description: 105 photographs

Access points:

•      Graphic material – photograph (documentary form)

File / item list
Reference code Title Dates Physical description
0024.02.01.01-07 Item – Opening of the new Post Office 1952 8 photographs : b&w ; 8 x 10 in.
Scope and content:

A crowd gathers at the official opening of the Grande Prairie Post Office, with Mayor George Repka officiating.

0024.02.02.01-06 Item – Bear Creek Flood ca. 1955 7 photographs : b&w ; 8 x 10 in.
Scope and content:

Bear Creek overflows into Grande Prairie.

0024.02.02.07-10 Item – Opening of the Dunvegan Bridge 1960 4 photographs : b&w ; 8 x 10 in.
Scope and content:

Crowds attend the grand opening of the Dunvegan Bridge. One photograph shows an airplane flying over the bridge.

0024.02.03.01-08 Item – City Charter Comes to Grande Prairie 1958 9 photographs : b&w ; 8 x 10 in.
Scope and content:

Arrival of the City Charter into Grande Prairie in the winter of 1958. The charter was brought on horseback from Edmonton by Henry McCullough. Photographs include the Carnival Queen, sea cadets, Mayor Mackie, escorting outriders and the crowd.

0024.02.04.01-10 Item – Grande Prairie Landmarks ca. 1960 11 photographs : b&w ; 8 x 10 in.
Scope and content:

Grande Prairie Landmarks include the interior of the York Hotel, exterior of the City Hall, Mayor George Repka’s Office, interior of the bus depot, exterior of the Grande Prairie School District administration building, the ice throne for carnival, exterior of the Dobson Associates Medical Clinic and exterior of the North Star Oil Refinery at night.

0024.02.05.01-15 Item – County Fair Parade ca. 1960 16 photographs : b&w ; 8 x 10 in.
Scope and content:

County Fair Parade on 102 street and Richmond Ave. Participants include: horses, Erna’s Beauty Salon, Park Barber Shop, R.C.M.P., Safeway Majorettes, marching band, Dunes, Holroyd Drugs, Job’s Daughters, Diplomat Coal, Grande Prairie Hospital, Red Cross, Grande Prairie Swimming and Diving Club, and Jaycees & Jaycettes.

0024.02.05.16-18 Item – Battle of the Bands ca. 1968 3 photographs : b&w ; 8 x 10 in.
Scope and content:

Battle of the Bands on stage set up at the intersection of Richmond Ave. and Clairmont Road.

0024.02.06.01-06 Item – Aerial Views of Grande Prairie ca. 1968 7 photographs : b&w ; 8 x 10 in.
Scope and content:

Aerial views of Grande Prairie, the Bear Creek reservoir, Grande Prairie Golf Club and the Rotary Campground site.

0024.02.07.01-12 Item – Grande Prairie Vocational School ca. 1966 13 photographs : b&w ; 8 x 10 in.
Scope and content:

Interior and exterior views of the Grande Prairie Vocational School include cafeteria; front entrance, front desk and gymnasium.

0024.02.08.01-16 Item – Grande Prairie Air Show ca. 1968 17 photographs : b&w ; 8 x 10 in.
Scope and content:

Aerial and land views of the Grande Prairie Airport during the Air Show include the large crowds, parking lot, airplanes, helicopter, parachutes, Royal Canadian Air Force Namao Trumpet and Drum Corps, Royal Canadian Air Force aircraft, pilots and a close up of F/O Bill Slaughter, Red Knight, in his cockpit.

0024.02.09.01-12 Item – Opening of Alberta Resources Railway 1969 13 photographs : b&w ; 8 x 10 in.
Scope and content:

Opening ceremonies for the Alberta Resources Railway from Grande Cache to Grande Prairie includes parade floats, R.C.M.P. marching band, Golden Spike ceremony and dignitaries.

0024.02.10.01-06 Item – County Fair Parade 1963 6 photographs : colour ; 5 x 7 in.
Scope and content:

Six photographs of the 1963 County Fair Parade in downtown Grande Prairie include floats from the Grande Prairie Municipal Hospital, Canadian Legion 54, UFA Co-op, the Grande Prairie Marching Band, the Alberta Wheat Pool, and horses with riders. Buildings in the background include the B/A Service Station, the 1/2 Way Motel, North Star Oil on 100 Street, and the St. Joe’s Business College on 102 Street

0024.02.10.05 Item – [Alberta Wheat Pool Parade Float] 1963 1 photograph : colour ; 5 x 7 in.
Scope and content:

Image shows an Alberta Wheat Pool float in the County Fair Parade in Grande Prairie. The car is decorated with a painted cut out of a grain elevator and a feather headdress. The banner on the side of the car says “The Chief Grain Handlers for 40 years.”

Series 0024.03: Lynn Holroyd Research Papers & Booklets

Date: 1990 (date of creation)

Scope and content:

The series consists of computer generated notes based on the Herald-Tribune records in Isabel Campbell’s collection at the Grande Prairie Public Library. The notes cover the activities of pharmacies in the south Peace, as reported in the Herald-Tribune from 1913-1949. They were gathered by Mr. Holroyd for the publication of “The History of Pharmacy in Alberta,” produced by the Alberta Pharmaceutical Association. Notes include pharmacy histories for Sexsmith, Lake Saskatoon, McLennan, Poplar Hill, Clairmont, Spirit River, Wembley, Falher, Beaverlodge, Rolla, Hythe and Grande Prairie. This series also contains the book “Place Names of Alberta”, the 12th annual County Fair Prize List, and a paper on the Women’s section of the 4th annual Grande Prairie Agricultural Fair.

Physical description: 1 cm of textual records

Access points:

•      Textual record (documentary form)

File / item list
Reference code Title Dates Physical description
0024.03.01 Item – “12th Annual County Fair Prize List” 1962 1 booklet (47 p.) ; 6 x 9 in.
Scope and content:

The entry listings and prizes for the 12th annual County Fair held in Grande Prairie. The booklet was produced by the Grande Prairie County Fair Board.

0024.03.02 Item – “Place Names of Alberta” Department of the Interior 1928 1 book (138 p.) ; 6 x 10 in.
Scope and content:

A listing of all the names given to places in Alberta by 1928, including cities, towns, villages, post offices, municipal districts, railway stations, and many rivers, streams, lakes and mountains along with map locations.

0024.03.03 Item – Bird’s Eye View of Sexsmith 1937 1 p.
Scope and content:

Bird’s eye view of Sexsmith from the top of an elevator. This paper artifact was probably an illustration for a calendar.

2000.25.1 Item – Women’s Section of Grande Prairie Ag. Fair 1913 page
Scope and content:

Paper on Women’s section of the fourth annual Grande Prairie Agricultural Fair.

Note:

Item appears to be missing.