RECORDED: [location unknown], 1964 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Mr. Earl Shaw Baity recounts his coming to BC in 1920 to move to Prince George with his father, Nick Baity. He describes Prince George in the 1920s, and Quesnel as he moved there in 1922. There is a detailed description of the road to Quesnel and the ferry. After he arrived in Quesnel, he took up a homestead. He discusses the growth of Quesnel between 1922 and 1947. He describes Wells and Barkerville as well, and tells stories of Dr. Gerald Ramsey and Paddy Baker. Mr. Baity outlines the differences in the populations of Quesnel and Barkerville. TRACK 2: Mr. Baity talks about several pioneers including John A. Fraser and the growth of Quesnel since World War II. The interview concludes with a discussion about life during the Great Depression in the 1930s.

The collection consists of the records gathered by Earl Marsh, who intended to preserve the history of the British Columbia Coast Steamship Service (BCCSS) and the maritime history of British Columbia generally. He primarily collected records from BCCSS employees and their family members, as well as libraries and archives.

The collection also consists of the employment records of Earl Marsh, personal correspondence pertaining to his collecting activities, and records Marsh probably used in his position as accountant for the BCCSS.

Marsh accumulated the bulk of his collection between 1964 and 1973, during the last years in which the BCCSS provided passenger services. The records themselves were created between 1868 and 1999, with the majority created between 1922 and 1975. Records in the collection pertain primarily to the province of British Columbia, Washington State, and the state of Alaska.

The main subject of Earl Marsh’s collection is the BCCSS. Marsh was interested in the practical operations of the organization and its regional context, so his collection includes records about the BCCSS’s privately-owned competitors, other branches of the Canadian Pacific Railway Company engaged in shipping, and the establishment of government ferry services in British Columbia.

Operational records of the BCCSS provide insight into the lives of crew members who worked on ships, the financial state of the company, the design and construction of ships and shipping infrastructure, coastal weather and tide patterns, and significant shipwrecks.

As an employee of the BCCSS, Marsh had a special interest in crew members. The records reveal the job duties, union contracts, and company guidelines that shaped the lives of the workers. In addition, Marsh’s collection contains a small selection of records about the Chinese Canadian crew members of BCCSS ships. Many of these workers were employed at the time of the Chinese Exclusion Act and experienced systematic discrimination by their employer.

Marsh was also particularly fascinated by the passenger services offered by the BCCSS on their line of 32 “Princess” steamships. Prior to the First World War, Princess ships represented the height of elegance and efficiency in coastal transportation. Marsh gathered numerous photographs, menus, deck plans, and newspaper clippings that convey some of the glamour of passenger travel aboard these ships.

The records originated with different creators. The majority of the records were created by the Canadian Pacific Navigation Company, which was eventually taken over by the BCCSS, the BCCSS, and the Canadian Pacific Railway Company. Some records were created by other branches of the Canadian Pacific Railway Company, such as the British Columbia Lake and River Service.

Documentary forms include scrapbooks about the BCCSS, subject files, scrapbooks about other shipping companies, original BCCSS volumes such as log and time books, ephemera and photographic negatives, files of personal records, and rolls of technical drawings. Records were originally arranged in groupings according to their subject (often indicated in a folder title) and documentary form. Within some subject groupings, Marsh arranged files alphabetically.

The subjects of BCCSS-related scrapbooks include the numerous ships in the Princess line, staff members, and other aspects of the organization's history. Among many other material types, the scrapbooks contain news clippings, original company correspondence and financial records, photographs, and technical drawings. Marsh arranged these scrapbooks in rough alphabetical order.

Marsh maintained subject files on numerous ships in the Princess line, BCCSS staff members and history, and the history of other shipping companies, including the Puget Sound Navigation Company and Black Ball Ferries Limited. He kept his files on BCCSS ships in rough alphabetical order.

Marsh’s scrapbooks about non-BCCSS companies cover other branches of the Canadian Pacific Railway Company and organizations based in Washington State and the state of Alaska. These scrapbooks were not maintained in any discernible order.

Marsh maintained log books and time books from the Canadian Pacific Navigation Company and BCCSS; however, few complete sets of log books and time books exist for various ships. He also collected road maps and ephemera such as post cards, along with photographs, negatives, and slides, in random order in shoeboxes.

Marsh included his own personal correspondence and employment records in the collection. These materials were originally received in labelled files.

Marsh kept technical drawings in large rolls. Often, a roll featured upwards of 20 drawings of a single ship.

The archivist arranged the collection in six series that reflect Marsh’s original order:

MS-3254 - Scrapbooks, Canadian Pacific Railway Company records, and subject files
MS-3255 - Ship log books
MS-3256 - Time books
MS-3257 - Personal correspondence, employment records, and journal
MS-3258 - Photographs, road maps, and ephemera
MS-3259 - Technical drawings, map, and construction specifications for BCCSS ship Princess Louise II

CALL NUMBER: T2662:0002 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Earle C. Westwood discusses his early life PERIOD COVERED: 1909-1953 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1978-05-31 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Earle C. Westwood discusses his early life. He describes his family, their pioneering experiences in the Nanaimo area, his education, and his work as a bank clerk, longshoreman, and millwright assistant. Mentioned in context are Nanaimo, B.C.; Port Alice, B.C.; Britannia High School in Vancouver; Wesley Black. TRACK 2: Earle Westwood discusses the Depression, his return to Nanaimo, his funeral parlour businesses in Nanaimo and Duncan, and his involvement in the Junior Chamber of Commerce, the Nanaimo City Council, and his period as mayor of Nanaimo. He also relates his impressions of; the Coalition government, his early career ambitions, and his organizational membership. Westwood describes his first interests in Social Credit and his first meeting with W.A.C. Bennett. In addition, he discusses the provincial election of 1953. Mentioned in passing are Ernie Carson, George S. Pearson, Byron Johnson, Peter Maffeo, and Lorenzo Giovando. CALL NUMBER: T2662:0003 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Earle C. Westwood discusses his experiences as a cabinet minister PERIOD COVERED: 1956-1960 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1978-05-31 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Earle C. Westwood discusses the provincial elections of 1953 and 1956 as well as his own election in 1956 and his appointment as Minister of Trade and Industry. Mentioned also are his travels with Premier Bennett in 1954, party platforms in the 1953 and 1956 elections, and his perceptions of his political opponents. He describes his objectives as MLA and cabinet minister and the projects undertaken by the Department of Trade and Industry while it was under his direction. TRACK 2: Earle Westwood discusses the origins and policies of the Department of Recreation and Conservation, the nature of the tourist industry in B.C. during the late 1950s, and the creation of Beautiful B.C. Magazine. He also discusses decision and policy making in his ministry as well as some activities of the B.C. Federation of Fish and Game Clubs. Westwood also relates how his estimates were approved by Treasury Board. CALL NUMBER: T2662:0004 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Earle C. Westwood on his later political life and his period as Agent-General PERIOD COVERED: 1960-1968 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1978-06-02 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Earle C. Westwood recalls his days as Minister of Recreation and Conservation, and Commercial Transport. He discusses the provincial election of 1960, the Pacific Northern Railway, and the B.C. government takeovers of the B.C. Electric Co. and the Black Ball ferry fleet. Westwood also discusses northern development and some speculation that B.C. would seek the Winter Olympics. TRACK 2: Earle C. Westwood evaluates the effectiveness of the C.C.F. opposition during his years in office, focusing on the roles of Robert Strachan, Dave Barrett and Leo Nimsick. He also comments on the nature of the Social Credit opposition during the Dave Barrett administration. Westwood recalls the provincial election of 1963 and his retirement from politics. Also discussed are his period as Agent-General, the effects of socialism in Britain and Westwood's travels with W.A.C. Bennett in Europe. CALL NUMBER: T2662:0005 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Earle C. Westwood on his time as Agent-General and his general perception of politics PERIOD COVERED: 1964-1978 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1978-06-02 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Earle C. Westwood recalls his travels in Europe with W.A.C. Bennett and his accomplishments as Agent-General. He discusses his activities upon returning to B.C. and comments on his perceptions of various political figures including: Dave Stupich, Leo Nimsick, Tom Uphill, Gordon Gibson, Deane Finlayson, Robert Bonner, Einar Gunderson, Phil Gaglardi, Robert Thompson, and Ronald Worley. Westwood also discusses how cabinet was run during the W.A.C. Bennett years, how policies were developed, and his own relationship with Bennett. TRACK 2: Westwood discusses the relationship between the Social Credit party in B.C. and Social Credit parties in other provinces (Alberta and Quebec) and the relationship with the federal Social Credit party. He also describes his activities before the caucus and his perceptions of W.A.C. Bennett as premier. Also discussed are Westwood's relationship with the press, government-organized group relations, and his perceptions of other political parties. Westwood also comments on the role of government. CALL NUMBER: T2662:0006 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Earle C. Westwood discusses various political and social issues PERIOD COVERED: 1939-1978 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1978-06-08 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Earle C. Westwood discusses civil defence in Nanaimo during World War II; all night sessions in the Legislature; his first interests in Social Credit; the Coalition government in B.C.; dominion-provincial relations during his terms in office; the Robert Sommers case; his concept of free enterprise and socialism; his impressions of Lyle Wicks, Eric Martin, and William Chant; proselytizers of the original Social Credit theories; and the current administration of W.R. Bennett. He also discusses California's Proposition 13 and the appeal of Social Credit to British Columbians. TRACK 2: Westwood discusses public reluctance to admit their support for Social Credit; eastern perceptions of Social Credit in B.C.; his meeting with Joey Smallwood; the fishing industry in B.C.; and his former plans for Newcastle Island as Minister of Recreation and Conservation. Westwood completes the interview with a brief account of his present activities.

This series contains administrative and subject files relating to natural resource development and environmental policies. Includes correspondence, memoranda, reports, briefs, etc. The records were created by the Environment and Land Use Committee Secretariat, the administrative and support staff assigned to the Committee. The records were created from 1972-1980 and relate to all aspects of business conducted by the Committee, including land use decisions across the province.

The item is a videocassette of a documentary from ca. 1986. It shows the old North Bend Aerial Ferry, which operated across the Fraser River at Boston Bar from March 1940 to January 1986. The aerial ferry, believed to be the last of its type in North America, was a familiar landmark and a part of the daily routine in Boston Bar and North Bend. It was replaced by a bridge, which could accommodate the logging industry's need for heavier hauls.

The item is a documentary film about the last voyage of the sternwheeler S.S. "Moyie" on Kootenay Lake, 27 April 1957. Includes footage of the wheelhouse, engine room, and galley; arrival and docking operations; the "Moyie" moving a barge with railroad cars; passengers boarding for the final voyage; and Kootenay Lake scenery. The car ferry M.V. "Balfour" is also shown.

SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Crawford Creek, B.C. RECORDED: Revelstoke (B.C.), 1975-02-26 SUMMARY: Family background; move to Lardeau area; comments on Ferguson and Beaton; move to Crawford Creek; farming in Crawford Creek; school days; worked at Halcyon Hot Springs; public health facilities; churches; information on husband; the Depression; Sidmouth; ferry service on south highway.

News item. Strike is being staged by members of the Ferry and Marine Workers Union, the CLC, and the BC Federation of Labour. Negotiations have been stalled since 01-July-1977, so employees have been without a contract since then. Labour Minister Allen Williams calls the walkout "irresponsible" and says employees could still receive pay if they agreed to continue working while negotiations continued through "the railways and ferries bargaining association." The B.C. government has declared the strike illegal, and threatens to fine strikers and their union if they continue to defy the back-to-work order. A union spokeswoman comments on how long the strike could last. Other ferry service and local airlines are doing a booming business with extra sailings and flights.

The item is an answer print of a travelogue, made 196 7 to 1969. It shows a voyage down the Inside Passage from Prince Rupert to Kelsey Bay on the "Queen of Prince Rupert", provides a framework to highlight Barkerville, the Skeena, Alaska, Vancouver Island and Victoria. Includes scenes of the White Pass and Yukon railway. The original elements were probably re-cut to make "Highways to splendor".

The item is a film reel of out-takes from 1967. It contains footage of the motor vessel "Queen of Prince Rupert".

News item. A return to work injunction is brought against the strikers by order of the Lieutenant-Govenor in council, and the decision of the Labour Relations Board, forcing the union to give notice that the strike is suspended. Union members went voted against the recommendations of the executive, so they still do not have a contract.

Footage. From an unidentified film. Includes fishing boats at dock; crewmen examining and mending nets and preparing boats; Vancouver skyline from waterfront; many shots of fishing fleet under way and leaving Vancouver harbour (passing under Lion's Gate bridge); a CPR ferry; blocks of ice en route to the boats. (The fishing boats include "Aleutian Queen", "Combat" and "Pacific Belle".) The roll concludes with footage showing a fisheries technician counting fingerlings at Cultus Lake.

News item. Company preseident Frank Mitchell has just announced that the BC government has decided to take the "Princess Marguerite" off the Victoria-Seattle run. The "Queen of Prince Rupert" will replace her but this ship will carry less than 800 people. Mr. Mitchell feels the Social Credit governement has done this to eliminate all "NDP skeletons", as the CHEK reporter puts it. Mr. Mitchell says that local business people will press BC government to add the jetfoil trips to ferry sailings, and to subsidize them.

News item. Dan Gallagher wants the new contract to be finalized now, not some time in the future. Shots of ferry workers at their jobs on board a BC Ferry.

Amateur film. Footage of Vancouver, Victoria and the Lower Mainland region, including shots of Vancouver streetcars, flowers and gardens, a ferry trip through the Gulf Islands, etc.

SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Press conference on aspects of the Captain Cook bicentennial celebrations, etc. RECORDED: Victoria (B.C.), 1977-11-16 SUMMARY: In a press conference in Victoria on November 16, 1977, Travel Industry Minister Grace McCarthy discusses possible ferry fare increases (in the wake of salary increases to ferry workers); aspects of the Captain Cook bicentennial celebrations; the possible strike vote by Amalgamated Transit Union workers at BC Hydro; and encouraging BC residents to holiday in the province. NOTE: TRANSCRIPT ONLY.

The item is a reel of original film footage from 1963. It shows scenery on and around the Gulf Islands; views from the sea; passing ferries; visitors from high land; aerial views of island and Tsawwassen ferry terminal.

The item is a film reel containing a television commercial. Promotes the new ferry service to the Gulf Islands. The newly-built ferry "Queen of the Islands" will provide service from Tsawassen to Galiano, Mayne and Saltspring Islands.

The fonds consists of the Harbour Navigation Company's photographs, which include one album and several loose photos and postcards. These images depict the Wigwam Inn and Belcarra Park (both on Indian Arm), and social activities at those locations, as well as the company's vessels, captains and personnel. Vessels shown include the "Fort Langley", the "Harbour Princess", the "Hollyburn" and the "Scenic". Several photos were taken by the Dominion Photo Company, and some by the Royal Canadian Air Force. The photographs were collected by Joan Hughes from the Harbour Navigation Company and former staff members.

SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Lardeau area, 1920s and 1930s RECORDED: Revelstoke (B.C.), 1977-01-10 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Arrival in Trout Lake, 1920; personal background; description of Trout Lake; work as a nurse's aide in Kaslo; describes Revelstoke, 1924; training as a nurse in Revelstoke, 1924-27, skis on car. TRACK 2: Meets future husband in Beaton in 1930; Comaplix, 1931; Beaton, 1931; logging and mining in the area; North Okanagan Health Unit; ferries; more on mining; nursing in Beaton and area; travel; sternwheelers.

Travelogue. Scenery and attractions of the West Kootenay region: Crowsnest Pass, the Kootenay Lake ferry, boating, fishing, the Glass House, Nakusp or Ainsworth hot springs, the retired sternwheeler S.S. "Moyie", golfing, Nelson curling bonspiel, caving, rodeo, spawning salmon, the Doukhobors, Fruitvale international dog show, miner's museum and Golden City Days Festival at Rossland, Wildlife Centre & Bird Sanctuary at Creston, hiking and skiing in the Valhalla Range. Other locales include Castlegar, Christina Lake, Grand Forks, Trail.

The item is a video travelogue. Scenery and attractions of the West Kootenay region: Crowsnest Pass, the Kootenay Lake ferry, boating, fishing, the Glass House, Nakusp or Ainsworth hot springs, the retired sternwheeler S.S. "Moyie", golfing, Nelson curling bonspiel, caving, rodeo, spawning salmon, the Doukhobors, Fruitvale international dog show, miner's museum and Golden City Days Festival at Rossland, Wildlife Centre & Bird Sanctuary at Creston, hiking and skiing in the Valhalla Range. Other locales include Castlegar, Christina Lake, Grand Forks, Trail.

SUMMARY: "Heritage Theatre" was a series of short historical plays set in the Vancouver environs. These vignettes illustrate some of the significant events and interesting episodes from Vancouver's earliest ti;mes. First broadcast in 1977, the plays were made in co-operation with the Social Planning Department of the City of Vancouver. This series was broadcast during the summer of 1981. This episode, "The ;Floating Crap Game" by John Wiesenfeld, takes a look at gambling on BC ferries.;