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Archives Department correspondence, annual reports and lists of donations

  • GR-0299
  • Series
  • 1919-1949

The series consists of correspondence inward and outwards, 1925-1943 with gaps; monthly and annual reports and lists of donations received by the Archives Department of the Provincial Library, 1919-1929, 1934. It also includes Provincial Library reports from 1944 to 1949.

British Columbia. Legislative Library

BC towns and cities maps

  • GR-4256
  • Series
  • [19-?]- 1981

The series consists of copies of maps of various towns and cities in British Columbia, collected by the Map Division of the Provincial Archives. Between 1974 and 1981, the Map Division wrote to town clerks and other municipal officials asking for copies of town maps for reference purposes. The maps sent in range in date and quality and include published street maps, copies of survey maps and other ephemera. The files were arranged in alphabetical order by name of town, village or city and kept in the Archives Map Division filing cabinet.

Provincial Archives of British Columbia

British Columbia place name files

  • GR-2158
  • Series
  • [ca. 1971]

The series consists of 25 volumes of British Columbia place name information created by the Provincial Archives of British Columbia around 1971. The files are arranged alphabetically by place name and each page contains information about the origin of the place name. The first volume also contains a bibliography which details the sources used.

Provincial Archives of British Columbia

Centennial celebrations clipping book

  • GR-0345
  • Series
  • 1958

This series consists of a newspaper clipping book containing extracts from the British press relating to British Columbia's centennial celebrations.

Provincial Archives of British Columbia

Colonial correspondence : correspondence of the Government of the Colony of Vancouver Island, 1849-1866 and of the Government of the Colony of British Columbia, 1858-1871

  • GR-1372
  • Series
  • 1852-1872

GR-1372 is an artificial series, created by the Provincial Archives of British Columbia in the 1920s and 1930s from records of the governments of the Colony of Vancouver Island (1849-1866), the Colony of British Columbia (1858-1866) and the United Colony of British Columbia (1866-1871). The records, consisting of correspondence inward to and among officials and departments, were originally organized more or less chronologically as records of the department or agency to which they were sent, e.g. Colonial Secretary, Attorney-General, Commissioner of Land and Works, etc. Letters when received were logged into a register and assigned sequential numbers with the last two numbers of the year appended, creating the file number, e.g. 105/62. Some of these registers still exist, e.g. GR-0625. The correspondence was often accompanied by enclosures such as reports, sketches and maps which were considered part of the file.

Sometime during the 1920s and 1930s, Archives staff undertook to re-organize these records into a single alphabetical series organized primarily by the name of the originating office or sender (road tolls and petitions are notable exceptions). Formerly separate records were intermingled and the original order was lost. The records were indexed using new file numbers assigned for that purpose. These are the F numbers written in red crayon on the records. Starting with the number 1, each folder of records in the new alphabetical sequence was assigned a number as well as the individual files (items) within that folder, e.g. F33/1.

It appears that later insertions into the alpha sequence, after the initial assignment of numbers, were dealt with by using letters (e.g. F85a, F85b), or a number in parentheses (e.g. F79(1), F80a(1)). When an F file required more than one folder, either letters were added to subsequent folders, (e.g. F102, F102a, F102b) or numbers in parentheses were used (e.g. F142b(1), F142b(2)). The F numbers on the documents, however, were not affected by the change in numbering as they formed one continuous sequence (e.g. F102, files 1-9; F102a, files 10-22; F102b, files 23-30b).

Some of the correspondence was transcribed by Archives staff. These typed transcripts are either in the file folders together with the originals or in a separate file folder following the file folder with the originals. Most of the transcripts were not microfilmed and consequently do not appear on the microfilm reels. The records were microfilmed 1978-1980.

See attached finding aid for more information about the history, contents, and indexing of this collection.

Provincial Archives of British Columbia

Correspondence, memorandums and papers

  • GR-0263
  • Series
  • 1933-1934

The series consists of a file created by the Provincial Archives in 1933-1934. It contains correspondence inward and outward with copies of memos re gold discoveries on Rock Creek, Wild Horse Creek, Williams Creek; memo re The Cariboo Consolidated Limited; papers pertaining to the title to real estate of placer mining claims "Princess Marie", "San Juan", "Forward", and "Deadwood".

Provincial Archives of British Columbia

Descriptive register of Lieutenant Governors' correspondence inward

  • GR-1498
  • Series
  • 1871-1879

This series contains a descriptive register of Lieutenant Governors' correspondence inward for the years 1871-1879. This series may be used in conjunction with GR-0443 (British Columbia. Lieutenant Governor).

Provincial Archives of British Columbia

Letters : Provincial Library

  • GR-0543
  • Series
  • 1915-1936

The series consists of carbon copies of the outward correspondence of the Provincial Librarian and Archivist created between April 1, 1915 and May 29, 1936. The correspondence has been bound in 30 volumes and does not include any enclosures or copies of inward correspondence. The letters are filed chronologically, each letter being numbered. An alphabetical index, giving the name of the correspondent and the letter number, is at either the front or the back of the volume, with the exception of volumes 14, 15 and 17. In addition, the numbers of previous and subsequent letters with the same correspondent are hand written on some of the letters themselves.

The carbon copies are not signed but the Provincial Librarian and Archivists are as follows:
1915-1919: E.O.S. Scholefield
1920-1926: John Forsyth
1926-1934: John Hosie
1934-1936: W.K. Lamb

Most of the correspondence is routine and deals with book orders and payments but there are also letters regarding the move to the new library in 1915, the acquisition of archival records, procuring transcript copies of archival records, comments about the war, information and advice about historical research and many other topics.

British Columbia. Legislative Library

Library correspondence

  • GR-0726
  • Series
  • 1910-1926

Correspondence between E.O.S. Scholefield and the B.C. Historical Association regarding publication of "Sixty Years of Progress", 1910-1914; correspondence with F.M. Rattenbury regarding the Library extension to the Legislative Buildings, 1911; correspondence on various topics, 1910-1918; and correspondence between John Hosie and R.E. Gosnell, 1926. Includes a memo for W.J. Bowser, Attorney General, on the "Triumphant Policy of the Provincial Government," 1903-1912. Records relate to the Legislative Library and Provincial Archives.

British Columbia. Legislative Library

Maynard research files

  • GR-3792
  • Series
  • 1975-2018

The series consists of research files created by the staff at the BC Archives, previously the Provincial Archives of British Columbia, between 1975 and 2018. The files contain research into the Maynard family, specifically their photographic work in British Columbia. The files contain original research notes compiled by BC Archives staff, contractors and independent researchers documenting the life of Richard and Hannah Maynard and their family. Includes photocopies or microfilm printouts from newspapers, books, periodical articles and archival records.

British Columbia Archives

Memorandum and auditor's report on Archives investigation

  • GR-0301
  • Series
  • 1931

This series consists of a memorandum to John Hosie, Provincial Archivist, enclosing a report of the Auditor of Revenue to the Comptroller General concerning an investigation of the Archives, dated 1931.

British Columbia. Legislative Library

New Archives and Museum report

  • GR-0076
  • Series
  • 1966

The series consists of a report entitled "Specifications for B.C. Archives & Museum, Victoria, B.C. Phase 4." Vol. 2 of 6.

British Columbia. Dept. of Public Works

Outgoing correspondence of the Provincial Archivist and Librarian to Ottawa

  • GR-3776
  • Series
  • 1897-1924

The series consists of photocopies of original correspondence from the Provincial Archives to the Dominion Archives in Ottawa. The photocopies were sent to the Provincial Archives at the request of archivist Terry Eastwood in 1981.
The records were written between 1897 and 1924. The earliest material pre-dates the existence of Provincial Archives of British Columbia and was sent from the Provincial Librarian at the Legislative Library. The records are arranged by sender, that is by Provincial Archivist and Librarian and the recipient. These include R.E. Gosnell to Douglas Brymner, E.O.S. Scholefield to Dr. Doughty, R.E. Gosnell to Dr. Doughty and John Forsyth to Dr. Doughty.
Correspondence relates to recommendations from the Dominion Archives in regard to the establishment of a Provincial Archives within the Legislative Library of British Columbia, acquisitions of copies of material related to the Colony of Vancouver Island and British Columbia from Ottawa, correspondence regarding visits to the Provincial and Dominion Archives, reference questions regarding British Columbia history, and suggestions for new acquisitions that would complement both provincial and national collections.

Provincial Archives of British Columbia

Provincial Archives correspondence

  • GR-1738
  • Series
  • ca. 1909-1979

This series contains central correspondence files, ca. 1909-1979 (a few files date from as early as 1899 and a few continue until 1986). The files contain correspondence inward to Provincial Archivists and archives staff from researchers, historical societies, dealers, etc., and their replies, and cover the range of subjects dealt with by the archives, including acquisitions, replying to reference questions and requests for copies, and publishing the British Columbia Historical Quarterly.

The files in Boxes 1-172 are arranged alphabetically by correspondent or by subject. Box 173 contains correspondence registers, Boxes 174-177 J.S. Matthews correspondence, Boxes 178-18, Centennial '71 Committee records, Box 181, Barkerville Restoration Advisory Committee records and Box 182, correspondence files transferred from the Legislative Library in 2007, arranged by correspondent or subject.

Provincial Archives of British Columbia

Provincial Archives correspondence and general office files

  • GR-3889
  • Series
  • 1910-1998

The series consists of general office files created by the Provincial Archives of British Columbia from 1910 to 1989, the British Columbia Records Management Branch from 1982 to 1989, their joint successor the BC Archives and Records Service, between 1989 and 1996 and the British Columbia Archives from 1996 to 1998 The files contain correspondence between the Provincial Archivist and other government bodies as well as correspondence with the public and executive referral correspondence. There are also internal office files regarding Archives and records management policies and acquisitions, staffing and other administrative and operational matters.

British Columbia Archives

Provincial Archives records

  • GR-0975
  • Series
  • 1856-1970

This series consists of Provincial Archives records. Records include 3 visitors books, 1918-1944; miscellaneous correspondence, reports, memoranda and accounts removed from central filing system; and drafts of pioneers' stories, 1954. Contains some records and accounts of the Provincial Library.

Provincial Archives of British Columbia

Provincial Librarian correspondence outward, personal and private letterbooks

  • GR-0146
  • Series
  • 1900-1913

The series consists of correspondence outward (private letterbook) of E.O.S. Scholefield (1900-1906), correspondence outward (letterbook) of the Provincial Librarian (1911), and correspondence outward (personal letterbook) of the Public Library Commissioner (1910-1913).

British Columbia. Legislative Library

Provincial Secretary correspondence

  • GR-0157
  • Series
  • 1913-1916

The series consists of correspondence, 1913-1916, that was originally a part of the Provincial Secretary's Central Registry. The records include grant applications from charitable organizations (e.g. Salvation Army Rescue and Maternity Home, Vancouver); petitions from various citizens groups and trades organizations (e.g. re: Pacific Great Eastern railway, prohibition, and Weekly Half Holiday Act); plus files on diverse topics such as the Belgian Relief Fund (which was administered by the Provincial Secretary), the Progress Club of Vancouver, the provincial coat-of-arms, prohibition, half-day closing, the Provincial Archives and W.W. Walkem's "Stories of Early British Columbia".

British Columbia. Dept. of the Provincial Secretary

Provincial Secretary correspondence on diverse topics

  • GR-1668
  • Series
  • 1872-1934

The series consists of miscellaneous correspondence inward and outward on diverse topics. Most of these records pertain to the 1920s and early 1930s. Included are files dealing with the exclusion of Orientals (1921), the preservation of Craigflower schoolhouse and other historic sites, acquisitions (of paintings and photographs) by the Archives department, removal of Indian totem poles, petitions protesting the dismissal of Judge Helen Gregory MacGill (1929), and the Bedaux Sub-Arctic Expedition (1934). Early files include a memorandum on the benefits of establishing a Treasury Board for the provincial government (1872) and a letter of introduction for John Blair, landscape architect (1896).
Also included is a schedule referred to in order-in-council no. 911, confirmation of reserves, reductions of cut-off's and new reserves, Ditchburn-Clark Commission.

British Columbia. Dept. of the Provincial Secretary

Provincial Secretary correspondence on diverse topics

  • GR-1671
  • Series
  • 1950-1982

This series consists of correspondence and reports concerning laws, statutes, titles, and emblems. Records include files regarding the Provincial Elections Act, Engineering Profession Act, Daylight Saving Act, Public Documents Disposal Act, and Historic Objects Preservation Act. Records also concern the authorized use of the name "British Columbia", provincial coat-of-arms, and royal styles and titles. Additional files concern Court mourning observances and Princess Margaret's Portland Island. These records were originally part of a larger series, transferred separately to the PABC and catalogued as GR-1661.

British Columbia. Dept. of the Provincial Secretary

Public Works correspondence

  • GR-1615
  • Series
  • 1910-1970

The series consists of general correspondence files created by the Dept. of Public Works between 1910 and 1970.
The files are concerned primarily with Provincial Government buildings including the Parliament Buildings, Provincial Archives, Provincial Museum, as well as jails, courthouses, hospitals, office buildings, etc. throughout the province. The series also contains files relating to the control of Japanese nationals during World War II.

British Columbia. Dept. of Public Works

Public works records relating to museum and archives

  • GR-0999
  • Series
  • 1961-1971

This series consists of records of the Deputy Minister of Public Works as Chairman of the Museum and Archives Steering Committee and the Advisory Committee on Applied Arts for the B.C. Museum and Archives, relating to the design, development and construction of Heritage Court. Includes minutes, memoranda, correspondence, reports, plans, clippings, photographs, drawings, plans, etc.

British Columbia. Dept. of Public Works

Records of the Deputy Provincial Secretary

  • GR-1661
  • Series
  • 1954-1983

This series contains records of the Deputy Provincial Secretary relating to the operations of the Ministry's branches. Many of these records deal with heritage conservation, museums, and cultural organizations. Records also deal with the administration of Royal Canadian Humane Association awards for bravery and life-saving.

GR-1661 is a pot-pourri of records accumulated by the office of the Deputy Provincial Secretary and by his various Assistant Deputy Ministers.The diversity of this collection is testimony to the multi- faceted operations and responsibilities of the Provincial Secretary's department.

A substantial number of the files deal with Heritage Conservation policies and heritage sites, such as Craigflower Schoolhouse, Barkerville, and Fort Steele.Many of the files also deal with cultural organizations and activities, with provincial fitness and recreation programmes, and with special interest groups.Other files in this unit pertain to the Royal Canadian Humane Association awards for bravery (which were coordinated by the ministry), to specific legislation re:the provincial flag, the provincial tartan, etc., and to the organization of out-of-town cabinet meetings.

British Columbia. Dept. of the Provincial Secretary

Sound Heritage Series sound programs

  • GR-3376
  • Series
  • 1976-1983

The series comprises 20 documentary sound programs produced to accompany publications in the Sound Heritage Series, a historical quarterly published by the Provincial Archives of British Columbia (PABC) from 1976 to 1983. The archives's Aural History Programme (after 1980, the Sound and Moving Image Division) was responsible for the publication. Both the journal and the sound programs were based on excerpts from oral history interviews in the collection of the Provincial Archives. The actual editing and production of the sound programs was contracted to freelancers, often the same individual that recorded the interviews and edited the corresponding journal. The sound programs usually focused on or amplified an aspect or aspects of the the subject of the journal.

The series includes working tapes, spliced originals, volume-corrected program masters, and cassette duplicating masters.

Provincial Archives of British Columbia. Aural History Programme

Specifications and contracts

  • GR-1985
  • Series
  • [ca. 1930-1970]

Specifications and contracts (filed by area and building number). These records are associated with other unaccessioned hard copy indexes and microform drawings.

British Columbia. Dept. of Public Works

Vertical files

  • GR-3969
  • Series
  • 1908-1982

The vertical files, also known as clipping files, were created and maintained by the Provincial Archives between 1908 and 1982. They are filed alphabetically by subject and were originally stored in file folders. The folders contain news clippings, pamphlets, memo's, photographs, family trees and other ephemera, 1896 to 1982, and cover all aspects of British Columbia's people, families, government, businesses, history and events. The purpose of the vertical files was to preserve historical and biographical information about British Columbia and its residents, and to make that information available to the public and to staff. The files were closed and microfilmed in the early 1980s.

There are 164 reels of microfilm containing the alphabetically arranged files and one reel containing a microfilmed copy of the four volume file list to the files. These reels have been given the reference code D-19 and are available in the self service microfilm drawers in the Archives reference room. The hard copy of the four volume file list is also available there.

Over the years, some material was removed from the vertical files and recatalogued. In addition, a small amount of original material was selected from the files and is available in container 920334-0001.

Provincial Archives of British Columbia