Showing 9 results

Archival description
Only top-level descriptions Fraser River (B.C.)
Print preview View:

A.H. Maynard collection

  • PR-1258
  • Collection
  • [between 1896 and 1932]

The collection consists of four discreet collections of photographs, the bulk of which are lantern slides. The majority of the fonds consists of several sets of lantern slides, the bulk of which contain photographic subject matter dating from 1868 to 1930. The photograph collections are attributed to Albert Hatherly Maynard, son of early pioneer photographer Richard Maynard (1832-1907). Within lantern slide collections, slides from creators of other distinct lantern slide collections (likely Charles Frederick Newcombe and William A. Newcombe), appear to be included. A small number of flexible negatives are also included in one of the accessions.

A large number of lantern slides depict scenes of the Fraser River gold rush era of the 1860s, in the regions of Yale to Barkerville, Quesnel and Cottonwood in the interior of British Columbia. Many of the reproductions of photographs featured in the lantern slides in this collection are attributed early pioneer photographer’s works including those created by Richard Maynard during the 1860s and A.H. Maynard’s works produced in the 1920s. It also includes the photographic works of other early B.C. photographers including Frederick Dally (1838-1914), likely Louis A. Blanc who documented similar subjects as the Maynards particularly Barkerville, the Cariboo and the Cariboo Roads in British Columbia during the period before and after the Fraser River gold rush of the 1860s. A small number of photographic works by Frederick Dundas Todd (1858-1926) and F. [Dewitt] Reed are also contained within several of the slide collections.

Accessions 198203-025 and 198203-065 consist of slide compilations that depict a visual narrative of the history of Barkerville, the Cariboo Road and Cariboo region in the B.C. interior during the period of the 1868 Fraser River gold rush era and sixty years later in the 1920s. The bulk of the scenes of the gold mining resource industry, as well as views of transportation roads and routes along the journey to the goldfields. To a lesser extent views of other resources industries (forestry, agriculture, fishing and farming/ranching) are depicted against the nature and lands of the B.C. interior. Mining towns within the Lighting Creek and Williams Creek Districts, including Barkerville (before and after the fire of 1868), Richfield and Cameronton are represented, as well as other scenes representing the following views of gold mining operations: claims sites, posed group portraits and likenesses of miners, equipment and the production activity of early mining technology of associated mining companies, businesses and partnerships in the area. Photographs of mining claims and claims sites and the miners and labourers involved at Mucho Oro, Aurora Gold, Minnehah, Never Sweat; The Rankin Company (Grouse Creek), Ne’er do Weel (Grouse Creek) and the Canadian Grouse Company (Grouse Creek) are included in the sequences. Imagery along and of the Cariboo Road(s) are described as depicting various views, scenes and activities including: freight and trade transportation, transportation methods and transportation routes (ox pack teams, gold escorts; steamer “Reliance” and Fraser River crossings; travelers); views along the Cariboo Road(s) that include the geological terrain of the Fraser River (its river banks and surrounding forested and arid landscapes) at various points along the route to the goldfields including the Fraser Canyon and Lady Franklin Rock; examples of civil engineering as such as bridges; homes and ranches as well as accommodations such as roadhouses and hotels (70, 83, 108 and 150 Mile Houses, Pioneer Hotel, Van Winkel Hotel at Stanley, Colonial Hotel at Soda Creek and the Hastings Hotel) and businesses (Masonic Hall at Barkerville) in colonial service towns and mining communities and settlements. Indigenous communities do not appear to be identified in lantern slide captions, though the geographical regions documented in slides reflect many traditional Indigenous territories in which the Fraser River gold rush traversed and was situated. It appears that traditional Indigenous fishing methods are present in some views, likely in those of the Fraser River. Several photographs of geological specimens (gold nuggets) are included within the set. There appear to be very limited images of regional wildlife. There are a small number of group photographs reflecting the diverse population of gold miners, pioneers and travelers of the Interior B.C. (“Crew of SS "Nechacco"), including women and children. The views from the 1920s, appear to reflect A. H. Maynard’s trips to Barkerville, the Cariboo Road(s) and the Cariboo region. Finally, there are several views described as from the period in between 1868 and the 1920s. These slides depict views including those of the Fraser Valley region by F. Dundas Todd, a surveying team in “East Kootenay” and a few images described as the Okanagan.

A smaller collection of lantern slides (accession 198203-066) feature a random mix of Fraser River gold rush era views, military subjects, theatrical entertainment and other topics. Many slides appear to be images reproduced from works of art, books and other published materials. Documentation of theatrical productions include images of scenes and portraits from Shakespearean plays (Macbeth, Othello, A Winter’s Tale), as well as Anne Hathaway's cottage. It also includes documentation of the destruction of religious institutions during World War I, primarily in Ypres. Some of these slides indicate “mounted by Edgar Fleming, Victoria, B.C.”

Another collection of photographs (accession 198201-068) consist of 107 black and white flexible film negatives depicting Canadian and American views taken between the period of May and June 1914. These include views include of Bowmanville, Toronto and Niagara, Ontario in May 1914; Rochester and New York, New York in May and June, and the "Rio Grande" in Colorado in June of the same year. Photographs of American destinations such as San Francisco, Philadelphia, Atlantic City including Freemount Park, Salt Lake and [Ogden], Denver and Washington, DC are here. Several locations on Vancouver Island identified as Victoria, Saanich and Mill Bay also housed in this group of photographs. This unit also includes film negatives described as “C.P.R.y [Railway] 1914”. 25 copy prints were made from these negatives due to deterioration of original film negatives.16 images of Bowmanville and Toronto in May 1914 and 9 images of Vancouver Island including Victoria, Saanich and Mill Bay are available.

Maynard, Albert Hatherly

Correspondence related to police patrol vessel on Fraser River during fishing seasons

  • GR-0399
  • Series
  • 1904-1907

This series consists of correspondence related to police patrol vessel on the Fraser River during fishing seasons. Includes
a record of activities of a police patrol vessel on the Fraser River during fishing seasons 1904 to 1907. Vessels mentioned in the records include the S.S. City of Tipella, 1904; S.S. Sonoma, 1905; S.S. Tasmanian, 1906; S.S. Annie, 1907. Other records include correspondence inward, 1905-1907; and lists of fishermen, 1906.

British Columbia. Provincial Police Force (Steveston)

Fisheries records

  • GR-1378
  • Series
  • 1911-1972

This series contains records of the Dept. of Fisheries (1917-1957) and the Commercial Fisheries Branch (1957-1972) relating to the administration and conservation of fishery resources. The series consists of correspondence files, memoranda, reports, statistics and returns, and proposed regulations. The records pertain to the Fraser River Sockeye treaties, the International Pacific Salmon Fisheries Commission, and fishways, dams and obstructions on the Fraser River, including correspondence with the Washington State Planning Council (19341936). There is also material on the Quesnel River Basin hydro-electrical development investigation (1949-1953), the Adams River dam and fishway (1911-1946), and various water licence applications (1967-1969). Other records, further divided into subseries, consist of correspondence files pertaining to the administration of the Fisheries Inspection Act, 1935-1972, correspondence re Japanese fishermen, 1934-1939, memoranda on fisheries conservation, Fisheries records, Fraser River Sockeye Treaty - correspondence and memos, J.B. Babcock - correspondence re Salmon treaty question, Fraser River Sockeye Treaty, International Pacific Salmon Fisheries Commission Fishways and dams, River Basin Hydro-Electric Development Investigation and Returns

British Columbia. Commercial Fisheries Branch

Fraser River Board library

  • GR-4074
  • Series
  • 1916-1987

This series consists of the contents of the Fraser River Board library. The majority of records date from 1950-1970. The library consists of reference material used by Board staff, as well as reports and records created by staff and contractors in the course of their work for the Board. Most of the studies were completed by the Fraser River Board, as well as its predecessor, the Joint Dominion-Provincial Board, Fraser River. Some records were also created by the Fraser River Board’s successor, the Fraser River Joint Advisory Board.

The records were maintained in order to document studies of various lakes and rivers with emphasis on determining the most effective ways to reduce the flooding potential of the Fraser River. The primary methods of investigation were to increase storage of water in the upper Fraser River through construction of hydro-electric dams, and to expand and improve the dyke systems in the Fraser Valley. Also included are studies of the economic value of lakes and rivers. Other topics addressed include agriculture, power generation, dyke construction, geography, geology, hydrology, transmission lines, meteorology, navigation, oceanography, pollution, sedimentation or erosion, and fish and wildlife in BC.

The library is arranged in four sections:

Section 1 relates to studies of specific sites on the Fraser River, by the Board. Many of these reports contain survey information, technical data, charts, photos and maps relates to the geology or hydrology at a site to determine stability and volumes of water flowage. Many of these reports were created through field work in an attempt to determine potential sites for the construction of dams or water diversion on the Fraser and its tributaries to improve flood control. Other records include: soil samples; technical drawings and design calculations of structures such as dams; studies of watersheds; studies on potential generation and transmission of hydro-electric power; aerial photos; project cost estimates and financial information; assessments of impacts on agriculture, forestry, and fisheries, particularly salmon habitats; as well as oceanography and tidal studies.

Section 2 relates to the Fraser River generally. Much of this material was created by the Board or the Government of BC. Subject matter is similar to section 1, though it includes fewer drafts, technical reports and field note data.

Section 3 contains more general reference material, much of it published, but still relates to places and topics in BC. Some records are created by other government bodies, such as the Canadian government.

Section 4 contains “miscellaneous” library material, much of it was not catalogued. This section includes the final, preliminary, annual and interim reports of the Board and its successors. The section also includes some records about other major dam construction projects in BC, particularly the Columbia River dam. There is also annotated copies of the library index.

Each book or report has a three part call number. The first number is a topical category, such as agriculture or geology (the numbers may vary by section). The second number is a geographical location in BC. The third number is a sequential number. Reports in section 1 have an additional number preceding a “/” which refers to a specific project site on the Fraser River, such as a potential location for a dam. See the original library index for detailed explanations of each of these numbers.

For example, 104/5.1.1 represents McGregor River project / water flowage. Upper Fraser. Item one.

These records were transferred under one time schedule number 890395.

Joint Dominion-Provincial Board, Fraser River Basin (Canada)

Fraser River Board records

  • GR-4075
  • Series
  • 1912-1979

This series consists of the administrative and operational records of the Fraser River Board. The records were created by the Fraser River Board, as well as its predecessor, the Joint Dominion-Provincial Board, Fraser River; and the Fraser River Board’s successor, the Fraser River Joint Advisory Board. The majority of records were created from 1948-1970.

The records were maintained in order to document studies of various lakes and rivers with emphasis on determining the most effective ways to reduce the flooding potential of the Fraser River. The primary methods of investigation were to increase storage of water in the upper Fraser River through construction of hydro-electric dams, and to expand and improve the dyke system in the Fraser Valley. Also included are studies of economic value of lakes and rivers. Other topics addressed include agriculture, power generation, dyke construction, geography, geology, hydrology, transmission lines, meteorology, navigation, oceanography, pollution, sedimentation or erosion, and fish and wildlife in BC.

The records are arranged into the following subseries:

  1. Paper files. These records were the contents of filing cabinets and contain a variety of operational records. Most files are either project files related to the creation of reports in GR-4074, and raw data or statistics used in the creation of reports. Other records include memorandums, meeting agendas, minutes, and correspondence of Board staff. There are also some subject files of reference material on various topics, such as the history of the Fraser River. Records include draft reports, correspondence, maps, plans, technical drawings, photos, and graphs.

  2. Survey field books. Field books of survey and technical studies conducted along the Fraser River and its tributaries. Some of this information was likely used in later reports. Records relate to Clearwater River, McGregor River and other locations.

  3. Data. Raw data, graphs, charts, diagrams, maps, tables and some aerial photos with information used to create reports. Most information relates to water volumes and potential for power generation.

  4. Outgoing mail and reports. Outgoing correspondence, memorandums, completed reports, meeting minutes and meeting agendas filed chronologically from 1951 to 1964.

  5. Photos and negatives. Images document field work, scenery and location of work. Many images were used in later reports. Some aerial photos, including documentation of the 1948 flood in the Fraser Valley.

These records were transferred under one time schedule number 890395.

Joint Dominion-Provincial Board, Fraser River Basin (Canada)

List of ditch companies on the Fraser River

  • GR-1770
  • Series
  • 1858

List of ditch companies on the Fraser River in 1858 and proposed regulations for granting ditch privileges, 20 July 1858 to 25 October 1858.

British Columbia (Colony). Lands and Works Dept.

Newspaper clipping books

  • GR-3483
  • Series
  • 1948-1955

Series consists of newspaper clipping books compiled by the Joint Dominion-Provincial Board, Fraser River Basin. The books were produced to provide information about the activities of the Board but also to provide subject matter on the Fraser River.

There are three volumes of clipping books. The volumes deal with a wide variety of topics including navigation, dyking, erosion, flood control, natural resources, water power, water supply, fisheries, wildlife and recreation. Volume one covers the years 1949 to 1950, volume two covers 1951-1955 and volume three covers the years 1949-1955.

Joint Dominion-Provincial Board, Fraser River Basin (Canada)

Project files

  • GR-0880
  • Series
  • 1949-1976

This series consists of records of the Ministry of Environment (previously the Dept. of Lands, Forests and Water Resources), Power and Special Projects Division. Records include correspondence, feasibility studies, consultants' reports, engineering studies, application hearings, submissions, progress reports, contract drawings and tender documents regarding hydro-electric projects, water licenses, flood control, petroleum refinery pollution, sewerage treatment plants, fisheries and wildlife, and environmental impact, 1949-1976.

The collection largely contains materials relating to Arrow Lakes Dam, 1949, 1954-1969; the Jordan River redevelopment project, 1968-1972; the Babine Lake development (Fulton River dam), 1967-1970; the Columbia River Mica Dam project, 1954-1970; the Duncan Lake storage development, 1971-1973; the Kootenay canal development, and the Portage Mountain development (Peace River W.A.C. Bennett Dam), 1958-1967. It also includes hearings and submissions regarding the Iona Island sewage treatment plant, 1957-1959; records of Canada - B.C. Consultative Committee on the Okanagan basin agreement, 1970; B.C. Comptroller of Water Rights hearings regarding Nechako River, 1949; various B.C. Research Council reports, 1966-1973; and International Joint Commission (U.S. and Canada) hearings, 1955.

Boxes contains the following material:
Box 1 : Hydro-electric projects, miscellaneous reports and correspondence
Box 2: Tsitikia-Schoen Resource Study Hearings (Date: 1975)
Box 3: B.C. Hydro and Power Authority Reports, Mica, Arrow Lake, Duncan Lake Dams, 1965-1973; Recreation in Columbia River basin, 1961; Soil Convention Papers, 1964; Committee on International Hydro decade (Dates 1961, 1964-1973)
Box 4: Water License, Dam Applications, Hearings and Submissions (Dates 1949-1976)
Box 5: Fraser River (Dates 1957-1974)
Box 6: B.C. Research Council Reports (Dates 1966-1973)
Box 7: Okanagan Valley, Kettle Valley (Date 1975)
Box 8: Sewage Disposal, Iona Island (Dates 1957-1959)
Box 9: Wildlife and Fisheries (Dates 1965, 1969)
Box 10: Petroleum Refineries Pollution, Solid Waste Disposal
Box 11-13: Jordan River Redevelopment Project (Dates 1968-1972)
Box 14-28: Arrow Lake Dam (Dates 1958-1969)
Box 29-30: Babine Lake Development (Fulton River Dam) (Dates 1967-1970)
Box 31-39: Columbia -River Hydro-Electric Projects (Dates 1954-1966)
Box 40-45: Duncan Lake Storage Development (1961-1973)
Box 46-51: Kootenay Canal Development (Dates 67-1973)
Box 52-72: Portage Mountain development (W.A.C. Bennett Dam, Peace River) (Dates 1958-1968)
Box 73-86: Miscellaneous Contract Drawings and Tender Documents
Box 87: Additional Jordan River Redevelopment reports (Dates 1968-1969)
Box 88: Author and title catalogue cards

British Columbia. Power and Special Projects Division

Records of emergency aid and damage assistance pertaining to the Fraser River flood of May 1948

  • GR-1313
  • Series
  • 1948-1950

This series contains records of emergency aid and damage assistance pertaining to the Fraser River flood of May 1948, pursuant to the Flood Relief Act, 1948. The records consist of subject correspondence files, correspondence with local rehabilitation committees, appraisals of property damage reviewed by the Authority, and accounts of damage to stock, feed, seed, and crops.

Fraser Valley Rehabilitation Authority