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Archival description
Peace River district (B.C. and Alta.)
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Photographs

The series consists of loose photographs, a mixture of negatives and prints, taken by Carmichael in the early 1900s. They are of various places including Alberni, Powell River, Haida Gwaii and Peace River and show landscapes, water courses, dams and people as well as mining operations. Several prints may have been removed from an album.

Each image was given an HP (historic photograph) number in the sequence HP001665 to HP001739 and kept as part of the Archives general file (accession 193501-001). Prints, both original and copy, are in the HP original folders while negatives, both original and copy, are filed either by HP number or by negative number, depending on the media (glass, nitrate, acetate etc.).

Tropical Valley expedition

The item consists of two reels of documentary film. It shows an expedition through northeastern British Columbia by Mary Gibson Henry, Pennsylvania botanist and plantswoman. Mrs. Henry was interested in the legendary "Tropical Valley" of northern B.C., where the warmth of hot springs supposedly fostered vegetation not otherwise found in the region. The film was shot in the summer of 1931, during the first of four such journeys she made in the period 1931-1935. Mrs. Henry was accompanied by her husband, Dr. J. Norman Henry; four of her children; topographer Knox McCusker (of the Dominion Topographical Surveys Branch); Dr. B.H. Chandler, a surgeon friend; and outfitter S. Clark, as well as various wranglers. The second and third reels of this three-reel film show the party of 16 travelling by pack-train, crossing rivers, caching food, and fishing, as well as some camp scenes. At an encampment of "Grand Lake Indians" on the Tetsa River, they engage Charlie Macdonald, the chief's son, to guide them to Toad Hot Springs on the Toad River, but they do not proceed north to Liard Hot Springs. On the return trip south, stops include St. Paul's Lake, Henry River, and Lake Mary and Lake Josephine [named after the Henry's daughters]; these place names do not seem to have become official. Following the Peace River, they arrive at Hudson's Hope (having travelled 800 miles in 79 days), and continue down river to Taylor Flats.

Reel 1 of this film is missing, along with the actual title and credits.

Take a giant step

Documentary. The story of the Northeast Coal and Transportation Development. City of Tokyo and Vancouver officials sign Northeast Coal Development Agreement. Premier W.R. Bennett with Japanese officials. Various modes of transportation. Mine installations from Prince George to Fort St. John. Cargo shipping routes. Townsites for employees.

The instant town : [footage]

Unedited footage. Shows "instant" resource towns in British Columbia, their industrial facilities, and the amenities available to workers and their families, including housing, shopping centres, schools, company stores, etc. Includes footage of the open-pit mine at Phoenix; the town of Mackenzie, north of Prince George; the mill town of Woodfibre, including its ferry service; and the forestry town of Gold River on Vancouver Island.

Victor R. Michetti interview

RECORDED: Dawson Creek (B.C.), 1986 SUMMARY: Vic Michetti hitchhiked into Dawson Creek in 1963 and signed on with the railway. Vic did not plan to stay long, but as of 1986, he could still be found working in the Dawson Creek office.;

Anthony L. Kos interview

RECORDED: Prince George (B.C.), 1986 SUMMARY: Tony Kos: In 1949, Tony joined the railway's construction survey crew on the extension north of Quesnel. He left the railway, then returned soon after for the push north to the Peace River district. T;ony now owns and operates a contracting business in Prince George.;

Marv Gammon interview

RECORDED: [location unknown], 1986 SUMMARY: Marv Gammon: As Marv says, "Everyone started in Lillooet at one time or another." He started there in 1963. As of 1986, he was a trainman on the Fort Nelson run, based in Fort St. John.;

Doug Christie interview

RECORDED: [location unknown], 1986 SUMMARY: Doug Christie retired in January 1986 after 27 years as terminal supervisor at Fort St. John. He spent 30 years with the railway.;

Jacob Torgerson interview

SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Jacob Torgerson : retired hard rock miner and Peace River homesteader RECORDED: Burnaby (B.C.), 1972-04-05 SUMMARY: Jacob Torgerson was born in Norway in 1891. Life as a hard rock miner in B.C. at Britannia Beach. Pioneer miner in Northern B.C. and others. Also information about his life in the Peace River country, and about silicosis. How he got silicosis and how the Compensation Board refused to pay him a pension for 17 years.

The Pacific Great Eastern story, no. 3, 1956-04-03

SUMMARY: Dick Batey reports on the progress of construction on the Pacific Great Eastern Railway's northern extension from Prince George. Includes an interview with P.G.E. construction engineer J.C. Anderson; John Dennison of Northern Freightways; Dawson Creek commissioner Gordon Kitson; Prince George mayor J.R. Morrison; Ed Cuthill; Mr. Spicer of Fort St. John; Frank Roneghan of Pacific Petroleum; and Margaret "Ma" Murray of the Alaska Highway News. This is the third program in a CJVI series on the P.G.E.

W.A.C. Bennett interview : [Mitchell, 1976-1978 : part 2]

CALL NUMBER: T1675:0021 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Social Credit and economic development in British Columbia, 1952-1972 PERIOD COVERED: 1952-1972 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1977-06-16 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: W.A.C. Bennett discusses the administration of public finances in British Columbia during the years he served as Premier. Economic conditions in B.C. when Social Credit came to power, 1952. Anecdote about meeting an old trapper in the Peace River country. Bennett's plan for developing British Columbia. John de Wolf and reaction to the takeover of B.C. Electric. Bennett's belief in making the capitalist system work for the people. Politics as the only real science. TRACK 2: Comments on the nature of the British Columbia economy. The roles of resource industries and tourism in the economy. The lack of secondary industry in B.C. British Columbia's place in the world economy. Story about a trip to the Iron Curtain. Attitude toward the United States and the issue of continentalism in North America. Cooperation with the federal government on various projects. The Columbia River Treaty. Economic development in B.C. as a consequence of post-war prosperity. Populism. Problems associated with maintaining Social Credit's hegemony in B.C. under W.A.C. Bennett's leadership. CALL NUMBER: T1675:0022 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Financial policies of Social Credit in British Columbia, 1952-1960 PERIOD COVERED: 1952-1960 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1977-06-17 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: W.A.C. Bennett discusses Einar Gunderson's loss of a legislative seat, 1953, and his subsequent role in the government. Assuming the Finance portfolio. Comments on close friends and confidants during his early years as Premier. Comments on literature written on the subject of his years in power: Ron Worley's "The Wonderful World of W.A.C. Bennett", Paddy Sherman's "Bennett", Martin Robin's "Pillars of Profit", Pat McGeer's "Politics in Paradise". Political philosophy. Reduction of the public debt as the keystone of Social Credit policy during the early years of power. TRACK 2: Explanation of the process of eliminating the public debt of British Columbia. Debt reduction and its relationship to Socred development policies. Reasons for concentrating on the policy of debt reduction. Direct liabilities vs. contingent liabilities. The bond-burning ceremony at Kelowna, August 1, 1959. The development of parity bonds. The genesis of the B.C. homeowner's grant. CALL NUMBER: T1675:0023 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Government finance and transportation policies of the Socreds PERIOD COVERED: 1952-1972 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1977-06-18 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: W.A.C. Bennett discusses the budgetary processes of his Social Credit government. Treasury Board and "Little Treasury Board". The budget as an instrument of government policy. Balanced budget vs. deficit financing. Elimination of nuisance taxes. Political popularity vs. high principles as factors in the formulation of government policy. Budgetary growth and economic development. The advocacy of unpopular policies and the defeat of the government in 1972. TRACK 2: Plans for the expansion of the PGE Railway. The role of the railway in Bennett's plan for the development of British Columbia's north. Bennett's "Northern Vision". Oil and gas discoveries in B.C.'s Peace River District. Frank McMahon, Westcoast Transmission Company, and Bennett's efforts to build a pipeline in British Columbia. Meeting with presidents of oil companies in Victoria. Establishment of the Toll Bridges and Highway Authority, 1953. The construction and financing of highways in B.C. The background to the establishment of the B.C. Ferries Corporation. CALL NUMBER: T1675:0024 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Provincial and Federal Social Credit policies in Canada, 1952-1972 PERIOD COVERED: 1952-1972 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1977-08-16 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: W.A.C. Bennett discusses relations among the B.C. and Alberta Social Credit parties and the federal Social Credit party. Social Credit's ambitions in the federal field in Canada. The contest for the leadership of the federal Socreds between Robert Thompson and Real Caouette, 1961. Motivations for Manning's support of Thompson and Bennett's support for Caouette. British Columbia Socreds and their support for the federal wing of the party. The Albertan influence on the federal Socreds. Anecdote about the possibility of Ross Thatcher joining Social Credit. TRACK 2: The role of Orvis Kennedy within the Alberta Social Credit movement. Evaluation of the leadership of Solon Low. Bennett's lack of interest in becoming directly involved in federal politics after he became Premier. Anecdote about a federal Socred meeting at "The Market" in Montreal. Evaluation of Robert Thompson's leadership of the federal Social Credit party. Reasons for Thompson's failure. The effect of the Diefenbaker 'sweep' on the federal Socreds' fortunes. Reasons why Bennett supported Caouette. Anecdote about addressing a large audience in Caouette's home town of Rouyn, Quebec. Reasons for the lack of success of the Social Credit party in federal politics in Canada. CALL NUMBER: T1675:0025 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Relations with federal governments in Ottawa, 1952-1968 PERIOD COVERED: 1952-1964 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1977-08-16 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: W.A.C. Bennett discusses further aspects of his relationship with the federal Social Credit party in Canada. The role of the Social Credit League. The Social Credit party's influence on government policy. Federal Liberal and Conservative governments were jealous of Social Credit's achievements in British Columbia. Reasons why B.C. did not receive substantial financial aid from Ottawa during Bennett's years as Premier. Criticism of federal government's "tight money" policies. TRACK 2: Bennett's government cooperated with Ottawa on major projects. No difference in dealing with a Liberal or Conservative federal administration. Lester Pearson and the Columbia River Treaty. The B.C. government's proposal for a Bank of British Columbia. The Senate Bank Committee Hearings. Anecdote about a meeting with Paul Martin. Reasons why the original proposal for a Bank of B.C. were not successful. The present Bank of British Columbia's indebtedness to Bennett's government. CALL NUMBER: T1675:0026 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Background to the Sommers Affair PERIOD COVERED: 1930-1960 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1977-08-17 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: W.A.C. Bennett explains how he acquired his home in Kelowna. The purchase of his hardware store from David Leckie, 1930. Reasons why he did not seek nomination as campaign leader of the Social Credit party for the 1952 election. The background to the Sommers Affair. Bennett hired a private detective to investigate Sommers when he first heard rumours of irregularities. Reasons why Sommers had been chosen as a cabinet minister. Sommers one of the Socreds' best debaters. TRACK 2: Bennett comments on Liberal "friends" who leaked information to him. He reads from a public opinion poll commissioned by the Liberals in 1968 which rates the chances of success of several possible Liberal leaders in B.C., including John Turner. Robert Sommers' personal weaknesses. Gordon Gibson Sr.'s charges against Sommers in the legislature and the later by-election in Lillooet. Anecdote about a lively by-election campaign meeting. Bennett does not regret appointing Sommers to the cabinet. Further comments on Gordon Gibson Sr. Comments on persuading Chief Justice Sloan to become forestry advisor to the Bennett government. Evaluation of Attorney-General Bonner's handling of the Sommers case. CALL NUMBER: T1675:0027 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): The Sommers Affair PERIOD COVERED: 1956-1960 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1977-08-17 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: W.A.C. Bennett discusses further aspects of the Sommers Affair. Asking for Sommers' resignation from the cabinet and the appointment of new ministers. All-night sittings of the legislature. The calling of elections. The election of 1956. The effect of the Sommers Affair on the outcome of the election. Bennett's battle with the newspapers. Views on the press. Reasons for the Social Credit victory in the 1956 election. Further comments on Sommers, the court case and the Attorney-General's handling of it. TRACK 2: Reaction to the Sommers case. The impact of the Sommers Affair on the Social Credit government. Comments on possible dissension within Socred ranks. The handling of forest management licences by the Bennett government. Comments on the outcome of the Sommers case. Further comments on Robert Bonner's handling of the Sommers Affair. Loyalty as a possible weakness of W.A.C. Bennett. History will vindicate Sommers. CALL NUMBER: T1675:0028 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Federal-Provincial relations, 1952-1972 PERIOD COVERED: 1952-1972 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1977-10 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: W.A.C. Bennett discusses aspects of federal-provincial relations during the years he served as Premier, 1952-1972. Relations between the provinces and the federal government improved during the period. Loyalty to a united Canada. Enjoyed dealing with C.D. Howe in Ottawa. Comparison of the four Prime Ministers Bennett served in conjunction with: St. Laurent, Diefenbaker, Pearson and Trudeau. TRACK 2: Anecdote about an experience at an official dinner in Paris regarding France's relationship with Canada and Quebec. Discussion of further aspects of federal-provincial relations while serving as Premier of B.C. Response to references in the memoirs of former Prime Ministers Diefenbaker and Pearson. W.A.C. Bennett's style of politics. Comments about Pierre Trudeau's stewardship of the federal government. The incident of Trudeau referring to Bennett as "a bigot". CALL NUMBER: T1675:0029 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): The failure of the Victoria Charter, 1971 PERIOD COVERED: 1965-1972 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1977-10 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: W.A.C. Bennett discusses his attitude towards bilingualism in Canada. Review of the Canadian constitution. The background to the meeting in Victoria in June, 1971, at which the Victoria Charter was issued. Reasons for the failure to accept the charter. Quebec's lack of trust in the rest of Canada. Explanation of the formula for amending the Canadian constitution under the Victoria Charter. Individual rights versus national or regional interests as an issue in federal-provincial relations. Criticisms of a centralized federal system. [TRACK 2: blank.]

Jack Anderson interview

SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Jack Anderson RECORDED: Burnaby (B.C.), 1976-02-16 SUMMARY: Jack Anderson was born in Iowa and came to B.C. in 1919. Went to the Peace River County with his brother to farm, at about 15 years old. Tried logging and trapping, and moved to Rivers Inlet. Became a fisherman and cannery worker, started at Brunswick Cannery. Discusses canneries and Canada Fish Co. Very difficult during the Depression, discusses fish prices. Sailboats were used in the 1920s. Over 100 boats were based out of Brunswick Cannery. Licenses issued for each district, with Japanese confined to specific districts. Bought a converted boat in 1925 with at Easthope engine, used it for 12 years. $1000.00 a year at that time was considered good money. Trapping was a tough and lonely business. Started logging as a hand logger, and used a Gilchrist Jack to get the logs in the water. Quit logging in 1950 and gillnetted until 1970. Stayed at Rivers Inlet. Heart attacks are common for fishermen, with many dying in the 50s. Net loft boss got paid the most. Logging, canneries and fished are now mechanized. Fish are stored in brine and shipped to Vancouver or Prince Rupert. Fishing used to employ thousands of people, but not now (1976). The licensing of boats, to limit their numbers, resulted in basically eliminating Indian fishermen. Catches have gone down, as the gear is more efficient. Discusses strikes at Rivers Inlet. Discusses the switch from pay per piece to pay per pound and the need for a union, to improve prices. Recommends two Ministers of Fisheries, one for each coast. Fishing has become more competitive. Talks about different people and shares anecdotes about them.

Robert Ohland interview

RECORDED: [location unknown], 1977 SUMMARY: An oral history interview with Robert Ohland. He talks about his family, his parents decision to go to farm in the Peace River region, the journey to the Peace in 1928, farming, Taylor flats, other settlers, the store, building a house, supplies, garden crops, clothing, berries, neighbours, naming of Baldonnel B.C., missionaries, foot wear, and life during the depression.

Margaret Crook interview

RECORDED: [location unknown], 1977 SUMMARY: An oral history interview with Mrs. Margaret Crook. She talks about the journey to the Peace from the prairies in 1929, Fort St. John in 1929, homesteading in the Montney area, entertainments, crops, hardships, logging, food and clothing, school, visiting, holidays, berrying, sucker sundays, hockey games and "flipping a coin for a baby".

Harold Fines interview

RECORDED: [location unknown], 1977 SUMMARY: An oral history interview with Harold Fines, a Saskatchewan school teacher who homesteaded in the Peace in 1934. He talks about the journey to the Peace by car and rail, the mail service, roads, electric power, radio, missionaries, schools, work on co-op, school and hospital boards, comments on modern technology and change.;

Jesse Starnes interview

RECORDED: [location unknown], 1977 SUMMARY: An oral history interview with Jesse Starnes about Fort St. John and area. He talks about his childhood in Oklahoma, migrating to Canada in 1905, the native people, his life as a trapper, other settlers, the building of the Alaska highway, conditions in the 1930s, collapse of the Peace River bridge, hydro development, other sources of power, space travel, and the attitudes of east to west and resources.

Howard Carson interview

SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Howard Carson RECORDED: [location unknown], [1977?] SUMMARY: Howard Carson discusses homesteading in the Peace River region in 1928. Ms. MacDougall: teacher, friends, and boarder with family. School days. Local colour. A posse goes after a wolverine; a forty-pound weasel. Clay Martin or "his place" mentioned several times. Second half of tape has a great deal of interesting information concerning freighting with horses in the winter.

Peace River oral history collection

  • PR-1885
  • Collection
  • 1973-1976

The collection consists of oral history interviews pertaining to the history of the Peace River region.

Woodward, Caroline

Charles Bruce interview

RECORDED: [location unknown], 1979-07-25 SUMMARY: Mr. Bruce tells of his education in Victoria. The difficulties of getting a school in those days; getting school at Upper Pine (1938-39); took train there, with 40 teachers going north. Describes country, ranchers, boarding place, social life, poverty, types of food. The school's part in the community. Organization of school district in the Peace River block. One-room schools had some advantages, but mainly considers that education is better in consolidated schools. He became a principal and superintendent of schools in the Kamloops district.

Herbert Richards interview : [Scott, 1981]

RECORDED: Williams Lake (B.C.), 1981-09 SUMMARY: Mr. Richards was born in Washington state and moved to the Peace River in 1921. He later moved to Vancouver with his father, and completed his schooling there. Herbert logged on Vancouver Island for a time. and later moved to the Cariboo, where he made his home on a preemption in Forest Grove.

Most lovely country -- British Columbia : [out-takes]

Out-takes. An Imperial Oil tribute to British Columbia on its centennial. Beginning with a visit to Major J.S. Matthews at the Vancouver City Archives, the film surveys the growth of BC industry, with special attention to the role of the petroleum industry in past development and present prosperity. Includes: Vancouver streets, airport and aerial views; heavy construction work in mountains; logging; mining; Trail smelter; fishing and canning; fruit growing in the Okanagan; cattle ranching; oil drilling (Peace River region); ships in port; sports activities; UBC.

Gas unlimited : [out-takes]

Out-takes. Natural gas as an energy resource for BC. Shows the uses of and demand for natural gas; gas exploration in the Peace River area; planning and construction of pipelines to carry gas to Vancouver and the USA.

Gas unlimited

Industrial film. Natural gas as an energy resource for BC. Shows uses of and demand for natural gas; natural gas exploration and drilling in the Peace River area; planning and construction of pipelines to carry gas from the Peace area to Vancouver and the USA.

Andy Russell interview

CALL NUMBER: T4105:0043.1 RECORDED: Millarville (Alta.), 1984-10 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Grew up with a passion for reading, the mountains and horses. Bert Rigall, international reputation, taught Andy guiding, childhood accident, started in 1907, operated out of Waterton Park, 1910. Wilderness summer trips, fifty horses, covered from Flathead Valley to Kananaskis. Major five month trip, Fort Steele to Pine Pass in 1911. Guides license obtained in 1936. Guiding territory in BC was lower Flathead Valley and east tributaries, 1946 to 1960. Used local BC guides. Selective hunting for bighorn sheep. Providing a service. High international outfitters rating. Frank Dvorak. Exclusive outfitting rights in Waterton Park, 110 horses. Recollections and perceptions of grizzly. TRACK 2: Guided famous hunting writers. Wilderness photography. Exposure/experience with big game, horses. Snowstorm problems. Close calls climbing. His film "Grizzly Country": lecture tour for 11 years, making it. Career thoughts. Description of Frenchie Riviere; origins, trailed horses to Fort St. John.

CALL NUMBER: T4105:0043.2 RECORDED: Millarville (Alta.), 1984-10 SUMMARY: Frenchie Riviere (continued). Jim Riviere, George Gladstone's stream crossing story. Crowsnest outfits; Frank Dvorak, Martin and Mike Baher, Vensel Dvorak. Leo Rutledge. Recollections of recent conservation battle with oil companies.

Eugene Merrill interview

RECORDED: Edson (Alta.), 1984-10 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Early trapping and moose hunting in the Peace River region. Local guides names. Worked for Stan Clark and Jack Hargreaves in the Jasper area, circa 1938. Art and Ken Allen were head guides. Other Jasper outfits in the 1940s noted. Tips given on summer and fall trips. Pat Smith, Ed and Frank Moberly. Cooks. Hargreaves' area was Sulphur River; trailed in from Devona. Red Ilee. Hunter's death recounted; taking out the body, etc. Worked for Red Creighton's outfit after WWII. Outfitting summer climbing trips, usually 14 days. TRACK 2: Larry McGuire. Transferred into pack troop at Prince George during WWII; specialized horsemen, packed mountain fighters for manoeuvers in mountain parks. Gene was a farrier. A 'unique' discharge. Wife cooked for various outfitters. Various wages for summer and fall trips. Guiding equipment. Fish story regarding Jack Hargreaves. Frank Burstrom and disappearing elk horns story.

Hersch Neighbor interview

CALL NUMBER: T4105:0017.1 RECORDED: Fort St. John (B.C.), 1983-11 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: A green kid's first trip wrangling in 1926. A cold forty day trip. Guided for 38 consecutive years. Included Jasper, Tete Jaune Cache, and Pink Mountain. Best game and horse country was ;north of Jasper. Territorial comparison. Curly Phillips was pioneering outfitter. Indians. Hunting territories overlapped at Kakwa (Porcupine) Lake. Various geographic names in Kakwa area / Sheep Pass meadows. Clark's crossing on Smoky River. Die-off of caribou. TRACK 2: Various trips in Jasper Park. Some Jasper outfitters. Brother, Rufe, started about 1918, later partner with Bert Wilkins. Description of Curly Phillips and operation. Ed 'Dad' Neighbor. Park guide badge 1921. Otto Brothers in Jasper. Magazine article. Family move with horses from Tete Jaune Cache to Pink Mountain in 1954. Outfitted from Pink Mountain for ten years. Description of his territory, rivers, game, trails. 1906 police trail noted. Eunice's (wife) involvement in operations. CALL NUMBER: T4105:0017.2 RECORDED: Fort St. John (B.C.), 1983-11 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Stan Russell's death and burial on Big Shale Hill, 1951. Plaque mounted. George Hargreaves' death and grave. Shovel superstition. Details of bear attack on Harry Phillips at Berland River; on Jack Powell at Prophet River. Blood poisoning incident on dude trip to Kakwa Lake, 1936 or 1937. A lucky wilderness operation on his leg. Changes in outfitting over the years, tents, cooking, stoves and heating, lamps, pack boxes. Game pressure and conservation today. [TRACK 2: blank.]

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