The Romanet papers consist of correspondence, notebooks and reports on the fur trade, and the manuscripts of Kabluk of the Eskimo including several revisions. When the collection was received by the Archives in 1972, only a small part was preserved in Louis Romanets own meticulous arrangement. Care has been taken to maintain these files in their original order; but it was necessary to sort and arrange the bulk of the collection to define Romanet's career. One of the journals he composed during his first winter in Canada exists only as a carbon copy on tissue sheets. It is so fragile that a transcription has been made for the use of researchers. The 860 photographs in the collection depict the Hudson's Bay Company's employees, trading posts, and stern-wheel steamships; the native population of Northern Canada including the Arctic Islands; and the Romanet family. Almost 100 of the photographs were collected from Government and Hudsons Bay Company sources to illustrate Kabluk of the Eskimo, although only sixteen were used in the published version. A descriptive inventory was prepared in 1975. This inventory was revised and reprinted in 1997, however, the physical arrangement of the fonds was not altered.
Romanet, Louis AugustePhotograph of "Icebergs off shore of Baffin Island, N.W.T." Same as 72-81-7-1-9-306. Romanet acquired this photograph from the Department of the Interior, Northwest Territories and Yukon Branch to illustrate his monograph "Kabluk of the Eskimo." This photograph was not used in the final published version.
Photograph of Ice Pack. Photograph acquired from Federal government office for the purpose of publication in the monograph "Kabluk of the Eskimo." This pariticular photo was not used in the published draft.
Photo shows dredge at mouth of Clearwater River with a worker in the foreground. In 1923 Romanet was promoted from general inspector to district manager of the Athabasca and Mackenzie River Districts and general manager of the Alberta and Arctic Transportation Company. He was responsible for all the fur trading posts in the two districts and the HBC's river transportation craft: stern-wheelers, barges, and motor launches.
Photograph of train with a load of tar sand. After leaving the employ of the Hudson's Bay Company in 1930 Romanet was employed at various times as an agent for North Star Oil Company and Athabasca Oils Limited. The latter company focussed its efforts on developing the oil sands at Fort McMurray and Waterways.
Romanet, Louis Auguste"Bear, buffalo and wolf tracks near Pine Lake, N.W.T." Romanet acquired this photograph from the National Museum of Canada to illustrate his monograph "Kabluk of the Eskimo." The photo was not used in the final published version.
Photo shows warehouse, possibly at Waterways, nothern Alberta.
Photo shows warehouse (possibly at Waterways) with bandsaw to the right of the building.
Photograph of barge under construction at Waterways, April 22, 1927.
Photograph shows barge under construction at Waterways on April 23, 1927.
Photograph shows barge under construction at Waterways on April 25, 1927.
Photograph shows details of kayaks at Godhavre, Greenland. Caption reads "The kayaks were truly wonderful craft." Photograph chosen for "Kabluk of the Eskimo."
Photograph of Barge #100 at Waterways (now Draper), Athabasca Distrct, Northern Alberta.
Photograph of the launch of Barge #100 at Waterways. In 1923 the Hudson's Bay Company promoted Romanet to district manager of the Athabasca and Mackenzie River Districts. In this capacity he was responsible for all river transportation craft in the districts.
Photograph of Barge #100 being launched at Waterways (now Draper). S.S. "Athabasca River" in background. In 1923 the Hudson's Bay Company promoted Romanet to district manager of the Athabasca and Mackenzie River Districts. In this capacity he was responsible for all river transportation craft in the districts.
Photograph of Barge #100 launching at Waterways on May 14, 1927. S.S. "Athabasca River" in background.In 1923 the Hudson's Bay Company promoted Romanet to district manager of the Athabasca and Mackenzie River Districts. In this capacity he was responsible for all river transportation craft in the districts.
Photograph of Barge #100 launching at Waterways on May 14, 1927. S.S. "Athabasca River" in background. In 1923 the Hudson's Bay Company promoted Romanet to district manager of the Athabasca and Mackenzie River Districts. In this capacity he was responsible for all river transportation craft in the districts.
Photograph of the Athabasca River.
Photograph of the site of Fort McMurray at the junction of the Athabasca and Clearwater Rivers.
Photograph of H.B.C. post at Fort McMurray. Store at right, large house for travelers, centre.
Photograph of Eskimo hunters and walrus. Caption reads "Ai'vuk, the walrus was hauled out on the ice to be cut up." Romanet acquired this photograph from the National Museum of Canada for use in his monograph " Kabluk of the Eskimo." He mounted this photo on paper for a preliminary draft, it was not used in the final, published, version.
Photograph of Franklin Avenue, Fort McMurray, Kushner's Store at right.
Photograph of Franklin Avenue, Fort McMurray. Unidentified man in centre.
Photograph of H.B.C. dwelling house at Fort McMurray.
Photograph of H.B.C. store and fur trade office, Fort McMurray. Seven unidentified men on sidewalk, one holding scroll.
Photograph of Eskimo woman chewing sealskin. Romanet collected this photograph from the National Museum and mounted it on paper to illustrate his literary manuscript, "Kabluk of the Eskimo." It was included in published version of the manuscript. Handwritten caption reads "She was chewing a sealskin for making a pair of boots."
Photograph of Alberta and Arctic Transportation Company office, Waterways. Douglas Ferrier, left; unidentified man, right.
Photograph depicts H.B.C. fur trade office. Formerly Alberta and Arctic Transportation Company Office at Waterways, moved to Fort McMurray.
Photograph of H.B.C. district office, Fort McMurray. Left to right: Mr. Owens, E.R. Gowan and unidentified gentleman.
Photograph shows two unidentified men and a dog on Fort McMurray street; McMurray pool hall is in background.
Photo shows boatways at Bell Rock somewhere in northern Alberta
Photo shows a long distance view of Fort McKay.
Photo depicts Inuit man with snow goggles. Caption reads "The chief was an elderly man, tall alert, and sad." Photo selected for use in monograph "Kabluk of the Eskimos." In the monograph the man is named Akpek although the physical description in the book does not match the image in the photo.
Herodier, GastonPhotograph of the east bank of the Athabasca River, opposite Fort McKay. Unidentified buildings.
Photograph of the Mouth of Athabasca River from Athabasca Lake.
Photograph of Fort Chipewyan taken from aboard the S.S. "Athabasca" in July, 1925.
Photograph of Fort Chipewyan. View of islands "taken from the Store."
Gowan, E. R.Photograph of Slave River below mouth of Peace River.
Photograph of Fond du Lac, Alberta showing Hudson's Bay Company Post and village.
Photograph of Fort Fitzgerald, N.W.T. Northern Transportation Co. office, steamboat in background. St. Mary's Church is in the centre right.
Photograph of wagon train with horses, Smith Portage (between Fort Smith and Fitzgerald), Alberta.
Photo depicts Ryan Brothers wagon train with tractors. Driver unidentified. The Ryan Brothers held the contract for transhipping Hudson's Bay Company freight. In 1931 the provincial government gave the the Ryan Brothers "an exclusive franchise for freight for hire by means of motor vehicles."
Photo of Ryan Brothers wagon train with tractors, Smith Portage.The Ryan Brothers held the contract for transhipping Hudson's Bay Company freight. In 1931 the provincial government gave the the Ryan Brothers "an exclusive franchise for freight for hire by means of motor vehicles."
Photograph caption reads "Eskimos packing in summer." Romanet collected this photo from the National Museum of Canada to illustrate his literary manuscript, "Kabluk of the Eskimo." This photo was used in the final, published draft.
Photo depicts Ryan Brothers wagon train with tractor. Tent in background. The Ryan Brothers held the contract for transhipping Hudson's Bay Company freight. In 1931 the provincial government gave the the Ryan Brothers "an exclusive franchise for freight for hire by means of motor vehicles."
Photograph of Ryan Brothers wagon train with tractor. The Ryan Brothers held the contract for transhipping Hudson's Bay Company freight on the Smith Portage. In 1931 the provincial government gave the the Ryan Brothers "an exclusive franchise for freight for hire by means of motor vehicles." Based in Fitzgerald, the Ryan Brothers were the main shipping company for the Smith Portage from the 1920s to the start of the Second World War.
Photograph of Fort Resolution, view from Great Slave Lake.
Photograph of two men fishing under the ice in Fort Resolution,
Guy, FatherPhotograph of three log buildings, dog in foreground.
Photograph of Hay River. Unitl 1937 Hay River's St. Peter Mission was the residential school for the Diocese of Mackenzie River.
Photograph of Eskimo child. Caption reads "A little boy called the new man 'Kabluk' and the nickname remained." Romanet acquired and mounted on paper this photograph from the Photographic Division of the National Museum of Canada to illustrate his literary manuscript, "Kabluk of the Eskimo." The photograph was included in the published version of the manuscript.
Photograph of Hay River. Unidentified houses, buildings, tepee. Unitl 1937 Hay River's St. Peter Mission was the residential school for the Diocese of Mackenzie River. Until the late 1930s the settlement numbered 150 permanent residents with Hudson's Bay Company fur trade activity brought infrequently by the H.B.C. steamers, 'Distributor,' 'Mackenzie River,' and 'Laird River.'
Photograph of Alexandra Falls, Hay River, N.W.T.
Photograph of Lady Evelyn Falls, Kakisa River, N.W.T. in 1925.
Photograph of H.B.C. post at Fort Providence, N.W.T. viewed from the river.
Photograph depicts H.B.C. post at Fort Providence, N.W.T. seen from river.
Photograph, mounted on paper, of Netselingment woman with native snow shovel on Boothia Peninsula, N.W.T. Caption reads "With the snow shovel in her hands and her naked baby in her hood she appeared quite contented." Romanet selected this photo to illustrate his literary manuscript "Kabluk of the Eskimo." Photograph was used in the final published verion of the manuscript.
Photograph of Roman Catholic Mission at Fort Providence, N.W.T. Church under construction. Built by Gratien Ouelette and Joseph Baradette from Fort Resolution 1924.
Photograph of snowy owl on rocks mounted on paper. Caption reads "A snowy owl was perched on the boulder." Romanet acquired this photo from the Dept. of the Interior, Northwest Territories and Yukon Branch to illustrate his manuscript "Kabluk of the Eskimo." This photo was not used in the final version.
Photograph of Roman Catholic residential school in Fort Providence, N.W.T.
Photograph of H.B.C. post at Fort Simpson, N.W.T., viewed from the Liard River.
Photograph of H.B.C. post at Fort Simpson, N.W.T. Liard river at left.
Photograph of Hudson's Bay Company post at either Fort Simpson or Fort Providence, N.W.T. Log building with gable roofs, picket fence and entrance gate with sign "Hudson's Bay Company".
Photograph, mounted on paper, of iceberg in Davis Straight. Caption reads " Berg - Too dangerous a neighbour." Romanet acquired this photograph from the Department of the Interior, Northwest Territories and Yukon Branch to illustrate his manuscript "Kabluk of the Eskimo." It was not used in the final, published version.
Craig, J. D.Photo is described as "A load of fuel in summer time, Eskimo Point, Hudson's Bay, N.W.T. Caption reads "Half concealed under their enormous load of fuel, women appeared to enjoy their hard labour." Romanet acquired and mounted on paper this photograph to illustrate his literary manuscript "Kabluk of the Eskimo." This photograph was not used in the published version of the manuscript.
Guy, FatherPhotograph of H.B.C. post (either Fort Simpson or Fort Providence). Buildings, fence and gate as in 72-81-7-1-9-199. Fur press at right.
Photo shows Hudson's Bay Company post at Fort Simpson or Fort Providence. View through gate. Powder magazine in background.
Photograph of H.B.C. post at Fort Simpson. Dog team and driver.
Photograph of Wrigley Rock, Mackenzie River, N.W.T.
Photograph of H.B.C. post, Fort Wrigley, N.W.T.
Gowan, E. R.Photograph of H.B.C. post, Fort Wrigley, N.W.T.
Photograph of H.B.C. post at Fort Norman, N.W.T.
Photograph depicts Kayak-juak of Southampton Island. Caption reads "As soon as Mala should be able to support a family, he would get married." Romanet acquired this photograph from the National Museum of Canada for the purpose of illustrating his autobiographical manuscript, "Kabluk of the Eskimo." He included the photo in the published version of the manuscript.
Photograph of an old fur baler in Fort Norman, N.W.T.
Photogtraph of Bear Rock, Fort Norman, N.W.T.
Photograph of Bear Rock, Fort Norman, N.W.T
Postcard of "Mr. Taylor turning on gusher at Fort Norman." After he left the HBC in 1930, Romanet worked for North Star Oil and for Abasand Oils Limited, which was attempting to develop the oil sands at Fort McMurray and Waterways.
Postcard (from non-commercial photograph) of Mission Notre Dame de Bonne Esperance, Fort Good Hope, N.W.T.
Photograph of Fort Good Hope. Caption on back of photo reads: "Left to right: R.C. Mission, L.H. [Lamson and Hubbard], N.T. [Northern Traders], [Indian Village], H.B.C. [Indian Village]."
Comment on back of photograph reads: "Indians leaving Fort Good Hope after being supplied at Hudson's Bay Company Store."
Gowan, E. R.Photograph of midnight sun at Fort Good Hope. At the time this photo was taken Romanet was the district of manager of the Athabasca and Mackenzie River Districts of the HBC.
Gowan, E. R.Photograph of midnight sun at Fort Good Hope. At the time of this photo Romanet was district manager of the Athabasca and Mackenzie River Districts and gerneral manager of the Alberta and Arctic Transportation Company.
Caption on photo reads, "Malaia was indeed a lovable bride." Romanet first worked in Arctic Canada for Revillon Freres at a trading post in Ungava Bay in northeastern Quebec. Photo was chosen for Romanet's literary manuscript "Kabluk of the Eskimo." Photograph was used in the final published version of the monogrph.
Herodier, GastonPhotograph of two men sitting on steps of a building with dead foxes hanging beside them. Comment on back of photo reads, "A few silver foxes. Taken at Fort Good Hope, July 1925, E.R. Gowan, leftr, W. Clark, right." At the time of this photo Romanet worked as district manager of the Athabasca and Mackenzie River Districts responsible for all fur trading posts and for HBC river transportation craft.
Photograph of five men sitting on the steps of a building with dead foxes hanging beside them. Left to Right: J. Sibbeston, E.P. Noonan, Bruno Galais, E.R. Gowan, Hyacynthe Cook.
Photograph of the Arctic Red River, H.B.C. houses (Fort Wrigley) on ridge at right. Arctic schooner at dock. In 1923 Romanet became district manager of the Athabasca and Mackenzie River Districts responsible for all the fur trading posts in the two districts and the HBC transportation craft.
Photograph of trapper's houseboat at Arctic Red River. Tent village in background. In 1923 Romanet was promoted to district manager of the Athabasca and Mackenzie River Districts. He was also responsible for the two districts transportation craft.
Photograph of Hudson's Bay Company post, Fort Wrigley.
Photograph of H.B.C. post at Arctic Red River. After returning from WW I Romanet resumed his work as a trader for the HBC. His work included inspection visits throughout Nothern Canada from Hudson's Bay to the Pacific Ocean.
Photo shows an Arctic schooner on the Arctic Red River with unidentifed people on the left and some degree of double exposure. After returning from WW I Romanet resumed his work as trader for the HBC. He worked in northern Canada from Hudson's Bay to the Pacific.
Photogtraph of Aklavik. Before 1924. Canoeist at right. Until 1923 Romanet worked as a trader visiting sites across northern Canada. His focus became northern Alberta and the Northwest Territories when he was promoted to Manager of the Athabasca and Mackenzie trading districts in 1923.
Photograph of Aklavik, site of HBC trading post. Until 1923 Romanet worked as a trader visiting sites across northern Canada. His focus became northern Alberta and the Northwest Territories when he was promoted to Manager of the Athabasca and Mackenzie trading districts in 1923.
Photograph of H.B.C. post at Aklavik, before 1920. Until 1923 Romanet worked as a trader visiting sites across northern Canada. His focus became northern Alberta and the Northwest Territories when he was promoted to Manager of the Athabasca and Mackenzie trading districts in 1923.
Photograph of Eskimo hunters on shore and in Kayaks. Caption reads, "From across the lake, the kayaks advanced to meet teh caribou." Romanet mounted and described this photo with the intention of using it in his monogrph "Kabluk of the Eskimo." This illustration was not used in the final, published version.
Photograph of Arctic Schooner at Aklavik. Foreground: Arctic Bluenose, Flying Cloud, Henry Ford [Built in San Francisco or Seattle]. After serving in WW I Romanet returned to Canada to work as a trader for the HBC. He visited sites across northern Canada from the Hudson's Bay to the Pacific Ocean.
Photograph of H.B.C. house at Aklavik. Unknown gathering at the right of the house. After serving in WW I Romanet returned to Canada to work as a trader for the HBC. He visited sites across northern Canada from the Hudson's Bay to the Pacific Ocean.
Caption reads: "Eggs had been gathered during the previous summer." A photo selected and mounted on paper but never used for the publication "Kabluk of the Eskimo."
Photograph of Thomas Store and warehouses, and wooden walkways, Peace River. Before 1924. Buildings owned by Lamson & Hubbard Canadian Co. In 1923 the Hudson's Bay Company promoted Romanet to district manager for the Athabasca and Mackenzie River Distritcts. He was responsible for the operation of all the fur trading posts in the two districts and for the Hudson's Bay Company's river transportation craft.
Photograph of H.B.C. Transportation office and warehouse, Peace River. Taken after 1924; same buildings as in 72-81-7-1-9-252, now owned by H.B.C. In 1923 Romanet was promoted to District Manager of the Athabasca and Mackenzie River trading Districts.
Photograph of [Sheridan Lawrence's] cows, Peace River district. Steamer "D.A.Thomas" moored in background. In 1923 Romanet was promoted to District Manager of the Athabasca and Mackenzie River trading Districts.