Showing 177 results

Description
FC 3213 L55 002.016 · Item · July 18, 1888
Part of Life, Events, and Players in the North-West

“The Northwest Prohibition Farce” newspaper clipping from the Calgary Tribune and dated July 18, 1888.
An editorial piece protesting the exemption granted the Canadian Pacific Railway from the permit-based liquor laws of the time.
“In another column will be found the announcement that permission has been granted to the Canadian Pacific Railway hotel in Banff to import and sell wine and beer as a beverage, and the Mounted Police authorities have received instructions not to interfere with them in the carrying on of that business. . . . The Government at Ottawa (by whom the Lieutenant-Governor of these Territories has unquestionably been authorized in this case) seem to be under the impression that the people of this country are a lot of serfs and nincompoops who have no conception of the rights of freemen . . . ”

FC 3216.3 P63 R64 3.9.5 · Item · [193-?]
Part of Roger Pocock archives

Photograph of Indigenous women in full regalia on horseback, almost all facing away from the camera. They are likely from the Nakoda (Stoney) or Niitsitapi/ Siksikaitsitapi (Blackfoot) Nations. Writing on reverse reads "Squaws; Note travois".

FC 3216.3 P63 R64 3.9.9 · Item · [183-?]
Part of Roger Pocock archives

Photograph of two Indigenous men in full regalia on horseback. They are likely from the Nakoda (Stoney) or Niitsitapi/ Siksikaitsitapi (Blackfoot) Nations. They are riding down a street with many people standing on the sidewalk behind them.

Photograph of three teepees
FC 3216.3 P63 R64 3.9.11 · Item · [193-?]
Part of Roger Pocock archives

Photograph of several teepees, mostly focused on one with a bison motif. They are likely of the Nakoda (Stoney) or Niitsitapi/ Siksikaitsitapi (Blackfoot) Nations.

Photograph of seven teepees
FC 3216.3 P63 R64 3.9.6 · Item · [193-?]
Part of Roger Pocock archives

Photograph of seven teepees from the Nakoda (Stoney) Nation. Writing on reverse reads "Indian Village; Stoney Indian tribe".

FC 3216.3 P63 R64 3.9.7 · Item · [193-?]
Part of Roger Pocock archives

Photograph of three Indigenous men and a child on horseback, all in full regalia. They are likely from the Nakoda (Stoney) or Niitsitapi/ Siksikaitsitapi (Blackfoot) Nations. Writing on reverse reads "Note Indian Chiefs son wearing Buffalo horn [insignia?] of rank".

FC 3216.3 P63 R64 3.9.4 · Item · [193-?]
Part of Roger Pocock archives

Photograph of three men, "Bill" in the middle of two Indigenous men in full regalia, who are likely from the Nakoda (Stoney) or Niitsitapi/ Siksikaitsitapi (Blackfoot) Nations. Notably behind them are signs for "Calgary" and "[Hudson's] Bay Company". Writing on reverse reads ""Bill" [Vaudreuil?]; Late R.N.W.M.P.; with his old pals. V is wearing Legion Button."

Item · ca. 192-?
Part of Prairie Ephemera Collection

Many photos have fallen out or been removed from this photo album.  Contents include:

  • Calgary Stampede with Edward, Prince of Wales (3),
  • Ranching/farming, particularly with sheep (18),
  • Aboriginal (4),
  • Horses (7),
  • Military (2),
  • Miscellaneous.
Item · [19-?]
Part of Prairie Ephemera Collection

Promotional Leaflet for the Hotel Royal, in Calgary, AB. It is divided in two sections: the left side features a photograph of the hotel while the left side contains its address and nearby amenities. The proprietor is listed as Rob. C. Thomas on the bottom right corner.

Item · 1943
Part of Prairie Ephemera Collection

Photo album including photographs of RCAF Station Carberry, Service Flying Training School No. 33.

The album leaves devoted to the camp are preceded by about 26 photos illustrating the trajectory to the camp and succeeded by approximately 114 photos of Vancouver. The locations depicted in the photos include: New York City; Moncton, New Brunswick; Carberry, Manitoba; Brandon, Manitoba; various locations within Winnipeg; the Rockies (Jasper, Banff, AB); Regina, Saskatchewan; Vancouver, BC; Calgary, AB; Drumheller, AB; Montreal, Quebec. Photographs of the camp include aerial views of the camp, the Carberry coat of arms, images of activities on base, images of cafeterias and technical stores in the camp, personnel photographs, harvest in Carberry, and images of the town.

Item · 1960
Part of Prairie Ephemera Collection

Poster promoting the Alexandra Hotel. The slogan is written on the top centre, and reads “When in CALGARY stay at the Alexandra Hotel” with the hotel name printed in large type. At the centre of the poster there is a 16 x 12.5 cm b&w photograph of the hotel and a caption that reads “Fire-proof.” Amenities and rates are listed on the bottom. 

Item · Mar. 7, 1919
Part of Prairie Ephemera Collection

Book titled: "City of Calgary, Province of Alberta, List of Properties in Arrears for Taxes, Which Will be Sold by Public Auction, Commencing at 10 A.M., April 22nd, 1919." Calgary, March 7th, 1919. Book contains 219 pages of tables listing properties - some pages have hand-written marks in them. The final page has a printer’s mark: "The Avenue Press Printers, 610 Centre St. –Calgary."  

Item · Aug. 18, 1954
Part of Prairie Ephemera Collection

Top of receipt reads: "International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers-1200 15th Street N.W. Washington 5, D.C." It has been issued to H. M. Wilson, initiated on October 22, 1919 and last paid in August, 1954. It states it’s for pension and death benefits, and is signed by the international secretary. There is an address stamped on the back, sending the receipt to Mr. A. E. Fearey, Financial Secretary, Lu. #348, P.O. Box 154, Calgary, Alberta.

Item · 1922-1951
Part of Prairie Ephemera Collection

1st Annual Program titled: "First Annual Dinner and Round Up of the members of Southern Alberta Pioneers’ & Old Timers’ Association. Palliser Hotel, Calgary, Alberta, Wednesday, January 18th, 1922, 7 o’clock p.m." Front cover has an ink drawing of a bison’s head in the center, along with a smaller drawing of a farmstead scene in the bottom left corner. Back page contains the publisher’s mark: Western Printing & Lithographing Co., Ltd, Calgary Alberta, and has the continuation of the farmstead scene from the front cover onto the bottom right corner of the back cover. Interior is blank, but contains an insert listing the names and lyrics of songs to be sung during the night.
4th Annual Program titled: "The Southern Alberta Pioneers’ and Old Timers’ Association/The Southern Alberta Women’s Pioneer and Old Timer Association Fourth Annual Round Up and Moochican, Palliser Hotel, Calgary, Alberta, Thursday, January 22nd, 1925." Front cover also contains the Toast List for the night, and the names of the musicians. An ink drawing of the head of a bison separates the two titles at the top of the page. The back cover contains the main verse and chorus for Auld Lang Syne, and indicates it was printed by The Star Printing Works Ltd. The interior contains a list of song lyrics for various songs sung during the evening.
27th Anuual Program titled: "Welcome! Old Timers, 27th Annual Round-Up, Southern Alberta Pioneer & Old Timers’ Association, Thursday, November 13th, 1947, Palliser Hotel, Calgary." Front cover contains a drawing of a cowboy on a rearing horse. Back cover contains, at the top, a small ink drawing of a cowboy roasting a sausage over a campfire, with his horse grazing in the background. Below this are lines for writing names and addresses of friends, along with a place for autographs. Below this is the note: "Because we pioneered the West together we are happy to present this program. Hudson’s Bay Company, Calgary. (1876)." Interior contains the menu for the night, along with the list of events.
28th Annual Front cover states: "Southern Alberta Pioneer & Old Timers’ Assoc.-Palliser Hotel-6:15 p.m.-28th Annual Round-Up-Thursday, November 18th, 1948." Contains a large b&w drawing of a cowboy on a rearing horse, and also contains a poem by W.J. (Bill) Wilde. Back cover contains an ink cartoon of a cowboy roasting a sausage over a campfire, with his horse in the background. It’s captioned: "The Pioneers appreciate the courtesy the Palliser Hotel has shown us these 28 years. Our thanks for the success of this affair goes to Mr. R. M. Deyell, Mgr. and Mr. Goe. Allora, Maitre and their genial staffs." Below this it reads: "Because we pioneered the West together we are happy to present this program. Hudson’s Bay Company, Calgary. (1876)." The interior of the program contains multiple poems by various authors, and a list of the events for the night.
29th Annual Program titled: "Southern Alberta Pioneer & Old Timers Assn.-Palliser Hotel-6:15 p.m.-29TH Annual Round-up & Banquet-Thursday, November 24th, 1949." Front cover contains a drawing of a cowboy riding a bucking horse. Back cover contains an ink drawing of a First Nations male and his horse, with mountains in the background. It’s captioned: ‘Because we pioneered the West together we are happy to present this program. Hudson’s Bay Company, Calgary, (1876).' Interior of the program contains a story written by Bill Wilde, and the list of events for the night.
31st Annual Program for "The Southern Alberta Pioneers’ and Old-Timers’ Association…31st Annual Round-Up, 1951." Contains five (5) pages detailing the proceedings of the Annual Round-Up, held November 15, 1951. Details the Annual Meetings and Election of Officers, membership dues listing, date and time for the Annual Church Service, a short biography of John Fisher, guest speaker for the event, and greetings from the men’s and women’s presidents. Program is printed on light yellow paper, and contains both text and images.
31st Annual: Front cover reads: "Southern Alberta Pioneers and Old Timers’ Association 'Pioneers of 1890' 1951 31st Annual Round-up, Thursday, November 15th, 1951, Crystal Room, Palliser Hotel-Calgary, 6:15 pm." Front cover also contains a b&w photograph of a man in a suit, captioned ‘John Fisher,’ “Mr. Canada” himself. Back cover contains a cartoon of a chuckwagon on the move with a caption: ‘Because we pioneered the West together we are happy to present this program. Hudson’s Bay Company, Calgary, (1876).' The interior contains no additional pages, with the writing printed on the inside of the front covers. The inside front page has a poem titled: ‘They Came with Only Faith in God, As Across These Virgin Lands they Trod,’ by Bill Wilde. The interior of the back cover provides the itinerary for ‘The Pioneers of 1890 Get Together.’

Item · [after 1953]
Part of Prairie Ephemera Collection

Brochure titled: Our Second Branch in Calgary. Details the opening of a new Bank of Toronto branch in Calgary, on 8th and 4th.  Lists its services, such as Business Banking, Oil Banking, and Personal Accounts. A small section details the professional profile of the new branch manager, Mr. P. W. Atkinson. When fully opened, brochure contains a large b&w aerial photograph of downtown Calgary from 5000 ft. (Photo taken by Photography Survey Corporation). Front and back covers are light green, with interior pictures detailed in green as well.

Item · 1935
Part of Prairie Ephemera Collection

Booklet titled: "Summary of Proceedings of Thirteenth Annual Meeting of Alberta Wheat Pool Delegates 1935, held at Calgary, Alberta November 26-30, 1935." Back cover contains a listing of the Alberta Wheat Pool delegates elected August 15th, 1935. The interior contains the proceedings of the event, including reports, elections, statements of operations, and a map of Alberta showing the wheat pool elevator points.

Alberta Wheat Pool
Item · Nov. 16, 1943
Part of Prairie Ephemera Collection

Program titled, "Knox United Church Choir, Calgary, Diamond Jubilee Concert, In Celebration of the Sixtieth Anniversary of Knox Church and in Honour of Mr. Clifford Higgin who has served as Organist and Choirmaster for Twenty-one Years. Tuesday, November Sixteenth, Nineteen Hundred and Forty-Three at Eight-Fifteen." Cover contains a large b&w picture of Clifford Higgin. Program contains a biography of Clifford Higgin, advertisements, and the program for the night.

Item · Jun. 2. 1953
Part of Prairie Ephemera Collection

The program for the City of Calgary’s Commemoration Services on the occasion of Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation.  Held in Victoria Park, Calgary, AB on June 2, 1953.  Printed in Canada by John D. McAra of Calgary.  The program’s front cover features a photograph of Queen Elizabeth II printed in purple ink.  The back cover features the City of Calgary’s coat of arms, also printed in purple.  The program consisted of events held at 12:30pm and later at 8pm, with speeches, music, dances, prayer, and fireworks.

Item · ca. 1940
Part of Prairie Ephemera Collection

Tourism brochure titled “Hi, Stranger! Stay a day in Calgary: Sunshine City of Alberta’s Foothills.”  Published by the Young Men’s Section of the Calgary Board of Trade.  Gives a brief history of Calgary, highlights its proximity to the Rocky Mountains, describes places of interest in and around Calgary.  Includes a charming orange and black illustrated map of Calgary.  Mentions Calgary’s population is 85,000 strong, placing the brochure’s date of publication around 1940.  From the press of John D. McAra Limited, Calgary.

Item · Nov. 5, 1912
Part of Prairie Ephemera Collection

Wanted Poster – Wanted for Murder by the Headquarters of the Police Department, Calgary, Alberta, Canada, under Chief Constable Alfred Cuddy. Offering a $300 Reward.  The wanted individual goes by Samuel Sullivan or Salvatore Sarravalli.  Broadside is 18.5 x 26.5 cm, with a 4.5 x 8 cm photograph of Sarravalli.  Pasted onto browning album leaf, on the back of which is another (non-Canadian) wanted poster.  Shows two stamps, one dated Nov. 9, 1912 showing receipt by the Chief of Police and a second stamp by the Bureau of Identification, Hall of Justice, San Francisco, California dated Nov. 11, 1912.

The second wanted poster is in the form of a letter from the Sheriff’s Office in Vanderburgh County, Evansville, Indiana and is dated November 5, 1912. Addressed to the Superintendent of Police of San Francisco, California, the letter reads “This A.M., after knocking the jailer in the head, the following prisoners escaped from the Vanderburg County jail: Levey Lockhart (White man, 34 yrs., 5 ft. 10 or 11, 180 lbs., smooth face, dark hair. Held on a charge of murder.) / Henry Miller (White man, 55 yrs., 5 ft 6, 150 lbs. Sandy beard and hair, bald in front. Serving jail sentence for Passing Fraudulent Check.) / Frank Kelley (White man, 34 yrs., 5 ft. 5, 150 lbs. Smooth face, black hair. Serving jail sentence for Petit Larceny.) / Clint Crow (White man, 45 yrs., 5 ft 10, 175 lbs. Black mustache, stoop shoulders. Awaiting trial on charge of Rape.) If located, arrest and notify – John J. Davis, Sheriff.” Stamped as received by the Chief of Police on November 9, 1912.

Item · 1953
Part of Prairie Ephemera Collection

Menu card for The Skyline restaurant located at Macleod Trail, No. 2 Highway in Calgary, AB.  “Canada’s Finest Curb Service Restaurant and Golf Range.”  The cover is printed to look like cream leather and features an illustration of the restaurant on the front.  The back cover has a list of Fountain Specialties made with Palm Quality Products.  The front cover is cut away along the top right edge to show the name of the restaurant underneath. Inside, bound to the spine with two staples, is a small square booklet of Dinner entrees and facts both about the restaurant and Calgary.  Inside the back cover are printed two photographs of life-sized dinosaur sculptures captioned with information about the Calgary Zoo.   Printed by Albertan Job Press Ltd.

Item · [19-?]
Part of Prairie Ephemera Collection

Menu for Sammy’s Coffee Bar in Calgary, AB.  The cover features a charcoal sketch of Sammy and the sentiment “Eat well my Friends as we are here to please you – Sammy.”  The sketch is signed Bowen.  The back cover carries another message in Sammy’s handwriting, “I have a jewelry store just around the corner.  I call it Switzer’s because it happens to be my last name.  We feature costume jewelry of the latest design.  Drop in and see for yourself. – Sammy P.S. Bring your dark glasses; the place will dazzle your eyes. P.S. We also have the finest in quality watches and diamonds priced just for you.”  Both fore edges of the cover have stains from what looks to be binder ring holes, suggesting this menu was stored in a sleeve in a binder at some point.  The restaurant makes its own ice cream and claims to be the first coffee shop in Alberta with T.V.  Sketches on the walls are by Calgary’s John Bowen.

Item · [19-?]
Part of Prairie Ephemera Collection

Menu card and tipped in sheet for W. K. Chop Suey Restaurant located at 209 Centre Street in Calgary, AB.  The menu shows numerous stains and is printed in green ink on a paler green card stock.  The menu is creased across the lower left corner.  There are forty-six (46) items on the menu.  The tipped in sheet is pink and features the menu in Chinese characters.  Printed by Hickey & Jones of Calgary, AB.

Item · [19-?]
Part of Prairie Ephemera Collection

A menu in the shape of a tasseled fez hat.  Burn marks and drink stains on the front cover.  This menu is the Wine List and Cocktail Menu for the Calgary Elks Club located in the Elks Building in Calgary, AB.  It is bound with two staples.  Inside the front cover is a B&W photographic collage of the inside of the Elks Club, while the collage inside the back cover features photographs of teepees, city skyline, a dinosaur sculpture and the Banff Springs Hotel.  The menu is eight (8) pages of alcoholic drinks.  Printed by Foothill Printers Limited.

Item · [19-?]
Part of Prairie Ephemera Collection

Menu for The Safari Tea Stop located at 507 – 8th avenue southwest Calgary, AB.  The cover is a copper foiled textured paper printed with dark brown ink.  The front cover is an illustration of a bare-chested man wearing a turban holding with one hand a diamond shape containing the word “Safari” while the other hand holds a knife.  Along the bottom are the words “Afternoon Tea Menu.”  The back cover is covered with a description of “The Bengal Safari” romantically detailing a hunting party adventure in India to which “Your Guides” have been C. W. Ainsworth and B. J. Harrison.  The cover and menu paper are punched with two holes but whatever cord or ribbon bound them is lost.  The menu paper is textured and sand-coloured.  It opens in a bi-fold door design and each menu item is framed in its own hanging wood sign illustration.  Along the top is a border of overlapping illustrations of exotic adventure.  

Item · 1950s
Part of Prairie Ephemera Collection

Menu card for Eamon’s Drive-Inn Restaurant located on the Banff Highway seven (7) miles west of Calgary, AB.  Printed in burgundy and green on cream-coloured card stock.  The back cover has two photographs, one of the restaurant interior highlighting the large windows looking out on the Rockies, and a second of the outside of the restaurant with striped awning and numerous parked 1950s-era cars.  Inside is an a la carte menu with a Combination Salad struck through and the price of Calgary Ginger Ale adjusted.

Item · [19-?]
Part of Prairie Ephemera Collection

Menu card for Pelican Fish & Chips in Calgary, AB.  This menu card has rounded corners and has a full-colour picture of a bowl of ice cream on the front.  Underneath it reads “Crystal Ice Cream.”  The back cover shows an illustration of three kids at a soda fountain counter with text encouraging parents to send their kiddies for ice cream.  Small printing says the menu was lithographed in the U.S.A. by The Weiller Co. in Philadelphia.  Inside is the name of the restaurant, address 35 Fourth St. N.E., and the names of management, Jack Anderson and Jack King.  They serve a long list of sandwiches and dishes served with french fries.

Item · 1950s
Part of Prairie Ephemera Collection

Menu card and laid in sheet for White Spot located at 1101 – 4th street west in Calgary, AB.  Printed on white card stock, the front cover features an illustration of the restaurant and street in black ink with red accents.  Several small stains and some wear appear on the back cover, which is decorated with a smaller illustration in similar style for a Shamrock Grill restaurant located at 1048 – 21 avenue south east.  This smaller illustration has the name J. Bowen.  The list of menu items is decorated with red cartoon figures including a chef and a chicken (who says “alas my poor brother” next to the White Spot Specialty of Chicken in the Rough).  A few corrections to the menu have been handwritten in red pen.  Sunday Specials for November 28 are typewritten on a piece of orange paper and added to the menu card with a paperclip. 

Item · [19-?]
Part of Prairie Ephemera Collection

Menu card for Town & Country Coffee Shop in the Greyhound Building in Calgary, AB.  The menu was printed by Hickey & Jones in Calgary on ivory card stock now showing numerous grease and coffee stains.  The front cover has an illustration of a friendly cowboy, and has  a visible indent on the top edge from a paperclip.  Inside are numerous Coffee Shop Specials, Salads, Sandwiches, Desserts, Beverages and Juices, and selections “From Our Soda Fountain.”  Sundaes include Cubanana (35 cents), 2 Good 2 be 4 Gotten (35 cents), Stop and Go (35 cents), and the “Awful Awful” Sundae / Awful Big, Awful Good (40 cents).  

Item · October, 1935
Part of Prairie Ephemera Collection

Depicts around 50 boys, and some men, likely their chaperones, who were the winners of a contest put on by the Edmonton Bulletin in 1935 for carriers of their newspaper to win a three day trip to Calgary and Banff. They are posed in front of a Canadian Pacific train at the station, and several of the boys are holding up copies of an Edmonton Bulletin page with a headline describing the contest: “Three Glamorous, Care-free Days at Calgary-Banff for Bulletin Carrier-Salesmen.” All of the winners are wearing matching Edmonton Bulletin hats. A caption on the back identifies some of the winners.

McDermid Studios
Item · [1930s]
Part of Prairie Ephemera Collection

Depicts women members of the Calgary Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes lodge, lined up on the stairs in front of a stone building with decorative columns. The women in the front row are dressed alike, in white dresses with sashes. Caption reads “Officers and Member of L.A. No. 3 to Noble Lodge, R.A.O.B.”

Central Studio, Calgary
Item · June 30, 1910
Part of Prairie Ephemera Collection

Postcard from G. M. Burgoyne in Calgary to Rev. J. G. Goddard in Liverpool, England. Mentions a trip to Banff and a stop in Calgary prior to returning home to Ponoka. Image is a composite photo depicting a train car with a load of giant chickens. Caption reads “A carload of extra fine Alberta chickens. No. 87.”

Burgoyne, G. M.
Item · 1985
Part of Prairie Ephemera Collection

Poster for the Separate Spaces art exhibition held at the Second Storey Gallery in Calgary AB from Jan 16-27, 1985. Artists featured: Peter Ackerman, Mirian Fabijan, Amy Gogarty, Deborah Brown-Ridley and Norman White. Poster appears to be an original screen print.

From http://www.truck.ca/blog/1985/1/16/seperate-space:
In late November, 1984, Second Story Gallery was forced to cancel their 1985 exhibition schedule due to a lack of funds. As a result, five of the artists scheduled to show got together and organized an alternative exhibition. What evolved was a cooperative effort between Suzanne Agopsowicz, Director of Second Story Gallery, Miriam Fabijan, Exhibition Coordinator, and four other Calgary artists - Peter Ackerman, Amy Gogarty, Deborah Bornw-Ridley, and Norman D. White. In order to accomodate all the artists involved, the studio spaces were incorporated with the gallery to enlarge the exhibition area. Each artist has selected her/his own space - hence the title: Separate Spaces. A wide variety of work and varying concerns will be presented.

Second Storey Gallery
Item · 1974
Part of Prairie Ephemera Collection

Poster advertising the Art of Aboriginal Australia exhibition shown at the Glenbow-Alberta Art Gallery in Calgary from September 22 – October 20, 1974. Sponsored by Rothmans of Pall Mall Canada Ltd., a tobacco company. Background is a photograph of statuettes from the exhibition.

Glenbow Museum
Item · 2002
Part of Prairie Ephemera Collection

Poster and invitation for the 2002 Alberta New Media Awards, their second annual iteration. Held in Calgary. Gives information on the awards. Poster has a large computer-generated 3D graphic on the front, of some sort of holographic beam with computer displays surrounding it that read “MEDIA.” Sent by post. Addressed to the Edmonton Art Gallery.

Alberta New Media Association
Item · 1983
Part of Prairie Ephemera Collection

Poster for “Ranch: A three-dimensional painting by Alan Wood in the natural environment of the Rocky Mountain Ranch, [near] Calgary, Alberta, 1983.” Background is a large photo of a portion of the work in its environment, which features geometrically-stylized fence-like constructions painted multiple vivid colours, set in a grassy field.

Item · 1940s
Part of Prairie Ephemera Collection
  • Scrapbook created by Cpl. Frankie Eglin to document his time at the Number 34 Service Flying Training School, including scrupulously captioned photographs, graduation dinner invitations and programs, and journal entries describing trips taken. Photographs feature personnel from the base in formal and leisure settings, landscapes and wildlife in the Banff area, and documentation of the 1943 Calgary Stampede, with photos of indigenous groups parading through the city on horseback.
  • 7 copies of a photo of Cpl. Eglin in uniform, and a photo of men in military uniforms, seated with awards in a bunkhouse, are inserted loosely.
Eglin, F.
Item · June 27, 1962
Part of Prairie Ephemera Collection

Flyer issued by L.S. Partridge, Chief of the Calgary City Police, advertising a “$2000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the person or persons responsible for breaking, entering and theft ad the Canadian National Express, Calgary, Alberta, during the night of June 23rd, 1962. And for the recovery of the monies stolen.” Dated June 27, 1962.

Partridge, L. S.
Item · December, 1909
Part of Prairie Ephemera Collection

Diary and scrapbook written, compiled and bound by Anna Coombs, documenting her 1909 trip from London, England, through parts of Canada and the U.S. Describes visiting Quebec, Montreal, Toronto, Winnipeg, Saskatoon, Calgary, Edmonton and Banff, among other locations. Describes her experience of the journey, including the landscape and social life in Western Canada. Anecdotes include an account of visiting a Doukhabour village (pp. 36-7), and an incident where the car that the party is travelling in catches fire and is destroyed while travelling down a straw-covered road (pp. 37-38). Latter half includes a scrap book with postcards, brochures, time-tables, railway maps, etc. glued to the pages.

Coombs, Anna
Item · March 15, 1918
Part of Prairie Ephemera Collection

Describes the program for “A Character Sketch Entitled ‘The Minister’s Bride’.” To be “given by the Young People of St. Paul’s Methodist Sunday School, Hillhurst, in the school hall, on Friday March 15th, 1918 at eight o’clock.” Includes a description of the scenes and identification of the performers.

Item · September 28, 1901
Part of Prairie Ephemera Collection

Photograph depicts the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and York on a visit to Calgary. They are seated in a carriage with a driver in front, and guards on horseback dispersed around. More blurred figures on horseback seen moving through the background. Watermark for Steele Bros. in lower left corner. Inscription in pen on reverse reads “Sept. 28th 1901 Duke and Duchess at Calgary” above a watermark depicting a man seated in a chair.

Steele & Co. Photo, Winnipeg
Item · 1925
Part of Prairie Ephemera Collection

Black and white group portrait of NWMP veterans gathered for their annual banquet in the Hudson’s Bay Company dining room. 69 men, posed in 4 rows. Captioned beneath: N.W.M.P. Veterans Annual Banquet. Calgary, Alta. Watermark in lower right corner: Collins & [G?]illies, 1925

Partial identifications (L-R):
Back row: Fred Bosten; unknown; unknown; unknown; Sergeant Ralph S. Kendall; unknown; unknown; Daniel “Peache” Davis; James E. Cullen; unknown; F.A. Caswell; George Aspinall; unknown; F. Debenham; unknown; unknown; unknown; unknown; unknown.
4th row: unknown; unknown; Mr. Royce; George Ambrose; unknown; J.R. Royce; unknown; unknown; Julien Nash; Alfred Earnest Cross; Percy Tucker; unknown; Mr. Ritchie.
3rd row: Harold Riley; unknown; unknown; unknown; Jock Manson; unknown; Mr. Summers; Mayor George Webster; unknown; Jimmy Moore; unknown; Mr. Graham; A.R. Brooke; E.B.D. Mitchell; unknown; unknown.
Front row: George Bass; Tony Grogan; Mr. Johnston; Inspector Spalding; unknown; unknown; unknown; unknown.

Collins & Gillies
Item · 1939
Part of Prairie Ephemera Collection

The album documents the 1939 visit of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth to Canada and the United States. Approximately 100 of the images were taken during the Alberta portion of the tour, including pictures of events in Calgary, Banff, Bassano, Edmonton, Medicine Hat, and Lethbridge. The remaining images capture the Royal Couple in British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, and the United States.

Item · 1939
Part of Prairie Ephemera Collection

Alfred Blyth (1901-1980) moved to Edmonton from Scotland around 1913 and began work as a darkroom technician in 1916. He opened his own photographic studio in 1928, which he operated until his retirement in 1970. For more information, please see the biographical entry in the Provincial Museum of Alberta's Alfred Blyth fonds (available online at https://hermis.alberta.ca/paa/Details.aspx?ObjectID=PR0607&dv=True&deptID=1 [accessed on 11 December 2018]).

Although the photographs are not accompanied by annotations, they appear to document the visit of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth to Alberta in 1939. Images of the Royal Couple - often pictured with Prime Minister William Lyon Mackenzie-King and other dignitaries - and crowd scenes predominate. Events at the Legislature, Calgary City Hall, the Banff Springs Hotel, as well as arrivals and departures from airports and railway depots are present.

Blyth, Alfred
Item · [192-?]-[193-?]
Part of Prairie Ephemera Collection

Born in England, William John Oliver (1887-1954) settled in Calgary and worked as a staff photographer for local newspapers. He also operated his own studio. Oliver's work explored many themes, but during the 1920s and 1930s he shot extensively at the Calgary Stampede. For more information, please see the biographical entry in the Glenbow Museum's W.J. Oliver fonds (available online at http://ww2.glenbow.org/search/archivesMainResults.aspx?XC=/search/archivesMainResults.aspx&TN=MAINCAT&AC=QBE_QUERY&RF=WebResults&DL=0&RL=0&NP=255&MF=WPEngMsg.ini&MR=5&QB0=AND&QF0=Main%20entry+%7C+Title&QI0=W.%20J.%20Oliver%20fonds [accessed on 9 December 2018]).

These 7 photographs document the Calgary Stampede rodeo, capturing cowboys competing in several events: bronc riding (5), chuckwagon racing (1), and calf roping (1).

Item · [193-?]
Part of Prairie Ephemera Collection

The album appears to document a tour through Alberta. Industrial and transportation themes are particularly prominent. Many of the photographs capture scenes from coal-mining communities such as Mercoal, Coleman, and Frank, There are several photographs of aircraft and boats in Fort McMurray and elsewhere in northern Alberta. The remaining images capture mountain scenes as well as various towns and cities across Alberta, including several photographs of Edmonton and Calgary.

Paulsen, J.G.?
Item · 1916-1919
Part of Prairie Ephemera Collection

Although several captions list the individual pictured as "self" or "myself," the creator of the album does not appear to be explicitly identified. Nonetheless, several pieces of ephemera in the album - including passes and a voucher for a railway ticket - refer to a S.W. Kerley. One item carrying Mr. Kerley's name is accompanied by the caption "My last ration book in Blighty." Internal references suggest that the soldier served with the 31st Battalion, Alberta Regiment, and a S.W. Kerley is included in the nominal roll. For more information on the Regiment, please see its entry in the Canadian Great War Project Web site (available online at http://www.canadiangreatwarproject.com/Regimental/31stBattalion.asp [accessed on 10 December 2018]).

The album documents the experiences of an Alberta soldier during World War I from recruitment to his return from Europe. The majority of photographs capture Mr. Kerley and his fellow soldiers in a variety of settings from training in Alberta to the battlefields of Europe. The album contains portraits of soldiers taken in Calgary, Medicine Hat, Edmonton, Bramshott, England, as well as in Germany and Belgium. Many of the soldiers are identified at least by surname and, in some cases, more fully. There are also images of major Canadian battlefields such as Arras-Cambrai Road, Ypres, Passchendaele, and Vimy Ridge.

The 31st Battalion did not return to Canada until May of 1919, remaining in Germany to serve as part of the occupying forces. The album also documents this phase of the war, containing four photographs dated January 1919 with the accompanying captions "Outpost duty in Germany." Several pieces of ephemera also appear to be from Mr. Kerley's service during the occupation. These include the address of a German family, laundry lists, and a theatre programme from Namur, Belgium, dated 4 March 1919.

As with the photographs and postcards, the printed ephemera document many aspects of Mr. Kerley's military service. The album contains materials from the ship voyages to and from Europe, including menus, a concert programme, and a card listing berth and mess information. There is also a card from the Canadian Pacific Railway for soldiers travelling in Canada following repatriation.

Mr. Kerley also collected a number of miscellaneous souvenirs from his time in Europe, including currency and an identity card used by French and Belgian workers during the German occupation. Documents specifically related to his military service - such as a menu from a 1917 Christmas dinner, a programme from the Canadian Corps Championship (a multi-sport athletic competition held on 1 July 1918), and German and Canadian field-letter cards - are also present.

In a few cases, captions indicate the provenance of individual items, some of which appear to have been taken as souvenirs of combat. Several photographs are listed as having been found on battlefields. For example, three photographs are accompanied by these captions:
• “German N.C.O.’s found on an N.C.O. during the Amiens Drive, Aug.-1918”
• “’A German Fraulein’ found on a Hun soldier found at Neuville Vitasse”
• “Found this photo laying beside this soldier’s body after our capture of Rosiers on the Somme – 1918 Aug.”

Kerley, W.?
Item · [190-?]
Part of Prairie Ephemera Collection

Born in Ontario, Harry Pollard (1880-1968) was the son of a photographer and established his own studio in Calgary in 1899. Although based in Alberta, his work documented people and places across Canada and around the world. From 1924 until his retirement in 1954, Pollard worked for the Canadian Pacific Railway producing promotional photographs and films of the various ocean cruises that the company operated. For more information, please see the biographical entry in the Provincial Museum of Alberta's Harry Pollard fonds (available online at https://hermis.alberta.ca/paa/Details.aspx?ObjectID=PR0125&dv=True&deptID=1 [accessed on 10 December 2018]).

The album contains views of Calgary and of various local buildings, churches, and residences. Agricultural and ranching scenes, including photographs of prize livestock and produce, are also present.

Pollard, H.
Item · [19-?]
Part of Prairie Ephemera Collection

Advertising brochure from the HBC, which promotes the HBC department store in Calgary, as well of general tourism in Calgary. The brochure contains information on the types of items carried by the Bay department store and recommendations for tourist activities in Calgary, as well as customs' information for American visitors to Canada.

Item · July 29, 1893
Part of Prairie Ephemera Collection

Vol. 49, No. 13,550 (July 29, 1893) of the Saturday Globe. The feature article “Calgary: Alberta’s Capital” provides, despite its title, a broad overview of the province of Alberta, including Edmonton, and small towns such as Olds. Accompanying photographs depict various scenes from the province, including prairie landscape shots, agriculture, and town buildings.

In addition to the feature article, a number of brief miscellaneous articles and stories are carried on the last page of the newspaper. A number of advertisements for products and businesses are also present.

Item · [19-?]
Part of Prairie Ephemera Collection

Advertising brochure, issued by the Tea Kettle Inn of Calgary, Alberta, which promotes Calgary as a tourist destination. The brochure includes background on Calgary in general, and detail on particular tourist attractions in the city. A substantial portion of the item, however, concentrates on promoting the Tea Kettle Inn specifically to tourists, including a photo of the Inn’s kitchen and an illustration of the business’ exterior.

Item · 1925
Part of Prairie Ephemera Collection

Political material, associated with candidates running on a pro-labor platform. The content is structured as voting instructions, possibly for already committed supporters, rather than as persuasive advertising. One side of the sheet contains instructions for voting a straight labor ticket in the selection of aldermen and school board trustees, and the other contains instructions for voting on a referendum question to restore free clinics in Calgary Schools.

Item · Unknown
Part of Prairie Ephemera Collection

Menu for the Silver Inn Restaurant, located in Calgary, Alberta. In addition to menu offerings, the item also includes the restaurant’s phone number, address, and opening hours. Menu is chiefly composed of Chinese cuisine.

Item · Oct. 1914
Part of Prairie Ephemera Collection

An informational booklet, distributed at the International Irrigation Congress in Calgary, on the Canadian Pacific Railway’s efforts to construct irrigation works in southern Alberta, and to a lesser extent, on the company’s effort to facilitate land sales and the development of farming in the same region. Some commentary is also included, from the perspective of the company, on irrigation law, and on the establishment of the Western Canadian Irrigation Association.

Item · Circa 1890 - 1904
Part of Prairie Ephemera Collection

Photo album containing images from Western Canada, England and (possibly) India. Of particular interest in the context of the Prairie Ephemera collection are the 68 photos set in Western Canada – likely near Calgary, on the Bow River – which primarily depict cattle ranching, with images of cattle, horses, family groups, as well as a single photo of a pair of aboriginal persons in traditional dress. The remaining 61 photos depict locations, people and animals in England, as well as including several images of Indian army soldiers on parade or drill.

File · 1905-1913
Part of Prairie Ephemera Collection

Documents from, or associated with, the Morris Safe & Lock Co., pertaining to their business affairs with Canadian organizations in Calgary and Saskatchewan. Included amongst the documents are:

  • Correspondence, typed and written, by Norris Safe & Lock Co. employees and by customers of the company on business matters and transactions. Relevant newspaper extracts are attached to two of these.
  • Bills from the City of Calgary, John Jones Alberta Paint Shop, and Tasker Transfer Company
  • Cheques from the Dominion Bank
  • An Alberta Government Telephone notice that payment is in arrears.