Finding Aid

Frances Elizabeth (Beth) Flint was born on her father's homestead in the Lower Beaverlodge District on January 1, 1920. She had two older sisters, Pauline and Madelon. Her father, Victor Carman Flint, and his brother George Vincent Flint, ages 18 and 22, were born and raised in Ontario,and came west with the "Bull Outfit" in 1909, followed in 1910 by their parents, Paul & Jane Elizabeth (Kells) Flint. Beth’s mother, Frances Melissa Sills first came to the area in 1911, returned to Ontario, but came back to the Lower Beaverlodge District in February, 1915 as Victor's bride.

Beth received her elementary schooling in the one-room Lower Beaverlodge School, the second school in the south Peace area. She attended high school at Beaverlodge. While attending high school, Beth was introduced to Canadian Girls in Training (CGIT) by her teacher. Her interest continued when she went to Toronto, where she formed a group in the church she attended, and later in Clairmont, as well as being a leader at two summer CGIT camps held at Lake Saskatoon, and instructing in handicrafts at CGIT rallies in Beaverlodge and Grande Prairie.

She went on to Alberta College in Edmonton for a secretarial course. From 1939-1942 she worked in offices in Toronto and Muskoka Lakes, returning to the Peace Country for Christmas 1942. After 10 months working in a Sexsmith office, on October 20, 1943, she married Everett Axel Sheehan, who farmed with his father on the south side of Clairmont lake. He and Beth bought Elmer Kline's homestead in the same area and started farming on their own.

Involvement in the communities of the south Peace has been extensive over Beth's lifetime, and her research, writing and photographic skills are a consistent thread throughout. She is well-known as Clairmont’s historian and the author of "Turn Back the Pages", a history of Clairmont from 1908-1992, but she has been a major contributor to other publications as well. With her sister, Madelon Flint Truax, she co-authored "People of the Pass" a book on the construction of the Monkman Pass Highway--the highway that was never completed. It was hoped it would be a much needed shortcut to shipping ports in Vancouver, British Columbia. Her editing and photography skills helped produce "Grande Prairie" by J.G. MacGregor. She also contributed to "Beaverlodge to the Rockies" and "Pioneers of the Peace". She is a life member of the Grande Prairie & District Oldtimers Association.

Beth was an early champion for the conservation of the Trumpeter Swan, from the 1940s when she saw a pair nesting on Clairmont Lake. This interested her in becoming a life-long member and later a board member of the International Trumpeter Swan Society. During this time two of their conferences were held in Grande Prairie, and she also compiled two brochures on the local Trumpeter Swans for public distribution, under the sponsorship of the Grande Prairie Chamber of Commerce and Muskoseepi Park.

As a charter member and a life member of the Grande Prairie Agricultural Society, formed in 1950, over the years Beth served as the secretary-treasurer, and convener at various times of Plants and Flowers, Fine Arts, Photography, and Handicrafts, as well as a long-time board member. Beth’s photographs of the county fair and parade span the years from 1954 to the present. Her collection of historical information on the local fairs dates back to 1910, when the first fair in Grande was held in the vicinity of 101 Street and 101 Avenue. The information becomes more comprehensive with the formation of the 1951 Agricultural Society.

The first Home & School Association at Harry Balfour School was organized by Mrs. Sheehan. She also established the first Regional Home and School Association in the south Peace and was the regional director for several years, lastly serving as editor of the “Alberta Home & School News” from 1964-1965.

Beth Flint Sheehan was the first office secretary for the St. Paul's United Church in Grande Prairie, and editor of their newsletter, “St. Paul’s Calls,” from 1958 to 1961, also two editions of "... And We Come After", the history of the McQueen Presbyterian Church, whose congreation later formed St. Paul’s United Church and Forbes Presbyterian Church. These books were published in 1961 and 1986 respectively.

For six years, Beth was involved with the Alberta Historic Sites Board which dealt mainly with Place Names in Alberta. In 1984 she compiled a brochure for the first North American Hot Air Balloon Championships held at Grande Prairie, and proudly recalls the three hot air balloon rides she had.

In 2005, Beth Sheehan received the Alberta Centennial Award. Beth is a source of historical information for many who are interested in the history of the Peace Country.

Scope and Content

The fonds consists of the following series: personal and family papers and photographs including diaries written by Beth over an extensive period beginning in 1939 (with lapses) and into the 2000s; publications from "The Bull Outfit" with which her father came to the Beaverlodge area 1909; organizational files showing Beth's involvement with Trumpeter Swan preservation, the Home and School Association, the Grande Prairie County Agricultural Society, the Grande Prairie Book Club, and the Grande Prairie Hot Air Balloon Events Association; files relating to her work as author and historian of Clairmont and District, the Monkman Pass, Grande Prairie's 25th Anniversary, Pioneers of the Peace, and the Peace River itself, complete with the diary of a trip down that river in 1955, and a reference system of news clippings on the people and events in the Grande Prairie area from [1970-2000]. There is also a large collection of photographs, both historical and documentary, detailing her activities and showing her interests as a photographer.

Notes

Series 002.01	Personal and Family Papers and Photographs
Series 002.02	Beth & Everett Sheehan's Ox Shoe Farm
Series 002.03	Involvement in Organizations
Series 002.04	Beth Sheehan, historian
Series 002.05	Photograph Collection
Series 002.06	Beth Sheehan, collector

Burns in 1879, and contain the teachings of the Christian Association, and articles and obituaries of members, including those in the south Peace. There is also a Centennial Edition of the Expositor printed in 1967 which gives the history of the organization, with a copy of "The Progress of Man: the Spirit of Man Versus the Machine" written by C.H. Partridge in 1943. Mrs. McNaught's copies contain hand-written notes by her.

Series 002.01

Personal and Family Papers and Photographs. -- [1885-2003]. -- 295 cm of textual records. -- 33 photographs.

The series consists of Beth’s personal diaries with supplemental information; bound volumes of literature from the Burnsites; family photographs from the Flints, the Sheehans, and Beth & Everett Sheehan; printed material from Beth's education at Alberta College; and some paper artefacts, family memorabilia.

SubSeries 002.01.01

Diaries and supplements. -- 1939-2003. -- 272 cm of textual records.

The sub-series consists of various types of diaries and notebooks starting in 1939.

9th Annual County Fair, 1959
poster
Creator: poster
Grande Prairie County Ag Society poster for the 9th Annual County Fair in 1959. Size is 12" x 18".
Location: 0002.01.01.1965

"All My Sons" program, 1972
program
Creator: program
A Grande Prairie Little Theatre program from the production of "All My Sons", a play written by Arthur Miller. This production was directed by Sukumar Nayar.
Location: 0002.01.01.1972

A Festival of One Act Plays program, 1974
program
Creator: program
A program of a two day festival, February 15-16, 1974, of seven plays produced by The Grande Prairie Little Theatre, and The Peace Players.
Location: 0002.01.01.1974-1

Peace River Lamb Smorgasbord, 1974
program
Creator: program
Program and menu from the Peace River Lamb Smorgasbord held January 26, 1974. The lamb was prepared by the Lamb Producer's Wives.
Location: 0002.01.01.1974-2

"Pioneer Artist of the Peace", 1982
programme
Programme for a display of paintings by Euphemia McNaught at the Prairie Art Gallery on August 24, 1982 includes a list of paintings on display and a lure card for the book, "Euphemia McNaught Pioneer Artist of the Peace."
Location: 0002.01.01.1982

"Seasons From Memory", 1983
programme
Programme for an exhibition of works by Robert Guest at the Prairie Art Gallery from September 24 to October 16, 1983 includes a biography of artist Robert Guest and a list of the paintings on display.
Location: 0002.01.01.1983

Poster for "The Hobbit", 1984
poster
12 x 18 poster for a College Players Production of Ruth Perry's musical version of "The Hobbit", written by J.R.R. Tolkien.
Location: 0002.01.01.1984

Opening of Wild Rose Manor, 1985
programme
Creator: programme
Programme and invitation for the Official Opening of Wild Rose Manor on May 3, 1985. Wild Rose Manor is a senior's residence operated by the Grande Spirit Foundation in Grande Prairie, Alberta.
Location: 0002.01.01.1985

Opening of the Beaverlodge Campsite, 1986
invitation
Invitation to the Opening of the Beaverlodge Campsite and dedication of the Lower Beaver Lodge School which had been moved to the site and restored for use as the information centre. A list of students from the Lower Beaver Lodge School is included.
Location: 0002.01.01.1986

The Legal Status of Women, 1946
Booklet
This is an address delivered by J.E. Brownlee, K.C., LL.D., Vice-President of the United Grain Growers Ltd. to the Convention of the United Farm Women of Alberta on Friday, January 11, 1946.
Location: 0002.01.01.1946

Good Farming -- Right Living, 1950
Booklet
Master Farm Family Award Record Book - a copy of the record book an applicant would have filled out in order to qualify for the award. Beth was one of the judges during 1950.
Location: 0002.01.01.1950

1956 Prize List -G.P. County Agricultural Fair, 1956

The prize list booklet for the sixth annual Grande Prairie County Agricultural Fair, 1956.
Location: 0002.01.01.1956

Pekin to the "Peace", 1968
diary
A diary of the trip of the Brekken Family of Pekin, North Dakota, to the Peace River country of Northern Alberta, Canada in the summer of 1910.
Location: 0002.01.01.1968

Grande Prairie Music Festival Program, 1969
program
Program for the Grande Prairie and District Music Festival held on March 19-22, 1969.
Location: 0002.01.01.1969

County Fair, Frontier Days & Rodeo, 1970
Booklet
Rules and descriptions of classes of entry for the 20th Annual Agricultural Fair, held on August 10-12, 1970.
Location: 0002.01.01.1970-1

Grande Prairie Music Festival Program, 1970
program
Program for the Grande Prairie and District Music Festival held in 1970.
Location: 0002.01.01.1970-2

Canada Winter Games, 1975
Booklet
Handbook for the 1975 Canada Winter Games held in Grande Prairie, Alberta.
Location: 0002.01.01.1975-1

LaGlace and District Agriculture Fall Fair, 1975
Booklet
Handbook for the Fall Agricultural Fair held in LaGlace on November 1, 1975.
Location: 0002.01.01.1975-2

SubSeries 002.01.02

Burnsites literature. -- 1885-1968. -- 16 cm of textual records.

The Christian Association was formed in 1884 by a small group of Methodist ministers who became disenchanted with the Methodist doctrine of the time. Reverend Nelson Burns became their head, and his associates were known as "Burnsites". Among them, Mr & Mrs. Elias Smith, found that farming in Ontario was not profitable, and in 1909 decided to come West, where land was practically free, and sod had never been turned in many places. They did not come with the intention of converting anyone to their beliefs. When word got out of their plans, four more couples with their families decided to join the Smiths, then six young single men, looking for a lark, were added. Of the group some were adherents of the Christian Association, but the young men themselves did not belong although their parents did. None of them came as missionaries. They all settled in the Beaverlodge area in the Peace River Country.

The sub-series consists of seven bound volumes and eight booklets of the publication "The Expositor of the Christ-Life" owned by Paul Flint and Elizabeth McNaught, all of which could be considered newsletters. They originated with Rev. Nelson

SubSeries 002.01.03

Family photographs. -- 1908-2001. -- 33 photographs.

The sub-series consists of negatives from the Flint and Sheehan families: Mr. & Mrs. Victor Flint, their home and their children at Lower Beaverlodge; Beth's life in Toronto, where she worked as a secretary for 4 years; Beth & Everett Sheehan's wedding and subsequent life on Ox Shoe Farm south of Clairmont; activities she was involved in such as CGIT camp at Saskatoon Lake, the Smoky River Bridge Opening, and some travel photos; and a few photographs of the Tom Sheehan family and activities on their farm near Clairmont, including five photos of the Metis Camp and wives and children of the workers who would come each year to help with the harvest on the Sheehan farm. There are also 14 photographs of friends (Walter & Elva Schmidt and family, Rev. Bev Johnston, Denice Cook Kent, Vince & Anne Racicot family, Art & Agnes Lawlor Sovereign, and Clarice Paul) and 19 photographs, some of which were developed from the above negatives, and some of the Sills family siblings as they grew older.

Mr. & Mrs. Victor Flint, [1945]
1 negative; b & w; 2 x 3 in.
Victor Flint, with his brother George, came to the Peace Country in 1909 with a group of people from Ontario, some of whom belonged to the Christian Association (not as missionaries) when he was 19 years old. In 1915 he married Frances Sills who had come west with Mabel (her sister) and Hugh Allen. They homesteaded south and west of Beaverlodge, but in the 1950s began to spend winters in Pasadena, California. In 1967 they moved to Pioneer Lodge in Grande Prairie. Frances passed away in 1968 and Victor in 1969, both at the age of 80.
Location: 0002.01.03.001

George Flint and Parents, [1930]
1 negative; b & w; 2 x 3 in.
George Flint came to the Peace Country in 1909 with his brother Victor and a group of people from Ontario when he was 21 years old. In 1910 their parents, Mr. & Mrs. Paul Flint joined them at Beaverlodge.
Location: 0002.01.03.002

Mr. & Mrs. Victor Flint, 1919
1 negative; b & w; 2 x 3 in.
Victor and Frances Flint, shown here with their two eldest daughters Madelon and Pauline, homesteaded southeast of Beaverlodge.
Location: 0002.01.03.003

Crescent Grove Farm, 1948
1 negative; b & w; 2 x 3 in.
Bird's eye view of Crescent Grove Farm at Lower Beaverlodge, where Victor and Frances Flint homesteaded and farmed.
Location: 0002.01.03.004

Mr. & Mrs. Victor Flint, [1938]
1 negative; b & w; 2 x 3 in.
Victor Flint came to the Peace Country in 1909 with a group from Ontario when he was 19 years old. Frances Sills arrived in Beaverlodge with her sister Mabel and her husband Hugh Allen in 1911, but returned to Ontario in 1913. They were married in Ontario in February 1915.
Location: 0002.01.03.005

"The Boston" Stopping Place, 1910 c.
1 negative; b & w; 2 x 3 in.
Homesteaders heading for the Peace Country outside of "The Boston", one of the Stopping Places on the Long Trail.
Location: 0002.01.03.006

Flint family, [1925]
1 negative; b & w; 2 x 3 in.
Family portrait of the Flint family, with grandparents Paul and Lizzie Flint seated in armchairs, flanked by Victor, Frances and George Flint and their three daughters Pauline, Madelon, and Beth. Paul Flint was a co-founder of the Christian Association, and came to the south Peace 1910.
Location: 0002.01.03.007

Flint family, [1925]
1 negative; b & w; 35 mm
35 mm copy of 002.01.03.007 (Family portrait of the Flint family, with grandparents Paul and Lizzie Flint seated in armchairs, flanked by Victor, Frances and George Flint and their three daughters Pauline, Madelon, and Beth. Paul Flint was a co-founder of the Christian Association, and came to the south Peace 1910.)
Location: 0002.01.03.008

Pauline and Madelon Flint, 1922
1 negative; b & w; 35 mm
Victor and Frances Flint had three daughters: Laura Pauline, Madelon, and Frances Elizabeth. Pauline passed away in 1935 while a student at Olds Agricultural College at the age of 20.
Location: 0002.01.03.009

Flint Children, [1930-1935]
4 negatives; b & w; 35 mm
Victor and Frances Flint had three daughters: Laura Pauline, Madelon, and Frances Elizabeth. Pauline passed away in 1935 while a student at Olds Agricultural College at the age of 20. This series includes a negative of a girl in a sleigh; she is neighbour Helen Stegmeir
Location: 0002.01.03.010-13

Flint family home, [1930]
3 negatives; b & w; 35 mm
The Flints farmed in the Lower Beaverlodge district, calling it Crescent Grove Farm. Their first home was Victor's homestead "shack", made of logs with a sod roof. About 1917 they built a larger log home in a different location. The Beaverlodge Cemetery is on part of Victor's homestead, for which he donated the land.
Location: 0002.01.03.014-016

Beth Flint, [1940]
5 negatives; b & w; 2 x 3 in.
Beth Flint attended school at Lower Beaverlodge, completing high school in Beaverlodge. She is seen here with Crescent Grove Farm in the background.
Location: 0002.01.03.017

Crescent Grove Farm Garden, [1940]
1 negative; b & w; 2 x 3 in.
Beth Flint in the garden at Crescent Grove Farm.
Location: 0002.01.03.018

Living in Sexsmith, [1940]
1 negative; b & w; 2 x 3 in.
After completing college Beth Flint worked as records keeper for the Grande Prairie Cooperative Livestock Marketing Association in Sexsmith.
Location: 0002.01.03.019

Beth Flint & Sadie Kirkham, [1940]
1 negative; b & w; 2 x 3 in.
While Beth worked at the Marketing Association in Sexsmith, she lived with Sadie Kirkham in a small home behind the Sexsmith Hotel.
Location: 0002.01.03.020

Beaverlodge River in Flood, 1935
1 negative; b & w; 2 x 3 in.
In 1935, there were floods all over the Peace Country, including the Beaverlodge River in between the town of Beaverlodge and Crescent Grove Farm.
Location: 0002.01.03.021

Grande Prairie Co-operative Livestock Marketing Association, [1940]
5 negatives; b & w; 2 x 3 in.
Grande Prairie Co-operative Livestock Marketing Association holding pens at Sexsmith for pigs going to market by rail.
Location: 0002.01.03.022

Crescent Grove Farm, 1942-1943
2 negatives; b & w; 2 x 3 in.
After working in Toronto for several years, Beth returned home. These two photographs show Beth unpacking inside the farmhouse at Christmas 1942, and a winter scene of Beth in the garden at Crescent Grove in 1943.
Location: 0002.01.03.023-24

Working in Toronto, 1939-1942
14 negatives; b & w; 2 x 3 in.
After graduating from Alberta College in Edmonton, Beth worked in Toronto at Dearborn Chemical Co. Ltd., Goodwin Harris Co. Ltd., and the Royal Muskoka Hotel near Rosseau, Ontario.
Location: 0002.01.03.025a-n

Royal Muskoka Hotel, 1939-1942
26 negatives; b & w; 2 x 3 in.
After graduating from Alberta College in Edmonton, Beth worked in Toronto at Dearborn Chemical Co. Ltd., Goodwin Harris Co. Ltd., and the Royal Muskoka Hotel near Rosseau, Ontario.
Location: 0002.01.03.026a-z

Relatives in Ontario, 1939-1942
6 negatives; b & w; 2 x 3 in.
After graduating from Alberta College in Edmonton, Beth worked in Toronto at Dearborn Chemical Co. Ltd., Goodwin Harris Co. Ltd., and the Royal Muskoka Hotel near Rosseau, Ontario.
Location: 0002.01.03.027a-f

Sheehan-Flint Wedding, 1943
1 negative; b & w; 2 x 3 in.
On October 20, 1943, Beth married Everett Sheehan at St. Paul's United Church in Grande Prairie. Maid of Honour and Best Man were Sadie Kirkham and Jim Cochrane.
Location: 0002.01.03.028

Honeymoon in Banff and Calgary, 1943
15 negatives; b & w; 2 x 3 in.
Beth and Everett Sheehan on their honeymoon in Banff and Calgary in 1943.
Location: 0002.01.03.029a-o

First Farm Home, 1944
1 negative; b & w; 2 x 3 in.
Beth and Everett with their first car (a Coupe) in the yard of their first farm home southeast of Clairmont.
Location: 0002.01.03.030

The Sheehan Family, 1945
1 negative; b & w; 2 x 3 in.
Beth and Everett with the extended Sheehan family in 1945.
Location: 0002.01.03.031

Remodeled Farm Home, [1950]
1 negative; b & w; 2 x 3 in.
Remodeled farm home for Everett and Beth Sheehan southeast of Clairmont. Note the ice house in the yard.
Location: 0002.01.03.032

Building the Garage, [1950]
1 negative; b & w; 2 x 3 in.
Johnny Christian at work on the new garage at Beth and Everett's farm.
Location: 0002.01.03.033

Beth & Everett Sheehan's Farm, 1948-1958
14 negatives; b & w; 2 x 3 in.
Farm buildings on the Sheehan farm from 1944 to the mid 50s. Photographs include an early snowstorm in August.
Location: 0002.01.03.034-47

Arizona Vacation, [1950]
8 negatives; b & w; 2 x 3 in
Location: 0002.01.03.048-55

Clairmont CGIT, 1951-1964
1 negative; b & w; 2 x 3 in.
First Clairmont CGIT (Canadian Girls In Training) Group.
Location: 0002.01.03.056

CGIT Group, 1951-1964
1 negative; b & w; 2 x 3 in.
Small group of girls and instructor, possibly a CGIT group.
Location: 0002.01.03.057

CGIT Camp, 1951-1964
2 negatives; b & w; 2 x 3 in.
CGIT Camp at Lake Saskatoon. Two photos, one of the complete camp and one of a small group of girls and their leader.
Location: 0002.01.03.058-59

CGIT Camp, 1951-1964
22 negatives; b & w; 2 x 3 in.
CGIT Camp at Lake Saskatoon. Girls and their leaders are doing early morning exercises.
Location: 0002.01.03.060

CGIT Camp, 1951-1964
1 negative; b & w; 2 x 3 in.
Doing chores at the CGIT Camp at Lake Saskatoon.
Location: 0002.01.03.061

Camping at Sturgeon Lake, 1951-1964
4 negatives; b & w; 2 x 3 in.
Four images of camping at Sturgeon Lake: Norine and Jean with with the Redwood girls in the lake; float plane on the lake; weiner roast on the lakeshore with Beth, Norine, Joyce Jacques, Everett and Jack Sheehan; and campsite in the open beside the car.
Location: 0002.01.03.062-65

Camping at Sturgeon Lake, 1951-1964
1 negative; colour; 2 x 3 in.
Bird's eye view of three home-made campers on the shore of Sturgeon Lake. They belong to Tom Sheehan, John Sheehan and Everett Sheehan.
Location: 0002.01.03.066

Exploring the Simonette, 1951-1964
1 negative; b & w; 2 x 3 in.
A trip made by Everett and Beth Sheehan with aunt Pauline (Flint) and Sidney Green. Tom Sheehan is also in the photograph.
Location: 0002.01.03.067

Family Picnics, 1951-1964
3 negatives; b & w; 2 x 3 in.
Three images of family picnics: a large group, sit-down picnic; a small group family weiner roast; and fishing in the river with tree branches for poles.
Location: 0002.01.03.068-70

First Garden Tractor, 1951-1964
1 negative; b & w; 2 x 3 in.
Beth was very proud of her first garden tractor, purchased in
Location: 0002.01.03.071

Infant Kells Sheehan, 1951-1953
10 negatives; b & w; 2 x 3 in.
Photographs of Beth's infant son, Kells, includes one of Beth, Kells and Everett's uncle, John Sheehan ca. 1955; and one of Beth and Kells with her sister Madelon ahd children Garnet and Linda.
Location: 0002.01.03.072-81

Preschooler Kells Sheehan, 1951-1964
7 negatives; b & w; 2 x 3 in.
Location: 0002.01.03.082-88

Kells Sheehan in Grade School, 1951-1964
7 negatives; b & w; 2 x 3 in.
Location: 0002.01.03.089-95

Cubs Camp, 1959
3 negative; b & w; 2 x 3 in.
Kells and his cub pack at the Lake Saskatoon Camp. His leader is Max Lorenz, and one of his fellow campers is Lorne Radbourne.
Location: 0002.01.03.096-98

Spring Flood, 1952
1 negative; b & w; 2 x 3 in.
Everett Sheehan with boat preparing to go to Highway 34 when it flooded in the spring of 1952. Kells is in the basket on the garden tractor.
Location: 0002.01.03.099

Family Home in North Dakota, 1957
3 negatives; b & w; 2 x 3 in.
Everett and Beth took a trip to North Dakota to visit Jennie Morken Sheehan's family home, where she lived with the Brekkens who raised her after the death of her mother.
Location: 0002.01.03.100-102

Christmas at the Sheehan's, 1951-1964
8 negatives; b & w; 2 x 3 in.
Christmas and New Year celebrations at the home of Beth & Everett Sheehan.
Location: 0002.01.03.103-110

Ox Shoe Farm, 1951-1964
9 negatives; b & w; 2 x 3 in.
Farm machinery in the field
Location: 0002.01.03.111-119

Beth's Garden, 1951-1964
7 negatives; b & w; 2 x 3 in.
Beth's garden included peonies grown by C.M. Clarke from Teepee Creek.
Location: 0002.01.03.120-126

Farm Livestock, 1951-1964
17 negatives; b & w; 2 x 3 in.
Horses and cattle on the farm. Photographs include Kells with his prize 4-H calf; Tom Sheehan driving Everett's horse; a horse-drawn wagon in front of the house; Beth and Everett on horseback; and horses and cattle on the farm.
Location: 0002.01.03.127-143

Kleskun Hills, [1958]
3 negatives; b & w; 2 x 3 in.
Kleskun Hills was a popular outing during the 50s. Dinosaur bones had been discovered, and one of the hills had been re-named "Dinosaur Hill" by pioneer Bob Cochrane.
Location: 0002.01.03.144-146

Inside the Farm House, [1950]
11 negatives; b & w; 2 x 3 in.
Evertt and Beth inside the first farm home.
Location: 0002.01.03.167-176

The Cactus Garden, 1960
4 negatives; b & w; 2 x 3 in.
Beth's Cactus Garden inside her farm home.
Location: 0002.01.03.177-180

Calgary Stampede, [1950]
8 negatives; b & w; 2 x 3 in.
Location: 0002.01.03.181-188

Dunvegan Bridge, 1960
3 negatives; b & w; 2 x 3 in.
In 1960, the Dunvegan Bridge was built over the Peace River at Dunvegan.
Location: 0002.01.03.189-191

Beth & Everett Sheehan, 1999
1 photograph; colour; 4 x 6 in.
Photograph of Beth and Everett Sheehan taken by photographer Randy van der Veen on October 8, 1999. Outside portrait on the deck of their farm home with grain fields in the background.
Location: 0002.01.03.192

SubSeries 002.01.04

Education at Alberta College. -- [1900]-. -- 2 cm of textual records.

From 1938-1939, Beth Flint was enrolled in the Department of Commerce at Alberta College in Edmonton, graduating with a Commercial Diploma in Secretarial Science (Shorthand, Typing and Bookkeeping).

The sub-series consists of an Alberta College yearbook for 1939-1940, a Shorthand Vocabulary Drill workbook, and a Typewriting Course text for the “Keyboard Mastery of the Vocabulary of Business by the High Frequency Word-Pattern Method.”

Alberta College Yearbook, 1939-1940
Booklet
1939-1940 Calendar for Alberta College, teaching Preparatory, Matriculation, Commercial Correspondence, Music, Expression and Dramatic Art.
Location: 0002.01.04.01

Shorthand Vocabulary Drill, [1938]
Booklet
Workbook for Shorthand Vocabulary Drill used by Beth Flint when she attended Alberta College in Edmonton from 1938-1940.
Location: 0002.01.04.02

Complete Typewriting Course, [1938]
Book
Text for a Complete Typewriting Course to teach Keyboard Mastery of the Vocabulary of Business by the High Frequency Word-Pattern Method.
Location: 0002.01.04.03

SubSeries 002.01.05

Family memorabilia. -- [1900]-. -- 5 cm of textual records.

The sub-series consists of personal memorabilia as follows: three silk-fringed cards from the early 1900s; two 1930 birthday books belonging to Pauline and Beth Flint; 1930 poem written by Godfrey P. Gower (later Bishop Gower of the Anglican Church) to the three Flint girls; three autograph books dating from 1931-1939; a 1934 Church membership booklet for Beth Flint in the Lower Beaverlodge United Church; three hand-made “Mother & Daughter Banquet” place cards from 1935-1938 among various other cards; her 1939 writings upon leaving home and working in Toronto; her WW II Ration Book from 1943; and plans for her garden on the farm in 1950

SubSeries 002.01.06

Sheehan Family Negative collection. -- [1900]-.

The sub-series consists of negatives of Pioneer Farm, the home farm of Tom Sheehan; Sheehan family and friends; camping, swimming and fishing; transportation with horses, cars and trucks; travel photographs, including some of a parade in Lethbridge; and some miscellaneous negatives of hunting, wooden towers (windmill, oil, forestry), Clairmont School, Lavern Sheehan and Jim Morken in war uniform, and the pass-by of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip in a royal limousine.

Pioneer Farm, [1930]
1 negative; b & w; 3 x 5 in.
Tom and Jennie Sheehan arrived in the Grande Prairie area in 1911. They established a farm southeast of Clairmont called Pioneer Farm. Their children were Bernard, Everett, Norine, Jean and Jack.
Location: 0002.01.06.01

Tom Sheehan Home, [1930]
1 photograph; b & w; 3 x 5 in.
In 1928, Tom and Jennie Sheehan built a large new home on Pioneer Farm, southeast of Clairmont.
Location: 0002.01.06.02

Horses on Pioneer Farm, [1930]
1 negative; b & w; 2 x 3 in.
Sixteen horses, harnessed and ready to work, in front of the barn at Pioneer Farm. A large number of horses were needed when all farming was done by horse power.
Location: 0002.01.06.03

Shorthorn Bull on Pioneer Farm, [1930]
1 negative; b & w; 3 x 5 in.
Shorthorn bull eating from a rack of grain on Pioneer Farm, owned by Tom and Jennie Sheehan.
Location: 0002.01.06.04

Breaking Land on Pioneer Farm, [1930]
1 negative; b & w; 3 x 5 in.
Breaking land with a steel-wheeled tractor on Pioneer Farm, owned by Tom and Jennie Sheehan.
Location: 0002.01.06.05

Steel-wheeled Tractor on Pioneer Farm, [1930]
1 negative; b & w; 3 x 5 in.
Steel-wheeled tractor on Pioneer Farm, owned by Tom and Jennie Sheehan.
Location: 0002.01.06.06

Horses on Pioneer Farm, [1930]
1 negative; b & w; 3 x 5 in.
Tom & Jennie Sheehan and children Norine, Jean and Bernard with the horses on Pioneer Farm.
Location: 0002.01.06.07

Wheat Crop on Pioneer Farm, [1930]
1 negative; b & w; 3 x 5 in.
A wheat crop on Pioneer Farm taller than a man's waist.
Location: 0002.01.06.08

Going to School, [1930]
1 negative; b & w; 3 x 5 in.
Everett and Bernard Sheehan going to Clairmont Lake School by horse in the summer.
Location: 0002.01.06.09

Traveling by Cutter, [1930]
1 negative; b & w; 3 x 5 in.
Everett and Bernard Sheehan going to Clairmont Lake School by horse and cutter in the winter.
Location: 0002.01.06.10

Traveling by Cutter, [1930]
1 negative; b & w; 3 x 5 in.
Two teams of horses and cutters traveling in the winter time.
Location: 0002.01.06.11

Traveling by Box Sleigh, [1930]
1 negative; b & w; 3 x 5 in.
A common way to transport groups in the winter time was by box sleigh, with everyone standing in the sleigh.
Location: 0002.01.06.12

Windmill Tower, [1930]
1 negative; b & w; 3 x 5 in.
Close-up of the windmill tower on Pioneer Farm.
Location: 0002.01.06.13

Forestry Tower, [1930]
1 negative; b & w; 3 x 5 in.
Forestry tower, with stacks of logs ready to be transported in the foreground.
Location: 0002.01.06.14

Building Highway 34, [1930]
1 negative; b & w; 3 x 5 in.
When Highway 34 was built ca. 1930, all of the work was done with horses. Here, three teams of horses transport culverts along the road allowance.
Location: 0002.01.06.15

Norine and Archie Stirling, 1951
1 negative; b & w; 3 x 5 in.
Photograph of Norine and Archie Stirling in the living room at Pioneer Farm. Norine was the oldest daughter of Tom and Jennie Sheehan.
Location: 0002.01.06.16

Hunting and Fishing, 1943-1953
5 negatives; b & w; 2 x 3 in.
These Sheehan family photographs are some hunting and fishing shots, showing Jack with a large goose, Jack with a bear cub, Tom Sheehan with fish, and one titled, "Digging for Fox".
Location: 0002.01.06.17-21

Clairmont Sports Day, [1950]
1 negative; b & w; 2 x 3 in.
Norine Sheehan driving the new Garden Tractor and giving rides to the kids at Clairmont Sports Day.
Location: 0002.01.06.22

Metis Wives and Children, [1933]
1 photograph; b & w; 3 x 5 in.
Wives and children of the Metis threshing crew at Tom Sheehan's farm near Clairmont include Louise Webber, Mrs. Dave Capot and Mrs. Dan McLean. The babies are strapped into the traditional moss bags which took the place of diapers.
Location: 0002.01.06.23

Metis Threshing Crew Camp, 1933
1 photograph; b & w; 2 x 4 in.
Metis women, children and tents in the Metis threshing crew camp on Tom Sheehan's farm in the fall of 1933. Each year this crew would come and help the Sheehan family with the harvest.
Location: 0002.01.06.24

Metis Wives and Children, [1933]
1 photograph; b & w; 3 x 5 in.
Metis women, Mrs. Dave Capot (left) and Mrs. Dan McLean with their children at Tom Sheehan's farm near Clairmont. The babies are strapped into the traditional moss bags which took the place of diapers.
Location: 0002.01.06.25

Metis Children, 1933
1 photograph; b & w; 2 x 4 in.
Children of the Metis threshing crew in their camp on Tom Sheehan's farm in the fall of 1933. Metis tent, wagon and dogs can be seen in the background.
Location: 0002.01.06.26

Metis Threshing Crew Families, 1933
1 photograph; b & w; 2 x 4 in.
Wives and families of the Metis threshing crew in their camp on Tom Sheehan's farm in the fall of 1933. Each year this crew would come and help the Sheehan family with the harvest.
Location: 0002.01.06.27

SubSeries 002.01.07

Miscellaneous negatives. -- 1938-1951.

The sub-series consists of miscellaneous negatives not included in the original order of the collection. They are in two formats (2 x 3 in. negatives and 35 mm negatives), and include negatives of activities on Crescent Grove Farm and Ox Shoe Farm, the Smoky River Bridge opening, traveling to Taylor Flats over muddy roads in the early 60s, Mr. & Mrs. Victor Flint in their later years, and family tombstones at the Beaverlodge Cemetery.

Alberta College, 1938-1939
1 negative; b & w; 2 x 3 in.
Bunny, Ruth and Beth at Alberta College in Edmonton, where Beth took Secretarial Science.
Location: 0002.01.07.01

Crescent Grove Farm, 1943
1 negative; b & w; 2 x 3 in.
Sadie, Ray, Everett and Beth in the yard at Crescent Grove farm owned by the Victor Flints at Lower Beaverlodge.
Location: 0002.01.07.02

House at Crescent Grove Farm, 1942
1 negative; b & w; 2 x 3 in.
Beth unpacking her trunks in the house at Crescent Grove Farm.
Location: 0002.01.07.03

Everett Duck Hunting, 1944
1 negative; b & w; 2 x 3 in.
Everett with ducks shot while hunting, outside the Sheehan's first home on Ox Shoe Farm.
Location: 0002.01.07.04

Everett & Beth on Horseback, 1943
1 negative; b & w; 2 x 3 in.
Everett and Beth on horseback at Crescent Grove Farm.
Location: 0002.01.07.05

Everett with the Sleigh, 1943
1 negative; b & w; 2 x 3 in.
Everett Sheehan with horses and sleigh on Ox Shoe Farm south of Clairmont.
Location: 0002.01.07.06

Tenting at Sturgeon Lake, 1943
1 negative; b & w; 2 x 3 in.
Everett Sheehan beside the tent at Sturgeon Lake in the summer of 1943.
Location: 0002.01.07.07

Expecting a Child, 1951
1 negative; b & w; 2 x 3 in.
Beth Sheehan, in 1951, pregnant with son Kells.
Location: 0002.01.07.08

Everett & Beth Sheehan, 1944
1 negative; b & w; 2 x 3 in.
Beth & Everett Sheehan, at the side of their first home on Ox Shoe Farm southeast of Clairmont.
Location: 0002.01.07.09

Washing Clothes, 1944
1 negative; b & w; 2 x 3 in.
Beth Sheehan washing clothes on scrub board outside of their first home in the summer of 1944.
Location: 0002.01.07.10

Winter on Ox Shoe Farm, 1944
3 negatives; b & w; 2 x 3 in.
Beth, with dog Daisy, on Ox Shoe Farm in the winter of 1944
Location: 0002.01.07.11a-c

Skating on Sturgeon Lake, 1944
1 negative; b & w; 2 x 3 in.
Norine, Joyce and Jean skating on Sturgeon Lake in the winter of 1944.
Location: 0002.01.07.12

New Tractor on Ox Shoe Farm, 1944
1 negative; b & w; 2 x 3 in.
Everett and Lavern Sheehan with the new tractor in 1944.
Location: 0002.01.07.13

Ferry Landing at Dunvegan, 1944
1 negative; b & w; 2 x 3 in.
Sheehan party waiting for the Dunvegan ferry on the south side of the Peace River in 1944.
Location: 0002.01.07.14

At Home on Ox Shoe Farm, 1947
7 negatives; b & w; 2 x 3 in.
Photographs of the old house, inside and out, taken in 1947 by Dr. McCrum. Includes Beth sitting at her dressing table and one of her on skis at the farm.
Location: 0002.01.07.15-21

Clairmont Main Street, 1944
1 negative; b & w; 2 x 3 in.
Harlie Conrad's cutter on Main Street in Clairmont around 1947 with Florence Conrad, Beth Sheehan, Anne McDonald, and Elsie Floener.
Location: 0002.01.07.22

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Series 002.02

Beth & Everett Sheehan's Ox Shoe Farm. -- 1949-1994. -- 7 cm of textual records.

The series consist of Income Tax Returns from 1949 to 1994 and some farm documents from 1967-1983: 1967 Land Title for the home quarter; 1975 indenture between Everett and Kells Sheehan to create a partnership raising purebred cattle; 1976 Lease Agreement on their farm land; 1980 transfer of land; 1981-1982 Canadian Wheat Board Permit Book; tax bills from 1982; and an Ox Shoe Farm business card. Photographs of the farm are included in the family photographs.

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Series 002.03

Involvement in Organizations. -- 1947-1997. -- 8.5 cm of textual records. -- 291 photographs. -- 80 negatives.

Beth Flint Sheehan has been involved in many different activities and organizations which have had an impact on the Peace Country and the area around Grande Prairie. She is well-known as a Peace Country historian, and is especially knowledgeable about the Clairmont area where she has farmed with her husband, Everett, for the past 60 years. Beth was a founding member of the Grande Prairie Agricultural Society, and interested herself not only in the current operations, but also in the history of its predecessors. Another of Beth’s hobbies is photography, and this is applied to her interest in the arts community of Grande Prairie, as well as her involvement with organizations and her historical research.

The series consists of sub-series detailing Beth’s activities as a member of the Grande Prairie Agricultural Society, as an historian and as a photographer. The collection includes historical information and photographs of the County Fair; lists of historical material available in or donated by Beth to the Provincial Archives and the Glenbow Archives since 1971; a collection of cards listing the residents of the Clairmont area in 1978; and photographs taken by Beth Sheehan because of her interest in the history of people and events in Grande Prairie.

SubSeries 002.03.01

Trumpeter Swan Society. -- 1947-1997. -- 1 cm of textual records.

In 1900, the Trumpeter Swan was thought to be on the verge of extinction, with only a few known pairs nesting in Yellowstone Park and in north-western Canada. Even though their nesting places and breeding grounds were kept secret and protected by conservationists and enthusiasts, the situation was still serious in the late 1940s when Beth Flint Sheehan became involved in their cause. At that time, a pair was nesting on Clairmont Lake, not far from her farm home. She joined the Trumpeter Swan Society International and became more knowledgeable about their precarious situation. In 1985, she was asked by the Chamber of Commerce to create a pamphlet on the local swans, and later an update for Muskoseepi Park. Beth also spent time photographing the swans.

The series consists of news clippings and articles on the conservation and phenomenal increase in population of the Trumpeter Swan especially in the County of Grande Prairie (including work done by Bernard Hamm), the use of the Swan as a symbol by many organizations, and productions on the life of the Trumpeter Swan.

Trumpeter Swans, Canada Geese and Blackbirds, 1912-1983
94 negatives; b & w colour; 4 x 5, 35 mm
The three oldest photographs are of Mr. & Mrs. Tomshak's tame swans in the 1940s and of Mr. Wishart with dead swan. The majority are of Trumpeter Swans and Canada Geese in the field at Ox Shoe Farm in the spring of 1974 and a flock of Blackbirds in 1975. There is also one swan on ice taken at Dorothy Mansfield's. P & G produced negative 94 from one of Beth's slides.
Location: 0002.03.01.01-94

SubSeries 002.03.02

Home & School Association. -- 1958-1965. -- 2 cm of textual records.

The Home & School Assoc. was formed “to bring together parents, teachers and interested members of the community for the purpose of raising educational standards in the home, school, and community, and of serving the needs of children and youth at various age levels.” Beth Sheehan was a founding member of the Harry Balfour Home and School Assoc. for two years, served as president of the local assoc., then as a regional representative, and finally as the news editor for the provincial newsletter. As regional rep she also planned conferences for the Grande Prairie area.

The sub-series consists of a 1960 handbook for The Canadian Home and School and Parent-Teacher Federation; Beth’s speech script on the benefits of having a Home & School Assoc.; skit scripts used for entertainment at conferences and meetings; annual banquet programs from The Alberta Federation of Home & School Assoc.; correspondence with other reps; and issues of the 1964 and 1965 newsletter, Home and School.

SubSeries 002.03.03

County of Grande Prairie Agricultural Society. -- 1965-1982. -- 2 cm of textual records. -- 91 photographs. -- 80 negatives.

Agricultural fairs in the early part of the 20th century were recognized as a way to promote the potential of the land and to encourage the spirit of the settlers. Thus, they were supported by government grants. The first fair in Grande Prairie was held in 1910, in the vicinity of 101 Street and 101 Avenue. By 1911, they were well established with president, vice-presidents, and secretary-treasurer. From then on, fairs were held annually until 1932 when, during the financial stress of the Depression, government grants stopped. This virtually put a stop to the fairs until 1951, when the Grande Prairie Agricultural Society was formed. At that time fair grounds were located north-east of the City where the city water towers and Crystal Park School now stand. In 1982, the fairgrounds moved to the dunes area south east of the City and was named Evergreen Park.

The sub-series consists of historical notes and essays on the fairs in Grande Prairie from 1910 to 1951, photographs of fairs and parades from 1954 on, planning documents, programmes and news clippings from fairs following that time.

County of Grande Prairie Agricultural Fair, 1954
3 slides; colour; 35 mm
County Fair parade on Richmond Avenue, chuckwagon races and horse races for the 1954 County Fair.
Location: 0002.03.03.001-03

County of Grande Prairie Agricultural Fair, 1957
3 slides; colour; 35 mm
Horses, clowns and Esso float in the 1957 County Fair Parade.
Location: 0002.03.03.004-06

County of Grande Prairie Agricultural Fair, 1960
5 slides; colour; 35mm
Horse competitions and crowds at the 1960 County Fair.
Location: 0002.03.03.007-11

County Fair Parade, 1961
3 slides; colour; 35 mm
Kinsmen float, 4-H float, and "Life begins at 80" Oldtimers float, in 1961 County fair parade.
Location: 0002.03.03.012-14

County Fair Parade, 1964
1 slide; colour; 35 mm
Stagecoach and horses, possibly carrying the mayor, in the 1964 County Fair parade.
Location: 0002.03.03.015

County of Grande Prairie Agricultural Fair, 1965
3 slides; colour; 35 mm
Fair queen and floats in the 1965 County Fair Parade.
Location: 0002.03.03.016-18

County of Grande Prairie Agricultural Fair, 1967
7 slides; colour; 35 mm
Costumed staff at 1967 County Fair: Lewis Hawkes, Gord Fried, Allan Drysdale, Alf Baum, Ruth Kenefick, Dick Foster. Grande Prairie Co-op and Holroyd Drugs floats in the parade.
Location: 0002.03.03.019-25

County of Grande Prairie Agricultural Fair, 1968
10 slides; colour; 35 mm
Flower and fine arts displays, floats in fair parade (hospital, children on bikes, small tractor), and mud at the 1968 Fair. People identified are Ted & Evelyn Gammon, Russel Burgess, and Nan Stirling.
Location: 0002.03.03.026-35

County of Grande Prairie Agricultural Fair, 1969
3 slides; colour; 35 mm
County Fair parade showing crowds, Mountview Trailer Sales float and Fred Dobbyn on his horse.
Location: 0002.03.03.036-38

County of Grande Prairie Agricultural Fair, 1971
3 slides; colour; 35 mm
Holroyd Drugs float, Miss Canada float and City of Grande Prairie float in the 1971 County Fair Parade.
Location: 0002.03.03.039-41

County of Grande Prairie Agricultural Fair, 1972
11 slides; colour; 35 mm
County Fair parade floats: Frontier Freddy, City of Grande Prairie, Foresters, German-Canadian Club, Alberta Government Telephones, Whitlock horses, Canfor.
Location: 0002.03.03.042-52

County of Grande Prairie Agricultural Fair, 1975
1 slides; colour; 35 mm
Staburr Booth at the 1975 County Fair.
Location: 0002.03.03.053a

Logger's Sports at the County Fair, 1975
2 slides; colour; 35 mm
Log chopping at the first Logger's Competition at the Grande Prairie County Fair in 1975.
Location: 0002.03.03.053b.c

County of Grande Prairie Agricultural Fair, 1976
2 slides; colour; 35 mm
Clarice Paul and displays at the 1976 County fair; also horse judging, but not for competition.
Location: 0002.03.03.054-55

County of Grande Prairie Agricultural Fair, 1980
4 slides; colour; 35 mm
Ferris Wheel and judging of Hereford cow & calf classes at the fair.
Location: 0002.03.03.056-59

Logger's Sports at the County Fair, 1980
15 slides; colour; 35 mm
Events at the Loggers' Sports at the Grande Prairie County Fair in 1980.
Location: 0002.03.03.059a-o

County Fair Parade, 1972
10 photograph; colour; 4 X 6 in.
1972 County of Grande Prairie Agricultural Fair Parade on Richmond Avenue.
Location: 0002.03.03.066-077

County of Grande Prairie Agricultural Fair, 1985
43 photographs; colour; 4 X 6 in.
Events at the 1985 County of Grande Prairie Agricultural Fair included chuckwagon races, chariot races, horse pulls.
Location: 0002.03.03.078-089

County Fair Parade, 1985
22 photographs; colour; 4 x 6 in.
Events at the 1985 County of Grande Prairie Agricultural Fair.
Location: 0002.03.03.090-111

County Fair Parade, 1987
5 photographs; colour; 4 X 6 in.
Events at the 1987 County of Grande Prairie Agricultural Fair.
Location: 0002.03.03.113-117

County Fair Parade, 1992
17 photographs; colour; 4 X 6 in.
Events at the 1992 County of Grande Prairie Agricultural Fair.
Location: 0002.03.03.118-134

County Fair Parade & Farmers' Market, 1994
7 photographs; colour; 4 X 6 in.
Events at the 1994 County of Grande Prairie Agricultural Fair.
Location: 0002.03.03.135-141

Evergreen Park Events, 1982
7 photographs; colour; 4 x 6 in.
Photographs of people and events at Evergreen Park in 1982 include fair official Johnny Stark; Henry Monkman, son of Alex Monkman; Dave Sample with his prize Appaloosa; Kelly Sutherland, World Champion Chuck Wagon driver; Chuckwagon races and horse pulling competitions at the Stompede.
Location: 0002.03.03.142-148

Evergreen Park Events, 1982
6 photographs; colour; 4 x 6 in.
Phogoraphs of people and events at Evergreen Park in 1983 include Ralph Vigen and his horse; Max Sutherland; chuckwagon racing at the fair; County of Grande Prairie float in the parade; and a boy and his goat.
Location: 0002.03.03.149-154

Evergreen Park Dedication, 1982
2 photographs; colour; 4 x 6 in.
Phogoraphs of commemorative rock and plaque marking the dedication of Evergreen Park. Plaque reads: "Grande Prairie County Agricultural Society. This exhibition complex is dedicated to the many volunteers who, with aid from the County of Grande Prairie and the Province of Alberta staged local fairs and special events from 1910 to 1982. Remembering the past, looking to the future for the the enjoyment of all. Dedicated July 31, 1982.
Location: 0002.03.03.155-156

Lewis Hawkes Livestock Pavilion, [1982]
1 photograph; colour; 4 x 6 in.
Lewis Hawkes Livestock Pavilion at the County Fairgrounds in Evergreen Park during the Spring Livestock Show and Sale Days.
Location: 0002.03.03.157

SubSeries 002.03.04

Grande Prairie Book Club. -- 1961-1972. -- .5 cm of textual records.

The sub-series consists of program scripts for Grande Prairie Book Club meetings where Beth was the hostess in charge of the program. There is also some correspondence carried out in preparation for the meetings.

SubSeries 002.03.05

Foster Parents Plan. -- 2 cm of textual records.

The sub-series consists of photographs, letters and folders of information from Foster Parents regarding the children the Sheehan’s supported through the adoption program.

SubSeries 002.03.06

Grande Prairie Hot Air Balloon Events Association. -- 1984. -- 1 cm of textual records.

The sub-series consists of a proposed calendar of events for the 1984 North American Hot Air Balloon Championships; correspondence, budgets, and minutes of meetings; bios of pilots and information for sponsors.

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Series 002.04

Beth Sheehan, historian. -- 1886-2000. -- 122 cm of textual records. -- 76 photographs. -- 12 sound recordings.

Because of her activities as an historian, Beth kept a collection of files on people and places she actively researched. This research would take the form of interviews from which she recorded notes or transcripts; photographs taken by Beth during the process of her research; biographies collected from other sources or written by her mother, Frances Flint, or herself; clippings collected from local papers and magazines; and notes taken from historical sources.

The sub-series consists of an index of material collected from pioneers in the Peace Country of Alberta by York University; a source list of material compiled in the Provincial Archives of Alberta on the Grande Prairie area before 1982; lists of archival material donated by Beth Sheehan to the Provincial Archives and the Grande Prairie Public Library; and cards with the names of Clairmont residents prepared for the 1978 Census.

SubSeries 002.04.01

"And We Come After". -- 1961-1986. -- 4 cm of textual records.

For some years, Mrs. Sheehan was the secretary of St. Paul’s United Church, and when they celebrated their 50th Anniversary in 1961, she wrote a history of the church called “And We Come After.” For the 75th Anniversary in 1986, Patricia Schneider wrote an update to cover the years from 1961-1986, while Beth added to the original history.

The sub-series consists of a series of St. Paul’s Calls, a newsletter produced by St. Paul’s United Church, from 1958-1961; correspondence written and received by Beth when she wrote the first issue in 1961; the original draft of the 1986 booklet; and bulletins and programmes for the 75th Anniversary.

And We Come After 1911-1986, 1986
booklet
History of McQueen Presbyterian Church and St. Paul's United Church, Grande Prairie from 1911 to 1986.
Location: 0002.04.01.1

And We Come After, St. Paul's United Church 1961, 1961
booklet
History of McQueen Presbyterian and St. Paul's United Church in Grande Prairie from 1911 to 1961.
Location: 0002.04.01.2

SubSeries 002.04.02

"People of the Pass". -- 1988-1992. -- 2 cm of textual records.

The Monkman Pass Highway was a volunteer project from 1937-1939 to build a highway between Rio Grande, Alberta and Hansard, B.C. on the British Columbia highway system, giving the Peace Country an “outlet to the Coast”. Madelon and Beth Flint were teenagers at the time of this momentous and popular project, and in the late 1980s collaborated to write a book about the people involved in the project. Beth is credited with the organization and editing of the book.

The sub-series consists of a corrected copy of People of the Pass, written by Madelon Flint Truax and Beth Flint Sheehan and a letter from the Alberta Historical Society acknowledging receipt of the book.

SubSeries 002.04.03

"Turn Back the Pages". -- 1970-1992. -- 6 cm of textual records.

Turn Back the Pages: Clairmont 1908-1992 is the history of the community of Clairmont (originally called Twin Lakes) written by Beth Sheehan in 1992. The book contains the history of the hamlet/village and its schools, churches, organizations and sports, illustrated by stories of local characters, maps, photographs, art work and clippings from the Clairmont Independent newspaper.

The sub-series consists of a series of handwritten cards with the names and locations of residents in the Clairmont area; a 20 page document from the Provincial Archives of Alberta detailing all the records with material about Clairmont in their holdings; correspondence, newsclippings, a hand-out on “How to Prepare a Local History” by Hugh Dempsey; and a copy of the published book.

SubSeries 002.04.04

Peace Country Maps. -- 1965-1993. -- 3 cm of textual records.

The sub-series consists of five land ownership maps from the County of Grande Prairie from 1972-1993; four road maps of Alberta, Canada and the United States from 1926-1969; and three maps of the Peace River Country and northern Alberta from 1926-1962.

Forestry Map #83 ML, 1962
map
bottom half of map showing the Wapiti, Kakwa and Smoky River areas.
Location: 0002.04.04.01

County of Grande Prairie No. 1, 1972
map
Quarter section map showing landowners and school districts in the County.
Location: 0002.04.04.02

County of Grande Prairie No. 1, 1979
map
Quarter section map showing landowners, with lakes hand-labeled in
Location: 0002.04.04.03

County of Grande Prairie No. 1, 1982
map
Quarter section map with names of landowners
Location: 0002.04.04.04

County of Grande Prairie No. 1, 1989
map
Quarter section map with names of landowners
Location: 0002.04.04.05

County of Grande Prairie No. 1, 1993
map
Quarter section map with names of landowners
Location: 0002.04.04.06

Sectional Map -Automobile Roads -Canada & United States, 1928
map; 40x36
This is a sectional map showing main roads between Canada and the United States, the western section.
Location: 0002.04.04.07

Sectional Map -Automobile Roads -Canada & United States, 1928
1 map; 30x36
This is a sectional map showing main roads between Canada and the United States, the eastern section.
Location: 0002.04.04.08

Northern Alberta, 1928
map; 36x45
Map shows disposition of lands: vacant surveyed lands, forest reserves, Dominion parks, Timber berths, Grazing leases, Boundaries of Dominion Lands Agencies, Dominion Land Offices and main roads.
Location: 0002.04.04.09

Peace River-Grande Prairie-Grouard, 1926 c.
map; 24x36
This map shows the land surveyed in these three districts. Hon. Hugh Allen is the name attached to the back
Location: 0002.04.04.10

Official Highway Guide - Province of Alberta, 1926
map; 18x24
This map shows the main highways in Alberta in 1926, and the nature of the road surfaces. It includes attached folded mileage tables.
Location: 0002.04.04.11

Province of Alberta, 1969
1 map; 12x24
This map shows the municipal districts of the province
Location: 0002.04.04.12

SubSeries 002.04.05

The Peace River. -- 1992. -- 5 cm of textual records. -- 12 photographs.

In 1955, Beth Flint Sheehan undertook a river boat trip on the Peace, from Dunvegan to Hudson’s Hope and back. Her companions on this trip were Mr. & Mrs. W. P. Loggie and their daughters, Isabel and Margaret, who were collecting material that summer on the pioneers of the south Peace and the importance of the river to the development of the country for the Glenbow Archives. The boat was skippered by Harry Taylor. Beth’s diary about this trip concludes that it was “one of the most wonderful experiences I ever expect to have.” This is evidenced by her continued interest in the Peace River for many years after the trip.

The series consists of “‘Firefly’ on the Peace,” the diary written by Beth Sheehan during her river boat excursion in 1955, a scrapbook of news articles kept by Beth from 1956-1979, and some articles on the Peace River written by Margaret Loggie in 1959. There are also files on the history and development of the Peace River with hydro-electric dams such as the Bennett Dam, the boats which plied the Peace and the communities along the Peace River: Hudson’s Hope, Taylor, Fort St. John, Dunvegan, Peace River, Fort Vermilion, and Watino.

The Mighty Peace River, n.d.
1 postcard; colour; 4 x 6 in.
Aerial view of the Peace River as it winds its way from the Rocky Mountains, near Taylor Flats.
Location: 0002.04.05.01

Collapse of the Taylor Bridge, 1957
1 negative; b & w; 2 x 3 in.
Centre section of the Taylor Bridge left standing after the collapse, with debris visible in the river.
Location: 0002.04.05.02

The Peace River Bridge, 1957 c.
5 negatives; b & w; 2 x 3 in.
Suspension bridge crossing the Peace River at Dunvegan.
Location: 0002.04.05.03-7

River In Canyon, Hudson's Hope, n.d.
1 postcard; b & w; 3.5 x 5.5 in.
The river runs through the canyon at Hudson's Hope. The photograph appears to have been taken from the river's edge. Chas. Stredulinsky is stamped on the back of the postcard.
Location: 0002.04.05.08

Church Of The Immaculate Conception, n.d.
1 postcard; b & w; 3.5 x 5.5 in.
Interior view of the sanctuary of the Church Of The Immaculate Conception at Peace River. A decorated altar, paintings and statues are in the sanctuary. The painting in the background is the work of the late pioneer Bishop Grouard, O.M.I. It was created on moose hide with home-made paint taken from the soil.
Location: 0002.04.05.09

Fort Fork Cairn, Peace River, 1979
1 photograph; colour; 3.5 x 5 in.
View of the cairn and surrounding fence as they sit by the highway in Nov. 1979. This cairn on the Shaftsbury Trail along the Peace River commemorates Alexander Mackenzie's western base in 1792 Fort Fork.
Location: 0002.04.05.10

Fort Fork Cairn, Peace River, 1979
1 photograph; colour; 3.5 x 5 in.
The cairn is made of cemented stone and bears a plaque on the front, Nov. 1979. Part of the fence surrounding it is visible. It commemorates Fort Fork, Alexander Mackenzie's winter base.
Location: 0002.04.05.11

Plaque On Fort Fork Cairn, Peace River, 1979
1 photograph; colour; 3.5 x 5 in.
The cairn plaque reads in French and English: "Fort Fork The remains across the river are those of Fort Fork, built by the North West Company in 1792 as a western base for Alexander Mackenzie's search for a route to the Pacific. The explorer wintered here before setting out in May 1793, on his historic journey to the Pacific. Fort Fork was subsequently abandoned for McLeod's Fort on the north bank, but was reoccupied about 1800. Until it was replaced by Fort Dunvegan in 1805, this was the North West Company's uppermost post on the Peace River." Photograph taken in Nov. 1979.
Location: 0002.04.05.12

Confluence Of The Peace & Smoky Rivers, Twelve Foot Davis Cairn, 1979
1 photograph; colour; 3.5 x 5 in.
The confluence of the Peace and Smoky Rivers is seen behind the cairn of Twelve Foot Davis, near the town of Peace River in Nov. 1979.
Location: 0002.04.05.13

SubSeries 002.04.06

Peace Country pioneers. -- 1886-1999. -- 16 cm of textual records. -- 64 photographs.

Because of her activities as an historian, Beth kept a collection of files on people and places she actively researched. Some research took the form of transcripts of interviews; photographs taken by Beth during the process of her research; biographies collected from other sources or written by her mother, Frances Flint, or herself; clippings collected from local papers and magazines; and notes taken from historical sources.

The series consists of files on pioneer families, artists and communities in the south Peace: Hugh Allen, the Brainard Stopping Place, Oswald & Thea Brekkin, Maude & Harry Clifford, Betty Coone, P.V Croken, Agnes & Alexander Forbes, Montrose House, Bob Guest, Tim Heimdal, Jessie Holmes, Kleskun Lake, Lake Saskatoon, Johnny Macdonald, Rose Pitts, the R.C.M.P., Bad Heart Straw Church, Carl Tracie, Anson Wagar and Jessie Wishart. There are also three documents with supporting correspondence and notes by Beth: an index of written materials on pioneers in the Peace Country and where they are available, compiled by J.D. Wood of York University from 1967-1969; a source list of documents available at the Provincial Archives of Alberta; and a list of the historical materials donated by Beth to the Provincial Archives and to the Grande Prairie Public Library.

William Allen and Mary Wright Marriage License, 1886
licenser
Creator: licenser
The original marriage license of William Allen and Mary Wright signed March 10, 1886.
Location: 0002.04.06.01

Wanted -Knobby Clarke, 1976
poster
Creator: poster
A poster advertising the Stage Door Theatre production of The Balled of Knobby Clarke, April 21, 1976.Artist is Tim Heimdal.
Location: 0002.04.06.02

Alberta Wheat Pool Meeting, 1947
card
Creator: card
A card inviting the recipient, Mr. Crosbie Mc Naught of Halcourt to a meeting of the Alberta Wheat Pool
Location: 0002.04.06.03

Hugh Allen, Member Of The Legislative Assembly, 1926
1 photograph; b & w; 4.5 x 6.5 in.
This portrait of Hugh Allen was taken for the Legislative Assembly. He was an MLA (Member Of The Legislative Assembly) from 1926-1939, serving as the Minister of Lands, Mines and Natural Resources and the Minister of Municipal Affairs. He arrived in the Peace Country in 1911, a pioneer devoted to promoting and bettering agriculture in the West. He served as president of the Alberta Livestock Commission for many years and was a Director for United Grain Growers
Location: 0002.04.06.01

Mary Wright Allen, Stella, Ontario, n.d.
1 photograph; b & w; 2.5 x 4 in.
Mary Wright Allen, Hugh's mother is sitting in a chair inside her home in Stella, Amherst Island, Ontario.
Location: 0002.04.06.02

Election Campaign Banner For Hugh W. Allen, 1926
1 photograph; b & w; 3.5 x 5.5 in.
A banner is suspended across a John Deere dealership. Farm equipment and an automobile are visible. The banner reads "Vote Hugh Allen 1".
Location: 0002.04.06.03

Allen Home at Huallen, 1931 c.
1 photograph; b & w; 2 x 3 in.
Front view of the Hugh Allen home, Huallen, taken in the summer.
Location: 0002.04.06.04

Allen Home at Huallen, 1931 c.
1 photograph; b & w; 2 x 3 in.
Side view of the Hugh Allen home, Huallen, taken in the summer.
Location: 0002.04.06.05

Allen Home at Huallen, 1931 c.
1 photograph; b & w; 3 x 4 in.
Front view of the Hugh Allen home, Huallen, taken in the winter.
Location: 0002.04.06.06

Hugh Allen Camping, n.d.
1 photograph; b & w; 3 x 5 in.
Hugh Allen as a young man camping in Ontario. He is holding a pot and frying pan, with a white tent in the background.
Location: 0002.04.06.07

Elderly Hugh and Lulu Allen, n.d.
1 photograph; colour; 3.5 x 3.5 in.
An elderly Hugh and Lulu Allen are standing by a garden in Flint's yard. Flint's house is in the background. They were married in 1957. This was the second marriage. Hugh's first wife was Mable Sills, who died in 1956. Lulu's first husband, Charles Edgerton, was killed in a car accident.
Location: 0002.04.06.08

Brainard's Stopping Place, 1974
1 photograph; colour; 3.5 x 5 in.
Thirteen colour photographs and 2 colour slides of the old Brainard Stopping Place, taken Nov.5, 1974. The buildings on site include the Stopping Place built ca. 1910, a log building known as "Blake's House", "Blake's barn", a lumber building which was the sub-station for the Indian agent, the old Provincial Police barracks, and the Chicken House. There are also photographs of Inez Brainard Henderson at the 76 year old family stove where her mother, Ma Brainard, cooked thousands of fried chicken meals between 1918 and when she died in 1967. Her guests were sometimes influential people such as the governor-general of Canada.
Location: 0002.04.06.09-23

Twinning Celebration, Woking, 1983
1 photograph; colour; 3.5 x 5 in.
Ten colour photographs of the meeting between Woking Post Office and Woking, England Post Office on July 3, 1983. The idea was spear-headed by Betty Coone, Woking, Alberta post-mistress and Jane Pearce, editor for the Woking, England newspaper. A community pancake breakfast was held for the English guests so the the whole community could meet them. Photos are of this event as well as the English guests Mr. & Mrs. Butt and Mr. & Mrs. Pearce; Woking, Alberta friends; and Woking landmarks such as the Alberta Wheat Pool Elevator and Woking Greek Orthodox Church. Betty Coone returned the visit a year later.
Location: 0002.04.06.24-33

P.V. Croken, Lyall, Morrison, Pollack & Field, 1971
1 photograph; b & w; 5 x 8 in.
P. V. Croken is presenting checks to Jack Lyall and Gladys Morrison for the crippled children and to Iris Pollack and Mary Field for retarded children.
Location: 0002.04.06.34a

P.V. Croken and Randy Zutter, 1971
1 photograph; b & w; 5 x 6.5 in.
P.V. Croken is presenting the PV Croken scholarship to Composite High School student Randy Zutter.
Location: 0002.04.06.34b

Euphemia McNaught Paintings, [1985]
11 photographs; colour; 4 x 6 in.
Photographs of Euphemia McNaught paintings.
Location: 0002.04.06.35-45

Herman Trelle Family, 1930 c.
1 photograph; b & w; 8 x 10 in.
Herman & Louise (nee Smith) Trelle are sitting in wicker chairs outside their home with their three young children.
Location: 0002.04.06.46

Herman Trelle Family, 1940 c.
2 photographs; b & w; 2.5 x 4 in.
Outside winter snapshots of Herman Trelle family with three children. Herman Trelle was home on leave from the WW II. He was in the Canadian army for two years then became ill.
Location: 0002.04.06.47a-b

Lord's Prayer On Wheat Kernel, n.d.
1 photograph; b & w; 3.5 x 5 in.
"Micrograph of a part kernel of Herman Trelle World Championeship Wheat, on which the Lord's Prayer is written in ink, so small that it may be repeated ten times on the surface of this same kernel. This world record writing was only made possible on a perfectly smooth kernel of Trelle's wheat." The kernel has "July 19, 1935 Edmonton Fair" on it.
Location: 0002.04.06.48

Lake Saskatoon Anglican Cemetery, 1982
2 photographs; b & w; 3.5 x 5 in.
The sign outside St. Andrew's Church provides a written history of the cemetery and the community. It reads "Anglican Churchyard Cemetary Lake Saskatoon This cemetary was opened Sept. 19, 1911 when the Lake Saskatoon Municipal Cemetary was established. The last burial was that of early pioneer Mrs. Holmes in May 1971. A memorial stone with the family names inscribed was installed by the community in 1975. Many were the accidents occuring in these trying times, County of Grande Prairie 1977." Photograph taken Sept. 3, 1982.
Location: 0002.04.06.49-50

Straw Church At Bad Heart, 1954
1 photograph; b & w; 3.5 x 6 in.
Three men, a woman and a child are standing near the Bad Heart Roman Catholic Church in 1954. The church has no door or window. This was before stucco was put over the bales of straw in the walls of the church. Part of an automobile is visible in the right side of the photograph.
Location: 0002.04.06.51

Straw Church At Bad Heart, 1992
1 photograph; colour; 4 x 6 in.
Two men are standing near the Bad Heart Roman Catholic Church. The church has no door or window. This was before stucco was put over the bales of straw in the walls of the church. The church's official re-opening day was August 22, 1992.
Location: 0002.04.06.52

Church At Bad Heart, 1992
1 photograph; colour; 4 x 6 in.
The Bad Heart Roman Catholic Church has stain glass windows and a cross on its steeple. The photograph was taken on August 22, 1992, the official re-opening day.
Location: 0002.04.06.53

Church At Bad Heart, 1992
1 photograph; colour; 4 x 6 in.
Close up of the Bad Heart Roman Catholic Church with its stain glass windows and a cross on its steeple. The photograph was taken on August 22, 1992, the official re-opening day.
Location: 0002.04.06.54

"Winter Camp On Denning Creek", Painting By Bob Guest, 1990
1 photograph; colour; 4 x 6 in.
Photograph of the painting "Winter Camp On Denning Creek" by Bob Guest. Photograph is included in "Trail North-A Journey In Words And Pictures" by Robert Guest p. 118
Location: 0002.04.06.56

"Moonlit Trail Through The Poplars", Painting By Bob Guest, 1990
1 photograph; colour; 4 x 6 in.
Photograph of the painting "Moonlit Trail Through The Poplars" by Bob Guest. Quote from "Trail North-A Journey In Words And Pictures" by Robert Guest p. 120: "As the long Trail from the Athabasca Valley reached the Peace country, the forest gradually changed. By the time it had crossed the Wapiti River it was winding its way through endless stands of aspen poplar. During the dark days of winter with cold weather and deep snow, travellers felt isolated and were glad to reach their destinations. Some people wore snowshoes, which were not always practical. The painting was based on a trail located close to my cabin."
Location: 0002.04.06.57

On A Clear Day You Can See For A Few Blocks!, 1972
1 photograph; b & w; 8 x 10 in.
Thick black smoke hangs in the air above Canfor Plywood Division buildings and trucks.
Location: 0002.04.06.58

Mural In Stony Plain Park By Tim Heimdal, 1993
1 photograph; colour; 4 x 6 in.
On April 7, 1992, Tim Heimdal completed a mural of multicultural individuals and flags behind Shikaoi park in Stony Plain. It is a tribute to early pioneers and sister city in Japan. The park contains a wooden bridge, large rocks and trails.
Location: 0002.04.06.59

York Hotel/Beer Box Mural By Tim Heimdal, 1993
1 photograph; colour; 4 x 6 in.
In October 1995, Tim Heimdal completed a mural of horses in the clouds and descending to the earth. A bicycle is parked outside the Beer Box. Several "Beer Box Customer Parking" signs are on the bottom part of the mural.
Location: 0002.04.06.60

Mural In Stony Plain Park By Tim Heimdal, 1993
2 photographs; colour; 4 x 6 in.
On April 7, 1992, Tim Heimdal completed a mural of early pioneers and flags behind Shikaoi park in Stony Plain. It is a tribute to early immigrants and their sister city in Japan. The park contains benches, a garbage container, a wooden bridge, large rocks, winding paths and a wooden gazebo-like structure.
Location: 0002.04.06.61-62

Mural Of Hythe Volunteers By Tim Heimdal, 1996 c.
1 photograph; colour; 4 x 6 in.
In 1993 or 1995, Tim Heimdal completed a mural of actual volunteers at work in Hythe. Olive Stickney is identifiable in the lower left corner of the mural.
Location: 0002.04.06.63

Kleskun Ranch Bison, n.d.
1 photograph; colour; 4 x 6 in.
Two bison are standing in a field at Kleskun Ranch. On the back of the photograph: "Kleskun Ranch Pages 29,30,31 John Clark story (nephew of Knobby) Wagon Trails Grown Over".
Location: 0002.04.06.64

SubSeries 002.04.07

Peace Country oral histories. -- 1967-1991. -- 9 sound recordings.

The sub-series consists of 9 taped interviews of people with history in the Peace Country: H.W. Allen, P.V. Croken, Inez Brainard Henderson, Mr. & Mrs. George Sayle, Johnny Macdonald, Betty McNaught, Oscar Gudlaugson, and Eleanor Clifford Thorpe. There is also a sound recording of the Bull Sale at the Innisfail Test Centre.

H.W. Allen and P.V. Croken Interview, 1967-1971
Sound Recording
On Track 1, the oral history interview of Hugh Allen, MLA, upon his acceptance to the Alberta Agricultural Hall of Fame in 1967. On track 1, side 2 Kells and Lynn Sheehan, ages 16 and 19 in June 1967. On Track 2, both sides, an interview of P.V. Croken in 1971 when he was 81 years old.
Location: 002.04.07.01

Inez Henderson Interview, 1974
Sound Recording
Oral history of Inez Henderson, daughter of Ma Brainard, who had a Stopping Place at Brainard Lake in the 1920s.
Location: 002.04.07.02

Innisfail Test Centre Sale, 1980
Sound Recording
Side 1 is the Innisfail Test Centre Bull Sale in 1980, recorded by Beth Sheehan. There is a note that says "side 1 with Capstan."
Location: 002.04.07.03

George Sayle Interview, 1980
Sound Recording
Interview of George Sayle in November 1980. The topic is Tom Corlett and Clairmont.
Location: 002.04.07.04

Mrs. George Sayle Oral History, 1980
Sound Recording
Interview of Mrs. George Sayle on January 20, 1980 regarding oldtimers in the Clairmont area: Tom Corlett, Johnny Christian, Jack Kerr, Lee Alward and Billy Kinvig. This tape also contains Mrs. Sayle's own story.
Location: 002.04.07.05

John A. Macdonald Oral History, 1982
Sound Recording
Interview of John A. Macdonald in October of 1982.
Location: 002.04.07.06

Interview with Betty McNaught, [1985]
Sound Recording
Interview with artist Euphemia (Betty) McNaught.
Location: 002.04.07.07

Interview with Oscar Gudlaugson, 1991
Sound Recording
Interview with Oscar Gudlaugson on October 27, 1991.
Location: 002.04.07.08

Interview with Eleanor Clifford Thorpe, 1991
Sound Recording
Interview with Eleanor Clifford Thorpe in Yuma, Arizona in 1991. Eleanor was the youngest (second) daughter of Maude Wescott and Harry Clifford, who arrived in the south Peace in 1906 and set up a small store in the Metis settlement of Flying Shot Lake.
Location: 002.04.07.09

SubSeries 002.04.08

Beth Sheehan library. -- 1992. -- 68 volumes cm of textual records.

The sub-series consists of 68 volumes of Peace Country history

Beaverlodge to the Rockies, 1974
Author: Beaverlodge and Dist Historical Society
Location: 2003.54.01

Peace Country Heritage, 1974
Author: E.C.Stacey
Location: 2003.54.02

Challenge of the Homestead, 1988
Author: letters of Clyde Campbell
letters of Clyde and Myrle Campbell
Location: 2003.54.03

This Was No Picnic, 1991
Author: John Schmidt
WWll as it affected Dawson Creek -Fort St. John area
Location: 2003.54.04

The Unexploited West, 1914
Author: Ernest J. Chambers
a compilation of information on natural resources of northern Canada
Location: 2003.54.05

Summer of Childhood, 1978
Author: Barbara Cox
story of the Harry Hartley family
Location: 2003.54.06

Where the River Ran, 2000
Author: Thelma Irvine
writings covering historical events from 1793-1978
Location: 2003.54.07

Suitable for the Wilds:Letters from Northern Alberta 1929-1931, 1995
Author: Dr. Mary Percy Jackson
Location: 2003.54.08

Trucking the Tote Road to Alaska, 1989
Author: Cyril Griffith
memories of the early days of the Alaske Highway
Location: 2003.54.09

Halfbreed, 1973
Author: Maria Campbell
Location: 2003.54.10

Judge of the Far North, 1968
Author: Jack Sissons
memoirs of Jack Sissons
Location: 2003.54.11

The Land of Twelve-Foot Davis, 1952
Author: James G. MacGregor
Location: 2003.54.12

Emporium of the North, 1987
Author: James Parker
Fort Chipewyan and the fur trade to 1835
Location: 2003.54.13

Misfortune, Miracles and Motivation, 1992
Author: Roy Housworth with Delored T'u
the story of Roy and Margaret Housworth and how they established the Grace Children's Home
Location: 2003.54.14

The Webbers' Invasion of Canada, 1977
Author: Jonas Webber
the story of Jonas Webber
Location: 2003.54.15

W.D.Albright, 1974
Author: E.C.Stacey
Location: 2003.54.16

Poems of W.D.Albright 1881-1946, n.d.
Author: W.D.Albright
Location: 2003.54.17

Grouard-Peace River Trail, 1984
Author: E.William Marx
Location: 2003.54.18

Power of the Peace, 1972
Author: Phyllis James
Location: 2003.54.19

To the Peace Country and On, 1974
Author: Ida Scharf Hopkins
Location: 2003.54.20

Alberta Writers Speak - Centennial Issue, 1967
Author: Beatrice Todd, editor
a variety of stories and articles about early Alberta, including the Peace Country.
Location: 2003.54.21

Alberta Writers Speak - Overland to the Klondike, 1969
Author: Beatrice Todd, editor
stories basedon Alberta's history
Location: 2003.54.22

It Was Very Mysterious, 1989
Author: Jan and Jim Zurcher
children's story set in the park
Location: 2003.54.23

Fort St. John Pioneer Profiles, 1971
Author: Marguerite Davies, Cora Ventress
Location: 2003.54.24

Peace River Past - A Canadian Adventure, 1981
Author: David L. Macdonald
an overview of Peace Country history from explorers to settlement
Location: 2003.54.25

Faith in a Fertile Land, 1982c.
Author: Mabel Lillian Harper
Location: 2003.54.26

In Search of a Dream, 1990
Author: Nora K. Hogg
Location: 2003.54.27

Blankets and Beads, 1949
Author: James G. MacGregor
a history of the Saskatchewan River
Location: 2003.54.28

The Emperor of Peace River 1886-1952, 1965
Author: Eugenie Louise Myles
the story of Sheridan Lawrence
Location: 2003.54.29

Land of the Fireweed, 1985
Author: Hope Moritt
a young woman's story of the Alaska Highway construction days
Location: 2003.54.30

North-West of 16, 1958
Author: J.G.MacGregor
Location: 2003.54.31

Where Go the Boats - Navigation on the Peace, n.d.
Author: Evelyn Hansen
navigation on the Peace River 1792-1952
Location: 2003.54.32

The Peace River Country Canada -Its Resources and Opportunities, 1927
Author: F.H.Kitto, F.R.G.S.
Location: 2003.54.33

Memory Wall, 1989
Author: Grace Diesel
the memories of Grace Diesel as homesteader, trapper, big game guide and mother
Location: 2003.54.34

On the North Trail - The Treaty 8 Diary of O.C.Edwards, 1998
Author: David Leonard and Beverly Whalen, editors
Location: 2003.54.35

A Jewel of the Wilderness, 1978
Author: Mildred Pratt
memories of the Peter La Forge family, Swan Lake, B.C.
Location: 2003.54.36

The Big Dam Country, 1969
Author: Bruce Ramsey and Dan Murray
history leading to the building of the W.A.C. Bennett Dam
Location: 2003.54.37

Sideswipe, 1987
Author: Arthur B. Patterson
nature poetry
Location: 2003.54.38

Poetic Impressions, 1978c.
Author: Wilfred Guest
collection of poetry
Location: 2003.54.39

Poetic Fancies, 1978
Author: Wilfred Guest
collection of poetry
Location: 2003.54.40

Lebenslaufe, 1998
Author: Peter von Tiesenhausen
published on the occasion of the artist's exhibition in Kelowna
Location: 2003.54.41

Beyond Rock and Coal, 2000
Author: Charles Helm
the history of the Tumbler Ridge area
Location: 2003.54.42

The First Post - A History of the Police Force in Peace River 1898-1998, 1998
Author: Barbara Crawford, editor
history of the North West Mounted Police and RCMP in Peace River
Location: 2003.54.43

The Monkman Pass Highway, 1974
Author: E.C.Stacey
A history of the Monkman Pass beginning with the settlement of the Peace River region in the 1910s and ending in the late 1930s with the Pass's commercial development.
Location: 2003.54.44

The First Fifty Years, 1978
Author: Grande Prairie Catholic School Dist. 28
Grande Prairie School System 1928-1978
Location: 2003.54.45

A Glimpse of the Past, 1989
Author: Angus. G. Fraser, editor
an anecdotal history of health services in Grande Prairie
Location: 2003.54.46

Songs of the Wind, 1996
Author: Hazel Bean
collection of cowboy poems
Location: 2003.54.47

Reminiscing With Walt, 1964
Author: Gertrude Bryan
memoirs of Walter Mueller, Spirit River
Location: 2003.54.48

The History of Our Church - St. Paul's United, Fairview, 1966c.
Author: Mrs. D.M. Kennedy
Location: 2003.54.49

History of Grovedale, 1971
Author: Grovedale Community Club
memoirs of Haan, Kimmerly, Gabler, Penson Pender Smith, Ray Smuland, Grubert, Shand, Comeau families and others, Bridge Creek and Grovedale Schools, community clubs and schools
Location: 2003.54.50

The Land Beyond the Peace, 1959c.
Author: Silas Trepus, editor
facts and figures about Fort St. John B.C.
Location: 2003.54.51

A Narrative History of Fort Dunvegan, 1993
Author: Daniel Francis and Michael Payne
Location: 2003.54.52

Home on the Range, 1982
Author: Nancy Millar, Susan Morash, Karen Burgess
cookbook with pioneering stories
Location: 2003.54.53

Place Names of Alberta Vol 1, 1991
Author: Aphrodite Karamitsanis, editor
place names and locations of Mountains, Mountain Parks, and Foothills in Alberta
Location: 2003.54.54

Edmonton to Peace River and the North Country Guide, 1916
Author: Mahar & Charlesworth Publishers
a pocket guide to Edmonton and the North containing information for the benefit of settlers and tourists seeking pleasure or business
Location: 2003.54.55

Alberta Golden Jubilee Celebrations, 1955
Author: The Edmonton Journal
a souvenir program of the fiftieth anniversary of the inauguration of the province of Alberta 1905-1955.
Location: 2003.54.56

The Countrywoman Handbook, 1945
Author: Country Guide Ltd.
A guide to modern rural living - Book No. 1- includes kitchen tools and labor saving devices, washday shortcuts, sewing hints, housecleaning aids, how to get rid of flies and bugs…
Location: 2003.54.57

The New Farmer's Manual, 1905 c.
Author: Family Herald and Weekly Star
A guide to farming covering a broad range of topics from crops, building construction, pest and disease control
Location: 2003.54.58

Sixty Years to the Peace -1916-1976, 1978
Author: The Canadian Railroad Historical Assoc.
Peace River's railway history described in photos and text.
Location: 2003.54.59

Feist Dance Folio, 1937
Author: Leo Feist Inc.
A music book cotaining music for popular dance hits - waltzes and fox-trots
Location: 2003.54.60

Monkman Pass Highway, 1974
Author: E.C. Stacey
A history of the efforts of a Peace River district group inspired by Alex Monkman's research of the area, to build a highway through the Monkman Pass of the Rockies in order to link up with Prince George and provide a transportation route for shipping grain to ports on the west coast.
Location: 2003.54.61

W.D. Albright, 1974
Author: E.C. Stacey
A history of the contributions of W.D. Albright to agriculture in the Peace Country, particularly his work with the Beaverlodge Experimental Station.
Location: 2003.54.62

Across the Years, 2000
Author: Mary Nutting
A history of the Red Cross and its services to Northwestern Alberta from WW1 on.
Location: 2003.54.63

Alaska-Western Canada Milepost, 1984
Author: Alaska Northwest Publishing Co.
A travel guide for northwestern Canada, Yukon and Alaska, following 28 highways, describing places and features along the routes.
Location: 2003.54.64

Turn Back the Pages, 1992
Author: Beth Sheehan
A history of Clairmont district from 1908-1992.
Location: 2003.54.65

A History of Lesser Slave Lake, 1981
Author: Geoff Sawyer
A history of the Lesser Slave Lake area including Grouard. This document was printed for use by the Archaeological Society's Grouard Field Trip.
Location: 2003.54.66

Alberta Plains Prehistory: A Review, 1986
Author: Roderick Vickers
Articles written for specialists in archaeological research covering the prehistory of areas in Alberta.
Location: 2003.54.67

Archaeological Survey Occasional Paper No. 34, 1992
Author: Walt Kowal
Archaeological investigations at historic Waterhole in July, 1990 resulted in this paper which includes lists of artefacts found and historical photographs.
Location: 2003.54.68

SubSeries 002.04.09

Peace Country people. -- 1932-2000. -- 86 cm of textual records.

Mrs. Sheehan’s interest in the accomplishments of people in the Peace Country extended to a thorough reading of the local papers, from where she clipped any articles regarding the development of the south Peace and the accomplishments of its people. This could be in any area—agriculture, business, culture, education, environment, government, history, sports or technology. These articles were clipped, dated and filed. Although the majority of them are from the 1970s to 2000, some date back as far as the 1930s.

The series consists of newspaper and magazine clippings of topics relevant to the development of the Peace Country and the accomplishments of its citizens.

Back to Table of Contents

Series 002.05

Photograph Collection. -- [1915]-1999. -- 1,223 photographs.

As an historian and a photographer, Beth Sheehan collected and took photographs spanning a long period of time and a great variety of interests. As a meticulous researcher, she added notes and observations on the back of each photograph, recording the date, the event and the people in the photograph.

The series consists of various sub-series: historical photographs from the Peace Country dating from 1915 to 1948; her own photographs of scenes and events in the Peace Country from 1948 onwards; and her own photographs of events in the City of Grande Prairie from the same time period. Because of Beth’s skill as an artist, many of the photographs are of superior quality, with hand-written notes on the backs of many, giving details. Negatives of these photographs are also available.

SubSeries 002.05.01

Historical Photographs and Slides. -- 1915-1948. -- 66 photographs.

The sub-series consists mainly of original photographs collected by Beth Sheehan to record the history of the Grande Prairie area: children swimming and water-sliding at Benson’s Point, early planes, vehicles and homes, Patterson’s barn fire, the interior of the Donald Hotel. There are also 3 photographs of the Leduc Oil Well which blew on February 22, 1948.

Benson's Point Slide, Bear Lake, [1922]
1 photograph; b & w; 3 x 5 in.
Children ranged at the top of the long metal slide at Benson's Point on the north side of Bear Lake include Everett, Bernard and Lavern Sheehan. Everett is coming down the slide. Benson's point was a popular group and family picnic area from the early 1920s to the late 1960s.
Location: 0002.05.01.001

Benson's Point Swimmers, Bear Lake, 1922 c.
1 photograph; b & w; 3 x 5 in.
A large group of people in swimsuits are playing in the water and on a dock at Benson's Point, Bear Lake. Herman Trelle and his son Kay are in the centre of the photograph.
Location: 0002.05.01.002

Benson's Point, Bear Lake, 1922 c.
1 photograph; b & w; 3 x 5 in.
People are playing in the water at Benson's Point, Bear Lake. In the background a person is climbing up a large metal water slide.
Location: 0002.05.01.003

Threshing Machine at Beaverlodge, 1924 c.
1 photograph; b & w; 3 x 5 in.
Paul Flint and George Anderson (first two men from left) with the stationary threshing machine at the Beaverlodge Experimental Farm. Note that the thresher is protected inside a building, with the pulley run through a hole in the wall.
Location: 0002.05.01.004

Early Plane, 1925 c.
1 photograph; b & w; 3 x 5 in.
A crowd is standing in a field watching an airplane flying.
Location: 0002.05.01.005

Early Pilot & Plane, 1925 c.
1 photograph; b & w; 3 x 5 in.
Three people are talking to the pilot in the cockpit of an airplane.
Location: 0002.05.01.006

Street Full of Chevys, 1929
1 photograph; b & w; 3 x 5 in.
Six automobiles (Chevy's?) are parked in front of a building with a false front. Another building is in the background on the main street of Grande Prairie.
Location: 0002.05.01.007

Early Settler's Cabin, n.d.
1 photograph; b & w; 3 x 5 in.
A wooden chair is sitting outside a large log cabin. Trees are in the background.
Location: 0002.05.01.008

J.O. Patterson Barn Fire, n.d.
1 photograph; b & w; 3 x 5 in.
Flames and smoke cover the Patterson's barn as it burns.
Location: 0002.05.01.009

J.O. Patterson Barn Fire, n.d.
1 photograph; b & w; 3 x 5 in.
Flames and smoke cover the Patterson's barn as it burns.
Location: 0002.05.01.010

Bird's Eye View Of Richmond Avenue Grande Prairie, 1920 c.
1 postcard; b & w; 3.5 x 5.5 in.
Salmond's Hotel, the confectionery and other businesses are visible from a roof.
Location: 0002.05.01.011a

View of Richmond Avenue, Grande Prairie, 1935 c.
1 postcard; b & w; 3 x 5 in.
The Imperial Bank of Canada on the north-west corner of Richmond Avenue. Occupied by Central Jewellers on the ground floor and Cal's Barber Shop at a later date.
Location: 0002.05.01.011b

Frank Donald & Car, 1925 c.
1 postcard; b & w; 3.5 x 5.5 in.
Frank Donald is sitting in his automobile wearing goggles. He is surrounded by people.
Location: 0002.05.01.012

Dog Team At Northern Winter Carnival, 1929 c.
1 postcard; b & w; 3.5 x 5.5 in.
A dog team is crossing the main street of Grande Prairie. A group of people are watching.
Location: 0002.05.01.013

Settlers Bringing in Winter Supplies, 1915 c.
1 photograph; b & w; 3.5 x 5 in.
Settlers with teams of horses are pulling sleighs full of supplies.
Location: 0002.05.01.014

Setting up for a Sports Day, 1920 c.
1 photograph; b & w; 3.5 x 5 in.
Bird's eye view of two automobiles and a group of people beside a corral-like structure.
Location: 0002.05.01.015

Interior of the Donald Hotel, 1935 c.
1 photograph; b & w; 4 x 5 in.
Interior view of the Donald Hotel, Grande Prairie. Leather chairs, exotic plants are lining the front entrance of the hotel. Electric lights hang from the ceiling.
Location: 0002.05.01.016

Alloway & McQuat, Snow Taxi, 1939 c.
1 photograph; b & w; 4 x 5 in.
Passengers Jack Alloway, Sue McQuat and Mr. & Mrs. George McQuat (left to right) are standing in the snow beside a snow taxi snowmobile. Mr. & Mrs. McQuat appear to be wearing skis and are holding ski poles.
Location: 0002.05.01.017

Leduc Oil Well, 1948
1 photograph; b & w; 3 x 4 in.
A new oil well is blowing at Leduc on Feb. 22, 1948, as people stand on a snowy road watching.
Location: 0002.05.01.018

Leduc Oil Well, 1948
1 photograph; b & w; 3 x 4 in.
Automobiles are parked on a snowy road beside an oilfield station. In the background a new oil well is blowing.
Location: 0002.05.01.019

Leduc Oil Well, 1948
1 photograph; b & w; 3 x 4 in.
A new oil well is blowing at Leduc on Feb. 22, 1948, as people stand on a snowy road watching.
Location: 0002.05.01.020

Clairmont, Alberta, 1920 c.
1 postcard; b & w; 3 x 5 in.
View east down Clairmont Main Street with George Evans' Hardware, Joe Roth's Poolroom, Lee Curtis' Store and Kirkham General Store on the left and Hotel and Sims Livery Barn on the right.
Location: 0002.05.01.021

Grande Prairie Flood, 1920
1 photograph; b & w; 6 x 10 in.
Bear Creek in flood in the spring of 1920. Photograph is taken from the creek bank south-west of the Richmond Avenue bridge, with Cook's Lumber Mill in the foreground.
Location: 0002.05.01.022

Royal Bank, Grande Prairie, [1920]
1 photograph; b & w; 8 x 10 in.
The Royal Bank in Grande Prairie was constructed as the Merchant Bank of Canada and later re-named the Royal.
Location: 0002.05.01.023

Wembley Train Station, 1972
1 photograph; b & w; 6 x 8 in.
Rear view of the Wembley Train Station about the time passenger train service was discontinued.
Location: 0002.05.01.024

Northern Alberta Railway Station, 1972
1 photograph; b & w; 5 x 7 in.
N.A.R. Station in Clairmont, boarded and ready to move west of Grande Prairie where it was renovated for a home. In 1972 passenger service was discontinued in the south Peace River Country, and many train stations started second lives as homes, commercial establishments or farm buildings.
Location: 0002.05.01.025

Fishing at Big Mountain Creek, [1948]
1 slide; colour; 35 mm
Reuben Morris, Dr. Dick McCrum, Tom Sheehan, Russel Hart and Everett Sheehan fishing at Big Mountain Creek in the late 1940s.
Location: 0002.05.01.026

Ross'es Crossing, 1949
1 slide; colour; 35 mm
Ross'es Crossing on the Wapiti River where Big Mountain Creek joins the Wapiti.
Location: 0002.05.01.027

Digging Fossils, 1954
1 slide; colour; 35 mm
Digging out fossils in Cadotte River in July 1954.
Location: 0002.05.01.028

Rebuilding Dunvegan Hill Road, 1954
1 slide; colour; 35 mm
Road construction rebuilding the Dunvegan Hill road, with traffic attempting to get through the mud.
Location: 0002.05.01.029

Dunvegan Hill, 1954
1 slide; colour; 35 mm
Tom Sheehan in trouble on Dunvegan Hill during the reconstruction of the road in 1954.
Location: 0002.05.01.030

CGIT Camp, 1954
2 slides; colour; 35 mm
CGIT camp at Lake Saskatoon in 1954, with Kay Frost from Calgary as the Leader.
Location: 0002.05.01.031-032

Road to Nose Mountain, 1954
1 slide; colour; 35 mm
Road to Nose Mountain in October 1956.
Location: 0002.05.01.033

Smoky River, 1956
1 slide; colour; 35 mm
The Smoky River, all blue and gold, in 1956. This slide was made into a 10 x 14" print in 1975.
Location: 0002.05.01.034

Dunvegan before the Bridge, 1958
1 slide; colour; 35 mm
Dunvegan on the Peace River in 1958, before the bridge was built.
Location: 0002.05.01.035

Dunvegan before the Bridge, 1960
3 slides; colour; 35 mm
Crossing Peace River on the ice on April 3, 1960. Unfinished bridge and Mission are in the photographs.
Location: 0002.05.01.036-038

The Last Ferry at Dunvegan, 1960
3 slides; colour; 35 mm
Crossing the Peace River on the Dunvegan Ferry for the last time in June 1960. Slides show the lineup of cars waiting to cross and the ferry on the river, with St. Charles Mission in the background.
Location: 0002.05.01.039-041

Tourist Camp Sign, 1960
1 slide; colour; 35 mm
Sign at Tourist Camp near Alberta-British Columbia border shows a bear family crossing river rapids on a log.
Location: 0002.05.01.042

Oil Rig Near Valleyview, 1960
1 slide; colour; 35 mm
This oil rig near Valleyview, taken December 10, 1960, operated right through the winter.
Location: 0002.05.01.043

South Peace Regional Archives
Finding Aids

Beth Sheehan fonds

Beth Sheehan fonds. -- 1886-2000. -- 433.5 cm of textual records. -- 1,623 photographs. -- 80 negatives. -- 11 postcards. -- 12 maps. -- 12 sound recordings.

Biographical Sketch

Scope and Content

Notes

Table of Contents

South Peace Regional ArchivesFinding Aids

Beth Sheehan fonds

Beth Sheehan fonds. -- 1886-2000. -- 433.5 cm of textual records. -- 1,623 photographs. -- 80 negatives. -- 11 postcards. -- 12 maps. -- 12 sound recordings.

Biographical Sketch

Scope and Content

Notes

Table of Contents

South Peace Regional Archives
Finding Aids