Fonds 138 Griff James fonds

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Summary information

Repository: South Peace Regional Archives
Title: Griff James fonds
Reference code: 0138
Date: 1910-1965 (date of creation)
Physical description: 0.5 cm textual records

4 photographs

1 postcard

60 negatives

8 video recordings

Dates of creation, revision and deletion: Added to new database April 2025 – TD

Administrative history / Biographical sketch

Griffith James was born April 27, 1914, in Fort George BC, the son of G.A. James, Grande Prairie’s first elected mayor and a pioneer druggist after the family moved to Grande Prairie in 1918. His father sold the pharmacy in 1928 in order to take up farming southwest of town but in 1940, Griff, a University of Alberta Pharmacy graduate, returned to Grande Prairie to set up a pharmacy in the Spencer Block, in the former Ireland’s Barber Shop location. Griff’s other siblings were Jack, John and Robert. Griff and wife Cora had a family of five children. Griff was an active outdoorsman and recorded his memories on film. He moved to Qualicum Beach in 1988 and died there at age 82 in 1996.

Custodial history

The records were transferred to the South Peace Regional Archives from the Grande Prairie Museum.

Scope and content

The fonds consists of 8 16 mm films, 5 photographs, 60 negatives of Grande Prairie, Lake Saskatoon, Dunvegan, and other Peace Country locations, and a Canada Steamship Lines shipment notice.

Notes

Title notes

  • Source of title proper: Title of fonds based on contents.

Access points

  • Textual record (documentary form)
  • Graphic material – photograph (documentary form)
  • Graphic material (documentary form)
  • Moving images (documentary form)
  • Family and personal life (subject)
  • Sports, recreation and leisure (subject)

Series descriptions

Reference code Title Dates Physical description
1974.74.03a Item – Elsie Maud Kuffe
William Beaver Studio
 
ca. 1910 1 postcard : b&w ; 3 x 5 in.
Scope and content:

Elsie Maud Kuffe at three weeks of age, in her long white christening gown.

1974.74.04a-c Item – Dr. O’Brien’s Birthday
Art Craft Studio, Grande Prairie
 
ca. 1940 3 photographs : b&w
Scope and content:

Guests at Dr. O’Brien’s birthday include Archie Matheson, Wiley Sawyer, Bill Grant, Ian MacIntosh, Johnny Littleton, J.O. Patterson, John Bickell, Frank Crummy, Charles Stredulinsky. The photograph numbered 4b has Joseph Howell (far left), Harry Watcher (6th from left), Hugh Allen (8th from left), Jack Soars, and Roy Wright (10th and 11th from left).

1974.74.22C Item – Wapiti Ski Hill  ca. 1965 1 film reel (ca. 3 minutes ; 100 feet) : acetate, reversal, colour ; 16 mm
Scope and content:

This film features scenes likely filmed at Wapiti Ski Hill including construction, skiing, the t-bar, and the chalet.

A digitized copy of this film is available to view here.

1974.74.22E Item – Porcupine, Smoky & Peace Rivers  ca. 1960 1 film reel (ca. 11 minutes ; 400 feet) : acetate, reversal, colour ; 16 mm
Scope and content:

The film features various scenes from boat trips on the Porcupine, Smoky, and Peace Rivers with the Stojans. These scenes include boating, river scenery and rapids, children playing in the river, a forest fire, aerial images, and images of fishing, camping, hunting.

A digitized copy of this film is available to view here.

1974.74.22H Item – Stampede and Fair  ca. 1957 1 film reel (ca. 6 minutes ; 200 feet) : acetate, reversal, colour ; 16 mm
Scope and content:

This film features scenes from a stampede (perhaps Rio Grande) including a flag parade and bucking broncos, water activities, horseback riding, and a parade in downtown Grande Prairie.

A digitized copy of this film is available to view here.

1974.74.22I Item – Air Show & Rotary Convention  ca. 1960 1 film reel (ca. 8 minutes ; 300 feet) : acetate, reversal, colour ; 16 mm
Scope and content:

This film features footage taken at a Rotary-sponsored airshow (1964?), likely in Grande Prairie, and at a Rotary Convention. The airshow scenes show planes in the air and on the ground, trick flying, and parachuting. The Rotary Convention scenes show speakers (including Jimmy James), gift presentations, and a hat fashion show.

A digitized copy of this film is available to view here.

1974.74.22K Item – Murray, Wapiti, and Porcupine Rivers, Two Lakes  ca. 1960-1963 1 film reel (ca. 6 minutes ; 200 feet) : acetate, reversal, colour ; 16 mm
Scope and content:

This film features scenes primarily from various boating trips on the Murray, Wapiti, and Porcupine Rivers, and Two Lakes. The scenes include unloading a car at a cabin, camping, fishing, children with horses, boating, and waterskiing.

1974.74.22L Item – Murray River  1955 1 film reel (ca. 11 minutes ; 400 feet) : acetate, reversal, colour ; 16 mm
Scope and content:

This film features various outdoor activities including hunting, fishing, ice fishing, off-roading with a jeep, children playing in the water, boating, various river scenery, aerial views, and an air show, including planes taking off and in the air. According to the film’s label, at least some of this film was taken at Murray River.

A digitized copy of this film is available to view here.

1974.74.22M Item – Boat Construction and River Trips  ca. 1963 1 film reel (ca. 28 minutes ; 1000 feet) : acetate, reversal, colour ; 16 mm
Scope and content:

This film features the building of the motor riverboat the “Wapiti Queen”, launching the boat and its maiden voyage, shooting rapids on a river (possibly Wolf Rapids), loading the boat, boats on trailers, fishing, a riverside picnic, family and friends, and river scenery and wildlife from several river trips in different seasons and locations.

A digitized copy of this film is available to view here.

1974.74.22N Item – Miscellaneous Activities  ca. 1965 1 film reel (ca. 8 minutes ; 300 feet) : acetate, reversal, colour ; 16 mm
Scope and content:

This film features scenes with puppies, building a cabin, heavy equipment, ski races at Wapiti Ski Hill, mountain scenery, fishing, and boating, including scenes inside a boat’s cabin, river scenery, and loading a boat.

A digitized copy of this film is available to view here.

1974.74.24.01 Item – Portrait of an Elderly Man  [ca. 1930] 1 negative : b&w ; 3.25 x 5.5 in.
Scope and content:

A portrait of an elderly man in front of a vine-covered building.

1974.74.24.02 Item – Men With Fish  [ca. 1930] 1 negative : b&w ; 5.5 x 3.25 in.
Scope and content:

Two men posed with a large catch of fish hanging on the side of a building.

1974.74.24.03 Item – A Young Family  [ca. 1930] 1 negative : b&w ; 5.5 x 3.25 in.
Scope and content:

A man with three young children standing beside a fence.

1974.74.24.04 Item – Three Boys  [ca. 1930] 1 negative : b&w ; 5.5 x 3.25 in.
Scope and content:

Three young boys in hats and coats sitting on the steps of a house.

1974.74.24.05 Item – Man on Horseback  [ca. 1930] 1 negative : b&w ; 4.25 x 2.5 in.
Scope and content:

A man on horseback in winter.

1974.74.24.06 Item – Grande Prairie Municipal Hospital  [ca. 1930] 1 negative : b&w ; 5.5 x 3.25 in.
Scope and content:

The Grande Prairie Municipal Hospital viewed from the front. A number of cars are parked outside. The hospital was opened in 1929.

1974.74.24.07 Item – Biplane  [ca. 1930] 1 negative : b&w ; 5.5 x 3.25 in.
Scope and content:

A biplane in an open field.

1974.74.24.08 Item – Boat on the River  [ca. 1930] 1 negative : b&w ; 5.5 x 3.25 in.
Scope and content:

A view from a boat on a river, possibly the Peace River. The image also shows part of the boat.

1974.74.24.09 Item – River Scenery  [ca. 1930] 1 negative : b&w ; 5.5 x 3.25 in.
Scope and content:

River scenery including banks, trees, and gravel bars.

1974.74.24.10 Item – Lake Saskatoon  [ca. 1925] 1 negative : b&w ; 5.5 x 3.25 in.
Scope and content:

A lake-side settlement, possibly Lake Saskatoon.

1974.74.24.11 Item – Roadside Scenery  [ca. 1925] 1 negative : b&w ; 5.5 x 3.25 in.
Scope and content:

A panoramic view from beside a road. There is a settlement, possibly Grande Prairie, visible in the distance on the left.

1974.74.24.12 Item – Peace River  [ca. 1925] 1 negative : b&w ; 5 x 3 in.
Scope and content:

A panoramic view of the Peace River from above the Town of Peace River.

1974.74.24.13 Item – Stooks in Field  [ca. 1930] 1 negative : b&w ; 5.5 x 3.25 in.
Scope and content:

A panoramic view showing stooks in a field in the foreground and a group of buildings in the background on a lakeshore.

1974.74.24.14-.18 Item – River Scenery  [ca. 1930] 5 negatives : b&w ; 5.5 x 3.25 in.
Scope and content:

River scenery including banks, trees, and islands.

1974.74.24.19 Item – Baseball Game  [ca. 1925] 1 negative : b&w ; 5.5 x 3.25 in.
Scope and content:

A baseball game with a large number of spectators. The game may be part of sports day celebrations and appears to be held at Grande Prairie.

1974.74.24.20 Item – Peace River  [ca. 1925] 1 negative : b&w ; 5.5 x 3.25 in.
Scope and content:

A bird’s-eye view of number of houses close to a river. The location has tentatively been identified as the town of Peace River.

1974.74.24.21 Item – Picnic Group  [ca. 1925] 1 negative : b&w ; 5.5 x 3.25 in.
Scope and content:

An unidentified group of men, women, and children posed for an outdoor photograph.

1974.74.24.22 Item – Farms  [ca. 1930] 1 negative : b&w ; 5.5 x 3.25 in.
Scope and content:

Views of several farms including broken fields, houses, barns, and outbuildings.

1974.74.24.23 Item – River Scenery  [ca. 1930] 1 negative : b&w ; 5.5 x 3.25 in.
Scope and content:

River scenery including banks, trees, and buildings. The river is likely the Peace River.

1974.74.24.24 Item – River Scenery  [ca. 1930] 1 negative : b&w ; 5.5 x 3.25 in.
Scope and content:

River scenery including banks and trees. The river is likely the Peace River.

1974.74.24.25 Item – Dunvegan Post Office  [ca. 1930] 1 negative : b&w ; 5.5 x 3.25 in.
Scope and content:

A family outside a post office building. The location has tentatively been identified as the former HBC Factor’s House at Dunvegan.

1974.74.24.26 Item – River Scenery  [ca. 1930] 1 negative : b&w ; 4.5 x 3.25 in.
Scope and content:

River scenery including banks and trees. The river is likely the Peace River.

1974.74.24.27 Item – Portrait of an Older Man  [ca. 1930] 1 negative : b&w ; 5.5 x 3.25 in.
Scope and content:

A portrait of an older man in front of a vine-covered building.

1974.74.24.28 Item – Playing Golf  [ca. 1930] 1 negative : b&w ; 5 x 3 in.
Scope and content:

Three men playing golf on a rustic course.

1974.74.24.29-.30 Item – River Scenery  [ca. 1930] 2 negatives : b&w ; 5.5 x 3.25 in.
Scope and content:

River scenery including banks, trees, and rapids. The river is likely the Peace River.

1974.74.24.31 Item – Stooks in Field  [ca. 1930] 1 negative : b&w ; 5.5 x 3.25 in.
Scope and content:

A panoramic view showing stooks and a small building in a field.

1974.74.24.32 Item – Stooks in Field  [ca. 1930] 1 negative : b&w ; 5.5 x 3.25 in.
Scope and content:

A panoramic view showing stooks in a field in the foreground and a house, barn, and outbuildings in the background.

1974.74.24.33 Item – Outside the O. H. M. Seville Store  [ca. 1930] 1 negative : b&w ; 5.5 x 3.25 in.
Scope and content:

Three men in front of the O. H. M. Seville store.

1974.74.24.34 Item – River Scenery  [ca. 1930] 1 negative : b&w ; 5.5 x 3.25 in.
Scope and content:

River scenery including banks, trees, and rapids. The river is likely the Peace River.

1974.74.24.35 Item – Grande Prairie  [ca. 1930] 1 negative : b&w ; 5.5 x 3.25 in.
Scope and content:

A bird’s-eye view of Grande Prairie looking south west. The Anglican and United Churches are visible.

1974.74.24.36 Item – Dunvegan Ferry  [ca. 1930] 1 negative : b&w ; 5.5 x 3.25 in.
Scope and content:

The ferry crossing the Peace River at Dunvegan.

1974.74.24.37 Item – Dunvegan  [ca. 1930] 1 negative : b&w ; 5.5 x 3.25 in.
Scope and content:

The St. Charles Roman Catholic Mission house and church and the ferry tower on the north side of the Peace River at Dunvegan.

1974.74.24.38 Item – Stooks in Field  [ca. 1930] 1 negative : b&w ; 5.5 x 3.25 in.
Scope and content:

A panoramic view showing stooks in a field. A large building is visible in the distance and a dog is prowling around one of the stooks closest to the camera.

1974.74.24.39 Item – Dunvegan  [ca. 1930] 1 negative : b&w ; 5.5 x 3.25 in.
Scope and content:

A view Dunvegan on the north side of the Peace River, taken from the south side. The Hudson’s Bay Company post buildings are on the left and the St. Charles Roman Catholic Mission buildings on the right.

1974.74.24.40 Item – Stooks in Field  [ca. 1930] 1 negative : b&w ; 5.5 x 3.25 in.
Scope and content:

A panoramic view showing stooks in a field. Several barns and houses are visible in the background along what appears to be a lakeshore.

1974.74.24.41 Item – Farm by a Lake  [ca. 1930] 1 negative : b&w ; 5.5 x 3.25 in.
Scope and content:

A panoramic view looking from a road, over a field, to several farm buildings by a lake.

1974.74.24.42 Item – Scenery  [ca. 1930] 1 negative : b&w ; 5.5 x 3.25 in.
Scope and content:

A panoramic view looking over trees, open areas, and a creek.

1974.74.24.43 Item – Log Cabin  [ca. 1930] 1 negative : b&w ; 5.5 x 3.25 in.
Scope and content:

Two men, two, dogs, and a horse outside of a small log cabin.

1974.74.24.44 Item – Dunvegan  [ca. 1930] 1 negative : b&w ; 5.5 x 3.25 in.
Scope and content:

A view Dunvegan on the north side of the Peace River, taken from the south side. The Hudson’s Bay Company post buildings are on the right.

1974.74.24.45 Item – Grande Prairie Provincial Court House  [ca. 1925] 1 negative : b&w ; 5.5 x 3.25 in.
Scope and content:

The Grande Prairie Provincial Court House viewed from the front, in its position on the northwest corner of 101 Avenue and 99 Street.

1974.74.24.46 Item – Young Boy  [ca. 1930] 1 negative : b&w ; 5 x 3 in.
Scope and content:

A young boy standing on the top step of a house. A woman is visible behind the screen door.

1974.74.24.47 Item – Playing Golf  [ca. 1930] 1 negative : b&w ; 4 x 3 in.
Scope and content:

Three men playing golf on a rustic course.

1974.74.24.48 Item – Dunvegan  [ca. 1930] 1 negative : b&w ; 5.5 x 3.25 in.
Scope and content:

The Peace River at Dunvegan. The St. Charles Roman Catholic Mission house and church and the ferry tower on the north side of the River are visible on the left.

1974.74.24.49 Item – Biplane  [ca. 1930] 1 negative : b&w ; 5.5 x 3.25 in.
Scope and content:

A biplane in the air.

1974.74.24.50 Item – River Scenery  [ca. 1930] 1 negative : b&w ; 5.5 x 3.25 in.
Scope and content:

River scenery including high banks and trees. The location is likely the Peace River at Dunvegan.

1974.74.24.51 Item – Teepees at Dunvegan  [ca. 1930] 1 negative : b&w ; 5.5 x 3.25 in.
Scope and content:

A group of teepees camped at Dunvegan on the north side of the Peace River.

1974.74.24.52-.54 Item – River Scenery  [ca. 1930] 3 negatives : b&w ; 5.5 x 3.25 in.
Scope and content:

River scenery including banks, trees, and rapids. The river is likely the Peace River.

1974.74.24.55 Item – Lake Saskatoon  [ca. 1925] 1 negative : b&w ; 5.5 x 3.25 in.
Scope and content:

The village of Lake Saskatoon on the shores of Lake Saskatoon.

1974.74.24.56 Item – River Scenery  [ca. 1930] 1 negative : b&w ; 5.5 x 3.25 in.
Scope and content:

River scenery including banks, trees, and rapids. The river is likely the Peace River.

1974.74.24.57 Item – Baseball Game  [ca. 1925] 1 negative : b&w ; 5.5 x 3.25 in.
Scope and content:

A baseball game with a large number of spectators. The game may be part of sports day celebrations.

1974.74.24.58 Item – Lake Saskatoon  [ca. 1925] 1 negative : b&w ; 5.5 x 3.25 in.
Scope and content:

View over a field to lakeside settlement, possibly Lake Saskatoon.

1974.74.24.59 Item – Geese on a Stream  [ca. 1925] 1 negative : b&w ; 5.5 x 3.25 in.
Scope and content:

A gaggle of geese swimming on a stream.

1974.74.24.60 Item – River Scenery  [ca. 1930] 1 negative : b&w ; 5.5 x 3.25 in.
Scope and content:

River scenery including banks and trees. The river is likely the Peace River.

1974.74.25 Item – Notification of Delivery and Shipment
Canada Steamship Lines Limited, Northern Navigation Division
 
1929 1 card
Scope and content:

Notification of delivery and shipment to G.A. James, Grande Prairie, 1929, from Canada Steamship Lines Limited, Northern Navigation Division.

1974.74.28 Item – Grande Prairie Court House  [ca. 1925] 1 photograph : b&w ; 3 x 5 in.
1 negative
Scope and content:

Image shows the first courthouse in Grande Prairie. The courthouse was built in 1925, across the street from Montrose School on the northwest corner of 101 Ave and 99 St.