Fonds 256 Schenk family fonds

fonds-256

Back to Finding Aids

Summary information

Repository: South Peace Regional Archives
Title: Schenk family fonds
Reference code: 0256
Date: 1911-2005 (date of creation)
Physical description: 45.5 cm textual records

119 photographs

2 postcards

1 card

1 artwork

9 maps

Language: English
Dates of creation, revision and deletion: Processed by several different archivists, including Mary Nutting, Karen Burgess, and Kaydence Redding, at various times.
Added to new database May 2025 – TD

Administrative history / Biographical sketch

Francis W. Schenk was born in Sauk Center, Minnesota, on October 25, 1899. In 1906 his family moved to Wetaskiwin. In 1909 his father passed away, leaving a wife and five children of which Francis was the youngest. The Schenks moved to Edmonton where Francis finished his schooling at the Queen Alexandria School. In the spring of 1916, Francis and his mother came to Grande Prairie where she married Herman Ellert, whom she had known in Sauk Centre. He had walked into Grande Prairie over the Edson Trail in 1911 and homesteaded one mile straight east of Grande Prairie.

Francis Schenk proved up a homestead four miles east and one mile south of Grande Prairie and sold it for $1000 after he started to work for the railway. When he had a job that paid twice a month, he decided it was better than land. He hired on with the Edmonton, Dunvegan, and British Columbia Railway in 1923, and in November 1924 locomotive foreman Bill (Sledgehammer) Henderson, Billy Bates and Francis Schenk moved the equipment to the new engine house at Wembley. The town had built up during the summer.

Francis married Christine Dolemo on December 19, 1925 in a double wedding with Jack Mantle and Anna Dolemo at the Dolemo home. Christine Dolemo was born in Anndal, Norway on November 7, 1900. In 1907 her family emigrated and settled in Erie, Minnesota where they homesteaded. In 1917 they arrived in Grande Prairie and settled in the Valhalla district.

Francis was promoted to locomotive foreman and had to move to McLennan. In 1929 he was moved to Rycroft and became the first locomotive foreman there, and in 1957 he transferred to Dawson Creek and was the last locomotive foreman there. He retired November 1, 1964.

Francis and Christine had three children: Francis Junior, David Edson, and Celia Marie. Their first son, Francis Junior, was born at Wembley in 1926. He married Ella Olson from Wanham and lived in Rycroft until 1961, where he was employed as a locomotive fireman and engineer. Shortly after he began working for the Alberta Forest Service in Rycroft, he was promoted to District Ranger at New Fish Creek and later to Valleyview. He passed away as the result of a shooting accident at the age of forty-three. They had seven children: Miles, Linda, Wade, Sandra, Jay, Brenda, and Christine.

Francis and Christine’s second son, David Edson, was born in Grande Prairie on November 3, 1931. He worked on the Northern Alberta Railway as a watchman and locomotive fireman, living at home until 1956. In April of that year, David moved to Grande Prairie where he was employed with the Alberta Forest Service as Assistant Ranger working throughout the entire Grande Prairie forest. In the summer of 1957 he was promoted to District Ranger at Woking, and in December 1958 he transferred to the South Wapiti District. He married Melba (Bunny) Day on November 5, 1960 and they have three children: Carlin (1960), Glenda (1964), and Laura (1968). In July 1977, David moved his family to Edson where he worked for the Land Management Dept. of the Alberta Forest Service. He retired in 1987 and the family moved back to the Grovedale area. David passed away on October 11, 2017 at the age of 85.

Francis and Christine’s third child, daughter Celia-Marie, was born in Grande Prairie and took all her schooling at Rycroft. She worked for several years as a stenographer for Inter-Provincial Precast Concrete in Edmonton and Calgary which took her throughout the province, including local projects such as bridges at Burnt River, Watino, and Beaton River. She married Chris Raaen at Dawson Creek and they have three children: Cheryl, Caryn, and Curtis. She passed away at the age of forty-three years.

Custodial history

The photographs and documents were in the possession of Dave Schenk and were donated by him to the South Peace Regional Archives in 2006, 2015, and 2017.

Scope and content

The fonds consists of 51 cm of textual records, 115 photographs, 1 artwork by Robert Guest, and 9 forestry related maps. It includes: a series of photographs related to Jack Mantle showing early Grande Prairie and includes two photographs featuring soldiers from World War II; a series of correspondence from F.W. Schenk and photographs showing scenes from the Northern Alberta Railway (NAR) and various train accidents; a series of photographs, maps, employment records and daily journals from Dave Schenk during his career working for NAR and Alberta Forest Service; and a series of employment records from Melba Schenk during her time working as a weather observer for Alberta Forest Service.

Notes

Title notes

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

Physical condition

One notebook has damaged binder rings; one map has slight water damage; other condition is fair.

Arrangement

The fonds has been arranged into the following series: Jack Mantle (1911-1940); F.W. Schenk (1917-1964); Dave Schenk (1924-2005); and Melba Schenk (1973-1977).

Arrangement of the files into series and subseries was provided by the archivist. The first accession was processed separately from the subsequent accruals. 9 maps and 1 oversized photograph are located separately from the fonds due to preservation concerns. Two empty notebooks were removed from this fonds. Duplicate photographs were also removed.

Restrictions on access

One file is restricted to access at present. Please see the archivist for further information.

Access points

  • Textual record (documentary form)
  • Graphic material – photograph (documentary form)
  • Graphic material (documentary form)
  • Cartographic material (documentary form)
  • Industries (subject)
  • Transportation (subject)
  • Forestry (subject)
  • Sports, recreation and leisure (subject)
  • Military (subject)
  • Environment and nature (subject)

Table of contents

0256.01, Jack Mantle, [1911-1944]

0256.02, F.W. Schenk, 1917-1964

0256.03, Dave Schenk, 1914-2005

0256.04, Melba (Bunny) Schenk, 1973-1977

Series descriptions

Series 0256.01: Jack Mantle

Date: [1911-1944] (date of creation)

Scope and content:

The series consists of photographs of river crossings, sports events, groups of friends, early Grande Prairie streets and warehouses, and military photographs.

Physical description: 29 photographs

1 postcard

Access points:

•                Graphic material – photograph (documentary form)

Physical condition:

Condition is fair; slight warping on oversize photograph; one photograph is stapled to original cardboard backing.

Arrangement:

5 photographs were added to the original arrangement. Four of these photographs are located in the second file of this series; one photograph is in oversize photograph storage.

Location of originals:

All items in this series are located in 3/3/5/1, other than 0256.01.28.

Publication status:

Published

File / item list
Reference code Title Dates Physical description
0256.01.01 Item – J.B. Taft Stage Coach on the Edson Trail  1913 1 photograph : b&w ; 3 x 5 in.
Scope and content:

First stage coach over the Edson Trail.

0256.01.02 Item – Grande Prairie City  1912 1 photograph : b&w ; 3 x 5 in.
Scope and content:

Grande Prairie City under construction soon after it was surveyed in 1910.

0256.01.03 Item – Dunvegan Crossing  ca. 1915 1 photograph : b&w ; 3 x 5 in.
Scope and content:

A car waits to cross the river from the south side. Across the river is the Hudson Bay Post on the left and Catholic Mission on the right.

0256.01.04 Item – Dunvegan Crossing  ca. 1915 1 photograph : b&w ; 3.5 x 6 in.
Scope and content:

On the south side of the Peace River showing the ferry landing site.

0256.01.05 Item – Alphaeus Patterson  ca. 1915 1 photograph : b&w ; 3.5 x 6 in.
Scope and content:

Alphaeus Patterson was the Member of Parliament for the Peace River District from 1913-1917.

0256.01.06 Item – Moody’s Crossing  1926 1 photograph : b&w ; 3.5 x 6 in.
Scope and content:

Moody’s Crossing over the Smoky River at Goodwin.

0256.01.07 Item – Moody’s Crossing  1926 1 photograph : b&w ; 3.5 x 6 in.
Scope and content:

Moody’s Crossing over the Smoky River at Goodwin.

0256.01.08 Item – Two-Story Farm House on the Grande Prairie  1920 1 photograph : b&w ; 3.5 x 6 in.
Scope and content:

A two-story farm house situated on the Grande Prairie.

0256.01.09 Item – Rifle Range  ca. 1915 1 photograph : b&w ; 3.5 x 6 in.
Scope and content:

Two RCMP and four other men are practicing their aim with rifles. Possibly a training exercise for World War I.

0256.01.10 Item – Man Stands in Doorway  1920 1 photograph : b&w ; 3 x 5 in.
Scope and content:

Man standing in front of a log house.

0256.01.11 Item – Summer Afternoon Gathering  1920 1 photograph : b&w ; 4 x 6 in.
Scope and content:

Six men in casual dress and a dog visit in a farmyard.

0256.01.12 Item – Grande Prairie  ca. 1920 1 photograph : b&w ; 3 x 5 in.
Scope and content:

View of Grande Prairie from the west looking down Richmond Road.

0256.01.13 Item – Gathering at Snakey and Nell’s Place  1923 1 photograph : b&w ; 3 x 5 in.
Scope and content:

After Sunday dinner, gathered by a corral fence, a log home in the background.

0256.01.14 Item – Bucking Contest  1923 1 photograph : b&w ; 3 x 5 in.
Scope and content:

Bucking contest at Grande Prairie, on August 28, 1923.

0256.01.15 Item – Beaverlodge Sports  ca. 1920 1 photograph : b&w ; 3.5 x 5.5 in.
Scope and content:

Bucking contest at Beaverlodge Sports.

0256.01.16 Item – Henry Roberts and Friends  ca. 1920 1 photograph : b&w ; 3.5 x 5.5 in.
Scope and content:

Henry Roberts and friends share a pitcher of beer.

0256.01.17 Item – Campbell, Wilson & Horne Ltd.  ca. 1920 1 photograph : b&w ; 3.5 x 5.5 in.
Scope and content:

The Campbell, Wilson & Horne warehouse beside the railroad track, Grande Prairie. This company was the forerunner to Horne & Pitfield. A man with a white apron stands in the doorway.

0256.01.18 Item – Campbell, Wilson & Horne Ltd.  ca. 1920 1 photograph : b&w ; 3.5 x 5.5 in.
Scope and content:

The Campbell, Wilson & Horne warehouse beside the railroad track, Grande Prairie. This company was the forerunner to Horne & Pitfield. Three people stand in the doorway.

0256.01.19 Item – Campbell, Wilson & Horne Ltd. Delivery Truck  ca. 1920 1 photograph : b&w ; 3 x 4.5 in.
Scope and content:

Jack Mantle , manager for Campbell, Wilson & Horne, beside the delivery truck.

0256.01.20 Item – Campbell, Wilson & Horne Ltd. Delivery Truck  ca. 1920 1 photograph : b&w ; 2.5 x 4.5 in.
Scope and content:

The Campbell, Wilson & Horne Delivery Truck, with driver leaning out the window.

0256.01.21 Item – CFGP on Main Street, Grande Prairie  ca. 1940 1 photograph : b&w ; 2 x 3 in.
Scope and content:

Third location of CFGP radio station on the corner of Richmond and 99 St.

0256.01.22 Item – Jack Mantle and Friends  1940 1 photograph : b&w ; 2 x 4 in.
Scope and content:

Group of riders with horses stand with a family in front of a log cabin.

0256.01.23 Item – Victory Bond Campaign  ca. 1940 1 postcard : b&w ; 3.5 x 5.5 in.
Scope and content:

Image shows a crowd of people around a sign advertising Victory Bonds. The heading on the sign reads, “Our Objective! 200,000.00.” Jack Mantle was head of the Army Reserve Corps.

0256.01.24 Item – Inspection of the Troops
Rex Harper
 
ca. 1940 1 photograph : b&w ; 5 x 7 in.
Scope and content:

Image shows soldiers lined up for inspection with a crowd of civilians looking on. Jack Mantle was head of the Army Reserve Corps. Cap Bradley is also in the picture.

0256.01.25 Item – Women’s Curling Team  ca. 1920 1 photograph : b&w ; 6.5 x 8.5 in.
Scope and content:

Women’s curling team featuring Anna Mantle on the far left. The other women are unidentified.

0256.01.26 Item – Jack Mantle  n.d. 1 photograph : b&w ; 5 x 8 in.
Scope and content:

Portrait of Jack Mantle taken at Huber studios in Ottawa.

0256.01.27 Item – Two Soldiers  ca. 1940 1 photograph : b&w ; 4 x 5 in.
Scope and content:

Two soldiers posed for a formal portrait. Jack Mantle is on the left, the other man is unidentified.

0256.01.28 Item – D. Coy 49th (R) Grande Prairie Loyal Edmonton Regiment  1944 1 photograph : b&w ; 9 x 5.5 in.
Scope and content:

D. Coy 49th (R) Grande Prairie Loyal Edmonton Regt. at Sarcee Camp on 22 July- 6 August 1944. Jack Mantle is in the front row, seventh from the right. Photograph is attached to board backing which contains the names of the individuals as well as the location of the photo and name of the regiment.

Back row, left to right; Velve, J.H.; Vante, M.; Rohne, S; Sonstvedt, J; Loberg, P.G.; Klettke, O.; Sgt. Flannigan, A; Howes, A. G.; Wigmore, R.S.; Duncan, W.

Third row: Halverson, G.; Melhus, P.M.; Homme, O.; Tosczak, G.; Westad, A.; Dumbeck, A.J.; Miller, R.G.; Pearson, H.C.; Horneland, M.; Reed, R.L.V.; Dryer, D.

Second Row: Field, F.; Knutson, K.; Blais, E.; Buchholdt, E.; Dolemo, A.; Duncan, G.A.; Swanson, M.E.; Guittard, D.E.; Leslie, T.K.; Wagner, R; Krantz, A.; Braathen, S.

Front row: Miller, D.A.; L/Cpl. Wright, P.D.; Cpl. Hanson, D.O.; CPL. Spicer, W.; Sgt. Cooke, D.R.; C.S.M. Cobb, L.V.; Capt. A. J. Mantle; C.S.M. Booker, T, E,; Sgt. Leitgeb, J.C.; Cpl. Shields, H.J.; Swanston, J.A.’ Knutson, F.; Nelson, A.

0256.01.29 Item – Campbell, Wilson & Horne Ltd.  ca. 1920 1 photograph : b&w ; 5.5 x 3.5 in.
Scope and content:

The Campbell, Wilson & Horne warehouse beside the railroad track, Grande Prairie. This company was the forerunner to Horne & Pitfield. Three people stand in the doorway.

0256.01.30 Item – Railway and Elevators in Grande Prairie  ca. 1930 1 photograph : b&w ; 5.5 x 3.5 in.
Scope and content:

The railway with a train coming in beside four grain elevators in Grande Prairie.

Series 0256.02: F.W. Schenk

Date: 1917-1964 (date of creation)

Scope and content:

The series consists of 27 photographs of F.W. and Christine Schenk, trains, train personnel, and train accidents on the Northern Alberta Railway (NAR) line in the south Peace Country; copies of 15 documents, including a Pacific Great Eastern Railway Co. Pass for Christine Schenk, F.W. Schenk’s United Transportation Union Card, war registration papers and his exemption certificate from World War II; correspondence between Francis and Christine; life insurance documents; and newspaper clippings.

Physical description: 1.5 cm textual records

26 photographs

1 postcard

Access points:

•                Textual record (documentary form)

•                Graphic material – photograph (documentary form)

Conditions governing use:

Many of the photographs and documents in this series were donated digitally and may not be suitable for reproduction.

Publication status:

Published

File / item list
Reference code Title Dates Physical description
0256.02.01 Item – Karl & Sophia Dolemo  1937 3 TIFFs
Scope and content:

Photograph on the Certificate of Identification to be attached to Naturalization Certificate for Karl and Sophia Dolemo when they returned to Norway for a visit in 1937-38. They went back to Canada aboard the Norwegian American Line on the last ship to leave Norway before it was invaded prior to World War II. Photograph was digitized as part of the certificate, as well as separately.

0256.02.02 Item – Valhalla Settlers
Covert
 
1917 1 TIFF : b&w
Scope and content:

Arrival of Norwegian settlers from Minnesota at Valhalla on April 11, 1917. Karl Dolemo is second on right.

0256.02.03 Item – Francis and Christine Schenk 1926 1 TIFF : b&w
Scope and content:

Francis Schenk married Christine Dolemo, daughter of Karl and Sophia Dolemo. They are accompanied here by Francis’ mother, Susanne Schenk, at the home of Jack Mantle.

0256.02.04 Item – Ferry at Moody’s Crossing  1926 1 TIFF : b&w
Scope and content:

Francis and Christine Schenk with friends on the ferry over the Smoky River at Moody’s Crossing. Ferry poster is visible at right.

0256.02.05 Item – N.A.R. Locomotive #16  1923 1 TIFF : b&w
Scope and content:

Christine Dolemo and Francis Schenk at the front of Locomotive #16, belonging to the Edmonton, Dunvegan & British Columbia Railway.

0256.02.06 Item – Elevators and Rail Line, Grande Prairie  1930 1 TIFF : b&w
Scope and content:

Warehouses and elevators line the railway at Grande Prairie, Alberta.

0256.02.07 Item – Railway Snow Plow  1930 1 TIFF : b&w
Scope and content:

Snow plow on the front of the Railway Engine clears the snow off the tracks.

0256.02.08 Item – Steam Locomotive  1940 1 TIFF : b&w
Scope and content:

Steam Locomotive on the Northern Alberta Railway Line in the South Peace River Country of Alberta.

0256.02.09 Item – Locomotive #51  1940 1 TIFF : b&w
Scope and content:

Francis Schenk at the wheel of N.A.R. Locomotive 51.

0256.02.10 Item – Last Trip of Engine #73  1955 1 TIFF : b&w
Scope and content:

Engine #73 was purchased in 1927. In 1955 it made its last trip back to Edmonton with (left to right) Sam Jones, fireman; Francis Schenk, locomotive watchman; and Carl Gage, locomotive engineer.

0256.02.11 Item – Engine #51  1950 1 TIFF : b&w
Scope and content:

Francis Schenk, Jr. is the fireman on Engine #51 with Lloyd Garrison as the engineer.

0256.02.12-14 Item – Train Wreck  1950 3 TIFFs : b&w
Scope and content:

Train Wreck on the N.A.R. line. Women and children passengers watch as railway workers assess the damages.

0256.02.15 Item – Train Disaster  1951 1 TIFF : b&w
Scope and content:

Railway cars were lifted off their wheel bases and overturned in a “weird storm” that resembled a tornado at Rycroft, September 1, 1951.

0256.02.16-17 Item – Train Wreck  [1950] 2 TIFFs : b&w
Scope and content:

Disintegrating tracks caused by shifting ground caused many train wrecks.

0256.02.18 Item – Last Steam Locomotive on the N.A.R.  1960 1 TIFF : b&w
Scope and content:

Last Steam Locomotive leaving Northern Alberta Railways at Dawson Creek on May 14, 1960. From left to right, Engineer Neil Doherty, porter George Dalton, conductor Ed Chausse, locomotive foreman Francis Schenk, fireman W.S. “Slim” Wearmouth, trainman George Kopt, and Express messenger Nick Krawchuk.

0256.02.19 Item – Railroad Crew  1960 1 TIFF : b&w
Scope and content:

Left to right: Clarence Comrie, master mechanic; Christine Schenk; Joe Newman, fireman; Art Gibbons, engineer; and F.W. Schenk, locomotive foreman.

0256.02.20 Item – F.W. Schenk, Locomotive Foreman  1964 1 TIFF : b&w
Scope and content:

F.W. Schenk worked as a locomotive foreman for the N.A.R.

0256.02.21 Item – Grande Prairie Hockey Club 1922-1923 1 TIFF : b&w
Scope and content:

Composite photograph of all the hockey players on the 1922-23 Grande Prairie Hockey Club: J.H. Slawter, R. Dean, H.F. Hammond, H. O’Brien, R.F.R. Howell, V. Taylor, A.W. Pentland, F.W. Schenk, H.A. Brick, J.E. Basted, F.R. Brown, and J.E. Shields.

0256.02.22 Item – First Locomotive Fireman in Grande Prairie  1960 1 TIFF : b&w
Scope and content:

The first Locomotive Fireman in Grande Prairie was “Sledgehammer” Bill Henderson, shown here on the left with Watchman, Francis Schenk.

0256.02.23 Item – Tom Massee and Christine Dolemo  1920 1 TIFF : b&w
Scope and content:

Tom Massee with Christine Dolemo at Grande Prairie, when Christine was waiting tables.

0256.02.24 Item – NAR Trestle over Bear Creek ca. 1930 1 photograph : b&w ; 3 x 2 in.
Scope and content:

Four individuals standing beside the NAR trestles bridge that runs over Bear Creek in Grande Prairie. The individuals were identified in a note attached to the back of the photograph that read “L-R: unknown, Anna Mantle, Christine Schenk, last 2 unknown.”

0256.02.25 Item – Town of Peace River  1931 1 postcard : b&w ; 5.5 x 3.5 in.
Scope and content:

Railway trestle bridge crossing over Heart River with the town of Peace River in the background. Written on the back of the photograph is “Aspen Glen July 4/31”.

0256.02.26 Item – Salt Water Well near Peace River  ca. 1929 1 photograph : b&w ; 4.5 x 2.5 in.
Scope and content:

Caption on back of photograph reads “Gas + salt water well at Peace River town about 1929.” This is possibly the infamous well known as “Old Salty” or the “Well from Hell” that was drilled in 1916 outside of Peace River. The well spewed out enough salt water to fill an Olympic sized pool every day for 87 years. After a total of $10 million was spent, the well was finally sealed in 2003.

0256.02.27 Item – Train Derailment  ca. 1930 1 photograph : b&w ; 8 x 10 in.
Scope and content:

Copy of a photograph showing a train derailment causing a rolled train. There is a man standing on top of the rolled train and men in the background looking at the damage.

Series 0256.03: Dave Schenk

Date: 1914-2005 (date of creation)

Scope and content:

The series consists of 58 photographs relating to Alberta Forest Service, forest fire fighting, and family life. It also contains 43.5 cm of textual material that includes: travel records and statements of remittance and earnings from Dave’s time as a forest ranger; daily journals pertaining to forestry; handbooks and manuals; a World War II supply book; and 9 maps.

Physical description: 42 cm textual records

64 photographs

1 card

1 artwork

9 maps

Access points:

•                Cartographic material (documentary form)

•                Graphic material (documentary form)

•                Textual record (documentary form)

•                Graphic material – photograph (documentary form)

Physical condition:

WWII supply book has moderate water damage, grocery price book has damaged binder rings, Canadian National Railways booklet is missing front cover and back cover is unattached but present. Four documents that include a list of NAR employees, NAR seniority lists and a United Transportation Union certificate are encapsulated in plastic. All other documents are in fair condition.

Arrangement:

This series is divided into five subseries: NAR (1924-1980); Forestry (1933-2000); World War I & World War II (1914-1946); Personal (1934-2005); and Miscellaneous ([1942?]-1955). Four of the subseries were added by the archivist to this series after the first accession: NAR, World War I & World War II, Personal, and Miscellaneous. 21 files were also added to the Forestry sub-series after the original accession.

Publication status:

Published

Subseries 0256.03.01: NAR

Date: 1924-1980 (date of creation)

Scope and content:

This subseries consists of handbooks and news publications from Northern Alberta Railway (NAR) as well as various employment records belonging to Dave Schenk.

Physical description: 3 cm textual records

Access points:

•                Textual record (documentary form)

Publication status:

Published

File / item list
Reference code Title Dates Physical description
0256.03.01.01 File – Publications  1924-1979 1 cm textual records
Scope and content:

This file contains NAR publications such as time table handbooks for use by employees; a handbook for the mechanical examination of firemen; and five issues of NAR’s newspaper “The Headlight”.

Note:

Duplicate copies of the Headlight newspaper were removed. Documents were originally received in envelope.

0256.03.01.02 File – Employment Documents  1940-1980 2 cm textual records
Scope and content:

This file contains NAR paystubs belonging to Dave Schenk; an enginemen’s trip report; a list of NAR staff engineers, firemen, conductors, and brakemen; two NAR staff seniority lists which list Dave’s brother (F. J. Schenk); a railway employees’ timebook; and a 50 year veteran certificate from the United Transportation Union.

Subseries 0256.03.02: Forestry

Date: 1933-2004 (date of creation)

Scope and content:

This subseries contains documents relating to Dave Schenk’s employment in Forest Service with the Alberta Energy and Natural Resources Department. The subseries consists of 56 photographs, 9 maps, and 34.5 cm of textual material including attendance records, daily journals, handbooks and manuals, documentation books, land use summaries, employment finances, and location research.

Physical description: 31.5 cm textual records

56 photographs

9 maps

Access points:

•                Textual record (documentary form)

•                Graphic material – photograph (documentary form)

•                Cartographic material (documentary form)

Physical condition:

Fair.

Publication status:

Published

File / item list
Reference code Title Dates Physical description
0256.03.02.01 File – Photographs  1933-1977 56 photographs
1 page
Scope and content:

This file contains 56 photographs from Dave Schenk’s time working for Alberta Forest Service. The photographs are of the Pipestone Creek ferry, the Kakwa area, forestry road work, forestry cabins, tower sites, ranger stations, fire fighting, and game patrol. There is also a sheet of paper with small images scanned from 20 slides printed on it.

Conditions governing use:

All photographs in this file were donated digitally and may not be suitable for reproduction.

0256.03.02.01.01 Item – Sarah Hubert and Bill Henderson and Visitors  1933 1 TIFF : b&w
Scope and content:

Sarah Hubert, Christine Schenk, Bill Henderson, Jack McCullough, David Schenk (on Bill’s lap).

0256.03.02.01.02 Item – Bill Henderson and Friends  1948 1 TIFF : b&w
Scope and content:

Mike Malony, Assar Vicklund, Bill Henderson, Sarah Hubert, Francis, Christine, and Celia Schenk.

0256.03.02.01.03 Item – Bill Henderson and Sarah Hubert  1948 1 TIFF : b&w
Scope and content:

Bill Henderson and Sarah Hubert at Bill’s farm in South Wapiti, July 1948.

0256.03.02.01.04 Item – Waiting for Customers  ca. 1940 1 TIFF : b&w
Scope and content:

Bill Henderson and Sarah Hubert operated the Pipestone Creek Ferry for a time.

0256.03.02.01.05 Item – Putting the Ferry In  ca. 1940 1 TIFF : b&w
Scope and content:

Bill Henderson and a team of men work to get the Pipestone Creek Ferry into operation in the spring.

0256.03.02.01.06 Item – Plane Crash Site  1945 1 TIFF : colour
Scope and content:

Carl Brooks was killed in this crash in the fall of 1945 near Kakwa Lake.

0256.03.02.01.07 Item – Ed Moberly  1946 1 TIFF : colour
Scope and content:

Ed Moberly on his horse in the Kakwa area.

0256.03.02.01.08 Item – Ed Moberly and his Cache  1946 1 TIFF : colour
Scope and content:

Ed Moberly checking his cache in the Kakwa area

0256.03.02.01.09 Item – Forestry Road Work  1956 1 TIFF : b&w
Scope and content:

L-R Pete Comeau, Sherman Head, John Miller, Ole Overland, and George Kalischuk stopping for lunch at the side of the road they are working on.

0256.03.02.01.10 Item – Forestry Road Work  1956 1 TIFF : b&w
Scope and content:

Paul Wyniandi, District Ranger Bert Varty (sitting), and Dale Landry take a break from road work.

0256.03.02.01.11 Item – Forestry Road Work  1956 1 TIFF : b&w
Scope and content:

Doug Howarth, Ole Overland, Sherman Head, and Johnny Miller take a break during road construction

0256.03.02.01.12 Item – Forestry Road Work  1956 1 TIFF : b&w
Scope and content:

Ole Overland, District Ranger Bert Varty, Doug Howarth, and Johnny Miller cook a meal on a portable stove.

0256.03.02.01.13 Item – Forestry Road Work  1956 1 TIFF : b&w
Scope and content:

District Ranger Bert Varty working on his jeep along the road being constructed.

0256.03.02.01.14 Item – Forestry Road Work  1956 1 TIFF : b&w
Scope and content:

Ray Smuland (in tent) and Sherman Head (in caterpillar) working in a forestry camp.

0256.03.02.01.15 Item – Forestry Road Work  1956 1 TIFF : b&w
Scope and content:

Dave Schenk’s kitchen; doing forestry work in the Kakwa area.

0256.03.02.01.16 Item – Forestry Road Work  1956 1 TIFF : b&w
Scope and content:

The cook shows off his offerings for a forestry road work crew. Group includes Dave Joachim, Doug Howarth, Ray Smuland, Ole Overland.

0256.03.02.01.17 Item – Building a Forestry Cabin  1956 1 TIFF : b&w
Scope and content:

Ray Smuland, Forest Superintendent, sawing logs for building a forestry cabin at Musreau Lake.

0256.03.02.01.18 Item – Nose Mountain Tower Cabin 1957 1 TIFF : colour
Scope and content:

Sam Fomuk, tower man and Dave Schenk, Ranger, at the Nose Mountain Tower cabin, September, 1957.

0256.03.02.01.19 Item – Forestry Film Tour  ca. 1966 1 TIFF : colour
Scope and content:

Prairie Provinces Annual Forestry Film Tour with Dave Schenk and Greg Stevens flanking Bertie the Beaver.

0256.03.02.01.20 Item – Grovedale Ferry  1956 1 TIFF : colour
Scope and content:

Grovedale ferry on the Wapiti, April 1956. Claud O’Keefe is standing on the approach.

0256.03.02.01.21 Item – Porcupine Cabins  1956 1 TIFF : colour
Scope and content:

Porcupine Cabins and Porcupine Airstrip.

0256.03.02.01.22 Item – Nose Mountain Tower Site  1957 1 TIFF : colour
Scope and content:

Camp of Ole Overland and Dave Schenk at Nose Mountain Tower site, September 1957.

0256.03.02.01.23 Item – Group at Porcupine Airstrip 1958 1 TIFF : colour
Scope and content:

Griff James, Dick Bacon, Dave Schenk (Ranger), and Francis Schenk standing by the cabin at Porcupine airstrip.

0256.03.02.01.24 Item – South Wapiti Ranger Station 1959 1 TIFF : colour
Scope and content:

The new house at South Wapiti Ranger Station was built in 1957. The original cabin on the left was moved to Two Lakes.

0256.03.02.01.25 Item – Copton Lookout  1959 1 TIFF : colour
Scope and content:

Dave Schenk at the Copton Lookout site, which closed down in 1959.

0256.03.02.01.26 Item – Rainbow Trout Plant  1959 1 TIFF : colour
Scope and content:

First Rainbow Trout Plant at Two Lakes showing Curly Wren from Brooks Fish Nursery.

0256.03.02.01.27 Item – Nose Mountain Tower Site  1959 1 TIFF : b&w
Scope and content:

The opening of the Nose Mountain Tower site showing pilot Lloyd Anderson in a 47J Chopper.

0256.03.02.01.28 Item – Fire Fighting Crew  1961 1 TIFF : colour
Scope and content:

Fire fighting crew brought into the South Wapiti Forest District by Doug Clarkson (in plaid).

0256.03.02.01.29 Item – Game Patrol  1961 1 TIFF : colour
Scope and content:

Henry McCullough and Dave Schenk on the extreme south end of the Wapiti forest district in the Sheep Creek area. Part of forestry work was to monitor the hunting of game.

0256.03.02.01.30 Item – Game Patrol  1961 1 TIFF : colour
Scope and content:

Dave Schenk and Henry McCullough in Dead Horse Meadows.

0256.03.02.01.31 Item – Game Patrol  1961 1 TIFF : colour
Scope and content:

Dave Schenk and Henry McCullough near the B.C. border.

0256.03.02.01.32 Item – Game Patrol  1961 1 TIFF : colour
Scope and content:

Dave Schenk and Henry McCullough set up a shelter and camp on the trail near the B.C. border. Snow covered mountains in the background.

0256.03.02.01.33 Item – Ed Moberly and Carlin Schenk  ca. 1966 1 TIFF : colour
Scope and content:

Ed Moberly and Carlin Schenk sit outside a teepee at Nose Creek.

0256.03.02.01.34 Item – South Wapiti Students  ca. 1966 1 TIFF : colour
Scope and content:

Prairie Provinces Annual Forestry Film Tour visits the students at South Wapiti. Bertie the Beaver is used as an instructional aid.

0256.03.02.01.35 Item – Harvie Trace and a 47J Chopper  1966 1 TIFF : colour
Scope and content:

Harvie Trace beside his 47J Helicopter and Carlin Schenk standing in front. Taken in the spring of 1966 at the opening of the Tower, South Wapiti Ranger Station.

0256.03.02.01.36 Item – Dave Joachim and Paul Wyniandi  1966 1 TIFF : colour
Scope and content:

Dave Joachim and Paul Wyniandi with Carlin Schenk (the child) stand in front of their teepee.

0256.03.02.01.37 Item – Grandma Joachim, the Moberly girls, and Carlin Schenk  ca. 1967 1 TIFF : colour
Scope and content:

Violet, Eva, and Delia Moberly stand behind Mrs. Dave (Grandma) Joachim. Carlin Schenk is leaning on Grandma Joachim’s knee.

0256.03.02.01.38 Item – Group By the Shuttler Flats Cabin  1971 1 TIFF : b&w
Scope and content:

Dave Joachim, Dave Schenk, Carlin Schenk, and Christine Schenk stand in front of the Shuttler Flats cabin.

0256.03.02.01.39 Item – Francis Schenk at Sherman Meadows Cabin  1971 1 TIFF : b&w
Scope and content:

Francis Schenk stands on the porch of Sherman Meadows Cabin at the airstrip.

0256.03.02.01.40 Item – Otto Sourly and Christine Schenk  1960 1 TIFF : b&w
Scope and content:

Otto Sourly stands with Christine Schenk on the Grovedale ferry.

0256.03.02.01.41 Item – Dave Schenk, Coal Exploration  1972 1 TIFF : colour
Scope and content:

Dave Schenk stands in front of entrance to a coal adit dug 150’ into the mountain.

0256.03.02.01.42 Item – Kakwa River Trip  1970 1 TIFF : colour
Scope and content:

Mrs. Smuland, Mrs. Dobson, Bunny Schenk and her three children, and the Hoyme children on the banks of the Kakwa River on a family trip ca. 1970.

0256.03.02.01.43 Item – Sherman Meadows Cabin with Family  1970 1 TIFF : colour
Scope and content:

Image shows a man, woman, two children, and a dog on the front porch of the Sherman Meadows cabin.

0256.03.02.01.44 Item – The Schenk family at Kakwa River  1970 1 TIFF : colour
Scope and content:

The Schenk family at Kakwa River. They are standing around a pickup truck with a camper on the back.

0256.03.02.01.45 Item – Inside Sherman Meadows Cabin  1970 1 TIFF : colour
Scope and content:

Image shows the Schenk family inside the Sherman Meadows Cabin.

0256.03.02.01.46 Item – Inside Sherman Meadows Cabin  1970 1 TIFF : colour
Scope and content:

Good times inside the Sherman Meadows Cabin with the Schenk, Dobson, Hoyme, and Smuland families.

0256.03.02.01.47 Item – Adelaide Creek Fire  1973 1 TIFF : colour
Scope and content:

A Nahanni helicopter lands near the forest fire at Adelaide Creek.

0256.03.02.01.48 Item – Ed Moberly at his Cabin  1976 1 TIFF : colour
Scope and content:

Ed Moberly with Francis Schenk at Ed’s cabin, Moberly Flats, south of Two Lakes.

0256.03.02.01.49 Item – Forestry Cabin, South of the Wapiti  1970 1 TIFF : colour
Scope and content:

Mrs. Schenk, Paul Wyniandi, Alex and Rod Moberly, Francis and Dave Schenk in front of a forestry cabin south of the Wapiti.

0256.03.02.01.50 Item – Paul Wyniandi and Schenk Children  1975 1 TIFF : colour
Scope and content:

Paul Wyniandi shows the Schenk children his rat root, a highly regarded medicinal plant root.

0256.03.02.01.51 Item – Paul Wyniandi  1975 1 TIFF : colour
Scope and content:

Image shows Paul Wyniandi in the forest.

0256.03.02.01.52 Item – Saxon Creek Coal Exploration  1977 1 TIFF : colour
Scope and content:

Snowmobile used in coal exploration in Saxon Creek, March 1977.

0256.03.02.01.53 Item – Kakwa Falls  1975 1 TIFF : colour
Scope and content:

Kakwa Falls from above the falls.

0256.03.02.01.54 Item – Ole Overland’s Cabin  1977 1 TIFF : colour
Scope and content:

Ole Overland’s Cabin on Line 5, south of the Wapiti, in 1977.

0256.03.02.01.55 Item – Two Lakes Forestry Cabin  1977 1 TIFF : colour
Scope and content:

Forestry Cabin at Two Lakes in 1977.

0256.03.02.01.56 Item – Nose Mountain Cabin  1977 1 TIFF : colour
Scope and content:

Forestry cabin at the old tower site on Nose Mountain.

0256.03.02.01.57 Item – Slide Copies  n.d. 1 page
Scope and content:

This page has 20 1 x 1.25” images printed on it, copied from 35mm slides. The images show scenes from Sherman Meadows, including the cabin and outbuildings, as well as from Sulphur Springs, Kakwa.

0256.03.02.02 File – Land Use Summaries  1967-1970 0.5 cm textual records
Scope and content:

This file contains land use summary memorandums from forest officer Dave Schenk to the forest superintendent R. Smuland. These reports describe seismic activities and oil operations in the area.

0256.03.02.03 File – Documentation Books  1955-1985 1.5 cm textual records
Scope and content:

This file contains books used by Dave Schenk for documentation purposes during his time working for Forest Service Alberta, including three copies of an Alberta Forest Service Fire Control Service book, a Fire Report notebook, a Fire Removal ticket book, a Seized Items record book, and an Engineers Field Book.

0256.03.02.04 File – Handbooks and Manuals  1944-1986 2 cm textual records
Scope and content:

This file contains an assortment of handbooks and manuals relating to forestry and Forest Service Alberta including two Forestry Course Textbooks; an air operations manual for Forest Service Alberta; three glossaries of forest fire control terms from 1963, 1970, and 1980; a Alberta Union of Provincial Employees handbook; and a Fire Line handbook.

0256.03.02.05 File – Attendance Records  1972-1980 1 cm textual records
Scope and content:

This file includes Dave Schenk’s monthly attendance records from his time working as a Forest Officer for the Department of Energy and Natural Resources – Forest Service division.

0256.03.02.06 File – Employment Finances – Travel Expenses  1973-1979 1.5 cm textual records
Scope and content:

This file has the monthly travel expenses Dave Schenk incurred during his time as a Forest Officer for Alberta Forest Service.

0256.03.02.07 File – Employment Finances – Statements of Remittance  1962-1987 1 cm textual records
Scope and content:

This file contains statements of remittance issued to Dave Schenk from the Government of Alberta – Lands and Forests and Energy and Natural Resources departments.

0256.03.02.08 File – Employment Finances – Statements of Earnings 1  1962-1980 1 cm textual records
Scope and content:

This file contains statements of earnings (pay slips) for Dave Schenk from the Government of Alberta for his work as a Forest Officer for Alberta Energy and Natural Resources – Forest Service.

0256.03.02.09 File – Employment Finances – Statements of Earnings 2  1985-1987 0.5 cm textual records
Scope and content:

This file contains statements of earnings (pay slips) for Dave Schenk from the Government of Alberta for his work as a Forest Officer for Alberta Energy and Natural Resources – Forest Service.

0256.03.02.10-20 File – Daily Journals  1966-1987 22 cm textual records
Scope and content:

These files contain 22 journals that were used by Dave Schenk to document his daily activities as a forest officer. There is one book per year from 1966-1987.

0256.03.02.21 File – Location Research  n.d. 0.5 cm textual records
Scope and content:

This file contains information pertaining to burial records discovered by Dave Schenk while doing forestry work in the Kakwa area.

0256.03.02.22 File – Maps  1964-2004 9 maps
Scope and content:

This file contains 9 maps, many of which were produced by the Province of Alberta for Alberta Forest Service. There is one set of four maps that were used for Alberta Forest Service and contain different overlays pertaining to their Air Operations. The maps cover various areas including all of Alberta, the Wapiti region, and the Kakwa region. They are from 1964, 1973, 1975, 1995, 2000, and 2004.

0256.03.02.22.01 Item – Ranger District Map  1964 1 map : 31 x 51 in.
Scope and content:

Produced by the Province of Alberta – Department of Lands and Forests, Forest Surveys Branch. The map shows all of the forest ranger districts in Alberta as of May 1964.

0256.03.02.22.02 Item – Alberta Forest Service Air Operations – Air Patrol Overlay  1975 1 map : 53.5 x 32 in.
Scope and content:

Produced by the Province of Alberta for Alberta Forest Service – Air Operations, this map features an air patrol overlay and lookout system. The map shows all of Alberta. One of four maps from the Province of Alberta that feature different overlays regarding air operations for Alberta Forest Service.

0256.03.02.22.03 Item – Alberta Forest Service Air Operations – Fuel Cache Overlay  1975 1 map : 53.5 x 32 in.
Scope and content:

Produced by the Province of Alberta for Alberta Forest Service – Air Operations, this map features an overlay showing fuel cache radius’. The map shows all of Alberta. One of four maps from the Province of Alberta that feature different overlays regarding air operations for Alberta Forest Service.

0256.03.02.22.04 Item – Alberta Forest Service Air Operations – Base Map  1975 1 map : 53.5 x 32 in.
Scope and content:

Produced by the Province of Alberta for Alberta Forest Service – Air Operations, this map features no overlay and serves as the base map for air operations. The map shows all of Alberta and features information showing the location of different air operation services like helipads, ranger stations, and airstrips. One of four maps from the Province of Alberta that feature different overlays regarding air operations for Alberta Forest Service.

0256.03.02.22.05 Item – Alberta Forest Service Air Operations – Fire Bombing Overlay 1975 1 map : 53.5 x 32 in.
Scope and content:

Produced by the Province of Alberta for Alberta Forest Service – Air Operations, this map features an overlay showing fire bombing operations. The map shows all of Alberta. One of four maps from the Province of Alberta that feature different overlays regarding air operations for Alberta Forest Service.

0256.03.02.22.06 Item – Two Lakes and Sherman Meadows Corridor  2000 1 map : 33 x 40 in.
Scope and content:

Created by the Resource Information Unit Land and Forest Service – Northwest Boreal. Covers the area from townships 59-62 and ranges 12-14 west of the 6 meridian as well as Kakwa Wildland Provincial Park.

0256.03.02.22.07 Item – Wapiti Alberta  1973 1 map : 22.5 x 29 in.
Scope and content:

Made by the Department of Mines and Technical Surveys. Covers the Wapiti region and contains locations of fire towers and airports.

Note:

This map was compiled in 1962, printed in 1963, and dated as 1973.

0256.03.02.22.08 Item – Wapiti River District  1995 1 map : 45.5 x 30 in.
Scope and content:

Created by the Land and Forest Service Environmental Protection department of the Government of Alberta. The map covers the Wapiti River District.

0256.03.02.22.09 Item – Trapper Map Pinto, Sandbar, Muddy Creek, Tansi, Economic  2004 1 map : 36 x 44 in.
Scope and content:

Created by Weyerhaeuser, shows a legend for a herbicide proposal as well as traplines in the area.

Subseries 0256.03.03: World War I & World War II

Date: 1914-1946 (date of creation)

Scope and content:

This subseries contains textual material relating to World War I and World War II including a supply book, a field service book from the United States, a newspaper from the Honolulu Star Bulletin announcing the attack on Pearl Harbor, and World War II ration books belonging to the Schenk family.

Physical description: 4 cm textual records

Access points:

•                Textual record (documentary form)

Physical condition:

Supply book is slightly water damaged. All other documents are in fair condition.

Arrangement:

This subseries was arranged by the archivist.

Publication status:

Published

Subseries 0256.03.04: Personal

Date: 1934-2005 (date of creation)

Scope and content:

This subseries contains one Robert Guest artwork gifted to Dave Schenk, one holiday card from Bob and Myrtle Guest, eight photographs, and one newspaper clipping.

Physical description: 1 p. textual records

8 photographs

1 card

1 artwork

Access points:

•                Graphic material (documentary form)

•                Textual record (documentary form)

•                Graphic material – photograph (documentary form)

Physical condition:

Newspaper clipping was removed from frame. All other materials in fair condition.

Arrangement:

Arrangement was completed by archivist.

Conditions governing use:

Items 0256.03.04.03-08 were donated digitally and may not be suitable for reproduction.

Publication status:

Published

File / item list
Reference code Title Dates Physical description
0256.03.04.01 Item – Grandparents in Boat  1950 1 photograph : b&w ; 3.5 x 2.5 in.
Scope and content:

Dave Schenk’s grandparents in a boat out on the water. The photograph was originally in a frame which had “Grandparents [?] getting $1 a day to muskrat” written on the back.

0256.03.04.02 Item – Dave Schenk, Francis J Schenk, and Grandparents  1934 1 photograph : b&w ; 4.5 x 3 in.
Scope and content:

Dave and Francis J. Schenk with their grandparents on a porch. Dave is the second from the left (standing) and Francis J. is the third from left (sitting). There is a description on the back that reads “Boys! Can you remember that time we took this pickture? Grande Ma. Sept. or Oct. 1934.” The frame that the photograph was originally in read “Grandmother, Grandfather, Dave, + Brother Francis.”

0256.03.04.03 Item – Boy on Crutches  1942 1 TIFF : b&w
Scope and content:

A boy on crutches poses in front of the locomotive foreman’s house in Rycroft. A sled is leaning against the wall of the building beside him.

0256.03.04.04 Item – Boy & Dog  1942 1 TIFF : b&w
Scope and content:

A boy and dog pose in front of the locomotive foreman’s house in Rycroft. “Locomotive Foreman” is painted on the wall of the building.

0256.03.04.05 Item – Locomotive Foreman’s Home  1942 1 TIFF : b&w
Scope and content:

A man and boy pose in front of locomotive foreman’s house in Rycroft.

0256.03.04.06 Item – Children & Dog  1942 1 TIFF : b&w
Scope and content:

A girl, three boys, and a dog pose on the sidewalk beside the locomotive foreman’s house in Rycroft.

0256.03.04.07 Item – Family Photograph  1942 1 TIFF : b&w
Scope and content:

A man in military uniform poses with a woman and two children at the locomotive foreman’s house in Rycroft. There is snow on the ground, and the children are wearing snowsuits.

0256.03.04.08 Item – Unidentified Boy  1942 1 TIFF : b&w
Scope and content:

An unidentified boy poses in front of the locomotive foreman’s house in Rycroft in the winter.

Subseries 0256.03.05: Miscellaneous

Date: [1942?]-1955 (date of creation)

Scope and content:

This subseries contains one grocery price list notebook; a standard field tables book from the United States Department of the Interior; an Alberta Liquor Board price list from 1955; and a Soudack fur auction sales bulletin.

Physical description: 3.5 cm textual records

Access points:

•                Textual record (documentary form)

Physical condition:

Binder rings on grocery price list notebook are damaged, all other documents in fair condition.

Arrangement:

Arrangement was provided by the archivist.

Publication status:

Published

Series 0256.04: Melba (Bunny) Schenk

Date: 1973-1977 (date of creation)

Scope and content:

This series contains textual material relating to Melba Schenk’s employment with Alberta Energy and Natural Resources – Forest Service division.

Physical description: 2 cm textual records

Access points:

•                Textual record (documentary form)

Physical condition:

Condition is fair.

Arrangement:

This series was created by the archivist.

Publication status:

Published

Subseries 0256.04.01: Employment

Date: 1973-1977 (date of creation)

Scope and content:

This subseries contains time certificates of labor from the Alberta Forest Service for Melba’s work in janitorial services and as a weather observer.

Physical description: 2 cm textual records

Access points:

•                Textual record (documentary form)

Physical condition:

Condition is fair.

Arrangement:

Time certificates maintain the original order from the time of donation.

Publication status:

Published

Conservation:

Records were originally fastened together by metal clip which has been removed for preservation reasons.