Fonds 646 Fran Moore fonds

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Summary information

 

Repository: South Peace Regional Archives
Title: Fran Moore fonds
Reference code: 0646
Date: ca. 1890-2013 (date of creation)
Physical description: 62 cm textual records

19 photographs

Dates of creation, revision and deletion: Processed by Patricia Greber ca. 2015
Added to new database April 2025 – TD
Note: This fonds has been identified as having Indigenous related content. Researchers may encounter language that is outdated and offensive. To learn more about Indigenous records at the South Peace Regional Archives please see our guide.

Administrative history / Biographical sketch

Fran Moore was born on her grandfather’s homestead in Valleyview, Alberta to parents Eunice and Graham Bodeker. Growing up on a farm southwest of town she attended school at Smoky Valley, Calais, and Sun Valley, and later St. Joseph’s Catholic School in Grande Prairie, boarding at Saint Joseph’s Academy. Fran finished grade 12 when staying with her grandparents in Nanaimo, BC. In 1957 she graduated from St. Joseph’s Business College, and later while working as a bookkeeper for a service station in Valleyview she met her future husband Marv.

Marv Moore was born in Grande Prairie to parents Winnie and Charlie Moore. He grew up in DeBolt, attending both Edson Trail and Harper Creek schools. Marv later went to Grande Prairie High School, rooming at the Wapiti Lodge during that time.

Marv and Fran were married February 20, 1959 in Valleyview and lived in DeBolt where they built and ran the Esso Service Station. They had three children: Kerry, Lonny, and Bernice. As well as owning and acquiring land, Marv started a Massey Ferguson franchise called Marv’s Farm Service. Marv soon became involved in politics when he was on the ID 16 Advisory Board representing the DeBolt/Crooked Creek area. He was elected as the MLA in 1971 and served on the Agriculture Committee. In subsequent elections he served as Minister of Agriculture, Minister of Municipal Affairs, Minister of Transportation, and Minister of Hospitals and Medical Care, as well as Solicitor General.

Fran raised their children and served as secretary to Marv, as there was no funding to have a Constituency Office and hired secretary. With a keen interest in giving back to the community, Fran joined numerous societies and committees as a volunteer. Fran also spearheaded countless events and created committees when needed.

Fran battled cancer in 1976 and in the early 1980s she heard of a support program called CanSurmount. She mentioned the organization in a meeting in Grande Prairie and was asked if she would become the CanSurmount Trainer in the Peace. Fran agreed but wanted there to be two people involved and she asked Lou Hrushka to take the training with her. Over the next 8 or 9 years, one or two workshops were held somewhere in the Peace each year to support cancer patients and families. They would show films and have speakers on medical topics, psycho/social topics, and communications. Fran even flew to Yellowknife, NWT to do a workshop for CanSurmount there. Fran also served as the Provincial Coordinator.

One of Fran’s passions has been the development of the DeBolt & District Pioneer Museum. She has been Curator of the museum since 1975, when it was first incorporated. In recent years they have been able to apply for grants and have hired staff two days a week as well as a summer student. Before that it was run by Fran and other volunteers. It was through her work with the Museum that Fran became Editor of the following books: Edson to Grande Prairie Trail; Across the Smoky; Bridges to the Past; Edson Trail Centennial Celebrations; DeBolt Country Club & Agricultural Society.

A few of the other places that has benefitted from Fran’s involvement are the Canadian Cancer Society, the Brush Bunnies Art Club (started in 1975 with Ellen Nichols), DeBolt U.C.W., Grande Prairie Genealogy Society, DeBolt & District Agricultural Society, Dunvegan Advisory Committee, Edson Trail Centennial, and creator of Spirit of the Peace to name a few.

When Marv left politics in 1989 he changed his focus back to the farm and volunteering. He was Provincial Campaign Manager for four elections, working for Ralph Klein. He became Chairman of the Alberta Cancer Board and of the DeBolt & District Agricultural Society, which included his installing grass greens at the DeBolt Golf Course. He was Chairman & Bison Director for the Peace Country Classic. He was Chairman of the Bison Producers of Alberta for a few years, and was a board member of the National Bison Association of the U.S.A. representing Canadian interests for a few years and attending their annual meetings in Denver, Colorado. Marv continued to harvest grain crops and managed the KLB Bison Ranch until 2014, when he sold his field crop equipment in an auction. Marv and Fran still have their cow/calf bison operation and hay fields, although they closed down the feed lot.

Fran and Marv still volunteer for many organizations and are well known for their community service.

Custodial history

The records were collected by Fran Moore who donated them to the archives February 27, 2013.

Scope and content

The fonds consist of records of the Fort Dunvegan Advisory Committee, the Edson Trail Celebrations and Peace Country stories.

Notes

Title notes

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

Access points

  • Textual record (documentary form)
  • Graphic material – photograph (documentary form)
  • Cartographic material (documentary form)
  • Graphic material (documentary form)
  • Transportation (subject)
  • Organizations (subject)
  • Women (subject)
  • Family and personal life (subject)

Table of contents

0646.01, Dunvegan Advisory Board, ca. 1890-1994

0646.02, Edson Trail Centennial Celebrations, 1911, [ca.1976-2013]

0646.03, Research and Stories on the Peace Country, 1908-1997

Series descriptions

Series 0646.01: Dunvegan Advisory Board

Date: ca. 1890-1994 (date of creation)

Scope and content:

The series consists of meeting minutes, discussion of land to be purchased by the government from the Marusiak family, news clippings, Dunvegan Resource Proposal, and a paper called The Spirit & Terms of Treat 8 by Richard Daniels, nine photographs, and three posters.

Physical description: 8 cm textual records

9 photographs

Access points:

•                Textual record (documentary form)

•                Graphic material – photograph (documentary form)

•                Cartographic material (documentary form)

•                Graphic material (documentary form)

Publication status:

Published

File / item list
Reference code Title Dates Physical description
0646.01.01 File – Minutes, Correspondence, Photographs  ca. 1890-1994 2 cm textual records9 photographs
Scope and content:

This file consists of minutes, correspondence, and photographs created by the Historic Dunvegan Advisory Board from 1982 to 1988. There are also three posters.

0646.01.01.01 Item – Old Catholic Church in Dunvegan  ca. 1890 1 photograph : b&w ; 8 x 10 in.
Scope and content:

Copy of a photograph showing the old Catholic Church at Dunvegan. A stamp on the reverse identifies the photograph as coming from the Provincial Archives of Alberta Photograph Collection (No. A 7133).

Conditions governing use:

Publication is not permitted.

0646.01.01.02 Item – The Maples  ca. 1955 1 photograph : b&w ; 3 x 3 in.
Scope and content:

A Glenbow photograph of the sign at Fort Dunvegan that explained “The Maples. The sign reads as follows: “This site is the property of the Anglican Church. The site of the first Protestant Mission. These Maples were planted three quarters of a century ago. Parishers are welcome to use the grounds but we of St. Helen’s Chi-Rho ask you to respect its historical and sacred aspects. Kindly dispose of all refuse and keep it respectable.”

0646.01.01.03 Item – A View of Dunvegan
Fran Moore
 
ca. 1985 1 photograph : colour ; 4 x 6 in.
Scope and content:

A view of Dunvegan from across the road, including the bridge.

0646.01.01.04-09 Item – Dunvegan  1987, 1994 6 photographs : colour ; 4 x 6 in.
Scope and content:

Photographs of the landscape and buildings at Dunvegan.

0646.01.01.10 Item – Old Dunvegan
Alberta Culture
 
ca. 1970 1 poster
Scope and content:

An older poster mentioning the hand-hewn timbers of the Old Grouard Mission.

0646.01.01.11 Item – Historic Dunvegan Poster
Alberta Culture
 
ca. 1980 1 poster
Scope and content:

An Alberta Culture poster titled Historic Dunvegan showing the buildings and activities that are offered there.

0646.01.01.12 Item – Fort Dunvegan Poster
Alberta Culture
 
ca. 1985 1 poster
Scope and content:

A poster of Historic Dunvegan the front picture depicts St. Charles Church and Rectory and the back of the poster contains photographs of the area, the early inhabitants, and the buildings.

0646.01.02 File – Research Material  1974-1993 2 cm textual records1 map
Scope and content:

This file consists of correspondence, reviews, newspaper clippings, maps, meeting minutes, etc., related to research projects about Dunvegan.

0646.01.02.01 Item – Hudson Bay Yard Layout Dunvegan
Fran Moore
 
n.d. 1 map
Scope and content:

Document is a hand drawn map of the layout of the Hudson Bay yard and building layout at Dunvegan. The building had two bedrooms, a living room, kitchen, and storage area. The back of the building is labeled “Indians room” which had a cook stove, cupboards, and beds. The yard shows a root cellar, chicken house, and outhouse. Fran Moore drew this layout based on information she received from her grandmother Mrs. Lutie Bodeker who ran the Hudson’s Bay Company Store at Dunvegan with her husband Ben.

0646.01.03 File – Development Proposal  1985, 1988 2 cm textual records
Scope and content:

This file includes two development proposals: one for 1985 and one for 1988.

0646.01.04 File – The Spirit and Terms of Treaty 8  1975 2 cm textual records
Scope and content:

This file consists of a 1975 paper written by Richard Daniels. There is also a copy of a document called “The Youth Who Was Pakakus,” a story about young man called Pakakus. It features Plains Cree and Swampy Cree people.

Series 0646.02: Edson Trail Centennial Celebrations

Date: 1911, [ca.1976-2013] (date of creation)

Scope and content:

The series consists of meeting minutes, financial records, book orders, grants, a guest book, photographs, posters, advertising, news clippings, incorporation, and bylaws of the Edson Trail Historical Society; Edson Trail Book material; documentary material; and Edson Trail stories.

Physical description: 25 cm textual records

10 photographs

Access points:

•                Graphic material – photograph (documentary form)

•                Textual record (documentary form)

•                Graphic material (documentary form)

Publication status:

Published

File / item list
Reference code Title Dates Physical description
0646.02.01 File – Edson Trail Historic Society [1/2]  2009-2010 2 cm textual records
Scope and content:

This file consists of the Society’s meeting minutes for 2009 and 2010.

0646.02.02 File – Edson Trail Historic Society [2/2]  2011 2 cm textual records
Scope and content:

This file consists of the Society’s meeting minutes for 2011.

0646.02.03 File – Edson Trail Book Material  1976-2011 1.5 cm textual records
Scope and content:

This file consists of copies of newspaper clippings, homestead lists, essays, correspondence, and other material related to the Edson Trail book. Included in the file is a speech that Fran Moore presented at the Alberta Land Surveyors Association on November 23, 2011 at the Quality Inn. The speech starts with describing Fran’s personal interest in local history and the Edson Trail, goes on to describe the area before the Edson Trail which was largely populated by Indigenous people and people who came for the fur trade. Fran then talks about the development of the Edson Trail and ends her speech talking about the Edson Trail Centennial Celebration and the new book.

0646.02.04 File – Edson Trail Book Stories [1/3] 1985-2011 1.5 cm textual records
Scope and content:

This file consists of copies of newspaper clippings and hand-written personal stories from people who traveled the Edson Trail.

0646.02.05 File – Edson Trail Book Stories [2/3] 1985-2011 1.5 cm textual records
Scope and content:

This file consists of copies of newspaper clippings and hand-written personal stories from people who traveled the Edson Trail.

0646.02.06 File – Edson Trail Book Stories [3/3] 1985-2011 2 cm textual records
Scope and content:

This file consists of copies of newspaper clippings and hand-written personal stories from people who traveled the Edson Trail.

0646.02.07 File – Chapter 1  2011 1 cm textual records
Scope and content:

This file consists of an annotated draft copy of chapter one with notes.

0646.02.08 File – Chapter 2  2011 1 cm textual records
Scope and content:

This file consists of an annotated draft copy of chapter two with notes.

0646.02.09 File – Chapter 3  2011 1 cm textual records
Scope and content:

This file consists of an annotated draft copy of chapter three with notes.

0646.02.10 File – Edson Trail Book Draft  2011 2.5 cm textual records
Scope and content:

This file consists of a draft of the Edson Trail Book.

0646.02.11 File – Edson Trail Book Photographs  1911-2012 12 photographs
Scope and content:

This file consists of photographs used in the Edson Trail book.

Conditions governing use:

Some of the photographs in this file are copies and are not suitable for reproduction.

0646.02.11.01 Item – Johnson Family  1911 1 photograph : b&w ; 8.5 x 11 in.
Scope and content:

Photocopy of a photograph showing the Johnson family. The caption typed on the sheet of paper reads: “1911 – Johnson Family coming over the Edson Trail – August 1911. Jim on horse. Roy on wagon wheel. Marie, Walter and Elsie in wagon. Vic and Soren standing beside oxen.”

0646.02.11.02 Item – Athabasca Landing  1912 1 photograph : b&w ; 4 x 6 in.
Scope and content:

Copy of a photograph showing a log cabin in the forest with horses out front. The notes on the back of the photograph read as follows: “Athabasca Landing. Athabasca River 1912 Edson Trail. Photo goes with May 16/85 article fm Western People. ‘Trail & G.P. cruelly tested pioneers.’”

0646.02.11.03 Item – Rev. Harry Coates  ca. 1912 1 photograph : b&w ; 4 x 6 in.
Scope and content:

Copy of a photograph showing Rev. Harry Coates, a Methodist Missionary who was stationed at Dunvegan 1911-1912. He travelled by horseback during the day and often slept on the prairie at night.

0646.02.11.04 Item – Dunvegan Bridge Opening  ca. 1912 1 photograph : b&w ; 4 x 6 in.
Scope and content:

Copy of a photograph showing a line of vehicles waiting to cross the newly constructed Dunvegan Bridge.

0646.02.11.05 Item – Foy Family on the Trail  ca. 1912 1 photograph : b&w ; 4 x 6 in.
Scope and content:

Copy of a photograph showing a horse and wagon on a hill overlooking the land. The driver has his head turned towards the photographer.

0646.02.11.06 Item – Ole Melsness Family  ca. 1928 1 photograph : 8.5 x 11 in.
Scope and content:

Photocopy of a photograph showing the Melsness family: Ole, Harold, Anthon, Elenor, Dolores, Agnes, Inez, Anne, Bert, and Harriet.

0646.02.11.07 Item – Bob Patterson  ca. 2010 1 photograph : colour ; 4 x 6 in.
Scope and content:

Bob Patterson standing beside on old winter caboose.

0646.02.11.08 Item – Group Photograph  n.d. 1 photograph : colour ; 4 x 6 in.
Scope and content:

Image shows five people looking at a scrapbook. Another woman is looking on in the background.

0646.02.11.09 Item – Stained Glass Window of Pioneers  ca. 2010 1 photograph : colour ; 5.5 x 5 in.
Scope and content:

Stained glass artwork depicting pioneers and created by Lawrence Moon for the Grande Prairie Museum. Used on page 259 of the Edson Trail Centennial Celebration book.

0646.02.11.10 Item – Bloom – Neilson Rock Cairn  ca. 2010 1 photograph : colour ; 4 x 6 in.
Scope and content:

Image shows the plaque on the rock cairn that commemorates 100 years in the Peace country.

0646.02.11.11 Item – Bloom – Neilson Rock Cairn  ca. 2010 1 photograph : colour ; 4 x 6 in.
Scope and content:

Brady Neilson, Harvey Neilson, Janis Bloom, and Helen Kabat standing beside the rock cairn that commemorates 100 years in the Peace country. Used on page 263 of the Edson Trail Centennial Celebration book.

0646.02.11.12 Item – Foy Family  ca. 2012 1 photograph : colour ; 5 x 7 in.
Scope and content:

Copy of a photograph showing Hubert Foy with Tracy Leishman and her children Reid and Thomas. Used on page 259 of the Edson Trail Centennial Celebration book.

0646.02.12 File – Edson Trail Book Orders  2011, 2013 2 cm textual records
Scope and content:

This file consists of book orders for the Edson Trail book.

0646.02.13 File – Guest Book  2011 0.5 cm textual records
Scope and content:

This file consists of loose sheets guests used to sign in for the celebrations.

0646.02.14 File – Edson Trail Ride  2011 1 cm textual records
Scope and content:

This file consists of reflections about creating and completing the ride, written by several people involved.

0646.02.15 File – Edson Trail Documentary  2003-2010 1.5 cm textual records
Scope and content:

This file consists of documents related to filming the documentary.

0646.02.16 File – Cairn Dedication  n.d. 0.5 cm textual records
Scope and content:

This file consists of brief biographies about people whose names were inscribed in the Homestead Cairn at Kleskun Hills.

0646.02.17 File – Edson 100th Anniversary Newspaper  2011 0.5 cm textual records
Scope and content:

This file consists of a copy of the town of Edson’s 100th Anniversary newspaper.

0646.02.18 File – Edson Trail Advertising  2009-2011 1 cm textual records
Scope and content:

This file consists of copies of newspaper clippings and a copy of the 2011 Edson and District Chamber of Commerce publication, “Celebrating Edson’s 100th Anniversary.” There are also two promotional posters.

0646.02.18.01 Item – Edson Trail Poster
Edson Trail Centennial Committee
 
2011 1 poster
Scope and content:

A poster with a map of the Edson Trail and photographs for the Edson Trail Centennial.

0646.02.18.02 Item – Oldtimers’ Association Edson Trail Poster
Oldtimers’ Association
 
2011 1 poster
Scope and content:

The Oldtimers’ Association’s 2011 banquet poster celebrating the Edson Trail.

0646.02.19 File – Financial Records  2010-2012 0.5 cm textual records
Scope and content:

This file consists of statements and spreadsheets documenting the finances for the celebration.

0646.02.20 File – Grants  2010 2 cm textual records
Scope and content:

This file consists of correspondence and forms related to grant applications for the celebration.

Series 0646.03: Research and Stories on the Peace Country

Date: 1908-1997 (date of creation)

Scope and content:

The series consists of copies of diaries, memoirs, stories, and a thesis collected by Fran Moore as part of her research.

Physical description: 29 cm textual records

Access points:

•                Textual record (documentary form)

Publication status:

Published

File / item list
Reference code Title Dates Physical description
0646.03.01 File – Memoirs of A. H. McQuarrie  1954-1968 2.5 cm textual records
Scope and content:

The file consists of a copy of the memoirs of A. H. McQuarrie.

0646.03.02 File – Peace Country Memoirs: Williamson Family  [1973] 0.5 cm textual records
Scope and content:

The file consists of the typed Peace Country Memoirs of the Williamson family.

0646.03.03 File – Stories by Dave T. Williamson ca. 1980-1989 1 cm textual records
Scope and content:

The file consists of a photocopy of a newspaper clipping and typed stories by David T. Williamson. The stories include: “Baldy Red Yeoman, King of Edson Trail Booze Runners,” “Valleyview’s First Settlers,” “Growing Old Together,” “The Fulfillment of Old Sunshine’s Prophecy,” “The Nightingale of Red Willow Creek,” and “The Scots Family Williamson.”

0646.03.04 File – Teepee Fires Burn Brightly Still [1/2]  ca. 1980 1 cm textual records
Scope and content:

The file consists of David Williamson’s essay [thesis?] about the history of and then current situation of Indigenous people in Canada.

0646.03.05 File – Teepee Fires Burn Brightly Still [2/2]  ca. 1980 1 cm textual records
Scope and content:

The file consists of David Williamson’s essay [thesis?] about the history of and then current situation of Indigenous people in Canada.

0646.03.06 File – Land of the Wetigo [1/2]  ca. 1980 1 cm textual records
Scope and content:

The file consists of David Williamson’s essay about the Wetigo phenomena.

0646.03.07 File – Land of the Wetigo [2/2]  ca. 1980 1 cm textual records
Scope and content:

The file consists of David Williamson’s essay about the Wetigo phenomena.

0646.03.08 File – Ramstad family [1/2] ca. 1970 1.5 cm textual records
Scope and content:

The file consists of copies of the handwritten Peace Country Memoirs for the Ramstad family between 1928 and 1990, maps of the Ramstad trails, and other maps belonging to the Ramstad family.

0646.03.09 File – Ramstad family [2/2] ca. 1970 1.5 cm textual records
Scope and content:

The file consists of copies of the handwritten Peace Country Memoirs for the Ramstad family between 1928 and 1990, maps of the Ramstad trails, and other maps belonging to the Ramstad family.

0646.03.10 File – Diary – The Edson to Grande Prairie Trail  n.d. 2 cm textual records
Scope and content:

The file consists of a bound compilation of photocopies of diaries, some of which are handwritten. They include the diaries of W. Gilmour (original held at the Provincial Archives of Alberta, accession 82.38/1), Mary Moschen Ross (original held at the Provincial Archives of Alberta, accession 91.437 File SE), and A. H. McQuarrie (original held at another institution, possibly the Provincial Archives of Alberta, accession A66.50), as well as several copies of maps of Sturgeon Lake.

Conditions governing use:

These materials are photocopies of originals and are not to be reproduced except for personal research.

0646.03.11 File – Melsness Story  1912 0.5 cm textual records
Scope and content:

The file consists of several copies of the diaries of O. H. Melsness about his trip to Grande Prairie in 1912. There is a typed copy, as well as photocopies of handwritten diaries.

0646.03.12 File – Loberg Story

 

1953 0.5 cm textual records
Scope and content:

The file consists of a photocopy of a handwritten English essay written by Doreen Loberg while she was a student at Camrose Lutheran College. The essay is about her grandparents’ move from the United States to Grande Prairie.

0646.03.13 File – Mary Walter’s Story  ca. 1970 1 cm textual records
Scope and content:

The file consists of a copy of the story of Mary’s Walter’s family written under her pen name, Marisa Wapiti. A brief biography of the family written by Fran Moore is included.

0646.03.14 File – A Lumberjack Remembers
Phil Nilsson
 
ca. 1990 2 cm textual records
Scope and content:

The file consists of photocopy of Phil Nilsson’s memoirs. The biography includes information about his family in Sweden dating back to the early 1900s.

0646.03.15 File – Emergence of Regional Identity: The Peace River Country  1995 2.5 cm textual records
Scope and content:

The file consists of a copy of Robert Scott Irwin’s Ph.D. thesis. It covers the history of the Peace River Country between 1910-1946.

0646.03.16 File – History of the Peace Country 1997 1.5 cm textual records
Scope and content:

The file consists of copies of newspaper articles, essays, and maps related to the history of the Peace Country.

0646.03.17 File – Through the Mackenzie Basin
Charles Mair
 
1908 1.5 cm textual records
Scope and content:

The file consists of a photocopy of Charles Mair’s book, Through the Mackenzie Basin, written in 1908.

0646.03.18 File – Wesakechak Legends  n.d. 1 cm textual records
Scope and content:

The file consists of photocopies from what appears to be a book of Indigenous legends.

0646.03.19 File – Historical Reference Bibliography  1977 1 cm textual records
Scope and content:

The file consists of a copy of a list of materials relevant to the history of the Peace River region of Alberta, which was prepared for the Peace River Regional Planning Commission in 1977.

0646.03.20 File – Report on The Peace River Region  n.d. 0.5 cm textual records
Scope and content:

The file consists of a photocopy of a typed report written about the region in the early twentieth century.

0646.03.21 File – Sources on the History of Northern Alberta
D.G. Wetherell & Associates Ltd.
 
1994 0.5 cm textual records
Scope and content:

The file consists of a copy of an annotated bibliography prepared by D. G. Wetherell and Associates Ltd.

0646.03.22 File – History of the Canadian North  1997 1 cm textual records
Scope and content:

The file consists of class notes, essays, and a test for a course Fran completed at Grande Prairie Regional College in 1997. The course was called “History of the Canadian North” and was taught by Dr. Campbell Ross and Dr. David Leonard.