Summary information
| Repository: | South Peace Regional Archives |
| Title: | Doug Van Schaick Family collection |
| Reference code: | 0673 |
| Date: | 2005 (date of creation) |
| Physical description: | 1 postcard
550 photographs |
| Language: | English |
| Dates of creation, revision and deletion: | Processed by DR Nov, 2017 Added to new database Dec 2024, JL Descriptions reviewed and corrected October 2025 – TD |
Administrative history / Biographical sketch
Foster Van Schaick was born at Camrose, Alberta on November 27, 1907 to Herbert Ellsworth and Nellie M. [Stearns] Van Schaick. The Van Schaicks immigrated to Canada from South Dakota in 1905. His family, including his parents and three older brothers – Floyd, Chester, and Glen – travelled over the Edson Trail to homestead on what is now Richmond Hill in 1911. Another brother, Clifton, was born that same year.
In 1932, Foster married Marie Brooks, originally from Huntville, Washington, whose parents homesteaded near Pipestone Creek. Marie and Foster homesteaded at the South Wapiti along Iroquois Creek on W 1/2-6-69-8-W6. Like most homesteaders, they spent the winter months working to pay off the farm at various mills in the area. In 1943, from April to October, Foster packed supplies up the Yukon for the Canol Project for Carl Brooks’ outfit. In 1950, the Van Schaicks moved to Grande Prairie, along with their three children, Irene, Patricia, and Douglas. Foster worked at a variety of jobs, including a construction company and a service station, until his retirement. Foster died in Grande Prairie in 1986.
Irene married Bert Varty; Patricia married Don Houston; and Doug married Patricia Smith.
Doug and Patricia remained in Grande Prairie, where Doug worked for McGavins bakery and later Proctor and Gamble until his retirement.
Doug died in Grande Prairie on November 24, 2017.
Custodial history
These items were collected or created by Carol Hamilton and Shelagh Perez, daughters of Doug and Patricia Van Schaick during their research on the Van Schaick ancestors.
Scope and content
This collection contains records related to the American ancestors of the Van Schaick family of Grande Prairie. These records consist of 1 CD containing approximately 550 photographs of Van Schaick Island and the Van Schaick mansion and 1 postcard of Van Schaick mansion. Also on the CD are photographs taken of related archival records that are preserved by the New York State Library and Northwestern University in Illinois.
This material was compiled as part of research related to the historic Van Schaick family who originally immigrated to Pennsylvania and New York ca. 1640. The Van Schaick mansion, built between 1735-1750, is now an historic site.
Notes
Title notes
- Source of title proper: Title based on contents of collection.
Restrictions on access
There are no restrictions on access.
Related material
Archival records shown in the photographs are held by the following institutions:
– Northwestern University McCormick Library of Special Collections and University Archives
Accruals
No accruals are expected.
Access points
- Graphic material – photograph (documentary form)
- Graphic material (documentary form)
- Family and personal life (subject)
Series descriptions
| Reference code | Title | Dates | Physical description |
| 0673.01 | Item – Van Schaick Postcard | n.d. | 1 postcard : colour ; 14 x 9 cm |
| Scope and content:
Image of the historic Van Schaick mansion at Cohoes, New York. |
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| 0673.02 | Item – Van Schaick Photographs Carol Hamilton and Shelagh Perez |
2005 | 1 CD : 550 photographs |
| Scope and content:
This series contains approximately 550 photographs taken as part of a research trip relating to the Van Schaick family in New York State. This includes trip photographs, images of the Van Schaick mansion historical site, as well as study photographs of archival records that are preserved by the New York State Library and Northwestern University in Illinois. |
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