This fonds consists of materials created or collected by Gisela Mendel throughout her time in British Columbia, particularly during her tenure as the Museum's first curator (1969-1981). It is divided into three series:
Series 1: Photographs - approx. 330 photographs, negatives, and slides taken by Gisela Mendel, showing the local area, flora and fauna, Museum displays, Kitamaat Village and its residents, traditional Haisla cultural activities, etc.
Series 2: Kitimat Flora Collection - 12 boxes of pressed and dried flora from the local area, with associated information.
Series 3: Logbooks and scrapbooks - logbooks from Clague and Squirrel Mountains (1957-1969), accounts of Mendel family outings (1963-1968), scrapbook/photo album from Stikine road trip (1999), textual material and photos on regional hiking rails from binder on assembled by Gisela.
Series 4: Maps - 23 regional maps collected and annotated by Gisela.
ca. 10.5 cm textual material (logbooks, scrapbooks)
23 maps
History / Biographical
Gisela Heimbach Mendel was the first curator of the Kitimat Museum and Archives (then known as the Kitimat Centennial Museum). She was born in Germany in 1922 and worked as a pharmacist in East Prussia when the Russians invaded. She fled the Russians and immigrated to Canada in 1952 with her husband, Hans, and their children. Unhappy with the geography of Southern Ontario - in her words, she was a "mountain woman" - she chose Kitimat as her home.
In her earliest years in Kitimat (beginning 1956), Gisela collected botanical specimens for the Royal BC Museum in Victoria. She served as the first curator of the Kitimat Centennial Museum from the building's opening in 1969 until her retirement in 1981, when she and Hans moved to Smithers. Gisela was responsible for not only showcasing local art and history, but building a strong and varied permanent collection of artifacts and archival items upon which future curators could build.
As she was working in a relatively young community, town history was not considered a priority so much as regional history, natural history and Haisla First Nations cultural traditions, which Gisela documented with great intensity. One of her projects was creating an ethno-botanical dictionary with the help of Haisla elders, identifying the Haisla names and traditional uses for various plants. In 1972, the Northern Sentinel reported that each weekend Gisela made the rounds of her secret botanical hunting grounds to replace the display of floral specimens in her exhibits. She was a tremendous record-keeper and journalist, had a great life of the outdoors, and developed many close friendships in Kitimat and Kitamaat Village. Her thirst for information was incredible, and the Museum and the community benefitted immensely from her passion for gathering and recording knowledge. In the 1990s she received the Award of Merit from the BC Museums Association in recognition of her work. She passed away in 2008.
Custodial History
Materials in this fonds were created by Gisela Mendel during her time as Museum Curator, or donated by her, her family members, or other community members following her retirement.
Scope and Content
This fonds consists of materials created or collected by Gisela Mendel throughout her time in British Columbia, particularly during her tenure as the Museum's first curator (1969-1981). It is divided into three series:
Series 1: Photographs - approx. 330 photographs, negatives, and slides taken by Gisela Mendel, showing the local area, flora and fauna, Museum displays, Kitamaat Village and its residents, traditional Haisla cultural activities, etc.
Series 2: Kitimat Flora Collection - 12 boxes of pressed and dried flora from the local area, with associated information.
Series 3: Logbooks and scrapbooks - logbooks from Clague and Squirrel Mountains (1957-1969), accounts of Mendel family outings (1963-1968), scrapbook/photo album from Stikine road trip (1999), textual material and photos on regional hiking rails from binder on assembled by Gisela.
Series 4: Maps - 23 regional maps collected and annotated by Gisela.
Fair; many documents have yellow glue stains on back (presumably from having been pasted into a scrapbook), many have slightly ragged edges.
History / Biographical
Dennis Tupman taught at Mount Elizabeth Secondary School from 1957 to 1971 and was well-regarded for developing the school's band program - the first in the community. He also led the United Church Choir, the Little Symphony, and the Community Choir; worked as a school counsellor; and volunteered with the Community Help Organization and the Family Forum Society. Under his leadership, the MESS Band travelled to Montreal to play at Expo 67, and won a Northwest provincial competition to play at Queen Elizabeth's visit to Vancouver in 1971.
Custodial History
Items were donated to the Museum on January 25th 2024 by Tupman's daughter, Raechel.
Scope and Content
Fonds contains 8 programmes for concerts and other events, collected by Tupman during his career in Kitimat.
The fonds consists of the diary of George Anderson (1892-1899, 1921-1924) when he was in Kitamaat. The fonds also includes the 1892 diary of Cora Anderson.
George Anderson grew up in Ontario and, with his wife, Cora, came to Kitamaat in 1891 as lay missionaries. They were the first permanent white settlers in the area. They established a residential home for First Nation students, administered the local school and were responsible for providing religious services to the Haisla peoples until an ordained minister arrived in the area.
Scope and Content
The fonds consists of the diary of George Anderson (1892-1899, 1921-1924) when he was in Kitamaat. The fonds also includes the 1892 diary of Cora Anderson.
Notes
Title based on contents of fonds. For conservation reasons, researchers are requested to use a photocopy of the original diary.
Gabriel (Gabor) Nyeste was one of the leaders of the Scouts of the First Kitimat Troop (Boy Scouts). He moved to Kitimat to work on the Alcan project and left in the early 60s. He passed away in Kamloops in July 2020.
Custodial History
Donated by Gabriel Nyeste, Aug 6 1983.
Scope and Content
Pictures, clippings, letters of early Girl Guide and Boy Scout Movement in Kitimat, B.C. 1955-1961.
Collection of folders and other materials relating to early Kitimat.
Misc items
985.65.1 - 1 menu - Kitimat Constructors Dec 25th, 1951
985.65.2 - official opening of the 1st Kitimat School, Sept 26, 1952
985.65.2 - 1st airmail despatch from Kitimat (Queen Charlotte Airlines Ltd)
985.65.3a - to Mrs. Whiting - 1st airmail left Kitimat - Sept 20, 1952
985.65.3b - Envelope signed by Postmaster
985.65.4 - Clipping - Postmark 'Kitimat'
Clippings
985.65.5 - Yacht Becomes 'Work' Vessel (Nechako)
985.65.6 - Alcan Asks Gov't Okay Kitimat to be Planned Town
985.65.7 - Terrace-Kitimat Rail Line Approved
985.65.8 - Striking Kitimat Men Here
985.65.9 - Beauty, Thrills in Aluminum City
985.65.10 - City Hacked Out of Wilderness
985.65.11 - 7-year Canasa, US Aluminum Pact Set - Kitimat Major Supplier
985.65.12 - Kitimat Power Repairs Rushed
985.65.13 - Conciliation Board Called for Kitimat
985.65.14 - Biggest Industrial Project is Speeded (Alum Co. Ltd, will be world's largest alum maker)
985.65.15 - B.C.'s Huge Aluminum Project
985.65.16 - Cdn Affairs: B.C. A Land of Infinite Borders
985.65.17 - Underground Powerhouse was carved from bedrock a quarter-mile inside DuBose Mtn
985.65.18 - Extract from "The Seattle Times" April 14, 1952 "Cheap Canada Aluminum Poses Problem"
985.65.34 - Kitimat Constructors Instructions to Employees, 1952
985.65.35 - The School 'The Apha' 1953 - Kitimat Smelter Site School
985.65.36 - Detailed Map BC Coast page one & two
985.65.39 - Book - The Alcan Story - presented by Dietrich-Collins Equipment Ltd
Delta King clippings
985.65.44 - Kitimat Gets Floating Hotel May 13, 1952
985.65.45 - Delta King Sails Back to Bright Lights April 29, 1959
985.65.46 - Gould's Latest Dream - The Delta King (Don't Count Barney Out)
985.65.47 - Delta King Returning
985.65.48 - Delta King May Find a Home - San Francisco Chronicle, June 13, 1964
985.65.53 - Water Sweeps into Reservoir as Alcan Pushes Huge Project - Oct, 1952
985.65.54 - Cdn West Coast, Carl Agar, a disciple of Igor Sikorsky, making aviation history
985.65.55 - Magazine Article: At Kitimat, Men Juggle Geography (fortune mag. 1952)
985.65.57-68 - coloured photos 1952 - sandhill
985.65-70 - clipping - construction world mag "Several Alcan Project Features Greatest in the World
Al Beaton's Books 'Casey Sez'
985.65.19-33
986.5.1 - Booklet - Electrical Eng. & Operating Aspects of Alcan's BC Project
986.5.5 - Kitimat Constructors Organizational Chart
986.5.3 - Resident Angler's License #21913K H.M. Whiting - 1953
986.5.4 - Kitimat Rod and Gun Association Life Membership - H. Whiting
Collection of photos and printed matter relative to early Kitimat (1950's). This collection was owned by Mr. H. M. (Hal) Whiting project manager for Kitimat Constructors builders of Kitimat.
Scope and Content
Collection of folders and other materials relating to early Kitimat.
Misc items
985.65.1 - 1 menu - Kitimat Constructors Dec 25th, 1951
985.65.2 - official opening of the 1st Kitimat School, Sept 26, 1952
985.65.2 - 1st airmail despatch from Kitimat (Queen Charlotte Airlines Ltd)
985.65.3a - to Mrs. Whiting - 1st airmail left Kitimat - Sept 20, 1952
985.65.3b - Envelope signed by Postmaster
985.65.4 - Clipping - Postmark 'Kitimat'
Clippings
985.65.5 - Yacht Becomes 'Work' Vessel (Nechako)
985.65.6 - Alcan Asks Gov't Okay Kitimat to be Planned Town
985.65.7 - Terrace-Kitimat Rail Line Approved
985.65.8 - Striking Kitimat Men Here
985.65.9 - Beauty, Thrills in Aluminum City
985.65.10 - City Hacked Out of Wilderness
985.65.11 - 7-year Canasa, US Aluminum Pact Set - Kitimat Major Supplier
985.65.12 - Kitimat Power Repairs Rushed
985.65.13 - Conciliation Board Called for Kitimat
985.65.14 - Biggest Industrial Project is Speeded (Alum Co. Ltd, will be world's largest alum maker)
985.65.15 - B.C.'s Huge Aluminum Project
985.65.16 - Cdn Affairs: B.C. A Land of Infinite Borders
985.65.17 - Underground Powerhouse was carved from bedrock a quarter-mile inside DuBose Mtn
985.65.18 - Extract from "The Seattle Times" April 14, 1952 "Cheap Canada Aluminum Poses Problem"
985.65.34 - Kitimat Constructors Instructions to Employees, 1952
985.65.35 - The School 'The Apha' 1953 - Kitimat Smelter Site School
985.65.36 - Detailed Map BC Coast page one & two
985.65.39 - Book - The Alcan Story - presented by Dietrich-Collins Equipment Ltd
Delta King clippings
985.65.44 - Kitimat Gets Floating Hotel May 13, 1952
985.65.45 - Delta King Sails Back to Bright Lights April 29, 1959
985.65.46 - Gould's Latest Dream - The Delta King (Don't Count Barney Out)
985.65.47 - Delta King Returning
985.65.48 - Delta King May Find a Home - San Francisco Chronicle, June 13, 1964
985.65.53 - Water Sweeps into Reservoir as Alcan Pushes Huge Project - Oct, 1952
985.65.54 - Cdn West Coast, Carl Agar, a disciple of Igor Sikorsky, making aviation history
985.65.55 - Magazine Article: At Kitimat, Men Juggle Geography (fortune mag. 1952)
985.65.57-68 - coloured photos 1952 - sandhill
985.65-70 - clipping - construction world mag "Several Alcan Project Features Greatest in the World
Al Beaton's Books 'Casey Sez'
985.65.19-33
986.5.1 - Booklet - Electrical Eng. & Operating Aspects of Alcan's BC Project
986.5.5 - Kitimat Constructors Organizational Chart
986.5.3 - Resident Angler's License #21913K H.M. Whiting - 1953
986.5.4 - Kitimat Rod and Gun Association Life Membership - H. Whiting
Collection of photographs regarding early Kitimat and Kitimat Constructors. Photo content includes Kitimat Constructors equipment work ares, shops, bunkhouses, and camp, Anderson Creek Mess Hall - smelterite, Inside Delta King, Sports girls and boys basketball, and Hudson's Bay Trading.
Collection of photographs regarding early Kitimat and Kitimat Constructors. Photo content includes Kitimat Constructors equipment work ares, shops, bunkhouses, and camp, Anderson Creek Mess Hall - smelterite, Inside Delta King, Sports girls and boys basketball, and Hudson's Bay Trading.
Kendall Ludwick arrived in Kitimat in 1952. He worked for The Aluminum Company of Canada Ltd. first as an expeditor then as Assistant Building Superintendent. His family arrived in October 1952 and his children attended the Smeltersite School (Kitimat School).
Custodial History
Items brought in by Kendall Ludwick's daughter, Dianne Mayes
Scope and Content
Memorabilia of the family's time in Kitimat.
Notes
Kitimat School memorabilia
Al Beaton cartoon book
The Alpha: Kitimat School Yearbook
Five b&w photographs
The Kitimat Heritage Advisory Commission was created in the mid-1970's by the Disstrict of Kitimat to protect and preserve the heritage of the town of Kitimat. The Commission consisted of one District Council Member, the Museum Curator (or Executive Director) and volunteers from the community.
Scope and Content
Fonds consists of historical photographs and an aluminum plaque for the former Hudson's Bay store located at Smeltersite.
Fonds contains documents, photographs, photocopies, and maps collected by Arvid Hardin throughout his ten years in Kitimat. Areas of focus include high school life, the Kitimat Army Cadets, and the creation of Hirsch Creek Park, the Kitimat Community Centre, and the Kitimat trail system.
Arvid Hardin (born c. 1941) lived in Kitimat from 1953 to 1963. He graduated from Mount Elizabeth Secondary School in 1959, served as an active member of the Kitimat Army Cadet Corps, and was involved with the creation of Hirsch Creek Provincial Park. Around 2008, he collaborated with E.E. 'Bill' Duyvewaardt and other former Kitimat Cadets to write a 'historical profile' of the Cadets and their activities.
Custodial History
Materials from accession 2009.15 were donated by Arvid Hardin to the Museum on June 10th, 2009.
Materials from accession 2022.18 were donated by Arvid Hardin on May 10th, 2022.
Scope and Content
Fonds contains documents, photographs, photocopies, and maps collected by Arvid Hardin throughout his ten years in Kitimat. Areas of focus include high school life, the Kitimat Army Cadets, and the creation of Hirsch Creek Park, the Kitimat Community Centre, and the Kitimat trail system.
Conservation
Many pages old and yellowing. Staples, paper clips, and other metal fasteners removed from all papers in March & May 2022.
Storage Location
Box 39
Photo storage
Related Material
Artifacts donated by Arvid Hardin include a proclamation (2009.15.6), gazette (2009.15.7), and high school certificate (2009.15.11).
Fonds contains 18 black-and-white photographs taken by Jozef Dziuba in the early 1950s. Subjects include views of the channel and the Alcan project, planes and helicopters landing, ships and boats including the Delta King, sports & games (races, high jump, baseball), industrial tanks, the Hudson's Bay Company building steps, and an overhead view of the community including employee housing.
Jozef Dziuba came to Kitimat in the early 1950s to work as a construction worker, and remained here to work at the smelter and raise a family.
Custodial History
Donated to the Kitimat Museum & Archives on March 13th 2023.
Scope and Content
Fonds contains 18 black-and-white photographs taken by Jozef Dziuba in the early 1950s. Subjects include views of the channel and the Alcan project, planes and helicopters landing, ships and boats including the Delta King, sports & games (races, high jump, baseball), industrial tanks, the Hudson's Bay Company building steps, and an overhead view of the community including employee housing.
Conservation
Photos removed from black backing on June 12th/13th 2023. Pages have been scanned to remove original order and are stored under Y:\Holly Peterson.
Beta Sigma Phi is a non-acedemic sorority. Beta, Sigma, and Phi come from the first letters of the Greek words for life, learning, and friendship. Social and mostly community based, the Kitimat group compiled many scrapbooks showcasing events and other activities among their members from 1971-1990.
Custodial History
Donated by Ruth Brady.
Scope and Content
Seven Scrapbooks from the Beta Sigma Phi showing their activities and events.
Scrapbook 1 - Beta Sigma Phi yearbook 1971-1972. Black cover.
Scrapbook 2 - 1978-1982. White cover.
Scrapbook 3 - 1971-1977. White cover with Beta Sigma Phi coat of arms with text "Vita Scientia Amicitia" drawn in gold, black, and green.
Scrapbook 4 - 1989-1990. Light blue cover with painting printed in centre.
Scrapbook 5 - Green cover with rose image on second page with text "Beta Nu 1975~76" bellow.
Scrapbook 6 - 1987-1988. Beige cover with small, square image of a sunset and trees.
Scrapbook 7 - 1982-1984. Cream cover with gold border.
Loose items - Photo of seven ladies. Founder's Day 1977 handmade card with painted rainbow. 1987-1988 Build Bridges of Friendship gold stickers.