The Surf Inlet Gold Mine was located on Princess Royal Island above Surf Inlet. Limited production began in 1902 and then ceased in 1905. The mine reopened production in 1917, after major development occurred. It was then operated by the Tonapah Belmont Development Company of Philadelphia. The mine closed in 1926. Three mines were opened in 1934 by Surf Inlet Consolidated Gold Mines, including the Surf Inlet Mine, the Pugsley Mine and the Belmont Mine. These closed permanently in 1943.
Custodial History
Donated by Bulkley Valley Museum/Dirk Mendel
Scope and Content
Folder containing production statistics/shift boss report from the Surf Inlet Consolodated Gold Mines Ltd from December 1927.
"The Story of Kitimat" A Speech given to the Toronto Canadian Club on October 5, 1953 by J.S. Kendrick, of the Aluminum Company of Canada Ltd. (13 pages)
"The Story of Kitimat" A Speech given to the Toronto Canadian Club on October 5, 1953 by J.S. Kendrick, of the Aluminum Company of Canada Ltd. (13 pages)
This ode was written by Mr. Ken Johnston, a journalist who visited Kitimat in the spring of 1954, just prior to the Duke of Edinburg's visit in June 1954. Johnston visit the scout troop. He gave his address of Whitehall, London.
Black book containing "History of our Cabin up Clague Mt.," photocopies of the cabin's logbook from September 1960 to January 1969, several photocopied pictures from 1970, a typewritten logbook of local and regional excursions taken by the Mendel family from 1963 to 1968, and several newspaper articles.
This material relates to a cabin on Clague Mountain, originally begun by Robert 'Bob' Hesse in the late 1950s and completed by Gisela's husband Hans in 1960. It remained in the Mendel family for 15 years before being demolished in 1975.
Custodial History
Donated to the Museum by Mendel's daughter, Fredrika Lyne, on November 14th 2023.
Scope and Content
Black book containing "History of our Cabin up Clague Mt.," photocopies of the cabin's logbook from September 1960 to January 1969, several photocopied pictures from 1970, a typewritten logbook of local and regional excursions taken by the Mendel family from 1963 to 1968, and several newspaper articles.
Report of the Proposed Kitimat Community Centre. Ussner, Urquart & International Power & Engineering Consoltants. Joint Architects & Engineers, Vancouver, B.C.
Report of the Proposed Kitimat Community Centre. Ussner, Urquart & International Power & Engineering Consoltants. Joint Architects & Engineers, Vancouver, B.C.
The fonds consists of minutes of meetings, correspondence, and newspaper clippings of the Kitimat Centennial Committee.
1- Minutes. – 1965-1967. – 1 cm of textual records.
Series consists of minutes of the Kitimat Centennial Committee.
2- Correspondence. – 1964-1970. – 1 cm of textual records.
Series consists of correspondence of the Committee.
3- Newspaper Clippings. – 1965-1967. – 0.5 cm of textual records.
Series consists of newspaper clippings pertaining to the activities of the Committee. Index to clippings written on original file folder.
The Kitimat Centennial Committee was formed in 1964. The purpose of the Committee was to coordinate local activities during the celebration of Canadian confederation in 1967. The Committee organized local celebrations and, after an initial project could not be completed, raised funds for the construction of the Kitimat Centennial Museum building, completed in 1969.
Scope and Content
The fonds consists of minutes of meetings, correspondence, and newspaper clippings of the Kitimat Centennial Committee.
1- Minutes. – 1965-1967. – 1 cm of textual records.
Series consists of minutes of the Kitimat Centennial Committee.
2- Correspondence. – 1964-1970. – 1 cm of textual records.
Series consists of correspondence of the Committee.
3- Newspaper Clippings. – 1965-1967. – 0.5 cm of textual records.
Series consists of newspaper clippings pertaining to the activities of the Committee. Index to clippings written on original file folder.
Photocopy of The Plan That Shaped the Town: Kitimat, British Columbia - Implications for Resource Frontier Towns. Gives an overview of the modern (1950s onward) history of Kitimat, the planning, development, and creation of the town, and issues facing the community as of the mid-1970s. Includes introductory correspondence between Wiesman and the University of British Columbia.
Written by Brahm Wiesman of Vancouver and two graduate students, Marie Lauzier and Robert Friesen, after having spent the summer of 1974 living in and researching Kitimat.
Custodial History
Donated by Maria Knight.
Scope and Content
Photocopy of The Plan That Shaped the Town: Kitimat, British Columbia - Implications for Resource Frontier Towns. Gives an overview of the modern (1950s onward) history of Kitimat, the planning, development, and creation of the town, and issues facing the community as of the mid-1970s. Includes introductory correspondence between Wiesman and the University of British Columbia.
3 letters to the Kitimat Chinese Canadian Association written in both Chinese and English.
June 4, 1985 - Association registration notice, Event Highlights (garage sale, Chinese food stand), Recreational Activities (outdoor picnic, Mah-Jong fun tournament, fishing tournament, call for member suggestions for hobbies and group activities), Member News (Mr. and Mrs. Kam Ping Chan baby birth annoucement, Mr. Andrew Lee car accident notice, Mr. and Mrs. Kam Wah Lee car accident notice). Back of letter includes member list for the association.
January 15, 1986 - Chinese New Year potluck party notice for feb 15. Includes info on entry, activities, expenses, and receipts.
New Year letter written by the association president Amy Mung thanking the members for their support and contributions, member totals, and encouraging members to get involved and support functions. Back of letter has 1985 report attached.
The Kitimat Chinese Association was founded in 1985. Their purpose was to connect all Chinese Canadians in Kitimat, with the local people too. They encouraged the members involved in the community to show and share Chinese culture with the people in Kitimat. Like activities in Multicultural Day, Canada Day, Canada Cancer Society's Relay of Life, etc. Every year they had three gatherings, summer picnic, Christmas and Chinese New Year. The association disbanded in December 2008 as most of the members got older and retired.
Custodial History
Donated by Huey-lin Wu
Scope and Content
3 letters to the Kitimat Chinese Canadian Association written in both Chinese and English.
June 4, 1985 - Association registration notice, Event Highlights (garage sale, Chinese food stand), Recreational Activities (outdoor picnic, Mah-Jong fun tournament, fishing tournament, call for member suggestions for hobbies and group activities), Member News (Mr. and Mrs. Kam Ping Chan baby birth annoucement, Mr. Andrew Lee car accident notice, Mr. and Mrs. Kam Wah Lee car accident notice). Back of letter includes member list for the association.
January 15, 1986 - Chinese New Year potluck party notice for feb 15. Includes info on entry, activities, expenses, and receipts.
New Year letter written by the association president Amy Mung thanking the members for their support and contributions, member totals, and encouraging members to get involved and support functions. Back of letter has 1985 report attached.
Fonds consists of two files of materials collected and produced by the Kitimat Valley Naturalists:
F1) Contents of the secretary-treasurer's duotang, 1996-1998. Includes meeting minutes, correspondence, receipts, financial documents, mailing lists, 1997 annual report, photocopied map, events schedule, Federation of BC Naturalists membership info, sign-up sheet for Douglas Channel boat trip, correspondence from Creston Valley Wildlife Area, materials re: Gisela Mendel Native Plant Garden, draft write-up for Iron Oxbow Wildlife Viewing Area along the Kitimat River, and ephemera from the inside front cover of the duotang (receipt from Fed. of BC Naturalists, business cards for Aurora Charters and Reid Crowther Consulting Engineers).
F2) Materials related to Pine Creek Protective Covenant, 2003-2014. This covenant was established by Rio Tinto Alcan, the Haisla Nation, and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, to protect the Pine Creek hiking trail and its watercourse near Minette Bay. Folder includes correspondence, signage text, Land Title Act forms, maps, and a Master Watercourse Crossing List from Coastal GasLink.
The Kitimat Valley Naturalists are a non-profit organization with the goal of learning about and enjoying the natural history of the Kitimat Valley. They were founded in 1996 and are still active as of 2023. Their projects include an annual Christmas bird count, construction of bat condos, monitoring amphibian numbers, and mapping eelgrass beds in the Douglas Channel.
Custodial History
Items were donated by Susan and Walter Thorne, longtime members of the Kitimat Valley Naturalists, on February 16th 2023. The fonds was arranged and described by Museum staff in April 2023.
Scope and Content
Fonds consists of two files of materials collected and produced by the Kitimat Valley Naturalists:
F1) Contents of the secretary-treasurer's duotang, 1996-1998. Includes meeting minutes, correspondence, receipts, financial documents, mailing lists, 1997 annual report, photocopied map, events schedule, Federation of BC Naturalists membership info, sign-up sheet for Douglas Channel boat trip, correspondence from Creston Valley Wildlife Area, materials re: Gisela Mendel Native Plant Garden, draft write-up for Iron Oxbow Wildlife Viewing Area along the Kitimat River, and ephemera from the inside front cover of the duotang (receipt from Fed. of BC Naturalists, business cards for Aurora Charters and Reid Crowther Consulting Engineers).
F2) Materials related to Pine Creek Protective Covenant, 2003-2014. This covenant was established by Rio Tinto Alcan, the Haisla Nation, and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, to protect the Pine Creek hiking trail and its watercourse near Minette Bay. Folder includes correspondence, signage text, Land Title Act forms, maps, and a Master Watercourse Crossing List from Coastal GasLink.
Notes
Three reports collected by the KVN - "An Assessment of the Kitimat Iron Oxbow Proposed Wildlife Viewing Area," "Blue Carbon - The Case for the Conservation and Enhancement of Estuarine Processes and Sediments in BC," and "Coastal Wetlands Habitat Assessment and Classification for Northwestern British Columbia" - have been added to the Museum's Reference Library.
Conservation
Removed from original duotang/folders. Staples removed.
Storage Location
Box 29
Arrangement
F1) has been left in original order, apart from ephemera which was removed from the inside cover of the duotang.
F2) has been arranged in roughly chronological order.
Two issues of British Columbia History featurning article "Transportation In Moving Men, Machines, and Materials on the Kitimat Project" by Louise Avery, and one Kitimat Centennial Museum brochure
British Columbia History. Journal of the British Columbia Historical Federation
Spring 2010
Vol. 43 No.1
Summer 2010
Vol. 43 No.2
Kitimat Centennial Museum brochure. At Our community museum you can... (1997)
Two issues of British Columbia History featurning article "Transportation In Moving Men, Machines, and Materials on the Kitimat Project" by Louise Avery, and one Kitimat Centennial Museum brochure
British Columbia History. Journal of the British Columbia Historical Federation
Spring 2010
Vol. 43 No.1
Summer 2010
Vol. 43 No.2
Kitimat Centennial Museum brochure. At Our community museum you can... (1997)
The fonds consists of minutes, financial records, correspondence, constitutions, and files pertaining to the Arts and Crafts Fairs, the creation of K.O.A.T.A. and a Juried Art Show. Also includes 4 rubber stamps, and an album containing clippings, pamphlets and photos, gallary forms, Kitimat Community Arts Council logo, and a guest book.
Founded in 1970, incorporated in 1971, the role of the Kitimat Community Arts Council was to increase and broaden the opportunities for Kitimat citizens to enjoy and to participate in cultural and creative arts activities. Some of these activities include Arts and Crafts Fairs, sponsoring cultural performances and lobbying for funding for the Mount Elizabeth Theatre building. The council also sponsored K.A.O.T.A., a store selling local arts and crafts. The council disbanded in 1994.
Scope and Content
The fonds consists of minutes, financial records, correspondence, constitutions, and files pertaining to the Arts and Crafts Fairs, the creation of K.O.A.T.A. and a Juried Art Show. Also includes 4 rubber stamps, and an album containing clippings, pamphlets and photos, gallary forms, Kitimat Community Arts Council logo, and a guest book.
Notes
Title based on the contents of the fonds. 2 boxes + guest book.
Formed in 1957, the Kitimat Fine Arts Association promoted cultural events in Kitimat, including art shows, symphony performances and workshops on art. The Association became inactive in 1960.
Scope and Content
The fonds consists of the minutes of meetings of the Kitimat Fine Arts Association.
Folder containing newspaper clipping from Mike Kinnear regarding various Kitimat events. Most articles are related to Mike Kinnear; either about him or his family, or including his photos.
The Duke of Edinburgh pours first ingot at Kitimat Work on 3 August 1954.
Kingfisher underpass construction and General Construction paving machine. July 28, 1955.
Portable classroom frames at Nechako Centre. July 28, 1955.
Jim Molyneaux at third base during a Kitimat-Terrace baseball game. August 25, 1955.
Children from townsite and smeltersite on a new fire pumper for Fire Prevention Week. Sept 15, 1955.
Highschool and movie theatre construction. Sept 22, 1955.
Townsite Folk Amazed At Methods Used In Fire Fighting And Prevention.
Kitimat Fire Prevention Week description.
Anglican Church Framework.
Construction of the Public Safety Building.
Construction of National Employment Service building.
Letter regarding voting in Kitimat from J.M. Kinnear.
Kitimat Curling Rink.
Imperials basketball game. Jan 26, 1956.
Runners up of the A and B event (curling). Feb 12, 1958.
Installation of President Ray Brown. March 1, 1956.
Youngsters shopping for candy at their first townsite matinee. March 8, 1956.
Parents watching pupils at Open House, and a car under the snow. March 15, 1956.
Open house at Nechako School, and gymnastic class display at townsite school. March 15, 1956.
Paving of Pintail Street and construction of neighbourhood A school. May 24, 1956.
Ladies curling team winners and runner ups. March 29, 1956.
Hudson's Bay Company building construction in City Centre. May 31, 1956.
Baseball game at Alcan field. June 7, 1956.
Five Little League Teams Start Season. June 21, 1956.
Junior Shooters Show Keen Marksmanship. Oct 5, 1956.
Interior of Kitimat Recreations Ltd. Anderson Ck. bowling alley and billiards centre.
Nechako School children pageant and student made Christmas village scene.
Guitarist Dick Stewart performing.
Kitimat highschool graduates of 1956 in 1966.
Grade 5 school children choir and grade 1 and 2 at opening of new school auditorium.
Minstrel show performers
Winners of commerce class business course project
Neighbourhood B highschool development.
Frozen Kitimat River and Kitimat Christmas nativity decoration at home.
Panabode construction at Kitimat Golf Club.
Junior Curlers Take Over.
Christening Party for baby Linda Jean Spracklin.
Nechako Centre skating rink.
Photographing woman in swimsuit.
Mike Kinnear in California.
Kitimat first citizen of the year Mrs. Ada Hayes.
Nechako School auditorium basketball game.
Cormorant elementary school in winter and curling club.
Basketball game between 1955 Sheardown Trophy winning team and 1951 Northern BC champions.
Garry Fricker crowned king of hearts.
Kitimat River Bridge photo by Mike Kinnear. First entrant in the Sentinel photo competition.
Junior Champions Take 1956 Baseball Honors.
Colors being received before remembrance day ceremony at Nechako school and basketball team.
Slugger Jim Perrin hitting baseball.
Baseball game as well as players in dugout.
Kitimat's Dick Hayes stops ball in baseball game.
First baseman Jack Connolly catching ball at baseball game.
Young Nechako Pupils Show Artistic Talents.
Kinnear Keen To See More Youths Use of Gyms.
Guy Kinnear Transferred to Arvida.
Sternwheeler Calls Here on Way to Become Museum Piece (Delta King).
California Here I Come and Ode To The Delta King.
The Leading Lady On Local Water Front - The Gallant Little Hi-Gear.
West Coast Terminals Ltd. and Highway Motor Express Ltd. ad.
From the years 1953-1958, Mike Kinnear took photos during his school years, until graduation, while working for Fred Ryan Ltd. after school and holidays. Photos for him was a hobby, and he took many photos of the smelter and townsite as it grew around him. Mike also took a number of photos for the Kitimat Northern Sentinel, during the Ken Brumley and Pixie Meldrum years as editors. Mike and his family left Kitimat in 1958, but he spent the best part of 40 years in the photographic field, mainly in the retail/wholesale part of the photo industry.
Custodial History
Donated by Margaret and Mike Kinnear.
Scope and Content
Folder containing newspaper clipping from Mike Kinnear regarding various Kitimat events. Most articles are related to Mike Kinnear; either about him or his family, or including his photos.
The Duke of Edinburgh pours first ingot at Kitimat Work on 3 August 1954.
Kingfisher underpass construction and General Construction paving machine. July 28, 1955.
Portable classroom frames at Nechako Centre. July 28, 1955.
Jim Molyneaux at third base during a Kitimat-Terrace baseball game. August 25, 1955.
Children from townsite and smeltersite on a new fire pumper for Fire Prevention Week. Sept 15, 1955.
Highschool and movie theatre construction. Sept 22, 1955.
Townsite Folk Amazed At Methods Used In Fire Fighting And Prevention.
Kitimat Fire Prevention Week description.
Anglican Church Framework.
Construction of the Public Safety Building.
Construction of National Employment Service building.
Letter regarding voting in Kitimat from J.M. Kinnear.
Kitimat Curling Rink.
Imperials basketball game. Jan 26, 1956.
Runners up of the A and B event (curling). Feb 12, 1958.
Installation of President Ray Brown. March 1, 1956.
Youngsters shopping for candy at their first townsite matinee. March 8, 1956.
Parents watching pupils at Open House, and a car under the snow. March 15, 1956.
Open house at Nechako School, and gymnastic class display at townsite school. March 15, 1956.
Paving of Pintail Street and construction of neighbourhood A school. May 24, 1956.
Ladies curling team winners and runner ups. March 29, 1956.
Hudson's Bay Company building construction in City Centre. May 31, 1956.
Baseball game at Alcan field. June 7, 1956.
Five Little League Teams Start Season. June 21, 1956.
Junior Shooters Show Keen Marksmanship. Oct 5, 1956.
Interior of Kitimat Recreations Ltd. Anderson Ck. bowling alley and billiards centre.
Nechako School children pageant and student made Christmas village scene.
Guitarist Dick Stewart performing.
Kitimat highschool graduates of 1956 in 1966.
Grade 5 school children choir and grade 1 and 2 at opening of new school auditorium.
Minstrel show performers
Winners of commerce class business course project
Neighbourhood B highschool development.
Frozen Kitimat River and Kitimat Christmas nativity decoration at home.
Panabode construction at Kitimat Golf Club.
Junior Curlers Take Over.
Christening Party for baby Linda Jean Spracklin.
Nechako Centre skating rink.
Photographing woman in swimsuit.
Mike Kinnear in California.
Kitimat first citizen of the year Mrs. Ada Hayes.
Nechako School auditorium basketball game.
Cormorant elementary school in winter and curling club.
Basketball game between 1955 Sheardown Trophy winning team and 1951 Northern BC champions.
Garry Fricker crowned king of hearts.
Kitimat River Bridge photo by Mike Kinnear. First entrant in the Sentinel photo competition.
Junior Champions Take 1956 Baseball Honors.
Colors being received before remembrance day ceremony at Nechako school and basketball team.
Slugger Jim Perrin hitting baseball.
Baseball game as well as players in dugout.
Kitimat's Dick Hayes stops ball in baseball game.
First baseman Jack Connolly catching ball at baseball game.
Young Nechako Pupils Show Artistic Talents.
Kinnear Keen To See More Youths Use of Gyms.
Guy Kinnear Transferred to Arvida.
Sternwheeler Calls Here on Way to Become Museum Piece (Delta King).
California Here I Come and Ode To The Delta King.
The Leading Lady On Local Water Front - The Gallant Little Hi-Gear.
West Coast Terminals Ltd. and Highway Motor Express Ltd. ad.
File contains an overview of the Kitimat Army Cadets written by Arvid Hardin, as well as printed photographs, correspondence between Hardin and Duyvewaardt, a cadet questionnaire form filled out by Duyvewaardt, and photocopies of paperwork regarding the formation and disbandment of the Cadets.
The Kitimat Army Cadets, formally known as Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps #2556 Rocky Mountain Rangers, were established in 1955 and disbanded in 1962. The historical profile of the Kitimat Cadets was produced by Arvid Hardin, Bill Hickman, Marc Bouliane, and Emile (Bill) Duyvewaardt for the History & Heritage Committee of the Army Cadet League of Canada in 2008.
Custodial History
This material was created and/or collected by Arvid Hardin around 2008 and donated to the Kitimat Museum & Archives on May 10th 2022.
Scope and Content
File contains an overview of the Kitimat Army Cadets written by Arvid Hardin, as well as printed photographs, correspondence between Hardin and Duyvewaardt, a cadet questionnaire form filled out by Duyvewaardt, and photocopies of paperwork regarding the formation and disbandment of the Cadets.
