Identity area
Reference code
Title
Date(s)
- 1902-2002 (originally created 1884-1998) (Creation)
Level of description
Extent and medium
8 cm of textual records. -- 2 technical drawings
Context area
Name of creator
Biographical history
Larry Buchan, (1949-2021) was born in Calgary, Alberta. In 1965 he began working for the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) Ogden Shops as a tinsmith apprentice. Except for brief periods in the plumbing and flour milling trades, he worked for the railway for his entire career, as a switchman, brakeman, car retarder operator, yard master, yard foreman, conductor, and locomotive engineer. He retired in 2001 because of disabilities resulting from a traffic accident while on vacation.
Buchan was an active member of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers (BLE). He was a collector of railway memorabilia, railway watches, and clocks, and as a volunteer worked with the restoration and operation of steam locomotives. In his retirement he became the archivist for the BLE, Division 355 (Calgary), and for its International Western Convention. He married Anita Dumais (née Beals), and had two stepsons, Colin and Cory. Buchan died in Calgary August 3, 2021.
Repository
Archival history
The materials were acquired by Larry Buchan through the memorabilia collectors’ market.
Immediate source of acquisition or transfer
Gift of Larry Buchan, 2002-2005.
Content and structure area
Scope and content
The collection consists of a photocopy of the personal fonds of Elmer Wessell, 1864-ca. 1960, of Oneonta, New York, USA, one of the eight founders of the Brotherhood of Railroad Brakemen, later named the Brotherhood of Railroad Trainmen; and a series of correspondence concerning construction of a wing of the Banff Springs Hotel in 1902-1903 (correspondents include A. J. McLean, D. McNicoll, and J. W. Leonard). Includes Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) correspondence and drawings about spur lines at Frank and Bellevue, Alberta.
Appraisal, destruction and scheduling
Accruals
System of arrangement
Conditions of access and use area
Conditions governing access
No restrictions on access.
Conditions governing reproduction
Language of material
Script of material
Language and script notes
The material is in English.
Physical characteristics and technical requirements
Finding aids
No finding aid.
Allied materials area
Existence and location of originals
The original papers of Elmer Wessell are in the possession of Larry Buchan.
Existence and location of copies
Related units of description
Notes area
Note
Title based on contents of records.