Trail Riders of the Canadian Rockies
One idea broached on Wolverine Pass was to make available "buttons" to distinguish the number of miles a rider had ridden in the National Parks. R.H. Palenske, who had been on that first ride, designed the buttons with a slight difference for men and women. Many people earned their 2500 mile pins in those early days. A list published three months after the first official ride includes 53 of them; there were 97 - 2500 mile pin-holders by 1927. An early Bulletin relates that, "By 1947 over 2000 riders had attended one or more 5-day rides."
Although a Trail Rider is embossed on the buttons, the most recognized and unique symbol of the TRCR is the teepee. It was natural for the CPR to use teepees rather than tents as the magnetism of the Indians in their colourful beaded buckskin regalia and their colourful "teepee towns" attracted tourists for them. Indian artists painted the TRCR teepees until about 1950. After that the new teepees were plain white, but the white canvas just didn't seem right, so the late Bunny Robinson, a talented artist and long-time Trail Rider, was asked to take over the job of painting them.According to Bunny, "The task of applying appropriate design to an inspiring circle of these dwellings that hold such a feeling of adventure and anticipation to any true Trail Rider upon his first glimpse of camp poses quite a problem. It just didn't seem right not to use traditional Indian design, and if Indian design, why not authentic Indian design. Since our members come from so many scattered geographical points, why not expose them to some of our true Western culture. And so my hunt began for traditional history and authentic design.
"This became more involved, more interesting, and more rewarding as I went along, until I found myself embarked on a new adventure and experience, adding every moment to my respect and admiration for our friends, the Indians. After one becomes familiar with the various Indian legends and symbols, it is an adventure to evolve designs, and I have quite a number of ideas sketched for more teepees in the future."
After that interview, many of her designs were applied to teepees by Bunny, herself, and later by others following Bunny's instructions. One or two of her teepee designs are still around.
Images that Bunny painted on the Sundance Lodge that was used for many years by the TRCR depict stone rubbings taken from rock carvings done by the Indians in Writing-On-Stone Park, Alberta, as far back as the 1700s. Over the years before her death in 1995, Bunny painted designs on about fifty teepees as well as several Sundance Lodges.
The Iron Horse - Following the railroad West
The History Continues
1950s-style Parks Notice.
Notice Courtesy of Rick Kunelius, Banff, AB
As far as we know, we are the only riding organization to greet you with Indian-style teepees at the end of the trail on the first day. They are always a welcome sight after a long ride. Changes in Parks' policies through the years have eliminated all open fires in the Lodge and the teepees, but because of the wear and tear from the riders and the elements, the teepees still must be replaced after about 8 years. A Teepee Fund has been set up to provide for this replacement. Contributions to this Fund are always welcome.
Music has played an important part in our history since the beginning. At the first Pow Wow in 1924 a piano was hauled up from the trailhead to Takakkaw Falls. In subsequent years, a portable organ survived for fifteen years before a second organ was bought. In 1944, a third organ was finally hurled over a precipice in frustration by the packers led by Soapy Smith. Gibbon, however, retrieved the pieces and got it working again. Shortly after, the packers again hurled it, this time to its demise in a lake. Since then we have relied on more portable instruments including guitars, accordions and the currently popular "blasters" and tapes for our sing-songs and square dancing.
One of our most well-known musicians was Wilf Carter who had been a packer on various rides. [Picture courtesy of the Whyte Museum and Banff National Park] At Gibbon's suggestion, Carter came along as the Trail Ride Musician in 1932, strumming his guitar along the trail. In 1933 he was made Official Trail Songster. Thus began his career under the name of "Montana Slim". The musical tradition has continued, thanks largely to Gibbon's enthusiasm for putting together a TRCR Song Book. In more recent years, Dennis Orr, who has put tremendous talent and effort into the Trail Riders' and its music, compiled two song books; Al Owchar has also produced one. Our latest version was compiled by Rick Godderis and Ben Bury in 2004.
Even though the TRCR had an official photographer in the early days, Reginald Townsend, one of the group stranded by the weather in Wolverine Pass, in 1929 donated the Townsend Trophy to be awarded yearly to the best amateur photograph taken on the trail. (As Editor of Country Life of America magazine he gave much publicity over the years to the TRCR.) The trophy is still being awarded each year and we always look forward to viewing the entries. The splendid trophy is brought out only at the Annual General Meeting now, the winners receiving engraved plaques.
Since the donation by Reg Townsend of the Townsend Trophy in 1929, incredibly beautiful trail ride photos have been reproduced in various magazines, brochures and publicity material. We have also been the subject of numerous newspaper articles. In 1943 we had our first visitor from the CBC on a trail ride. This was followed in 1946 by photographers from the National Geographic and Time Magazines. In 1948 the TRCR was featured in its first movie, Trails In The Rockies. This was followed in 1953 by a Fox-Movietone cinemascope short and in 1955 by a CPR movie, Riding High, shown internationally on TV. Media coverage has continued intermittently, including press releases, a video special and magazine articles celebrating our 60th Anniversary in 1983 and a write-up in Western Horseman in 1986. Since then, we have been featured in numerous travel articles in newspapers throughout North America and in a cover spread in Horizon Air's Inflight magazine for June, 2000.
Royalty has ridden with us too. In 1931 King Prajadkipok and his Queen of Siam were staying at the Banff Springs Hotel and heard about the Trail Riders of the Canadian Rockies. Intrigued, they discovered that if they rode at least 50 miles they would be eligible for a pin. (At that time Trail Riders did not have to ride on the official Trail Ride to be eligible for a pin. So the King of Siam, over the protests of his advisors, earned the Silver pin for riding 100 miles, and his Queen earned a Bronze pin for 50 miles. Subsequently, the King and Queen took out life memberships in the TRCR. Needless to say, later TRCR visitors to Siam, including Phil and Pearl Brewster Moore were greeted royally!
The Annual Calgary Spring Round-Up commenced in 1953 and was eagerly anticipated each year. It was a time to meet riders not seen since the previous summer, do a bit of reminiscing and enjoy the dinner, entertainment and dancing. It was also an encouragement to sign up for a ride for the coming season. The Fall Round-up in Sherwood Park, AB was also eagerly anticipated by riders and friends. There was a huge barbeque, dancing, and much catching up with the tales of the summer's rides.
Early in 1961 the CPR notified all riders and hikers that it would no longer sponsor the associations because of the financial burden. As the demise of the TRCR would have been a terrible blow to the membership, a group of Calgarians including then-President Howard Watkins and Bunny Robinson, and Lou Schulman and Mary Lore (of the Skyline Hikers) and others decided to maintain the organizations and established independent non-profit associations. Jack Waite and Earl Lomas provided the legal assistance. Claude Brewster, the outfitter for the Trail Riders, agreed to carry on for 1961 as 80 participants had already signed up.
At the end of the 1961 Trail Ride season, the CPR transported the equipment back to the Banff Springs Hotel where the manager announced everything was going to be auctioned! This aroused the wrath of the TRCR and Howard Watkins wrote to Norman Crump, President of the CPR and also a Trail Rider. Crump replied quickly that the CPR would sell all the equipment to the TRCR and the Skyline Hikers for $1.00. With tremendous effort the two organizations were rescued from their threatened demise.
The Golden Anniversary of the Trail Riders of the Canadian Rockies was celebrated at the end of the first ride of 1973 with a "super Pow-Wow" at the Indian Days grounds in Banff. The barbeque was capably handled by Annette and Bud Brewster. President Howard Watkins was honoured for attending one to three rides per year during the past twenty years.
1983 marked the Jubilee Celebration of Trail Riding with a Sixtieth Anniversary Ride. Wally Jamieson spearheaded the work of Dorothy Lomas, Dennis Orr and dozens of other volunteers. On September 10th, after a breakfast with friends and Park personnel at the Banff Springs Hotel and a parade through Banff, sixteen riders headed north for Jasper. On the same morning fourteen riders left Jasper headed south for Banff. After eight days on the trail, the two groups met with about 200 long-time Riders for a Pow-Wow on the Kootenay Plains beside the North Saskatchewan River.
Trail Riders of all ages attended, many with their families. Former outfitters, staff, musicians, Parks Canada officials, and various dignitaries also appeared for the reunion. Two Sundance Lodges had been put up for the festivities. Mary Dover (nee Cross), who first rode with the Trail Riders in 1927, was guest of honour. Presentations were made to Fred Laidlaw, the last CPR Secretary-Treasurer; Don Harmon, grandson of Byron Harmon, representing the photographers; Bud Brewster, representing all our outfitters; Dora Kirk, representing all our musicians; and Esther Richards, representing all our wonderful cooks. Barbequed steaks grew cold while the hugging, kissing, visiting and dancing continued long into the night. Bright and early the next morning, the two groups of riders were once again heading through sun and snow for Banff or Jasper, to celebrate Alberta's heritage.
There have been changes in the rides, as well. From 1924 through 1945 there was only one ride in late July, with about 65 riders. This ride found a new camp every evening. During World War Two, it was decided that a stationary camp would better suit the organization, the outfitters, and the environment. Later, the single ride was expanded to four, then six, and later nine or ten rides during the summer. In 1985, we added a Family Ride allowing children to ride at reduced rates when accompanied by either or both of their parents -- or grandparents. That has now been changed to allow children to ride at reduced rate on any ride.
The 75th Anniversary of the TRCR was celebrated in 1998. In addition to a ride up the Panther River, an area closed to us since 1989, several special events were held. In the Spring, our Spring Roundup was held at the Banff Springs Hotel. Trail Rider, CPR and Banff Springs officials were represented along with a number of long-time riders, several of the previous outfitters, as well as many of the present members--and grandchildren of past members of the TRCR. The event saw the unveiling of our commemorative 75th Anniversary bronze by "Mac" Mackenzie, the 75th Anniversary History Review, by Bob Sandford, and the 75th Anniversary poster and belt buckle.
For those interested in more of the history of the Canadian Rockies -- and the TRCR -- the archives of the Trail Riders of the Canadian Rockies are located in the Whyte Museum in Banff, AB. They have been used by many historians and authors over the years.
One of the objectives of the original constitution of our Society states in part: "To encourage travel on horseback through the Canadian Rockies and to foster the maintenance and improvement of old trails and the building of new trails." Although Parks' policy has limited the areas within Banff National Park in which horse travel is allowed, the organization has cooperated closely with the four Western National Parks. We have been working with our outfitter and the National Parks to help improve and clear old trails and establish new ones. With the increased use of all Park facilities in recent times, it is noteworthy that this part of our constitutional objective is still being honoured as is our commitment to the preservation of the environment in which we ride.
National Parks' policy allows only three non-profit organizations to have rotating group camps in Banff National Park: the Skyline Hikers, the Alpine Club of Canada, and the TRCR. From its camps, the Trail Riders of the Canadian Rockies continue to seek a new and exciting adventure each day and endeavour to uphold our original constitution: encouraging travel on horseback through the Canadian Rockies, promoting fellowship, respecting the traditions of our founders, and maintaining the environment.
