A Dave White & Sons Christmas

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V684/PA221-30, Jack White fonds, Dave White store ca. 1950s.

 Dave White opened his first general merchandise store in 1894 on Banff Avenue. Initially called the Park Store, Dave White & Sons was a successful family owned business. At Christmastime the store was especially lively with community celebrations.
V683/A/3/PA14, Dave White store at Christmas.
V683/A/3/PA13, Santa at Dave White store.

The annual "Christmas Tree" event began in 1896. As reported in the Banff Crag and Canyon newspaper of 1915, the event was created "in the spirit of Dickens who conceived of the idea of arranging a Christmas tree and entertainment for the children in which all could participate, irrespective of the creed or worldly position of their parents". A list of Banff children's names were registered at stores across the village. Donations were collected and gifts for all the children were hung on the tree.
V469/2964, George Noble fonds,
White's Christmas Tree [celebration], 1948

V469/2964, George Noble fonds,
White's Christmas Tree [celebration], 1948















Variations of this wonderful Christmas tradition continue even today in the Bow Valley. Santa's Anonymous, Spirit of Christmas Campaign and the Bow Valley Elves are working hard to collect food and toy donations to make some families' Christmases a little cheerier this year. A simple act of kindness in the form of a gift or your time can make all the difference to a neighbour in the Bow Valley.

 Visit the Town of Banff website and the Bow Valley Elves Facebook page for more information on how you can donate or volunteer for any of these great community groups this holiday season. 

Happy Holidays!

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