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Showing posts from July, 2018

Banff Sanitarium Hotel: Mineral Springs, Monkeys, and Medicine

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Brett Sanitarium Hotel Mineral Springs, Monkeys, and Medicine Bretton Hall Banff, [b/t 1923 & 1933], George Noble fonds (V469/1835) In 1851, a baby boy was born to James Brett and Catherine Mallon in Strathroy, Upper Canada. This boy would become known as Robert George Brett, or more commonly Dr. Brett. He would graduate from Victoria College Medical School, as a Medical Doctor in 1874.  Dr. R.G. Brett and Nurse McCall, ca. 1912, George Paris fonds (V484/969/NA66/1998) After further education, work, and travel, Dr. Brett joined the Canadian Pacific Railway on its endevour to build the transcontinental railway in 1881. During this time he concocted the vision to open a hotel and sanitarium based on the use of the mineral springs found in Banff.  C.P.R. Engine 73 and train, [1880- 1890], Boorne and May Fonds (V10/1/90/NA66-690) 608. C.P.R. at Banff, [1887 or 1888], Boorne and May fonds (V10/PD/1/009) The site was selected and completed in