The Dorothy Collection

In 1992 Diny was trying to become the first woman in North America to earn full certification as an international mountain guide. Tired of being referred to as the first girl guide to try to pass the exam, she dressed up in a full girl guide outfit, complete with cookies, for her final interview.

Naturally, whether in the Rockies or in a city, the tea-drinkers need to get their leafy goodness. This means that tea made from river water, river tea!

Agnes Harrigan was the most accomplished diamond hitch tier (seen on pack) in all the back country.

Bridget Jones led horse adventures to back country lodges. In early years, blankets used for backcountry camping were cleaned every 5 years. Find Bridget Jones painting the corner of the blanket to indicate the year it was last cleaned. Green paint was 1951.

A Grey Jay is perched on the binoculars of local legend Elizabeth Parker. Grey Jay's are known as a friendly and curious bird.

Moving to Canada after World War 2 to be with her husband, Dorothy Carleton personifies the spirit of the early pioneering women of the Rocky Mountains. After moving from London to backcountry Alberta/BC, Dorothy would adapt, learn to cook on a wood stove, haul water, ride a horse, raise three children, all while learning to survive Canadian winters.
With her unbridled passion for the Rocky Mountains, Dorothy is remembered as a quintessential local pioneer.

In 1992 Diny was trying to become the first woman in North America to earn full certification as an international mountain guide. Tired of being referred to as the first girl guide to try to pass the exam, she dressed up in a full girl guide outfit, complete with cookies, for her final interview.

Relaxing on a rock ledge, Dorothy is enjoying an Elk tongue sandwich. Yum?

These lures are an homage to all those lost in lakes and rivers and are 1950’s lure designs.

Well known for her gorgeous designer buckskin jackets, Caroline led 40-day horse-riding adventures with girls from New York state.

One of Dorothy's early unique Banff experiences involves a friendly Bull Elk named Bill that was more or less the family's pet. After being attracted by some potato peelings, Bill got nervous and ran through the clothesline, and taking a good deal of the family's clothing with him.

Women were expected to wear white gloves when climbing. If not, ladies would have to clean their hands with lemon juice when they return to keep their gloves clean.

Irene Reader and Muriel Gratz hauling a toboggan loaded with a stove to Magog Lake to make hot food.

Relaxing on a rock ledge, Dorothy is enjoying an Elk tongue sandwich. Yum?

Lizzie hiked up her dress and waded out to a rock for the perfect fishing spot.

Georgia Engelhard became one of the most prolific mountaineers in Canada. Before traversing a passage known as the “Death Trap” on Victoria Glacier, Georgia decided to wait an extra 15 minutes before descending to have a cup of coffee. This coffee saved her life as, moments later, an avalanche of rock and ice blasted through the pass.

A Grey Jay is perched on the binoculars of local legend Elizabeth Parker. Grey Jay's are known as a friendly and curious bird.

You will see a Grey Jay in all 7 Art pieces.

In 1986, Sharon Wood became the first North American woman to climb Mount Everest. Her small team managed to complete the notoriously difficult west ridge without sherpa support and despite a number of attempts since, their exact route has never been repeated. Today, Sharon continues to enjoy climbing, writing, guiding and sharing her story.

Along with her sister Agnes, Mona Matheson (née Harragin) blazed the trails of the Rockies, becoming the first female guides to work in the Canadian National Park. When a fire broke out near Maligne Lake, Mona wrangled horses, riding through the night to bring supplies to the firefighters. Mona worked for a month straight, serving three shifts of three meals a day to the firefighters. With her earnings, she bought a very distinct blue dress she called her “fire dress”.

Lizzie hiked up her dress and waded out to a rock for the perfect fishing spot.

Georgia Engelhard became one of the most prolific mountaineers in Canada. Before traversing a passage known as the “Death Trap” on Victoria Glacier, Georgia decided to wait an extra 15 minutes before descending to have a cup of coffee. This coffee saved her life as, moments later, an avalanche of rock and ice blasted through the pass.