Fonds consists of eight slides of totem poles being raised in the Haida Village at the University of British Columbia (UBC). The slides are dated May, 1962. The photographs were taken by George Szanto, the son-in-law of Geoffrey Andrew who was the Dean and Deputy President of UBC from 1947 to 1962.
The totem poles represented in the images were carved by Haida artist Bill Reid and 'Namgis artist Doug Cranmer. They were originally situated at UBC's Totem Park. They are now located on the grounds behind the Museum of Anthropology, and modelled on a 19th century Haida village.
Image depicts a carver, possibly Douglas Cranmer, working inside on what may be a totem pole. The carving is still in the early stages and it is difficult to tell what will be depicted.
Image depicts the top portion of what may be a small scale totem pole. The image depicted seems to be a Thunderbird, painted in black, white, red, green, and gold. There is another figure below this, but it is not discernible in this photo.
Image depicts a man, probably Douglas Cranmer, in the early stages of carving the St. Catherines, Ontario totem pole. The pole is outside. He is preparing to use a chain saw to make the early cuts to a pole. Markings are visible, showing where he will cut.
Image depicts a carver, possibly Godfrey Hunt, working on a partially carved totem pole. Depicted images include a Thunderbird and a figure holding a copper. This may be the St. Catherines. Ontario Centennial Confederation pole, carved in 1967.
Image depicts Doug Cranmer in the early stages of carving a totem pole. Cranmer squats on one side of the pole while another man stands on the opposite side.
Image depicts three carvers working on a totem pole. The centre carver is Doug Cranmer; the man on Cramner's right may be Godfrey Hunt. A woman works, possibly sanding, image right.
Image depicts a partially carved totem pole resting on the ground. Doug Cranmer is visible in the lower left corner of the image; another carver works on the pole. A can of paint is visible, but not in use.
Image depicts Doug Cranmer preparing to make a rubbing image (using kraft paper and crayon) of the carving on a totem pole. Another person, possibly Godfrey Hunt, assists by holding the paper.
