Banff Harmony Lane
Posted by: 
GeoKs
N 51° 10.505 W 115° 34.261
11U E 599891 N 5670265
This commercial building was constructed in 1917 and is at 111 Banff Avenue.
Waymark Code: WM6P1Y
Location: Alberta, Canada
Date Posted: 06/29/2009
Views: 12
In 1903, Byron Harmon (1875-1942) arrived in Banff (see 136 St. Julien Road). A professional photographer originally from Tacoma, Washington, he was named the Alpine Club of Canada's first official photographer in 1906. During his career he amassed a collection of over 6500 photographs. A successful entrepreneur, in 1908 he purchased half of the site on which this building now sits. In 1912, he secured the other half and opened a movie theatre, which was destroyed by fire in 1917.
The current building was built in 1917. The building features Tudor style half timbering on its gables and entry pillars originally constructed of river stones. In its time the building has housed a photo studio, curio shop, tearoom, bookstore, beauty parlor, theatre, library and drugstore. The building had Banff's first gas lighting, ice cream machine, neon sign and one of western Canada's first postcard machines. The Harmon family still owns the building. The mall features not only the photography of Byron Harmon, but also that of his son Don and granddaughter Carol.
Type of Marker: Cultural
Sign Age: Historic Site or Building Marker
Parking: Street parking on Banff Avenue or nearby side streets
Placement agency: Banff Heritage Corporation
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