Charles Eymundson

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Charles Eymundson on his northern Alberta homestead.

Charles Eymundson, who worked a variety of careers, is best known as a photographer and author, who recorded historic images of the early history of Canada's north, and wrote three books about his travels.[1]

Eymundson was born in Iceland, in 1872.[1] His father, formerly a sea captain, emigrated to the United States with his family in 1882. Eymundson's father died, in 1886, while Eymundson was still a teenager. His mother brought the family near Red Deer, Alberta.

Eymundson found work as a lumberjack, a private detective, and as a cook in China.[1] He also became a skilled hunter, trapper, and wilderness guide.

His wife, Asdis Sophia Olafsson, was also born in Iceland.[1] The married in 1910 and settled near Fort McMurray. In 1918 a catastrophic flood hit their property, and they were stranded on their roof for two days.

In the 1920s he served as a guide for Karl A. Clark, a geologist who played an early role in confirming the size and significance of the Albert Tar Sands.[1]

In 1924 he took over the small telephone company that provided service in Fort McMurray and nearby Waterways.[1]

Eymundson's photo of Fort McMurray, in 1911.

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