This fonds consists primarily of architectural drawings, including plans, sections, elevations, floor plans, electrical layouts, and sketches (of both home exteriors and design features). Included are original and copied plans and drawings. The drawings reflect all aspects of Stephens' career, but the bulk of the material is from his 1968 incorporated company, James N. Stephens Limited. A few textual records and photographs are also included, relating to both Stephens’ own company and his work with G. W. Golden Construction.
The Stephens fonds were with the family until it was donated to the City of Edmonton Archives, and most of the material had been stored rolled for many years. While all attempts were made to discern original order, much of the material was loose, and lacked identifiers such as dates, clients’ names, or project addresses. In some cases the plans were generic, and meant to be built where a client lot was purchased. The material was arranged according to the following five series:
Series 1: Home and Commercial Designers/Home Designers
Series 2: G. W. Golden Construction Ltd.
Series 3: Christenson Homes
Series 4: James N. Stephens Ltd.
Series 5: Unidentified drawings
As mentioned, it is not always possible to determine who or when (or where) a plan was created. There is a lot of material that was completed without dates, locations, or Company logos. When no information about the company could be determined, the plans were moved to series 5.
The fonds remained in James Stephens’ possession until his death in 1993, and was donated to the City of Edmonton Archives on behalf of the family by Alison Stephens, James’ daughter-in-law.
