Well, Helen Creighton is considered the First Lady of Folk as she started her career earlier I believe. As well, Helen is credited with the largest body of collected items, both in recorded items, & photographs than any single person did in their life time. For more on Helen visit

Helen Creight Folklore Society
NS Archives & Records Mgmt - Helen Creighton Collection

Also parts of her collection can be found at the Library of Congress & at the Cdn Museum of Civilization.