50 Years Ago This Month – July, 1971
July 1, 1971 Prince Albert reached a high of 23 degrees Celsius. Our city this July 1st was a hot 33 degrees.
While our city and area may have been cooler in July of 1971, it still recorded interesting local stories. So let’s look back to see a few of the those ‘tidbits’ from the past.
Premier Allan Blakeney, following his June 23rd victory, announced that the Legislature in Regina would have an early sitting in order that the new NDP government could launch some of its promised agenda. There were several new, rookie, MLA’s that joined Premier Blakeney. (One of whom, Don Cody, was to embark on a political career that continues today – 50 years later. Back in 1971, Don soon proved his worth, for within two years he moved from the back benches to a Cabinet position – Minister of Cooperation and Cooperative Development.
Today Don continues his public service as a city Councillor here in Prince Albert.)
(Back to July 1971)
Lloyd Lundgren, member of the Prince Albert Pistol and Rifle Club, was recognized for winning a pair of medals in a National Pistol Competition (2nd place in Air Pistol and 1st place in Free Pistol).
Bart Baird had a super July night both at the plate and on the mound. Bart, while hitting a double and a homer, driving in five runs, pitched the Prince Albert Welfare to a 14 to 5 win over the Victoria Hospital Lads in a fastball game. (Bet his Mom and Dad were proud).
Former Prime Minister John G. Diefenbaker officiated at the start of the Homecoming Pony Express Ride at the Little Red River Park. The relay style race covered 60 miles (96.5 kilometres). Tom Cartier of White Star was one of 48 riders participating.
John Norfield, Warden of the Prince Albert Penitentiary, retired after 31 years with the Correctional Service of Canada.
Joey Hordyski, for the fourth time, won ‘High Aggregate Honours’ at the annual Prince Albert Dairy Club Achievement Day.
Louis “Satchmo” Armstrong died at age 71.
On July 7th burgesses of the Prince Albert Public Schools, Prince Albert Separate Schools, and Prince Albert Unit Schools voted on a proposal to build a Comprehensive High School in Prince Albert.
Ron Lancaster, the 1970 most valuable player in the CFL, signed a three year contract with the Saskatchewan Roughriders.
Nordale Playground won a Sandbox Sculpture Contest for their depiction of ‘Pogo.’ Artists were: Carolyn Fiddler, Gary Fiddler, Gloria Desormeau, Randy Hamilton, and Kevin Connolly.
Mrs. Gail Buchanan directed a Prince Albert Summer Skating School. Over 150 skaters registered.
Shirlene Fagrie pitched Westend Commercial to a 32 – 21 victory over Crescent Heights in Squirt Girls Minor Fastball.
The Northern Saskatchewan Junior Hockey Development Association led by President Reg Martsinkiw and Vice President Ches Leach announced that Junior A Hockey, after an absence of nine years, would return to Prince Albert. (The future Raiders).
A ‘Hand Pumper,’ first brought to Prince Albert in 1888 that had been restored by the Prince Albert Fire Department, was put on show at the Prince Albert Historical Museum. (That Hand Pumper can still be viewed at the Historical Museum on River Street).
Ross Thatcher, former Premier of Saskatchewan, died of a heart attack, exactly one month after the NDP defeated the Liberals in the June 23rd provincial election.
It was announced that Robert K. Francis(14) and Dale Howland (15) would accompany Scout Leader Geoff Hopper to Tokyo to attend the Thirteenth World Boy Scout Jamboree.
A judicial recount in the Prince Albert West Constituency confirmed the election of D. G. Steuart, Liberal candidate, by a 44 vote margin over Dr. O. K. Hjertaas, NDP candidate.
Eugene Joelson and John Cook of Prince Albert Royal Sea Cadets headed to Halifax to compete in a Royal Canadian Sea Cadets’ National Sailing Competition.
The St. Louis Lions captured the Midget Boys’ Fastball title in a North East Zone play off against the Prince Albert Sprites.
A few flashes from the past (July, 1971) to think about this July, 2021.
Enjoy this July - heat and all.
Talk to you next time.