Diefs Chiefs

The Man from Prince Albert

The Diefenbaker House, located on 19th St. W, contains two alcoves. At the time, one was used as a telephone bench; the other was used for coats and boots because the house had no first floor closets. This “closet” alcove now houses different artifacts pertaining to Diefenbaker. Above the alcove, the sign reads “The Man from P. A.”

The first thing you’ll see when you come visit is a beautiful plate with the First Baptist Church painted on it. Diefenbaker was a member of this church. However, the church was demolished to make from for where our present City Hall stands in the downtown area. Next, you’ll see a commemorative teacup and saucer. It has the Diefenbaker bridge painted on it. The bridge was built in 1960 and these teacups were made for the occasion. Only 500 of them have been made! Below this is a scroll with a get-well message hand-written on it for Diefenbaker. Every Canada Day, he would come to Prince Albert and celebrate with the community. In 1979, the year he died, he was too ill so the people at the celebration wrote the get-well message and signed the scroll. There are approximately 1000 signatures on it! Then, you’ll see a “Dief’s Chiefs” hockey jersey. The team was originally called the “Prince Albert Old Timers” but sent Diefenbaker a letter for his permission to rename the team after him. He of course approved and was also made honorary captain. Below all of these artefacts are various certificates of distinction from the city and organizations that were fortunate to have Diefenbaker as a member. He was very involved within the community.

So next time you go to the Diefenbaker House, you can impress your tour guide on how much you know on “the Man from P. A.”

Jessica Serfas