Lifelong Learners Explore the Rich History of the Daily Herald

Barb Gustafson, a former reporter, editor, and publisher for the Daily Herald, presented a captivating discussion on the newspaper’s history during the Lifelong Learners program at the John M. Cuelenaere Public Library on December 5, 2023. Her talk, titled “Herald Legacies; Capturing and Creating History,” focused on notable editors who shaped both the newspaper and the community of Prince Albert.

Gustafson expressed her enthusiasm for sharing the newspaper’s legacy. “I was invited to present as one of the lifelong learning presenters,” she stated. “I decided to return to my roots and focus on the Daily Herald. Covering its history in full would take a book, so I chose to highlight a few editors who had significant impacts.”

The presentation began with the newspaper’s inception, recounting the role of its first editor, H.C. Beatty. Gustafson detailed Beatty’s investigative work during the controversial La Colle Falls development, where his findings clashed with the interests of local officials. “He did some investigative journalism that the mayor, council, and the Board of Trade really didn’t want to see,” she noted. This tension ultimately led to his departure from the town. Gustafson remarked on the lasting implications of Beatty’s work: “The whole history of Prince Albert could have been very different if we had just listened to some of his questions.”

Two other notable editors discussed were Jake Calder, after whom the Calder Centre in Saskatoon is named, and Burton Lewis. Both played a pivotal role in introducing Alcoholics Anonymous to Saskatchewan. Gustafson pointed out, “They really were the start of the AA movement in Saskatchewan.” Their efforts to address alcoholism in the community underscored the critical link between journalism and societal issues.

Throughout her research, Gustafson found herself deeply engaged in the personal histories of these influential figures. “I spent way more time on this than I thought I would,” she said, reflecting on her findings. She included a notable quote from Canadian author Pierre Berton, who described Lewis fondly in his autobiography. “He worked with Pierre Berton when Berton was a cub reporter in Vancouver before the Second World War,” Gustafson explained.

The presentation, which was well-attended despite inclement weather, concluded with a segment titled “Et Cetera.” This section featured modern aspects of the Daily Herald, including its status as an employee-owned newspaper. Gustafson also discussed the influence of editors with sports backgrounds on the community’s development.

As she reflects on her career, Gustafson considers the possibility of writing a comprehensive history of the Daily Herald. “It was a lot of work, but it was work that’s very fun and engaging,” she said. “If I were to write a book, I think a history of the Daily Herald might well be it.”

This engaging presentation allowed Gustafson to reminisce about her own experiences at the newspaper and share valuable insights with the audience. It highlighted the profound impact of journalism on local history and community development, showcasing how the Daily Herald has shaped Prince Albert over the years.