Fred Payton
PRINCE ALBERT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
The Herb Bassett Home, attached to the Victoria Hospital, recently celebrated forty years of service to the citizens of Prince Albert and area. There are many families who are appreciative of “the Herb”, and what it has meant to them. But how many of those individuals are aware of the man after whom it was named? As the fortieth anniversary is celebrated, it seems to be an appropriate time to reflect not on the facility, but the man, Herb Bassett.
Benjamin Bassett moved to Prince Albert at a time when the community was experiencing growth and prosperity. Information would suggest that he had arrived in Canada as a member of the Barr colonists, and that he moved here from Lloydminster in either 1912 or 1913. He found employment with the Canadian National Railway, working initially in 1913 and 1914 as a car cleaner, while later becoming a crossing watchman, a flag man, and a section man.
On September 21st, 1914, at St. Alban’s Cathedral, Benjamin married Jessie Gane, the daughter of George and Pamela Gane. Jessie’s father was a labourer with the Prince Albert Lumber Company, while Jessie worked as a domestic for the Baker family in their house at 1915 – 1st Avenue West. This house was later the residence for the Dominican Fathers, after which it was occupied by the Reid family before being torn down in order for the construction of Hillcrest Apartments to be built.
Benjamin and Jessie lived at 130 – 29th Street East, where they raised their four children: Pamela, George, Austin, and Herbert.
Herbert Harold Bassett was born on August 12, 1916. He completed his schooling in Prince Albert, attending King George School and Prince Albert Collegiate Institute. After some short-term employment as a clerk with the Canadian National Railways in North Battleford and as a guard at the Saskatchewan Penitentiary, Herb Bassett accepted a position as a clerk at the Victoria Hospital in 1936. He was promoted to the position of accountant in 1937, a position he held until 1942, when he became the hospital’s administrator.
On July 6th, 1940, at St. Alban’s Cathedral, Bassett married Irene Scott of Prince Albert. The witnesses included Herb’s brother George and Irene’s sister Helen. They lived the majority of their married life at 33 – 24th Street East, where they raised their two sons, Douglas and Edward. The address of their home later became 51 – 24th Street East when the city renumbered the houses on the block.
While employed at the Victoria Hospital, Bassett became a member and president of the Saskatchewan Hospital Association, a member of the Saskatchewan Hospital Services Planning Commission, and a member of the American College of Hospital Administrators. In 1968, Bassett was awarded a full membership in the Council of the Royal Society of Health. He also had several articles published in a number of professional hospital magazines.
In the community. Bassett served as president of the Prince Albert Club, and was a director of the local Chamber of Commerce, and a member of the advisory committee of the Red Cross. He served as president of the local Toastmasters International, and of the Kiwanis Club, as well as the Prince Albert Golf Club, and was secretary-treasurer of the Prince Albert Curling Club. Bassett was also a member of the Corporation of St. Alban’s Cathedral, president of the Vincent Massey Home and School Association, and served five years as a member of the High School Board. He was also a member of the Pineview Terrace Lodge, the Home Care Program, and an executive member of the Saskatchewan Parkinson’s Foundation. Bassett served on the executive of the Saskatchewan Health-Care Association, including as its president. He was also a member of Masonic Lodge #63.
With all of his board and executive work, it is a marvel that Bassett had time for hobbies. He enjoyed fishing, curling, and golfing, winning the City Championship with the Prince Albert Curling Club in 1946 and the Kiwanis Golf trophy in 1953.
In 1974, Victoria Union Hospital marked its 75th anniversary, and Herb Bassett retired from active administration. He was succeeded by Ernie Stefaniuk as administrator, although Bassett retained the title of administrative consultant.
For the last eleven years of his life, Bassett’s ill health resulted in his residence on the long-term care ward of the Victoria Hospital. He died on May 18th, 1990 at the age of 73. Bassett’s funeral was held in St. Alban’s Cathedral, officiated by a long-time friend, the Reverend Lewis Kelly, who was assisted by the Reverend Brian Evans. Interment occurred in Memorial Gardens.
Given the foregoing, it is apparent that naming the care home after Herb Bassett was extremely appropriate.
In my last column, I noted that the four museums administered by the Historical Society can still be accessed. There are also several activities which those interested can participate. Some activities of note include a Bannock dog fry at the Little Red on September 21st. This is for kids eight years old and up. Call Jeri at 306-764-2992 if you are interested. Also, on Tuesday, September 24th at 7:00 p.m.,at the Cuelenaere Library, Gerald Friesen will be launching his new book on the Honourable John Norquay. Gerald attended school here in Prince Albert, and many of you will remember his father, Arnold, who was principal at both Riverside and P.A.C.I.
Also, on Sunday, September 29th, Coffee and Conversation will reconvene after the summer hiatus. Connie Gerwing will be presenting on The Three Settlements That Became Prince Albert. Her talk will begin at 2:00 p.m.
And, as part of Culture Days, you can hear a presentation on From the Kernel to the Kitchen at the Museum at 10:00 a.m. on September 27th and/or attend a tour of Bison Ridge Farms on October 5th at 10:00 a.m.
For more information on these activities, to access information from the Bill Smiley Archives, or to book a tour of any of the museums, please contact the Historical Museum at 306-764-2992.
fgpayton@sasktel.net
