Being worthy of blue-ribbon status

Historically, the blue ribbon is a symbol of high quality. It was initially called the blue riband , which was an official accolade given to a passenger liner in regular service, which crossed the Atlantic Ocean with the highest recorded average speed.

After the record was set by the SS United States ocean liner in 1952 at a speed of 38 knots (44 miles per hour), a decision was made not to challenge its new record.

The era of fast crossings on water now shifted towards transatlantic flight in the air.

The United States, at some point, slightly altered this symbol to a blue ribbon which was handed out in sports and other competitive ventures.

In some exhibitions, it was awarded “to any project or exhibit which meets or exceeds all of a competition’s judging criteria.” In Canada and Great Britain, the blue ribbon was awarded for second place; the red ribbon was reserved for first.

Far from the Atlantic Ocean, folks in the early settlement of Lloydminster also strived for blue-ribbon status. The Seal Milling Company opened in 1910.

Marketing it as the most up-to-date mill in the west, they promised to provide the best flour to their customers; custom chopping and exchange gristing were also offered.

With special prices for larger orders, J. Spencer delivered the best coal for the cheapest prices at $6 per load for Humberstone or doublescreened lump coal.

What remains of the bituminous coal as it is screened through mesh is called lump coal. Prices were slightly lower if customers wanted coal directly from the railcar.

Alberta was Canada’s main producer of coal during the early 20th century. The Humberstone Mine Company was established in 1900 and operated in the Edmonton area until 1934.

Nearly 1 million tons of coal was extracted from the Humberstone Mine in Beverly which was close to the present-day location of the Rundle Park Golf Course.

The Blue-Ribbon brand of homesteading staples included tea, coffee, baking powder, extracts and jelly powders. All were advertised in a class by themselves and promised first-prize goods. To “Meet the needs of the West,” this brand was established in Winnipeg in the late 1890s.

This company underwent many changes through the years and continued to maintain a high-quality product for its customers. The “Drink Blue Ribbon Tea for your health’s sake. Buy it for your pocket’s sake,” product was discontinued in 2015.

Lloydminster merchant, W. L. Cameron wanted to reduce inventory and placed all their fabric remnants on a centre table at clearance prices for spring 1910.

Odds and ends of winter clothing were also marked down at 20 percent off on this table.

Placing clearance items on a center table was a marketing strategy used in the settlement’s early days.

As the world was slowly becoming better connected with faster means of transportation and communication, folks in Lloydminster steadfastly grew their little settlement into a bustling town on the prairie.

What they accomplished as a community was definitely worthy of blue-ribbon status.

The Meridian Source is excited to announce the return of our 20 Questions feature! Each month, the Source will spotlight one member of the community as a fun way to bring us all closer together!

If you didn’t do what you do for a living, what would you be?

I’d like to say a professional athlete but who are we kidding, maybe an underpaid movie critic?

It’s Sunday morning, what are you having for breakfast?

I love to cook and weekends are my time. Likely a boring old traditional bacon or sausage (or both), seasoned hash browns, toast and eggs done however the people I am cooking for would like them. And a selection of fruit just to balance out the less healthy selections a bit.

If you could see one concert, what would it be? Since they’ve cancelled on me twice now, Fleetwood Mac. Although I’ve kind of given up on that one.

Who was your childhood celebrity crush?

I don’t really recall, but since I grew up in the 80s, I assume her name was Heather.

If you could have one super power, what would it be?

The ability to stay awake later than 10 p.m. on a work night. Or to fly. I’m not sure why, but flying would be cool.

What’s your dream car?

A yellow 1968 or ’69 Camaro SS with black stripes. That one was easy.

What’s your fast-food guilty pleasure?

Anything with bacon and cheese on it.

Last book you couldn’t put down?

I hate to admit, I’m not much of a reader, and Grade 12 was a long time ago. I can’t remember.

What was your favourite TV show?

Hockey Night in Canada, Riders football, Blue Jays baseball and anything my wife wants to watch.

Which person, alive or dead, would you like to have dinner with?

My dad became ill and passed away without a lot of time to do the things I’d have liked. I would like to have one more dinner with my dad.

What’s the one thing you haven’t done that you’d love to do?

Play a round of golf at Pebble Beach and at the Old Course at St. Andrews. Wait, that’s two things.

What’s the best thing about Lloydminster?

I was married and raised my family here. It’s a perfect size, not too big, but still has everything that I need.

If we’re buying you’re having....

Steak and lobster and a nice bottle of red. I’m not a cheap date.

What’s your favourite vacation destination?

We love to travel and have been many places. Australia was incredible but that 15hour flight is a challenge for a tall guy who can’t nap on airplanes.

What’s your weirdest habit?

Hmmm. On work days I have my morning routine down to the minute. It annoys my wife. What’s currently playing in your car or on your smartphone right now? Classic rock, definitely classic rock.

What’s your biggest pet peeve?

I try not to have many pet peeves but there are a few driving related ones. A minor one, people who start to signal once they are already in the turning lane. We already know by then.

What are your words to live by?

No matter where you go, there you are. And be kind, always. Who’s your hero?

It was very quietly my dad. He was a thoughtful, deeply principled man. He didn’t talk a lot, but when he did, he said so much.

What was your most embarrassing moment?

Prior to answering these 20 questions? How about being an Arizona Coyotes’ fan and actually telling people?