'A gem amongst the collection': Storied First World War jacket found in Lethbridge theatre
A jacket from the First World War belonging to a soldier with a storied link to Lethbridge, Alta. is now part of the Galt Museum's permanent collection after being discovered among costumes at the Yates Theatre.
Back in 2017, the Playgoers of Lethbridge invited Kevin MacLean, the collection technician at the Galt Museum and Archives, to look through old costumes tucked away at the theatre, which was undergoing renovations.
Representatives from the Playgoers thought they may have some outfits with cultural value — and they were right.
After carefully inspecting more than 100 pieces of clothing, collections assistant Kirstan Schamuhn identified a jacket with significant value.
It belonged to Maj. Alexander Boswell Stafford — the first Battery Commander of the 39th Battery, which was raised out of Lethbridge in 1915.
"The uniform helps tell the story of A. B. Stafford's life and military career. It's a valuable addition to the Galt's collection," said Glenn Miler, local historian and retired warrant.
"All of the artillery from World War One came from Lethbridge, but when you look at the Galt resources of archives and artifacts, it's hard to prove. There's lots of artifacts and stories still out there that remain to be discovered."
The military jacket from the First World War is now part of the Galt Museum and Archives' permanent collection.
This jacket once belonging to Maj. Alexander Boswell Stafford was found at the Yates Theatre.
Stafford fought in the battle of Vimy Ridge in April 1917, and was later critically injured by a German shell in June of the same year.
According to museum representatives, these types of First World War items are incredibly hard to find, making this jacket a massive piece of the region's history.
"This would definitely be a gem amongst the collection now," said MacLean.
"Most of those gems, you would think would have come in 50 years ago, but to have something come in, in 2021 that's this important, it made the hair on the back of my neck stand up."
The Playgoers of Lethbridge has been around for nearly 100 years, making it one of the oldest operating amateur theatre groups in Canada.
No one knows just how long the jacket was tucked away.
"People will give us things that they feel have some significance and they don't want to take it to the thrift shop, they don't want to throw it away, and they're hoping it can be used again," said Playgoers president Elaine Jagielski.
"To realize that this actually is part of the Stafford name, the Stafford family, which of course has significance in Lethbridge, was amazing."
The Staffords were among the first families to settle in Lethbridge in the late 1800s.
Alexander Stafford was one of 13 children of William and Jane Stafford, who moved to the southern Alberta region in 1883.
Today, you don't have to look far to see the Stafford name around the city.
Maj. Alexander Boswell Stafford's name etched on the tag of the jacket.
Adding this rare, significant tunic to the museum's collection is a huge step in the right direction when it comes to sharing the city's rich history and keeping its stories alive.
"Our mission as an institution is to engage in the human history of southwestern Alberta, together, preserving and sharing collections and stories," said Darrin Martens, executive director and CEO of the Galt Museum and Archives.
Stafford died in 1917, and his permanent resting place is in France.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'They needed people inside Air Canada:' Police announce arrests in Pearson gold heist
Police say one former and one current employee of Air Canada are among the nine suspects that are facing charges in connection with the gold heist at Pearson International Airport last year.
Disappointment widespread over budget's proposed $200-month disability benefit funding
Advocacy groups across Canada are expressing widespread disappointment about the amount of funding earmarked in the 2024 federal budget for the long-awaited Canada Disability Benefit.
BREAKING Toronto Raptors player Jontay Porter banned from NBA
Toronto Raptors player Jontay Porter has been handed a lifetime ban from The National Basketball Association (NBA) following an investigation which found he disclosed confidential information to sports bettors, the league says.
Earthquake jolts southern Japan
An earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 6.4 hit southern Japan late on Wednesday, said the Japan Meteorological Agency, without issuing a tsunami warning.
ArriveCan contractor to be admonished by MPs in extraordinarily rare parliamentary display
Enacting an extraordinarily rarely used parliamentary power, MPs have summoned an ArriveCan contractor to appear before the House of Commons on Wednesday afternoon to be admonished publicly for failing to answer their questions.
opinion Don Martin: Gusher of Liberal spending won't put out the fire in this dumpster
A Hail Mary rehash of the greatest hits from the Trudeau government’s three-week travelling pony-show, the 2024 federal budget takes aim at reversing the party’s popularity plunge in the under-40 set, writes political columnist Don Martin. But will it work before the next election?
Gas prices across Ontario expected to climb to levels not seen since 2022, analyst says
Ontario is going to see a big jump at the pumps later this week as gas prices in the province hit levels not seen in nearly two years, according to one industry analyst.
Ancient skeletons unearthed in France reveal Mafia-style killings
More than 5,500 years ago, two women were tied up and probably buried alive in a ritual sacrifice, using a form of torture associated today with the Italian Mafia, according to an analysis of skeletons discovered at an archeological site in southwest France.
Paul McCartney and John Lennon’s sons have released a single together
A new Lennon and McCartney collaboration is the last thing anybody expected.