Saskatoon: An Unlicensed History
Although founded by teetotallers and Temperance activists, Saskatoon, booze, and the regulation thereof, have a long history together. City of Saskatoon Archivist Jeff O’Brien looks at the story of Prohibition and a century of liquor and liquor legislation here in the Paris of the Prairies, covering the years from 1882-1982.
Jeff O’Brien was born in Saskatoon and raised in Regina where, despite his best efforts to the contrary, he received an undergraduate degree in Canadian history. He went on to earn a master’s degree in archival studies from the University of British Columbia before returning home to Saskatchewan where he eventually settled down as the City of Saskatoon Archivist in 1997. As the City Archivist, Jeff believes in bringing history out of the archives and into the community. In 2006, he co-authored the book Saskatoon: A History in Photographs. He is a regular contributor to Saskatoon HOME and Prairies North magazines, and to our own historical journal, the Saskatoon History Review. He is frequently called on to speak to community groups, city classrooms, and at local events—like this one. He can also often be seen and heard on radio and TV here talking about the history of his beloved city. In 2023, he was awarded the Queen’s Jubilee medal in recognition of his work in this area.