Historical Hockey Memorabilia Auction Fall 2020
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/20/2020
Memorable for his defence of Anglophone/minority rights during his three terms as a member of Quebec’s National Assembly, George Springate was a gifted communicator, best-known for his dynamic speeches outlining minority rights during Quebec language debates on Bill 22 and Bill 101 and his passionate defense of Canada in the 1980 and 1995 Quebec referendums. Intriguing pieces from his political career are offered here. A letter thanking him for his 1973 Quebec election campaign efforts is signed “Robert Bourassa”, with two others from the Premier signed “Bob”, while a framed photo signed by Brian Mulroney and a signed letter from Ted Kennedy are other highlights. Please see our website for full details and more images.
The professionally double-matted and framed (7” x 9”) photo picturing George speaking to Brian Mulroney is signed in the white border, “George – with best personal regards – Brian Mulroney” and has a caption below that reads “When Springate Speaks, Prime Ministers Listen.” The display measures a little over 16” square, while a 1979 letter on United States Senate letterhead is signed by Edward (Ted) Kennedy, with the Senator thanking George for the invitation on behalf of the Police Technology Department of John Abbott College (that Springate co-founded), but having to decline due to his Senate responsibilities in the 96th session, as well as his recent election as Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee. A bold blue ink Kennedy signature concludes the one-page document. Other interesting items include a 1980 letter signed by Liberal leader Claude Ryan on “Les Quebecois Pour Le Non” letterhead, thanking Springate for his important part in the referendum campaign. Two original “NON merci” pinback buttons accompany, along with Liberal MNAs alongside Ryan in an 8” by 10” photo. There’s also a 1980 Christmas card signed by Ryan, with the following revealing handwritten message, “George, we will miss your frank but honest contributions to our debates! But I hope yoiur friendship and support will still be there!” A nifty framed “On a raison de dire NON” sign from the 1995 referendum measures 11-1/2” by 23” with the silver ink inscription reading, “A George – merci/Thanks!” followed by the signature of Daniel Johnson Jr. Meanwhile a picture of Paul Desrochers, Premier Robert Bourassa’s principle advisor in the 1970s, has his signature preceded by “To George – a loyal and good friend – Amitiés” with however smudging to report. Neat photographs also contribute, with Springate and Bourassa dining with seniors during Georges’s first election campaign in half a dozen original 8 by 10s and most interesting, the two donning Montreal Expos caps and joining youngsters playing baseball in Griffintown, also in 1970. Two original 11” by 14” photos were reduced and framed while four never-published colors prints show Bourassa and a boy doing the “up-the-bat-to-decide-who-bats-first” process, customary back in the day – cool! A Springate-Bourassa campaign pinback is also present and finally, there’s a little coaster style/size dish, given to George and his wife Judy at a reception at 24 Sussex Drive in Ottawa in the 1980s. Unique items from the life and times of George Springate, with a Letter of Authenticity from the Springate family to be included.
The George Springate Collection
Classic Auctions is pleased to offer the personal collection of George Springate. A native Montrealer, George had an amazingly diverse and storied life. Long-time Montreal Alouettes fans know him as the placekicker for the 1970 Grey-Cup-winning Als, while also serving as a Quebec MNA; others for his police, education and political careers.
A unique Canadian, George made impressive contributions to his community, province and country throughout his life, for which he received the Order of Canada among many other honours. A superb fundraiser, he raised millions of dollars for Canadian youth, as well as other charities. Of particular interest to sports enthusiasts/collectors is his more than 50 years of organizing charity events, most particularly the dozens of celebrity skate-a-thons and Oldtimers hockey games that produced scarce and sought-after souvenirs, many featured in this auction.
While a Montreal police officer, George acquired two law degrees and played football at McGill University, was a radio and television personality, and a law professor for 33 years, co-founding the Police Technology Department at John Abbott College. Later in life, he served as a Canadian citizenship judge for 14 years, the last five as Canada’s Senior Judge. Following his death in November 2019, a House of Commons tribute stated, in part: "George was larger than life. He was a friend to all. He touched our lives by his friendship and his philanthropic work, which benefitted so many wonderful causes and organizations." Indeed, what a life!
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