Simone Bessette was born to a Francophone family and raised in Legal, Alberta. She started working at Alberta Government Telephones (AGT) in 1960. By the middle of that decade, the Edmonton Exhibition had been rebranded as “Klondike Days,” and the fair was further enlivened by people wearing historically-inspired costumes to relive Edmonton’s days as a setting-off point for the Gold Rush. Simone’s employer promoted the celebrations, and created a costume context for staff. Female staff from each unit had to sew their own costumes, and the unit winner would then be judged against other contestants in each department, with the 9 finalists across the company vying to obtain the title of “Gold Nugget Princess”.
In 1966, the newly-married Simone entered the contest. She was inspired by a photo she saw in a magazine of Ginger Rogers in the lead role of a Broadway revival of the musical Hello Dolly!
As there was no pattern commercially available, Simone worked to source the fabric, trim, and design all by herself. She chose shades of peacock blue for her outfit, and even purchased costume jewelry and a hairpiece to complete the look.
Because she was no longer single, Simone didn’t think she would be selected as a finalist in the competition; although it wasn’t an immodest beauty contest, it might not have been seen as appropriate. So, she just enjoyed the creative process!
She was amazed when she was chosen to represent the Engineering department at the final ceremony – a banquet and dance on the Exhibition grounds - where Raymond Reierson, the Minister of Telephones for the province, announced her as the winner! Simone’s husband Leo was not a very openly affectionate man, but he was so proud of his wife, that he leapt up on stage immediately, wrapped her up in his arms, and kissed her right in front of everyone!
Simone won a huge trophy, which had been carved from the wood of the desk of the first president of AGT. This trophy was reused for later winners, and was on display at the AGT building for many years. Simone also got a smaller, keeper trophy, with the same wooden base and a miniature telephone on it (the design was famously called the “Princess” for it’s delicate colours and lines), which she proudly kept in her china cabinet and always showed to visitors.
Later that summer, AGT held a company picnic east of the city, and Simone, in her outfit as Gold Nugget Princess, was driven to the site in a horse-drawn carriage. A huge summer storm blew in later, making the horse bolt through the parking lot, and destroying the carriage. But Simone had had her moment of glory. She was also invited to be in the annual parade in her hometown that summer.
Simone considers her title to be one of her most important achievements, and a highlight of her life. She recently donated her outfit, trophy, and photographs to the Museum, and is proud that her story will be preserved. This week, in honour of the 60th anniversary of the 1966 Klondike Days, we once again celebrate Simone as Gold Nugget Princess!
