Top 10 Astonishing Facts About Pierre Berton

Top 10 Astonishing Facts About Pierre Berton

Cabinet card image of Pierre Berton- Wikimedia

One of Canada’s most prolific authors recognized by numerous institutions of higher learning is Pierre Berton. He was also a journalist, media personality, and historian. Berton’s beginnings shaped his career path and his experiences had a huge influence on the causes he championed through his writing and other works. He was born and raised in Yukon.

Pierre Berton’s career began early- the war helped kick start it as he replaced editors who worked in Vancouver but had to leave to fight in the war. He thus had made editor by age 21, a position that most have to wait much longer in life to gain. However while studying at the University of British Columbia, Pierre Berton was already on his writing journey working for ‘The Ubyssey’ the student newspaper.

These Top 10 Astonishing Facts about Pierre Berton reveal his journey and successes.

1. Pierre Berton Boasts A Successful Military Career

Modern day Canadian forces G- Wagons- Photo by- Tyler Brenot- Wikimedia

In 1942, Pierre Berton joined the Canadian Military, getting trained under the National Resources Mobilization Act. He was quickly appointed Lance Corporal, Corporal, and later became an officer. This happened within a short period. He very soon was an instructor at the Royal Military College in Kingston.

Pierre Berton rose through the ranks quickly as his aptitude was equally high. He became the most highly trained officer in the military.

2. Pierre Berton Had A Long-Standing Stint At ‘Front Page Challenge’

The Front Page Challenge is a program that ran on the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation in the 1950s. The program was a total hit and ran for about 38 years. Its format was historical- challenging the panel to identify stories from the past.

Pierre Berton appeared on the Front Page Challenge program on TV, for almost as long as the program ran! Out of all the guests that were on it, Berton stayed the longest. The fact that it was a historical program is telling of Pierre Berton’s mind, which reflects in some of his output as an author as well.

3. Pierre Berton Is Credited With Popularizing Canadian History

Berton’s writing on Canadian history is educative and also focuses on issues that matter to the nation’s people. For instance, two of his books, The National Dream (1970) and The Last Spike (1972) are on the background and construction of Canada’s first transcontinental railway. Both captivating books take the reader through the beginnings of the Canadian railway industry, and the national unity and exponential growth that it caused. Among the available literature on the Canadian railway, Pierre Berton’s writing on the topic gives quite the narrative.

4. Pierre Berton’s Repertoire Was Quite Extensive

Pierre Berton acting in La Tosca- Photo by Nadar- Wikimedia

Pierre Berton wrote on many topics besides history. He wrote about popular culture, anthologies, kid’s stories, coffee table books, and historical works that would appeal to the youth. His works have become Canadian classics.

His children’s books such as ‘Dr. Kane of the Arctic Seas’ and ‘The secret world of OGs’ are loved by children.

5. Pierre Berton Was Awarded The Governor General’s Award

The Governor-General of Canada recognizes distinction in various fields of academia, art, and social fields through an award. For his work in ‘The Last Spike’ Pierre Berton was awarded the Governor General’s Award in 1972.

The Last Spike is a book set in the 1880s that takes the reader through the construction and completion of the Canadian Pacific Railway. The gripping book incredibly tells tales of the construction journey that took half the time expected, together with its challenges such as getting close to bankruptcy!

6. One Of Pierre Berton’s Most Important Books Is ‘ Klondike’

When Pierre Berton was a history major at the University of British Columbia, he worked at the Klondike mining camps- his parents had moved to the mines during the Klondike gold rush. He grew up in Dawson amid the debris of the rush that took place in 1898. This experience growing up may have influenced his choice of topic for the book as well as the elaborate manner in which he wrote the story. The Klondike Gold Rush is a major part of Canadian history.

7. Pierre Berton Was Recognized By The Order Of Canada

Order of Canada Circlet- Photo by Superbenjamin- Wikimedia

The Order Of Canada is a national order in Canada and the second-highest honor for merit in the system of orders, decorations, and medals of Canada. Pierre Berton was recognized by two of the three levels of the award.

Berton was awarded the honor of the Officer of The Order of Canada in 1974 for his exemplary work as an editor, broadcaster, and author that puts Canada on the map internationally.

The Companion of the Order of Canada is a fellowship that recognizes the distinguished service or outstanding merit of Canadians who make a difference in Canada. It honors lifelong contributions in various fields. Pierre Berton received this award in 1986 for his writing that showcased the history of Canada.

8. Pierre Berton Is A Writer Of Many Accolades

A small shelf would not be enough display space for all the accolades Pierre Berton received throughout his lifetime.

Pierre Berton made immense contributions to literature and history in Canada, and he was recognized for this by various learning institutions with a myriad of honorary degrees from universities such as the University of Victoria, the University of Alaska, McMaster University, and the Royal Military College among others.

The author was awarded the National History Society’s first ever  award for “distinguished achievement in popularizing Canadian history. He also received the Stephen Leacock Medal of Humour, and the Gabrielle Leger National Heritage Award.

The Nellie Awards recognize excellence in persons in Canada’s television and radio industries. Pierre Berton got two of these in recognition for his work in broadcasting. The author also was honored with two National Newspaper awards.

For the amount of work Pierre Berton put into championing Canada’s history, a historical grouping had to have taken note; the National History Society awarded him for distinguished achievement in popularizing Canadian history.

9. Pierre Berton Made A Name On The TV Scene

Pierre Berton was a household name on Canada’s TV landscape as he was either hosting a show or was a guest on one. This was between the 1950s and early 1990s. The author hosted the Pierre Berton Show in the 1960s and 1970s. In this show, Berton interviewed personalities such as actors and artists.

Berton oscillated between many roles on TV- he was a writer, editor, and interviewer. Amongst the TV shows he is associated with is The National Dream, and the Heritage Theatre among others.

10. Pierre Berton’s Work Transcended Books To Shows

‘The Last Spike’ joining the rails of the Central Pacific Railroad and the Union Pacific Railroad- Painting by Thomas Hill- Wikimedia

Canadian railway history is a subject area that Pierre Berton’s name will forever be associated with in Canada. His contribution to the railway history’s documentation was immense. He got the Annual Award of Recognition from Canada’s Railway Hall of Fame.

Berton’s books ‘The Last Spike’ and ‘The National Dream’, also propel the Canadian railway history. The two books have been adapted to TV as series’. The books made it possible for audiences to learn about Canada’s history in the most interesting way.