6 things you didn't know about a 60-year-old mascot from Prince George, B.C.

Like many great men, he started small — and he had his critics who called him unsophisticated. But he stood tall throughout the years and now has a city at his feet.

Happy 60th, Mr. PG.

The mascot of Prince George, B.C., made his debut on May 8, 1960, at the Rotary International Conference at a local hotel and sixty years later, he remains a symbol for the community.

Although his birthday celebrations have been cancelled amid COVID-19 and physical distancing restrictions, the local museum is doing what it can to keep the city's trusty pal top of mind by offering virtual tours of their Mr. PG exhibit. 

Curator Alyssa Leier came across hundreds of Mr. PG artifacts while working on the exhibit. With her help, CBC has come up with six facts you might now know about the mascot — one for each decade he's been around. 

Several iterations 

Originally, Mr. PG was made out of wood as a nod to the forestry industry. Standing at three metres, he was big for his age. 

That version of the mascot was destroyed, likely because of wood rot, according to Leier.

In 1961, an 11-metre version sat atop a parade float in the Elks May Day Parade. That version went on to participate in parades around the province. 

Today, he is 8.14 metres tall and made from metal and fibreglass to protect him from the elements. He also contains a time capsule in his chest. 

Septic tank… myth?

A popular myth floating around the city is that the current Mr. PG is made from septic tanks. 

Leier has heard the rumour, but after thorough research has been unable to confirm that. 

"It's kind of a fun little story. It might be true," she said. "I mean he is metal and fibreglass. It's possible."

Iron jock

In the 1960s, the local Lions Club built their own metal version of him to take to Lions conferences around the world. 

His metallic makeup gave him the nickname 'the Iron Jock,' and according to Leier, became somewhat of a travelling celebrity. At one point, he ended up in a pub in Scotland, sporting a kilt and sporran, and he was modified as a beer tap. He returned home to Canada aboard a lumber barge. 

Inspiration for children's song

Al Simmons, a children's performer from Anola, Man., wrote a song all about Mr. PG in 1997. Aptly titled Mr. PG, the lyrics identify other famous landmarks around the world, and explain how the mascot came to be and what he looks like. 

"Paris has the Eiffel Tower, Big Ben chimes each London hour, China's famous for its wall, India  — the Taj Mahal. The CN Tower may be tall but Mr. P. G. tops them all."

Not always so popular

Though Leier said Mr. PG seems to be fairly popular in his hometown today, that wasn't always the case. Through the years city councillors and residents have wanted him to be taken down from the city's entrance. They wrote letters to the editor of the Prince George Citizen and spoke out in city council meetings. 

"They didn't think Mr. PG necessarily represented Prince George anymore and that he seemed old fashioned, but that was a number of years ago," Leier said. "I think now everyone supports who he is and what he's evolved into "

He has a son

Mr. PG's son, Mr. PG Junior, was gifted to the local Chamber of Commerce by BC Tel in 1970, when Mr. PG Senior was moved to the intersection of Highways 16 and 97. 

As a gift from a telephone company, Junior is also a telephone booth — he stands 3.7 metres and has a phone in his belly. 

The museum plans to refurbish Mr. PG Junior. 

Physically distanced celebrations

Originally, the city planned to hold a picnic to mark Mr. PG's 60th. Instead, due to COVID-19, the celebrations are moving online with custom Zoom backgrounds, Facebook profile buttons and a colouring contest.