John and Olive Diefenbaker with unidentified man in front of a statue of George VII, London, England.

John and Olive Diefenbaker standing in front of a griffin at entrance to City of London, England, during the Commonwealth Prime Ministers' Conference.

John and Olive Diefenbaker standing with an unidentified man beside a lion statue in Trafalgar Square, London, England, during the Commonwealth Prime Ministers' Conference.

John and Olive Diefenbaker in front of doorway of Westminster Abbey, London, England, during the Commonwealth Prime Ministers' Conference.

Elevated view of model of planned addition to Saskatchewan Hall, by architectural firm Moody, Moore and Partners.

Bio/Historical Note: Originally conceived as an addition to Saskatchewan Hall, Athabasca Hall was intended to add space for 270 students, in 90 double and 90 single units grouped into four “houses.” Each “house” was to have its own lounge, tutor and don; each bedroom was to have built in bookcases and cupboards but moveable beds, desks and chairs, “enabling students to arrange their rooms according to personal preference.” The Cumberland Avenue entrance to the campus was permanently closed on 26 March 1963 to accommodate the eastern expansion of the residences. Athabasca Hall was designed by Moody & Moore, and completed in 1964 at a cost of $1,393,050. Despite the additional space provided through this, and the Qu’Appelle Hall addition, by 1967 with Saskatoon then the third-fastest growing city in Canada and occupancy rates for suites of 99%, campus administrators began planning the McEown Park Complex, located at Cumberland Avenue South and 14th Street East.

Students sitting and lying on the grass while others walk along pathway in front of Athabasca Hall.

The "Gold Lounge", with tables, chairs and settees in Athabasca Hall.

The "Gold Lounge", with tables, chairs and settees in Athabasca Hall.

Female students watch TV in lounge.

Female students watch TV in lounge.