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Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Cannon sounded to mark Dominion (Canada) Day in Chapleau

I always made sure I was up to hear the sound of the cannon being fired at seven a.m to mark the beginning of the Dominion Day celebration, organized each year by Branch Number 5 of the Royal Canadian Legion in my home town of Chapleau, Ontario.

Such was Dominion Day for a child who had to get his costume ready and tricycle decorated for the annual July 1 parade that marked one of the highlights of the year for me in the years following World War II that I still recall the celebrations like they were only yesterday.

Mom and my grandparents (Nanny and Grandpa... Edith and George Hunt) would help me get ready for the parade and off I would go for a day packed with activities for our entire community.

Leading the parade of course was the Legion Colour Party and the Chapleau Town Band that has actually been in existence over 100 years now. Mr J. M. Shoup, a veteran of both World War I and II, principal of Chapleau Public School and township councillor would get us all organized for the parade and later the children's races at the beach. I was also proud to see my grandfather Harry Morris, a veteran of World War I, and one of the first group of members of Branch 5 helping out at the activities. (See Mr. Shoup in photo.)

Shortly after the war, Dr G.E. Young, using his own money, had created a truly wonderful beach area on the banks of the Kebsquasheshing River, and it was the scene of swimming and canoe races, as well as canoe tilting contests. The Memegos boys dominated the canoe races and canoe tilting competitions for years and William Memegos, the back packing contest.

Dr Young's beach was complete with change rooms, wading pools, a nicely grassed area and each year he had truckloads of beach sand brought to refresh it. A Chapleau boy, Dr Young practised medicine for over 50 years in his home town and at 95 is living there in retirement. As an aside, Dr Young, in my view, should be named Chapleau's Most Outstanding Citizen.

In the afternoon of July 1, games of chance would be underway while the Town Band would give a concert in the bandstand at the beach area, while over at the ball field there was always an exciting ball tournament. Sometimes there would even be teams from out of town but to me the only team was the Legion on which Tee Chambers played shortstop. Tee was my hero in both ball and hockey.

The celebration ended with a dance and fireworks display at the beach area.

By the end of the day I would head home tired but happy looking forward to my summer vacation, cruising around Chapleau on my tricycle.

There aren't too many of those World War II vets left now, and none from World War I, but I remember all of them fondly, for in war and peace, they made our town a better place for everyone.

6 comments:

Michael J Morris Reports said...

Peter wrote on facebook:

Another great blog. I remember when the parade reached the Town Hall and each of us were given 10 cents; which we promptly spent at the concession stands. I remember Mr. Shoup, Charlie Law, Bill Payette and his father- D.O. Payette were also in the band along with Mr. Waywhite ( John? )

Michael J Morris Reports said...

Wesley wrote on facebook

I remember seeing pictures of the beach as it once was and thought it was from a different town. It has changed a lot. I wish I had been around to see the town at that time.

Michael J Morris Reports said...

Monique wrote...

Yes those were the days.Now they are only memories but I am glad to have those.It is too bad that my grand children will not have the chance to say the good old days. They will not have a thing worth remembering. A few fire crackers does not carry a lot of weight.

Michael J Morris Reports said...

Dave Doig wrote

What great lamenting about the times had back in Chapleau...invoking personal memories of walking/biking in the parade, the games at the beach, ending the day in royal fashion with the fireworks. All or most of the acivities organized and produced by people, men and women who most of, also volunteered to defend our country. Its not only a day to celebrate Canada, but a day to celebrate (with) those volunteers

Michael J Morris Reports said...

Russ Dunne wrote on facebook

Growing up in Chapleau was fun, we made our own adventures which made us who we are today, Happy Canada Day to all! Thanks for the fond memories to all those devoted people who donated their free time to make all those Canada Day Celebrations wonderful for us as we grew up.

Michael J Morris Reports said...

Chantal wrote

We are definitely fortunate to be Canadians. Happy Canada day everyone!

Michael J Morris

Michael J Morris
MJ with Buckwheat (1989-2009) Photo by Leo Ouimet

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