Happy Canada Day! If you were around in 1967 for the Centennial of Canada, you will remember Bobby Gimby and Canada's song "C-A-N-A-D-A". If you were not, here it is and some scenes from those days when Canada celebrated its 100th anniversary. Bobby Gimby also was a member of the 'Happy Gang' so popular on CBC RADIO!
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Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Bobby Gimby's Canada Song 'C-A-N-A-D-A' --- Happy Canada Day!
New era in railroading arrives as first diesel locomotive purred into CPR station at Chapleau pulling transcontinental passenger train Number 3 in 1949
A new era in railroading was witnessed by a large crowd as the first diesel powered passenger train pulled into the Canadian Pacific Railway station in Chapleau pulling westbound transcontinental train Number 3, the Chapleau Post reported.
The first diesel passenger train came through Chapleau on December 5th 1949, not January 9,1950 as I had reported earlier. Thanks to Ian Macdonald for the correction.
The Post described the diesel as a large three-unit blue and cream locomotive on loan from General Motors for test purposes in this "rugged terrain" that "purred in to the station and came to a smooth stop".
It was a 14-car passenger train with Wilfred Muske as the engineer and Raoul Comte as fireman from Cartier to Chapleau. Lawrence "Ton" Comte, has told me that his father had travelled to California for courses on the operation of diesel locomotives.
As permanent refuelling facilities had not been completed, the diesel was refuelled from a tank car on a siding.
The newspaper also reported that "veteran railwaymen were not entirely at home in the new locomotive. They felt it odd to be located in the nose of the locomotive with a clear view of the tracks ahead and at both sides.
"It was so quiet in the cab that the engineer, fireman and brakeman can talk normally without raising their voices".
While researching this article, it struck me that growing up in Chapleau in the !940s and 50s, it never dawned on me me that I lived in a part of Canada that William C. Van Horne,described as '200 miles of engineering impossibilities" because of rugged terrain between Cartier and Fort William, now Thunder Bay. My grandfather, Harry Morris, was a CPR conductor, and occasionally he would take me on a trip to Fort William or Toronto, depending which end he was working. What great experiences they were.
Mr. Van Horne was appointed general manager of the CPR and in 1884 became its vice-president. Rising to president in 1888, he is most famous for overseeing the major construction of the railway, according to Wikipedia.
The November 2010 issue of CPR Tracks explains that the rugged 517 mile long Schreiber division was selected as a testing ground by the CPR for diesel locomotives.
It was part of this stretch to which Mr. Van Horne was referring.
The article notes that if the diesel locomotive could make it there, it could make it anywhere on the CPR line.
Initially, the article explains, the CPR was very cautious about the use of diesels preferring the dependability of steam locomotives. They let railroads in the United States work out the many engineering difficulties and complexities of the electrical system.
The CPR then assigned 58 diesels to the Schreiber division where there were also 77 steam locomoties working at the time.
Yard engine diesels were assigned to Schreiber, White river and Cartier, and in Chapleau it was Alco S-2 7044, and went there in 1949.
Ian Macdonald advised that CPR President Norris Crump was a fanatic advocate of diesel power and he really moved the process along much more quickly than was originally intended.
As an aside, it was a really historic moment in 1964 when J.M. "Bud" Park was the engineer on CPR Locomotive 5433 as it was pushed by the yard engine by engineer Earle Freeborn across the tracks on a specially built rail line from about the roundhouse area to its new home in Chapleau Centennial Park.
Mr. Crump attended a ceremony in Chapleau to mark its arrival in the park. Sam Chappise presented Mr. Crump with a rifle.
"I wonder if anyone could have imagined that the old fifty car freight trains would eventually transition to the container unit trains that are now more than two miles in length," Ian added. So do Ian!
ROBERT NIXON ON DOMINION DAY
Louise Cooper, the daughter of Winnie (Nixon) Rosseter, sent me the attached Nixon family photo from Dominion Day in Chapleau, circa 1918. Her grandfather Robert Nixon arrived in Chapleau from England in 1912, and worked for the CPR. All the best for the Canada (Dominion) Day weekend.
I extend special thanks to Doug Greig, Ian Macdonald, Reginald Fitzpatrick (the last Mayor of Franz), Brian Westhouse (an expert on the CPR and railways generally), and Louise Cooper for their assistance. My email is mj.morris@live.ca
Labels:
brian westhouse,
diesel locomotive,
earle freeborn,
ian macdonald,
michael j morris. cpr,
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william van horne
Saturday, June 25, 2011
UNEEK LUXURY TOURS PRESENTS REGAL REALTY SHOWCASE
Uneek Luxury Tours presents Regal Realty Showcase, featuring luxury real estate homes now available for sale.
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Chapleau 'definitely located' on Trans Canada Highway and CPR diesel shop to bring higher employment and payroll in community but the bubbles eventually burst
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First diesel arrives in Chapleau, 1949 |
At least, that is the news Chapleau citizens received from Welland S. Gemmell, the MPP for Sudbury and minister of mines, whose riding included Chapleau, and Fred Donegan, the general superintendent of the Algoma Division of the CPR.
First, Mr. Gemmell in the arena, moments before Reeve B.W. Zufelt led the official opening ceremonies:
"Chapleau is now well on the way to being on the map. It is now definitely located on the Trans Canada Highway and this should mean a great deal to the community. We in government have tried to give your community as much assistance as possible...", Mr. Gemmell said, in a Sudbury Star story.
Next, Mr. Donegan of the CPR:
"Many residents believe that rail dieselization program might throw many out of work.
"Actually our present program of maintenance expansion will mean a much higher payroll and higher employment in the Chapleau shops.
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CPR Advertisement |
"It has always been the same when mechanical improvements have been made. It has always been felt that machines will replace men whereas it has always resulted in greater employment at higher scales of wages.
"The same is developing today and I am looking forward confidently to an even larger community as a result of the present railway program."
The first passenger train with a diesel engine arrived in Chapleau on December 5, 1949.. We were out of school early so that we could get to the station for this historic moment.
What happened?
I recall the day we were given a school holiday when the announcement was made that Chapleau would be on the Trans Canada Highway.
So did Bill McLeod (we were in the same grade at Chapleau Public School) and he writes about it in his book, 'The Chapleau Game Preserve: History, Murder and Other Tales'. Bill recalled that on June 8, 1950, the schools were closed, fire sirens screamed and the Chapleau Post put out a special edition with 'WE GOT IT' as the headline.
Bill also mentions that Arthur Grout, according to the Sudbury Star, threw a giant party, and even though Mr. Grout was a teetotaller, strong drink was served.
The Globe and Mail described Reeve Zufelt as a man with a "jubilant grin" who told the reporter "It looks as if half the world is going to come driving down our main street".
The advantages of the Chapleau route were obvious as it would be shorter and construction costs less running along the south side of the CPR line from Sudbury to Chapleau and on to Schreiber, than the Sault Ste Marie route to Wawa.
Bill McLeod notes that the 'bubble burst slowly" for Chapleau concluding that for the most part there was just too much political clout along the North Shore even though much blasting and rock removal was required.
Now, on to the CPR.
In 2001, Entrepreneur magazine, had a railway buff, travel the CPR line on the Budd Car and he summed up the situation that occurred at Chapleau regarding the diesel maintenance shops. The writer chatted with Jim Cockburn who was the conductor on the Budd car for many years.
"The changeover to diesel engines around 1953 saw the development of a diesel shop in Chapleau. Cited as an ideal location for the shop due to its central location between Thunder Bay, Toronto and Montreal, Chapleau became headquarters for engine maintenance and repairs, resulting in the creation of over 100 jobs in the community
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The Dominion 1959 |
While I am really no expert on the CPR, I remember when it started transferring employees to places like Agincourt, London and Windsor, and the population of Chapleau started its gradual decline, that has continued for many years now.
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Engine 5433 now in Chapleau Park |
Also, although Mr. Donegan likely would never have thought it in 1951 when he visited Chapleau, passenger train travel was eventually taken over by VIA Rail. In the Fifties there were four transcontinental passenger trains daily in each direction (by my count: 1,2,3,4,5,6,7 and 8).
The Entrepreneur magazine writer noted that n 1990, the VIA Transcontinental train discontinued service on the CP line and converted operations to the Canadian National rail line.
I first read Mr. Gemmell and Mr. Donegan's comments when I was writing a piece on the opening of the Chapleau Memorial Community Arena earlier this year, and decided to share what they had to say about the Trans Canada highway and CPR expansion in Chapleau.
I am sure they both meant what they said at the time, although they undoubtedly were telling people what they wanted to hear, but had the highway come through Chapleau and the CPR maintained its presence, Chapleau would be a much different place than it is today.
By the way, also at the opening of the memorial arena was Fred Dunbar, the Ontario minister of municipal affairs, who in his remarks pointed out that although Chapleau was incorporated as a municipality on February 3, 1901, the "early town fathers" somehow neglected to gazette it as required.
It was not until 1927 that a special act of the Ontario legislature, the Chapleau Boundaries Act, was passed, to legalize all municipal transactions that had taken place since 1901. I guess the good people of Chapleau were far too busy building their town, but it was good to learn from Mr. Dunbar's comments that they were "law abiding" -- despite failing to complete all the legal niceties.
Thanks to Bill McLeod and Doug Greig for research assistance.
Happy Canada Day! My email is mj.morris@live.ca
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Chapleau holds highly successful Relay for Life
Pat (Purich) Russell, one of my great friends from Chapleau, who keeps me posted on local events, sent me the following message about the recent Relay for Life held in the community.
Pat also provided the photos.
She wrote:
"Hope you are well. Our 4th Relay For Life June 17th was truly the best Relay yet...
It's totally amazing what a little town like Chapleau can do and how as one big family we pull together to fight back against the one disease that has touched so many of our lives.
We've had 3 successful Relays for Life since 2008, but Relay 2011 seems to have topped them all.
Here's to Good Causes, Great Ideas and people willing to give both. Cheers!
Pat also provided the photos.
She wrote:
"Hope you are well. Our 4th Relay For Life June 17th was truly the best Relay yet...
It's totally amazing what a little town like Chapleau can do and how as one big family we pull together to fight back against the one disease that has touched so many of our lives.
We've had 3 successful Relays for Life since 2008, but Relay 2011 seems to have topped them all.
Here's to Good Causes, Great Ideas and people willing to give both. Cheers!
Friday, June 17, 2011
"SOLD" UNEEK LUXURY TOURS SHOOTS VIDEO OF JOEY FATONE OF NSYNC LAKE FRONT ESTATE
Uneek Luxury Tours created the video of the luxury estate of Joey Fatone, American actor, dancer, singer and television personality when he put it up for sale. Joey Fatone is best known as a member of the band 'N Sync.
Fatone's estate is located in Orlando, FL.
UPDATE: SHORTLY AFTER UNEEK LUXURY TOURS CREATED MARKETING VIDEO FOR JOEY FATONE's ESTATE, IT SOLD!!!!!!!
UPDATE: SHORTLY AFTER UNEEK LUXURY TOURS CREATED MARKETING VIDEO FOR JOEY FATONE's ESTATE, IT SOLD!!!!!!!
For more information on Uneek Luxury Tours which is rapidly becoming the video producer of choice in the luxury real estate market in Central Florida and elsewhere, visit their new web site at http://uneekluxurytours.com SEND EMAIL TO uneekluxurytours@gmail.com
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Cannon being fired launched celebration while Memegos family dominated canoe races and Rita Desson won Summer Queen Contest on 1951 Dominion Day in Chapleau
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Click on image for Beach Panorama. Ian Macdonald collection |
School was out, and summer vacation was launched with the July 1 activities all located at the beach area between Chapleau Public School and the field behind the old Chapleau High School, except for the giant parade that wound through the streets ending up at the beech.
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 so much in the years following World War II that I still recall the celebrations like they were only yesterday.
My mother, Muriel E. (Hunt) Morris, 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 was the Legion Colour Party and the Chapleau Town Band.
J. M. Shoup, a veteran of both World Wars 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.
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Many will recall that each child in the parade would receive 10 cents which was quickly spent at the canteen or on the midway. More dimes could be earned by participating in the children's races. |
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 when it was founded helping out at the activities.
Shortly after World War II, 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 family dominated the canoe races and canoe tilting competitions for years and William Memegos, the back packing contest. Before Willie, the winner was often Bob Mercier.
For example, at the Dominion Day celebration in 1951, in the men's doubles canoe race, Adam Memegos and Juli Quakagesik won while Joe Memegos and Baptiste Memegos were second and A. McAuley and Ray Barty third.
In the mixed doubles, Joe Memegos and Agnes Minnewesqua were first and Baptiste Memegos and Mrs. Adam Memegos second.
Mrs. Ignace Memegos and Mrs. Adam Memegos won the women's doubles with Mrs. Julie Quakagesik and Mrs. Cryer second.
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.
Rita Desson was named the 1951 Summer Queen with Florence Encil and Carol "Babe" Chambers as runnersup.
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 Garth "Tee" Chambers played shortstop. Tee was my hero in both ball and hockey.
In the 1951 logsawing event the winners were Pierre Martel, W. Donivan and Paul Seguin.
The celebration ended with a dance and fireworks display at the beach area. The fireworks were really spectacular, at least they were to me as a kid, but everyone agreed and "Wow" was heard as they were set off from the golf course side of the river.
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, who gave us the July 1 celebration, but I remember all of them fondly, for in war and peace, they made our town a better place for everyone. As I think back some 60 years to life in Chapleau at the beginning of the 1950s, it was truly a wonderful place to be growing up.
Thanks to Doug Greig, Ian Macdonald and Dr. Vince Crichton for their research assistance. My email is mj.morris@live.ca and Facebook is http://facebook.com/michaeljmorris2
Sunday, June 12, 2011
BELLA COLLINA VISIT BRINGS "WOW" WHILE ON FLORIDA TRIP AS UNEEK LUXURY TOURS CREATES VIDEO OF LUXURY ESTATE
One of the highlights of my recent trip to Florida was a visit to Bella Collina Estates currently being developed into an awesome community at Orlando.
Bella Collina also includes a golf course, and a club house, that is simply amazing. I am standing in the courtyard!
Michael Pelzer of Uneek Luxury Tours shot the video of the luxury home. I visited it -- and yes, WOW!!!
Bella Collina also includes a golf course, and a club house, that is simply amazing. I am standing in the courtyard!
Michael Pelzer of Uneek Luxury Tours shot the video of the luxury home. I visited it -- and yes, WOW!!!
Labels:
bella collina,
orlando,
uneek luxury tours
Thursday, June 9, 2011
UNEEK LUXURY TOURS PRESENTS DOWNTOWN ORLANDO
Uneek Luxury Tours, located in Orlando, FL, is quickly becoming the choice of those who want to market their luxury real estate with superior quality, professional, high definition videos.
I have returned from Orlando and my visit with Michael Pelzer, the president and CEO of Uneek. I had the opportunity to visit many of the luxury properties that Michael has shot, and will be sharing some of them on my blog.
Let's begin with downtown Orlando, now playing in the city at a major location. Thanks Michael for the tour.
I have returned from Orlando and my visit with Michael Pelzer, the president and CEO of Uneek. I had the opportunity to visit many of the luxury properties that Michael has shot, and will be sharing some of them on my blog.
Let's begin with downtown Orlando, now playing in the city at a major location. Thanks Michael for the tour.
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Chapleau High School in 1964 had 'wolfish' types, hunters, Razzle Dazzle fan, school sports and Dr Karl Hackstetter as principal
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Merrick Goldstein at CHS, 1964 by Lark Ritchie |
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CHS Field Day 1964 by Lark Ritchie |
REUNION WEB SITE http://www.chs90threunionfestival.com/
Perhaps the comments were an accurate reflection - and maybe not too. Here is a sampler.
The yearbook asks can you imagine Bette Andrews "failing an exam" or Rheal Bujold as a comedian on television? What about Bob Lewis "not calling" a certain telephone number (through the operator as Chapleau did not have dial phones in 1964), or Penny Park "not lending her notebooks"?
From a poem about Grade 10A, the following appeared:
"Norman Creighton wants to be the wolfish type, so that's why he's learning to smoke a pipe,
"Wally Leigh is an excellent hunter, please don't worry he'll never blunder,
"Alanna Downey talks and talks - no wonder why with a brother like Doc,
"Leslie Zufelt's a real nice gal, that's why she's everybody's pal,
"Carole Futhey wants to shout, that's why she's really crazy about ??"
Apparently Jim St. Amand's main interest was hockey while Ian Clegg enjoyed skiing. George Ritchie had as his major ambition beating Howard Higuchi in Physics while Gary Schafer was an avid Razzle Dazzle fan.
Hugh McKechnie was instrumental in the destruction of many a history class, according to the yearbook, and I assume George Evans who arrived at CHS in 1961 was the teacher. Ironically Hugh returned as a teacher when George was assistant principal.
Ron Doig was a member of the Table Tennis Club, which I seem to recall may have been located above the old Bank of Montreal building at Birch and Young streets by Dr. Karl A Hackstetter, who became principal in 1963 as the school's student population was growing and there was no room in the Pine Street building for physical education classes. Dr. Hackstetter taught at CHS from 1954 to 1957.
Plans were underway for the new school "on the hill" which opened in 1966.
Myrtle Turner enjoyed curling and Charlie Purich was "a credit to the hockey team." In the fifties and sixties, until about the arrival of the Chapleau Junior "B" Huskies in 1966-67, CHS had very good hockey teams. There were hockey teams much earlier in the school's history too.
In 1964, Alex Babin's interests ranged from breaking testtubes to chopping meat. Yes, Alex, who returned to teach at CHS was also an excellent butcher, and of course co-chaired with Margaret Rose (Payette) Fortin, the last two CHS reunions.
Just a quick look back at 1964 to help everyone jog their memories about school life when they were there. In the next year, stories will abound!
CONGRATS CHAPLEAU
Congratulations to Chapleau on winning the WFN Ultimate Fishing Town 2011 Contest. As I looked at the competition, it was an incredible effort by Chapleauites everywhere to overcome the odds of winning against some much larger communities who were participating.
DISNEY CHARACTERS
Thanks to everyone who wrote me after I mentioned that I was on my way to Orlando, FL on vacation. Yes, I said hello to all the Disney characters for you, and no, I did not see any alligators, and did not go shark fishing, even though Danny Vaughan kindly sent me specific fishing instructions. But I did have a super time. My email is mj.morris@live.ca and for those who have asked I am on Facebook at http://facebook.com/michaeljmorris2
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
CHAPLEAU WINS 2011 WFN: WORLD FISHING NETWORK'S ULTIMATE FISHING TOWN CANADA
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Bill Groves |
The small village of nearly 2,500 residents succeeds Port Alberni, BC which earned the title last year. The announcement was made by Mark Rubinstein, President and CEO of World Fishing Network, North America's only 24/7 fishing channel.
This post is based on a news release from WFN posted on its web site. Photos reflect some of the many great Chapleauites who helped me with posts on the contest. Thanks to all of you and congrats to Chapleau.
This post is based on a news release from WFN posted on its web site. Photos reflect some of the many great Chapleauites who helped me with posts on the contest. Thanks to all of you and congrats to Chapleau.
Representatives of Chapleau, ON will receive a $25,000 community donation to be used towards a fishing-related cause(s) and 10 WaveSpin Reels at a local ceremony emceed by Mariko Izumi, host of WFN's popular fishing and travel show Hookin' Up. The town will also receive national recognition from the honour and have a feature produced about fishing in Chapleau to air on WFN.
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George Theriault |
Chapleau, ON, is home to the Chapleau Crown Game Preserve one of the world's largest wildlife preserves. Located in central northeastern Ontario, Chapleau is geographically isolated with the nearest cities, Sault Ste Marie, Timmins and Sudbury several hours away. It is best known for walleye, smallmouth bass, lake trout and northern pike fishing.
After more than 240 towns throughout Canada were nominated in March, a preliminary round of voting in April narrowed the field to 20 finalists. The competition quickly became a two-town race between a pair of Ontario towns more than 11 hours apart. Chapleau and Port Colborne traded places atop the leader board on a daily basis, but in the end Chapleau earned the title by the slimmest of margins.
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Henry Byce |
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Jay-John Bradley Corston |
The Top 20 finalists in order of finish are:
- Chapleau, ON
- Port Colborne, ON
- Port Hardy, BC
- Hastings, ON
- Port Renfrew, BC
- Campbell River, BC
- Miramichi, NB
- Barrie, ON
- Athabasca, AB
- Temagami, ON
- Haliburton, ON
- Juniper, NB
- Lutsel K'e, NT
- Burnt Church, NB
- Honey Harbour, ON
- Nain, NL
- Nipawin, SK
- Terrace, BC
- Deline, NT
- Yellowknife, NT
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John Theriault |
About WFN: World Fishing Network
WFN: World Fishing Network is the only 24/7 television network dedicated to all segments of fishing with programming that covers instruction, tips, tournaments, travel, food, boating, outdoor lifestyle and more. WFN's wide-ranging programming lineup includes primetime theme nights, regional bureaus from across the nation, a selection of the best international series and the most diverse species coverage of any TV channel.
Featuring popular programs hosted by the world's top anglers, the Network also delivers a variety of exclusive lifestyle shows including; Hookin' Up with Mariko Izumi, Reel Fishy Jobs with Mark Melnyk, Lost Lake and Getting School'd with JP DeRose. The beauty of WFN's programming is available in 100 percent stunning High Definition. WFN's multimedia platform includes a mobile portal, WFN Fishing Log (fishing app for the iPhone and iPad) and a robust fishing website, www.WorldFishingNetwork.com.
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Hugh McGoldrick |
Thursday, June 2, 2011
'We're the cream of Chapleau, just let loose', sums up Chapleauite participation in WFN Ultimate Fishing Town contest with proof from Jon-Jay Bradley Corston fishing trips
As I reflect on the incredible outpouring of support for Chapleau in the WFN Ultimate Fishing Town contest by Chapleauites everywhere, I have gone into the mothballs of my memory to come up with other such great moments in the community's history that brought people together in a common cause that resulted in a better place to live, work, play, and yes, fish.
In fact, having become caught up in the excitement of the contest, mostly because of the enthusiasm I saw on Facebook, and articles in the Chapleau Express, I see it as a tremendous unifying force, and what a way to launch the reunion festival for the 90th reunion of Chapleau High School a year from now. We will all have to take time to go fishing.
Chapleau was the leader in final round of voting and the winner will b declared on June 6.
Let me share an example of how the contest has been bringing Chapleauites together, that, to me at least, goes far beyond winning the contest.
Moments ago, honest, and the timing was not staged, as I was typing away,(on Tuesday) I received a Facebook message from John Broomhead, including a link to the CTV News coverage of Chapleau in the fishing contest. Janet, his sister, now the Economic Development Specialist for Chapleau, was interviewed. I taught both John and Janet, and immediately I thought of many conversations I had with Janet about poetry, and english literature generally.
They are the children of Anna and Arthur Broomhead, and members of a family that has made an immense contribution to the betterment of Chapleau since its early beginnings. And a fishing contest brings us back together again.
However, I digress, as I so often do.
It seems to me that Chapleau's great moments really started with the arrival of the Canadian Pacific Railway in 1885, and the early settlers quite literally carved a community out of the wilderness of north Ontario. Just think of the challenges they faced, but houses and churches were built, a businesss section emerged very quickly as did schools plus they formed a town band, played hockey, curled, and by 1901 had become an organized municipality with G.B. Nicholson as reeve.
As Mr. Nicholson left office, Chapleau was a modern community by 1914 - with a Town Hall, water system. some street lights, a hospital, a golf course, arena and sidewalks.
And, of course, on a Sunday afternoon, they would go down the "front and back rivers" to Mulligan's Bay and yes, go fishing.
Two of the great moments in Chapleau history centred around World Wars I and II when so many of the community's own served in Canada's armed forces.
When those who served came home, they contributed immensely to the betterment of the community, and I could go on forever about them. Those of us who live or have lived in Chapleau know who they are.
Perhaps my aunt, Marion (Morris) Kennedy summed up how the community came together at the end of World War II. Shortly before she died, Aunt Marion wrote a piece in which she said that on VE Day in 1945, "parishioners of all faiths streamed into their churches, no parade - just Thanksgiving. All the boys' and girls' names in the services were prayed for - joined together in all churches."
Chapleau has also experienced wonderful winter carnivals, Canada (Dominion) Day, and Beach Day celebrations that have brought the community together, and since 1893, the earliest reference to an out of town hockey competition I have found, fans have packed the three arenas to cheer for their teams, and travelled to other places too. For example, it amazes me that news reports claim that 2200 citizens packed into the Chapleau Memorial Community Arena for its official opening in 1951 when Reeve B. W. Zufelt crowned Betty Ann Payette as winter queen.
But Chapleau has packed the arenas on other occasions and they have been part of my experience of great moments as a hockey referee, coach and manager and as a fan.
In 1976, over 1000 former citizens came home to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the municipality's incorporation, and in 2001, likely about the same number for the 100th anniversary.
Alex Babin and Margaret Rose Payette, both graduates of Chapleau High School, who became members of the teaching staff, co-chaired the 1982 and 1997 highly successful reunions marking the 60th and 75th anniversaries of the school.
I am sure each person will have their own memories of great moments of life in Chapleau, those times when they focused on something that brought people together, perhaps a church anniversary, or a tournament, or a family gathering.
The WFN Ultimate Fishing Town Contest now takes its place in the history of Chapleau when Chapleauites all, no matter where we are living today, voted daily, and then were given friendly reminders to vote again, and again, and.... right up until voting closed. What a great experience!
Two Chapleauites, Pat (Purich) Russell and Louise Cooper, of the Nixon family, recently reminded me of the old Chapleau cheer, and so from Cranbrook, BC, where I am finishing this piece before leaving for a vacation in Florida, and having voted for the final time, here it is. Join me in
Black bear, beaver, muskrat, moose,
Locomotive, baggage car, pullman and caboose,
We're the cream of Chapleau, just let loose,
C-H-A-P-L-E-A-U
CHAPLEAU!!!!
You can take the boy or girl out of Chapleau, but you can't take Chapleau out of the boy or girl. My email is mj.morris@live.ca
THANKS TO JON-JAY BRADLEY CORSTON FOR THE AWESOME PHOTOS
UPDATE... I am now in Orlando |FL
Michael J Morris
Facebook http://facebook.com/michaeljmorris2 NEW!!!
Twitter http://twitter.com/michaeljmo
BLOG http://michaeljmorrisreports.blogspot.com
In fact, having become caught up in the excitement of the contest, mostly because of the enthusiasm I saw on Facebook, and articles in the Chapleau Express, I see it as a tremendous unifying force, and what a way to launch the reunion festival for the 90th reunion of Chapleau High School a year from now. We will all have to take time to go fishing.
Chapleau was the leader in final round of voting and the winner will b declared on June 6.
Let me share an example of how the contest has been bringing Chapleauites together, that, to me at least, goes far beyond winning the contest.
Moments ago, honest, and the timing was not staged, as I was typing away,(on Tuesday) I received a Facebook message from John Broomhead, including a link to the CTV News coverage of Chapleau in the fishing contest. Janet, his sister, now the Economic Development Specialist for Chapleau, was interviewed. I taught both John and Janet, and immediately I thought of many conversations I had with Janet about poetry, and english literature generally.
They are the children of Anna and Arthur Broomhead, and members of a family that has made an immense contribution to the betterment of Chapleau since its early beginnings. And a fishing contest brings us back together again.
However, I digress, as I so often do.
It seems to me that Chapleau's great moments really started with the arrival of the Canadian Pacific Railway in 1885, and the early settlers quite literally carved a community out of the wilderness of north Ontario. Just think of the challenges they faced, but houses and churches were built, a businesss section emerged very quickly as did schools plus they formed a town band, played hockey, curled, and by 1901 had become an organized municipality with G.B. Nicholson as reeve.
As Mr. Nicholson left office, Chapleau was a modern community by 1914 - with a Town Hall, water system. some street lights, a hospital, a golf course, arena and sidewalks.
And, of course, on a Sunday afternoon, they would go down the "front and back rivers" to Mulligan's Bay and yes, go fishing.
Two of the great moments in Chapleau history centred around World Wars I and II when so many of the community's own served in Canada's armed forces.
When those who served came home, they contributed immensely to the betterment of the community, and I could go on forever about them. Those of us who live or have lived in Chapleau know who they are.
Perhaps my aunt, Marion (Morris) Kennedy summed up how the community came together at the end of World War II. Shortly before she died, Aunt Marion wrote a piece in which she said that on VE Day in 1945, "parishioners of all faiths streamed into their churches, no parade - just Thanksgiving. All the boys' and girls' names in the services were prayed for - joined together in all churches."
Chapleau has also experienced wonderful winter carnivals, Canada (Dominion) Day, and Beach Day celebrations that have brought the community together, and since 1893, the earliest reference to an out of town hockey competition I have found, fans have packed the three arenas to cheer for their teams, and travelled to other places too. For example, it amazes me that news reports claim that 2200 citizens packed into the Chapleau Memorial Community Arena for its official opening in 1951 when Reeve B. W. Zufelt crowned Betty Ann Payette as winter queen.
But Chapleau has packed the arenas on other occasions and they have been part of my experience of great moments as a hockey referee, coach and manager and as a fan.
In 1976, over 1000 former citizens came home to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the municipality's incorporation, and in 2001, likely about the same number for the 100th anniversary.
Alex Babin and Margaret Rose Payette, both graduates of Chapleau High School, who became members of the teaching staff, co-chaired the 1982 and 1997 highly successful reunions marking the 60th and 75th anniversaries of the school.
I am sure each person will have their own memories of great moments of life in Chapleau, those times when they focused on something that brought people together, perhaps a church anniversary, or a tournament, or a family gathering.
The WFN Ultimate Fishing Town Contest now takes its place in the history of Chapleau when Chapleauites all, no matter where we are living today, voted daily, and then were given friendly reminders to vote again, and again, and.... right up until voting closed. What a great experience!
Two Chapleauites, Pat (Purich) Russell and Louise Cooper, of the Nixon family, recently reminded me of the old Chapleau cheer, and so from Cranbrook, BC, where I am finishing this piece before leaving for a vacation in Florida, and having voted for the final time, here it is. Join me in
Black bear, beaver, muskrat, moose,
Locomotive, baggage car, pullman and caboose,
We're the cream of Chapleau, just let loose,
C-H-A-P-L-E-A-U
CHAPLEAU!!!!
You can take the boy or girl out of Chapleau, but you can't take Chapleau out of the boy or girl. My email is mj.morris@live.ca
THANKS TO JON-JAY BRADLEY CORSTON FOR THE AWESOME PHOTOS
UPDATE... I am now in Orlando |FL
Michael J Morris
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Michael J Morris

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