Bachelors of Chapleau sponsor first dance in Chapleau Town Hall in 1915 with Alf Comte's Grand Orchestra

see names below

The first dance in the new Town Hall was held in 1915 sponsored by the "Bachelors of Chapleau", according to an article in the Richard Brownlee Papers. The hall was opened in 1914.

The unidentified writer, noted that a large illuminated sign with the word "BACHELORS" on it was suspended over the centre of the auditorium.

The "Grand Orchestra" under the leadership of Alf Comte was in attendance and the favourite dances were waltzes, two steps, three steps, four steps and barn dances. 

"The bachelors were all in full evening dress while the ladies ... were divinely beautiful and gorgeously gowned, some of them wearing long dresses.'

The writer poses the question, "Do you ever see anything like this in a Chapleau ballroom today?'" My best guess is that this article appeared in the Chapleau Post circa 1930. How about today in 2016? At best maybe an idea to mark moments in Chapleau history?

Some of the "patronesses" for the occasion were the wives of T.J. Godfrey who had just become reeve of Chapleau; G.B. Nicholson who had  served as reeve from 1901 to 1913; V.T. Chapple of Smith and Chapple Ltd. and William McMullen, who had been the postmaster and also assistant superintendent of the Canadian Pacific Railway. Interesting that in 1915, the wives were not identified by their own names. 

Moving on to an observation about the CPR, he notes that in December 1915 it was moving over 450 cars a day through Chapleau and there were 56 crews with 50 engines to handle the freight alone, plus six passenger and two yard engines.

Now, let's go back to the beginnings of Chapleau in 1885, and I do so because since I started sharing insights from the Richard Brownlee papers, kindly loaned to me by Margaret Rose (Payette) and Bobby Fortin, there seems to be quite an interest in the early years of the community. 

I am careful though about assigning exact years for some though as depending on the source they sometimes vary. As always, at best I try to provide the second and maybe third "rough draft" of Chapleau history.

In response to a recent question, by 1887, according to the Brownlee papers five general stores were opened: Murrays and Mulligan, T.A. Austin (moved to the present Birch Street from "Old Chapleau" on the hill in 1886, and Mr. Brownlee's barber shop was included as a leanto); Delland and Kellett; the Hudson Bay Company (moved from what is now referred to as the Memegos Property) and P. Manion. 

HBC post at "Memegos Property"

(Full disclosure: Patrick Mulligan was my great-great uncle,and William McMullen my great uncle)

By 1888, Chapleau's first band had been established with J.B. Dexter as the first bandmaster, with 13 members. The band held its first picnic on May 24, 1889, marking Queen Victoria's birthday, and apparently it was a big success.

The first boat also appeared on the Chapleau river.

I am sharing several photos but in the case of the one apparently showing Chapleau in either 1887 or 1889 here is the description from the Chapleau Public library site, which I highly recommend to those interested in Chapleau history.

"It was taken from a point south of the Canadian Pacific Railway opposite the west end of Pine Street. You may observe the wooden sidewalk along the south side of Pine Street and the C.P.R. houses located there today, to the extreme left of the picture. In the centre may be observed Beech Street and further along to the right Main Street (Birch). To the south side of Birch Street may be seen the Mechanics Institute with the three top windows which was built in 1889. Next to it is the Hudson Bay Store. Opposite to this store may be seen the present Bank of Montreal building (now replaced by the new building on the north-west corner of Birch and Young)

"The two small hills or elevations through which the C.P.R. track passes (track is visible in centre running left to right) may be observed. Upon and over them the present overhead bridge is located. Notice the road coming from the south side of the railroad and crossing the track in the vecinity of Pellow's coal sheds, south of the present day C.P.R. freight offices.

"It would appear that Chapleau extended in those days from the bank of the river along Pine Street, across the present town site in the vicinity of the Fox Theatre and continued south to Cedar Street, then south along Lorne Street to the site of the Imperial and Canadian oil depots."

Thanks to all who are in touch with me and to Ian Macdonald for assistance on photo identification. My email is mj.morris@live.ca, and yes, I am on Facebook and Twitter.

names of the Chapleau gentlemen  ----  Male fashion of 1912. Back row left to right: Albert Desjardin, George White, George Collinson, Gordon Sheppard, Simon Kruger, Claude Christenson. Front row: D.O. Payette, Joe Magail or Magill, George Barclay, unknown, Tom Thompson.Some of these men were undoubtedly at the dance.