Chapleau no exception in "Because of Her" campaign as women have played vital and important role in community life since its earliest years

Mrs Hands leaves Chapleau as friends wish her well

In 2016, the prime minister Justin Trudeau, announced the celebration of Women's History Month, but it was not until October 18, 1929, women were declared "persons" under Canadian law. The historic legal victory is due to the persistence of five Alberta women -- Emily Murphy, Nellie McClung, Irene Parlby, Louise McKinney and Henrietta Muir Edwards.

However, in Chapleau, and across Canada, women had been playing an important and vital role in the life of their communities since the founding of the nation in 1867. Much of their good work was associated with church groups, and Chapleau was no exception. 

Although I am focusing on the ladies of Trinity United Church, which was Chapleau Methodist Church, in the early years as an example -- the ladies at Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church and St John's Anglican Church also contributed greatly.  I will also touch on the Chapleau Red Cross Society.

On April 25, 1898, ladies at Chapleau Methodist Church discussed the formation of a Ladies Aid Society of the Chapleau Methodist Church, which was subsequently formed, according to a church  history. They immediately launched "two worthy projects"  -- the cleaning of the church and improving the vestry which was a small addition at the rear of the church which also housed the minister.

When the brick church was completed, over the years "the ladies worked diligently by having suppers, teas, sales of works, bazaars and bean suppers" raising a considerable amount of "talent' money for the church.

As an aside, in 2016, I think across Canada it remains "plus ca change, plus c'est la meme chose"!!!

The church history does pay tribute to the pioneer women including Mrs. Harry Pellow, Mrs. Grout, Mrs. George Young, Mrs. R.J. Allen and Mrs. Halliday.  

Stancil (Pellow) Rose was the church organist for over 40 years.

At Trinity United, the name was eventually changed to Women's Association and it became responsible for furnishings for the parsonage, keeping it in good repair, caring for Sunday school rooms, and cleaning and decorating the church.

In 1947, there were 84 members, and it split into two groups.. They provided finances for the building and equipping the church kitchen, building a garage and sun porch for the parsonage and landscaping the grounds.

A search of the members of the church board of stewards shows that no women served in its  history at least until after 1950. 

However, in Chapleau, Mrs Maud Hands, who was actively involved in the work of St. John's and Trinity United (her husband Fred was a member of Trinity United) was also the only president of the Chapleau Red Cross Society branch throughout World War II. Mrs, Hands also has the distinction of being the first women to be elected to Chapleau council in 1947.

The Red Cross society branch was also active during World War I, but interestingly Rev. Father Romeo Gascon of Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church was first vice president, and committee members included Rev. C.S Applegarth of Trinity United, Rev. J.N. Blodgett of St. John's and G.B. Nicholson. Mrs. May McMullen was president.

Red Cross members circa 1945

In The Chapleau Boys Go To War, which I co-wrote with my cousin Michael McMullen (his grandmother was May (Mulligan) Mcmullen noted above) we noted that "fingers were never idle" at the Chapleau Red Cross during World War II.as it was doing its part for the war effort. Led by Mrs. Hands the branch met weekly in the Town Hall throughout the war.

Most assuredly Chapleau women have made a most significant contribution to community life, and I have just scratched the surface. As Prime Minister Trudeau said we need to appreciate the "significant achievements and contributions women have made to our great country."

“While we celebrate the progress made, we remain keenly aware of the important work that still needs to be done to achieve true gender equality. By highlighting stories of how women have shaped our lives, we can inspire both current and future generations to continue to fight for a society in which all people feel empowered, and have the same opportunities to reach their full potential, Mr. Trudeau said.

On a very personal note, the "Because of Her" campaign has let me reflect on the contributions the women members of my own family made to Chapleau life since its earliest years, and most importantly too, I have thought about those remarkable women in the community, who influenced and helped me. They also made  Chapleau a better place to live for all its citizens. Thank you so much.

Thanks also to those who assisted me. My email is mj.morris@live.ca