Sacred Heart Roman Catholic School "hummed with excitement" in November 1951 with the news that Grade 7 and 8 pupils had been a winner in a Toronto Star 'Heritage of Freedom' Scrapbook contest, according to an article in the Chapleau Post.
Their submission was ranked as first class winner for originality and attractiveness as the pupils presented pictures of northern beauty, unfolding the history throughout the ages.
It was all bound together with leather thongs, set in a Birch bark cover, and topped with lettering of twigs, gilded in gold.
The article continued that in true school spirit the pupils involved received hearty congratulations from other members of the teaching staff and school pupils to the "happy winners who could not believe the wonderful news."
"Many history periods had been used and keen enthusiasm was shown by all the pupils during the organizing of the class project," the Chapleau Post reported.
The win obviously filled the pupils with great pride and satisfaction.
The Scrapbook and the prize which was a three volume set of books entitled 'The Picture Gallery of Canadian History' were to be placed on display in the school.
At this point I will ask if anyone remembers the project and knows where the Scrapbook is. It woud make a wonderful story in itself. I only came across this story and photos thanks to the awesome work of the late Doug Greig to whom Chapleau will always owe a deep debt of his gratitude for compiling Chapleau's history.
At the time the Scrapbook was placed in the school library. The entire project was under the direction of Miss Phyllis Delaney, school principal and Grade 7 and 8 teacher.
It would be "a constant reminder that a job worth doing is worth doing well".
The Chapleau Post article concluded with the observation that the project provided the pupils with an experience they will never forget, and an achievement of which they are extremely proud.
I have included a photo of the school as it was in 1951. By 1953 it had undergone extensive renovations. My email is mj.morris@live.ca
