Mr. Bucciarelli was asked to attend at his property and was greeted by a large group of citizens and the Town Band.
Writing in his book 'Pioneering in Northern Ontario', Vince Crichton noted that Mr. Bucciarelli's "best friends were the children of Chapleau".
A letter to Mr. Bucciarelli, signed by Reeve Frank Edwards expressed the community's sincere appreciation of the many improvements he had undertaken in Chapleau and for the spirit of citizenship that prompted him to make them available for the public pleasure and enjoyment. Particular tribute was paid for Bucciarelliville. The reeve commented from the letter at the ceremony.
The Chapleau Post reported more of a speech by Reeve Edwards based on the letter.
"The citizens of Chapleau desire to convey to you their very sincere appreciation of the many improvement projects that you have undertaken in the district during the past years and for the spirit of citizenship that prompted you to make them available for public enjoymernt and pleasure.
"Today we in particulat desire to pay tribute to your effort in developing what we will always be known as BUCCIARELLIVILLE.
"Here out of the rugged bushland at considerable personal expense you are now in possession of of a splendid picnic grounds with bathing beach. Having made this pleasure spot available yo the public, the citizens of Chapleau unite in saying ; "We thank you Mr. Bucciarelli. We know that you desire much satisfaction in seeing the enjoyment the people -- particularly the young folk -- find in visiting your grounds".
"It is our earnest wish that you may enjoy many years of good health in order that may continue to witness the happiness that you have brought into the lives of others."
Mr. Bucciarelli, who had arrived in Chapleau circa 1910, and established a store, actually held the first picnic for the children on August 22, 1931, as the effects of the Great Depression were being felt. Vince Crichton called it a "brilliant idea" (which it was) and he added that "without a doubt was the biggest event of the year for kids."
The Chapleau Post reported that Mr. Bucciarelli had asked a small group of children if they would like to attend a picnic the next day at his farm. They liked the idea and 275 children showed up the next day.
Needless to say Mr. Bucciarelli had to scurry to get rides and extra food for the occasion. But it all worked out successfully and the Bucciarelli Picnic began.
When I was growing up in Chapleau in the late 1940s and the 1950s, Bucciarelli's Beach was the place to go in the summer months. For years Chapleau High School ended its week long Grade Nine initiation activities with a wiener roast and dance there.
Frank Bucciarelli, Mr. Bucciarelli's nephew advised that in due course, "The "beach" had four small cottages, a dance hall with a juke box, and a small confectionery store open in the summer. It was also a great place to swim, complete with sandy area and diving board and became very popular. Frank also noted there was great blueberry picking in the bush near the beach."
George Bucciarelli was another of Chapleau's outstanding citizens. He died on January 6, 1967.
My thanks to Frank Bucciarelli as well as to Margaret Rose (Payette) and Bobby Fortin for lending me the Richard Brownlee papers. My email is mj.morris@live.ca
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