St. John's Parish House completed in 1919 became 'The Legion' a lasting landmark in history of Chapleau

From St. John's Parish House completed in 1919 to the Royal Canadian Legion Hall of today, the building is a "lasting landmark" in the history of Chapleau. 

Writing about the hall in 2006 in his Snapshots of Chapleau's Past article, the late George Evans wrote "May it still be going strong  in 2019, serving the town and always reminding those who took the time to lean back and read the inscription above the door of the sacrifice and pain of the barbarous 20th century."

The inscription reads: "St. John's Parish House. In memory of Lt. Lorne W. Nicholson and all those who voluntarily gave their lives in the Great War. Erected by his father and mother A.D. 1919. John 15:13." There was an official opening in 1920.

Mr. Evans noted that it is "significant" that Mr. and Mrs. Nicholson did not put their names on the inscription. They were content be remembered as the father and mother of Lorne Nicholson.

John 15:13 reads: "Greater love hath no man than this; that a man lay down his life for his friends". (KJV)

Lorne W. Nicholson. the son of George and Charlotte (Weller) Nicholson, went overseas with the First Chapleau Platoon of the famous 227th Battalion of the Sudbury Manitoulin Algoma Overseas Battalion (Men 'O the North). He was killed in action on November 4, 1918, one week before World War I ended.

Mr. and Mrs. Nicholson included all those who gave their lives in the war.

His father was the first reeve of Chapleau serving from 1901 when Chapleau was first incorporated in 1901 until 1913, while his mother was one of the community's first school teachers. Mr. Nicholson also served as a Member of Parlieament and was also in the lumber business.

Mr. Evans wrote that Lorne Nicholson's parents decided to "endow the community with a lasting and useful memorial.

" In a town of small buildings made of wood they caused to be built an impressive building of fired brick..." It was designed to match St. John's Church 1908 and the Town Hall 1913. Mr. Nicholson played a major role in the construction of the church and town hall.

official opening 1920

Built as a parish house for St. John's, by 1935, during the Great Depression it became too much of a financial burden for the church, especially after Mr. Nicholson died on January 1 of that year, and in due course the building was taken over by the municipality.

After Branch Number 5 (Ontario) of the Royal Canadian Legion was formed in 1926 following a founding convention in Winnipeg attended by a Chapleau delegation,  in 1925, it started to use the building. By 1955, the branch officially had bought the building when B.W. Zufelt was reeve.

Mr. Evans noted that it simply became known as 'The Legion' and had fallen into "responsible hands and continued to be a great asset to the life of Chapleau."

Upstairs became known as the Cranston Auditorium named after Frank Cranston a veteran of both World War I and II who became Chapleau's last surviving veteran of World War I. It has been used for a wide variety of functions. 

Downstairs became the Bisco Room "a legenadary place" according to George Evans.

In his article George Evans hoped that it would be going strong in 2019!!  It still is thanks to all those who have been involved with "The Legion" over the past 100 years. Congratulations.

George died in a tragic vehicle accident in 2012 shortly before the 90th anniversary reunion of Chapleau High School in 2012.

My email is mj.morris@live.ca

Sixty two of 293 'Chapleau boys' who served in World War I enlisted in 'Men of the North' the 227th Battalion

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Here is Part Two of Michael McMullen's research into the battalion commonly referred to as 'Men of the North'. In it he focuses on the 62 men who enlisted with the 227th Battalion in Chapleau. It was officially the 227th Oveseas Battalion (Sudbury-Manitoulin-Algoma. Recruiting was underway in Chapleau by April 1916 after the commanding officer Lieutenant Colonel LeP. Jones had visited the community. Michael also notes that 293 Chapleau boys enlisted in Canada's armed forces in World War I, a very significant contribution from such a small community. I extend my sincere thanks to Michael for sharing his research as we mark the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I on November 11, 2018. MJM .. My email is mj.morris@live.ca 

By Michael McMullen

In doing research for the book, The Chapleau Boys Go To War, co-authored by Michael Morris and myself, originally published in 2015, we compiled the names of 283 Chapleau Boys who enlisted in WW1. On-going research has increased this number now to 293. Sixty-two of these enlisted with the 227th Battalion in Chapleau. Based on Library and Archives Canada data, their names, age and employment status at the date of enlistment are: 

Albert, Joseph 20 Painter; Ashtegezick, John 20 Hunter;

Barr, Alex 35 Teamster; Beazer, Frank 28 Ang Missionary;

Bruce, Edward 34 Store Clerk; Chambers, Ennis 20 RR Brakeman;

Chappise, Thomas 19 Trapper; Chum, James 28 Trapper;

Cote, Hector 17 Teamster; Davis, Joseph 38 Trapper;

Davis, Soloman 19 Hunter; Depew, Chauncey 18 Student;

Donnelly, William 19 Clerk; Doust, Joseph 22 Loco Hostler;

Fortier, Joseph 28 Loco Fitter; Fortunato, Giomi 21 Labourer;

Godfrey, James 15 Student; Gutteridge, Thomas 20 Painter;

Hall, Percy 19 Movie Operator; Hartley, Albert 24 Loco Fireman;

Hughes, Samuel 20 Loco Fireman; Hunt, Maurice 32 RR Trainman;

James, George 39 Bricklayer; Jeffries, Charles 27 Trapper;

Johnstone, David 35 Labourer; Kappria, Henry 34 Trapper;

Lavoie, Joseph 21 Lumberman; Leigh, Frank 19 Student;

Lepage, Florian 29 Baker; Linklater, George 22 RR Switchman;

Lozier, Alphonse 23 Lumberman ; McAdam, David 16 Clerk;

McCuaig, James 20 Loco Fireman; McFayden, Ronald 22 Labourer;

McMaster, Henry 18 Painter; McWatch, Robert 18 Trapper;

Meroult, Charles 18 Labourer; Minnesquah, Antoine 26 Hunter;

Morden, Edward 19 Marine Fireman; Morris, Harry 26 RR Conductor;

Moyle, James 30 RR Brakeman; Neeshwahbun, Thomas 38 Hunter;

Osheckinick, John 25 Hunter; Pedanicut, John 26 Hunter;

Perpete, Victor 29 Merchant; Pitts, Frank 40 Accountant;

Redbreast, Jacob 18 Trapper; Ricard, Joseph 18 Trapper;

Samakese, Isaiah 17 Trapper; Samakese, John 32 Trapper;

Saunders, Thomas 17 Trapper; Schroeder, Charles 33 Loco Engineer;

Shawinegabo, Peter 18 Hunter[ Shesheguin, Robert 26 Trapper;

Souliere, David 21 Clerk; Souliere, Walter 29 Trapper;

St. Louis, Cecil 18 Lumberman; Tremblay, Emile 18 Painter;

Wain, Charles 24 Auditor; Wallace, George 30 Loco Fireman;

Wesley, William 18 Painter; Woodard, Bernard 16 Student.

Of these 62, there were seven who died during or soon after the war due to war-related activities or disease/illness suffered during the war: Percy Hall, Charles Meroult, John Pedanicut, Frank Pitts, Jacob Redbreast, Joseph Ricard and Peter Shawinegabo.

Hall, Percy

Private Percy Cameron Hall was born in Boston, Massachusetts on September 28, 1896, and was the son of Walter Davidson Hall of Vancouver, British Columbia. He was a moving picture operator in Chapleau when he enlisted at Chapleau in the Canadian Army, 227th Battalion, on April 30, 1916. He was serving with the Canadian Machine Gun Corps, 1st Battalion, when he died on August 29, 1918 at the age of 21. Private Hall was classified as missing in action and presumed dead, and is commemorated at the Vimy Memorial, Vimy, Pas-de-Calais, France. His name is inscribed on the Chapleau cenotaph located at the Legion Hall, the memorial plaque at St. John’s Anglican Church, Chapleau and on a memorial tablet at the Church of the Ascension Anglican Church, Hamilton, Ontario.

Meroult, Charles

Private Charles Meroult was born in Montreal, Quebec in August, 1898. He was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Meroult of White River, Ontario. He was living in White River and working as a labourer when he enlisted in the Canadian Army, 227th Battalion at Chapleau on January 9, 1917. He was with the 8th Reserve Battalion when he died on April 23, 1917 at Seaforth Military Hospital in Liverpool, England from cerebral spinal meningitis. He was 18 years old. Private Meroult is buried in the Kirkdale Cemetery, Liverpool, England.

Pedanicut, John

Private John Pedanicut was born on June 24, 1890 in Chapleau, Ontario. He was the son of Joe Meineguess (Memegos) Pedanicut and Mary Pedanicut, of Chapleau, the husband of Sarah Pedanicut and the father of son Austen also of Chapleau. He was living in Chapleau and working as a hunter when he enlisted in the Canadian Army, 227th Battalion at Chapleau on July 7, 1916. He was with the Canadian Forestry Corps when he became seriously ill in late 1917. He was invalided back to Canada from Liverpool, England in late March 1918 and admitted to the Spadina Military Hospital in Toronto in mid-April 1918 at age 28. He died of tuberculosis on June 27, 1918 at the Weston Sanatorium in Toronto. Private Pedanicut is buried in the Chapleau Roman Catholic Cemetery.

Pitts, Frank

Private Frank Pitts was born on May 2, 1876 in Berkshire, England. He was married to Louisa (Moore) Pitts and was the father of Amy (Pitts) Green. He was working as an accountant for the CPR in Chapleau when he enlisted at Chapleau in the Canadian Army, 227th Battalion, on June 17, 1916. Upon arrival in Europe, he became sick and spent much time in hospitals before being invalided to Canada in late 1918. He spent time in Toronto-area hospitals being treated for stomach cancer before being discharged in early 1919. Private Pitts died on March 15, 1922, at the age of 45, and is buried in the Chapleau Protestant Cemetery. His name is inscribed on the memorial plaque at St. John’s Anglican Church, Chapleau.

Redbreast, Jacob

Private Jacob Redbreast was born on January 1, 1898 at Brunswick Post, Ontario. He was living there and working as a trapper when he enlisted at Chapleau on June 29, 1916 in the Canadian Army, 227th Battalion. His mother Susan Redbreast was at Brunswick Post and a sister Harriet and a brother Robert lived in Chapleau. He was serving with the Canadian Forestry Corps, Base Depot, and had just been scheduled to be invalided back to Canada when he died of tuberculosis on August 24, 1918 at age 20. Private Redbreast is buried at Lenham Cemetery, Lenham, Kent, England. His name is inscribed on the Chapleau cenotaph located at the Legion Hall and on a memorial tablet at the Church of the Ascension Anglican Church in Hamilton, Ontario.

Ricard, Joseph Albert

Private Joseph Albert Ricard was born in Moose Factory, Ontario on February 8, 1898 and was the son of Mrs. Caroline Shesheguin of Missanabie, Ontario. He was living in Missanabie working as a trapper when he enlisted in the Canadian Army, 227th Battalion at Chapleau on June 12, 1916. He was with the 4th Canadian Mounted Rifles (2nd Central Ontario Regiment) when he died of wounds suffered in action on August 29, 1918. He was 20 years old.Private Ricard is buried at Ligny-St. Flochel British Cemetery near Ligny-St. Flochel, Pas-de-Calais, France.

Shawinegabo, Peter

Private Peter Shawinegabo was born on January 12, 1898 in Biscotasing, Ontario and was the son of Ignace and Josephine Shawinegabo of Chapleau. He was living in Chapleau and working as a hunter when he enlisted in the Canadian Army, 227th Battalion at Chapleau on July 20, 1916. He was with the 227th Battalion when he died on March 26, 1917 at Hamilton from acute pneumonia at age 19. Private Shawinegabo is buried in the old Chapleau Roman Catholic Cemetery.

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Chapleau recruits for 'Men O' the North' the 227th Overseas Battalion in World War I a significant achievement for small isolated community

As we prepare to mark the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I on November 11, Michael McMullen, my co-author of 'The Chapleau Boys Go To War' shares his research into the battalion commonly referred to as 'Men of the North' which had a significant Chapleau connection. It was officially the 227th Oveseas Battalion (Sudbury-Manitoulin-Algoma. Recruiting was underway in Chapleau by April 1916 after the commanding officer Lieutenant Colonel LeP. Jones had visited the community. The  story continues next week. Thanks for sharing it Michael. MJM. My email is mj.morris@live.ca

By Michael McMullen

The 227th Overseas Battalion (Sudbury-Manitoulin-Algoma) with the nickname “Men of the North” or “Men O’ the North” was one of many new battalions formed in 1915-1916 by the Canadian Army for the Canadian Expeditionary Force (CEF) in World War 1. It was organized in March 1916 and based in Sault Ste. Marie. Its commander, Lieutenant-Colonel Charles Hugh Lepailleur (LeP.) Jones, came from the Sault Ste. Marie-based 51st (Soo Rifles) Regiment. Many from Chapleau enlisted in the 227th Battalion.

With the formation of battalions across the country, an active program of recruitment began including recruitment posters and battalion officers visiting towns and villages. Politicians, community officials, newspapers, church leaders and others pressured men to enlist, promoting patriotism and the need to help the allied cause. In some instances, it could be argued that men were almost being shamed into enlisting.

The first recruit in the 227th was Robert Walker of Sault Ste. Marie, who enlisted on March 14, 1916. He was 34 years of age and worked as a bookkeeper. Over the next 13 months approximately 1150 volunteered and completed the recruitment application to join the 227th. The standard recruitment form, titled Attestation Paper - Canadian Over-Seas Expeditionary Force, was a two page document, which required the recruit to provide personal and background information and to submit to a physical examination. There were five sections requiring signatures.

Declaration to be made by man on attestation

The recruit declares that he has answered all questions truthfully and agrees to serve in the CEF. The signature of the recruit and the signature of a witness are then required.

Oath to be taken by man on attestation

The recruit pledges to be faithful and bear allegiance to King George the Fifth and successors. His signature and the signature of a witness are required.

Certificate of Magistrate

A magistrate or Justice of the Peace reviews the questions and answers with the recruit for complete understanding and confirms that the recruit has signed the Declaration and the Oath. The recruit and the magistrate sign this certificate.

Certificate of medical examination

A medical doctor determines if the recruit is “fit” or “unfit” to serve in the CEF and signs off on his evaluation. The recruit must be found to be “fit” to be accepted into the CEF.

Certificate of officer commanding unit

The correctness of the recruit’s attestation is confirmed by the signature of the commanding officer.

The majority of enlistments took place in Sault Ste. Marie and Sudbury. Active recruitment took place at many other northern locations in the 227th regional area, including 

Webbwood, Blind River, Thessalon, Little Current, Massey, Gore Bay and Chapleau. However, in 1917, most enlistments were being carried out at a barracks in Hamilton where the 227th relocated activities for the winter of 1916-1917, and Parry Sound. The last enlistment for the 227th was Victor William Dunn, aged 18, a customs clerk from Parry Sound, who ironically enlisted in Hamilton on April 3, 1917.

Recruiting was underway in Chapleau in April 1916 after 227th commanding officer, Lieutenant-Colonel LeP. Jones had paid a visit to the community. Immediately after the visit, the Chapleau Citizens Recruiting Committee was formed. Members included: Rev. Father Romeo Gascon, Rev. P.R. Soanes, Rev. G.W. Lynd, T.J. Godfrey, V.T. Chapple, Dr. J.J. Sheahan, J.B. Dexter, P. Downey, A.R. Lauder, W. McLeod, R. Levie, J.H. Bickett, William McMullen, (Michael's grandfather), D.O. Payette, Ed Pearson, L. Barker of Biscotasing, Adelard Lafrance of Missanabie and Chapleau, Joe Depew of White River and Frank Pitts as secretary. Lieutenant William Lyness, former chief of police in Chapleau, who was living in North Bay, was transferred to the 227th in order that he could return to Chapleau to assist in the formation of a platoon.

William Lyness

The first recruit to sign up in Chapleau was James Harold Morris (grandfather of Michael Morris and great uncle of Michael McMullen), who completed his attestation form on April 19, 1916. He was 26 and a railroad conductor. By the end of July, 56 enlistments had been processed in Chapleau with another six to come later for a grand total of 62. It was quite an achievement for a small, isolated community of about 2,000 people, although some of the volunteers came from nearby communities such as Missanabie, Brunswick Post, Biscotasing and White River. The Chapleau platoon at this time included: Lieutenant W.A. Lyness, Sergeant Lorne Nicholson, Corporal Harry Morris, Acting Corporal Joe Fortier, Lance Corporal M.L. Hunt, Corporal W. Davis, and over 50 privates. The last recruit of the 227th to be processed in Chapleau was Charles Meroult, an 18-year old labourer, who enlisted on January 9, 1917.

For the completion of attestation forms in Chapleau, the witness for the Declaration and Oath was frequently Lieutenant William Lyness, for the Certificate of Magistrate, Thomas J. Godfrey, and for the Certificate of medical examination, Dr. J.J. Sheahan. Lieutenant-Colonel LeP. Jones as commander of the 227th signed the Certificate of the officer commanding unit.

After limited training and conditioning activities at Chapleau, members of the Chapleau platoon departed for Camp Borden in mid-August 1916 where the 227th was mobilizing for its war effort. The troops prepared, trained and drilled there and in Hamilton until early April 1917. In Snapshots Of Chapleau's Past, George Evans noted that on Saturday, August 12, 1916, the First Chapleau Platoon of the 227th Sudbury, Manitoulin, and Algoma Overseas Battalion, commonly called ”Men O’ The North,” paraded from the YMCA building on Lorne Street, down Birch Street, over the tracks, to the railway station. Vincent Crichton in Pioneering in Northern Ontario described the event as “a red letter day.” He added: “The Town Band led the way and the whole town turned out to support the ‘Men O’ The North’as they set out to do battle with ‘the Hun’ in fields of northeastern France. Six officers, fifty-three enlisted men, a bandsman and two buglers marched in full gear to the cheers of the patriotic people of Chapleau …”

Of the total number of 227th enlistments who made it to Camp Borden, some were subsequently deemed unfit for duty, which covered a variety of medically–related criteria and performance issues, some were severely injured or possibly killed during accidents, some died of illness/disease and some deserted. A Guide to Sources Relating to Units of the Canadian Expeditionary Force prepared by Library and Archives Canada indicates that the 227th had 28 officers and 783 other ranks when the battalion prepared to go overseas. They embarked from Halifax on April 10, 1917 on the HMT Carpathia and disembarked at Liverpool, England on April 22, 1917. The next day, April 23, 1917, the 227th was transferred to the 8th Reserve Battalion at Shorncliffe, England. The war had begun for the 'Men O' the North'.

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'Chapleau Boys Go To War' official launch planned for Chapleau

Chapleau Boys Go To War to be officially launched in Chapleau, co-author Michael McMullen announces in email.

Here is Michael's email:

"As many of you know, Michael Morris and I have been working on a book about Chapleau’s contributions and sacrifices during WW1 and WW2 with an emphasis on those who died in these two wars. The Chapleau Boys Go To War has just been published and we plan to go to Chapleau on the weekend of July 3-5, 2015 to launch the book. 

"Butch and Brigitte Pellow, who held a fantastic party in Toronto in 21014, are hoping to come to Chapleau for this weekend event. It will be a reunion back home this time if they can make it.

"Arrangements have been made to have the following events to meet the authors:

               Friday, July 3         2-4 pm                              Chapleau Public Library

                                              5-7 pm                              Chapleau Legion Hall

               Saturday, July 4      From 5 pm                        Hongers Redwood Restaurant

"Not only has Jim Hong offered his restaurant for a signing event on Saturday, but he will provide a buffet (reasonable cost) for those who want to stay for dinner.

"For those of you who will be in Chapleau and those of you who may be considering a visit to Chapleau this summer, we hope you will be able to join us on Saturday evening at Hongers Redwood (I still call it the Boston).  Please give Jim a heads-up if you can make it for dinner.

"The book is available on Amazon.com at $18.95 plus shipping (USD) and in Canada at $22.95 plus shipping (CAD) from Michael Morris in Cranbrook (mj.morris@live.ca), myself in Ottawa (mkmcmullen@rogers.com) and at Chapleau Village Shops after the July 4th weekend.  

Best wishes to all,

Mike McMullen"

NOW AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.CA

My email is mj.morris@live.ca

Memorial Service and Dedication of St. John's Memorial Hall Program, now the Royal Canadian Legion Hall, Chapleau

"Greater love hath no man than this that a man lay down his life for his friends." - John 15:13

With most sincere  thanks to Councillor Doug Greig of the Township of Chapleau, here is the official program for the Memorial Service and Dedication of St. John's Memorial Hall, Chapleau, held on April 9, 1920. The St. John's Memorial Hall is now the Royal Canadian Legion Hall.

Some of those participating in the program as you will see, are Rev. John Nelson Blodgett, Rector of St. John's Anglican Church; Rev. Dr. Robert John Renison, later Bishop of the Anglican Church diocese of Moosonee; Rt. Rev. John George Anderson, Bishop of Moosonee; Reeve Max Brunette, Township of Chapleau; Rev. George Prewer and Rev. White.

An address was given by G.B. Nicholson, M.P,. the first Reeve of Chapleau who was then a Member of Parliament. The hall was built by Mr, Nicholson and his wife Charlotte. Lt. -Col. C. H. LeP. Jones , thecommanding officer of 227th Battalion of the Canadian Expeditionary Force also participated.

Today, 90 years later, Thomas A. Corston, the son of Frances (Jardine) and the late Henry Corston, who was born and raised in Chapleau is the Bishop of Moosonee.

LINKS

Men O North 227th Battalion: http://michaeljmorrisreports.blogspot.com/2010/10/men-o-northof-227th-battalion-head-off.html

From Parish House to Legion Hall: http://michaeljmorrisreports.blogspot.com/2010/11/ninety-years-ago-chapleaus-royal.html

Tom Corston becomes 9th Bishop of Moosonee http://michaeljmorrisreports.blogspot.com/2010/04/tom-corston-elected-ninth-anglican.html

Men O' the Northof 227th Battalion head off to World War I from Chapleau while local Red Cross Society supports effort and community holds reception for soldiers when war ends

Members of Chapleau Platoon, 227th Battalion at station

Recruiting for the 227th Battalion of the Canadian Expeditionary Force in World War I was underway in Chapleau in May 1916 after its commanding officer Lieut-Col. C.H. LeP. Jones had paid a visit to the community.

At the same time the Chapleau branch of the Canadian Red Cross Society was active, and after the war ended the community held a Reception to Returned Soldiers.

Immediately after the visit the Chapleau Citizens Recruiting Committee was formed and by August, 62 volunteers had signed up to join the 120 Chapleau persons who were already in the forces. Quite an achievement for a small, isolated community of about 2,500 people although some of the volunteers came from nearby communities like Missanabie and White River.

In Snapshots Of Chapleau,'s Past on www.chapleau.com George Evans noted that on Saturday, August 12, 1916, the First Chapleau Platoon of the 227th Battalion of the Sudbury, Manitoulin, and Algoma Overseas Battalion paraded from the YMCA building on Lorne Street, down Birch Street, over the tracks, to the railway station.

George added: "As described in Vincent Crichton’s Pioneering in Northern Ontario, it was 'a red letter day.' The Town Band led the way and the whole town turned out to support the 'Men O’ the North' as they set out to do battle with 'the Hun' in fields of northeastern France. Six officers, fifty-three enlisted men, a bandsman and two buglers marched in full gear to the cheers of the patriotic people of Chapleau..."

Some would not return.

A Wikipidea entry says thats "The 227th Battalion, CEF was a unit in the Canadian Expeditionary Force during the First World War. Based in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario and Camp Borden, the unit began recruiting in early 1916 on Manitoulin Island and in Algoma . After sailing to England in April 1917, the battalion was absorbed into the 8th Reserve Battalion on April 22, 1917. The 227th Battalion, CEF had one Officer Commanding: Lieut-Col. C. H. LeP. Jones."

Meanwhile, on the home front in Chapleau the local branch of the Canadian Red Cross Society was also very actively involved in the war effort. As I was browsing through Hugh Kuttner's immensely interesting web site, http://www.chapleau.com/
  I was sure that I recognized the handwriting on the minutes of a meeting of the branch in 1917 that had been made available and are on Hugh's site.

Reading the minutes, I realized that Edith Hunt, my grandmother, was the secretary, referred to in the minutes as "Hon. Sec." She had arrived in Chapleau from the United Kingdom just before World War I with her husband George, my grandfather, and their two daughters Elsie, and my mother Muriel.

The minutes were from an executive meeting held on October 22, 1917, in the council room in the Town Hall, which had been opened in 1914, one of the many projects in the early years of Chapleau led by its first reeve G.B. Nicholson, who had retired as head of the municipality after serving from 1901 to 1913 but was in attendance at the meeting.

Mr. Nicholson's only son Lorne, a member of the Chapleau Platoon was one who did not return home from World War I. He was killed on November 4. 1918.

From the minutes I was also surprised to learn that May (Mulligan) McMullen was the president of the Chapleau Red Cross Society at the time. I contacted Michael McMullen, my cousin and our family historian to see if he knew that his grandmother had held this position. It came as a surprise to him too. Michael's grandmother and mine, Lil (Mulligan) Morris were sisters. They were members of the Mulligan family after whom Mulligan's Bay is named.

The first vice president was Father Romeo Gascon, of Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Parish and second vice president was Mrs. M.L. Copping, while Mrs. H.B. Pelton was the 'Hon. Treas.', the treasurer.

Wikipedia notes that the Canadian Red Cross was established in the fall of 1896 as an affiliate of the British Red Cross Society (then known as the National Society for Aid to the Sick and Wounded in War). Colonel Dr. George Sterling Ryerson spearheaded the organization's founding; he was earlier responsible for setting up Canada's St. John Ambulance Association in 1895. The Canadian Red Cross Society Act (1909) legally established the Red Cross as the corporate body in Canada responsible for providing volunteer aid in accordance with the Geneva Conventions

The Chapleau branch was busy during World War I assisting with the preparation of packages to be sent to the troops and others being affected by the war. Mrs. Copping was the general supervisor of the effort while Mrs. Cochrane was sewing convenor, Mrs. Ferguson packing convenor and Mrs. White surgical supplies convenor.

On April 21, 1919, Chapleau held a reception for returned soldiers chaired by Reeve J.D. McAdam with T.J. Wolfe as secretary of the organizing committee. It was held in the Town Hall which, with its theatre and downstairs hall, had become a centre of community life.

According to the official program, which is also available on http://www.chapleau.com/
 music for a concert was provided by Comte's Orchestra under the direction of Mr. Alf Comte, who I remember from the many years he operated the barber shop on Birch Street. The orchestra also played for a dance following dinner. As I reflected on growing up in Chapleau, it seemed that major celebrations included a concert, dinner and a dance all held in the Town Hall.

The concert program included a quartet, violin solo, flute solo, vocal solo, a reading and the overture by Comte's Orchestra.

The dinner menu included oysters in shell, roast turkey with cranberry sauce, tomatoes a la mode and a variety of deserts.

I have always been intrigued by the formality of dance programs in years gone by and the one at the reception was no exception. Divided into two parts, it began with the grand march around the hall, followed by two step, waltz, quadrelle, fox trot, barn dance, Paul Jones, one step and fox trot. Part two varied slightly but of course ended with the Home Waltz.

For this column, after discovering information about my grandmother and great aunt's involvements in the Chapleau Red Cross at http://www.chapleau.com/
 , I decided to generally focus on parts of community life connected to World War I primarily from http://www.chapleau.com/
 I extend my most sincere thanks to Hugh and all those who have made the site possible. It is an incredibly valuable resource. My only regret is that it was not available when I was teaching history at Chapleau High School. My email is mj.morris@live.ca