Chapleau 'boom years' underway as Canadian Pacific Railway shops undergo change to accommodate diesel power in 1950

Reeve B W. Zufelt

Work was being "pushed forward rapidly" on the changeover at the Canadian Pacific Railway shops at Chapleau to accommodate diesel power which would soon be operating out of Chapleau, according to a Chapleau Post article in April 1950.

But what has been referred to as "Chapleau's Boom Years" were well underway as  the community celebrated  its 50th anniversary as a municipality in 1951.

For example, on the municipal scene a sewage plant and system had  been completed and the Chapleau Memorial Community Arena was officially opened in February 1951. Some streets had been paved.

Highway 129 between Chapleau and Thessalon was officially opened in 1949, and following the forest fire of 1948 lumber companies arrived on the scene.

At one point, it was expected that Chapleau would be on the main route of the Trans Canada Highway, and Reeve B.W. 'Bubs' Zufelt appeared in The Globe and Mail pointing out the route. It didn't happen.

Arthur Grout of Smith and Chapple Ltd. expanded with a new building on the "other side" of Main Street, while Charles W. Collins built on the corner of Birch and Lorne Streets right across from the "new" post office. Other new businesses were established.

Back to the CPR. In 1949 the first diesel powered passenger train arrived in Chapleau to be greeted with much excitement. Like almost every school kid in town, I was there!

Meanwhile, the changes at the shops at a cost of an expected $250,000 was scheduled for completion by the summer of 1950.

"The shops are a beehive of industry as construction crews tear down walls and build new ones," the Chapleau Post reported in April 1950.

The article added that three power shovels were on the job moving rubble made by the smashing down of walls, unloading gravel for new cement and excavating. 

It also  predicted that upon completion the Chapleau shops would be the diesel base between North Bay and the Lakehead. It was for a time.

Also, it noted that citizens who had complained for years of the smoke nuisance from the shops practically in the middle of town would no longer have anything to complain about once diesel replaced steam power. As an aside, those were the days when most washing was hung outside on a line to dry with the constant threat that soot would arrive dirtying it before it dried.

The CPR provided steam heat for the lobby and dressing rooms for the new Chapleau Memorial Arena which resulted in great savings to the municipality. 

See names below

In the 1950s there was a great deal of optimism in Chapleau about its future on many fronts. Improvements were made in many areas of community life for sure, but in due course, changes came in CPR operations, and  the Trans Canada highway never did go through the community for example.

After living through the Great Depression and World War II, perhaps J.M. 'Jack' Shoup, a veteran of World War I and II, longtime principal of Chapleau Public School, first chair of the Chapleau Recreation Committee summed up the community's attitude. Everyone had a "duty to serve and participate" to make the community a better place to live, work and play. 

And they did. I have just touched the surface of those "boom years" but growing up during them, it was awesome!  My email is mj.morris@live.ca

Photo 

Sod turning for sewage system:From left to right: Dr. David Lougheed, A.J. Grout, Cecil Smith, Foreman for Construction Company, Walter Steed,.R. Thrush, B. Zufelt (reeve), Ernest Lepine, Max Brunette, J.M. Shoup, Richard Brownlee, Dr. G.E. Young, Geo. Fife, Ovide Payette, Charles Collins. The two girls in the back are Carol Ann (babe) Chambers, Joan Kemp. 

Virus-free. www.avg.com

Chapleau becomes thriving community despite obstacles after arrival of Canadian Pacific Railway in 1885

It never ceases to amaze me how quickly Chapleau developed into a thriving community after the Canadian Pacific Railway arrived in 1885, so I decided to share some of the activities described in the Richard Brownlee Papers. 

Some of the first settlers lived in tents, which also included the community's first store opened by T.A. Austin and located near the site of the Lady Minto Hospital in what was called 'Old Chapleau'. After Mr. Brownlee arrived in February 1886, he established his barber shop in the same location.

However, an early publication says that it was a "red letter day" for the Austin brothers, T.A. and J. McN, when they opened their store on Birch Street in September 1886 with a lean to on the side for Mr. Brownlee's barber shop. The building also housed the first post office.

But it was not only the Austin brothers who were establishing stores. By the end of 1886 it appears that five stores including Austin were on the scene or about to be opened. They included Murrays and Mulligan operated by Patrick Mulligan (my great great uncle), Deland and Kellett, P. Manion and the Hudson Bay Company relocated from what is now referred to as the "Memegos Property" on the Nebskwashi River.

Many  of the early settlers lived in tents, others lived in two rows of boxcars on Godlin and Stovepipe Avenues.

In my 1984 book 'Sons of Thunder... Apostles of Love' I noted that the winter of 1885-86 was extremely cold and disease was rampant. Chapleau had about 450 citizens, 90 percent of them men. Fire was also a great threat.

Boarding houses were built quickly  and the Queen's Hotel was opened in 1887, and the Algoma Hotel about 1890, but it burned down and was later rebuilt.

By 1886, three churches had been established -- Roman Catholic, Church of England (Anglican) and Methodist (later United).

The first public library opened in 1888, first in a boxcar then in the Mechanics Institute where it became the "centre of the social and intellectual life" of the community. It burned down in 1906 and at the time had 2000 volumes on its shelves. 

A school was also established, the first in a tent,  and moved locations until settling on Pine Street.

A street plan was completed and streets were named after Governors General of Canada, trees and King and Queen. Residential areas were established.

An open air  arena was established on Lorne Street by J. Gill by 1888 and a Chapleau hockey team made its first road trip to Sudbury in 1893. It lost. Curling had also been introduced. Other sports were also being played.

The Chapleau Brass band was founded in 1888.

Fast Forward to 1915.  An article notes that "In December 1915 they (the CPR) were moving over 450 cars a day through Chapleau -- there were 56 crews needed to handle the work -- they had fifty engines to handle the freight alone,with six passenger and two yard engines: there were three sets of despatchers and new offices all along the line were opened up, employing some thirty extra operators".

Chapleau citizens started going to Mulligan's Bay (named after Patrick Mulligan) early in its history and apparently the very first boat was a sail boat owned by J.B. Dexter, who helped found the Chapleau Brass Band, was a council member and fire chief.

This has just been a gimpse at some of the happenings in Chapleau mostly before 1900. Despite many obstacles the early citizens established a thriving community in the wilderness of Northern Ontario. 

Once again thanks to Margaret Rose (Payette) and Bobby Fortin -- both members of Chapleau pioneer families -- for loaning me the Richard Brownlee Papers. My email is mj.morris@live.ca

Earle Freeborn, Leo Vezina, Andre (Zenon) Rioux leave CPR ranks to retire as last 'firemen' to leave railway in Chapleau in 1993

First passenger diesel in 1949

Three locomotive engineers with many years of service on the Canadian Pacific Railway "all left the ranks to enjoy retirement", in 1993 which was also an historic moment as they were also the last three "firemen" to leave the railway at Chapleau.

They were Earle Freeborn, Leo Vezina and Andre (Zenon) Rioux.

An article about them notes that Earle had something to boast about as he was never involved in a derailment, runoff or mishap and his record showed no demerit marks over all his 41 years of service.

Earle was also quite involved with the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers as vice chair of the local as well as service on the EAP committee. Earle was written up as an engineer in 1961 became permanent locomotive engineer in 1974.

On his last day of work trip into Chapleau, the article notes that his wife Nancy, daughter Shelley and son David met the train at Esher and drove the rest of the way into Chapleau on it with Earle.

Earle has been very involved in Chapleau community life including service on the Chapleau Board of Education and as mayor of the Township of Chapleau.

During layoffs which were quite frequent during his early years on the CPR, Leo worked in the ice house, on the lake and on snow gangs. For many years he was chair of the locomotive engineers local. The article says "His knowledge and wisdom will certainly be missed."

As Leo retired he and his wife Joyce also celebrated 27 years of marriage on April 23 plus their eldest son Chris received his Master's degree in Biology as Leo made his last trip on April 30 - May 1.

He added that fishing, computers and photography would keep him busy as well as keeping track of the children -- Darryl, Deborah, Jen and Chris.

Andre, (known best perhaps as Zenon) started with the CPR as a mechanic's helper in 1954 before joining the running trades as a fireman in 1954.

He became a full time engineer in 1974 and "kept the throttle moving until his retirement"

On April 15, 1993, he had his last day of work on the CPR and also celebrated his 25th wedding anniversary with his wife Jeannine.

Golfing would be his favourite summer pastime and in due course, they moved to North Bay. 

I recall the involvement of Earle, Leo and Zenon in Chapleau hockey. Earle played and coached the Junior "B" Huskies of the International Junior "B'" Hockey League while Zenon played and was the first trainer of the Junior "B" Huskies when the team was established in 1966-67 by Keith 'Buddy' Swanson, Lorne Riley and Tom Welch. Leo played and was great supporter of Chapleau minor hockey. His son Chris played on the Chapleau Midget team I coached in 1982-83.

This threesome are also members of not only Chapleau pioneer families but of CPR families in the community.

I only recently came across the article about them in Algoma/Hi - Rail Edition No 22, CP Rail System, May/June 1993. My email is mj.morris@live.ca

'Fun to eat in the dining car' a highlight of trip on Canadian Pacific Railway passenger trains for young travellers

Back in the days when passenger trains were the major way to travel across this vast and magnificent land, a meal in the dining car, whether it was breakfast, lunch supper, or all three, was always a highlight of the trip -- at least it was for me!

I recently came across dining car menus from 'The Dominion' in 1953, and having enjoyed my own trip down memory lane, decided to share some of the results. I don't recall my first trip from Chapleau to Toronto on a Canadian Pacific Railway train but it would have been shortly after the end of World War II in 1945 with my mother Muriel (Hunt) Morris and continued for years.

Along with the porter shining my shoes which we left out at bedtime to find sparkling clean in the morning, as we arrived in Toronto (for others Montreal), a trip to the dining car was the highlight of the trip for me.

The dining car steward would come through the train advising "First call for dinner" then second and third in due course after the train departed Chapleau for the overnight trip.

Based on the ' Dining Car Service for Young Travellers Menu" in 1953, here are the messages the CPR provided. The writer was trying to be poetic.

Ian Macdonald collection

The first message to young travellers: "It's fun to eat in the dining car as you rush along by CPR, Breakfast, lunch and supper too, Inside there's something good for you."

Breakfast: " Healthy Billy Beaver, napkin pulled in tight, Sits close to the table, eats with all his might. Juicy brick pancakes give Billy a treat, but we'll have  crisp bacon and such things to eat. The juice of an orange, milk by the glassful make you glad that so early we're up."

Lunch: "First call for lunch in the diner, the waiter announces. No news could be finer. So let's walk quickly through the train, and sit at the fresh white table again. Soup, meat, potatoes, perhaps some pie, or salad and jelly, there's lots to try."

Ian Macdonald collection

Supper: "It's lots of fun on the CPR train. That's why we eat with might and main. For supper there's always something nice. Fish or steak, tapioca or rice. And the friendly waiter is so polite as he pulls back the chair and says good night."

For breakfast on the young travellers menu cereal seemed to be the mainstay, while for lunch soup and maybe a sandwich were in order while an omelet. scrambled eggs or cold sliced chicken were main suggestions for supper. Prices ranged from a 35 cent breakfast to $1.50 for the chicken dinner for supper.

Turning to the adult dinner menus there were two -- 'Table D'Hote Dinner' and 'A La Carte'

Table D'Hote: Some items included a choice of fruit cocktail, celery with olives, cream of mushroom soup or consommé with a main course of baked Pacific coast salmon with dressing ($2.60), Roast prime rib of beef ($3.00), Sliced cold chicken and ham with potato salad ($2.70), or individual pot chicken pie ($2.70). All these meals included potatoes, vegetables, dessert and tea or coffee.

Ian Macdonald collection

A la Carte: Charcoal broiled 'red brand' small sirloin steak ($3.00), charcoal broiled fresh fish with tartar sauce ($1.25), prime ribs of beef ($1.75), and all other items were extra.

I don't recall my favourite dining car meal although it may have been chicken but I do recall vividly the outstanding service there.  I would love to hear your memories of eating there while travelling back in the day.

The CPR included the following statement on its menu: "It is with pleasure that we call attention to the desire and willingness of all our employees to give their utmost in service and special attention, and they as well as ourselves would appreciate your criticism as well as your commendations."

 They most assuredly, at least in my view, gave their utmost in service and special attention,  and I forgive them for the bad poetry!!!

Thanks to Ian Macdonald for providing photos. My email is mj.morris@live.ca

Michipicoten Ojibwe: A Permanent Home at Chapleau

Ojibwe families at HBC Sub Post (1884) CP Archives and Ian Macdonald 

Based on ongoing research, Mike McMullen and Ian Macdonald have prepared  a series of three articles relating to early Chapleau history. Here is the first: 'Michipicoten Ojibwe: A Permanent Home at Chapleau'. I extend my sincere thanks to Mike and Ian for having these articles ready for while I am in Orlando on one of my periodic visits. My email is mj.morris@live.ca

By Mike McMullen and Ian Macdonald
In a letter dated September 1, 1903, William L. Nichols, Indian Agent located in Sault Ste. Marie, wrote to the Department of Indian Affairs in Ottawa outlining a request on behalf of 16 adult male members of the Ojibwe group living at or near the village of Chapleau. They desired that a small portion of land be acquired for them in this area as this was where they obtained most of their livelihood.  The sixteen, representing a total of 52 family members, wanted to establish permanent homes for their families and cultivate small plots of land. Furthermore, they were prepared to pay for this land out of their Robinson-Superior Treaty annuities.  

The names of the 16 Ojibwe who made this request for land, with the total family units in brackets, were:

Chessewahninie, Simon Sr. (1+1=2)
Quemzause   (1+3=4)
Manawassin, John  (1+1=2)
Penewajisik   (1+2=3)
Kebekmaise, Peter  (1+5=6)
Manawassin   (1+1=2)
Chessewahninie, Simon Jr. (1+2=3)
Ashtijizik   (1+2=3)
Caudissa, Jacob   (1+2=3)
Maymayguess, Moses  (1+2=3)
Johnston, John   (1+4=5)
Maymayguess, Joseph  (1+2=3)
Caudissa, Joseph  (1+1=2)
Maymayguess, Ignatious (1+3=4)
Manawassin, Peter  (1+2=3)
Okeemahbinasie or Grosse Jambetta  (1+3=4)

The 52 persons represented on this list were on the Michipicoten pay list of the Robinson-Superior Treaty. The annuity at this time was $4.00 per person per year.

These Ojibwe were part of the Michipicoten Ojibwe Band (also referred to as Robinson Treaty Indians) located near Michipicoten Harbour on eastern Lake Superior, but were a separate inland group or branch of the band.  They tended to camp in the interior near Chapleau, where they hunted, fished and trapped on both sides of the nearby height of land. They would travel back to the Michipicoten River area to trade furs at the Hudson’s Bay Company (HBC) Michipicoten post.  Another inland branch of the Michipicoten Ojibwe Band was located near the village of Missanabie (Missinaibi). 

In the fall of 1884, a Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) survey crew came to a site on the east side of the Nebskwashi River where a three-building HBC sub post was being built. The southeast boundary marker of the town site for the future village of Chapleau would be located nearby.  One of the photographs taken that day shows a group of indigenous people with their teepees (Photo 1). We believe that they were members of the Michipicoten Ojibwe inland group that some 19 years later would make representations in September 1903 with Indian Agent Nichols for a parcel of land at Chapleau.  

With the completion of this HBC Chapleau sub post in late 1884, we believe that the Michipicoten Ojibwe group began to stay in the Chapleau area for most of the year. Carrying out their traditional activities, they were able to trade their furs with HBC at Chapleau without having to go specifically to Michipicoten.  There were increasing opportunities for work in the local regional Chapleau economy. These included working in the bush doing such activities as guiding, tree cutting and survey line cutting. At Chapleau, there would have been general labourer activities associated with the CPR and the growing village.   Also, by early 1887, there were merchants now located in Chapleau providing competition to HBC for their furs. Perhaps, these Michipicoten Ojibwe realized that their future now depended upon living in the Chapleau area and this required a permanent settlement on land of their own.

The Nichols letter of September 1903 clearly received a favourable response as correspondence showed that the decision to begin the process for granting this Ojibwe request was made within a month of receiving it. Then in October, Indian Affairs informed the Ontario Department of Crown Lands of its intention to purchase land at Chapleau on behalf of the Michipicoten Ojibwe group.  Ontario Crown Lands was agreeable subject to an evaluation of any lands in question and a survey.
Perhaps, as a requirement of the process, Nichols, in July 1904, prepared a more formal petition addressed to the Dominion of Canada on behalf of the Michipicoten Ojibwe group.  A hand-written document, dated July 20, 1904, with 16 names and witnessed signatures (they signed with Xs), outlined their reasons for wanting land at Chapleau. The group identified themselves as members of the Michipicoten Band, and had just met in Council at Chapleau under local chief Chessewahninie (Simon Sr.) for the purposes of this petition. They requested that land be “set apart for own use and the use of our families while we are absent on voyaging trips or in other work so that we could build small buildings which we could use from year to year.”  They wanted it situated near Chapleau so “our children and wives could attend school & church.” In follow-up correspondence, Nichols indicated that the group was currently camping on CPR lands and was concerned about being ordered off at any time. It is evident that Nichols was sympathetic to their situation and wanted a land transaction completed for them as soon as possible.

Shortly after submitting the petition, Nichols suggested land on the east side of the Nebskwashi River, southeast of Chapleau, which he estimated at about 160 acres. He wrote that on this property “the Hudson Bay had a temporary post, but it has all gone to decay” (the sub post constructed in late 1884). Indian Affairs accepted his selection of land for the Michipicoten Ojibwe group.  A review and evaluation  by Ontario Crown Lands in October determined that this land was not subject to any prior claims, was of little value and the timber was only of use for firewood.  Shortly thereafter, arrangements were then made for a survey of the property, which was completed in November 1904 with the official survey submitted in early 1905. The size of the surveyed property was 220 acres.
The land transaction was completed in 1905. In May, Indian Affairs purchased the 220 acre property ($1.00/acre) from Ontario Crown Lands in trust for the Michipicoten Ojibwe group at Chapleau. An Ontario Order-In-Council, dated October 18, 1905, confirmed the transaction.  The property was transferred to the Michipicoten Ojibwe Band and designated as Indian Reserve (I.R.) 61.

The purchase of this reserve by the band was paid out of its general funds and reimbursed over time by the Michipicoten Ojibwe group at Chapleau out of their Robinson Treaty annuities
This Michipicoten Ojibwe group now had their land and the opportunity to build their own settlement close to the village of Chapleau.  We believe that they would have quickly made efforts to salvage and restore the three HBC buildings on their property before constructing additional structures to house their members. They apparently made noticeable progress in a short period of time. The Treaty 9 Commissioners, who were in Chapleau in July 1906, wrote at that time that the land purchased by the Robinson Treaty Indians (I.R. 61) “has already been substantially improved.”  Over time this settlement became commonly known in the area as the Memegos (Maymayguess) site. 

In 1906, a picture was taken of Chief Chessequinn (Chessewahninie) being painted by portrait artist Edmund Morris.  Morris was accompanying the Treaty Commissioners negotiating Treaty 9. The location would have been at the Memegos site with the Nebskwashi River in the near background and the CPR line in the far background along the far shore.

The Painting of Chief Cheesequin (1906) Library and Archives Canada 

A 1924 photograph of the site, taken from across the River on the CPR line, shows about 7-8 buildings and maybe there were more. At some point in time, there were two small churches at this site: one Anglican and one Roman Catholic.

Memegos Site on I.R. 61 on east bank of Nebskwashi River (1924) Vince Crichton  collection

However, by late 1965, only 14 Ojibwe lived on the site with 13 of them being Memegos family members. About 1970, the site was abandoned as a new settlement south of Chapleau, off Highway 129 on I.R. 74A, was established.

On the Memegos Site on east bank of Nebskwashi River (2014) Mike McMullen

We visited the Memegos site in May 2013 and partial remains of three buildings were the only reminder of the first permanent site of the Michipicoten Ojibwe at Chapleau.

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.