Chapleau Legion branch sponsored 'Kiddies Picnic' at Bucciarelli's Beach just before school resumed in 1947

Just before school resumed in 1947, Branch Number 5 (Ontario) of the Royal Canadian Legion sponsored the 'Kiddies Picnic' at Bucciarelli's Beach, the Chapleau Post reported.

It proved to be a very popular event as "large crowds of children" gathered at the Legion Hall an hour before the convoy to the popular swimming area, established by George Bucciarelli, was scheduled to depart

"Being the last half day of summer freedom before settling down to the srious business of school, the picnic was popular. Promptly at 1:30 p.m., the kiddies were loaded in to trucks and cars and transported to Bucciarelli's lake where all sorts of fun had been arranged," the paper reported.

George Bucciarelli

The morning had been "cloudy and gloomy" but "Old Sun put in an appearance about noon and the afternoon was bright and sunny."

"Water sports were held under supervision and the kiddies had a wonderful time. Hot dogs, candy and ice cream were provided to wind up the afternoon and they were returned to town in time for supper."

After the Chapleau boys returned home from serving in Canada's armed forces in World War II, they were very actively involved in community life. 

In fact, in 1947, J.M. Shoup, the long time principal of Chapleau Public School, who had served in both World War I and II, in a speech to the Legion members told them they had a "duty to serve", and they did. Mr. Shoup was president of Branch 5 in 1947.

The picnic is just one example of many where the branch was either organizing an activity, or its members were involved.

Regent Theatre

Moving on to some other highlights from the Sept. 7, 1947, edition, Harvey Fortunato, the owner of Queens Taxi announced that his new headquarters was located next to the Regent Theatre. He would also have one car stationed at the Queens Hotel at all times for the convenience of the hotel patrons. (The Queens Hotel later became the Sportsman). He promised quick courteous service. Phone number was 335. 

The Sun Life Assurance Co. announced that Albert Evans its Chapleau district representative who had been with the company since 1942, had won membership each year in the company's Leader Production Club. His 1947 qualification was substantially higher than ever before  and established him as one of the leading life underwriters of Northern Ontario, and first in the North Bay territory, which included Chapleau.

Later Fitch's now site of Pentecostal Church

Gladys Fitch, the proprietor of Fitch's Quick Lunch said, "Clean home cooked meals at reasonable prices with courteous service. Fish and Chips  every Friday  -- to take out 30 cents per order --- yes, that's not a typo -- 30 cents per order.

When I was working as a newspaper reporter in the 1960s, in those years when there was great passenger train service on the CPR main line through Chapleau, I met several people, who had shopped at Fitch's. 

But, P.V. Wade, the legendary managing editor of the Star-Phoenix in Saskatoon told me when I was working there  that while travelling through Chapleau on a troop train during World War II, the troops would disembark and march over the old overhead bridge.

Their destination -- the liquor store on main street. Certain soldiers would be permitted to break ranks and go shopping. Mr. Wade had served as a captain in the Canadian Army, and was also assigned to the staff of General Dwight Eisenhower, as Canadian press attache,  but he remembered Chapleau -- the bridge and the liquor store.

The Chapleau Post also reported that the forest fire situation was back to normal again after a month of hot dry weather and numerous bush blazes.

And no. I don't recall if I attended the "Kiddies Picnic" in 1947. Most likely I did. My email is mj.morris@live.ca

Reeve B.W. "Bubs" Zufelt crowns Betty Ann Payette as Winter Queen at opening of Chapleau Memorial Community Arena in 1951 as 2,200 fans roar approval

Betty Ann Payette was crowned Winter Queen by Reeve B.W. "Bubs" Zufelt as one of the major highlights at the official opening of the Chapleau Memorial Community Arena on February 3, 1951.

The new arena was opened almost 50 years to the day after Chapleau had been incorporated as a municipality, replacing the "old rink" on Lorne Street and built at same location. Dedicated to Chapleau citizens who lost their lives serving in Canada's armed forces in World Wars I and II, construction had started in October, 1950, and was completed before the end of the winter.

The Chapleau Post reported that that Betty Ann was greeted with the applause of 2200 enthusiastic fans "ringing in her ears" when it was announced that she was the winner of the Winter Queen Contest. She was crowned by Reeve Zufelt during the official opening ceremonies.

The day's activities started with a noon luncheon at St. John's Anglican Church catered to by the ladies of the church for local and visiting dignitaries who included Sudbury MPP and mines minister Welland S. Gemmell, municipal affairs minister George Dunbar and CPR superintendent Fred Donegan. Arthur J. Grout was general chairman for the day's actvities.

The $50,000 memorial arena was to be financed through a $25,000 debenture, a $5,000 provincial grant and fundraising in the community. The CPR provided heat for the arena.

A finance committee report said that, "...it is a big undetrtaking, a great project where enthusiasm, loyalty, and appreciation can all express themselves".

"Sparked by a wide awake and active citizens committee the new arena was built through the combined efforts of almost every resident of the community...." the Chapleau Post reported. A board of management would assume responsibility for the operation of the arena including citizens and members of the township council. D.O. Payette became the arena manager.

As part of its fundraising pitch, the committee said, "This is no time for a silver collection. We need real folding money."

A colourful parade of floats, dog teams and decorated cars, led by the Chapleau High School Girls Bugle Band, moved off from the Town Hall at two p.m. in bright winter sunshine, following the luncheon, for the arena, where activities would get underway.

First prize in the float contest went to the Chapleau Boy Scouts for their traditional scout sceneof tent, camp fire and scouts on guard while another winner was the Department of Lands and Forests depicting a trapping scene. The Chapleau Figure Skating Club was another participant and Pat (Purich) Russell was able to provide a photo of her on it. The float had been designed by her sister Stella. In front is her brother Charlie in Maple Leafs sweater. Others not known.

Pat's father, Jimmy Purich was the parade marshal.

Among the afternoon activities was a broomball game between the Kormak Lumber Kings and Chapleau All Stars. Kormak won 1-0. There was also figure skating by Chapleau and Coniston skaters.
Reflecting on the Fifties in Chapleau, and into the Sixties, hockey and broomball teams from communities along the CPR main line between Biscotasing and White River were regular visitors to Chapleau and the memorial arena. Everybody travelled by train.


At eight p.m., Reeve Zufelt led the dignitaries to a platform at centre ice for the official opening ceremonies.

More than 50 members of Branch Number 5 of the Royal Canadian Legion were on parade for the dedication ceremony conducted by Rev. E. Roy Haddon of St. John's Anglican Church assisted by Msgr. Romeo Gascon of Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church and Rev. H.A. Strapp of Trinity United Church.

Following the opening ceremonies, interestingly, the major hockey game was between the Coniston Aces and Windsor CPR, which Coniston won 5-0. When Windsor came to Chapleau, they travelled on their own private railway car which was not uncommon in years gone by. Chapleau teams also had one at times. No idea why Chapleau was not playing. The day's activities ended with a mocassin dance on the ice surface.

An article in the Chapleau Post paid special tribute to Mrs. A.W. Moore for her fundraising efforts and another noted that the canvassers who went door to door included Edith "Teddy" Schroeder, Gertie Turner, Joe Ladouceur, Leslie Westerman, Ken Lajambe, Henry Therriault, Jack McNeil, Ed Lee, Basil Collings, J.O. Cahill and Toddy Collinson.

In 1951, along with Reeve Zufelt on the council were Arthur Grout, J.M. Shoup, George Young and E.J. Lepine.

Summing up the opening, Mr. Grout commented that "the great community spirit of the carnival days is still here." With the new arena he looked forward to the community reviving the great carnivals of the past. And, the community sure did!

My thanks to Doug Greig, Anne (Zufelt) McGoldrick, Ann (Card) Morin, Pat (Purich) Russell, Juliette (Morin) Payette for their research assistance. My email is mj.morris@live.ca

Remember the moon at the end of the arena and this song "By the light of the silvery moon. Sung here by Doris Day

A potpourri of stories from working with Tee Chambers to Junior Red Cross play at Chapleau Public School plus the 'devilish deed' and more from Chapleau

Let me begin with a definition. As I was going over my notes for this column, I immediately thought of 'potpourri' but wasn't exactly sure what it meant. I recalled that the late J.M. "Jack" Shoup, the longtime principal and teacher at Chapleau Public School, township councillor and veteran of World Wars I and II, once wrote a column with that title in the Sudbury Star.

I went to dictionary.com and the first definition I saw said it was a mixture of dried petals of roses or other flowers with spices, kept in a jar for their fragrance. That wasn't the definition I was looking for. The second one came closer: Potpourri is a miscellaneous anthology or collection: a potpourri of short stories...

So, with thanks to Mr. Shoup for the idea I am going to share some of the stories and comments I have been receiving recently from readers of Chapleau Moments in the Chapleau Exoress and my blog plus the story of the "devilish deed."

WORKING WITH TEE
Michael Cecile, formerly of Chapleau, now living in Calgary wrote after seeing the column with his sister Susan's comments on rock and roll and a photo of Garth "Tee' Chambers with Harry "Butch" Pellow and Aldee Martel.

Michael wrote: "Like all the others I’m really enjoying your articles!

"You’ll be pleased to know I get the Chapleau Express by a method something like a portaging trip on the Chapleau River. Marie Fortin has the Express sent to John Champion. He passes them on to me when we meet in a park, walking our dogs in NW Calgary. Not technically sophisticated like email, but it works, and I get to talk with John, his family and friends (he's a Grand Dad now!!).

"I really enjoyed the ‘53-‘54 picture of Tee Chambers! I worked with Tee’s Cartage one summer (like many others). We unloaded box cars and transported goods to the Dominion Store.Then we delivered groceries to Dominion customers around town. If you worked for Tee you’d know he had a great sense of humour and I was the recipient of one of his favourite jokes. We had formed a chain, moving boxes person to person from a box car to his truck. When we came to heavy cases with cans, Tee (next to me) called out “Heavy”, and again “ Heavy”...etc. I of course adjusted my catch-lift accordingly.

"Then Tee called out “Extra Heavy”, I adjusted my lift even more and ended up smashing the box of Kleenex, or something
lighter, right into my face. Of course we all had a good laugh, especially Tee!

"I also enjoyed reading a quote from my sister Susan’s article on “ the mostest rock and roll”. Your readers might like to know that Susan had a stroke in December but is recovering very well with great support from her kids."

Thanks Michael and all the best to Susan.

Louis Fortin's sister Muriele wrote to provide interesting comments on her brother working on the ice gang and Dr. Bill Pellow's memories of the ice house in the winter. Louis worked on ice gangs in the summer and Bill spent winter weekends at the old ice house across from the Boston Cafe. Both graduated from university.

THE RACONTEUR
Muriele wrote: "Mike you are such a great 'raconteur'. As I'm reading Bill Pellow's and Louis' details of ice gang and pre ice work, I'm thinking what physically demanding work that was for young people. Is it any wonder they and many others went on to futher education and successful careers, less physically demanding. For several years I raised my two sons in a rural setting where their summer jobs entailed washing milking cows, haying, cleaning barns etc. I believe it was during those gruelling summer jobs that they decided to pursue higher education. It happened. I'm happy. They are happy."

OFF ON A GOOD TALE
Steve Degeer, a former student from my time at Chapleau High School wrote after paying a recent visit to Chapleau. "I just recently returned to Chapleau for a visit with my parents and I read your article in the paper and I love it! I can remember that you loved to tell us stories about the old days! Someone would bring you a Mars bar and start talking about hockey or chapleau and you would go off on a good tale! You were one of my favorite teachers! And that's to date! Well I'll be looking forward to your next article! Keep up the good work!!!"

Thanks Steve, and yes, I have enjoyed stories and story telling for as long as I can remember. Since I was a child growing up in Chapleau has been central to me whether I was playing in the living room or creating my own plays for the Junior Red Cross Society performances in Grade four at Chapleau Public School. If I remember correctly Alison (McMillan) McMullen, Ted and Brian Demers starred in the first play I created. We rehearsed in the basement of Demers' home on Beech Street at the time.

Thanks to my mother, Muriel E. (Hunt) Morris, who instilled a love of stories in me before I could hardly walk, and gave me the freedom to explore all the great children's literature of my time, story has been the place where I have lived. And I very much appreciate all the kind comments that I receive from so many of you who were her students over the 32 years that she taught at Chapleau Public School.

Michael Cecile shared the following about his mother Renee Cecile who also encouraged a love of reading and music and recipes in her children: "Some parents balked at their kids reading Classic Comics and comics in general but Renee was happy to see us read and encouraged that too. She liked to try new foods and recipes but my Dad was only liked well-done meat and potatoes, but she did experiment on us!" Those of us who worked with and knew Mrs. Cecile, through her years of devotion to the Chapleau Public Library and as school librarian are well aware, of her love of books and music.

FROM MID NORTH NEWS TO THE INTERNET
Little did I realize that my experience as the Chapleau High School reporter (with Joy Evans) for the long gone Mid North News, and a television program on CHAP TV in 1957- 1958 (with Phyllis Chrusoskie, Bill Mcleod and others) would lead to story telling and talking about the stories of others in classrooms in Ontario and British Columbia. And people even got me to write stories about people and events in daily newspapers, for television, in magazines and the internet and books.

THROUGH THE EYES OF A KID
Yvonne (Fournier) Kohls, sent me comments from her brother Rene Fournier who also loves storytelling. Rene wrote in part to his sister: "Thanks for sending M.J. Morris's stuff, I enjoy some of these that I can connect to. The Yen Hong and family article was interesting because Dad was close to the elders and of course I was the same age as Yen's sister (Jean). In fact at some tender age I asked dad if I could marry her. He suggested I should wait till I was ten, but it was O.K. with him if it was O.K. with her mother....

"I will say this, I actually do tell stories about life in a small town through the eyes of a kid such as the morning all the men and boys of Chapleau went to the freight shed to see ten wheel truck unloading. A huge Event! On par with the day the King and Queen's train passed through Chapleau. (they slept while we watched the silent event with our hats off)"

Thanks Yvonne and Rene. Great memories. The Yen story to which he refers is the one about the seven members of the family appearing on the game report of a hockey game at one time and the game played in the Boston Cafe.


THE DEVILISH DEED
The other day Hugh McGoldrick posted on Facebook that he had been talking with Lynn Hazen about the possibility of reunion in 2011 of the the 1976 graduating class of Chapleau High School. I immediately thought of a story that Lynn told about me in the newspaper marking the 75th anniversary of the school in 1997.

Lynn wrote in part that in 1972, two grade niners who had never done anything wrong took the plunge. "When Mr. Morris momentarily left the classroom, the wall clock came down. As they turned the time forward, it slipped from their hands and landed in several pieces on the floor. The two niners slinked to their seats just before Mr. Morris came through the door.

"The longer he grilled us about who had done the devilish deed, the more we dug in our heels and adhered to a new found code of silence. We all stayed for detention. We were together on this one."

To this day I have no idea who did this devilish deed. Perhaps if I attend the reunion, someone will confess.. Contact Hugh or Lynn for more information on their plans.