Chapleau in 1950 completing memorial arena to replace 'old rink' as Christmas arrives

As Christmas 1950 arrived, the major immediate challenge facing the community was to complete the Chapleau Memorial Arena, which was under construction replacing the "old rink" which had been located on the same site on Lorne Street across from the CPR Shops, according to the Chapleau Post.

However, the newspaper also contained other news, and after browsing through a digital copy of the December 21, 1950 edition provided to me by Doug Greig,  I decided to share some highlights. It brought back fond memories --- I was nine years old at the time. Seems like only yesterday.

Arthur Simpson was publisher and editor and Wilf Simpson, his son, was assistant editor.

To ensure the completion of the new arena, 20 local businessmen each pledged $300 to enable final material to be purchased. An  "all out" fundraising drive was being undertaken and Ross Thornton, pharmacist and proprietor of the Model Drug Store said "$1000 could be raised on Main Street alone."

It happened and the offical opening took place on February 3, 1951, and in a later edition, the Chapleau Post reported that 2,200 people attended it, cheering when Reeve B.W. 'Bubs' Zufelt crowned Betty Ann Payette, as Queen. That crowd may have been the largest ever in that arena, although some hockey games may have come close.

Other contestants included Olive Collings, Pearl Marchessault, Mary Bignucolo, Gloria Warren, Dorothy Bain, Jean Doyle and Juliette Morin.

The newspaper also reported that the Canadian Pacific Railway had agreed to supply the steam to heat the dressing rooms and lobby in the new arena. It was described as a "handsome donation" which was most appreciated as a "generous gesture" in support of the community.

Chapleau bit later than 1950 but good shot

As a matter of historical interest, the memorial arena was officially opened almost 50 years to the day from when Chapleau was incorporated as a municipality on February 1, 1901.

Meanwhile, during the week before Christmas, the Smith and Chapple choir was performing daily at one p.m. for 15 minutes singing Christmas carols. The daily concert was piped onto Main Street through speakers.

Santa Claus had also  made  a visit and 600 children met him at the Town Hall. Santa arrived at the forestry point and crowds cheered as he made his way to the Town Hall. His visit was sponsored by Branch Number 5 of the Royal Canadian Legion.

In other news, the municipality had been advised on December 20 from the Department of Highways that the Chapleau-Thessalon highway had been designated a "King's Highway" (129) and would be maintained by the provincial government. The highway was completed in 1949.

Wilf Simpson's Orchestra would be playing for a Christmas Night dance at the Legion Hall, while a "Monster" Moccasin Dance would be held on the ice at the curling rink on December 27. I had forgotten how popular dances on the ice and on the street were in the winter months.

Fire Chief George Collinson issued a warning about the dangers of Christmas tree fires.

Harold Kennedy had arrived as the new Ontario Provincial Police At the time it was a one officer detachment while the Chapleau police force consisted of the Chief and a part-time night constable.

Rev. H.W. Strapp of Trinity United Church; Father Romeo Gascon of Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church, and Rev. E. Roy Haddon, of St. John's Anglican Church, all provided Christmas messages.

In the recent municipal election, Mr. Zufelt had been returned for another term as reeve, while councillors were Ernie Lepine, George Young, J.M. Shoup and Arthur Grout.

I extend my most sincere best wishes to all readers for Christmas and the holiday season. Thanks to all, who in any way assisted me with Chapleau Moments during 2015. Very much appreciated. My email is mj.morris@live.ca

Remembrance Day in Chapleau 'fittingly and solemnly' observed in 1950 but sacrifices made for freedom remembered every day

Remembrance Day was "fittingly and solemnly" observed by veterans of World War I and World War II, as well as citizens of Chapleau in 1950, according to the Chapleau Post.

The newspaper reported that attendance at the service in the Town Hall, followed by the laying of wreaths and poppies at the cenotaph, which at the time was located beside it, was the largest in many years. It also marked the largest attendance by veterans on record.

World War I and World War II veterans paraded from the Royal Canadian Legion Hall to the Town Hall. The auditorium was filled to capacity for the service conducted by Rev. H.W. Strapp, Minister at Trinity United Church and Rev. E. Roy Haddon, Rector of St. John's Anglican Church,.

Rev E Roy Haddon

Mr. Haddon, who had served in the British Army in World War II was the padre to Branch Number 5 (Ontario) of the Royal Canadian Legion.

In his remarks, Mr. Haddon said that although one day a year is set aside for Remembrance Day, "the sacrifices made for freedom will always be remembered every day."

He added that the principles for which so many gave their lives in both wars to ensure "freedom of speech and worship were not bought cheaply and that should be remembered each time we look at the cenotaph the memorial to those who bought freedom for us."

(In our book, The Chapleau Boys Go To War, Michael McMullen and I note that in World War I from 1914 to 1918, there were 283 volunteers with a Chapleau connection -- 282 men and one woman. We also record that 32 Chapleau boys died in World War I.  In World War II, from 1939 to 1945, our research identified 416 who enlisted, with a Chapleau connection  -- at least 30 were women. There were 29 Chapleau boys, either killed in action or died due to war-related causes.)

Given the size of the community, Chapleau made a significant contribution to the country's armed forces in both wars.

Following the service in the Town Hall, everyone moved outside to the cenotaph for the laying of wreaths and poppies. Each veteran paid tribute their fallen comrades by placing a poppy and saluting in front of the cenotaph.

In the afternoon, the veterans gathered privately in the Legion Hall and later in the day a banquet was held. Once again, Mr. Haddon and Mr. Strapp were speakers, and were joined by Reeve B.W. 'Bubs' Zufelt, of the Township of Chapleau.

Reeve B. W. Zufelt

At the time the Legion Hall was still officially owned by the municipality, but working with Mr. Zufelt, by 1955, ownership was transferred to Branch Number 5. For his efforts, Mr. Zufelt was honoured with a Life Membership in the Legion.

In 1950. D.T. 'Toddy' Collinson, a veteran of World War I, was president of Branch Number 5. His father, George Collinson, a veteran of World War I, was a charter member of the branch. 

Mrs. Agnes Freeborn, was president of the Ladies Auxiliary. Her husband, Earle Freeborn. served in World War I, and was also a reeve of Chapleau.

The cenotaph was moved in 1978 from beside the Town Hall to beside the Legion Hall

From 'For the Fallen' by Laurence Binyon

"They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them."  

Thanks to Doug Greig for the Chapleau Post. My email is mj.morris@live.ca

George Young led polls for council as Bubs Zufelt returned as reeve by acclamation for 1951 Chapleau council

George Young, Bubs Zufelt

With Chapleau electing a new mayor and council recently, I decided to take a look back in my files to catch a glimpse of what was happening in 1951, the 50th anniversary of the municipality's incorporation.

First though, I extend my sincere congratulations to Michael J Levesque on his election as mayor and to Gisele Noel, Guillaume Tremblay, Kevin Lindquist and Gerard Bernier as councilors. All the best as you face and meet the many challenges facing the community over the next four years.

Now, back to 1951 when the mayor and council were elected for one year terms, B.W. 'Bubs' Zufelt was returned as reeve by acclamation, but in a "quiet election" campaign, according to the Chapleau Post,  George Young (the father of Dr. G.E. Young) led the polls in his first bid for a council seat.

Mr. Young, however, was no stranger to community involvement. In fact, In 1921 a ratepayers meeting empowered a board to select a site for a new Chapleau Public School and it made the decision to locate it on the site where it was located on Pine Street until its recent demolition by the Algoma District School Board.

V.T. Chapple, W.R. McAdam and Mr.Young  selected plans and a new seven room building was erected with classes beginning in it on February 19, 1923, according to a document prepared by J.M. "Jack" Shoup. Mr. Young served on the public school board for many years.

Mr. Shoup, the longtime public school principal, was re-elected to council for 1951. My records indicate that Mr. Shoup served 16 one year terms on council, establishing a record for longevity.

Also re-elected for 1951 were Ernest Lepine and Arthur Grout. The Chapleau Post reported that the turnout was 44.36 percent of the eligible voters.

As Chapleau celebrated its 50th anniversary of incorporation --- the community had been established in 1885 with the arrival of the Canadian Pacific Railway -- it was a busy place.

A sewage treatment plant and sewer system were just being completed and in February 1951, the Chapleau Memorial Community Arena was officially opened. Over the next few years, roads were paved, sidewalks extended, and new businesses and industries arrived. 

The CPR located a diesel repair shop at Chapleau and lumber companies moved into the area following the 1948 forest fire. Main (Birch) Street took on a new look. The photo included of Chapleau by the late 1950s gives an indication of how the central part of the community looked.

How many buildings can you name? Email MJM

The 1950s have been referred to as Chapleau's "boom years", and the reeve and council of 1951, deserve much credit in working to make the community a better place to live, work and play, along with the businesses and industries and citizens who volunteered to serve the community.

For example, I am always reminded of the answer Frank Coulter gave me when I asked him why he had served so many years on the public school board. His reply: "Mr. Shoup told us we had a duty to serve, and this is one way that I could."

In the interests of full disclosure though, Reeve B.W. "Bubs" Zufelt, was my uncle.

However, even though Chapleau's future looked bright, there was at least one warning sign in 1951. With dieselization by the CPR, it no longer needed to purchase water from the municipality which meant a drop in annual revenue of $5,000.

Thanks to Doug Greig for the Chapleau Post and Charlie Purich for the photo of Chapleau. My email is mj.morris@live.ca

CHS student named 1956 Chapeau Winter Carnival Queen. Who is she?

Identify the Chapleau High School student who was the 1956 Chapleau Winter Carnival Queen in 1956, seen here with Carnival King B.W. 'Bubs' Zufelt, a long serving Chapleau reeve and councillor.

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

Official opening of Chapleau-Timmins Highway 101 connection in 1962 called 'banner day' in Northern Ontario history as aerial bombs exploded everywhere

Between Chapleau and Foleyet Hwy 101 construction

The Chapleau-Timmins Highway 101 connection was officially opened on June 23, 1962, with citizens awakened by the sound of aerial bombs exploding everywhere, making it a "banner day" in the history of Northern Ontario.
Ken Encil was in charge of the explosive start to the activities while Jack Baker, president of the Chapleau Chamber of Commerce, commented that the committee had gone "to great lengths to make this a banner day in the history of Northern Ontario, as indeed (the road) is making history for this part of the country.

Monster dances had been held the previous evening with the teenage dance on Pine Street across from the old Chapleau High School which had been illuminated with coloured lights and the adult dance in the Royal Canadian Legion Hall. The very popular Jim Lane was the master of ceremonies and in charge of music for both dances, and let me tell you, it was one great night in Chapleau for everyone. I was home from university for the summer and remember it all like it was only yesterday.

At 8:30 am. Chapleau vehicles proceeded to the Shawmere River, and were directed to stop west of the river and park under the direction of the Ontario Provincial Police. The directions were very specific as Timmins vehicles were to leave that city, not later than eight a.m. to arrive at the Shawmere not later than 10 a.m. and be "parked two cars wide facing west and must stop 300 feet short of the bridge..." A warning, "Don't forget the fly dope," was issued.

At 10 a.m "sharp" there was a tug of war competition on the bridge between two teams from Timmins and two from Chapleau lumber jacks. I have no idea all these years later who won, but the Timmins Canadian Legion Band was also there playing numbers before the opening ceremonies began.

Jim Wyatt of Timmins was master of ceremonies, while W.E. Brewer, Jack Baker, and Herb Curnow, presidents of the Porcupine, Chapleau and Foleyet chambers of commerce, gave short addresses. Rheal Belisle, MPP, introduced W.J. Goodfellow, the Ontario Minister of Highways who officiated at the official ribbon cutting after which Dr. J.B. McClinton, of Timmins, a pioneer promoter of the highway unveiled an historical plaque. Two years later when I became a reporter at the Timmins Daily Press, I came to know Dr. McClinton and what a great supporter he was of the development of Northern Ontario.

The parade then proceeded to Chapleau, and upon arrival at the outskirts of town, headed by the Chapleau Town Band and with the assistance of the Timmins Legion Band, Timmins Lions Sea Cadet Band, Chapleau High School Girls Bugle Band, Chapleau Pipers, drum majorettes from Timmins, CHS Cadet Corps the procession of vehicles and floats headed into town. It ended up at the Town Hall. Charlie Law and Willard Morrison were parade marshals.

After the parade Balloon Man Ernie Holden and 101 Pennant Man Casey Nowakoski could be found at the beach area where as usual J.M. "Jack" Shoup was in charge of the activities for children. The usual activities associated with Chapleau celebrations took place with the added attraction of a fire brigade competition on Pine Street between teams from Chapleau, Timmins, Porcupine, Tisdale and Schumacher all organized by Fire Chiefs Ad Andrews of Chapleau and Stanley of Timmins.

A challenge grudge softball game was held between Chapleau council and all stars led by Reeve D.J. "Jim" Broomhead and Timmins led by Mayor Leo Del Villano.

I never seem to have the winners of competitions in Chapleau, so if anyone remembers, please feel free to let me know. If you have photos please let me know.

As I look at the program all these years later, it was a non-stop weekend in Chapleau with activities for people of all ages and it brought visitors to the community from everywhere -- or so it sure seems. The organizing committee was chaired by Arthur J. Grout assisted by Ted Demers and Jim Wyatt. Committee members came from every organization.

On the same weekend, the executive of the Sudbury and District Municipal Association held a meeting in Chapleau, and Ontario cabinet minister W.J. Spooner officially opened the Five Mile Lake Provincial Park.

On Saturday evening as soon as it was "sufficiently dark" there was a fascinating outdoor picture show on two screens organized by Yvon Martel assisted by Ted Demers and Eric Gage while near the end of an amateur show in the town hall auditorium there was a playback of a record made some 10 years earlier by Chapleau proponents of Highway 101. Speakers on it were B.W. "Bubs" Zufelt, the reeve of Chapleau in 1951, and Charles W. Collins, A.E. Evans and Mr. Grout. all citizens who in their time were devoted to the best interests of the community. I wonder if anyone still has this recording, a very important historical document.

A giant fireworks display organized by Tommy Godfrey and his crew brought the day's activities to a close