'Because of her, and her, and...', Ladies Auxiliary to Branch 5 of Royal Canadian Legion provided outstanding service to Chapleau

For 65 years, the Ladies Auxiliary to Branch Number 5 (Ontario) of the Royal Canadian Legion provided outstanding service not only to the Branch, but to the entire community. 

With Remembrance Day approaching and Women's History Month as announced by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau draws  to a close, it seemed very appropriate to include the Ladies Auxiliary among those who "Because of Her" made Chapleau a better place to live for everyone.

Founded in 1935 with Mrs. Mabel Way-White as its first president, the members had family members who served in World War I or World War II, or both -- and some members had themselves served in the armed forces.  Other members included those who had family members who served in Canada's armed forces in Korea, and other places after the two world wars.

By 2000 however, the ladies auxiliary ceased to function as  a separate entity. When Michael McMullen and I were writing "The Chapleau Boys Go To War", Bruce McCarthy, a past president of Branch Number 5 explained to us that the  Chapleau branch is holding the charter but there is no Ladies Auxiliary anymore.

"It began to decline when wives and daughters became qualified for associate membership in the branch. The great majority chose to join the branch rather than the auxiliary. The auxiliary ceased to operate in 2000."

Here is a list of the presidents from 1935 to 2000, but it should be noted that several served more than one term, often after an absence from the position.

They were: Mabel Way-White, Deborah Gawley, Amy Green, Gertrude Therriault, Annie Desson, Emmie Montgomery, Hazel Robinson, Annie Collings, Josie Way-White, Agnes Freeborn, Marian Pellow, Margaret Leigh, Thelma Therriault, Olga (Ollie) Lane, Dorleen Collings, Frances Corston, Eunice Michaud, Janet McCarthy, Olive McAdam, Anne McGoldrick, Winnie Bucciarelli, Elizabeth (Betty) O'Shaughnessy.

In 1985, as the auxiliary celebrated its 50th anniversary, Mrs. Amy Green, a charter member and past president was presented with a 50-year pin by Mrs. Gloria Sandford, the Ladies Auxiliary provincial president. Mrs. Green also received a 50-year plaque from provincial command. 

A Chapleau delegation, led by Harry Searle, a veteran of World War I, led the Chapleau delegation to the Winnipeg meeting in 1925 where the Canadian Legion was established. The Chapleau branch received its charter on October 6, 1926.

In her remarks, Mrs. Sandford extended congratulations on the auxiliary's "outstanding community service."

A Chapleau delegation, led by Harry Searle, a veteran of World War I, led the Chapleau delegation to the Winnipeg meeting in 1925 where the Canadian Legion was established. The Chapleau branch received its charter on October 6, 1926.

Throughout its history the members of the Ladies Auxiliary to Branch 5 did provide outstanding community service and "Because of her, and her, and her, and......" Chapleau was a better place to live for all its citizens. Lest We Forget! 

Thanks to Bruce McCarthy.  My email is mj.morris@live.ca

Chapleau no exception in "Because of Her" campaign as women have played vital and important role in community life since its earliest years

Mrs Hands leaves Chapleau as friends wish her well

In 2016, the prime minister Justin Trudeau, announced the celebration of Women's History Month, but it was not until October 18, 1929, women were declared "persons" under Canadian law. The historic legal victory is due to the persistence of five Alberta women -- Emily Murphy, Nellie McClung, Irene Parlby, Louise McKinney and Henrietta Muir Edwards.

However, in Chapleau, and across Canada, women had been playing an important and vital role in the life of their communities since the founding of the nation in 1867. Much of their good work was associated with church groups, and Chapleau was no exception. 

Although I am focusing on the ladies of Trinity United Church, which was Chapleau Methodist Church, in the early years as an example -- the ladies at Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church and St John's Anglican Church also contributed greatly.  I will also touch on the Chapleau Red Cross Society.

On April 25, 1898, ladies at Chapleau Methodist Church discussed the formation of a Ladies Aid Society of the Chapleau Methodist Church, which was subsequently formed, according to a church  history. They immediately launched "two worthy projects"  -- the cleaning of the church and improving the vestry which was a small addition at the rear of the church which also housed the minister.

When the brick church was completed, over the years "the ladies worked diligently by having suppers, teas, sales of works, bazaars and bean suppers" raising a considerable amount of "talent' money for the church.

As an aside, in 2016, I think across Canada it remains "plus ca change, plus c'est la meme chose"!!!

The church history does pay tribute to the pioneer women including Mrs. Harry Pellow, Mrs. Grout, Mrs. George Young, Mrs. R.J. Allen and Mrs. Halliday.  

Stancil (Pellow) Rose was the church organist for over 40 years.

At Trinity United, the name was eventually changed to Women's Association and it became responsible for furnishings for the parsonage, keeping it in good repair, caring for Sunday school rooms, and cleaning and decorating the church.

In 1947, there were 84 members, and it split into two groups.. They provided finances for the building and equipping the church kitchen, building a garage and sun porch for the parsonage and landscaping the grounds.

A search of the members of the church board of stewards shows that no women served in its  history at least until after 1950. 

However, in Chapleau, Mrs Maud Hands, who was actively involved in the work of St. John's and Trinity United (her husband Fred was a member of Trinity United) was also the only president of the Chapleau Red Cross Society branch throughout World War II. Mrs, Hands also has the distinction of being the first women to be elected to Chapleau council in 1947.

The Red Cross society branch was also active during World War I, but interestingly Rev. Father Romeo Gascon of Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church was first vice president, and committee members included Rev. C.S Applegarth of Trinity United, Rev. J.N. Blodgett of St. John's and G.B. Nicholson. Mrs. May McMullen was president.

Red Cross members circa 1945

In The Chapleau Boys Go To War, which I co-wrote with my cousin Michael McMullen (his grandmother was May (Mulligan) Mcmullen noted above) we noted that "fingers were never idle" at the Chapleau Red Cross during World War II.as it was doing its part for the war effort. Led by Mrs. Hands the branch met weekly in the Town Hall throughout the war.

Most assuredly Chapleau women have made a most significant contribution to community life, and I have just scratched the surface. As Prime Minister Trudeau said we need to appreciate the "significant achievements and contributions women have made to our great country."

“While we celebrate the progress made, we remain keenly aware of the important work that still needs to be done to achieve true gender equality. By highlighting stories of how women have shaped our lives, we can inspire both current and future generations to continue to fight for a society in which all people feel empowered, and have the same opportunities to reach their full potential, Mr. Trudeau said.

On a very personal note, the "Because of Her" campaign has let me reflect on the contributions the women members of my own family made to Chapleau life since its earliest years, and most importantly too, I have thought about those remarkable women in the community, who influenced and helped me. They also made  Chapleau a better place to live for all its citizens. Thank you so much.

Thanks also to those who assisted me. My email is mj.morris@live.ca

Olive M. Card efforts gave Chapleau a prominent place on Northern Ontario map

Olive, Vanessa Santerre, Rita Swanson

Olive M. Card, who became known as "Mrs. Minor Hockey" in Chapleau, tapped every resource to provide opportunities for minor hockey over a 25 year period, Margaret Costello wrote in a tribute to her.

But her involvement in the community went far beyond minor hockey. In 1966, she became the second woman to serve on Chapleau council. Mrs. Maud Hands, who was elected in 1947, was the first. Olive also served as Deputy Reeve.

"Because of Her" great contribution as secretary-treasurer of the Chapleau Minor Hockey Association for 25 years from 1947 to 1972, 2500 players enjoyed minor hockey. And before, I go any further, at least one referee got his start about 1955.

I was not a very good hockey player but played Bantam, so Olive, her husband Don and Garth 'Tee Chambers made it possible for me to attend the Northern Ontario Playground Hockey Association Referee School in North Bay. I know. I know. There are those who would say I was not a very good referee either, but their efforts let me stay involved in the game.

Given her contribution to Chapleau over a period of many years, far beyond minor hockey she belongs in the series celebrating Women's History Month, announced by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.   In highlighting Mrs. Card, she certainly fits the prime minister's comment that by "highlighting stories of how women have shaped our lives, we can inspire both current and future generations to continue to fight for a society in which all people feel empowered, and have the same opportunities to reach their full potential."

Olive (Schroeder) Card attended Chapleau Public and Chapleau High schools, and in 1947 married Lawrence David (L.D, or Don) Card. It also marked the start of her involvement in minor hockey. When Chapleau boys returned from serving in Canadian forces in World War II as Don had, they became involved in community affairs, and hockey was assuredly one of them. Don played in the Town League and for the Intermediates and coached minor hockey teams.

During her six years on council, Olive served as Chair of the Chapleau Recreation Committee and as a member of the Arena Board. She also was an executive member of the Sudbury District Municipal Association and as member on the Northeastern Development Council.

Margaret Costello wrote that "an excellent ambassador, she did much all through the north to promote the interests of Chapleau and give it a prominent place on Northern Ontario map."

She was also a member of the Chapleau Area Chamber of Commerce.

Names Below  St John's Senior WA 1952

A member of St. John's Anglican Church, she was active in the Women's Auxiliary.

"With all her outside interests her home and family were still of primary interest in her life," Maggie wrote.

At a municipal hosted party a presentation was made to her in appreciation of her efforts. The presentation was made by Vanessa Santerre and Rita Swanson of the township staff. 

Jamie Doyle, captain of the Chapleau Junior 'B' Huskies of the International Junior 'B' Hockey League, presented Mrs. Card with an electric wall clock at a Junior 'B' game in early 1973.  The clock was made of dark wood mounted beside a hockey figure above which was an engraved plaque reading, "1947-1972 -- TO Mrs. Olive Card for her 25 years of dedication to Chapleau Minor Hockey".

Mrs. Card assuredly deserves recognition as Canadians celebrate Women's History Month as a  remarkable woman  who influenced us and as the prime minister commented on the Because of Her project  "have helped build a better, stronger, and much more inclusive Canada."

The series continues next week. Thanks so much to all who have commented on the column about Mrs. A.W. Moore and also the photos used. This week I am sharing one of the Senior W.A. of St. John's Anglican Church in 1952. Remarkable women all, including both my grandmothers, Lil Morris and Edythe Hunt. As someone commented: A lot of mothers, grandmothers and great-grandmothers there!  

Thanks also to my cousin Anne (Zufelt) McGoldrick for her tremendous assistance. My email is mj.morris@live.ca

St John's Senior WA 1952. Rev E Roy Haddon was Rector of the parish.


Senior WA of St John's Church in 1952 Mrs. Hands, Mrs. Saylors, Mrs. Haskins, Mrs. Swanson, Mrs. Machan - ? Mrs. Chappise, Mrs. Saunders, Mrs. McKnight, Mrs. Crichton, Mrs. H. Morris, Mrs. Hunt, Mrs. Angove, Mrs. F. Morris, Mrs. Edie McKnight, Mrs. Coulter, Mrs. Keays Mrs. Herbert, Mrs. Donna Westerman front row Mrs. Nixon, Mrs. Way-White, Mrs. Whybray, Mrs. Simpson, Mrs. Collings, Mrs. Haddon, Mrs. Block, Mrs. Card. What a great bunch of ladies.  Photo from Anne (Zufelt) McGoldrick collection)

'Because Of Her' includes outstanding Chapleau women who made significant achievements and contributions to community life

Mrs Moore

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau issued a  statement on Women’s History Month that has prompted me to begin  sharing the stories of Chapleau's outstanding women -- and there are many of them I have discovered as I started researching their contributions to the community since its earliest years. 

Of course, I already knew some of the more obvious ones, and over the past week Mario Lafreniere and my cousin Anne (Zufelt) McGoldrick, have been of immense assistance.

I invite all readers to share "Because of Her" stories about Chapleau women Please feel free to contact me by email at mj.morris@live.ca or on Facebook. 

First though, the prime minister's comments that put it into perspective: “This October, I am pleased to join Canadians from coast to coast to coast to celebrate Women’s History Month.

“This year’s theme – Because of Her – gives all Canadians the chance to recognize and appreciate the significant achievements and contributions women have made to our great country.

“Despite historical hurdles and barriers, women have taken their place – as politicians and advocates, as entrepreneurs and leaders, as artists and academics – pushing for advances and changes that have benefited us all.

“While we celebrate the progress made, we remain keenly aware of the important work that still needs to be done to achieve true gender equality. By highlighting stories of how women have shaped our lives, we can inspire both current and future generations to continue to fight for a society in which all people feel empowered, and have the same opportunities to reach their full potential.

“On behalf of the Government of Canada, Sophie and I encourage all Canadians to join us in celebrating Women’s History Month. I also urge you to become part of the Government of Canada’s #BecauseofHer campaign, to share and learn more about all of the remarkable women – past and present – who have influenced us, and who have helped build a better, stronger, and much more inclusive Canada."

To launch the series, I decided to share two photos that Anne provided -- one of women who were members of the Catholic Women's League at Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church and the other of long-time members of Branch Number 5 (Ontario) of the Royal Canadian Legion receiving 25 year pins..

Mrs Linklater, Mrs. Riley, Mrs Montgomery, Mom. Mrs Freeborn - Legion Ladies

As I considered the prime minister's comments, I felt that "Because of Her", Mrs. A.W.Moore, a real difference was made in the life of Chapleau as she was primarily responsible for artificial ice in the Chapleau Memorial Community Arena in 1965. Mrs. Moore started raising funds for the artificial ice in 1951, just as the arena opened. For those who do not remember Mrs. Moore, she sold hockey pool tickets on the outcome of National Hockey League games -- going door to door to sell them weekly to her regular customers. All revenue went to the projects she supported.

The Chapleau Sentinel noted that her years of involvement with "courage, spunk and determination" to make it happen, will be ever remembered.

Amelia Moore was born in Manitoba, and after moving to Chapleau in the 1920s, and after World War II, became involved in Chapleau hockey primarily as the main sponsor of the Trappers in the very competitive town league. In 1949, she was delighted when her team won the town championship. They were her pride and joy, and they showed their appreciation of her efforts with a testimonial dinner.

After artificial ice was installed in the memorial arena, it changed the Chapleau hockey scene immensely. Bantam teams coached and managed by David Mizuguchi and David Futhey were very successful in the Northern Ontario Playground Hockey Association, and in 1966-67, the Chapleau Junior 'B' Huskies were founded by Lorne Riley, Keith 'Buddy' Swanson and Thomas Welch --- They won it all in their first year in the International Junior 'B' League, as well as the NOHA title.

The Chapleau Intermediate 'A" Huskies of the Northland Intermediate 'A' Hockey League arrived in the 1970s.

When the Chapleau Recreation Centre opened in 1978, the municipal council had decided that the arena portion would be called the Mrs. A.W. Moore Arena, and "Mrs. Hockey' Moore' was on hand for the official opening.

Take a moment next time when you are in the arena to remember Mrs. Moore, and the contribution she made to Chapleau. Because of Her efforts, Chapleau became a better place to live, work and play.  More Because of Her next week. My email is mj.morris@live.ca

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MM