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

Memorial wall of plaques and photos unveiled and dedicated at Chapleau Royal Canadian Legion Hall in 1947

Memorial plaques and photos of the Chapleau boys who gave their lives in World War I and World War II were unveiled and dedicated in an "impressive ceremony" in the Royal Canadian Legion Hall at Remembrance Day 1947, according to a Chapleau Post story.

(I have included photo of the plaque at Chapleau High School)

Victory in Europe Day, more commonly referred to as V-E Day was on May 8, 1945, and Branch No. 5 was honouring its fallen just two years later  on November 11 . 

The Chapleau Post reported that the upstairs hall was filled to capacity for the ceremony with relatives of those being honoured seated in a reserved section. 

Over 100 Legion members paraded into the hall taking their places as a Guard of Honour standing on either side of the hall.

The ceremony was officially opened by D.T. 'Toddy' Collinson, the branch president, and son of George Collinson, a World War I veteran who participated in the founding of Branch No. 5. Veteran Bill Stedman also spoke.

Msgr Romeo Gascon of Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church spoke on the significance of Remembrance Day, focusing on the significance of those who gave their lives.

The plaques, one with the names of those who died in World War I and the other in World War II were unveiled from behind the dark maroon curtains, and dedicated by Rev. H.W. Strapp, of Trinity United Church. The photos were included in the dedication.

Canon H.A. Sims, of St. John's Anglican Church, and a World War I veteran, gave the benediction.

Following the ceremony, the Chapleau Post reported that many favourable comments were made about the arrangement of the plaques and photos covering an entire wall.

I don't recall if I attended this ceremony with my mother Muriel E Morris, and my grandparents Lil and Harry Morris and George and Edythe Hunt. I was six years old.

As most readers know my father James Morris was killed on active service in the RCAF in World War II on July 16, 1943. My grandfather Harry Morris served in the Canadian Forces in World War I, and my grandmother Edythe Hunt, served as a nurse attached to the British Army in England in World War II.

However, this memorial wall remains a special place for me to this day. In 2015 when I was home to launch 'The Chapleau Boys Go To War" with my co-author Michael McMullen, we had a book signing downstairs.

I slipped away and went upstairs and gently pulled back the curtains, and had my own personal moment of silence, not only thinking of my father, but all those from Chapleau, especially those who did not come home. They shall grow not old!

In 1947, at the branch's annual meeting, J.M. 'Jack' Shoup was elected president. Mr. Shoup had served in World War I and II. Other officers included first vice president Henry Therriault, second vice president Rene Aquin, secretary Toddy Collinson and treasurer Fred Matters. 

Auditors were Harry Searle, a World War I veteran who led the Chapleau delegation to Winnipeg in 1925 for the founding of the Legion, served as first branch president and after whom the branch was eventually named; George Collinson and Steve Therriault. The executive committee included Mr. Searle, Mr. Steve Therriault, Ovide Cote, Willard Morrison and Walter Steed.

I have only included photos of those who died from World War II, but will share those from World War I, closer to the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I on November 11 this year. Photos were not available for Leonard Brough, Harold Chandler, Angus Dawson, Frank Matchequis, F. Sheshewabic, Bernham Thorpe.

After Mr. Shoup became president, he gave a speech to the members, reminding them that they still had a "duty to serve." And they sure have, in every aspect of community life!  With a renovation program of the hall currently underway, today's members continue to do so!  My email is mj.morris@live.ca

Reflections on Legion Hall in Chapleau as Branch Number Five undertake major renovation program

As the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I approaches on November 11, 2018, and the centennial of Chapleau's Legion Hall nears in 2020, it is very appropriate that Branch Number Five (Ontario) of the Royal Canadian Legion is planning major renovations to one of the community's last historic public buildings.

After receiving a copy of the letter that the branch sent out to its members regarding the planned renovations, I contacted Nellie Mitchell, the branch president, for an update on the plan. Nellie replied that the branch had " good productive meeting" and it would now proceed with getting the renovationds underway.

I could not help but reflect on the amazing role the "Legion Hall" and the members of the "Legion" have played in the life and times of Chapleau since it was opened officially in 1920 as St John's Parish house.

Opening of hall 1920

After World War I, Harry Searle a veteran, led a Chapleau delegation to Winnipeg for the founding convention of the Legion, and the branch received its charter in 1926 -- Number Five in Ontario, quite an accomplishment for a small community. On a personal note I have always been proud that Harry Morris, my grandfather, a World War I veteran was part of the Chapleau delegation.

But, "the Legion", was not home to the branch in the beginning. Mr. and Mrs. G.B. Nicholson had it built in memory of their son Lorne and his friends who were killed in action during World War I. It  was the parish house of St John's Anglican Church.

The late George Evans, former teacher and assistant principal at Chapleau High School wrote in a column that "It is significant that the donors of the building did not put their names on the monumental inscription: they were content that the world remembers them as the father and mother of Lieutenant Lorne W. Nicholson."

George added that on the carved transom above the front door is an inscription. It reads: "St John's Parish House. In memory of Lt. Lorne W. Nicholson and all those who with him voluntarily gave their lives in the Great War. Erected by his father and mother A.D. 1919".

In our book, 'The Chapleau Boys Go To War' Michael McMullen and I identified a list of 283 volunteers with a Chapleau connection, not all of whom returned home. Thirty-two lost their lives.

St. John's was unable to maintain the building during the Great Depression and  in due course the municipality took it over, and Branch Five rented it, then by 1955 when B.W. 'Bubs' Zufelt was reeve, it was bought by the branch. Mr. Zufelt (who in the interests of full disclosure was my uncle) was given a life membership for his efforts.

Michael and I identified 418 enlistments with a Chapleau connection in World War II, 29 of whom, including my father Flying Officer James Morris, did not return home.

Those who returned and made their homes in Chapleau, like the World War I veterans became very active in community affairs. In 1947, when J.M. 'Jack' Shoup, who had served in World War I and II. was branch president, said they had "a duty to serve" they did in all as aspects of community life with the "Legion Hall" as their central place.

Tee Chambers, Butch Pellow, Aldee Martel 1954

As I reflected on my growing up years in Chapleau I was a fan of Legion hockey and baseball teams with mostly veterans on them. I would hardly ever miss one of their games and Garth 'Tee' Chambers, a veteran, was my personal hero and friend. 

The Legion and its members became very involved in community coaching and sponsoring teams, holding annual poster and essay contests, assisting veterans and their families in need, serving  on local boards, committees and council, providing colour parties for local events, and much much more towards making Chapleau a better place for all.

Back Baisel, Mike McMullen, Mrs Broomhead, Dave McMillan, Richard Pilon, Tim Goodwin, Front Charlie White, Ken Schroeder, Boo Hong

I also went looking for photos and decided to share one of Baisel Collings, who coached the 1954 Chapleau Bantams, posing with the team. After World War II, Baisel played on Legion teams but like many he also coached. 

He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross along with three other Chapleau boys: Willard Bolduc, Donald Freeborn and Lloyd 'Sparrow' McDonald.

His citation reads: "Warrant Officer Collings has at all times displayed outstanding ability and a strong sense of duty, and he holds a fine record of achievement on the squadron. His untiring devotion to duty in moments of danger has been largely responsible for the successful completion of his crew's many sorties, and by his example of cheerful courage has maintained a very high standard of morale, not only for his crew members, but the squadron in general."

To me, Baisel's citation could have been written for any Chapleau person who served in World War I or 2, and then came home and contributed to the community. They sure followed Mr. Shoup's dictum "a duty to serve."

Not too many veterans of World War II remain now, but it is great to see that members of Branch Number Five  are carrying on the good works of those who served before, and they have undertaken major renovations to "the Legion". Congratulations and thank you.

My email is mj.morris@live.ca

. 'Loss needs no learning and sorrow needs no schoolmaster' Rev. Murray McBride at Chapleau Remembrance Day 1961

Impressive Remembrance Day services at the Town Hall and cenotaph following a parade of Branch Number 5 (Ontario) Royal Canadian Legion members was held in 1961, according to a Sudbury Star report.

The Star noted that the turnout of Legion members was "higher than for some years and made a fine showing as they marched in step to music from the town band."

The Town Band was a feature at pretty well all community activities from about 1888 on when it was formed. I have included a photo circa 1922 of the band in front of the first cenotaph built after end of World War I.

After the invocation was given by Rev. J.G. M. Doolan of St. John's Anglican Church, Rev. Murray McBride of Trinity United Church delivered an address entitled 'The New War' which in many respects we find ourselves today in 2017.

Mr. McBride noted that there is "little left to be said for those left behind" as a result of war "for loss needs no learning and sorrow needs no schoolmaster."




As I was researching this column and read the above statement by Mr. McBride, I recalled a comment my mother, Muriel E. (Hunt) Morris made about Remembrance Day. I don't think she ever missed a Remembrance Day service but commented, "Every day is Remembrance Day". As most readers know, her husband, my father, Flying Officer Jim Morris was killed on active service in the RCAF during World War II.

Mr. McBride presented the argument that war and peace can not be separated in our thinking. He proceeded to outline his thinking on 'The New War'.

He said that over a span of 4000 years, the first wars were nomadic tribal wars in nature characterized by invasion, looting, pillaging and slaughter for immediate gain. These were followed by wars for territorial gain as well where the conqueror took over land an settled there.

Then World War I and World War II were wars for intangibles "for principles of freedom and liberty" as well.

He suggested that the new war is vastly different. It is "a war with an  unseen enemy which can occur without advance warning by an aggressor sitting at home and exploding bombs in his own country and count on fallout to weaken those he wishes to conquer  or destroy."

Given our deeply troubled world today with acts of terrorism globally, it seems like Mr. McBride had a crystal ball back in 1961.

In conclusion he suggested that society had "turned away from God" thus causing alienation and causing fear and mistrust in society. "It is this that would seem to have made us so ready to use discoveries for destruction rather than building a better world".

In 1968, Mr. McBride was elected as a Liberal Member of Parliament and served one term.

At eleven a.m. the ceremony had moved to the cenotaph beside the Town Hall where the two minutes silence was observed and the Last Post and Reveille was played by William Forman.

Later at the Legion Hall, branch president Herb Doig presented Life Memberships to L.T. 'Len' Green and George Collinson, who were both World War I veterans.

The Ladies Auxiliary tea was also held presided over by president Mrs. Agnes Freeborn.

Lest we forget there were 32 Chapleau boys who died in World War I and 29 in World War II. One died during the Korean War and another while serving with a United Nations Emergency Force in the Middle East with NATO. My email is mj.morris@live.ca

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MM

Chapleau headed for some significant moments in its history of the past 100 years starting in 2018

Chapleau will be marking several significant moments in its history of the past 100 years over the next five years.

 Remembrance Day on November 11, 1918, will mark the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I, and Chapleau citizens made a significant contribution to the war effort, both on the battlefields of Europe and at home.

In our book, 'The Chapleau Boys Go To War', Michael McMullen and I produced a list of 283 volunteers, 282 men and one woman, with a Chapleau connection, who enlisted in World War I. That was more than 10 percent of the entire population of the community at the time.

We also identified 32  Chapleau boys who died in World War I, or died thereafter, due to their war related wounds/health conditions.

On the home front, citizens contributed to the war effort through the Chapleau branch of the Canadian Red Cross Society and other organizations. 

On November 4, 1918, just a week before World War ended, Lt. Lorne Nicholson of the First Chapleau Platoon of the 227th Battalion (Men O The North) was killed while on active service overseas. His parents, George and Charlotte Nicholson, both members of St. John's Anglican Church, decided to build a parish house. Mr. Nicholson, Chapleau's first reeve from 1901 to 1913, was in the lumber business while Mrs. Nicholson was one of the community's first school teachers.

The inscription on the front of the building says, "Saint John's Parish House... In memory of Lt. Lorne W. Nicholson and all those who with him voluntarily gave their lives in the Great War. Erected by his father and mother A.D. 1919''.

The parish house, which now houses Branch Number 5 (Ontario) of the Royal Canadian Legion was officially opened on April 19, 1920. It was likely in use as a parish house by late 1919.

The Legion branch was established in 1926, one year after the Canadian Legion was formed at a meeting in Winnipeg with a Chapleau delegation led by Harry Searle in attendance.

Ian Macdonald, retired Head of the Department of Architecture and Professor Emeritus at the University of Manitoba, writing about the building, wrote in part that the Nicholson generosity "has left Chapleau with what is probably the most elegant and distinctive of all Royal Canadian Legion properties in Canada.."

Just as World War I ended, disaster struck the Roman Catholic Church members in Chapleau when just before Christmas, the church burned down.

According to an article by Father Albert Burns SJ, a Chapleau native, the first church was built in 1885, on the site of what is today Collins Hardware. This church had become too small, and a larger one was built in 1891 with its final touch in 1898 on the site of the present church.

Unfortunately it was destroyed by fire on December 18, 1918 just before Christmas. Under the guidance of Father Romeo Gascon, the parish priest,  the good people of the parish came together, and  Midnight Mass  on December 24, 1919 was celebrated in the new church built on the site where it is today. Father Burns was an altar boy at that Christmas Eve Service. The "new" church will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 1919.

It struck me as I was researching this column that Chapleau was a busy place for construction in 1919 as the Parish House for the Anglicans and a new church for the Roman Catholics were both under construction about a block away from each other.

Finally, in my musings about some important moments in Chapleau history from 100 years ago, in 1922, Chapleau High School will celebrate its 100th anniversary. The first school was on Pine Street until 1966 when it relocated to a new building where it is today.

If interest in a 100th anniversary reunion can be gauged from a Facebook page established by Janice (Corston) Whitely is any indication of support for the idea, it now has 2,065 members.

 I am told by Graham Bertrand that informal chats about the possibility are underway, and hopefully a decision will be made in early 2018. Graham chaired the 90th anniversary as well as chairing and being actively involved in all major Chapleau celebrations for more than 40 years. If interested maybe chat with Graham!

As an aside, I got thinking about Chapleau houses as I have been writing, and when some of them were built. When I was home for the launch of 'The Chapleau Boys Go To War' with Michael McMullen in 2015, Ken Schroeder, my lifelong friend took me on a front street/back lane tour but we didn't establish when houses were built. Story for another day.

Speaking of Ken, he has a remarkable memory for all things Chapleau and here is a note I received about my Alton Morse column: "Good one,.....Loved it,....thanks,....noted the huge size of the logs,....wow,...Remember a school trip to the mill  pond at S&M and watched these logs floating and being pushed to the debarker,....we went for a walk on these floating logs,..could hardly believe they held us up,...You were there and we walked on them,....now,....today the logs are so much smaller,....Take care,.....Ken,......"

I also received a kind comment from Eric Morse (through Donald Swanson), who accepted the Order of Canada on behalf of his grandfather. Thanks Eric and Donald.  My email is mj.morris@live.ca and yes, I am on Facebook.