Updated third edition of 'The Chapleau Boys Go To War' as legacy to Chapleau boys who served our country now available

Ongoing research since the first edition of 'The Chapleau Boys Go to War' was first published in 2015 has led to a third edition being made available, according to co-author Michael McMullen.

I co-authored the book with Michael who is my cousin through our paternal grandparents, May (Mulligan) McMullen and Lil (Mulligan) Morris. We trace our Chapleau connection to 1885 and the arrival of the Canadian Pacific Railway when Patrick Mulligan, their uncle arrived in the community.

"As a result of our on-going research of the past several years we felt we had enough information to produce the third edition",  Michael said.  " This is our legacy for the Chapleau Boys who served in uniform and we wanted all our information in print." 

The third edition contains updated information of the Chapleau boys, particularly in World War One including the names of four additional deaths (up from 32 to 36), additional names of enlistments (up from 283 to 293), and more letters from overseas.

There is now a separate chapter on the 227th Overseas Battalion of the Canadian Expeditionary Force, (Men of the North). Of the 293 volunteers with a Chapleau connection who enlisted for World War One with some exceptions they joined the Canadian Expeditionary Force .

By mid-1916 a Chapleau platoon had been formed with over 50 enlistments. Had we never undertaken our book I would not have  known that my grandfather Harry Morris was the first recruit to complete his attestation form on April 16, 1916. He was 26 and a railroad conductor. He never talked much about his experiences overseas in World War One. He also never said too much about his son, James Morris, my father, who was killed on active service in the RCAF during World War Two on July 16, 1943.  My grandmother and I would have chats.

Michael K and Michael J

In April 1916 after a visit to Chapleau by Lieutenant Colonel Charles Hugh Lepailleur Jones the Chapleau Citizens Recruiting Committee was formed. One of its members was William McMullen, Michael's grandfather,

Of the 62 who served in the platoon seven died during or soon after the war due to war related activities or disease illness suffered while on active service.

The third edition also contains more letters from the boys on active service to the folks back home. It is  truly a moving experience to read these messages from a battlefield in Europe.

In 'The Chapleau Boys Go To War' we recognize that  World War One and World War Two resulted in Canadians from all walks of life served in our country's armed forces. Our story is about the contributions and sacrifices made during these two wars, at home and abroad, by the people of Chapleau, Ontario, a relatively small community in northern Ontario in World War One and World War Two.

There are 18 more pages than in the previous editions.

Michael and I extend our most sincere thanks to Lucy Bignucolo of Chapleau Village Shops for all the assistance she had provided in promoting and sellling the first two editions of our book. The third edition is also available at Village Shops. It is also available at amazon.com and amazon.ca. You can also email me for a copy at mj.morris@live.ca..Thanks to all who have supported this project.

Reflections on Chapleau trip 'With old friends you've got your whole life in common'

Jim, Kim, Dr Bill, Butch, Brigitte, Roger

While thinking about my trip to Chapleau to launch 'The Chapleau Boys Go To War' with my co-author Michael McMullen, I decided that while home I wanted to do the backyards and backlanes just one more time. 

On previous visits since I moved to British Columbia just over 26 years ago, I simply didn't find time, although I did visit the 'Big Rock' on the Nebskwashi River, now in the Peace Park, where we played for hours in our growing up years.

MJM, Sharon Swanson, Michael K.

Harry 'Butch' Pellow, my lifelong friend, summed up the importance of the 'Big Rock' in a column some time back. Butch wrote in part: "But it wasn’t just a rock.  It was the centerpiece of a cowboy movie, a hideaway from bandits or the law, and where we would shoot, maim, wing, or capture and tie up our adversaries whomever they might be.  It was a dry gulch, a mountain top, a cliff, a destination, a point of arrival and a lookout.  In fact it would be anything we put our mind to making it out to be."

Butch and Brigitte

But the back lanes and backyards were also important -- in fact, they were major transportation routes going through friendly backyards and going up and going up and down lanes to get wherever we were going.

I couldn't find a suitable quote about back lanes, but I did recall a Nate King Cole song from 1953: "It's just a little street (back lane) where old friends meet and treat me in the same old way." 

Ken Schroeder, another lifelong friend, who lived on Aberdeen Street, one lane and a backyard from our place on Grey Street, volunteered to come along, and in the beginning, I could just see us trudging up and down the lanes and through the backyards -- even though for the most part, we would have no idea who now lived in the houses along our routes.

I set out from the Redwood to start at Grey Street, and several hours later, made it. In the meantime, Ken arrived, and we decide we would drive, rather than walk the lanes and just look at the backyards. Off we went down Lorne Street from Birch, up the back lane behind where the old old rink and the Chapleau Memorial Arena were, down Lansdowne, up the next lane and so on.

I must admit that Ken has a much better memory than I do. He actually remembered where everyone had lived in every house from Lorne to Grey streets looking at the houses from the backyards. 

Anyway, when we reached the Aberdeen Lane, Ken pulled his vehicle over behind the house where he lived, and advised he wanted to take a photo of me with the rhubarb. I'm still not sure of the significance of me with the rhubarb, as I don't think I raided the Schroeder rhubarb, but I complied with Ken's request.

We ended our tour at the Peace Park, and what a wonderful place that is. Congratulations Chapleau!

Along the way, Ken and I shared so many fond memories of growing up in Chapleau in the 1940s and 50s and we laughed a lot. One I recalled was us driving up and down the Aberdeen lane in a red truck that his father owned -- long before we had such a thing as a driver's license. 

Then we proceeded to the Redwood which we still remember as the Boston Cafe, the obvious place for us to end up. It's where we would go in our growing up years. Michael McMullen and I signed some books, and enjoyed the company of old friends. Thanks to Jim Hong who helped so much to make it all happen.

And thanks to Ken Schroeder for taking me up and down the back lanes, and reminding me of who lived there. Great fun.

But it was also a mini reunion with more than 60 mostly from Chapleau friends who were able to make it for the occasion. It was great that Harry 'Butch' and Brigitte Pellow, Dr. Bill Pellow and daughter Kim, and Ken and his wife Sig were able to be there too. Michael's wife Alison (McMillan) was of course there, and Ian Macdonald had to leave a bit early.

Reflecting on it all now I am reminded of a comment made by country singer Lyle Lovett: "You don't have to have anything in common with people you've known since you were five. With old friends, you've got your whole life in common."  My email is mj.morris@live.ca

'Chapleau Boys Go To War' added to Military History Research Centre collection at Canadian War Museum

Lara Andrews with Michael McMullen

The Canadian War Museum has accepted a copy of The Chapleau Boys Go To War, by co-authors Michael K. McMullen and Michael J. Morris.

Michael McMullen announced that "We are pleased that the Canadian War Museum, Ottawa, Ontario has accepted the donation of our book  The Chapleau Boys Go To War."

"One of our objectives was that our book be used as a reference for further research by others," Michael said.

"Besides personal use, having the book available in libraries, schools and museums will contribute to this objective," Michael added, speaking on behalf of his co-author.

The  book has been catalogued and added to the Military History Research Centre’s library where it will be available for consultation by staff and the general public.

Michael McMullen presented a copy of the book to Lara Andrews, Librarian, Military History Research Centre, Canadian War Museum.

The Chapleau Boys Go To War is  the story of the contributions and sacrifices made during World War 1 and World War 2, at home and abroad by the people of Chapleau.

The Chapleau Boys Go To War is available on amazon.com, amazon.ca and Kindle, Key words: chapleau boys war. In Chapleau it is available at Chapleau Village Shops  My email is mj.morris@live.ca

Coming home to 'lovely land called Chapleau' included book presentation to Donald White its oldest surviving veteran of World War II

Michael, Harry, Don White, Norma, Trudy

Perhaps Laurie (Nichol) Taft summed up my trip to Chapleau with a Facebook comment when she learned I was going home to officially launch 'The Chapleau Boys Go To War', which I co-authored with my cousin Michael McMullen.

Laurie wrote: "Be sure to write about that lovely land called Chapleau where my favourite Auntie Moo lived."

Laurie is the daughter of the late Iven and Arlene Nichol, who came to Canada from the United States as World War II started. Her father, Iven joined the Royal Canadian Air Force, and became a flying instructor with my father Jim Morris in the Commonwealth Air Training Plan at Mount Hope near Hamilton. My mother Muriel became "Auntie Moo" to the Nichol children when Mom and I started visiting them in the United States after the end of the war.

As most regular readers know, my father was killed on active service in the RCAF on July 16, 1943, just on 72 years ago now. 

I am still in touch with my "American sisters" as the bonds created between families during the war remain forever.

So, I went to Chapleau, and here I am writing about Laurie's "lovely land" and mine too, launching a book, and marking  six years of sharing 'Chapleau Moments' in the Chapleau Express, thanks to Mario Lafreniere, its publisher. 

Before I go any further, I extend my most sincere thanks to all of you I met while wandering about town for your most warm welcome and kind comments. 

Paul Carson, taking a line from Kevin Walker, wrote on Facebook, "You're so Chapleau, Mike." I guess I am guys.

For me, working with Michael McMullen on 'The Chapleau Boys Go To War' was a deeply personal experience of course because of my father.

But it was much much more. I think Michael best expressed my feeling  about the book in the broader sense when he wrote in part about its launch: ""Ideally, our book will serve as a catalyst for families to search old shoeboxes for pictures and letters from those who served. Also, medals and awards should be documented for future family generations. It is important that this information not be lost. We owe this to all Chapleau Boys who have served in wars and conflict."

In effect, our book will be a beginning not an end to the story of the Chapleau boys. They shall grow not old!

 

MJ with Bruce Poynter at library

Michael and I are cousins through our paternal grandmothers Lil (Mulligan) Morris and May (Mulligan) McMullen, members of a family who first arrived in the community in 1885.

It was simply awesome to meet old friends, (although I must admit I had some difficulty recognizing folks I've known all my life -- aging eyes on my part) at book signings at the Chapleau Public Library, Royal Canadian Legion Hall and Hongers Redwood (Boston) and on the street. Our sincere thanks to the library, Legion and Jim Hong. 

And it took me about five hours to walk from the Redwood to Grey Street with a side car ride with Orville Robinson to look at some historic photos. Thanks to my old lifetime friend Ken Schroeder for picking me up so we could do the back lanes and back yards for childhood memories. That is a story for another day.

However, for me, the greatest  privilege and honour was  to be able to present a copy of the book to Donald White, born in Chapleau, and the community's oldest surviving veteran of World War II, who is now 102 years old.

Donald has been a member of Branch Number 5 of the Legion for many years.

Donald, a member of Chapleau Cree First Nation, enlisted in the Canadian Army shortly after World War II began, going overseas and seeing action in the drive from Italy, into France, Belgium, Germany, and present for the liberation of Holland in 1945. In being able to present a book to Donald, we were able to honour all  our First Nation Chapleau boys who served in the country's armed forces in World War I and II too.

After living and working in various places after the war but always making time to come home to the Chapleau area for hunting and fishing, Donald returned to retire at the Fox Lake Reserve in 2005. But, according to his daughter Norma Rowena, who kindly arranged our visit with her father, he was still hunting at age 100, with his grandson Stephen Caldwell. Thank you Norma.

Butch, Dr Bill, Ian with MJM

I was so delighted that Harry "Butch" Pellow, one of my oldest and dearest Chapleau friends was able to be with us for the book launch. As an aside Butch was the architect for the Chapleau Civic Centre and Chapleau General Hospital, among other Chapleau buildings, and we were able to get some photos of the "historic"  moment for the community's archives.

Also here were his brother Dr. Bill Pellow, the editor and publisher of 'Chapleau Trails', and another great friend Ian Macdonald, retired professor and head of the department of architecture and now Professor Emeritus at the University of Manitoba. Butch, Bill and Ian have been of great assistance with my column, and thanks so much guys for all your help.

My very personal thanks to Michael McMullen who spent countless hours making it possible for 'The Chapleau Boys Go To War' to be written and published.

Thanks to everyone who made my most recent return to Laurie's "lovely land called Chapleau" so fantastic. By the way, Laurie has never been here, although her father Iven and her grandfather have on a fishing trip in 1954. 

If you live in Chapleau,the book is now available at Chapleau Village Shops. It is also available on amazon.com, amazon.ca and Kindle ..My email is mj.morris@live.ca

Leighton Stultz comments on The Chapleau Boys Go To War

I was very excited to receive a copy of your new book Michael! We've been best friends of 10+ years now and I knew you were a great writer but this book showcases just how talented you really are. I think it's a must read not only for anyone from Chapleau and surrounding area but anyone who wants to know more about ww1 and ww2.

 It's fascinating how much you can learn from this book and extremely interesting so if you have a chance and you see this comment please do yourself a favor and get a copy! 

You'll be amazed how good the book really is! Just another reason I know I'm lucky to have a friend as great as you. Congrats to your cousin Michael too .....

Thanks Leighton! The book can be ordered on amazon.com, amazon.ca or Kindle. Key words "chapleau boys war"..mjm

"When Cranbrook boys meet Chapleau boys and everyone from everywhere in between and beyond"

 Brenda with her dad 'Babe' Therriault

Although The Chapleau Boys Go To War  which I co-authored with my cousin Michael McMullen, will be officially launched during weekend events from July 3 to 5 in Chapleau, a presentation of a copy was made to the Cranbrook Public Library, which included veterans of Canada's armed forces in attendance.

First, Cranbrook. I was so deeply honoured to have my good friends, Ron McFarland, who served in the Royal Canadian Navy in World War 2 and Bill Nightingale, who served in the Royal Canadian Air Force for 33 years accompany me to the Cranbrook Public Library. They joined me in making a book presentation to chief librarian Ursula Brigl.

Ron and Bill represented veterans everywhere for the occasion. I think of it as "When Cranbrook boys meet Chapleau boys and everyone from everywhere in between and beyond".

Terry, Ron. MJM. Ursula, Bill (Joel Vinge photo)

Terry Burgess, treasurer of the Friends of the Cranbrook Public Library made the arrangements, and Joel Vinge took photos. 

While in Chapleau, we plan to present a copy of the book to Donald White, Chapleau's oldest surviving veteran of World War 2, and a member of Chapleau Cree First Nation. Thanks to his daughter Norma for assisting with arrangements to meet with her father.

In an email. Michael McMullen, wrote ""As many of you know, Michael Morris and I have been working on a book about Chapleau’s contributions and sacrifices during WW1 and WW2 with an emphasis on those who died in these two wars. The Chapleau Boys Go To War has just been published and we plan to be in  Chapleau on the weekend of July 3-5, 2015 to launch the book. 

My friends Dane Ries and Jessica Portsmouth, both lifeguards at the pool where I have been swimming almost daily for the past four years took time for photo-op with their copies.

Dane, MJM, Jessica

"Butch and Brigitte Pellow, who held a fantastic party in Toronto in 2014, are hoping to come to Chapleau for this weekend event. It will be a reunion back home this time if they can make it."

I would just add that at time of writing, our good friends from childhood Ian Macdonald and Ken Schroeder, have indicated they will also be home for the occasion. Others are yet to confirm.

Michael wrote: "Arrangements have been made to have the following events to meet us and for those who wish get signed copies of the book::

 Friday, July 3, 2-4 pm at Chapleau Public Library and from  5-7 pm Chapleau Legion Hall

On Saturday, July 4  from 5 pm we plan to be at Hongers Redwood Restaurant

My friend,Leighton Stultz. who lives in the United States was among the first to get a copy.

Leighton Stultz

Michael noted:"Not only has Jim Hong offered his restaurant for a signing event on Saturday, but he will provide a buffet (reasonable cost) for those who want to stay for dinner.

"For those of you who live in Chapleau, and those of you who can make it home, we hope you will be able to join us on Saturday evening at Hongers Redwood (I still call it the Boston).  Please give Jim a heads-up if you can make it for dinner."

I was chatting on the phone with Jim about the get together and yes, I too, still call it "the Boston",

The Chapleau Boys Go To War is on sale  on amazon.com, amazon.ca and Kindle, and after July 4 will be at Chapleau Village Shops where Lucy Bignucolo has agreed to make it available.

We have already received comments on the book, and I will share one from Brenda (Therriault) May who bought a copy for her father Arthur 'Babe' Therrialult.  Babe is a World War 2 veteran who served in the Royal Canaadian Navy.

Brenda wrote:  "I gave my father, Arthur Therriault, your new book (Chapleau Boys Go To War) for Father's Day. He has already read it once...& is going thru it again!! His Uncle Arthur is in it!! He absolutely LOVES it & at 91 yrs old, it is hard to get him anything he loves!! Thank you..."

And thank you for writing Brenda, and all the others who have too. We look forward to seeing all of you in Chapleau from July 3 to 5. I am planning to make time for a walk about the community for old time's sake.

  I will also be celebrating six years of Chapleau Moments, I look forward to chatting with you about potential future columns.  My email is mj.morris@live.ca

'Chapleau Boys Go To War' puts "human face" on Canadian war efforts, according to Ian Macdonald

Ian Macdonald says that "The Chapleau Boys Go To War" puts "very human face on the Canadian war efforts" In World War 1 and World War 2 by the community of Chapleau.

Ian,  retired head of the department of architecture and Professor Emeritus at the University of Manitoba, has written extensively on buildings of Chapleau. In the interests of full disclosure, Ian contributed to the chapters on the Legion Hall and 1181 Chapleau High School Cadet Corps. Ian was an officer in the high school corps in the 1950s.

The following are his comments on "The Chapleau Boys Go To War".  Thanks Ian

"The Chapleau Boys Go To War

One can hardly imagine a more appropriate way to commemorate the one hundredth anniversary of the War to end all Wars.  The book ventures beyond the bronze plaques, memorial windows  and cenotaphs to put a very human face on the Canadian war efforts.

"Casualties of war are devastating under any circumstances  but are perhaps never felt as broadly or deeply as in a small village where everyone knows each other or at least knows of each other. The book, because it focuses on one small community,  is able  to dedicate an entire  page to each  individual  to honour their ultimate sacrifice and provide an important  historic record of the many others who served  on the multi faceted fronts of the various war efforts.  

"The authors (Michael K McMullen and Michael J Morris) are commended for effectively recording this legacy of honour and revealing what we like to think of as the best of the Canadian character."

Chapleau Beach Day raised funds for lights on ball field with activities from "tadpoles" to square dancers in 1954

From "Tadpoles to Teeners" and everyone else in Chapleau, the annual Beach Day held on the first Monday in August ranked as a highlight in the life of the community for many years.

After Dr. G.E. Young returned home to practise medicine, and used his own money created the beach which had been a garbage dump at one time, Beach Day emerged, along with Dominion (Canada) Day celebration as a major summer celebration. It was sponsored by the Chapleau Recreation Committee which was established after B.W. 'Bubs' Zufelt became reeve in 1948.

Dr. Young was a great swimmer and became famous as a kid for swimming from town to his family's camp at Mulligan's Bay. To him it was no big deal. When I asked him about it one time, He shrugged, and replied, "I just started swimming and kept on going."

Beach panorama.. Ian Macdonald collection. CLICK TO ENLARGE

The parade led by the Town Band got the program underway, with J.M. Shoup. longtime principal of Chapleau Public School, organizing the children's section. Mr. Shoup also looked after the children's races.

I was reminded not too long ago that following the parade, all the children who participated received a dime to spend at the beach canteen. A dime may get you a small bag of chips and a pop  -- or maybe a hot dog in the early 1950s.

Just to put the spending power of the dime into perspective, in 1966 I was the bureau chief of the Saskatoon Star- Phoenix in North Battleford, and one day the owner of a local restaurant took me aside and whispered strictly off the record, "The price of a cup of coffee is going up to 15 cents." It had been 10 cents "forever."  I could use the information but no way could I use the name of my informant.

My story on this shocking news made the front page of the Star-Phoenix.

But, as I often do I digress. Back to Beach Day. Charlie Purich recently sent me a program for the 1954 Beach Day which mentions the tadpoles to teeners swimming races. Tadpoles was a race for "non-swimmers".

Water sports were most popular and cash prizes were awarded to the winners. For example, in diving competitions first prize was $5, second $3 and third $2. Dives included swan, jacknife, backflip, torpedo, somersault and handstand.

Mr Shoup on far right

If you won the three lap motor boat race you would receive a $10 prize.

There were canoe races as well as canoe tilting competitions, and although I don't have a list of the winners, William Memegos and his brothers dominated those activities for many years.

In the afternoon, there was always a fastball game at the field behind the Chapleau High School on Pine Street. In fact, the 1954 program says that the "present ambition" of the recreation committee was to install lights on the field. That ambition was realized and for years, fastball was played "under the lights" in Chapleau.

One year, Turk Broda, a famous goaltender with the Toronto Maple Leafs brought his ball team to Chapleau for Beach Day. I don't remember much about the ball game, but I recall getting autographs from the players at the Boston Cafe.  

There was also a concert by the town band at the beach.

In the evening, the day ended with a dance in the Town Hall basement, but for at least part of the evening there was a square dance competition.  Thanks for the program Charlie. My email is mj.morris@live.ca

'Chapleau Boys Go To War' presented to Cranbrook Public Library

Terry Burgess, Ron McFarland, MJM, Ursula Brigl, Bill Nightingale (Joel Vinge photo)

The Chapleau Boys Go To War now has a place in the Cranbrook Public Library following  presentation of a copy to chief librarian Ursula Brigl.

Accompanied by  Ron McFarland a World War II veteran who served in the Royal Canadian Navy,  and Bill Nightingale who served 33 years in the Royal Canadian Air Force,


I presented a copy to Ursula,on behalf of my co-author Michael K McMullen and myself,

To have Ron and Bill take time to attend the presentation, made it especially meaningful, even though they are not "Chapleau Boys", officially, they represented all of them, and all who have served Canada in our nation's armed forces. Thank you so much!

Terry Burgess, treasurer of the Friends of the Cranbrook Public Library, made the arrangements for the presentation, and Ursula Boy, president of friends of the library also attended. Thanks Terry and Ursula.

Bill, Ursula Boy, MJM, Ron, Terrry (Joel Vinge photo)

Thanks to Joel Vinge for being the official photographer.

On a personal note, I have lived in Cranbrook just on 26 years now, and am so delighted that the library agreed to add The Chapleau Boys Go To War to its collection. I often visit Rotary Park here and spend time looking at the names on the Wall of Honour and the Cenotaph from Cranbrook and area who served in the armed forces. Every time is a visit home to Chapleau too.

I am reminded that it is so important to focus on those things bringing us together in this nation, rather than those dividing us. Thanks Ron and Bill.

My email is mj.morris@live.ca

'Chapleau Boys Go To War' official launch planned for Chapleau

Chapleau Boys Go To War to be officially launched in Chapleau, co-author Michael McMullen announces in email.

Here is Michael's email:

"As many of you know, Michael Morris and I have been working on a book about Chapleau’s contributions and sacrifices during WW1 and WW2 with an emphasis on those who died in these two wars. The Chapleau Boys Go To War has just been published and we plan to go to Chapleau on the weekend of July 3-5, 2015 to launch the book. 

"Butch and Brigitte Pellow, who held a fantastic party in Toronto in 21014, are hoping to come to Chapleau for this weekend event. It will be a reunion back home this time if they can make it.

"Arrangements have been made to have the following events to meet the authors:

               Friday, July 3         2-4 pm                              Chapleau Public Library

                                              5-7 pm                              Chapleau Legion Hall

               Saturday, July 4      From 5 pm                        Hongers Redwood Restaurant

"Not only has Jim Hong offered his restaurant for a signing event on Saturday, but he will provide a buffet (reasonable cost) for those who want to stay for dinner.

"For those of you who will be in Chapleau and those of you who may be considering a visit to Chapleau this summer, we hope you will be able to join us on Saturday evening at Hongers Redwood (I still call it the Boston).  Please give Jim a heads-up if you can make it for dinner.

"The book is available on Amazon.com at $18.95 plus shipping (USD) and in Canada at $22.95 plus shipping (CAD) from Michael Morris in Cranbrook (mj.morris@live.ca), myself in Ottawa (mkmcmullen@rogers.com) and at Chapleau Village Shops after the July 4th weekend.  

Best wishes to all,

Mike McMullen"

NOW AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.CA

My email is mj.morris@live.ca