'Enough publicity may do the trick' Arthur Grout suggests when Chapleau Post got a linotype machine

When Arthur Simpson, editor and publisher of the Chapleau Post got a linotype machine, it prompted Arthur Grout to write a letter to him entitled "Enough publicity may do the trick" referring to the completion of Highway 129.

Mr. Grout wrote that when Mr. Simpson started the newspaper, "Your main idea was to focus attention on Chapleau by publicity so that our claims and hopes for a highway into, and perhaps through Chapleau might be realized."

Writing the letter in the 1940s, Mr. Grout added, "You, and perhaps others had high hopes that when we had accomplished our objectives, that our town would grow, many with businesses would be attracted to the place."

Although the highway was not yet completed the letter noted that "Well -- half your dream has come true. You have the machine installed and running while we are still waiting on our road. But we still have the hope that our highway will be a reality in the very near future."

Always the Chapleau booster, Mr. Grout noted, "This district with its forests, water power storage, timber limits, mineral possibilities, tourist attractions, trapping and hunting areas, has everything and its opportunities are recognized by many. It needs a road to open it upand that can  not be denied much longer."

Mr. Grout revealed that he had been in Blind River where "all the talk is about how much is expected to be done on development work along the Mississaugi. Contracts had been awarded.

Returning to the subject of the newspaper's new linotype machine Mr. Grout encouraged Mr. Simpson, "So get that linotype hot. Tell more and more people about how Chapleau needs the road -- about what it can mean to our young people in new opportunities, and if you make it loud enough and strong enough, we may be able to drive in and out of Chapleau before the linotype has its first birthday."

Well, maybe pretty close, as the first vehicles to travel over Highway 129, did so in bitterly cold weather, and tragedy on January 23 and 24, 1949. The tragedy was that Thomas Godfrey who had been a major supporter of the highway for many years died of a heart  attack while making the first trip by car from Chapleau.

Chapleau had its highway, although many referred to it as a "turkey trail" through the bush. Mr. Simpson had his linotype and in 1950 was able to declare that Chapleau was also going to be on the Trans Canada highway.

The headline blared "WE GOT IT" in three languages on April 24, 1950 in three languages in the only Extra ever published by the newspaper in its history.

Schools were closed to celebrate the news, and Reeve B.W. 'Bubs' Zufelt appeared in a photo in The Globe and Mail pointing off in the distance to Schreiber.

Politics intervened and Chapleau was never directly on the Trans Canada highway but in the 1960s was linked to Timmins and Wawa.

I had missed the letter to the editor linking the linotype machine to the highway in the Richard Brownlee papers, kindly loaned to me by Margaret Rose (Payette) and Bobby Fortin. It was well done, and I have to disclose that it brought back memories of my own days as an editor at daily newspapers in the days of the linotype machine.

Mr. Grout concluded with a tribute to Mr. Simpson, giving him credit and congatulations on having the courage to invest so much in new equipment for his business. My email is mj.morris@live.ca

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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

Austin brothers 'keenly alive to possibilities of trade' in Chapleau after CPR arrived in 1885

Austin store Chapleau circa 1886

The Austin brothers opened their "new" store on September 6, 1886, making it a "red letter day" for Chapleau, according to the Chapleau Post.

Actually, they  had moved from "Old Chapleau" where they had pitched a tent near the site of where the Lady Minto Hospital was opened in 1914.

Their store on Birch Street about where the Bank of Montreal was located, and before that Pellow's store, was twenty feet wide and about thirty-five feet long, and had a leanto attached where Richard Brownlee had his barber shop. Mr. Brownlee's first shop was also in a tent near the hospital site. The upstairs was fitted as a lodge room for the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and was also the first hall for the Independent Order of Oddfellows.

However, Chapleau seemed to be a very busy place as the Chapleau Headlight reported that five stores were established in 1886-87 or thereaabouts. Along with the Austin store were Murrays and Mulligan, Deland and Kellett, Hudson Bay Company (moved from what came to be called the Memegos property) and P Manion.

T.A. and J. McN. Austin were from Renfrew County and "keenly alive to the possibilities of trade decided when Chapleau was made a divisional point (on the CPR in 1885) to enter into business on their own account.

"They purchased a lot, pitched a large tent and opened up a general business under the name of T.A. Austin and Company. The business was a success from the first, founded on the principle of fair value and service."

The Chapleau Post story on the founding of the Austin store was included in an edition some 50 years later. 

"Application was made for a post office and this had a double effect of giving service to the community and bringing every newcomer to their store for mail.

"The Austin brothers were ideal merchants and catered to every need of the community: a car of lumber to build a house; the furniture to furnish it. the wedding suit; the ring, or a reliable time piece, and sometimes the funeral casket"

The Chapleau Post story noted that stores were busy supplying trappers, construction gangs, bridge and building gangs, extra gangs and some small lumber operations with goods. 

Supplies were also being freighted from Chapleau to a new railway, which later became the Canadian National Railway, to the north. I was fascinated to learn that as many as 100 teams of horses were working at one time out of Chapleau in the winter on this project, and in the summer boats took "great loads" down the river to the 18 mile rapids, and then on to the new railway line.

However, by 1889, T.A. Austin, "as a result of a stirring evangelistic service" held in a tent where Trinity United Church is now located decided to become a Methodist minister and sold his business interest to his brother.

Soon thereafter J.McN. Austin moved the store to the corner of Birch and Lorne streets. It forms part of the Chapleau Village Shops today. The Austin family lived in rooms above the store.

Store in 1890s

Included in the store was a millinery and tailor shop. The Chapleau Post reported that "millinery was a big part of the business in those days and many a Chapleau belle wore a chapeau that cost her $25.00. (Wow, that would have been very expensive)

In the tailor shop there were as many as nine tailors and cutters working at one time.

J. McN. Austin became good friends with G.B. Nicholson who upon arrival in Chapleau worked as a fireman and later engineer on the CPR. 

Eventually they formed a partnership to develop the business of supplying the CPR with ties, and Austin Nicholson Lumber became the largest supplier of ties in the former British Empire.

By about 1901 he had sold his store interests to Beamish and Smith, while Chapleau was also incorporated as a municipality and Mr. Nicholson became the first reeve. The store later became Smith and Chapple Ltd., now Chapleau Village Shops.

Browsing through the R ichard Brownlee papers kindly loaned to me by Margaret Rose and Bobby Fortin, provides an insightful look into early Chapleau. My email is mj.morris@live.ca

Unique moment in Chapleau railroading occurred as Robert Faught and Wilfred Muske arrive on The Dominion to retire in 1950

When Robert Faught and Wilfred C. Muske stepped off the "Dominion Limited", the Canadian Pacific Railways crack passenger train at the Chapleau station in August, 1950, "something unique in local railroading" was happening, according to the Chapleau Post.

In the case of Mr. Muske, the engineer of the train, "climbed down off the engine to be greeted by a large circle of friends, he was culminating 43 years railroading with the CPR." 

The Chapleau Post reported that a similar scene was being enacted on the station platform where a group of relatives and friends gathered to greet Mr. Faught, an ex-Chapleauite conductor who was now living in North Bay.

In the case of Mr. Faught he set a record in Canadian railroading at the time, according to the Chapleau Post. He was completing 55 years service with the CPR. (I wonder if anyone ever equalled or matched Mr. Faught's 55 years.)

Mr. Muske was completing his service when Number 7 arrived but Mr. Faught left Chapleau on Number 4 that evening for North Bay as the conductor, arriving in the early morning hours.

However, the press was at the Chapleau station for the "double retirement" which was called unique in CPR history -- two on the same run retiring essentially at the same time. Bteween them they had 98 years of service on the CPR.

The newspaper report by Ben Ward in the North Bay Nugget described Mr. Faught's arrival in North Bay. "... just after midnight, the CPR's fast eastbound passenger train roared into the North Bay station. Down off an end car stepped a small, brisk man. clad in the neat blue serge of a train conductor. He waved farewell to a group on the coach platform, turned and entered the station office to report his trip.

"A few minutes later he emerged to to watch the train move off into the darkness."

Mr. Faught had finished his last run.

Here are details of his 55-year career with the CPR. He started as a boy by lighting the switch lamps for the railway at a place called Thorncliffe, a few miles east of North Bay. "A boy of ten and still going to school, he was required to rise at dawn to extinguish the lamps and  to re-light them at dusk. For that he was paid the handsome salary of $3.00 a month."

In the following years he worked as a timekeeper, hatch boy on coal boats, coach lamp lighter, brakeman and conductor all with the CPR.

He liked to recall those occasions when the Prince of Wales, later King Edward VIII; the Emperor of Japan and Prime Minister Lloyd George of England travelled on his trains.

By 1904, Mr. Faught was working as a brakeman at Chapleau, and by 1908 was a conductor. For the next 26 years, he took freight trains east and west out of Chapleau, "sometimes in winter storms that sent temperatures down to 60 and 70 below (F)"

He reached the "top rung" when he became a passenger train conductor, and for six years worked on trains from Chapleau to Fort William, now Thunder Bay. In 1940 he was transferred to North Bay and by 1947 his runs were to Chapleau on the Dominion Limited.

The Chapleau Post noted that "in his wallet he carries the prize possession of Canadian railroading - a 50-year service pass honoured as passage on Canadian pacific trains and steamships. With him too, are memories of more than half a century of Railroading across Northern Ontario." My email is mj.morris@live.ca

Names in photo: Work train at Ridout in October 1920. 1 Mr. Dumont from Cartier, 2 Fred Charbonneau section foreman from Roberts, 3 a son of Mr. Dumont (No. 1), 4 unknown, 5 Joe Dionne extra gang foreman from Cartier, 6 Tom Burns C.P.R. brakeman, 7 Robert (Bob) Faught C.P.R. conductor, 8 Hill Gagnon C.P.R. engineer, 9 Walter Steed C.P.R. fireman, 10 Hiram Paul C.P.R. brakeman. (Vince Crichton collection)

plus ça change, plus c'est la même chose, Northern Ontario continues to take the hits

Reeve B.W. Zufelt

When Reeve B.W. "Bubs" Zufelt was interviewed by The Globe and Mail in June 1950 about Chapleau having the Trans Canada Highway, it was an occasion for great celebration in the community. 

Reeve Zufelt, who in the interests of full disclosure was my "Uncle Bubs", told Don Delaplante, a Globe and Mail reporter that it looked like "half the world is going to come driving down our Main Street." 

The Chapleau Post ran a banner headline "WE GOT IT" and schools were closed for the day to mark the occasion. The reeve had his picture taken pointing towards Schreiber in the general direction of where the highway would go from Chapleau.

Well, some 62 years later, we are all aware that the Trans Canada Highway never came through Chapleau, even though in 1951, Welland S. Gemmell, an Ontario cabinet minister, assured 2200 citizens at the official opening of the Chapleau Memorial Arena that it would.

Imagine the disappointment when the Trans Canada  took another route despite promise after promise by senior levels of government.

Such is the nature of politics, and for Chapleau and other communities in Northern Ontario, it seems plus ça change, plus c'est la même chose

Never mind losing the Trans Canada Highway, successive Chapleau councils have tried to get the Sultan/Ramsey Road completed to no avail.

However, let me get to the point of this column. I have very seldom written about current issues affecting Chapleau simply because I am writing from afar and am not  aware of what's really happening on the local scene.

But, this past week, after receiving emails and Facebook messages, about a  government decision to close provincial parks, the end of the Ontario Northland train between Toronto and Cochrane, a Grey Cup train that is bypassing Chapleau and Northern Ontario, enough is enough folks.

The Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources announced that overnight camping  at 10 Northern Ontario parks, including Shoals and Ivanhoe near Chapleau will no longer be permitted as part of its budget slashing process. Michael Gravelle, the Natural Resources minister said, “The decisions we’re making are necessary to modernize our business, make the ministry sustainable, and help the government balance the budget,” 

Gravelle added: “I’m confident that we will be more efficient and better organized to focus on what matters most to the people who rely on the ministry’s programs and services.”

According to a ministry news release, the changes will result in the elimination of 28 full-time and 102 seasonal positions, saving the Ontario government $6.1 million a year and future capital costs of $4.4 million.

Referring specifically to Shoals, the ministry news release said, "The Shoals Provincial Park near Chapleau had fewer than 5,000 visits last year, and Ontario Parks recovered only 30 cents on each dollar it invested in the park." 

With the closure of the parks, as part of its "streamlining and automating processes", whatever that means in terms people can understand, the government plans to focus on 104 parks primarily located in Southern Ontario.

Gravelle says he believes the ministry will be able to focus on "what matters most"  to people. Well, Minister, may I suggest you begin by making decisions that include consultation with the citizens directly affected in the communities who rely on the parks in many ways, instead of a mathematical model of usage and cost recovery created by bureaucrats at Queens Park.

There is no mention in the news release that other options were considered.

On September 28, Jennifer Wells a feature writer with the Toronto Star, was aboard the Northlander, the Ontario Northland Transportation Commisssion historic train -- operating for more than 100 years -- on its last run from Cochrane to Toronto. Although not directly connected to Chapleau, the Northlander has been used by its citizens over the years. It has been cancelled by the Ontario government.

One passenger on the Northlander told Wells, "The fight isn't over.... The divide between the north and south is now greater than it's ever been".

I imagine the passenger spoke for the majority of Northern Ontario citizens.

Meanwhile, an email arrived from Ian Macdonald, telling me about the train marking the 100th anniversary of the Grey Cup. I was unaware of the train's existence but after reading his email I, like him, was angered.

Here is part of Ian's email:

"Please note that Northern Ontario has been totally ignored!!!! If I still lived there I would be raising proper Hell. (Ian now lives in Winnipeg, but attended Chapleau Public and Chapleau High schools)

"Those of us of our generation can recall the trains stopping in Chapleau and other CPR divisional points en route to the Grey Cup in Toronto. The rail trip across Northern Ontario was an important aspect of the Grey Cup festival as we know it today. Ask any Calgary fan from that era. The schedule is: http://www.greycuptour.ca/

"This is truly an insult to Northern Ontario and displays a total lack of  understanding on the part of the CFL of how the Grey Cup Festival was launched and the communities and people who played an important role."P*****  off....... I remain, Ian"

Here is link to earlier feature on Calgary Stampeders and train stopping in Chapleau http://michaeljmorrisreports.blogspot.ca/2012/01/calgary-stampeders-bring-touch-of-old.html

Maybe it's time for every mayor in Northern Ontario from the Manitoba border to Thunder Bay, to Hearst, Cochrane, Timmins and on to North Bay, and along Highway 17 to Marathon, Terrace Bay, Wawa  to Sault Ste Marie,and to Sudbury, and of course Chapleau, to hop on buses and head to Toronto united in a common cause to get a better deal for Northern Ontario. Maybe let the CFL know Northern Ontario exists. 

Like my friend Ian, who says he is ever the radical, even though we are now 70ish, my email is mj.morris@ live.ca, Please feel free to be in touch.

Thanks to Anne (Zufelt) McGoldrick, Ian Macdonald and Mario Lafreniere for research assistance.

Calgary Stampeders bring touch of old west to Chapleau after winning Grey Cup in Toronto

Let's take a look at Chapleau as it was on the edge of its boom years of the 1950s as it appeared through the pages of the Chapleau Post.

Ken and Beverly (Yanta) LeClaire recently sent me a copy of the December 2, 1948 edition of the newspaper when Arthur Simpson was the editor, and through the advertisements and stories gives the reader a glimpse of the life and times of the community at the end of the year in which it was threatened by forest fires.

The Calgary Stampeders were in Chapleau at the CPR station on their way home from Toronto, where they had defeated the Ottawa Rough Riders, 12-7, to win the Grey Cup, after having a 12-0 win record in the regular season, the only perfect season in the history of Canadian professional football according to Wikipedia. The Post described it as a "touch of the old West" as cowboys and girls in their ten-gallon hats and fancy shoes and trousers passed through on their special train..."

Although Chapleau was not particularly football conscious, according to the Post, the Stampeder fans rolled off the train and took over and "presented a spectacular entertainment to the crowd..."

1948 Calgary Stampeders

"They bounced off the train in a flurry of ten-gallon hats  and fancy gay coloured hankerchiefs. One fan with an accordion appeared  - another with a guitar  and with a cry of YIPPEE --- they piled onto the platform and gave the locals a treat with a score of western songs".

In response to the crowd's request to see the Grey Cup, coach Les Lear himself brought it out for all to see.

Although the Post does not mention it, they also rode horses along the station platform. I was seven years old and in the crowd -- even got an autographed photo of the team arranged for me by my aunt Marion Morris, who was living in Calgary at the time.

Reeve B.W. Zufelt

In local political news, the Post reported that B.W. 'Bubs' Zufelt had been re-elected by acclamation to serve another one year term.

Joining him on the 1949 council would be J. Cahill, A.J. Grout, E.J. Lepine and W. Steed.

Another front page story said it was expected that the first car would go over Highway 129 in January, and it happened. The highway was declared officially open on a cold winter day on January 30.

C.W. Collins Store 1948

As I looked through the paper, it struck me while reading the advertisements that the only store with ownership by a member of the same family in 1948 and 2012, was Charles W. Collins Stores Ltd., now Collins Home Hardware and Collins Home Furniture, and owned by Doug Collins, the grandson of Charles W. Collins. The Collins name has been associated with ownership of a Chapleau business since 1928.

In the store's advertisement, men's and ladies' McBrine "baggage with character" was being sold at between $25 and $50. while Biltmore hat certificates were available at $5 and $10.

Customers were encouraged to visit the mezzanine for ready-to wear clothes. "Drop up to the mezzanine and see our new party dresses. Smart and stylish in velvets, bengalines and crepes. Choose your favourite frock  for your Christmas parties ahead.." Also, lovely soft fur felt bonnets were available for remarkable prices ranging from $3 to $6.

Walt Disney was popular and the store had children's dressing gowns with Mickey Mouse, or Donald Duck or Pluto on these colourful cotton chenile dressing gowns selling for $4.25 or $5.95 depending on size.

At the Regent Theatre, owned by Cecil Smith, located where the Royal Bank is now, playing was 'Sitting Pretty' starring Robert Young, Maureen O'Hara and Clifton Webb, all very popular movies stars of the day for younger readers who may not recognize the names. The Royal Bank in 1948 was located beside the Dominion grocery store near Birch and Young streets across from the Algoma, later Hublit Hotel.

My cousin Michael McMullen has confirmed that Murrays and Mulligan, a general store was located where the Dominion store later was opened circa 1886. Patrick Mulligan was our great great uncle.

As the natural ice "old old rink" on Lorne Street, and outdoor skating rinks as well as the pond on the back river would soon be in use, Morita Brothers was advertiswing that everyone should have their skates sharpened and be ready for that first workout. They were located on Lansdowne Street across from Gamma Photo Centre which was advertising Kodak products for sale. Who would have ever thought in 1948 that Kodak would ever file for bankruptcy protection as it has just done in 2012.

In 1948, Chapleau had two pharmacies -- the Model Drug store where Ross Thornton was the pharmacist and Rexall Drugs with Ed Downey as pharmacist.

At Smith and Chapple Ltd. where D.O. Payette was president and A.J. Grout vice president, their advertisement was featuring a selection of "beautiful" fur coats ranging in price from $200 to $400. They came in mouton, sable dyed muskrat, raccoon and muskrat. In 1949, Mr. Payette would retire from the firm and Mr. Grout took over.

Smith and Chapple had opened a book department just inside the entrance to its men's wear shop and Mrs. Mitchell would be in the department from 1 to 5 each afternoon to assist customers in making selections. 

Popular Presto pressure cookers were available at $16.95 and $19.95 in the hardware department while steering sleighs were on sale at $2.69 and $3.29.

To prevent frozen gas lines Pellow's Garage and Service was selling Arctic Sure Flow with guaranteed protection for 1000 miles per 75c bottle. At Pellow Supply Co. Alberta lump coal was available at $17.50 a ton.

Harold S. Cahill Men's Shoppe located in the Queens, later Sportsman Hotel, had a wide variety of men's fashions available while Vet's Taxi operated by Pete Therrien announced it now had three cars available for better service. Its motto: "We doze -- but never close." Len Perfetto had Chapleau's other taxi service at the time.

Back on the front page was a social news item announcing that a bridal shower had been held at the home of Mrs. Percy Scott in honour of Frances Jardine, who was to marry Henry Corston. After lovely gifts were opened a "dainty lunch was served by Mrs. Scott assisted by her neighbours."

At Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church, a service was held with Bishop G. Landry present where he announced that Father Romeo Gascon was named domestic prelate and would now be Msgr. Gascon. In 1948, he had served as the parish priest for 40 years.

Finally, in my look at moments in life and times of Chapleau in late 1948, everyone was invited to dances at the Legion hall on Saturday nights to the music of Wilf Simpson's Orchestra. Only 50 cents admission!

The community was getting ready for its boom years.

Thanks to Ken and Beverly for the Chapleau Post. My email is mj.morris@live.ca

Wilf Simpson described Chapleau as "thriving community" in the 1970s as trend to tear down and renew community changed its physical face more than any time in its history

from l Boo Hong, R J Lemieux, Ken Schroeder, Wilf, unknown, Gordon Bolduc,Rita Morin

Chapleau was a "thriving community" on the edge of the Chapleau Game Preserve, the largest game sanctuary in the Western Hemisphere in 1977, Wilf Simpson wrote in a community profile, prepared for the Chapleau Chamber of Commerce and the Township of Chapleau. 

Wilf served as the township's deputy clerk for 22 years, and previously had been the editor of the Chapleau Post, where his father, Arthur Simpson had been the editor and publisher for many years. 

He was also very well known for the Wilf Simpson Orchestra which played at countless number of dances in Chapleau, and was also a member of other musical groups. 

After receiving a photo recently from Vince Crichton of Wilf playing with a Chapleau High School orchestra, with  the members attending the school at the same time I did, I reread Wilf's profile, last published in 1977, where he shares his observations on the people, life and times of the community from its beginnings in 1885.

Wilf notes that the community was named after Sir Joseph Adolphe Chapleau who had served as prime minister of Quebec, secretary of state for Canada and Lieutenant Governor of Quebec.

He writes that one of the first uses of the Canadian Pacific Railway was in the movement of troops west to quell the Riel rebellion. At this time, "the steel had not been laid past Missanabie, some 65 miles west of Chapleau and it was necessary for the troops to detrain at Missanabie and move the guns and equipment across the ice on Dog Lake and entrain on another train to continue their journey west".

He added that some of the equipment went through the ice and in  1977 it was believed there were still some relics to be found on the bottom of Dog Lake.

Wilf refers to Chapleau as a "robust community" before the gold rush that brought Timmins and the Porcupine area into prominence. A fascinating anecdote, Wilf told, at least to me, was the story of Robert J. Renison, a young Anglican priest who later became bishop of the Diocese of Moosonee, referring to Chapleau as the only "window" of the north. It was necessary for miners, trappers and surveyors to "trek through the bush to Chapleau to receive or mail letters and to use the modern railway facilities to send telegrams" after 1885 when the CPR arrived in Chapleau.

He also noted that many of Chapleau's First Nations citizens are descendants of those who brought their families "on the arduous canoe trip from James Bay up to Chapleau via the Albany waterway. It may seem strange to some when I say 'up' to Chapleau but the waters of the Chapleau River flow north to Hudson Bay".

Chapleau also played a leading role in the construction of the Grand Trunk Railway, now Canadian National. When the right of way was being cleared and road bed being made ready, food and materials were shipped to Chapleau on the CPR. Wilf explains that the materials were unloaded at Chapleau and from there shipped to Elsas in barges and boats -- adding that "the route is still open and makes a fine canoe trip" with excellent fishing along the waterway. 

Wilf writes that "isolation plagued Chapleau for over half a century" as except for the CPR there was no way in and out --- except of course by the waterways!

However, he writes about Arthur Grout and Earle Sootheran chatering a plane to fly out to the Goose River, catch a mess of speckled trout and present it to the steward on the Royal Train carrying King George VI and Queen Elizabeth on their Royal Tour on May 24, 1939. (As an aside, I just read this morning that the Lethbridge Hurricanes of the Western Hockey League, rivals of the Kootenay Ice from where I live in Cranbrook, presented season tickets to Prince William, their great grandson, and his wife Kate for the upcoming season.)

Wilf writes that it may be of some interest to know that in those years when cars were shipped to Chapleau on the CPR as there was no highway until 1949, Chapleauites going on vacation, would ship their cars to Sudbury, and off they went from there.

"The cost by freight on a flat car was less than $100.00. A small thing -- but not so small when one considers the CPR excursion fare to Toronto was $8.55 return. Passengers were welcomed with open arms in those days".

By 1977, when Wilf wrote his final profile, Chapleau was no longer isolated, and was known as the "Crossroads of the North" with highways linking the community to the outside world. (There was also daily air and bus service and the passenger trains were still running.)

Chapleau boasted a "fine shopping area" a movie theatre, two hotels and five motels, and  an "excellent safe supervised beach and playground".

Wilf writes that the 1970s "saw more changes in the face of Chapleau than any years in its history and "the trend to tear down and renew" was continuing. Gone were the old CPR station and the large storage ice houses, the old "Horseshoe" bridge, the old Chapleau High School, the Sisters of St Mary Convent, Sacred Heart school, YMCA and annex, part of the CPR shops facing Lorne Street, the old firehall, town hall and town garage, the Chapleau Memorial Community Arena and Lady Minto Hospital.

In the same period, between 1966 and 1978, the new physical face of Chapleau included a new hospital, separate schools, low rental housing, high school, bridge and overpass, water plant, Chapleau Recreation Centre, Chapleau Civic Centre, Cedar Grove Lodge for Senior Citizens and a new golf clubhouse as well as a new CPR station. A housing development also was well underway in the Planer Area and planning for the new bridge and road to that area started as were those for a new sewage treatment facility. The Chapleau Municipal, now Gene Bernier Airport, was in use, and by 1979, the runway had been extended.

"It is now possible to have lunch in Chapleau and dinner in downtown Toronto after a leisurely flight...", Wilf wrote.

He told his readers that "Chapleau is a friendly town. You will get a friendly 'Hi' on the Main Street from someone you never saw before. Our people are eager to help the visitor.. and the northern air and waters are yours to enjoy..."

My thanks to Joy (Evans) Heft and Michael and Alison (McMillan) McMullen for making available a copy of Wilf's profile and to Vince Crichton for the photo. My email is mj.morris@live.ca