Public and high school education demands met as increased enrolment from 'Baby Boom' hits Chapleau in the early 1960s

As the "baby boom" after World War II hit Chapleau in the early 1960s, the community was faced with the reality that additional space was required at Chapleau Public School while plans were also underway for a new Chapleau High School.

The Sudbury Star reported that if plans for a new high school and additions and alterations at the public school became a reality, the taxpayer was "going to get a jolt" according to Reeve Arthur Grout apparently "not too happily".

Mr. Grout made his comments at a joint meeting of council, public school board and high school board pinting out that a tax increase of 15 percent had shot up to 25 percent when education costs were included.

He added that a number of things council planned to do would have to be eliminated , "however education demands must be met."

At the meeting the high school board was represented by Chair Len Harris and members Richard Selin and George Collins, and the public school board by chair Frank Coulter and members Doug Jardine and Mansel Robinson.

High school principal Dr. Karl Hackstetter and public school principal Foy Wright were also there.

Mr. Coulter explained that a $90,000 debenture had been approved by the Ontario Municipal Board for public school expansion.

Mr. Wright explained that public school enrolment in 1962-63 had reached 277 pupils in a school designed for 180. 

These pupils were in eight rooms, one being part of a hallway and one the assembly room. Mr. Wright said the situation was hard on "teachers, pupils and parents. More space is essential".

So, what happened?

Renovations were undertaken at the public school, and by 1966, the "new" high school on the hill was opened, with plans to expand it underway almost as soon as it replaced the school on Pine Street. The public school was also expanded. 

From 1966 to 1972, some public school classes were held in the old high school It was demolished in 1975 to make way for the Chapleau Civic Centre officially opened in June 1978.

Notwithstanding the challenges brought about by the postwar "baby boom", the members of the public school and high school boards , met them and the education needs of the community were met. The two boards were merged into the Chapleau Board of Education by 1966. 

My email is mj.morris@live.ca

Education considered important to early Chapleau citizens with beginnings in tents after 1885

first school

Schooling for the children of Chapleau was considered so important to its early citizens after 1885 that the first classes were held in a tent, then moved to the vestry of the first Roman Catholic Church, and then back into a tent beside the present Trinity United Church.

The Roman Catholic Church was located where Collins store is today at Birch and Lorne streets. The second Roman Catholic church was built where it is today -- but the present church replaced one destroyed by fire in 1918.

A writer in the Richard Brownlee Papers noted about schooling in the second tent "It was a very pretty spot and the tent nestled among the big pine trees. Great fun was had when the pine cones dropped on the roof making a drumming noise. There were twelve rough hewn seats in the school.

"Another feature of this school was the big stove in the middle, and those who sat near it roasted, while those away froze."

Nonetheless, by May 1891, the first public school with 19 pupils opened in a building on Pine Street beside the St. John's Church rectory. Apparently the lumber to build the one room school was provided by Austin's store.

By 1893 enrolment had increased to 100 pupils (Wow!) and another room had to be added, Double seats were installed. In those days one teacher would teach every level.  

An article about this school noted that "On the teacher's desk, the old handbell rested, and last but by no means least, the water pail and a little tin cup stood on chair in the corner."

By the time I attended Chapleau Public School starting in the 1940s, in a different building of course, the water pail and tin cup were long gone but not the handbell. To tthis day I remember J.M. Shoup, the long time principal and Grade Eight teacher walking around the playground at  recess with the handbell. When he rang it we scurried into line to return to class.

In that first school the girls took turns sweeping and dusting while the boys kept the fire going. Often ink bottles froze and were placed on the stove to thaw out, but on occasion they would blow out and spatter the ceing with ink.

By 1901 when Chapleau was incorporated as a municipality with G. B. Nicholson as its first reeve, the first act of the new council was to pass a motion to float debentures for the construction of a public school.

It was built on Pine Street across the street from the existing school, and by 1922 became Chapleau High School. As an aside, only four years now until the 100th anniversary of CHS.

However, "continuation" classes which were after Grade 8, were held in the new Town Hall when it opened in 1914.

By 1922 a new public school was under construction just down the street beside the Town Hall. CHS took over its site. By 1925 that building had been rebuilt including four new rooms.

Summing up the importance of education, an unidentified writer in the 1920s proclaimed: "Any pupil can obtain the highest standard of education up to first year of university right in Chapleau and let me tell you that this is an advantage not accorded to pupils in many towns the size of Chapleau".

It just struck me that my parents Jim and Muriel (Hunt) Morris, were pupils at the public school  and Chapleau High School as well as the parents of many of my best friends, in these early years. They all did real well! My parents  may have attended the public schools on both sides of Pine Street

My email is mj.morris@live.ca

Cones dropping on roof of tent nestled among pine trees 'great fun' for pupils at early Chapleau school

The first schools established in Chapleau shortly after the community were  established in 1885 was in a tent, according to a handwritten history of life in the fledging community included in the Richard Brownlee papers.

The handwriting is excellent but I can't say for sure if Mr. Brownlee, who arrived in Chapleau in February 1886,  wrote it some years later but it is a great read. Mr. Brownlee's first barbershop was in a tent in "old" Chapleau where the Lady Minto Hospital was built at Elm and Queen streets in 1914. He later in 1886 moved to a leanto attached to the T.A. Austin store in the present downtown area,

As an aside, I wonder if today anyone is keeping "handwritten" notes on Chapleau as it is today. If so I would love to hear from you.

The first school was  in a tent, then in the first Roman Catholic Church at Birch and Lorne where Collins Home Hardware is now for short time, then back to a tent located on Beech Street where the Trinity United Church Manse is located beside the church.

The writer noted that "It was a very pretty spot and the tent nestled among the big pine trees. Great fun was had when the pine cones dropped on the roof making a drumming noise. There were twelve rough hewn seats in the school.

"Another feature of this school was the big stove in the middle, and those who sat near it roasted, while those away froze."

However, by about 1891, a school was located in a small building on Pine beside the Rectory of St. John's Anglican Church.

This was schooling in the community as the 20th century arrived, and Chapleau was incorporated as a municipaility in 1901.

Education of the children however was on the minds of the first council as the writer says that "the first act of the new council was to float debentures for the erection of a public school."

It was built beside St. John's Anglican Church, and later became Chapleau High School

G.B. Nicholson was the first reeve and he was returned by acclamation in the election held each year until he retired from the office in 1913. Members of the first council were A. Rathwell, D. Royal, P.J. MacFarlane and W. Boswell.

Once again my sincere thanks to Margaret Rose (Payette) and Bobby Fortin who kindly loaned me the Richard Brownlee papers. I am writing this column as a state of emergency was declared for Cranbrook and area because of wildfires. Our heat wave continues too.

ADDENDUM  In my column on Charles W. Collins, in providing the names of family members who have managed the business I failed to include Susan Collins, granddaughter of Mr. Collins and daughter of George Collins. My apologies! Thanks Jordan for the email.

Also, the gremlins were really at work as I wrote in my lead of all places that in 1918, the business would mark 90 years with the Collins name. It should have been 2018, next year.

I started my newspaper career at the Timmins Daily Press 53 years ago on September 1, 1964, and there are still occasions when I don't manage to get the words right!  My email is mj.morris@live.ca

Mary (Muske) Campbell Chapleau Public School teacher for 27 years remembered for generosity and kind-hearted ways

Mary (Muske) Campbell, who was a very popular teacher at Chapleau Public School for 27 years, and a member of one of Chapleau's pioneer families died on January 2, 2017. With another school year drawing to a close, I thought it an appropriate time to remember Mary.

My most sincere thanks to Joy (Evans) Heft for her efforts in providing me with information, and to Barbara (Muske) Seadon , Mary's sister. and Anne (Evans) Scott, one of her closest friends.



Tom Campbell, Mary's brother-in-law, spoke  at a memorial service. Here are some excerpts.

"Mary was married to my older brother, Grant Campbell. Some time ago, with help from her sister Barbara, Mary put together a brief history of her life. In it she was exceptionally modest about her accomplishments, probably in keeping with the Chapleau tradition that people should not say too much about themselves. However Mary and Barbara did recall a few charming moments from her childhood which it is my honour to share with you.


"Mary was born at the Doctor’s Hospital in Toronto in 1930.  Her mother, Madeleine asked her own father to accompany her from Chapleau to Toronto for the birth. Mary’s father, Wilfred Muske was left at home in Chapleau to look after Mary’s older sister Barbara, who was only two years old.  In Toronto, since there was no husband present and only Madeleine’s father accompanied her, it was presumed she was an unwed mother.  There were offers to adopt Mary as she was such a sweet baby—all offers were refused. 

"When Little Mary Muske got to high school, even though she was the smallest kid in the school she ran the school paper, and was in the school play and the gymnastics display. [Those who know Mary would say, of course Mary would have run everything.]

"Mary attended teachers college and taught in Chapleau for twenty seven years. Early in her career Mary went back to University of Toronto for a year in residence and then for a number of years took weekend extension courses while carrying on her full time teaching job. She earned her Bachelor’s degree and one year towards her Master’s degree, all with top marks. This is not an easy way to receive an education and people who manage this kind of achievement always have my highest respect.


"I would like now to share a few personal memories of Mary. The first thought that comes to mind when I think of Mary and Grant as a couple, is their kindness and concern for others. I‘ll mention just a few of many possible examples.  Very early Grant and Mary agreed that Grant would give up his seniority on the Canadian Pacific Railroad in favour of a friend who had four children and who needed more steady work.

"That kindness turned out to be a blessing in disguise since Grant then got into trucking, road building, and the construction of longer railroad sidings, outdoor and technical work which he enjoyed. This came about as part of the long term trend in railroading to longer and more efficient trains which can now be over four kilometers long, all of which unfortunately has reduced employment in places like Chapleau.

"Another example of Mary and Grant’s kindness occurred at the time of the world’s fair,  Expo 67 which was held in Montreal to celebrate Canada’ Centennial in 1967. Expo was an outstanding success and became a symbol for Canada’s emergence as, what most Canadians believe it to be, simply the best place to live in the world. People who were there still remember it as a magic time for our country.

"Mary and Grant stayed with our sister Bernice and her husband who lived in Montreal and brought with them from Chapleau three young boys whom Mary had taught and who for various reasons would not have the opportunity otherwise to attend Expo 67. The boys were typical of our home town. One was French Canadian, one was First Nations and one was English. Mary and Grant and the three kids did the rounds of Expo 67 until they were exhausted each night and fell into bed.

"My sister Bernice believed that the boys had never before been away from the very small and isolated town of Chapleau located a hundred and fifty kilometers North of Lake Superior. She said that the children were wide eyed with the experience, which even for adults was a world of wonders.

"One of those boys grew up to be extremely successful and well known and is thought of today as one of the leaders in his field. 


"Mary continued to teach in Chapleau for her entire career and helped and influenced generations of young students. A few years ago my wife and I attended a reunion in Chapleau which Mary Campbell also attended.

"While I knew only a handful of people from my school years, it was charming to see the outstandingly warm reception that Mary received from such large numbers of her former students. It was almost as though she was holding court and there were lineups to talk to her. It was a lovely tribute to the warm appreciation and affection in which she was held in the community of Chapleau.

Mary’s loss is a sad time for all who knew her.  Mary loved life and her friends and wished good things for everyone. She wanted not only her students, but all of us to be the best we can be. In addition to sadness, we must also remember to celebrate Mary’s life. In the words of Leonard Cohen’s poem, “Ring out the bells that still can ring!”


"Mary, at heart, loved tradition. In her camp on the beautiful shore of Lake Windermere at Healy where she kindly welcomed so many, she had hung a large framed hand tinted portrait of Queen Victoria which perfectly fit the time period of the cottage. So I would like to close with a traditional blessing from that same Victorian period, which was widely used when friends were parting in former days:  “Farewell Mary, we hope that you always have a calm sea and a prosperous and pleasant voyage!”

Jim Scott, the son of Anne (Evans) Scott also spoke on behalf of his mother and others who cointributed:

"I remember being up at Healy when Mary had quite a few guests up to visit.  After a fishing trip, dinner and evening sauna most of the folks went off to bed.One of the guests though decided to stay up and had a bonfire on the beach.

"It was a really good fire!  Unfortunately he didn’t realize that he hadburned up all of Mary’s driftwood that she had been collecting all year forsome kind of a project.  Early the next morning Mary discovered what hadhappened and posted on brown parchment paper on the wall outside the cabindoor; ‘$500 Reward, for information leading to the arrest and conviction of person or persons unknown who unlawfully confiscated and burned valuabledriftwood collection.  Signed Mary Campbell, Mayor of Healy’.  Everyone had a great laugh and the person responsible was definitely red-faced.  Thelast time I visited Healy, that wanted poster still hung in the camp….a part of the long history of good times.

"One of Mary’s stories I recall was of a school trip from Chapleau toToronto to visit various points of interest.  In preparation for the tripamongst other things each child was to bring a set amount of money so thatthey could go to the royal York Hotel for a roast beef luncheon beforeboarding the return train to Chapleau.  On the last day of the trip, withall the children dressed in their Sunday best  they went to the Royal York, only to be denied service by the head waiter.

"Nothing Mary said would convince this man to let the children eat there.  Unsatisfied with this
outcome, Mary approached the Hotel’s Maitre d’.  Initially the Maitre d’ was unmoved by Mary’s request to have Lunch in his Hotel. Finally Mary said; This group of school children from a small northern town had worked long and hard to save their money for the chance to eat at Canada’s
foremost hotel.

"Some of these children were from poor families and livedin tar-paper shacks, others were the sons of lumber barons but each had come a very long way to meet great disappointment.  The Maitre d’ relentedand had the head waiter set a large table for the entire group who all enjoyed their roast beef lunch.  Mary may have embellished the facts alittle when she spoke to the Maitre d’, but she got the best for the children , which is what was important to her.

"All of Mary’s stories stood on their own for entertainment and were told by Mary with imitated voices and gestures.  Many of these stories and Mary’s life experiences underscore her generosity and kind hearted ways."

Let me close with a personal anecdote about Mary, which was so much appreciated by Muriel E (Hunt) Morris, my mother, when she retired as a teacher from Chapleau Public School in 1970. Mary was responsible for preparing a book which had the names of all my mother's students, the year and grade during the 32 years she taught at the school.

A huge undertaking but it enabled Mom to make notes in the margins about her former students for years afterward. It became one of her most cherished possessions. My email is mj.morris@live.ca

Olive Warren who started teaching career at Nicholson honoured at retirement party from Chapleau Public School staff in 1971

Frank Coulter, Olive Warren

Tributes were paid to Olive Warren, a long-time member of the Chapleau Public School teaching  staff when she retired in 1971.

Born and raised in Chapleau she was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Walter Leigh, one of the community's pioneer families. She attended Chapleau Public and Chapleau High schools.

After attending North Bay Teachers College then called Normal School, Mrs. Warren recalled that her first teaching position was in 1934-35 during the Great Depression at Nicholson Siding on the Canadian Pacific Railway 22 miles west of Chapleau. In those days Nicholson was a "flourishing community, with a two classroom school, complete with a wood burning stove, "... a far cry" from facilities available in most schools of 1971.

Her salary?: "$600 a year."

Mrs. Warren worked as a supply teacher at Chapleau Public School from 1935 to 1941, then became full time. She took some years off to raise her children, Leigh and Bert, then was fulltime until she retired. She married R.L. "Bob" Warren.

For most of her teaching career she taught Grades 3 and 4.

The decor in the Trinity United Church Hall where the retirement party took place was "hearts and flowers"  created by Maartje Doornekamp and Gail Poulin, with the assistance of students.

Referring to the decor, Rev. Murray Arnill, chair of the Chapleau Board of Education,  commented that it was suitable for "a happy and sad occasion" paying tribute to Mrs. Warren's contribution as a teacher, but adding she would be missed.

Public school principal Foy Wright said that Chapleau can be grateful for the contribution that Mrs. Warren had made to the teaching profession, adding that she was "always trying to think of something new, always striving for improvement."

Names not with photo about 1969 though

Board of education member Frank Coulter made a presentation on behalf of the board while Lillian Robinson presented a gift on behalf of the teachers. Both paid tribute to Mrs. Warren in their remarks.

In her remarks, Mrs. Warren said that kindness and understanding play an important part in molding and developing desirable characteristics in pupils, and that proper attitudes must be taught. To accomplish this teachers must always seeking new methods to make it happen, she added in a Sault Star story about her retirement.

Mrs. Robinson greeted the guests who filled the church hall to pay tribute to Mrs. Warren, while Mrs. Jack Cockburn, Mrs. Opal Simpson, and my mother, Muriel E. Morris, who had retired from the public school staff in 1970, served them.  My email is mj.morris@live.ca

Foy Wright, Opal Simpson of Chapleau Public School staff honoured for dedicated service at retirement party in 1982

Two long-time members of the Chapleau Public School staff were honoured at an Open House in the Royal Canadian Legion Hall in June 1982.

Foy Wright and Opal (Paul) Simpson were retiring after many years of "dedicated service" and "loving  care and attention" they had given to the pupils, the Chapleau Sentinel reported.

There was a large crowd in attendance at the Open House, the Sentinel reported, "which indicates the esteem in which Foy and Opal are held in Chapleau."

Peter Simpson. also a member of the public school teaching staff and Mrs. Simpson's son, was master of ceremonies and opened the proceedings by introducing Mansel Robinson, the chair of the Chapleau Board of Education.

Mr. Robinson thanked them for their service and end ended his remarks by saying "Rather than Happy Retirement, Happy Beginning!"

Gerald Boucher, also of the teaching staff gave some background on Mr. Wright's career. 

After serving in the Canadian Army during World War II from 1941 to 1946, he attended Peterborough Normal School for his teacher training. After teaching in Cordova Mines, Cloyne, and Hawkesbury, Mr. Wright moved to Chapleau in 1958. He  became teacher and principal and held those positions for 24 years.

Mr. Wright was presented with a propane barbecue from the public school staff, a plaque from the Ontario Public School Mens' Teachers Federation, a sketch of the public school by Bonnie Ivey, and a list of all students he had taught  while in Chapleau. 

As an aside, the list was compiled by my mother, Muriel Morris, who had received one when she retired in 1970 from the public school staff. 

Mr. Wright commented that he had enjoyed the experience of the 24 years in Chapleau.

Lillian Robinson gave background on Mrs. Simpson who was born in Chapleau, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Hiram Paul. She was a graduate of Chapleau Public School and Chapleau High School.

She attended North Bay Normal School and first taught at the public school from 1946 to 1954, then took time off, returning in 1958.

Mrs. Robinson pointed out Mrs. Simpson's dedication and care for her pupils over the years, ending her comments with a quote from Sir James Barrie: "Those who bring sunshine to the lives of others cannot keep it from themselves". 

Mrs. Simpson was presented with a propane barbeque from the staff, barbecue tools from the Ontario Women Teachers Federation, a furniture finishing tool from the Men Teachers Federation and a sketch of the school by Mrs. Ivey. She also received a list of her students again compiled by my mother.  My email is mj.morris@live.ca

Thanks to Doug Greig for his assistance. Much appreciated

Reeve Jim Broomhead urges Chapleau Public School graduates of 1960 to consider careers in new fields of endeavour

Jim Broomhead

Reeve D.J. 'Jim' Broomhead urged Chapleau Public School Grade 8 graduates of 1960 to think beyond high school to successful careers in many fields of endeavor in a changing society.

Speaking at the Grade 8 graduation banquet sponsored by the Chapleau Home and School Association in the Renison Hall of St. John's Anglican Church, Mr. Broomhead wondered if the students had thought of possible careers.

He noted tongue in cheek there was a time when "parents promised a little session in the wood shed if students did not go on to high school."

Now though, education had changed and it was for the better that students continued to high school for themselves, the community and Canada, the reeve who had attended Chapleau Public and Chapleau High schools said. New subjects were now being added to the high school curriculum.

"I wonder if you have thought of what you will do after leaving high school," he queried, calling attention to many fields of endeavor, including some in Chapleau.

"The way pupils apply themselves will determine where Canada will stand among the nations of the world. Opportunities right now are unlimited for students with vision."

Mr. Broomhead also congratulated the home and school association as a "vital factor" in ensuring student success. It creates good will between the school and home, he said, according to a Sudbury Star report.

In 1960, C.B. Greenlaw was the president of the home and school association. Foy Wright, who had succeeded J.M. 'Jack' Shoup as principal in 1958, welcomed everyone to the banquet while Grade 8 student Betty Ann Bertrand extended thanks on behalf of the graduates.

As an aside, Mr. Broomhead could have been making the same observations today to students in a society where change is the only constant.

Mr. Broomhead later became a member of the school board that was instrumental in getting the "new" Chapleau High School "on the hill" opened in 1966. (My gosh, even though I attended the "old" high school on Pine Street as a student, I am still referring to the school on the hill where I taught as "new" -- and it will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2016.)

Maybe a special reunion is in order for the "new" school?

Thanks to Lawrence 'Larry' Mantle for providing information and photos, and to Danny Mizuguchi for photo collection that included Larry at the 2012 CHS reunion.  My email is mj.morris@live.ca

NAMES
Girls in Chapleau Public School Grade 8 class 1960: Back from left Cheryl Byce, Betty Ann Bertrand, Stella Marcil, Sara Warren, Judith Lehtinen, Dorothy Collings. Seated Linda Laframboise, Joan Westerman, Valerie Helm, Leigh Warren, Barbara Paul

Boys in Grade 8 Back George Byce, Terry Principe, Donald Grinton, Raymond Roffey, John Murray, George Hamilton, William Way-White. Seated Denis Curry, Lawrence Mantle, James Bromley, Robert McEachren, Bryan Corston. Sbsent were Peter Dowsley, George Martin, Robert Rear.

Childhood sketches for his Aunt reveal "Chapleau Factor" as Ian Macdonald shares favourite memories

MJ and Ian 2014 at Harry "Butch" Pellow party

Going back in time about 65 years or so, Ian Macdonald, then a pupil at Chapleau Public School, drew some sketches to send to his Aunt in Hamilton, depicting Chapleau in summer, fall and winter. In this piece, which Ian kindly wrote after I saw the sketches, Ian refers to the "Chapleau Factor". I think so!

Ian became an architect and is the retired head of the department of architecture at the University of Manitoba, where he was awarded the distinction of professor emeritus. Thanks Ian.

By

IAN MACDONALD

Michael was recently soliciting his readers for favourite memories of growing up in Chapleau.  Mine were in the late 1940’s.

Let me first offer a bit of context. The information age was still a life time away from Chapleau in those days .  Day time radio, when you could actually receive it, was limited to one AM station in Timmins. I don’t think we even had a telephone installed in the house until either 1949 or 1950. The primary mode of communication to the outside world was what our younger generation now refer to as “snail mail”. Chapleau Public School  teachers were excellent in developing our  handwriting skills and the postal rate for a standard first class letter in those days was only a nickel which even I could afford. 

I recently unearthed some slightly faded drawings that  I had mailed to my Aunt in Hamilton when I was eight years old and had recently moved to Chapleau from Southern Ontario.  I actually don’t remember  drawing them and can only assume that I was trying to describe Chapleau to her by supplementing a normal written description with sketches of the place in summer,fall and winter .

Drawing was subsequently to become the central skill set of my professional life but back in those days as an eight year old in Northern Ontario I had received no formal or informal training on how to draw things.  This is what intrigued me about these sketches. No one had yet had the opportunity to mess with my head to school me on proper drawing technique or how to see.  

I know now, that drawing is the end result of a complex process between eye, mind and hand and is the subject of endless and inconclusive scientific speculation. British writer John Berger, explores and attempts to explain this relationship in an excellent book titled “Ways of Seeing” .  Berger asserts that “we do not draw the objects our eyes seem to look at. Rather, we draw some respresentation, processed through our mind and through our drawing arm and hand, of that which our minds have seen.”  Well I certainly didn’t know all that as an eight year old kid and was simply trying to describe typical Chapleau activity through a kid’s eyes.  This is my take on the drawings some sixty five years after the fact:

WINTER SKETCH.

Chapleau has a lot of hills which were obviously an important part of winter activity.  We lived on King Street right behind the Lady Minto Hospital. The nearest hill therefore was directly across our back lane and referred to as the Hospital Hill. It was well suited to toboggans and skiing with the fun factor being how many ways you could wipe out. Just beyond the Hospital Hill was Elm Street that sloped gently to Monk Street and was  well suited to sleighs with metal runners when the snow was well packed down. Slightly more challenging hills were just a short walk away where we built ski jumps and riskier toboggan runs.



FALL SKETCH

The sketch focuses on hunting in the fall and most probably along the old farm road just beyond Dr.Frank Broomhead’s present residence. I wasn’t old enough to handle a 410 shotgun in those days but trekked along with Billy McFarlane and his Dad who taught us the fine points of how to hunt partridge. It was a great time of the year.


SUMMER SKETCH

I suppose there was a bit of the architect in me even when I was eight and I  was interested to see that I was able to describe a typical two storey Chapleau house with the front porches that are so common in the community. I’m not sure, however,  why an Anglican kid would select Sacred Heart Church as a subject.  It may have been that the Church’s distinctive byzantine style windows were easier to draw. My Catholic friends might suggest that I secretly wanted to be one of them.

The swimming sketch was definitely inspired by Bucciarelli’s Beach which was our favourite swimming hole where we spent most of our daylight summer hours.  It was a neat place for kids whose family didn’t own a cottage .The beach was easily accessible by bike and preferred over the Town Beach. 

Regardless of how we record things, Chapleau was a great place to be a kid. The drawings in this article, for me at least, were far more  insightful than photographs  in capturing the essence of those times. In retrospect, I’m very grateful to my Aunt for not throwing them away.

CHS friends Ian, Jim and Ann Machan, Doreen (Cormier) Cachagee 2014 at Butch's

I was fortunate to have several friends in High School who also enjoyed drawing including Bob Glowacki Mary Serre and Karen Carlson. Mary went on to become a career Mom but along the way found the time to fine tune her natural skills to become one of Northern Ontario’s better  known painters.  Karen  continued on with her education at the Ontario College of Art in Toronto and other
High School mates including Butch Pellow, Norman Wright and Gary Schafer developed distinguished careers in architecture.

My youngest daughter quipped that it must have been something in the water. She might be right but I suspect there was something special about the place and the times which for now we’ll simply call “The Chapleau Factor”.

Algoma District School Board urged to delay action on Chapleau Public School demoliton pending public consultation process

View of CPS from toboggan slide across river circa 1957

Here is text of a letter sent to Ms. J. Sarlo, Chair, Algoma District School Board on behalf of the Save Chapleau Public School Working Group on September 15, 2014.

Harry Pellow, a member of a pioneer Chapleau family signed letter on behalf of group. Harry was architect for Chapleau Civic Centre, Chapleau General Hospital, Cedar Grove Lodge and Chapleau Recreation Centre.

Feel Free to send me comments at mj.morris@live.ca, and I will forward them to the group.

Dear Ms. Sarlo:
We understand that the Algoma District School Board has decided to proceed with the demolition of the Chapleau Public School, a process that is apparently being undertaken without public consultation. We have been unable to find any indication that the board followed the normal process under Ontario legislation to deal with property in excess to the Board's needs. We understand that the school is currently surplus to your needs; however we respectfully suggest it is not surplus to the requirements of Chapleau and no consideration seems to have been given to alternative uses, many of which can provide economic benefit to a community already sorely in peril.
Since there has been no apparent consultation and because there has been no open discussion on this matter, the citizens are unable to contribute to the furtherance of this matter to nurture public benefit. We heartily recommend you seriously consider delaying or recalling the bid, revisiting the requirements of the community, and reviewing alternative uses for this important historic building and site in the town.
As elections are currently underway for a new municipal council in Chapleau and for the district school board, we respectfully recommend that no further action on the planned demolition take place until after the new council and board have an opportunity to revisit other possibilities for the school.
We do not know the extent of the additional time required to revisit this decision, but we can't believe that you would jeopardize economic, social and a planning opportunities that can be easily identified if the process you have currently undertaken is delayed. 
I am writing on behalf of, and with the support of, several present and past citizens of Chapleau. There are several members of the community who believe there is merit in this building being retained and we would like the opportunity to review them with you. Considering this is a very, very important political period in Chapleau (local election), careful consideration needs to be given to the outcome that may arise from a bad judgment (if it is a bad judgment) of the demolition that we read about in the Chapleau Express.
We also strongly believe that the wider Chapleau community must be given the opportunity to express their views as part of a consultation process. We are well aware that the public and secondary school taxpayers in Chapleau no longer have direct representation on the school board, so they do not have a local trustee to whom they may address their concerns.
Copies of this correspondence are being directed to the present mayor and council in Chapleau, the local MPP, the premier of Ontario, the minister of education of the province of Ontario, editor of the Chapleau Express, and other interested parties.
We would appreciate your acknowledgement of this letter and urge the board that the current decision with respect to the demolition action and announcement that is already in play be delayed until the voice of the citizens most affected can be heard in a public consultation process.

Thank you. Sincerely

Harry Pellow FRAIC
On behalf of Save Chapleau Public School Working Group

Transforming Chapleau Public School into "something significant" in community heritage enclave

Ever since I heard the news that the Algoma District School Board had called for tenders to demolish the historic Chapleau Public School, I have been suffering a wide range of mixed emotions.

 I'm not alone, it seems, as I have heard from so many folks over the past few weeks -- the consensus being that "something" must be done to save it much like Ian Macdonald has so passionately expressed, and continues to do so. Ian, as many readers will know attended Chapleau Public and High Schools. He is the retired head of the department of architecture at the University of Manitoba and Professor Emeritus.

Ian has written extensively on Chapleau buildings.

Before I go any further though, let me explain my mixed emotions. I attended Chapleau Public School, as did my parents.  but more importantly in my life, it was likely the reason that my mother and I stayed in Chapleau after my father Flying Officer Jim Morris was killed on active service in World War II in the RCAF.

Mom, (Muriel E. (Hunt) Morris) had to decide what we would do. Mr. George Young, the father of Dr. G.E. Young, the chair of the school board at the time solved it. Mom had taught at the school in the 1930s before she was married and Mr. Young offered her a position to return. In all, she taught 32 years at CPS and it became a central part of our lives.... much much more than a place where she went to work daily.

I have also heard from other former pupils, and although I promised to keep the name of the following  "musings" anonymous, she sure sums up life at CPS.

Here is a sample: "My favourite memory of grade 1 was the sand box..downside was standing in the corner so often and trying to find someone to tie my shoes..."

Art was "always the fave subject..loved when they pulled down the big maps for us to teach us some lesson...Remember receiving my Salk vaccine in the hallway near the auditorium..that was a scary day...just like the days they would take us for a walk and we would end up at Dr Young's for shots...

"I loved assembly when we would sing all the British patriotic songs..in days of yore...hated when they gave us the cod liver caps and we had to go out and try and swallow or give it to some other kid who loved the taste...

"Absolutely hated the bathroom...to go down those dark stairs and run like hxxl to go and get back up before some monster came.

"I remember lining up for class in the basement and marching like soldiers up the stairs...recess was awesome....even with the cinders...loved the swings...later loved the baseball..would race home...eat in a flash and be back to be first batter up..

lol..

"Fave time was when your mother would read to us at 1..we would all put our heads down and rest and listen..

"I remember the time they gave us huge pieces of broken glass to use to scrape the varnish off our desks as they would refinish them in the summer..can't tememebr anyone getting cut but all that crap we inhaled..can u see that in this day..

"I  remember going to school with handicapped kids who were not teased..we went out of our way to include them and treat them special..

"I had a hard time in school till grade 3 when Mr. Shoup (J.M. Shoup) personally took me under his wing...omg I was so scared..I graduated with 98.5..average...I think we had a great education..sad to see the building go...thanks for stimulating my memory before it's gone."

Fast forward to now and the present situation regarding the school. Ian Macdonald has been in touch and makes some excellent points.

He submits "CPS is an integral part of the heritage enclave precinct extending from the Town Centre to Grey Street. Demolition of CPS or substitution of an inappropriate/ foreign  buidling  typology will corrupt this important historical civic asset."

Former CPS pupils V Crichton, MJ, N Ritchie, D Mizuguchi at CHS reunion

It sure is an important historical asset and I searched for some photos to give a glimpse of some activities at the beach behind the school over the years.

 Ian submits that  "Public consultation on demolition of CPS was minimal or non existent. (transparency). Public awareness of demolition intent was minimal to non existent."

" Exploring all possible options for a sustainable solution is a public responsibility. (sustainability - resourceful and responsible use of public assets - ). The Public is entitled to be made aware of what a refurbished CPS has the potential to be before opting to destroy it, " Ian wrote in an email.

He added  that Economic benefits to community from tax revenue and business activity are significant if handled responsibly and creatively. Fiscally responsibility and sustainability, like politics itself, is ALL LOCAL and begins at home. Chapleau has the potential to provide a good example of this.

"Elected bodies such as Municipal Councils and School Boards have the moral responsibility to do the right thing,.  Demolition of CPS is not the right thing."  At this point, just to be clear I would just add to Ian's comment that direct responsibility for CPS rests with the Algoma District School Board  not the council of the Township of Chapleau.

He concluded that anyone can tear down a building but responsible people working together can "transform it into something significant."

A Save Chapleau Public School Working Group has been active in recent weeks, and has decided to send a letter to the Algoma District School Board, the premier and minister of education, requesting that the decision to demolish it be put on hold until the citizens of Chapleau have an opportunity to be consulted and offer their suggestions.

With municipal and school board elections now underway. it would be reasonable to undertake the consultation process after they have been completed. On a very personal note it would be totally awesome to see CPS "transformed int o something significant again" in the life of Chapleau as Ian suggests. However, that is a decision Chapleau citizens must make.  My email is mj.morris@live.ca

Chapleau Public School Demolition "Missed Opportunity" Ian Macdonald Writes

CPS 2014 Vince Crichton Photo

With the announcement by the Algoma District School Board that it had called for tenders to demolish the historic Chapleau Public School (CPS), there was bound to be discussion inside and outside the community. CPS was merged into Chapleau High School after structural problems were revealed.

Ian Macdonald, who attended both Chapleau Public and Chapleau High schools in the 1950s, and recently retired as head of the department of architecture at the University of Manitoba, and was awarded the prestigious position of “professor emeritus” contacted me about doing an article calling the proposed demolition a “missed opportunity”.

Ian has written extensively on Chapleau’s buildings over the years, and has also been awarded the Preservation Award of Excellence from Heritage Winnipeg for his work in preservation of historic buildings. Ian has also written about the CPR in Chapleau.

As always Ian provides an insightful look which may be helpful to the citizens of Chapleau primarily who do not even have a local representative on the school board now…. MJM

Ian on left at Professor Emeritus Ceremony

Chapleau Public School Demolition: A Missed Opportunity

By Ian Macdonald

History often provides interesting lessons for us including those associated with the first Reeve (mayor) of Chapleau, G.B. Nicholson.

The first CPR depot in Chapleau which was opened in 1886 was eventually replaced by a new depot completed in 1909. The usual process in those days would be to demolish the old depot once the new one had been completed and was fully operational. G.B.Nicholson, however, was not your usual kind of individual. He proceeded to purchase the 1886 depot from the CPR and relocated the building to Monk Street.

1909 station

The two storey component of the old depot was refurbished as a two storey house and the single storey baggage room component. became a single storey duplex. These three residential units are still fully functional and useful buildings one hundred and twenty eight years after being originally built and one hundred and four years after being relocated to Monk Street. Fortunately, Mr.Nicholson rejected the easy option of demolition and exercised his creative and innovative instincts to do something that was both socially useful as well as being resourceful and practical.

First station

I understand that the Chapleau Public School is scheduled for demolition and I can’t help but speculate on what old G.B. would have done if he were alive today and confronted with the situation faced by the
Algoma and District School Board. I thoroughly reviewed the engineering report on the Chapleau Elementary School Ceiling Finish Collapse and could easily understand how one might quickly conclude that the prudent thing to do would be to demolish the building and quickly make all the bad stuff go away. It is important, however, to cut through the engineering jargon and focus on the core issues.

The original 1925 Public School building is essentially a wood frame building with timber stud walls and floor joists similar to most residential platform frame construction of the day. The width of the classrooms, however, had to be a clear twenty four feet requiring specially milled 2” x 12” floor joists twenty four feet in length for floor and roof assemblies. The usual maximum length of these kinds of joists to-day is sixteen feet.

Monk Street residences

The main problem with timber joists spanning twenty four feet is that they deflect up and down and eventually cause anything attached to them to gradually fatigue and fail. Those of you who attended Chapleau Public School in the early 1950’s may recall that the plaster ceiling in the semi-circular assembly hall failed and demolished a couple of sturdy wood work benches in the process. Fortunately the students were all in their respective classrooms at the time thus averting a major disaster had all the students been in the assembly hall at the time the ceiling came down.

The deflection problem which was systemic throughout the building should have been rectified at that time through the introduction of secondary structure to reduce deflection and strengthen the floors. If this had been done, there would not have been any of the subsequent problems of future ceilings coming down or over-stressed floors as identified in the Elliot report.

Now let’s get back to what G.B.Nicholson might have done with to-day’s situation. I spent a couple of hours sketching up some plans exploring the potential of converting the original Public School building to an eight unit residential block to see what was possible . All eight units in these sketches were highly amenable, consistent with current building code requirements and each had an excellent view of the river.

G. B. Nicholson

Construction of these units included the supplementary structure necessary to eliminate any deflection or floor strength problems. What do we gain after all this you might ask? The town recovers construction costs through the sale of these units plus the ongoing tax revenue generated by an eight unit residential facility. I’m sure this is the option that G.B. would have looked at and should have been the option that everyone should have considered before opting for the path of least resistance and issuing the RFP for demolition.

 I have a pretty good idea of what G.B. Nicholson would have done and I’m sure you do as well. Unfortunately G.B. isn’t with us to-day to provide the visionary kind of leadership necessary to deal with the myriad of problems facing our communities to-day. He has, however, provided examples for us to learn from that have endured and stood the test of time. The question is whether we have the creative energy and common sense to learn from them and apply those lessons today.

Thanks Ian. As an aside Mr. Nicholson was reeve of Chapleau from 1901 when the community was incorporated as a municipality until he retired from office in 1913. Interestingly, his wife Charlotte Weller was the first school teacher. My email is mj.morris@live.ca