Michael McMullen wins first annual Buckwheat Award for his story on growing up in Chapleau in the 1950s

Buckwheat surveying his world

Michael McMullen is the winner of the first annual Buckwheat Award for having the story with the highest number of visitors in 2010 on Michael J Morris Reports.

After asking for suggestions on naming the award for top story, Ken Schroeder, one of my oldest Chapleau friends, suggested using Buckwheat, my beloved cat and buddy for more than 20 years who died on November 7, 2009. My story on Buckwheat was the top 2009 story, and amazingly has remained in the top 10 most popular all this year. Thanks Ken.

When I advised Michael that he was the first winner of the award, he replied: "It is a rare day that I ever win anything, although I do try by buying a lotto ticket when the jackpot is high. Many thanks for this. Buckwheat will live on!"

Buckwheat ready for Chapleau trip

When I told my friend Vieh about the award on Facebook chat, she exclaimed, "YEAH BUCKWHEAT."

Vieh had a special relationship with Buckwheat. In 2001 she looked after him in her home when I went home to Chapleau for the 100th anniversary celebration. She survived the experience and one day she may tell us her story of life with Buckwheat.

Michael's story recalls his life in Chapleau between 1952-54 when he lived there with his parents Margaret and Keith McMullen. It is a great read about growing up in the 50s. While living in Chapleau, Michael met Alison McMillan, who later became his wife.

Although he only lived in Chapleau a short time, he is a member of one of Chapleau's founding families. His great-great uncle Patrick Mulligan arrived in 1885 and was one of Chapleau's first merchants. Mulligan's Bay is also named after him. Full disclosure: Michael's grandmother May (Mulligan) McMullen and mine, Lil (Mulligan) Morris were sisters.

Here is link to Michael's story: http://michaeljmorrisreports.blogspot.com/2010/04/michael-mcmullen-recalls-life-in.html

In 2010, my blog had over 33000 visitors  bringing the grand total since I started it to over 52000. You have arrived there from 1166 different cities in 67 countries, and have come from all 10 Canadian provinces and the three territories. Thanks for visiting.

The story about the death of Dr. G.E. Young in November attracted the second highest number of visitors, and all the stories about him had more than 2,500 visitors.The others were tributes to him, his founding of the beach, his cable TV system and photos of his building at Christmas.

The photo display of Chapleau in the Fifties, provided by David McMillan came third, while the post on the death of Rev. William P Ivey took fourth spot.

In fifth place was the election of Tom Corston, a Chapleau boy, as the ninth Anglican Bishop of Moosonee. St. John's Church in Chapleau is Tom's home parish and he travelled home to conduct the Christmas Eve service. He told me it was the first time since 1974 when he was a young deacon that he had been home for Christmas Eve service.

Finally, thank you so much to all those who have contributed in the past year. Many of the articles have also appeared in my Chapleau Moments column in the Chapleau Express, and I extend a special thanks to Mario Lafreniere, the publisher. for his cooperation.

My email is mj.morris@live.ca

Dr. G.E. Young remembered as exceptional person who holds a special place in the hearts of those whose lives he touched in more than 50 years as a doctor in Chapleau and his involvement in community life

MJ with Dr Ted 2004 at Creston BC. 

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Dr Young. New Pics courtesy Bob Lewis, Betty O'Shaughnessy

When I was growing up in Chapleau and had come down with one of the common childhood diseases, after my mother left for school, I would suggest to my grandmother that we call Dr. Young who for sure would come and make me better.
Almost momentarily, or so it seemed, Dr. Young would appear with his black bag, and sit beside my bed. take my pulse and termperature, and my favorite, take out his stethoscope and and have me take deep breaths to make sure I was still alive. Then he would talk with Nanny, my grandmother, Edith Hunt, who assured me she would follow his instructions and in due course, I would be "all better" and head back to school.

When my dog Rex was hit by a car while I was still in public school, I carried him into the house, in tears, shouting at my mother, Muriel E. Morris, "Call Dr. Young." She did and once again, it seemed within moments, he arrived. After examining Rex, he told me to put a blanket near the wood stove as well as food and water, and let him be. Amazingly, Rex recovered and lived another 10 years. Dr. Young had done it again.

With the news on November 14, that Dr. George Edward "Ted" Young, who served Chapleau and area for 50 years as a medical doctor had died at age 95, Chapleauites everywhere I am sure have been sharing Dr. Young stories.

Mr. Cockburn chats with Dr Young, 1976

For almost a century, born in Chapleau on December 2, 1914, to George and Mabel Young, he strode like a colossus through every aspect of community life -- as a young athlete who became famous for swimming to Mulligan's Bay, as an officer in Number 1181 Chapleau High School Cadet Corps, as a medical student at Queen's University who came home to practise for six months and remained 50 years before he retired in 1994, as the builder of the Chapleau beach, as a member of township council, as a cable television pioneer, and as one who was constantly undertaking new projects, many of which were never quite completed.

In his long life, Dr. Young fought for many causes, always in his view to make Chapleau a better place.

When I received the news on November 14 that Dr. Young had died, like so many from whom I have heard, I reflected on his life and times in Chapleau. On a very personal basis, Dr. Young looked after me as a patient, and for all his care I will always be most appreciative. When I was reeve of Chapleau, I recall meeting with Ministry of Health officials in Toronto, and one doctor there remarked, "Dr. Young is considered one of the best diagnosticians in Ontario." No argument from me on that one. I likely would not be writing these words if he had not been.

Over the years I came to know Dr. Young even better when he was a member of council, and then as a dear and close friend. Interestingly, my father, James E. Morris was about three weeks older than Ted Young, and they grew up together in Chapleau. Dr. Young shared many stories with me about life in Chapleau in his growing up years, usually beginning them with, "As I tell you..."

On the occasion of Chapleau's 100th anniversary in 2001, I was so delighted to travel home and stay at Dr. Young's, just enjoying his company and sharing Chapleau tales. In 2004, he travelled across the country in his motor home and visited me in Cranbrook BC. Gordon Woods, my friend, drove the motor home. Many may not be aware that his mother was from Creston, just an hour away from me, and we travelled there one day to visit his grandparents' grave and the church where his parents were married.

Dr Young with other councillors 1976 parade

Upon arrival at the cemetery, I was concerned that we may not find the grave, but he walked directly to it even though he had not been there in many years. We then visited the church. I was so privileged to be able to share these moments in his family history with Dr. Young.

I could go on and on with my own Dr. Young stories but others have their memories of Dr. Young and have shared them with me these past few days. From over 100 email and Facebook messages, here is a sample.

Jamie Thibault: "May God Bless Him and that special place that we all have in our hearts for those people that have touched us in our lives be made extra large for all he has given to Chapleau and its citizens. Today Chapleau has lost a bit of its identitity and I hope something will be done to commemorate this fine Man. R.I.P."

Darlene (St. Denis) Lafontaine whose stepfather Raymond "Rusty" Campbell and other members of her family worked with Dr. Young for years wrote. "My tears for him are of great sadness. He lived a long and fulfilling life and his support towards our family will always be remembered. When I moved to Timmins, he actually came into my new workplace with my brother in 1994 to make sure that things were going well...He will be remembered in an honorable way!! Thanks Michael, he was one of the reasons education became important to me....His support will forever be remembered.

"He was truly a great man....Chapleau was all the better because of him...It was an honor to know him and the time he shared with our family will certainly be remembered. My charm bracelet from him at my grade 8 graduation will always be near and dear to my heart...."

Tom, Bud Welch, Dr Young, Leona McCrea at my barbecue

Gwen MacGillivray: "Chapleau has lost a great man. He was the last of the "town" doctors who knew everyone and their families...who made house calls and truly cared about each of his patients, friends, neighbours...he was a good and kind man who will be remembered fondly by generations of us. RIP Dr. Young."

Dave Doig who lived almost across Pine Street from the Young family home wrote: "Decent, fair, intelligent, generous man. Safely delivered me (and I think most of my siblings as well) to this world. Gave back more than he took from Chapleau. He'll always be one of Chapleau's iconic citizens...missed but not forgotten." Dave also advised that he shovelled the snow for Dr. Young's mother, to earn a few dollars and sometimes he even got a butter tart.

Patty(Riley) Burton "He was always good to our family. When my dad's mom passed away he was the first to call and give sympathies to my father, shortly after that he had to do it again when my father passed away. (Patty's grandparents were Mr. and Mrs. Harry Riley and her father, Lorne Riley)

"I remember him most by saving my son's (Wesley) life when he was an infant. No other doctor knew what was wrong with him. Dr Young looked at him and within 2hrs we were flying out in a snow storm to the Soo. He also called the Soo on a daily basis to check on Wes. He later would tell me one more day and we probably would have lost Wes. Wesley was also the last baby Dr. Young delivered...he will always be remembered as a caring, loving doctor and person...I owe him because without him I wouldn't have my son...so thank you Dr Young for everything you have done and given to the Riley family!! Rest in peace!!"

Patty's son Wesley, who happens to be a very good writer, is now in his first year as a student at Carleton University in Ottawa.

Darlene (Bouillon) Ranger wrote that she had many Dr. Young stories but "this one i love.

"I was a nurse's aid at the old Lady Minto. I would of been seventeen and lived in the nurses' residence. Those were the days... Party party party... The director of nursing was Mrs. Crozier who ruled her hospital with a wooden spoon as well as an iron tongue. I can still hear her keys clanging as she made her rounds in the am.

"I /we as I would of never have been alone did party this one time and was so sick and could not go to work. I knew that would not sit well with you know who. I need a good excuse...

"Call the Doctor.... Good thinking... Dr. Young came to residence quickly and checked me over.. He had a bit of a smirk on his face but oh well he is here and will help me....

"Help me? He put me in hospital...Remember, I am not really sick and I know he knew... Off you go my dear. You are too sick to stay here and too dehydrated....i am very worried about you ? Hello.... i am not really sick.... I get admitted not for overnight but for five days... Every day he visits me and states oh Darlene you are still to sick to go home... He kept this up and knew exactly what he was doing... Made me stay in hospital on total bed rest .. Could not get out of bed.... Doctor's orders... He was bound and determined to teach me important life lessons..

"As the years progressed Dr. Young and I had many laughs and this laugh was the one he enjoyed the most....What were you thinking Darlene?...In my mind today as well as yesterday he was my A list Doctor... We will miss him and the lessons he taught me stays with me even today...God bless you my dear friend rest in peace."

Later, Dr. Young delivered both Darlene's sons Derek and Sean.

In the life of Chapleau, George Edward "Ted" Young, singlehandedly at times, through his actions strongly influenced the course of events both as a medical doctor and in many other aspects of community life. He was an exceptional person. Rest in peace my friend, and thank you.
My email is mj.morris@live.ca

Dr. G.E. Young Christmas display important part of Chapleau history

UPDATE: Dr. George Edward "Ted" Young died November 14, 2010 at age 95, in Chapleau. 

UPDATED November 14, 2012

For at least 50 years in Chapleau, Ontario, one of the major highlights at Christmas was the display at the office of Dr. G.E. Young. This year I am delighted to be able to share with you images from the display that Dr. Young created before he converted the original home of G.B. Nicholson into his office and apartment complex at the intersection of Lorne and Beech  streets. Mr. Nicholson was the first reeve of Chapleau.

These photos would likely be from the early Fifties.

These photos are from Dr. Young's personal collection and he made them available some years ago.

Dr. "Ted" Young, born and raised in Chapleau, came home, and practised medicine there for more than 50 years.


Please email me your memories of Christmas in Chapleau and comments on Dr. Young's display. mj.morris@live.ca

Dr. G.E. Young cable television pioneer

http://michaeljmorrisreports.blogspot.com/2009/03/dr-ge-young-pioneer-in-cable-television.html

Dr. G.E. Young transforms garbage dump into beach

http://michaeljmorrisreports.blogspot.com/2010/09/dr-ge-young-transforms-garbage-dump.html

Reflections on Chapleau councils from George Brecken Nicholson taking office in 1901 to Andre Byham becoming mayor 110 years later

As Chapleau prepares to mark its 110th anniversary of incorporation as a municipality in Ontario in 2011, Andre Byham will become the 22nd mayor (formerly called reeves) when he takes office on December 1.

The newly elected mayor is actually the 20th person to hold the office as Frank Edwards, a CPR engineer, and Kenneth Russell, Technical Director of Radiology at the hospital, each served again after a break in terms.





G.B. Nicholson

On February 15, 1901, George Brecken "G.B." Nicholson, took office as reeve, and served until 1913, never facing an opponent as he was returned by acclamation for one year terms. Looking at the history of Chapleau, Mr. Nicholson and his councils created the basic infrastructure for the community in the 20th century. By the time Mr. Nicholson retired as reeve Chapleau had a water works system, cement sidewalks in some residential areas, two schools with a high school under consideration, and a Town Hall considered most modern at the time. Mr. Nicholson was in the lumber and other businesses and later served as a Member of Parliament.

The railway YMCA with its rooms, restaurant and programs was called one of the best institutions of its kind anywhere in Canada, while the Lady Minto Hospital under the Victorian Order of Nurses opened in 1914. The major employer was the Canadian Pacific Railway while the business section contained a number of special, general and department stores. The population had reached about 2,500 people.

Before I go any further, let me extend my most sincere congratulations to Mr. Byham, and Lisi Crichton. Laurent Lacroix, Doug Greig and Rose Bertrand on their election to Chapleau council. All the best to each of you.

Doug Greig has been researching Chapleau councils and sent me the most recent results of his efforts. Just reading the names is a journey into history, so I decided to share some of the information about those who have served their community on council over the past 110 years, adding a bit here and there mostly from the mothballs of my own memory. This is really just a starting point, and I hope Doug will have time to continue his efforts. Perhaps others will volunteer to help.

Lisi Crichton, who will be serving her first term has a direct family connection to Chapleau council. Her great grandfather Vincent Crichton, who was a plumber and proprietor of the Regent movie theatre, was a Chapleau councillor in 1921. (Full Disclosure: Vincent Crichton was my great uncle)

But, as I reviewed Doug's research, it became apparent that the family of Earle Freeborn, the retiring mayor, has had the most members who served on council. His grandfather, J.D. McAdam, a CPR engineer, was the third reeve of Chapleau, holding office from 1917 to 1919, while his father Earle Freeborn, a CPR freight agent, died in office while serving as the 7th reeve in 1938. Earle's brother Elmer was a councillor for several terms, while Earle, who was a CPR engineer and recreation centre manager, has been in office as mayor since 1998.

During World War I, T.J. Godfrey, who was Indian agent, entrepreneur and major force over the years for the construction of Highway 129, finally opened in 1949, was the second reeve from 1914 to 1916, followed by Mr. McAdam.

Max Brunette, elected in 1920, a CPR conductor, served as reeve until 1929 to be succeeded by Mr. Edwards who was in office until 1936 and then returned from 1943 to 1947. In 1937, Edgar Pellow, the sixth reeve took office, held it for less than two months the resigned to be succeeded by Mr. Freeborn.

It should be noted that elections were held yearly, with the first council to serve a two-year term elected for 1969-70. Later they went to three year and now a four year term.

George Fife, the manager of the Chapleau Electric Light Company became the 8th reeve and was in office until 1942. Mr. Fife is reportedly the only Chapleau reeve to meet a British monarch. When King George VI and Queen Elizabeth were on their Canadian tour in 1939, the Royal Train stopped in Chapleau apparently in the night and the King got up to meet Mr. Fife.

While the reeves from Mr. Nicholson to Mr. Edwards saw Chapleau through two World Wars and the Great Depression,all of which presented huge challenges to the community and are stories in themselves, it was the election of 1947 that saw B.W. "Bubs" Zufelt, owner of Chapleau Bakery, as the 10th reeve that marked the emergence of Chapleau from its relative isolation and set the stage for a somewhat different community. Mr. Zufelt (who in the interests of full disclosure was my uncle) served as reeve until 1955.

In 1948, a disastrous forest fire resulted in new lumber companies coming to the Chapleau area providing an expansion of the employment base. By 1949, Highway 129 was finally completed although the celebration was marred by the death of Mr. Godfrey during the official opening just as his dream became a reality. With the end of World War II Chapleau citizens returned from overseas and many stayed to work, gort married and started families. The baby boom was underway.

On the local scene, some of the major projects included a sewage plant and system, the first road paving project and the completion of the new Chapleau Memorial Community Arena. In the early Fifties, Smith and Chapple Ltd. expanded to the "other side of main street". and many may not be aware that Chapleau had two soft drink bottling plants -- Coca Cola and Pepsi.

Residential areas were also expanded in the Fifties and it seemed like Chapleau boom times would continue. A Brewer's Retail store arrived in the Fifties too.

Mr. Zufelt was succeeded by Leo Racicot, a CPR conductor, who served from 1956 to 1959, then James "Jim" Broomhead, of the Algoma Dairy, from 1960 to 1962. Arthur Grout, president of Smith and Chapple Ltd. became the 13th reeve in January 1963 but resigned after two months to be succeeded by Fred A. "Nick" Card, a CPR engineer, who held office until 1966. William J. Card, Mr. Card's father had served as a councillor for eight years between 1922 and 1934.

In 1962 Highway 101 linked Chapleau to Timmins.

T.C. "Terry" Way-White, a CPR conductor, became the 15th reeve serving from 1967 to 1973. Major projects undertaken in those years were the new water plant and new bridge and pedestrian overpass. I succeeded Mr. Way-White in 1974 and major projects included the recreation centre, civic centre and Cedar Grove Lodge.

William Howard , of CPR, became the 17th reeve in 1980 and was in office until 1986 when Kenneth Russell took over. Mr Russell served as reeve until 1997.  However, he resigned and  from December 1990 until December 1991 he was  he was out of office and Claire Charron was reeve. Mr. Russell returned to office.

Earle Freeborn became the 21st holder of the office, and the 19th person to do so.

It has not been my intention to provide a detailed look at projects undertaken over the past 110 years. Those mentioned are simply to provide a context for what was happening at certain times in Chapleau's history.
Just a couple of more mentions of Chapleau people who have served on council.

J.M. "Jack" Shoup, the long time principal of Chapleau Public School, appears to hold the record for longest serving councillor -- 16 years of one year terms - starting in 1946 and ending in 1968.

Before Dr. G.E. "Ted" Young served on council, his father George Young and his brother Dr. William "Bill" Young had been members.

Mrs. Maud Hands, elected in 1947 was the first woman on Chapleau council. It appears that only eight other women have been members in 110 years.

Thanks to Doug Greig for sharing his research. As I put together this column, I could not help but reflect on all those who have sat on Chapleau council. They were also most active in other areas of community life too.

Andre Byham

Now Andre Byham, the newly elected mayor and his council, embark on a journey to take Chapleau into its second 110 years as a progressive community facing the challenges of the 21st Century. Godspeed! My email is mj.morris@live.ca

'All Aboard' for a trip from the era of passenger train travel on the CPR as David McMillan travels between Chapleau and Montreal in the sleeping car Rutherglen in the 1940s

David, Grade 11, 1957 from Ian Macdonald

UPDATE: DAVID McMILLAN DIED IN WINNIPEG ON MAY 3,2012. REST IN PEACE MY GOOD FRIEND. THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES.
When David McMillan, the son of the late Margaret and Leslie McMillan phoned to tell me that he was coming to Cranbrook, B.C., with his wife Bev and son Chris, where I now live, I knew it would be a fascinating trip down memory lane as we planned to visit the Canadian Museum of Rail Travel located here. We had a great visit and museum tour, and I asked David if he would share his memories about passenger train travel between Chapleau and Montreal to visit family. Here are David's memories, as he takes us back to the wonderful era of passenger train travel in Canada on the Canadian Pacific Railway.

David wrote: "I was fortunate enough to be granted the opportunity to be transported back to that era in the early part of April 2010 when I re-connected with Michael Morris in Cranbrook. Tucked away in the south-eastern section of B.C. is a city that is home to a railroad museum whose main claim to fame is a collection of baggage, coach and sleeping cars from the first half of the last century. One of the cars on display is the C.P.R.'s sleeping car " Rutherglen " that is a member of the renowned 'R ' class of sleepers that were a staple on the Dominions that ran through Chapleau daily.

"They were a heavy car that stabilized the rock and rolling effect experienced on older cars with older suspensions. I recall my parents feeling quite fortunate upon learning that our sleeping car reservations indicated we'd be travelling in an "R" car and the ride was never disappointing. I specifically and unequivocally remember having travelled in the " Rutherglen " in the 40s because at the time I associated it with Wayne Riddell, the son of the CPR policeman in Chapleau, who'd often visit his grandmother in Rutherglen which is a small town on the CPR mainline between North Bay and Mattawa.

"To understand the reason behind the numerous round trips I was fortunate enough to be able to make with my Mother and sister Alison between Chapleau and Montreal on Trains # 8 and # 7 during the 40's through to the early 50's, one has to be aware of the fact that both my parents were born and raised in the Montreal area. According to his CPR record card, my Dad hired on as a fireman in Smith Falls, ON on December 18, 1918 and began his service in Chapleau on New Year's Eve 1919. Between this date and September 30, 1940 he was laid off / set up a total of 7 times each with the longest span being a ten year time frame during the Depression. During the span between 1929 - 1939 he worked in Montreal West, met and married my Mom and they ultimately began their family with my arrival just as the Depression was winding down. By 1941, the prospect of continuing employment was deemed sufficient enough to move the family to Chapleau which was completed sometime that year.

"CPR employees were eligible to apply for passes for free rail travel by their dependents and this was the crucial element that gave us the opportunity to make the trips to and from Montreal several times each year. Although the foliage changed depending upon the time of year ( lakes losing their winter coat of ice at Easter, the return of the trees' summer attire as we began our summer holidays away from the classroom, the leaves beginning to turn by the end of August as we headed back Chapleau and a new school year and snow galore during the Christmas - New Year's break ) the routine remained constant.

"The call to 149 ( why I remember that number so vividly I don't know ) began the process and almost before you hung up the phone Len Perfetto would be at the door to take our bags out to his taxi and off we headed over the infamous horseshoe bridge to the station to catch # 8 before its late afternoon departure for points East.

"From that point on, the pattern was consistent on virtually every trip. Shortly after departing Chapleau, someone from the dining car would come by our Section or Bedroom to determine our sitting preference for supper in the dining car. If I remember correctly, there were 3 time frames you could choose from that prevented line-ups and waits. The Steward would make 3 evenly-spaced return trips to the sleeping cars behind the diner that calling out " First call for dinner, second call for dinner " and so on. When our sitting time came, I can remember walking by the kitchen and marvelling at the way staff went about their duties over the stoves and standing in the aisle taking and writing up meal orders as the train continually rocked back and forth on the curves that abound on the Chapleau to Cartier portion of the trip.

"It wouldn't be too long after returning to our Section or Bedroom that we'd pull into Cartier and head for the lunch room which was the part of the station that was particularly popular with those travelling in day coaches. These passengers from cars at the front end of the train were only able to obtain a limited variety of foodstuffs ( chips, peanuts, pop and the like ) from the Newsie so the soup, sandwiches, pie and desserts available at the station lunch counters across the system were welcomed and very well utilized.

CPR Passenger Train at station in 1946

"Less than an hour later we'd roll into Sudbury after leaving the topography of the Canadian Shield behind for the time being and entering the pocket of farmland that stretches from Chelmsford through to North Bay. By this time dusk, and / or darkness depending upon the time of year, had set in and if you were fortunate enough with the timing, you were able to watch the sky glow red as molten slag was being dumped by the Inco mining operation in Copper Cliff.

"The Sudbury stop-over automatically came with a trip to the spacious restaurant at the west end of the station that, if I remember correctly, had a couple of horseshoe counters complete with stools and a menu that offered a variety of selections beyond those available in either Cartier or Chapleau.

"In later years the CPR reverted to operating one transcontinental train in each direction daily that was either split or amalgamated in Sudbury. Trains heading east were divided into sections destined for either Montreal or Toronto and the reverse took place when trains from Montreal and Toronto were combined into one train headed for Vancouver. This process usually took 45 minutes and one had to be very observant when getting back on board in order to reach your proper destination. I've often wondered how many passengers ended up heading South to Toronto when they were supposed to be going East to Montreal. As the age of majority was attained, a lot of us abandoned the CPR restaurant for the Ledo Hotel but this came with a necessity to keep an eye on the clock given that the Conductor or Head-end Brakeman weren't obligated to cross the street to the Ledo and holler " All Aboard ".

"Shortly after leaving Sudbury and retiring for the night we would put our shoes in a compartment that was basically a hole in the wall between our sleeping quarters and the aisle of the car. There were small doors on either side and the awe that came with waking up Christmas morning to find gifts under the tree was re-created the next morning when you opened the door of the compartment on your side and discovered freshly polished shoes that shone with their brilliance. I don't recall how old I was before I came to realize that this overnight magic was the work of the porter who oversaw our every need throughout the entire trip."

"North Bay was reached by midnight but by that time I'd be in the upper bunk dreaming, with anticipation, to the reunion with my Grandmother, Aunt and Uncle the next morning. With daylight coming so early in June, I always got a kick out of gazing out the window as we rumbled through the downtown cores of Pembroke, Renfrew, Arnprior, Carleton Place and a few others before reaching the Nation's Capital around 7:00 a.m.

"Until I was old enough to grasp an understanding of directions and the track routing, I was confused about why we had to cross the Ottawa River twice .. from Ottawa West where there was a head-end crew change, over the River to Hull and then past the mammoth E.B.Eddy plant with its piles of saw logs. Shortly thereafter a second Ottawa River crossing was made that took us along the Rideau Canal where, if you looked skyward you would be gazing at either Parliament Hill or the Chateau Laurier depending which side of the car you were sitting on.

"The Ottawa Station has been transformed into a Conference Centre and the multitude of tracks that were needed to accommodate the large number of local trains that served the area are long gone although they remain fresh in my mind. The two hour jaunt to Montreal took us over the flat farmland that is the St. Lawrence Lowland and the roadbed was, in most cases, flat and straight which gave the Royal Hudsons on the head-end a chance to let it all out. This capability came to the fore once the Ottawa River was crossed one more time and the island of Montreal reached at a point where the CPR and CNR mainlines run parallel for the 30 or so miles into the city. More often than not there would be a CNR train running alongside and I'm certain to this day there were friendly races taking place between the rival engineers. For entertainment along this stretch, I'd be on the lookout for aircraft heading to or from Montreal's Dorval airport and before long, it was into the Montreal West station and the arms of the the Quebec side of the family.

"In those years things didn't change as quickly as they do these days and one never dreamed that experiences of this sort would ever end. I've retained some pictures from those days and an inventory of memories that I look back on with a fondness and, at times, a longing to be able to return to a time when life appeared to be much simpler and not as complicated.

"To stand in the same aisle and walk between the made up upper berths that were a repeat of something I'd done 60 odd years ago generated a feeling of nostalgia that was both exhilarating and dumbfounding. With thoughts and recollections of all that had taken place in my lifetime between this 2010 visit to the Rutherglen and my 1940s connection with the exact same sleeping car was a definite appreciation of the experiences and opportunities afforded me while growing up in the Friendliest Town in the North "

Thanks for the memories David.

In 2001, David's sister Alison was here with her husband Michael McMullen and his brother Keith,( my cousins) to visit the railway museum (http://trainsdeluxe.com/ ), and Dr. G.E. "Ted" Young has also been here to visit. Gordie Woods drove Dr. Young's motor home across the country and we had a wonderful visit. During the railway museum tour, Dr. Young reminsced about train trips he took as a boy travelling with his family to visit family in British Columbia, as well as during the years when he was attending Queen's University to study medicine. He also recalled his trips back and forth to New York City by train when he was at Columbia University. "Let me tell you," as Dr. Young would often say, he impressed the tour guide with his first hand knowledge of the early days of passenger train travel. Warmest regards "Doc."

Other cars on display include the dining car Argyle, Somerset, Glen Cassie, River Rouge, and Day Parlour Car Number 6751.
My email is mj.morris@live.ca

PHOTO INFORMATION: Perhaps the McMillan family arrived home on this passenger train shown in a 1946 photo of the Chapleau CPR yards. Also in photo from left are water tank, ice house, smokestack of the C.P.R. power and steam plant, old original coal shutes for filling engine tenders, car barns, new coal shutes. Photo from Vince Crichton collection, courtesy of Dr. Vince Crichton

Kyle and Joanne contribute to popular Chapleau nicknames

NOTE: Kyle Cachagee and Joanne (Burns) Gionet are the latest to send along more nicknames from Chapleau. Keep them coming as they bring back fond memories not only of the people mentioned but of life in Chapleau. And yes, to the person who wrote to tell me that "Yes, you did politics in Chapleau, but it was really you did hockey," I will share some memories soon. And I also did drama at Chapleau High School with some incredibly talented students and I will share some of those experiences too. Thanks Kyle and Joanne!



BY KYLE CACHAGEE
Boxcar- my late grandfather Tony Cachagee. His name was Charles Douglas but we all called him Tony and not sure why. I guess he had a couple of nicknames.

Kitty or Nanny is what we have always called my grandmother Kathleen Cachagee who lives in long term care at the hospital.

I worked with Chicken Corston for several years at the MNR as a teenager in Chapleau and didn't know why everyone called Henry 'Chicken'. I believed it was revealed in his obit in the Chapleau paper. Since his name was HENry and a hen is a chicken....hence his nickname.

Fireman-Jean Longtin was a long time watchman at Martel Lumber I believe. Everyone knew him since he wore his red hard plastic fireman hat while walking around town. He even had a chair he kept on the new walking bridge he would rest on while walking to and from downtown.

Pit- Anne Elizabeth Michaud if my memory serves me correct. Everyone knows Pit from her minnows. Speaking of minnows we can't forget 'Toy' (Nellie) McCauley (Gregson). A few others who I don't even know their real names include Dink Edwards, Pepsi and Fleagel (sp?).

More recently there's Bucko (Terry) Laframboise, Hammy (Dave) Hamilton

There was also nicknames for places around Chapleau. Down on the point, the forestry or Lands and Forests was the MNR. Loon lake was Borden Lake where our camp is.

There is Dr. Young's hill, Michael Levesque's trail also sometimes called Carl Nyman's trail, The Carl Nyman Forest is a small plantation of pine trees planted at the MNR behind his former wood shop.

SEE EARLIER POST http://michaeljmorrisreports.blogspot.com/2009/04/fascinating-nicknames-abounded-in.html

BY JOANNE (BURNS) GIONET

Mom was just telling me, five minutes ago that their mother use to be called "La Butt" because she smoked and would use a pin to hold the end of the butt so that she wouldn't waste any. Isn't that a hoot!

Mom said that Froggy's name was Eugene, for sure and Mick was Edgar she thinks. She doesn't seem to think that Willie was much of a nickname...that his name was likely Wilfred but not at all certain of it. (Fortin family)

And of course Joanne reminded us of Gerry (BEANIE) Gionet and advised that at times when she referred to him as Gerry, people asked who she meant!!!

Fee free to comment and email me at mj.morris@live.ca