Cultural heritage important to Chapleau as it provides insights into life and times of community, Ian Macdonald suggests

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Cedar Street bridge from Peace-Unity park Michael McMullen

an Macdonald, retired head of the department of architecture and now professor emeritus at the University Of Manitoba, looks at the cultural heritage of Chapleau with a vivid contrast between the Chapleau Peace-Unity Park for which he gives high praise, and the deterioration of CPR Locomotive 5433 in the Centennial Park. He also suggests other river related historical sites worthy of development as part of Chapleau' s cultural heritage. 

Although Ian has not lived in Chapleau for many years, he maintains an abiding positive interest in the community. He agreed to do two columns on his thoughts about maintaining and improving Chapleau's cultural heritage, after our visit home this year for the official launch of 'The Chapleau Boys Go To War'. Ian was a contributor to the book. We extend our thanks to Michael McMullen for his always valuable insights and assistance. MJM

By Ian Macdonald

On my most recent visit to Chapleau, I had an opportunity to visit Chapleau’s Peace Park that so effectively celebrates the picturesque landscape of the Nebskwashi River . This is a significant landscape which is part of the natural heritage of Chapleau and the community deserves high praise for creation of this special place
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The Peace Park is part of the overall cultural heritage of the community which includes buildings, artifacts, books, art and language One should be reminded that Chapleau has been in existence long enough to actually have developed a distinctive cultural heritage unlike some of the more modern Northern Ontario post-war pulp and paper communities like Marathon and Terrace Bay.

 Ojibway workers at HBC sub-post CP Corporate Archives

Other river related historical sites worthy of development include the site of the Hudson’s Bay Company sub-post on the east bank of the Nebskwashi River built in 1884 and the original canoe landing on the Kebsquasheshing River immediately north of the Civic Centre where meetings associated with the establishment of Treaty Nine ( James Bay Treaty ) were held in 1905.

Treaty Nine negotiations at Chapleau 1905 National Archives

Cultural heritage, unlike forgettable and trendy brands and gimmicks is not conjured up in some consultant’s office. You don’t have to hire a Toronto spin doctor to invent it as it exists right where you live and breathe. It differs from symbols like Wawa’s big goose or Kenora’s Husky the Muskie which, as interesting objects, may catch your eye momentarily but really don’t provide any insight of the life and times of the community itself .

 Locomotive 5433 when in active service Ian Macdonald collection

The CPR steam locomotive in Centennial (Station) Park, for instance, wasn’t the figment of someone’s imagination. This locomotive type was the last generation of steam locomotives designed and built in Canada by the CPR and is closely associated with Chapleau as It was the dominant locomotive type on the Schreiber Division before dieselization. It was thus an authentic and integral part of Chapleau life, operated and maintained by the parents and grandparents of many Chapleau descendants, and a most appropriate symbol of the steam era. Chapleau is lucky to have it

Tourists and long-time residents are able to witness the aesthetic and cultural history of an area through showcasing heritage. For many of my generation, locomotive 5433 validates memories of growing up in Chapleau. In my case, for instance, it provokes memories of my first trial trip as a fireman on a similar locomotive. Younger generations who were born long after steam power disappeared will have a much different association specific to their own experience.

CPR running board paint guidelines

Attention to detail is an essential aspect of historic preservation whether it is art, artifact or building. The unfortunate deterioration of Locomotive 5433 since it was positioned in the park some fifty years ago heavily diminishes its value and authenticity as a historical milestone. Accurate replication of lettering style, size, spacing and colour is absolutely essential as it was strictly regulated by the CPR and is specific to this locomotive type. We have made this information available to the community from time to time at no cost, only to have the offer rejected without explanation. This sort of attitude naturally causes concern that little or no value may be assigned to cultural heritage by those shaping strategies for future development.

Chapleau Public School demolition Sept 2014 Doug Greig

The recent tragic demolition of the Chapleau Public School illustrates how vulnerable our heritage buildings and sites are. The Chapleau Peace-Unity Park provides encouragement and hope, while, unfortunately, the decaying Locomotive 5433 leaves the opposite impression.

The next article will describe some restoration projects completed in communities the same size as Chapleau and even smaller. Each of these examples required a strategic plan for fundraising and economic sustainability and had the support of enthusiastic and dedicated citizen groups. These are the critical ingredients for success .


My email is mj.morris@live.ca

Allen Laframboise visit to Chapleau included another photo-op with Engine 5433 48 years later

Allen Laframboise was there on the historic day in 1964 when Canadian Pacific Railway Engine 5433 arrived in Centennial Park. 

On a visit to Chapleau 48 years later in 2012, with his wife, he saw a photo from the occasion, and he and his brother Terry were in it. So, he took a photo of himself under the "5" in 5433 and recently sent them both to me.

He came across a Chapleau Moments column I had written on the engine. He explains: "I was there  that  day it was moved  into its place.  In 2012 I was in Chapleau and visited  the museum with my Brazilian wife. In the museum is  a panoramic photo of that day and when I looked at it closer I realized I was in the picture .  I am standing under the wheel just below the 5 ,  my brother Terry is beside me to the right.   I added the shot of me again in 2012 standing in the same spot  48 years later."

I followed up with Allen and he brought me up to date and shared what he has been doing since 1970-1974 when he attended Chapleau High School. He reminded me I taught him history.

Allen related that he is  an aircraft maintenance engineer on Helicopters ( basically a mechanic on Helicopters),  "since graduating Canadore College in 1979 started my career in aviation in the maintenance side.   

"My first job was in Edmonton and I stayed there until 1981 before moving to the Vancouver area and lived there until 1989.   In 1985 I started working for a company called Okanagan Helicopters based in Vancouver and in 1987 they merged with two other Canadian companies to form CHC ... and I have been with them for 30 years.     Is quite a large company in the Offshore oil and Gas support around the world but not that much work in Canada anymore.   Has been American owned for about the last seven years."

He left the Vancouver area in 1989 and moved to Thunder Bay for just under two years then located in Blind River and lived there until 2008 when he moved to Brazil.    

Brass replica of Engine 5433 Ian Macdonald collection

His work places reads like a travelogue. "In the last 36 years my work has taken me to most places in Canada ,  8 provinces and the territories, only provinces I have never worked in are New Brunswick and PEI.    A few places in the United states,  Wyoming , Utah and a few times to Alaska.  Since 1985 most of my work has been overseas ,  last time I actually worked in Canada was 1991.    I have worked in Greenland, Egypt, India,  Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Australia, Georgia,   Azerbaijan, Turkey, Philippines , Norway and currently in Brazil."

"In 2006 I was assigned to Brazil to help support the Brazil maintenance department on a new company CHC had acquired there. I worked touring up until 2008 when I took up a resident position here and have been living here ever since.    We operate 43 helicopters,  all supporting the offshore oil  industry.    

"Since 2006 I have lived in three different cities in Brazil all in the State of Rio de Janeiro,  place called Macae,  Rio de Janeiro ( city) and now a place called Cabo Frio.    

"It is a really nice country,  people are nice, food is excellent,  people love the beach, barbecues and beer  ( doesn't get much better than that).    There are security concerns with people being robbed by the bandits ( banditos as they are called here). Up until now I have not had any problems personally,   just have to stay aware and try to avoid high risk areas.    

"In all this time I am still working on my Portuguese language skills and still have a long ways to go. "

Here is a summary. Engine 5433 is a testament to Chapleau's railroading past. The Iron Horse #5433, was proudly placed in the park in 1964, through the initiative and generosity of Arthur and Nettie Grout. This unit actually worked these tracks for many years west of Chapleau. It weighs 275 tons, measures 95 feet long, and hauled 1900 tons in its prime.

To place the engine on location meant building a special spur, or track, straight across from the roundhouse. A building had to be demolished to make way for the spur, which ran right up to the main line on the engine side, and continued on the other side of the main line. With a gang of trackmen, and everything timed to the minute, the spur was laid across the main line. The steam engine was then pushed across by a diesel. Within 30 minutes, the Iron Horse was in place, and the main line cleared again for service.

Also of historical interest is that J.M. "Bud" Park was the engineer on Engine 5433 for its trip from the roundhouse to the park while Earle Freeborn was the engineer on the yard engine diesel.

Thanks to Dr Bill Pellow for the information on placing Engine 5433 in the park. Allen is another example of that saying, "You can take the boy or girl out of Chapleau, but you can't take Chapleau out of them." Thanks for sharing Allen. Enjoy life in Brazil but stay safe out there. My email is mj.morris@live.ca

P.S. Allen also advised that he got "The Chapleau Boys Go To War" on Kindle. (key words are "chapleau boys war" or you can get a copy at Chapleau Village Shops or www.amazon.ca or www.amazon.com.... thanks Al

Engine 5433 a national treasure symbolizes Chapleau's railway heritage as one of only 48 preserved CPR steam engines

Brass replica of 5433. Courtesy Ian Macdonald

Engine 5433 located in Chapleau since 1964,  one of only 48 of the preserved 3257 Canadian Pacific Railway steam engines, perhaps more than anything else, symbolizes the community's railway heritage.

When I learned that Engine 5433 was one of only 48 CPR engines that have been preserved, and it is in Chapleau, its historical significance struck me, and during this Heritage Week in parts of Canada, including Ontario, I  have been "Googling" and contacting others who know much more about the history of the CPR than I do.

Well, let me digress for a moment with an anecdote about my display of CPR knowledge when I was taking Grade 13 history at Burnhamthorpe Collegiate Institute in Etobicoke.  Mr. Young, our rather excellent teacher was showing us the route of the CPR across Canada on one of those old red classroom wall maps.

I knew that he was showing us the route of the Canadian National Railway across northern Ontario but hesitated to tell him so. Gathering my courage, I raised my hand, and he said, "Yes, Morris." In those days teachers tended to call boys by their surnames.

Standing, I told him politely he was showing us the wrong route, followed by a dead silence in the classroom.

"How do you know Morris?", he asked, to which I replied, "Because I am from Chapleau, sir, and it is on the main CPR line." Mr. Young then invited me to come forward and outline the route. Gathering my courage again,  I did so and added that I knew the names of all the places between Chapleau and Fort William.  Mr. Young said, say them and I did: "Chapleau, Boucher, Esher, Pardee, Musk, Nicholson....and so on." He never held it against me but I sure had to know the history of the CPR as I was usually asked about it. Paybacks can be, well you know..!

How did I know them? Because my grandfather Harry Morris a CPR conductor gave me a timetable, and I learned them and when my mother   Muriel (Hunt) Morris and I were at their Elgin Street home for dinner waiting for him to come in off the road, I would tell them, 'ad nauseam', that  "Grandpa is now at Musk, now Pardee" etc.

Back to Engine 5433 and Chapleau. It arrived in 1964 because of the efforts of Arthur and Nettie Grout who were largely responsible for the creation of the entire Centennial Park. They contacted N.R. Crump, then the CPR president, who even came to Chapleau for the occasion.

Arthur Grout with N.R. Crump

How did they get it to the park after it arrived in Chapleau? I have the story from writings of Wilf Simpson and Dr. Bill Pellow.

Here is a summary. Engine 5433 is a testament to Chapleau's railroading past. The Iron Horse #5433, was proudly placed in the park in 1964, through the initiative and generosity of Arthur and Nettie Grout. This unit actually worked these tracks for many years west of Chapleau. It weighs 275 tons, measures 95 feet long, and hauled 1900 tons in its prime.

To place the engine on location meant building a special spur, or track, straight across from the roundhouse. A building had to be demolished to make way for the spur, which ran right up to the main line on the engine side, and continued on the other side of the main line. With a gang of trackmen, and everything timed to the minute, the spur was laid across the main line. The steam engine was then pushed across by a diesel. Within 30 minutes, the Iron Horse was in place, and the main line cleared again for service.

Also of historical interest is that J.M. "Bud" Park was the engineer on Engine 5433 for its trip from the roundhouse to the park while Earle Freeborn was the engineer on the yard engine diesel.

At the ceremony Samuel Chappise, a full blooded Cree who had come to Chapleau with his parents mostly by canoe from James Bay presented Mr. Crump with a rifle. Wilf Simpson related a story that Mr. Chappise had told him that for the first few weeks after they arrived along the CPR line near Nicholson, every time he heard a train whistle, he would race to the shelter of the forest.

Sam Chappise presentation to Mr Crump

In 1967, Mr. Chappise was invited to sound the 'O Canada' whistle opening the 1967 Centennial Caravan when it passed through Chapleau.

As I so often do, I turned to Ian Macdonald for his expertise on Engine 5433. Ian has a brass replica of this engine in his Winnipeg home. 

"Locomotives were the primary symbol of the railway. Occasionally we would digress ( as we did with the Canadian ) and use an image of an observation car or caboose but nothing really had the visual impact of a locomotive to define the railway. It was ( and is ) truly potent.  It is, therefore, the most logical symbol to use when you're trying to make a statement." Ian wrote in an email.

 "I remember when I first saw 5433 in (the park)  my first reaction was ' perfect'. Why perfect??? Dates generally become 'historic dates' when it can be reasonably said that the world was never the same after.  5433 to me, is important because it is symbolic of the end of the steam era in Chapleau in the same sense that the first GM diesel that went through Chapleau in December 1949 represented a new era which had an enormous impact on the community.

"In this sense, 5433 as an individual locomotive was not the important thing. It was everything required to operate it, maintain it and the infrastructure associated with supporting steam power."

For instance, Ian wrote, "try to envision the number of enginemen in Chapleau during steam power, their families, homes, and an economy generated to support them. Then think of everyone associated in some activity associated with maintenance and operation and interpolate this number into individual families etc. This was important in defining the specific culture of our community and who we were. Who we were is an important aspect of 'community'  and provides reference to who we are.

He explained that "The Mikado was the most dominant locomotive type on the Schreiber Division as the steam era ended and one which most people were familiar with. The era was important for me because the Mikado was designed and manufactured in Canada in direct response to the specific demands of Canadian operating conditions. I like that.

The GM diesel that went through Chapleau in 1949 was built in GM's plant at LaGrange Illiois and was typical of locomotives used everywhere else in North America. There was nothing particularly Canadian about it which didn't change when GM allowed them to be built under licence in Canada. Some people enjoy being reminded of that."

Until I started researching Engine 5433, I never fully realized the tourist attraction it is, and the potential it and all things railway in Chapleau has for the future. I discovered many references to it on web sites along with photos taken by people who had visited Chapleau. It may well be the most photographed site in Chapleau. 

While home for the CHS reunion in 2012, I was of course made aware that proposals have been made to enhance Chapleau's CPR heritage as a tourist attraction and ensure the care and maintenance of Engine 5433. Chapleau is home to a national treasure in having Engine 5433 there -- only one of 48 CPR steam engines that have been preserved. My email is mj.morris@live.ca

Thanks to Ian Macdonald, Dr Bill Pellow and Gerry Bowland director of the Crump Centre, Calgary