Two rows of boxcars became temporary homes in Chapleau by late 1885

Although Chapleau is located on the Kebsquasheshing and Nebskwashi Rivers, the first site selected for the community was Tawagami, about five miles to the east about where Devon is, according to a long handwritten article in the Richard Brownlee papers.

The Devon site was apparently too swampy for a settlement near the tracks so the Canadian Pacific Railway work camps were moved west to what became Chapleau by 1885. A spur track for a boxcar, which became the first station was set out and Chapleau came into existence.

Before I go any further, and in the interests of full disclosure, I have no idea who wrote this article which summarizes the first 50 years of Chapleau history as there is no byline. It may very well have been Mr. Brownlee. It is excellent.

The author revealed that by late 1885 there were two rows of boxcars which had become temporary homes on "Stovepipe" and "Gosling" Avenues.

I was amazed to learn that by 1888 Chapleau had a public library in a boxcar with over 2000 volumes of "fine literature'  all donated by Sir William Van Horne, the president of the CPR. The library was later located in the Mechanics Institute.

The Chapleau Brass Band was established in 1888 and by 1889 Dominion Day on July 1 was being celebrated.

Efforts were made just before the turn of the century to have Chapleau incorporated as a municipality but failed because an insufficient number of names could be found for a petition calling for a vote.

However, in 1901 Chapleau became a municipality with G.B. Nicholson as the first Reeve. Mr. Nicholson served until 1913 being returned by acclamation each year. Members of the first council were A. Rothwell, D. Royal, P.J. MacFarlane and W. Boswell. To the best of my knowledge only relatives of Mr. Nicholson still live in Chapleau -- members of the Collins family.  Mrs. Eileen Collins, the wife of Charles W. Collins was a member of the Nicholson family.

The first act of the council was to float debentures for the construction of a public school. The first school was in a tent, then the first Roman Catholic Church then back to tent.

The author noted that the second tent was pitched on the spot where the United Church parsonage was located. 

"It was a very pretty spot and the tent was 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 ir roasted those away froze."

Turning to the CPR, the author wrote that the round house, a necessity in a railroad town, had no doors and when the snow piled up the section men shovelled it out.. The oil was kept outside and had to be heated on stoves. 

"The railroaders had a hard winter in those early days but they were hardy men."

D. O. Payette described Chapleau as he saw it in 1904 when he arrived.

"At least half of Chapleau was bush. There were no electric lights and coal oil was used almost exclusively for lighting purposes. The stores and hotels used acetylene gas. The water supply was had from pitcher pumps which drew the water from well points driven into the ground at varying depths."

Things changed quickly and that is a column for another day as we look at the early days of Chapleau. If you would like to contribute to the story please contact me at mj.morris@live.ca

Once again I extend my sincere thanks to Margaret Rose (Payette) and Bobby Fortin who kindly loaned me the Richard Brownlee Papers!

Chapleau Legion Hall opened as St John's Parish House marks its 100th anniversary in April 2020

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! Here we are at a new year and a new decade. My very best wishes to all of you!! MJM

As 2020 gets underway, a highlight of this year in Chapleau will be the marking of the 100th anniversary of the Royal Canadian Legion Hall -- officially opened in April, 1920 as the parish house of St. John's Anglican Church.

It was built during 1919 by Mr. and Mrs. G. B. Nicholson in memory of their only son Lorne and his friends. Lorne was killed in action just before the end of World War I. Mr. Nicholson was the first reeve of Chapleau, serving from 1901 when the municipality was established until 1913. Mr. Nicholson also served as Member of Parliament and president of the Austin Nicholson Lumber Company. He died in 1935.

Writing about the hall, the late George L. Evans long-time assistant principal and teacher at Chapleau High School made reference to the fact that Mr. and Mrs. Nicholson did not include their names in dedication of the hall. (See plaque)

At the memorial service some of those participating  at St. John's Anglican Church and official opening at the hall included  Rev. John Nelson Blodgett, Rector of St. John's Anglican Church; Rev. Dr. Robert John Renison, later Bishop of the Anglican Church diocese of Moosonee; Rt. Rev. John George Anderson, Bishop of Moosonee; Reeve Max Brunette, Township of Chapleau; Rev. George Prewer and Rev. White of Trinity United Church..

Lt. -Col. C. H. LeP. Jones , the commanding officer of 227th Battalion of the Canadian Expeditionary Force and Major D.M. Brodie also participated.

When I wrote about the hall some years ago Ian Macdonald, retired head of the department of architecture and professor emeritus at the University of Manitoba, who has researched and written extensively on Chapleau buildings kindly agreed to let me share some of his thoughts about the building, now commonly referred to simply as "The Legion".

"A building as distinctive and prominent as the Nicholson Hall accurately reflected the public honour for war sacrifice, military service, veterans and the Union Jack that the World War I vets fought under. The Victorian gothic revival style of the building, which is closely associated with monarchism, reminds us of the significant cultural role of architecture and the British Dominion that we were at the time," Ian wrote.

"The Canadian Parliament buildings were also built in the same style to echo the architecture of Westminster and provide a permanent reminder of our British heritage."

"The Legion Hall is formally organized around a central axis, and the gothic revival windows, doors and details are what most individuals would associate with a religious building," Ian noted.

Ian also speculated on what the Legion in Chapleau might have built, had it not been for the philanthropic act of Mr. and Mrs. Nicholson, albeit that it was first given to St. John's Anglican Church as a parish house.

"There are plenty of examples of other Legion facilities in small Canadian communities to provide an idea of what might have been", Ian wrote, adding that the Nicholson generosity "has left Chapleau with what is probably the most elegant and distinctive of all Royal Canadian Legion properties in Canada. It is clearly the most sophisticated building of its time in Chapleau."

Thanks so much Ian!!!

Other public buildings in Chapleau at this time included the Town Hall, Lady Minto Hospital, the Anglican, Roman Catholic and United churches.

During the Great Depression of the 1930s, St. John's was no longer able to afford the upkeep of the hall, and for a time it closed, and in due course was used by Branch 5 (Ontario) of the Royal Canadian Legion. It was not until 1955 when B.W, "Bubs" Zufelt was reeve that the Legion officially took over ownership of the building from the municipality.

For his efforts Mr. Zufelt was made a life member of the branch. (In the interests of full disclosure, Mr. Zufelt was my uncle)

Congratulations to the members of Branch Number 5 (Ontario) of the Royal Canadian Legion who have ensured that the hall has been an integral part of the community for many years. My email is mj.morris@live.ca

George Brecken Nicholson "Father of Town of Chapleau" served as first reeve from 1901 to 1913

The Chapleau Post reported that the town had received a "great shock" with the news that the "Father of the Town of Chapleau" had died on January 1, 1935 in Toronto General Hospital after an illness of only a few days.

Mr. Nicholson, the first reeve of Chapleau who served from 1901 when the township was incorporated until 1913, had taken ill on December 26, 1934 and was taken to Toronto by train accompanied by Dr. J.J. Sheahan and his wife Mrs. Nicholson.

George Brecken Nicholson was born at Crapaud, Prince Edward Island on March 17, 1868,  and arrived in Chapleau more than 50 years ago, the newspaper reported. 

He first worked in the construction department of the Canadian Pacific Railway for 17 years. During this time for 10 years General Secretary or General Chairman for the Brotherhood of  Locomotive Firemen and engineers'

"It is worthy to note that the railway paid tribute to his ability by offering him promotions to official positions on no less than three specific occasions but with his mind on a business career he felt compelled to decline," the Post noted.

In 1900 Mr. Nicholson entered into a partnership in the lumber business with J. McN Austin with Mr. Nicholson being the business head. The company continued and in due course became the largest supplier of railway ties in the British Empire.

But he was also very active in the affairs of Chapleau. He was a member of the board of management for the library in the Mechanics Institute. The township offices were also located there until it burned down.

After becoming reeve in 1901, he oversaw the installation of a complete waterworks system, and up to date pumping station with fire hydrants all over town. By 1910 the Chapleau Volunteer Fire Department was established.

Cement sidewalks were also constructed.

The Town Hall had been completed by 1914 when Mr. Nicholson retired as reeve, and he had also been a large part of those involved in the construction of Lady Minto Hospital the same year.

"For years he had seen the suffering entailed by long train journeys to obtain the medical care such an institution could provide and with the assistance of a score or more public spirited men and women  carried through with a plan which placed in our midst one of the town's greatest assets, 'Our Hospital', the Post reported.

During World War I he was greatly involved in activities supporting our troops. Just six days before the Armistice in November 1918, he and Mrs. Nicholson received a "staggering blow" when their only son Lorne was killed in action.

The Chapleau Post noted that  this great blow provided the inspiration for one of the generous acts, characteristic of the man, in the erection and gift of the beautiful building known as the Memorial Hall (now the Royal Canadian Legion Hall) erected to the memory of Lorne and his friends. The hall was officially opened in 1920, almost 100 years, and is still a beautiful community landmark.

On a very personal basis, when I was home in 2015 with my cousin Michael McMullen for the launch of our book "The Chapleau Boys Go To War" and we were holding a book signing in the Bisco Room, I quietly went upstairs to the main hall. I pulled back the curtain on the memorial wall and spent a few minutes looking at the photo of my father Flying Officer Jim Morris killed on active service in 1943 in World War II, and the other "friends" of Chapleau whose memory Mr. Nicholson ensured.

Mr. Nicholson also conducted a Bible Class for 25 years at St. John's Anglican Church, and when he was serving as  a Member of Parliament came home from Ottawa to conduct it. He was also involved in the building of St. John's Church opened in 1907 located where it is today, also known now as the Chapleau Hub

His funeral service was held at St John's Church conducted by Rev Harold Hesketh, the Rector. The Post reported that the church was crowded with friends "of all classes and creeds paying last respects to the man who had done so much for their community".

Flags were also flown at Half Mast in the community out of respect for the "Father Of Chapleau"  My email is mj.morris@live.ca

Miss Teenage Canada Emma Morrison and Griffin Poetry Prize winner Liz Howard both important to sound of Chapleau story

Before I get specific about some of the sounds of the Chapleau story as I officially mark 10 years of writing Chapleau Moments, let me explain PERSIATS + G! which has been a guideline for me all my writing life, and is something I try to use as a guideline, no matter the issue.

 In 1964, I took a course in American history from Dr Charles W Paape, and he used the formula to put history into perspective. All elements of it are in every event to a greater or lesser degree.

For example, an election is a political event of course -- but it is also about economics, religion, social life, intellectual life (education), the arts, science and technology, and the "G" is geography - the place where it happens.  Metaphorically, it all happens on Main Street in the village where we live.

I have always been indebted to Dr Paape for his formula as I have used it time and time again.

Here is an example of Dr Paape's formula using Rev. Father Romeo Gascon the parish priest at Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church from 1911 to 1958 when he died and G. B. Nicholson.

He was active in Chapleau life far beyond his duties to the Roman Catholic community. 

Referring to research by Gemma Gagnon, Father Albert Burns SJ, noted that the Jesuit Fathers on October 19th 1911, transferred the parish to a zealous priest, who had been two years pastor of Cochrane,

By 1916 he had become involved in Chapleau sports and was the coach of the Young Elephants, a baseball team that played on a ballfield located at about the present site of the golf course. My grandfather Harry Morris was a member of the team.

In his book "Waking Nanabijou: Uncovering a Secret Past", Jim Poling Sr. notes that he was a "miniature whirlwind" interested and active in everything from architecture to painting to golf as well as hunting and fishing. Mr. Poling, who was at one time the general manager of the Canadian Press came to know about the Chapleau priest as he was researching a history of his family.

He also enjoyed woodworking and had a printing press in the rectory.

Just before Christmas, on December 18, 1918, Sacred Heart Church was destroyed by fire, but Father Gascon went to work right away and within a year a new beautiful church had been built on the same location and its 90th anniversary was celebrated on December 24, 2009 at Christmas Midnight Mass. Father Gascon had sketched out the design for the new church and celebrated the first mass in it. On Christmas Eve 2019 the church will celebrate its 100th anniversary

He was also president of the Kebsquasheshing Golf Club at one time, and enjoyed playing a round of golf with his friends from all denominations, including his good friend George Fife, the manager of the Chapleau Electric Light and Power Company who was also reeve of Chapleau from 1938 to 1942. I can recall saying good morning to both of them as they visited either on the front verandah of the Fife home on Lorne Street or the steps of the power company office on the site of the present Bargain Shop. Father Gascon greatly contributed to the sounds of the Chapleau story.

In the early years of Chapleau there is likely no one who contributed to the sound of the story in every one of Dr. Paape's formula than G. B. Nicholson

In about 1913 Guy Rogers visited Chapleau and wrote in a report that while there he made a friendship with "the real leader of life in Chapleau, a Mr. G.B. Nicholson, a fine Christian, and able man of affairs."

Rogers had been sent to Canada from England by the Archbishop of Canterbury of the Church of England to travel on the Canadian Pacific Railway to observe the work being done by the church as well as the lifestyle. He gives a glimpse into life in Chapleau at the time in the following statement: "How the early settlers stood the monotony and hardship of life is known only to them and God."

However, G.B. Nicholson, who was born on Prince Edward Island in 1868, and came to northern Ontario to work for the CPR with whom he worked for 17 years, where he also served as general secretary or general chairman for the Brotherhood of Locomotive Firemen and Engineers on the CPR eastern lines for 10 years. He turned down promotions as the man who came to be called "the father of Chapleau" had other plans for his life and the community.

In 1901, largely because of efforts by Mr. Nicholson, Chapleau became incorporated as a municipality in Ontario, and he became its first Reeve -- serving until 1913, and being returned by acclamation in the elections then held yearly for council. Chapleau experienced a remarkable period of growth during his time in office. A water works system was built with hydrants throughout the community. Two schools had been built and the high school was being planned. A town hall, described as 'a most moden building for the times' complete with theatre opened in 1913. Sidewalks were laid throughout the town, something that always amazed me as a kid seeing how early in Chapleau's history they were built. Go for a walk and take a look!

In 1910, the very efficient Chapleau Fire Department was created.

The railway YMCA with rooms and a restaurant received compliments and in 1914 the Lady Minto Hospital opened under the guidance of the Victorian Order of Nurses. The business section contained a number of special, general and department stores and the population had reached about 2,500 people.

Of course there were so many others who greatly contributed to the sound of Chapleau's story and each made it a better place to live, work and play for all of us as the greatest resource a community has is its people.I have included a photo of some from the sod turning for the new sewage system circa 1950.

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But in reflecting on the community's story I decided to include two very talented Chapleau citizens who brought great attention to the community and credit to themselves in the 21st century

The Globe and Mail reported that Liz Howard from Chapleau,  became the youngest winner of the Griffin Poetry Prize, receiving the $65,000 award for her collection Infinite Citizen of the Shaking Tent.

Liz Howard

"I sort of feel like I'm having an out-of-body experience It may seem really strange but I feel as though I actually died some time ago and [I'm] living in an afterlife," she told the newspaper.

Infinite Citizen of the Shaking Tent is the first debut collection to win the prize, as well.

Liz who also received $10,000 for taking part in the Griffin Prize readings, said the award would allow her to pay off her student loans and concentrate on her next book.

"I have several different projects in my mind, and it's hard to focus," she said. "All I want to do is write. All I want to do is do this one thing. And this is such a confirmation."

During her acceptance speech she said that"My upbringing was quite difficult and impoverished, and when I was young I sort of thought that perhaps it would be best to not exist "I guess I just want to say that it can get better. And for me, poetry made life possible."

At the awards ceremony, Liz said she has  several different projects in mind, and "it's hard to focus. All I want to do is write. All I want to do is this one thing."

Liz also paid particular attention to youth: "I know a lot of our youth today are struggling, especially our First Nations youth. And I guess I just wanted to say that it can get better. And for me, poetry made life possible for me. It made life tolerable for me - both reading it and writing it.

In an earlier interview Liz commented that ""My childhood in Chapleau, especially the significant amount of time I spent in the woods and lakes, are foundational to my writing. I am also very proud of my Anishinaabe (Ojibway) heritage and write about many First Nations issues."

Emma Morrison, a member of Chapleau Cree First Nation won not only the title of Miss Teenage Northern Ontario but Miss Teenage Canada,

After winning the Miss Teenage Canada title she told CBC News in an interview, "I want to stand up for all Canadians, regardlesss of gender, race, personal identity or preferences'

"Everyone needs to gain more self-love because I find today's society is more based on looks, how great you look on camera."

She admitted  her hours were long and she felt stressed over details during the pageant, but it was all worth it when she was crowned the winner. 

"At that moment, I was so shocked and so happy because  now this little, small town girl has accomplished such a big task," she says.

"It shows that no matter where you come from, you can set your goals high and big and work hard, and you will succeed. I feel like now I have a voice."

Both Emma and Liz have so greatly contributed to the sound of the Chapleau story. When reflecting on them, I realized more than ever that it was in Chapleau that I first became aware of the sound of story which has been such an important part of my life. I wish them well.

Thank you to all those who have responded to my column of July 11, especially Bobby and Margaret Rose Fortin who sent me a message and so kindly loaned me the Richard Brownlee Papers and other material.Bobby and Margaret Rose, both members of Chapleau pioneer families have helped so much. 

On a final note, Mr. Brownlee, one of Chapleau's first citizens was one of my first friends. After my father Flying Officer Jim Morris was killed on active service in the RCAF on July 16, 1943, my mother Muriel (Hunt) Morris and I lived with my aunt and uncle, Elsie and B.W. Bubs Zufelt on Beech Street. I would go through back lane to Main Street and the barber shop to visit him. He would also take me for rides in his car..

Please feel free to contact me with any you feel have created to the sound of Chapleau stories. My email is mj.morris@live.ca

St. John's Parish House completed in 1919 became 'The Legion' a lasting landmark in history of Chapleau

From St. John's Parish House completed in 1919 to the Royal Canadian Legion Hall of today, the building is a "lasting landmark" in the history of Chapleau. 

Writing about the hall in 2006 in his Snapshots of Chapleau's Past article, the late George Evans wrote "May it still be going strong  in 2019, serving the town and always reminding those who took the time to lean back and read the inscription above the door of the sacrifice and pain of the barbarous 20th century."

The inscription reads: "St. John's Parish House. In memory of Lt. Lorne W. Nicholson and all those who voluntarily gave their lives in the Great War. Erected by his father and mother A.D. 1919. John 15:13." There was an official opening in 1920.

Mr. Evans noted that it is "significant" that Mr. and Mrs. Nicholson did not put their names on the inscription. They were content be remembered as the father and mother of Lorne Nicholson.

John 15:13 reads: "Greater love hath no man than this; that a man lay down his life for his friends". (KJV)

Lorne W. Nicholson. the son of George and Charlotte (Weller) Nicholson, went overseas with the First Chapleau Platoon of the famous 227th Battalion of the Sudbury Manitoulin Algoma Overseas Battalion (Men 'O the North). He was killed in action on November 4, 1918, one week before World War I ended.

Mr. and Mrs. Nicholson included all those who gave their lives in the war.

His father was the first reeve of Chapleau serving from 1901 when Chapleau was first incorporated in 1901 until 1913, while his mother was one of the community's first school teachers. Mr. Nicholson also served as a Member of Parlieament and was also in the lumber business.

Mr. Evans wrote that Lorne Nicholson's parents decided to "endow the community with a lasting and useful memorial.

" In a town of small buildings made of wood they caused to be built an impressive building of fired brick..." It was designed to match St. John's Church 1908 and the Town Hall 1913. Mr. Nicholson played a major role in the construction of the church and town hall.

official opening 1920

Built as a parish house for St. John's, by 1935, during the Great Depression it became too much of a financial burden for the church, especially after Mr. Nicholson died on January 1 of that year, and in due course the building was taken over by the municipality.

After Branch Number 5 (Ontario) of the Royal Canadian Legion was formed in 1926 following a founding convention in Winnipeg attended by a Chapleau delegation,  in 1925, it started to use the building. By 1955, the branch officially had bought the building when B.W. Zufelt was reeve.

Mr. Evans noted that it simply became known as 'The Legion' and had fallen into "responsible hands and continued to be a great asset to the life of Chapleau."

Upstairs became known as the Cranston Auditorium named after Frank Cranston a veteran of both World War I and II who became Chapleau's last surviving veteran of World War I. It has been used for a wide variety of functions. 

Downstairs became the Bisco Room "a legenadary place" according to George Evans.

In his article George Evans hoped that it would be going strong in 2019!!  It still is thanks to all those who have been involved with "The Legion" over the past 100 years. Congratulations.

George died in a tragic vehicle accident in 2012 shortly before the 90th anniversary reunion of Chapleau High School in 2012.

My email is mj.morris@live.ca

Mageau and Leblanc establish first lumber mill on Nebskwashi River at Chapleau in 1899

The only lumber mill known to be located at Chapleau prior to the 20th Century was built by Zotique Mageau and Aldye Leblanc in 1899 just south of Chapleau on the banks of the Nebskwashi River near the old power house.

An article about this venture says that in 1903 they and others bought the land for a mill site -- 82 acres for $82,000.

By 1905  the Mageau and Leblanc Lumber Company Limited had received a charter under the Ontario Companies Act. The principals were Zotique Mageau, J.E. Serre Joseph Prioux and A.O. Aubin.

Others involved were Oliver Laberge (lumberman), Saladine Mageau (married woman), Henry Anton West, Kenneth McRae (hotel keeper) and Joseph Debois. (I have no idea why the occupation or status of some was included and not others).

The stated purpose of the company was to "manufacture lumber and other wood products".

Its head office was located in Chapleau and the company had a share capital of $40,000 divided into 40 shares of $1,000 each. Mr. Mageau the president had 11 shares which was the single largest block.

Incorporation was "no doubt" related to the company's plan to build a power plant on its mill site, according to the article.

The power plant was needed to supply lighting for the mill while excess power would be sold to the village of Chapleau.

However, before very much happened, the whole site was sold including the mill was sold to James McNiece Austin in 1909.

Mr. Austin was a member of the family who established the first store in Chapleau after the arrival of the Canadian Pacific Railway in 1885. He had taken over store from his brother T.A. Austin.

 Mr. Austin had entered into an agreement with the CPR to sell them ties.

In 1901, the year Chapleau became incorporated as a municipality Mr. Austin entered into a partnership with George Brecken Nicholson, the community's first reeve, to form Austin, Nicholson Lumber Company.

Their first mill was under construction on a point of land between Lake Windermere and the CPR, 22 CPR miles west of Chapleau, and the community of Nicholson developed at this site including boarding houses, cottages, warehouses and other structures necessary to support the logging operations of the company.

They became the largest supplier of railway ties in the British Empire with Mr. Nicholson as manager of operations.

By about 1908 the Chapleau Electric Light and Power Company was being formed, and the plant was under construction.

Chapleau's first lumber mill lasted about nine years but the area became important as a power generating location even as the saw mill was abandoned.

"The purchase of the Nebskwashi mill by Mr. Austin meant the end of lumbering in Chapleau. For the next three decades lumbering activities in the area were centred at Nicholson's Siding the heart of the Austin Nicholson Empire," the article noted.

Other small operations did start to appear in the area though, and more about them later!

As I was researching this column, Richard Lamoureux posted information about the "Alligator" boat one of which was used by Zotique and Mageau. Mr. Lamoureux is administrator of the very popular Historic Northern Ontario Facebook page. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in Northern Ontario history.

Here is part of his comments which he says was adapted from Wikipedia.

"The Alligator boat from the mill in Chapleau.

"Alligator boats were a type of amphibious vehicle used in the forestry industry throughout Northern Ontario. These boats were so named because of their ability to travel between lakes by pulling themselves with a winch across land.

"Alligators served as "warping tug". They towed log booms across lakes and then portaged themselves using a winch to the next body of water. The rugged, steam-powered tugs were one of the pioneers in the mechanization of the forest industry."

My email is mj.morris@live.ca