May 8, 1945: "It's all over... Germany has surrendered ... the war's over" and peace gradually prevailed

George Tremblay

World events were moving quickly in April and early May 1945 as there were growing signs that the end of World War II would come soon, according to George Tremblay in his book 'Break at Nine'.

He writes that on May 8, 1945, the day the war in Europe ended, started like any other for students at Chapleau High School. The end of the school year was approaching and exam preparation was underway as well as the annual inspection of 1181 Chapleau High School which had been founded in 1924. Mr. Tremblay noted it was the day that the boys would be fitted for their uniforms. 

They were into the  process when John McClellan, the school principal, burst into the fitting room and announced, "It's all over.. Germany has surrendered.. the war's over".

Surprisingly Mr. Tremblay noted there was no great reaction from the boys. "We listened and after a few minutes of quiet chatter we continued with the job at hand which was  to try to get the possible fit from the selection of newly arrived modern cadet uniforms. Up to that day we had been wearing archaic World War I uniforms with tight tunics and high military collars with badges, big leather belts, flappy breeches finished off with puttees around our legs."

John McClellan

He added that finally on the last day of the war they were getting new cadet uniforms.

Gradually as the momentous news sunk in the uniform selection process was sped up .  He wrote that all the boys ran to the windows of the old Chapleau High School on Pine Street when they heard a "commotion" coming from the grounds and "stared in astonishment at the sight of the school girls doing an impromptu snake dance below. "

CHS

Someone yelled "Let's go', and "That was it. We made dash for the doors to join the girls as they weaved around the school in their snake dance." All classes were cancelled for the day,

In the community, the end of the war also marked. My aunt Marion (Morris) Kennedy, shortly before she died wrote me a letter sharing her story about  the end of the war. Aunt Marion wrote that after the news was received townsfolk started to go to St. John's Anglican Church, Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church and Trinity United Church although no services had been planned. It was simply the reaction to the end of the war from people who had been affected by it since 1939.

Mr. Tremblay  was working part-time as a projectionist at the Regent Theatre owned by Cecil Smith and prepared an addition to the evening movie. It had been prepared in anticipation of the end of the war.

Regent Theatre

He wrote that after he went home following the last show he reflected on the day's events. The war was not completely over as Japan had not yet surrendered .. "we felt peace would soon prevail everywhere and we could start to look forward towards the future with some hope and confidence. A great burden of uncertainty was being removed. 

He also noted that in the following weeks, there started to appear shocking news about concentration camps and prisoner of war camps. Over the next few weeks Mr. Tremblay finished his school year and prepared to attend cadet camp at Niagara on the Lake,

He commented on the Atomic bombs that were dropped on Japan in August which resulted in its surrender. He and others did not comprehend the tremendous power of the new technology .

In due course Mr. Tremblay filed his application for his final apprenticeship exam so that he could qualify as a projectionist and start earning a salary. 

I h ave provided a summary of the chapter "War's End" from his book Break at Nine which is a wonderful look at the movie industry. Lest we forget the effect of World War II in Chapleau. His brother Neil, a projectionist at the Regent Theatre came home safely after serving in our armed forces but another projectionist was not so fortunate. Chapleau boy Jack Rose was killed in action in Italy shortly before the end of the war His aircraft was brought down by ground fire.   It was the ordeal of total war for most in the community.My email is mj.morris@live.ca

Dr Karl A Hackstetter, John McClellan and Michael on overcoming hate

With a federal election looming on the horizon in Canada, and the politics of hate on the rise, not only here, but in other countries I decided to wade into the issue based on one of  the most significant events in my life. I overcame hate.

Before going any further I need to make it clear that hate of any kind is not part of my life, and other than one attempt at it when I was in Grade Nine at Chapleau High School, it has not played a role.

Those of you who have read 'The Chapleau Boys Go To War" which I co-authored with my cousin Michael McMullen, may already be aware of my "hate event" described in the chapter "Dr. Karl A Hackstetter, John 'Mac' McClellan and Michael" will be aware of it.

I quote from it as I share my story on hate.

Dr. Hackstetter arrived in Chapleau in 1954 to teach at Chapleau High School, nine years after the end of World II. I entered Grade Nine in 1955, and although Dr. Hackstetter was a most intimidating person, from the first day I planned to hurt him.

Dr. Hackstetter had been an officer in the German Army during the war and my father. Jim Morris, as many of you know was killed on active service in the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1943. Needless to say perhaps, I was a hurting kid, and he was going to share it ----- even though I thought he was a great teacher.

One day, it struck me how to do it. I would place a photo of my father in my binder, and when Dr. Hackstetter stopped by our desks to look at our work. he would see it. So I placed the photo, and sure enough he made his rounds. As he peered down, I moved my arm so he could see the photo of my father in uniform.

He asked, "Who is that man? I do not know that man".

Dr Hackstetter far right leaving field behind CHS

"My father, I replied. He had fallen into my trap. 

"Where is he?'

"He is dead. He was killed in the war".

Dr. Hackstetter never said a word. He looked at me for a moment, and now I was terrified. He walked over to the window, looked at me again, then looked off outside. He shed a tear and then left the room abruptly.

Dead silence in the classroom.

Moments later, John McClellan, a veteran of World War I, the school principal entered the room and said quietly, "Come with me Michael ."

We went to the office and as best I could told him what I did. He then said, "Dr. Hackstetter wonders if you would be willing to have a talk with him."

I agreed, terrified as I was, in tears as I am at this moment all these years later as I type. Dr Hackstetter and I had a great chat and then Mr. McClellan returned and the three of us went down to the landing where the memorial wall of photos and plaque honouring the 17 high school students, including my Dad was.

Ad there we were side by side: World War I veteran John McClellan, me and former German army officer Dr. Karl A. Hackstetter. We stood in front of the plaque in silence for a few minutes, and then quietly went our separate ways.  I was 14 years old and had just learned a lot about forgiveness.

From that day forward Dr. Hackstetter and I were friends, even though I was never very good in Mathematics! In fact at a school dance in June 1957, he came over to me and said, "Morris, you are a lucky ******. It is a good thing I like you,"  We both understood.

1956-57 l to r G. Mino, G. Lemon, J. Riordan, G Bowles, C Fiaschetti, Dr Hackstetter

Dr. Hackstetter left  but returned a principal from 1963 to 1966. We stayed in touch f or many years.

I leave it to Carole Futhey and the staff of CHS yearbook AD ASTRA to sum up Dr. Hackstetter

The Chapleau High School yearbook 'Ad Astra' paid tribute to departing principal Dr. Karl A. Hackstetter for setting a high standard for students and "trying to kick us over it."

The editors of 'Ad Astra', led by Carole Futhey dedicated their yearbook to Dr. Hackstetter as their way of saying thank you for setting high standards, expressing the hope that "we hope that we will not disappoint him. They were exciting years."

The tribute said that Dr. Hackstetter "terrorized and goaded us, stretched us and pushed us. The experience often left us limp, but it also left us stimulated.

"Because he immensely enjoyed every activity, he tried to teach us to find satisfaction in everything we did. He not only tolerated non conformity, he loudly demanded it.

"The greatest crime was shoddiness. the most prized qualities were originality and a sense of style."

Vote as you wish but there is no need to hate!!!!  My email is mj.morris@live.ca

John 'Mac' McClellan liked partridge so Charlie Evans inherited .22 rifle

Louise Cooper, a member of the Nixon family of Chapleau sent out a request I made for stories about John McClellan, teacher and principal at Chapleau High School for 30 years.


Here is the story of Charlie Evans, "Mac', the game preserve, and the .22!

Her request was relayed  to Charlie Evans.  Louise wrote that Charlie grew up in Chapleau and went to CHS from 1939 to 1943.  He said that the boys were encouraged to leave high school and go to work on the railway because they were in need of workers and he did work for the CPR for a short time, working for your grandfather Harry Morris.  But he didn't particularly like railroading so he enlisted in the RCAF along with Elwood Glabb.  He told me amusing stories of his leave in Edinburgh where Elwood tracked him down.

Charlie is 88 years old, and he returned Louise's  call  after spending the day with Seniors' Canoe Club.  They had driven to Bobcaygeon from Oshawa and had canoed on a river in that area.

She spent 45 minutes on the phone with Charlie to get his story and "I'm going to try to put it into his words.  I hope I've got the gun vocabulary right!"


By Charlie Evans as told to Louise Cooper

Mac taught us Science.  I played the bass drum in his Cadet Corps and he gave us target shooting lessons with his .22.  The government supplied him with .22 long-rifle bullets which we used.

Mac lived about a block away from my home and there was a lane beside his house which led to my father's boathouse.  I used to walk down there to cross over to the game preserve where I hunted partridge.  (The game preserve is the biggest in the world.)  I had a cocker spaniel which would help me track partridge and I would return home with some, walking by Mac's house.  One day he saw me walking by and knew that I was hunting the partridge illegally, but he said he really liked partridge so I gave him a couple.

I had a single shot short .22, the cheapest gun available at the time.  It probably cost only $5 or $10.  Mac had a pump action .22, and he lent me the gun and ammunition for my hunting expeditions in return for the partridge which I supplied to him.  This trade continued until I left Chapleau to enlist.

When I returned from the war I lived in Oshawa as my parents had moved there.  When Mac retired he moved to Whitby.  Over the years, my wife Mary and I invited Mac and his wife for dinner, and they in turn invited us to their home.

When Mac died, I learned that he had left me his .22 in his will.  I attended his funeral.

Thanks Charlie and Louise.. mjm

Ian Macdonald from "inattentive student" to architecture department head shares memories from Chapleau High School in 1956-57

CHS Dance circa 1956

Although Ian Macdonald says he was an  "inattentive student"  who was "rapidly losing interest in education" when he was in Grade 12 at Chapleau High School, he went on to become the Head of the Department of Architecture at the University of Manitoba, retiring in 2006, and in 2008 was named Professor Emeritus by the university.

Ian, UofM chancellor Bill Norrie, Dr Joanne Kesselman

Ian was only the third architecture faculty member in the modern history of the university to be given the prestigious title of Professor Emeritus.

However, back in 1956-57, Ian was attending CHS, and active in school, community and church activities. He was also snapping pictures, some of which he sent me recently. I asked him if he would write about the school as he recalled it, which he did, and his insights follow here, but first a bit more about him and his career  as it evolved over the years.

While at CHS Ian served as an officer in the cadet corps and helped with the construction of the famous toboggan slide across the river from Chapleau Public School. He also looked after the electric train display set up in the basement of Smith and Chapple Ltd. for the Christmas season. 

He also played on one of the teams in the famous 1954 Bantam championship game for the Algoma Dairy Trophy, which is still discussed by the participants and is sure to be on the agenda at the CHS Reunion.

Ian eventually completed his Grade 13 at Delta Secondary School in Hamilton, worked some summers on the Canadian Pacific Railway as it made transition from steam to diesel engines, and in due course completed professional degree programs in architecture at Ryerson University and the University of Manitoba.

He joined the department of architecture at the University of Manitoba in 1978, retiring in 2006. However, he remains active and presently holds the position of Adjunct Professor at Athabasca University and is a member of the Program Advisory Council at Ryerson University.

G. Mino, G. Lemon, J. Riordan. G. Bowles, C. Fiaschetti, K. Hackstetter

He kindly agreed to share some of his insights of CHS from 1956-57. Ian wrote:

David McMillan

Jack Poynter

"CHS Grade 12 in academic session 1956-1957, to the best of my recollection, consisted of 16 or 17 students. Seven of these students had gone through elementary school at Chapleau Public School and seven through Sacred Heart Separate School. Two students were from Sultan and one was from Nemegos. Unfortunately, three members of the class have now passed away. 

Bob Glowacki

"The students from the Separate School were all Roman Catholic while those from the Public School came from families who attended either St.John’s Anglican or Trinity United Church. I never personally gave much thought to the religious divide in the class and generally assumed that the whole idea of High School was that students who were mature enough to attend High School were mature enough to not be threatened by religious belief or ancestory. It can be fairly said that cultural background never factored into friendships, social activities or class initiatives. Most of this class are to this day included on my e-mail directory and correspond on a regular basis some fifty-four years later.

Jim Evans

"Chapleau High School was an interesting physical facility. The original building was an ornate old Victorian wood-frame two-story four-classroom public school built in 1901. I described the innovative expansion and renovation of this school in a book recently published by Bill McLeod. Renovation and construction of the High School was officially completed in 1925 closely following the opening of Chapleau Public School in 1923.

"The project transformed the original Victorian school building into a contemporary looking brick-clad eight-classroom secondary school. Classrooms were approximately 750 square feet and each was well illuminated by six large double hung windows. 

"A basement level gymnasium was created with a low ceiling height of approximately ten feet. The foundation walls, which were common in Chapleau buildings at that time, were whitewashed granite rubble with hostile surfaces quite hazardous to those attempting to play basketball. The basement gymnasium also functioned as a venue for dances and similar social events. Two large open stairs linked both floors and functioned as galleries displaying photographs of former graduates and war memorial plaques.

"The Principal in academic session 1956-1957 was George Lemon who had just succeeded John McClellan who had retired the year before. Dr. Karl Hackstetter taught mathematics, Gerald Mino taught French and Clarence Fiaschetti taught English literature and composition as well as coaching the hockey team. 

"I was an inattentive student at that time who was rapidly losing interest in education and probably the last one who should offer an opinion on teaching The academic staff were actually quite decent individuals and probably giving it their best shot. It can be fairly said, however, that despite being a memorable social environment, the consistent  failure rate in the departmental Grade 13 exams remained the cold reality that was far too obvious to be

overlooked. Unfortunately this shortcoming did very little to inspire student confidence in the school or the teachers.

"Despite these challenges, the Grade 12 class of 1956-57 would ultimately demonstrate that report cards aren’t everything. Most of this class took a variety of individual paths that eventually led to distinguished careers in education, architecture, nursing, engineering, banking and finance. Perhaps Chapleau High School played a role in shaping these paths or maybe it was just a pleasant interlude along the way. The neat thing is we’ll never know for sure."

Just a footnote on Ian's comments on the departmental Grade 13 exams of those days. These were exams set by the Ontario Department of Education and written by Grade 13 students across the province. The results determined admission to the province's universities. They were also marked in Toronto.. Thanks Ian for sharing. My email is mj.morris@live.ca


Video from CHS that Ian made!!!!

1181 Chapleau High School Cadet Corps performance described as "excellent" at annual inspection in 1946

Art Broomhead, Mike Mione, Arnold Moore, Bill Ritchie

On a beautiful sunny day in May 1946, Captain R.Q. Sims, described the performance of 1181 Chapleau High School Cadet Corps as "excellent" during its first inspection following the end of World War II.

The inspecting officer delivered his remarks to the corps which the Chapleau Post described as "well earned praise following weeks of training" to company commander Foster Collings, platoon commanders John Thomson, Barbara Muske, Frances Hamlin, bugle band leader Janet Thomson, chief instructor and school principal John McClellan and corps members on the field behind the old high school on Pine Street.

The CHS cadet corps was established on November 14, 1924, just two years after a high school was established in Chapleau and was disbanded on January 1, 1963, and for 39 years was an integral and important part of school life.

Alton Henderson, Jack Rose, Lorne Wilkinson, Elbert Collinson, Wesley Morse

One year after World War II had ended, thoughts would surely have turned to the more than 300 Chapleau citizens who had served in Canada's armed forces, including 17 CHS students who were killed on active service, and had been members of the cadet corps just a few years earlier. Two who were killed on active service were Alton Henderson and Jack Rose, pictured above.

As well as the actual inspection,  demonstrations  in signals, first aid, knots and lashes, girls PT, pyramids, rifle and precision drills were included in the day's activities. 

Following the inspection, led by the Girls Bugle Band, the corps would march around the community, before members would head home to prepare for the annual Cadet  Dance, always part of the day's activities. 

For some reason, I had  assumed that the cadet corps always had a girls band, but once again I got a lesson in "never assume" as I have been researching the history of 1181 Cadet Corps. For example, I have discovered that in the 1934-35 school year it was called the Boys Bugle Band, and this may have continued until at least 1943 when student Milton O'Brien was the band leader. However, by 1946 it was a Girls Bugle Band led by Janet Thomson.  It is also quite likely that it was a boys band prior to 1934, and as my pieces, as I have written before are really a very rough draft of history, I hope more information will be forthcoming so the complete story of the corps can be told.

Also, girls were not officially permitted to be cadets but at CHS they were involved and were part of the inspection. They were later approved.

After World War II, King George VI, granted the title "Royal" and they became the Royal Canadian Army Cadets. One of the more famous highlights in the history of the CHS cadet corps was the Royal Visit to Canada by King George VI and Queen Elizabeth in 1939. The story goes that while the Royals were not scheduled to make an appearance in Chapleau as the Royal Train was passing through the community at two a.m.

However, Chapleau reeve George Fife, the grandfather of CTV News Ottawa Bureau Chief Robert Fife, sent a message that he wanted to meet the King. So, the King was roused in the middle of the night to meet Mr. Fife, and according to Jim Austin, who was then a member of the CHS cadet corps, got off the train and conducted an inspection. 

Many CHS cadets over the years attended Cadet camps, and 1946 was no exception. Thirteen members of the corps attended camp at Niagara on the Lake, Ontario, which considering that CHS had about 100 students struck me as amazing. The Chapleau Post reported that those attending were Arthur Broomhead, Desmond Collins, Ross Hamlin, Coulton Henderon, Mike Mione, Arnold Moore, William Pellow, Lorne Riley, Douglas Swanson, Lawrence Tremblay, Bill Ritchie, Pat Serre and Reggie Sonego.

John McClellan, wife in background

No cadet inspection day was complete without the  dance held in 1946 in the Legion Hall which was decorated with white apple blossoms, the red, white and green school colours and crossed rifles on the wall panels, all "well deserving of praise" according to the Chapleau Post reporter. Lunch was served by a committee of staff members and parents headed by Mrs. McClellan, the wife of the principal.

Music was provided by 'The Modernes' in its first and only appearance even though  the Chapleau Post reporter was gushing in praise of the orchestra, writing that it was "music played the way you love to hear it played" and predicting a great future for it. It folded as some members left Chapleau. Members were Marion Wedge, piano; George Payette and Jim Hands, trumpet; Greg Lucas, clarinet; Norman Cohrs, trombone; Bill Austin, saxophone; Jack Welch, electric guitar and Yen Hong, drums.

For almost 40 years of its history, 1181 Chapleau high School Cadet Corps played its important role. For some reason, I still recall the command "General Salute. Present Arms", the inspection by the army officer in attendance and the march past in review order as the Bugle Band played when I was a student at CHS in the 1950s. As the 90th anniversary reunion of CHS draws closer, I am sure there will be many revisions to the rough drafts of the school's history. 

Thanks to Doug Greig and Louise Cooper. My email is mj.morris@live.ca

Chapleau.com awakens sound of story of the people, life and times of Chapleau from earliest days to the 1960s with photo collections

Edith Rose, Ross Pellow, Joy Bell, Bill Pellow at Pig Pen

NOTE:  Chapleau.com no longer exists as it once did with a Chapleau history section. It now just has links to webcams in Chapleau. After many years of effort, Hugh no longer has the time to keep it all going. It will be missed. Thanks Hugh. I will leave the story here though as a tribute to it.. MJM, April 28, 2011

The Chapleau history section of Hugh Kuttner's web site chapleau.com, is a fascinating place to visit for any who are interested in the sound of story of the people, life and times of Chapleau from its earliest beginnings to the end of the 1960s.

I visit chapleau.com several times a week, and always make a new discovery as I browse through the various sections with photos provided by several Chapleau citizens and groups.

The major section consists of photos from the collection of Vince Crichton made available by his son Dr. Vince Crichton, but also included are the Dr. G.E. Young, Arthur J. Grout, John Futhey, George Collins, Bill Pellow collections, all names well associated with the history of Chapleau. There is a section of photos from the 1950s and 60s closer to my growing up years, and Snapshots of Chapleau Past by George Evans, teacher and assistant principal at Chapleau High School for many years.

Recently while researching another story on chapleau.com, it struck me that I should share a glimpse at some of the stories I have found there, and encourage you to visit the site and experience the sound of story it brings. Chapleau.com attracts visitors from everywhere, and Hugh has created a most valuable resource for the community.

THE PIG PEN

Before Dr. G.E. Young built the beach behind Chapleau Public School in the early 1950s, the Pig Pen was the popular swimming place for Chapleau children. Situated between the boathouses of A.E. "Gussie" Evans and D.O. Payette just behind the old Roman Catholic convent, now housing units, it got its name from the pigs that were once fenced behind the convent who rooted out the topsoil and left a sandy beach.

Imagine all the stories that must have centred around the Pig Pen, and yes, the boathouses too, that dominated Chapleau's waterfront.

THE YMCA

I am sure at least one book could be written about the Chapleau Railway YMCA and The Annex. Built in Chapleau's early years, it provided rooms for Canadian Pacific Railway crews, had a dining room and a bowling alley downstairs. At one time it sponsored many recreation activities.

My memories of the YMCA centre around those years that Mamie Watson ran the restaurant and it was the place to go for a late night snack after a Friday night dance. A YMCA memory that many people have shared with me was that Mrs. Mabel Young, the mother of Dr. Young, was still bowling there in her nineties.


THE GOLF CLUB

Although I don't know the exact year that the Kebsquasheshing Golf Club was established, I recall being a caddy for my grandmother Lil (Mulligan) Morris and her friends Mrs. Wilkinson and Mrs. Fife in the late 1940s. I think I may have carried one club. However, while browsing at chapleau.com, I discovered a photo from the 1920s that told me more of the story of some Chapleau people than I knew.

For example, there was John McClellan and his wife. I had only associated Mr. McClellan with his role as teacher and principal at Chapleau High School and with the school's cadet corps.
He also played golf, adding to my knowledge from an earlier vsiit to chapleau.com that he also coached hockey.

Also in the photo were my great aunt Nell, Mrs. Helen Crichton, who I knew so well, but until last week had no idea she played golf, and my great aunt and uncle William and May (Mulligan) McMullen.

Also there were two Chapleau reeves T.J. Godfrey and George Fife, with their wives as well as Father Romeo Gascon, who served as golf club president at one time, and D.O. Payette, who was so active in the life of Chapleau.

One photo of some members of the golf club awakened so many memories and the sound of stories from those days that may never now be told. I hope others can fill in the blanks.

THE GOSSIP

Let me finish my visit to chapleau.com with the cast of the Chapleau Public School play 'The Gossip" in 1953. School and church plays were an integral part of Chapleau life for years, and I was delighted to come across a photo of those who acted in The Gossip. I know all these people and went to school with them. They were Audrey Newman, Jane Watson, Anne Keays, Judy Tees, Patricia Moorey, David McMillan, Charlie White, Ian Macdonald, Larry Wilkinson and Bob Glowacki.

The story that came to mind when I saw the cast was about a rather rough game we played in the basement of the public school at recess and noon hour. I can't recall the name of it but horse and rider will do. Small guys like me would get on the backs of big guys like Larry Wilkinson and attempt to pull other small guys down. Last horse and rider standing won. I was usually Larry's rider and we won a lot of the competitions.

Reynolds Price, the American writer who died in January 2011 told us that a need to tell and hear stories is "essential" in our lives, adding that the "sound of story is the dominant sound of our lives." To me, at least, it is. I have been so blessed to have been able to spend my life, telling and hearing stories, and sharing with others the sound. I hope you will take time to browse the wonderful collection at chapleau.com and experience the sound of story that Hugh Kuttner has made possible. Please feel free to share your stories with me. My email is mj.morris@live.ca

Memories of Mac's bellow, withering words, wiener roasts, field days, cadet inspections, all important part of Chapleau High School life as recalled by Jack Whitney



Phys ed on field behind old CHS in the 60s

On J.L. "Jack" Whitney's first day at Chapleau High School in the late 1920s without warning, the most outstanding noise caused all students, who with no teacher present, were being their usual well behaved selves, caused them to pause in mid whatever they were doing.

John McClellan in front of CHS

They were about to meet John McClellan, the legendary teacher and principal of the school. Mr. Whitney recalled his high school experience in a speech to high school students some years later after he graduated from CHS

First though, let me share how I came to receive a copy of Mr. Whitney's story. James Austin and his daughter Elizabeth recently went to have dinner with Bill and Sheryl McLeod at their home in Sudbury. Mr. Austin brought with him a handwritten copy of the speech signed by "J.L. Whitney" but could not recall how he happened to get it. Bill McLeod agreed to transcribed it , and sent me a copy for use in my column. Thanks all!

Here is Mr. Whitney's story.

He wrote: "How did we like high school 40 years ago?? I believe that it was very much as it is today, most of us liked it very much. I think, looking back from today, many of us would place it with the outstanding events in our lives. Some, of course, found it too difficult, and for a few it was a little too boring. Up to 1929, you know, there was plenty of work and the pay was good … 25 cents per hour … ten hour days with $1.00 a day off for board so higher education wasn’t really necessary."

He explains that in 1924 the new public school was only a few years old and the new high school, which was merely the old public school, enlarged and re-modelled, was about the same age, less a year or so.

"What about the teachers of those days? Well, when you consider that in the late twenties and the early thirties a large percentage of 5th Form (Grade 13 to you) successfully completed their university education and are today holding some rather important and useful positions in the Army, the Electrical, the Medical and the Teaching world … then I feel they compare favourably with teachers anywhere and in any decade."

"I shall never forget my first day in First Form. I was wearing black boots (not shoes) black wool stockings up to the knee and knicker-bocker pants which strapped around just below the knee and flopped over just an inch or so. Above this I had on a long-sleeved V-neck pullover, and this was topped by a grinning face and a shock of unruly light hair. I looked a good deal like most of the other boys except for size, shape and colouring.

"The girls, as I remember wore low-waisted long dresses down to two or three inches above the ankle, with lisle hose and sensible shoes. Most of the hairdos were dutch bobs with a few with long curls and most of the hats were the helmet type, usually of felt, and I believe were patterned after the steel helmets of the previous war."

MAC BELLOWS

"But what was memorable about this first day, you ask? For a few moments after the classroom had filled up, there was no teacher present, so we were being our usual well behaved selves. Incidentally we were seated with our backs to the door. Without warning a most outstanding noise caused us all to pause in mid whatever we were doing!! Then slowly, relentlessly and in absolute silence the creator of this noise paced down the aisle to the teacher’s desk, turned, swept the now pop-eyed group of children with a glare which would have done justice to any Sgt. Major I have ever known!!

"And bellowed: 'If any of you have been wondering who is going to be in charge around here, please let me advise you that I am'. And to prove it he caught one of the more incautious boys smack in the ear with a piece of chalk about 1” long. Need I tell you that this was my introduction to Mr. McClellan!! For many years this man remained a potent force for law and order in the old C.H.S. and incidentally he was also a very good teacher. He has left his mark, a good mark, on many and many a boy and girl who now fill the niches in life from labourers to engineers, brigadiers and doctors and from housewives to nurses, teachers, matrons in hospitals and, we in our generation are proud to say, even a successful university professor."

WITHERING WORDS
"Of course no one person was responsible for this metamorphosis of raw gangling boys and girls into mature, useful men and women. During the years of which I speak we had many fine men and women come to Chapleau to help us along the way. At the risk of omitting some, and I am sure I will, I must name a few who were to me, outstanding. Miss Snyder (now Mrs. Muske), Miss Trays, Miss Waring, Miss Reid, Mr. Cousineau, Mr. Courtenage, Mr. Wylie (now in Sudbury), Mr. Hobbs, Miss Cox and, but not least by any means, Miss S. B. Pallett.

"What kind of a person was Miss Pallett? Well I failed in and carried Latin to 4th Form (grade 12) and along came Miss Pallett!! I passed Latin Authors in Grade 13 with 1st class honors and got nearly 70 in Composition!! This same person, with a few withering well chosen words could make me crawl under the rug on the teachers’ room floor and not even make a wrinkle!! But I think the real worth of Miss S. B. Pallett is shown by the fact that now, 35 years later, most of her former pupils from Chapleau either write to her at least once a year, visit her in Toronto at her home or at the “Oshawa Picnic” or phone her and talk to her for hours when they happen to be in Toronto. She was a wonderful person for a teenager in the grip of change and uncertainty to have known and respected, and she is still today, that same pleasant, understanding person."\

The Oshawa Picnic to which Mr. Whitney refers was held at the home of Mr. and Mrs. McClellan at their home in Whitby after he retired in 1956. For years it was a must attend party for former CHS students. Miss Pallett was Mr. McClellan's predecessor as CHS principal.

FORBIDDEN SMOKES

"I do not have either the space or the time to recount the many anecdotes which come to mind about the teachers and the students of that far off day, but I might recall for you a few of the activities which we carried out, in, through, and in spite of good old C.H.S. and its staff. The Students’ Council was formed when I was in 2nd Form. There may have been one before that time but I have no recollection of it.

"We put on a three act play each year, from long before my time until after I left at any rate. We worked up, set type, edited, published and printed a school year book ”Static” for several years. We had regular school dances played for by school orchestras, annual commencements, wiener roasts, field days, Cadet Inspections, ski parties, ski meets, debating teams and interspersed here and there through this fabric which made up our school life, were a few who liked to pay “hooky” once in a while – smoke a forbidden cigarette in the boys’ or girls’ washrooms and blow the smoke up the ventilators, --- and even the odd one who dared to take a drink now and again!! Times have changed, haven’t they?

"The only thing more I have to say to all you young people is this, - live, really live your high school life. It is a very important part of your life, it should be a very pleasant part of your life and it could be one of the most memorable parts of your life! --- Incidentally, by 'live' I mean “work at'."

Mr. Whitney was married to Mildred Pellow, and their children Joan, Mary and Chris all attended CHS.

If anyone has information on when and where Mr. Whitney may have given this talk, please let me know. Thanks also to Anne (Zufelt) McGoldrick for providing background information. My email is mj.morris@live.ca

Also Anne advises that she has information on many Chapleau residents that she is willing to share with those doing research into their families. In return she would appreciate receiving information from you. Please contact me and I will forward your requests to Anne.

John McClellan, affectionately known as 'Old Mac' ruled Chapleau High School with iron hand but was also friend and tutor to students for 30 years

When he retired in 1956, hundreds of citizens packed the auditorium in the old Town Hall, to honour John 'Mac' McClellan, who had been a teacher and principal at Chapleau High School for 30 years. Arranged by the Chapleau High School Board, the town hall was filled to capacity as tributes were paid to 'Old Mac' as he was affectionately known although no student would ever call him by his nickname to his face.

The program opened with the singing of "O Canada" with Judy Gibson, a CHS student at the piano. A bouquet of roses was then presented to Mrs. McClellan.

J.G. "Jiggs" Goldsten was master of ceremonies and he read many congratulatory letters and telegrams from those who were unable to attend.

Township councillor Ernest Lepine brought a message from the municipality while D.O. Payette, high school board chairman spoke of the wonderful co-operation over the years between Mr. McClellan and the board. Mr. McClellan was presented with a television, Hi-Fi radio and record player by Jim Broomhead on behalf of the citizens of Chapleau while Mrs. McClellan was presented with a beautiful engraved silver bracelet by Mrs. Muriel E. Morris (my mother)

Ian Macdonald, who was a student at CHS the year Mr. McClellan retired, took the photo of him at his desk.

For those of us who attended Chapleau High School during the McClellan years, he most assuredly defined the school which was summed up in a tribute in Chapleau Trails, edited and published by Dr. William R. Pellow. The tribute noted in part that " on his tip toes he could peer into the classroom and monitor the behaviour or lack of same with classes led by some very junior teachers. If it was wild enough inside the classroom he opened the door and made an appearance and settled the rowdies down. He was like a bull with a red flag waving in front of him. He fumed, belted out commands, restored law and order, then left."

It also noted that he "ruled with an iron hand... and often lashed out with a sarcastic tongue, but as a "true teacher his goals were positive" and he was able "to force enough education down our throats to enable us to realize and appreciate the rudiments of a solid education."

At the retirement party, Mr. Payette spoke of Mr. McClellan's work over the years with Number 1181 Chapleau High School Cadet Corps, thanking him for his contribution. The writer in Chapleau Trails sums it up: "He was the commander in chief of the cadet, the bugle corps and the girls gymnastic team. Inspection day he was king."

A veteran of World War I, Mr. McClellan was a member of Branch Number 5 of the Royal Canadian legion, and although he may best be remembered for his work with the cadets, he also coached juvenile hockey in Chapleau and both he and his wife were avid golfers. After his retirement CHS hockey teams in the 50s competed against outside teams for the John McClellan Trophy which was established by the Students Council in his honour.

Mr. McClellan was a fan of the Toronto Maple Leafs, and Keith "Buddy" Swanson recalled him in an article for the school's 75th anniversary newspaper in 1997. Referring to Mr. McClellan, Buddy wrote: "Our principal, 'Old Mac' as he was nicknamed became an instant friend as well as tutor when he found out I was a Maple Leaf fan (and a ball fan to boot).

"One sunny October afternoon he told me to take the afternoon off and come back to report to him on the World Series game that was on that day. I remember it well because Bob Feller was pitching for the Cleveland Indians. He hurled a two hitter, but lost 1-0.

Mac's tough demeanour at times belied the fact that he was a great guy and a big influence on me... Under his steady principalship the school flourished."

Buddy also noted that Mr. McClellan had much more success with the cadets and bugle band than some of the lab experiments he tried to teach that didn't work. Buddy was a member of the class of 1952.

Writing in the same newspaper, Lillian (Crozier) Robinson noted that "...it seemed as if we all feared him, yet we loved him for his devotion to each student. He truly seemed interested in our academic growth and exerted so much of his own energy to motivate us" adding that "upon reflection it seems that this man made an everlasting impact on us all. Patience, resolve, dedication and tenacity were all demonstrated in his teaching." Lillian was also a member of the Class of 1952.

Mr. and Mrs. McClellan retired to Whitby, Ontario, where for many years they hosted an annual Chapleau picnic, a must attend for many of his former students from CHS.

I became a Grade Nine student at CHS in 1955-56, Mr. McClellan's final year there but looking back on it, I agree with Buddy and Lillian's comments. Let me give the last word on "Old Mac" to the unnamed person who wrote the tribute to him in Chapleau Trails: "We owe him so much and although it is too late to say so one on one, we salute you "Old Mac" and thank you most sincerely and graciously. We cherish your memory. Smile down on us now old warrior." Mr. McClellan died in 1973. My email is mj.morris@live.ca

Ian Macdonald and David McMillan share behind the scenes moments about 1181 Chapleau High School Cadet Corps including march into river

"1181 Chapleau High School Cadet Corps, General Salute, Present Arms," Company Commander Cadet Major Stanley Barty ordered at 1400 hours precisely, the Girls Bugle Band played, and the annnual inspection and social event of the school year was underway 53 years ago on May 22, 1957 on the grounds behind the old school on Pine Street.

Following the salute taken by Central Command Area Cadet Officer, Captain H.G.L. Hutton, there was the inspection in line, and the march past followed by the demonstrations. Neil Ritchie was in charge of the precison drill while bren l.m.g., first aid and rifle were headed by Cadet Sergeants Jim Evans, Roger Mizuguchi and Doug Slievert respectively.

Ian Macdonald, who was Second in Command as Cadet Captain and David McMillan, the Company Sergeant Major, kindly shared some of their memories about the Cadet Corps from their time at CHS.

Courtesy Ian Macdonald

Ian explained that "the Cadet inspection included a drill exhibition by the Precision Squad and a demonstration of how to dismantle and assemble a Bren Gun. CHS had a war surplus Bren Gun with the firing pin removed along with some extra ammunition clips and spare barrel. I think that the rifles that the cadets carried were standard army Enfields modified for 22calibre barrels. Target shooting was part of the Cadet program."

In 1957 Neil Ritchie who headed the precision drill was taking Grade 13 in several annual stages, according to Ian, and "had earned a lot of seniority and was given the rank of Cadet Lieutenant Colonel which was the highest rank possible in Cadets. Usually a Cadet Lieutenant Colonel commanded a batallion rather than four platoons but we moved Neil up because it was the only way that the rest of us could be promoted up the chain of command."

Platoon commanders were Cadet Lieutenants Jim Hong, Lucien Bouillon, Leona Paquette and Naomi Mizuguchi while the bugle band commanders were Margaret Rose Payette and Mary Serre. Gail Leon was drum majorette.

Ian also recalled that CHS Principal George Lemon participated at the 1957 cadet inspection in full army uniform but John McClellan who had retired the year before did not appear in uniform although the Cadet Inspection and the Cadet movement was very important to him. Mr. Lemon had served in the Canadian forces in World War II and Mr. McClellan in World War I.

David McMillan recalled a humorous incident that apparently occurred while Mr. McClellan was still principal at CHS. "There was a humorous incident that I have tucked away in my memory box that I often look back on and wonder if it was fact or folklore. At any rate, the Corps was out on the ballfield practicing the march past, under Mac's watchful eye, in advance of the upcoming Inspection. For whatever reason Mac saw something he didn't like in the routine and took over temporary command with instructions not to deviate from the program until he gave the order.

"What he failed to realize was that the Corps were facing north towards the River when he gave the 'Quick March' order immediately prior to being distracted by someone or something close at hand. By the time he returned his attention to the marchers, (the leaders) had led the troop into the River between two boathouses and up to their waists in water. This was not an isolated incident by any means because I recall ending up behind the Public School on another occasion simply because marching orders were either not heard, understood or simply ignored."

Ian noted that "male Cadets wore a standard Canadian Army issue style khaki uniform with a woolen tunic and pants, web belt, spats, parade boots and khaki beret. This really wasn’t much of a fashion statement so the decision was made to add a bit of panache and provide the cadet officers with white spats, web belt and a white lanyard. I can’t recall how we managed to do that but it helped immensely." David added that two things came to mind about the uniforms: "their ability to
create an itchy effect and retain heat on those hot June days when we were in uniform on a dusty ballfield."

David also remembered that CHS had been designated a Signal Corps and "had a monstrosity of a main transmitter that I believe was referred to as the 4880 and if this is indeed correct, I have no idea as to why this number comes to mind after all these years. At any rate, it was set up inside the High School and groups of cadets would be scattered around the ball field with
satellite radios attempting to transmit and receive messages with the base unit which, more often than not, was a futile and frustrating exercise."

Ian pointed out that the Cadet Inspection itself was only one of many official roles that the Corps participated in." Earlier in 1957, we participated in a sporting competition with Terrace Bay High School. We were fully attired in our cadet uniforms and marched from the CPR station in Terrace Bay to their High School gymnasium. I remember being a bit concerned about damaging their slick hardwood floor. The gym floor at home really wasn’t worth worrying about."

The CHS band usually led the parade at the Winter Carnival and also marched over to the CPR station when Governor General Vincent Massey was passing through Chapleau.

The day did not end with the inspection and march around town as it continued as one of the annual major events in Chapleau community life. Activities moved to the Town Hall where the school's commencement, the Cadet banquet and dance were held.

The day's program noted that: "Along with the fine performance of the Cadet Corps, including the smart stepping precision squad, the colourful bugle band and the various demonstrations, the students have illustrated their artitsic talents through the decorating of the Town Hall and the organizing of the banquet itself."

In 1957, Thane Crozier was master of ceremonies while Stan Barty, the cadet company commander and students council president gave the response to the toast to the Cadet Corps. Bert Lemon's toast to the ladies was responded to by Nancy Honda.

At the commencement, school board member J.G. "Jiggs" Goldstein presented graduation certificates while Leona Paquette presented tabloid sports awards to captains of their respective teams who were Jim Hong, Naomi Mizuguchi, Ronald Morris and Dawn Goldstein.

The day ended with dancing to the music of Connie De Salle and his Orchestra from Sudbury.

The Cadet inspection and banquet were a tradition long established at Chapleau High School and bring back inevitable memories. As I wrote this column so many fond memories of my years as a student at CHS returned, and I extend my sincere thanks to Ian Macdonald and David McMillan for taking the time to share their memories from 53 years ago when we were members of 1181 Chapleau High School Cadet Corps. My email is mj.morris@live.ca

CADET OFFICERS IN PHOTO: Stan Barty, Ian Macdonald, Neil Ritchie, David McMillan and Jim Hong