Dr. J.J. Sheahan one of Chapleau's "best loved and public spirited citizens" died in 1942

Chapleau residents and those who lived for miles around the community lost one of the best loved and public spirited citizens on October 26, 1942 when Dr. J.J. Sheahan died, the Chapleau Post reported.

For 35 years Dr. Sheahan had lived in Chapleau "and he practised his profession conscientiously for the entire period except for the last few hours of his life. He was in his office attending a patient when he suffered a sudden stroke. He died in the Lady Minto Hospital..."

The Chapleau Post in its tribute noted that "Commanding the respect and trust of his fellow citizens from the first, he put his profession above all else. Never known to take a holiday when work was pressing, (he) took few holidays."

Dr. Sheahan also took a great interest in community affairs. Besides being the CPR doctor he was the Medical Officer of Health, a member of the Chapleau High School board and honourary president of the Chapleau Red Cross Society. He was also the official doctor for several lumber companies in the area.

He was also the first president of the board of Lady Minto Hospital when it opened in 1914. In 1963 a renovated wing in that hospital which became the children's ward was named after him. That plaque is now displayed at the Chapleau General Hospital.

With the outbreak of World War I in 1914, Dr. Sheahan became a member of the Chapleau Citizens Recruiting Committee.

"He took active interest in social and welfare activities in the community and was one of the best supporters of (Sacred Heart) Roman Catholic Church. He was also a member of Chapleau Council of the Knights of Columbus."

He also served on the executive of the Kebsquasheshing Golf Club.

Before his remains were taken to Portage du Fort for burial a requiem high mass was sung at Sacred Heart church by Rev Father Romeo Gascon, the parish priest.

"The schools and stores were closed. Everyone, young and the old attended the funeral one of the largest Chapleau has ever known," the Chapleau Post reported. "Children of the separate school prayed at his bier and with the students from the high school marched behind the Knights Of Columbus in the cortege to the station."

As a sign of the high respect and esteem in which Dr. Sheahan was held, Trinity United Church paid tribute to him. In part it said that Dr. Sheahan's hands were different. "There was something about his life that made him different. Those hands ministered to us in sorrow and in need.

"His personality made his presence in the sick room a benediction. He sought to save human lives but he also helped people make their lives worth living. His personality among us will be greatly missed but his gracious spirit, his untiring devotion to duty and his Christian character will ever be an example and and incentive to all of us>"

Dr. Sheahan was popular with everyone and years earlier circa 1920 the community bought him a new Ford car which prompted him to comment  that "Instead of babies coming in a little black bag, they will now come in a little black car." According to the late George Evans it may have been the first car in Chapleau.

In 1940 he was crowned as King of the Chapleau Winter Carnival.

Born in Pembroke he graduated in medicine from McGill University in Montreal. At the time of his death he was survived by his wife the former Beatrice English, three sons John, Joseph and James, and two daughters Evelyn and Mary.

Following the service in Chapleau, his body was taken by train to Portage du Fort where another high mass was celebrated before burial in the family plot.

In a tribute to Dr. Sheahan at the time of his death an unknown writer said that he was blessed by patients adding that "Our doctor, yes, but more than that, our friend!" John Joseph Sheahan was truly one of Chapleau's most outstanding citizens. 

My sincere thanks again to Margaret Rose (Payette) and Bobby Fortin for lending me the Richard Brownlee Papers. My email is mj.morris@live.ca

Labour Day in 1959 became Hospital Day sponsored by Lady Minto Hospital with 'fun for all ages from oldest to youngest'

Designating it as 'Hospital Day', the Lady Minto Hospital sponsored a day full of activities on Labour Day in 1959.

The program was designed for "fun for all ages from oldest to youngest", according to a report in the Sudbury Star.

The day's activities also provided the opportunity for citizens to meet the staff of the local hospital.

A parade started from the hospital at Elm and Queen streets, in "old Chapleau", led by the hospital float with its "bedside motif" with Beryl Rowntree, Christina Freeborn, Gladys Ryan, Ann Maureen Bedford, and Claire Fortin caring for the patient -- "a huge toy panda".

There were other floats including one from the Senior Citizens, as well as the Town Band and the Branch Number 5 of the Royal Canadian Legion Pipe Band. The parade ended at the Beach area.

The nurses on the hospital float took up station in the Lodge Room (upstairs) in the Town Hall for a polio shot clinic supervised by Dr. G. E. 'Ted' Young. It was a busy place with 276 people getting a shot. Mrs. Audrey Bertrand arrived to assist at the clinic.

Registrars were Mrs. D.O. Payette, Mrs. Rita Bedford and Mrs. Mansel Robinson.

Down at the beach races got underway for the youngsters organized by J.M. Shoup, who had been doing this job for as long as I can remember. Mr. Shoup had just retired as long time principal of Chapleau Public School in 1958.

A very popular event sponsored by the Catholic Women's League of Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church was a pigtail contest. Winners in the various age categories were from youngest -- Lynn Hazen, Helene Tremblay, Joan Martin and Linda Marchioni. Mrs. Ed McCarthy was in charge.

Over at the ball field behind Chapleau High School a championship minor league baseball game between the Cubs and Bruins got underway for the Broomhead Trophy. The Bruins emerged victorious and team captain Neil Midkiff accepted the trophy from D.J. 'Jim' Broomhead.

There was also another ball game with teams coached by Keith 'Buddy' Swanson and Tommy Godfrey which was apparently very popular, but results not revealed.

Meanwhile, another popular event was underway at the Beach area where Walter Broomhead and daughter Karen were providing pony rides for the youngsters.

There was a dance in the Town Hall basement in the evening, highlighted a draw for a car -- winner was George Brady.

Chair for the day was C.B Greenlaw, and committee members included George Riesz, Mr. Shoup. Jim Purich, Vince Crichton, Sylvia Crozier, Mary Chrusoskie, Mrs. W.W. Lawrence, Mrs. George McCallum, Mrs. A. Boulard, and "many others"

In May a successful Tag Day had been held. My email is mj.morris@live.ca

Children's ward at Lady Minto Hospital dedicated in memory of Dr. J.J. Sheahan 'beloved physician of the entire community' in 1963 ceremony

A newly renovated wing at the Lady Minto Hospital was dedicated to the memory of Dr. J.J. Sheahan "beloved physician of the entire community" in a ceremony on August 7, 1963. Dr. Sheahan had practised medicine in Chapleau from 1907 until his death in 1942.

In his comments, C.B. Greenlaw, chair of the hospital's management board spoke of the "vital role" Dr. Sheahan had played in the history of the hospital. In fact, Dr. Sheahan was the first president of the hospital board when it opened in 1914, and was "house physician and surgeon".

In dedicating the plaque, Rev. J.G.M. Doolan, Rector of St. John's Anglican Church said that in honouring Dr. Sheahan, it paid "eloquent testimony to the affection and respect for Dr. Sheahan from a professional and personal standpoint." Rev. Father Gustave Lampron, of Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church, gave similar comments in French.

The newly renovated wing housed the children's ward.

Lady Minto Hospital 1914

Mrs. Lionel Nolan, long associated with the Sheahan family spoke of his influence in the community and the warm place he held in the hearts of his patients, young and old.

"His ready smile won the hearts of the young patients who considered him their ideal and hero. To adults, he was not only physician but counsellor, father confessor and friend. He was always available in time in need," Mrs. Nolan said, according to a story in the Sudbury Star.

E.P. Everett, superintendent of the CPR Schreiber Division commented: "Everything said here today would not bring out all the qualities this man possessed. He was a great man in every respect. He practised through this northern country when times were very difficult, when dog teams and horses and sleighs provided the transportation. However, when duty called, he was there."

Dr Sheahan and Queen Ina Robinson. Others unknown

Tours were conducted by Mrs. Frances Burrows, Mrs. William Grinton, Mrs. Ross Pellow, Mrs. Richard Avison and Mrs. J.R. Keddie.

Writing in Snapshots of Chapleau's Past, George Evans noted "In 1916, the good people of Chapleau showed their apppreciation Of Dr. Sheahan's service to the community by presenting him with a brand new Ford... It was the first automobile in Chapleau and Dr. Sheahan is reported to have quipped that 'instead of babies coming in a little black bag, they will now come in a little black car'".

LMH under construction top right

Commenting after Dr. Sheahan's death on October 26, 1942, the Chapleau Post said that residents of Chapleau and area had "lost one of its most loved and public spirited citizens".

"Commanding the respect and trust of his fellow citizens from the first, he put his profession above all else. Never known to rest while work was pressing he took few holidays."

However, he was also involved in the community as member of the high school board, honorary president of the Chapleau branch of the Canadian Red Cross Society and supporter of Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church as well as being the Knights of Columbus. In 1940 he was King of the Chapleau Winter Carnival. 

As a mark of the high esteem in which Dr. Sheahan was held, on the day of his funeral service, conducted by Rev. Father Romeo Gascon at Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church, schools and stores were closed in Chapleau. The Chapleau Post reported that "everyone the young and the old attended the funeral which was one of the largest Chapleau has ever known."

The plaque is now displayed at the Chapleau General Hospital. My thanks to the folks at the Chapleau General Hospital Foundation who kindly provided me with a photo of it. My email is mj.morris@live.ca

Chapleau business community leads way for elevator at Lady Minto Hospital in 1950s

Leaders in the Chapleau business community led the way when it became apparent in the early 1950s that an elevator and renovations were needed at the Lady Minto Hospital.

The hospital which had been opened in 1914, needed renovations but a priority was an elevator.

At the annual meeting in 1952, Charles W. Collins, the chair of the board, and D.O. Payette, secretary, presented plans for the elevator and other renovations which would include a nurses' residence and apartment for the hospital administrator.

Mr. Collins, the owner of Charles W. Collins Stores Ltd. urged the board members to go on record as supporting the project "100 percent" which they did. Mr. Payette was the recently retired president of Smith and Chapple Ltd.

C W Collins

In July 1954, the Chapleau Post reported that it was a great time for the hospital. "After months and months, in fact years and years, of planning and scheming", a contract had been signed for the construction of an elevator.

The story explained that for the past several years "with the facilities taxed often beyond capacity, the burden has been great upon the entire staff without facilities for quick and efficient handling of patients, supplies and food.

"The elevator has been classed as No 1 priority and ... word was received that the Mason Foundation had earmarked the sum of $20,000 for the hospital".

Arthur J. Grout, who was now president of Smith and Chapple, and had succeeded Mr. Collins as board chair, and N.W. 'Newt' Pellow, who operated Pellow Supply Company , and was chair of the hospital building committee, had met in Toronto with the department of health.

A J Grout

"We pointed out to the department the impossibility of the town of Chapleau undertaking any extensive building program when 75 percent of those admitted to the hospital came from unorganized territory which we considered the responsibility of the province. We had a very good meeting and I think we achieved excellent results," Mr. Grout said.

Although it had been originally decided to locate the elevator in an existing stairwell, but after a visit by an elevator company representative, it was decided that it would be a brick structure conforming to the present hospital built outside the building in a separate shaft in the northeast corner of the doctors' parking lot. Dr. G.E. Young was chief of staff.

 The hospital was located at the intersection of Elm and Queen streets.

The Post reported that the location was ideal as the elevator would serve the entire hospital and noted that "radical changes would be coming as the renovation plan was also undertaken.

As a great deal of work was involved in the installation of the elevator and shaft work would be undertaken but final installation was not expected until 1955. Upon  completion it would "save time and energy" on the part of staff. The hospital was four stories and the kitchen was in the basement for example.

Other than a lift in Smith and Chapple to move goods, it was the only passenger elevator in Chapleau until Cedar Grove Lodge opened in 1978.

The elevator was installed and renovations as well as nurses' residence and apartment were completed -- another example of the good people of Chapleau coming together to make a worthwhile project happen. That in large part is a major feature of Chapleau history. Thanks to Charlie Purich for the Chapleau Post.  My email is mj.morris@live.ca

Chapleau General Hospital efficient, amenable and embraces full potential of beautiful site, according to professor of architecture

At the annual meeting of the Lady Minto Hospital in 1974, the major point of interest was the progress being made on the provision of a new hospital for Chapleau.

Harry Pellow, who was the lead architect on the project, and a Chapleau native, was at the meeting with Peter Manson-Smith of Searle Wilbee Rowlands, architects, to go over the plans in detail, and answer questions.

Although final approval had not been given by the Ministry of Health for the new hospital, Harry reported that plans had been submitted to the ministry for approval. 

Harry Pellow at CHS Reunion 2012

Maggie Costello reported that the new hospital project had been "an uphill fight since the beginning" but progress was being made.  Construction costs had been rising because of inflation and while the building fund had shown growth, it had not kept pace with the escalating cost of construction.

Back in 1968, hospital administrator Leo Walzak had told the board that a new hospital was needed to replace the Lady Minto Hospital which was opened on April 18, 1914, and was described as "a splendid institution" in a Chapleau Headlight editorial. At that time it was the only hospital between Sudbury and Fort William, now Thunder Bay.

As the hospital board moved forward with its plans for a new hospital, Ian Macdonald, now professor emeritus and former head of the department of architecture at the University of Manitoba, wrote in a monograph, Mile 615.1: Building a Northern Community that the location of the new hospital would be on former farmland donated by the Broomhead family.

Ian, who attended Chapleau Public and Chapleau High schools,  noted that the well drained gently sloping site provided excellent soil conditions for construction and generous space to accommodate an accessible single storey health care facility.

At the 1975 Lady Minto Hospital annual meeting there was an atmosphere of "mission accomplished" as board chair J.B. Walsh reported that Gennan Construction had  done initial site preparation before snow came and had been stockpiling materials there ever since.

It was hoped that the new hospital would be completed by 1976, and it was as the Chapleau General Hospital replaced the venerable Lady Minto Hospital which had served the community so well.

At the 1975 annual meeting, Alcide Small, superintendent of the CPR Schreiber division, and a Chapleau native attended to present quit claim deed on four remaining lots at the site of the Lady Minto Hospital.

Alcide explained that two of the lots were deeded by the CPR to the Lady Minto Hospital on November 24, 1913 for the sum of $1.00 and on January 6, 1926 two further lots were deeded to the hospital with the proviso that they would revert to the CPR if they ceased to be used for hospital purposes.

Also, CPR had included a covenant that the land owners could not sell liquor. This was common in those days.

Con Schmidt had initiated negotiations with the CPR to get clear title to all the property on which the old hospital stood. This was important as the lots could be sold and revenue derived added to the building fund.

Commenting on the Chapleau General Hospital more than 30 years after it was opened, Ian Macdonald said that it was "... both efficient and amenable and embraces the full potential of a beautiful site. ... the building remains an exemplary example of quality health care facility."

Harry was also the architect for the Chapleau Civic Centre, Cedar Grove Lodge, Chapleau Recreation Centre and the golf clubhouse as well as Trinity United Church renewal.

In March 1998 the Bignucolo Residence, a 25-bed long term care facility was opened, and the Chapleau Medical Centre is also on the hospital site.

It seemed somehow appropriate to do a column on the Chapleau General Hospital with the arrival of Dr. Doris Mitchell, Dr. Kendra Saari and Dr. Stephen Saari in the community, although they are really coming home.

I was so delighted to chat with "Dr. Doris' at the Chapleau High School Reunion, and thanks Doris for your kind words. I have also heard from Kendra with news about the move she and Stephen have made to Chapleau. Thanks to you too Kendra. I appreciate the commitment you have made to complete your studies in medicine, and Chapleau will be so well served by each of you. Congratulations Dr. Doris, Dr. Kendra and Dr. Stephen, and all the best! 

Thanks to Harry Pellow and Ian Macdonald for research assistance. Ian's monograph is in Chapleau retrospective on Life in an Isolated Northern Community by Bill McLeod. My email is mj.morris@live.ca

New Chapleau hospital needed by 1968, completed by 1976 and Premier Davis tours in 1975

MJM, Premier Davis, Chapleau 1975

Lady Minto Hospital administrator Leo Walzak told the annual meeting of the hospital auxiliary at its annual meeting in 1968 that a new hospital was needed in Chapleau.

Government grants and $76,000 in a building fund which was gaining interest would be available for the project, Margaret Costello reported.

"Medical science is progressing and to meet new medical requirements and those necessary  for accreditation, a new hospital should be built," Mr. Walzak said.

For accreditation, the qualifications were a safe building, proper equipment, qualified staff and supervision. A new hospital would also prove attractive to doctors.

Mr. Walzak explained that it was not the responsibility of the hospital board to provide doctors for the hospital but it was making every effort to do so along with the council and other community groups.

The planning was underway for the new Chapleau General Hospital and by 1976, it opened on Broomhead Road. Harry Pellow of Chapleau became the architect for the project and also designed the Chapleau Civic Centre, Chapleau Recreation Centre, Cedar Grove Lodge for Senior Citizens and the new golf club house. 

In 1975, Premier Bill Davis made a special visit to Chapleau to visit the hospital construction site on a tour guided by township public works superintendent William Memegos. Mr. Davis also discussed the other projects with township officials.

B. Davis, MJM, Clare Hoy, W. Memegos, unknown

The Lady Minto Hospital was opened in 1914 and at the time was the only hospital between Sudbury and Fort William, now Thunder Bay. in 1950 when Charles W. Collins was chair of the hospital board and D.O. Payette, secretary, plans were made for renovations at the hospital and by 1955, sun parlours on the east and west ends had been built, a new kitchen was in place as well as an elevator. A nurses' residence had also been built. Miss Sophie Herner had provided the funding for a staff dining room.

Mr. Walzak assured the auxiliary members of his co-operation "nothing else but", giving the members a renewed sense of purpose. He also noted that having the auxiliary president as a member of the hospital board was a good move. "Without knowing what is going on makes working together difficult" adding that now the president can keep the members aware of what the board is thinking  and gear activities accordingly thus achieving a harmonious relationship.

He also pointed out that the role of the auxiliary had changed over the years. At one time it provided linens, food and other necessities as well as undertaking fund raising to cover any hospital deficits, Now that had been undertaken  by the Ontario Hospital Services Commission.

At times auxiliary members should also come in contact with patients as part of their role.

Mr. Walzak also noted that in 1967 the hospital had looked after 1200 patients and 111 newborns. It had served 56000 meals. Seventy percent of the budget went to salaries which totalled $257,000 in 1967.

My thanks to Doug Greig. My email is mj.morris@live.ca.

Lady Minto Hospital in Chapleau described as 'splendid institution' when it opened in 1914 also served communities between Sudbury and Fort William along CPR line

Lady Minto Hospital (www.chapleau.com)

After the Lady Minto Hospital was opened on April 18, 1914 to serve the needs of Chapleau and communities along the Canadian Pacific Railway, it was described as a "splendid insitution" in a Chapleau Headlight editorial.

"The citizens of Chapleau feel they have a right to be proud of their public institutions, and a visit to the hospital will convince anyone that they are not being over egoistical" the editorial said. It is a "spendid institution". Construction began in August 1913.

When it opened, Lady Minto Hospital was the only hospital between Sudbury and Fort William, now Thunder Bay. In those days Chapleau was primarily a railroad town with lumber operations also opening up along the CPR line. There were many serious injuries and the need for a hospital between the two larger communities became apparent. Dr. J.J. Sheahan, who arrived in 1907 was one of the prime movers behind getting a hospital at Chapleau. J.J. Scully, then the CPR superintendent at North Bay agreed and Chapleau got the hospital.

The funds for construction were raised through a public subscription campaign with the CPR being the largest donor with $5,000, followed by the Victorian Order of Nurses with $3,000, with the latter assuming responsibility for the hospital with a local board.

The hospital had four private and two semi-private wards as well as women's and men's public wards with 20 beds in each at normal capacity. The Headlight reported that it had up-to-date operating and sterilizing rooms, and baths, lavatories and overall "in every way a modern and up-to-date institution."

The furnishings were described as the best "giving the whole insititution an appearance that would be difficult to excel.

"There are no doubt many larger hospitals than the Lady Minto at Chapleau but we believe it will be hard to find any more complete and up-to-date in every detail and appointment."

By 1914, Chapleau citizens were justifiably proud of the progress in the community. Led by G.B. Nicholson, the first reeve from 1901 to 1913, who was also secretary of the first hospital board, the new Town Hall was also opened in 1914, and Chapleau was a busy place.

The first president of the hospital board was Dr. J.J. Sheahan, who practised medicine in Chapleau until his death in 1942.

Fast forward to about 1950, and the hospital board realized it was time for renovations. At the annual meeting of 1952, Charles W. Collins, the chair of the board and D.O. Payette, secretary, presented plans which would also include a nurses' residence.

Mr. Collins urged the board members to go on record as supporting the project "100 percent" which they did.

By 1955 the renovations including the nurses' residence had been completed. The sun parlours on the east and west ends of the hospital located on Elm Street, across from Queen Street (I just realized that not all readers would know where the Lady Minto Hospital was located). were enclosed and the space provided turned into wards.

Of all the improvements perhaps the most important was an elevator that became a reality through a generous gift from the W.E. Mason Foundation. Mr. Mason was a great supporter of Northern Ontario and founder of the Sudbury Star newspaper.

The kitchen had been moved to the basement with all new equipment described as 'the last word in cooking convenience for large scale service. Miss Sophie Herner had donated a spacious dining room for the nurses, which doubled as a room for hospital board meetings. Lab technician Sigvard Pearson had a new "bright room well stocked with testing materials and equipment."

Arthur J. Grout, the chair of the board estimated the total cost of the renovations at $315,000.

By this time, Dr. G.E. Young was chief of the medical staff, while Mrs. S. Crozier was director of nursing.

In the early 1970s, planning started for the replacement of Lady Minto Hospital and that is a story for another day!. My sincere thanks to Anne (Zufelt) McGoldrick and Doug Greig for their tremendous assistance in researching the history of Lady Minto Hospital. Any errors are mine. . My email is mj.morris@live.ca

Chapleau becomes modern progressive community in 15 years under leadership of G.B. Nicholson after incorporation as a municipality in 1901, 110 years ago



C A "Bill" Pellow delivers laundry circa 1910 Chapleau

 Chapleau becomes modern progressive community in 15 years under leadership of G.B. Nicholson after incorporation as a municipality in 1901


By 1886, one year after Chapleau was established at Mileage 615.1 on the transcontinental line of the Canadian Pacific Railway, tents and shacks were being replaced with permanent structures and the streets of the young community were being created replacing the forests.

At the time, Chapleau had five general stores and as well as private residences being built. The Roman Catholic, Anglican and Methodist (United) churches were becoming established in the community.

Beamish and Smith later Smith and Chapple

THE CPR, the reason for Chapleau's creation had completed its first station and office building as well as a general store, coaling plant, freight sheds, two boarding houses and residences for local officials.

But life was not easy for the early citizens as a diptheria epidemic swept the community in 1888 and several, including some children died from the disease. Fires were also a threat.

Fast forward to 1901. In February, Chapleau became an organized municipality in the province of Ontario with George Brecken Nicholson as its first reeve, and in 2011, the community celebrates its 110th anniversary of incorporation.

However, Chapleau's pioneers were busy people from the moment of their arrival with the Chapleau Brass Band, curling and skating rinks, boating and social occasions and sports teams as examples, all underway before 1901.

Chapleau football team Circa 1906

In the early years of the 20th century, not only did Chapleau have hockey and ball teams but lacrosse and football were also being played. The curling rink and hockey arena, both on Lorne Street at the time, were enclosed by 1905, and although the curling rink eventually moved to Pine Street, the "old old rink" stayed on Lorne Street until it was replaced by the "new" Chapleau Memorial Community Arena in !951 and served the community until the Chapleau Recreation Centre opened in 1978.

Imagine the challenges facing Mr. Nicholson and his council when first it met in 1901. While Chapleau was a busy community in many respects, municipal services as we know them were almost non-existent,

G B NICHOLSON

However, by the time Mr. Nicholson retired as reeve in 1913, having been returned each year by acclamation, the physical face of Chapleau had changed, and on the eve of World War I in 1914, it was a most modern community for the times.

The population had reached about 2500 people by then, a bit higher than it is today and there were a number of special, general and department stores as well as the Mageau and Leblanc Lumber mill founded about 1900. Social excursions ("Cruising down the river on a Sunday afternoon..") to Mulligan's Bay were also popular.

By 1905, Chapleau had its first power plant established by Mageau and Leblanc who sold it to James Austin who built a new one near the Ontario Provincial Police office.

Here are some of the projects completed in Chapleau between 1901 and 1915, which upon reflection really show the determination of the early citizens to carve a progressive community out of the proverbial wilderness.

The water works system was described as "thoroughly up-to-date and efficient" and there were two "modern" school buildings. The Town Hall on Pine street included a hall downstairs, a theatre with balcony, upstairs meeting room and municipal offices.

The Railway YMCA with rooms, restaurant and bowling alley was referred to as "one of the best institutions of its kind to be found anywhere in Canada".

The Lady Minto Hospital under the auspices of the Victorian Order of Nurses opened in 1914 with funds being raised by a public subscription campaign. It was, at the time, the only hospital between Sudbury and Fort William (Thunder Bay).

Although Chapleau had a volunteer fire department from its earliest days, the Chapleau Volunteer Fire Department was officially organized in 1910, and the fire hall was opened in 1915, with an apartment for the fire truck driver in it as well as the town jail in the basement.

As Chapleau enters into its 110th year as an incorporated municipality with a mayor, (formerly reeve) and council, I wanted to share a glimpse some highlights from its early history, and plan to share more moments from Chapleau, then and now in 2011.

Much credit for Chapleau's progress in the early years must go to Mr. Nicholson who was referred to by Guy Rogers as the 'real leader of life in Chapleau" and an "able man of affairs."

Thanks so much to all who have written to me and to Hugh Kuttner of http://www.chapleau.com/
 and Dr. Vince Crichton. Happy New Year. My email is mj.morris@live.ca

Dr. G.E. Young, family physician in Chapleau for 50 years, dies at age 95 - Funeral was held Fri. Nov. 19

 UPDATE ON FRIDAY NOVEMBER 19:   Pastor Anna Chikoski conducted the funeral service at Trinity United Church, Chapleau, for Dr. Young who died on November 14,

Organist was Betty O'Shaughnessy while Kenneth Russell sang 'How Great Thou Art' at the special request of Dr. Young. Mr. Russell,a former reeve of Chapleau was Technical Director of Radiology at the hospital and worked with Dr. Young for many years.

A multi domination choir, representative of all the churches in Chapleau was present. The hymns, 'Precious Lord Take My Hand' and Psalm 23, 'The Lord is My Shepherd' were sung.

The Bible on the pulpit was once owned by one of Dr. Young's brothers.

Earle Freeborn, the mayor of Chapleau delivered the eulogy while Pastor Anna gave the sermon, both reflecting on Dr. Young's life.

With special thanks to Dennis Barbeiro of Chapleau who provided details on Dr. Young's funeral. Your assistance is greatly appreciated.



Dr Young at party for him 1987 by Helen Henderson

STORY POSTED NOVEMBER 14 FOLLOWS:
Dr. G.E. Young, one of Chapleau, Ontario's most beloved and distinguished citizens, who served the community and area as a family physician for 50 years died November 14  at the Bignucolo Residence in Chapleau. Dr. Young was 95.

George Edward Young, the son of the late George and Mabel Young, born on December 2, 1914, graduated from Chapleau Public and Chapleau High Schools, then attended Queen's University to study medicine. Upon graduation in 1942, "Ted" Young interned at the Columbia University School of Medicine in New York City.

In 1944, a Dr. Crozier in Chapleau asked Dr. Young to return home for "six months." In 1994, Dr. Young retired after serving Chapleau and area, sometimes as the only medical doctor, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

From 1944 to 1992, Dr. Young was the CPR doctor in Chapleau, and was Chief of Staff at Lady Minto Hospital for 20 years. He was also the local Medical Officer of Health for 20 years and also served as Medical Director of Cedar Grove Lodge.

From 1944 to 1982 he served as coroner and was recognized for his service by the Government of Ontario.

On several occasions he was recognized by the people of Chapleau who held an appreciation party for him in 1987 and another in 1992 marking his 50th anniversary of graduation from Queen's in medicine. On March 31, 1994 a retirement party was held.

In the early Sixties, Dr. Young established a cable television system for the community, and was always undertaking projects -- most never quite finished,

He also served on the township council for six years and shortly after returning home, at his own expense, transformed a garbage dump into a beautiful beach for the citizens of Chapleau.

However, Dr. Young will be primarily remembered for his unfailing concern for his patients for 50 years. He was also there when needed no matter the time of day or the weather.