Chapleau no exception in "Because of Her" campaign as women have played vital and important role in community life since its earliest years

Mrs Hands leaves Chapleau as friends wish her well

In 2016, the prime minister Justin Trudeau, announced the celebration of Women's History Month, but it was not until October 18, 1929, women were declared "persons" under Canadian law. The historic legal victory is due to the persistence of five Alberta women -- Emily Murphy, Nellie McClung, Irene Parlby, Louise McKinney and Henrietta Muir Edwards.

However, in Chapleau, and across Canada, women had been playing an important and vital role in the life of their communities since the founding of the nation in 1867. Much of their good work was associated with church groups, and Chapleau was no exception. 

Although I am focusing on the ladies of Trinity United Church, which was Chapleau Methodist Church, in the early years as an example -- the ladies at Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church and St John's Anglican Church also contributed greatly.  I will also touch on the Chapleau Red Cross Society.

On April 25, 1898, ladies at Chapleau Methodist Church discussed the formation of a Ladies Aid Society of the Chapleau Methodist Church, which was subsequently formed, according to a church  history. They immediately launched "two worthy projects"  -- the cleaning of the church and improving the vestry which was a small addition at the rear of the church which also housed the minister.

When the brick church was completed, over the years "the ladies worked diligently by having suppers, teas, sales of works, bazaars and bean suppers" raising a considerable amount of "talent' money for the church.

As an aside, in 2016, I think across Canada it remains "plus ca change, plus c'est la meme chose"!!!

The church history does pay tribute to the pioneer women including Mrs. Harry Pellow, Mrs. Grout, Mrs. George Young, Mrs. R.J. Allen and Mrs. Halliday.  

Stancil (Pellow) Rose was the church organist for over 40 years.

At Trinity United, the name was eventually changed to Women's Association and it became responsible for furnishings for the parsonage, keeping it in good repair, caring for Sunday school rooms, and cleaning and decorating the church.

In 1947, there were 84 members, and it split into two groups.. They provided finances for the building and equipping the church kitchen, building a garage and sun porch for the parsonage and landscaping the grounds.

A search of the members of the church board of stewards shows that no women served in its  history at least until after 1950. 

However, in Chapleau, Mrs Maud Hands, who was actively involved in the work of St. John's and Trinity United (her husband Fred was a member of Trinity United) was also the only president of the Chapleau Red Cross Society branch throughout World War II. Mrs, Hands also has the distinction of being the first women to be elected to Chapleau council in 1947.

The Red Cross society branch was also active during World War I, but interestingly Rev. Father Romeo Gascon of Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church was first vice president, and committee members included Rev. C.S Applegarth of Trinity United, Rev. J.N. Blodgett of St. John's and G.B. Nicholson. Mrs. May McMullen was president.

Red Cross members circa 1945

In The Chapleau Boys Go To War, which I co-wrote with my cousin Michael McMullen (his grandmother was May (Mulligan) Mcmullen noted above) we noted that "fingers were never idle" at the Chapleau Red Cross during World War II.as it was doing its part for the war effort. Led by Mrs. Hands the branch met weekly in the Town Hall throughout the war.

Most assuredly Chapleau women have made a most significant contribution to community life, and I have just scratched the surface. As Prime Minister Trudeau said we need to appreciate the "significant achievements and contributions women have made to our great country."

“While we celebrate the progress made, we remain keenly aware of the important work that still needs to be done to achieve true gender equality. By highlighting stories of how women have shaped our lives, we can inspire both current and future generations to continue to fight for a society in which all people feel empowered, and have the same opportunities to reach their full potential, Mr. Trudeau said.

On a very personal note, the "Because of Her" campaign has let me reflect on the contributions the women members of my own family made to Chapleau life since its earliest years, and most importantly too, I have thought about those remarkable women in the community, who influenced and helped me. They also made  Chapleau a better place to live for all its citizens. Thank you so much.

Thanks also to those who assisted me. My email is mj.morris@live.ca

Maud Hands, first woman elected to Chapleau council, also served as only president of local branch of Red Cross Society in World War II

Mrs Hands front row centre Names not available

Mrs. Maud Hands was the only president of the Chapleau branch of the Canadian  Red Cross Society during World War II, according to an article in the Chapleau Post.

In November 1946, the executive of the Chapleau branch hosted an afternoon tea in the lodge room of the Town Hall, which was located on the second floor of the municipal building opened in 1914. Service badges and pins were presented at the meeting.

During World War I, she had served as a nurse in England. Her first husband Ambrose Evans, was serving with Lord Strathcona's Horse, (Royal Canadians), Royal Canadian Armoured Corps.  Michael McMullen and I note in 'The Chapleau Boys Go To War' that he was classified as missing and presumed dead, and is commemorated at the Vimy Memorial, Vimy, Pas-de-Calais, France. His name is also inscribed on the memorial plaque at St. John's Anglican Church, Chapleau.

After the war, she returned to Chapleau and in due course, married Fred Hands. She worked as a nurse at Lady Minto Hospital for many years, and had the distinction of being the first woman elected to Chapleau council in 1947. Mrs. Hands was also the long-time superintendent of St. John's Sunday School, and leader of the Junior WA of the church.

Branch members circa 1945

At the tea, certificates of merit were presented to the Catholic Women's League of Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church, accepted by Mrs. Vezina; Trinity United Church Women's Auxiliary, accepted by Mrs. Hamlin, and St. John's Women's Auxiliary by Mrs. Card.

Freda Matters accepted the certificate on behalf of Chapleau High School while Betty Ann Payette and Pearl Marchesseault accepted on behalf of the separate school and public school respectively.

Thirty-two pins and and nine service badges were presented to members by Mrs. Hands, assisted by Mrs. A. Austin and Miss Foy.

The Chapleau Post reported that at the tea hour, Mrs. H. Sauve and Mrs. Vezina poured tea, "the long table covered with a beautiful lace cloth with a huge bouquet of yellow chrysanthemums in the centre. Four young girls from the high school waited on the aldies. They were Miss Betty Ann Payette, Miss Pearl Marchesseault, Miss Betty Edwards and Miss Gloria Warren."

During World War II, the Chapleau branch was actively involved in the Red Cross National Appeal. In 1944, Reg Thrush wrote "Campaign Notes" for the Chapleau Post.

He noted that the campaign had ended but the Chapleau branch had over $5,600 in cash on hand. Its goal had been $3,750, and donations were still coming in.

Mr. Thrush wrote: " The stories told by returning heroes who have seen Red Cross work in prison camps and on machine-gunned battlefields undoubtedly did much to encourage people to open their hearts and purses to a worthy cause."

Apparently babies played a prominent part in the Chapleau canvas. For example, he noted that the youngest boy of Charles W. Collins appeared on the donor list, "only to be topped by his sister".

"The baby daughters of another soldier father, (J.G. 'Jiggs' Goldstein, who was serving overseas in the Canadian Army) Anne and Dawn Goldstein also appear on the list."

"A mysterious group of young ladies described as the 'Sit and Chats', Bea, Babs, Ina, Irene, Kay, Myrtle and Vera, appear both collectively and individually," Mr. Thrush wrote. I think I know who all these ladies  were, but will not take a chance in making a mistake. If you know, my email is mj.morris@live.ca


Thanks to Anne (Zufelt) McGoldrick for providing names

Red Cross picture

                                                                                         Mrs. Card, Mrs. Shoup    

Back row`: Miss Holding,  Mrs. Boulard,  Mrs Nell Crichton,  Edna Crowhurst , Miss Foy (Separate School Principal),  Mrs. Ernie Holding, Mrs. Jardine, Mrs. Austin

 

Middle Row:   Mrs. Steed, Mrs. Edith Hunt, (our grandmother),Mrs. Deluce, Mrs. Cochrane, Mrs. Robinson, Mrs. Simpson, Mrs. Banks

 

Front Row:  Mrs. Delaney, Mrs. Strapp, Mrs. H. Gagnon,  unknown, Mrs. Sauve, Mrs. Hands,  unknown, unknown, Mrs. Jack McAdam

the top photo

  Mrs Austin                        mrs. Wilson,  unknown might be mrs barnes Edith Way-Waywhite , Terry Way-white wife

Mabel Westerman Murphy, Mrs. Laurie Westerman,   Mrs. Connie  I think  Way-White Carroll ,  Bea Chevalier Galy,   Vi  Nolan Selin                      Elsie Zufelt, Mrs. Byce, Vera Westerman Martin

 

Sonego,  unknown, Mrs. Hands, Mrs. H. Gagnon  unknown

 

 

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

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

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





G.B. Nicholson

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In 1962 Highway 101 linked Chapleau to Timmins.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Andre Byham

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

"Fingers were never idle" as Chapleau Red Cross Society branch served on home front in World War II

Work report more at http://www.chapleau.com/

Shortly after World War II started in September 1939, the Chapleau branch of the Canadian Red Cross Society was once again active and sending "comfort" boxes overseas to local troops.

At a meeting held in the Town Hall in January 1940, Mrs. Pierre Tremblay reported that she had inspected 1,127 pairs of socks, 156 sweaters, 128 pairs of mitts, 46 pairs of gloves. 36 helmets and 52 wool caps -- almost 1, 400 items in total all made by volunteer members of the Chapleau branch. It had also been very active in World War I.The auditor's report for the past year presented by Harry Searle, a World War I veteran after whom Branch Number 5 of the Royal Canadian Legion is named showed that the local Red Cross had received $4,446.46 all in donations and an amazing amount for 1940 from people in a small community like Chapleau and the surrounding area. The report was signed by T.R. Serre and John 'Mac' McClellan.

CLICK ON IMAGE TO ENLARGE

Mrs. Allen Austin, convener of sub branches reported there were 54 members in Dalton, 30 each in Lochalsh and Missanabie respectively, 12 in Nicholson, 53 in Sultan and one in Amyot.

As Remembrance Day nears, our thoughts turn to the men and women who served in our armed forces, and rightly so, but on the home front in Chapleau and many other communities across Canada were doing their part for the war effort through branches of the Red Cross Society, and other groups. As I looked though names of members of the Chapleau branch from information on www.chapleau.com, I realized that many of the workers had family members serving in the armed forces -- and some would not be returning home. Others had served in World War I. For example, there were 39 workers at a meeting in January 1944, and I recognized 25 of them at least as having family in Canada's armed forces in World War I or II.

Mrs. Maud Hands, who in 1947 became the first woman to be elected to Chapleau council was very active in the branch and served as its president.

In a report dated October 1943 to the Red Cross Society headquarters, the Chapleau branch called attention to the "wonderful work" of some of the local members who were over eighty and ninety years of age.

It noted that Mrs. McNair of Missanabie, 91, had knitted 150 articles while Mrs. Thrush, 92, had "made a knitted article for every week of the war" adding that "finding sweaters and scarves too heavy for her frail hands, Mrs. Thrush knit smaller articles" including 125 pairs of baby bootees for the British bomb victims.

Mrs. Anne H. Bell, who the report says was "shut in because of high blood pressure" had knit 180 pairs of socks. Another person mentioned was Mrs. McQuaig, Sr. 84, who was "a faithful worker for the Red Cross. Her fingers were never idle." Mrs. McQuaig also inspected work and made corrections as required.

At the annual meeting of 1945, Mrs. Boyd reported that in the past year the branch had provided 634 pairs of socks, 783 surgical pads, 400 mouth wipes, 867 suits of pyjamas, 189 pillow cases, 20 personal property bags, 34 surgical coats, six kit bags, 12 hot water bottles, eight day shirts and 17 pieces of children's underwear. The underwear was made by Mrs Flannigan and Mrs. Brownlee from odd ends of flannelette left over from pyjamas.

At the weekly work sessions there was often entertainment and one noted that a presentation was given by the local Glee Club under the direction of Miss Ruth Wedge. They sang 'O England'. Tea and cookies would also be served.

The Chapleau branch met weekly throughout the war in the Town Hall, except when a flu epidemic swept Chapleau and meetings had to be cancelled.

And so, when we pause to reflect and remember on November 11, let us include those dedicated citizens, volunteers all, who spent countless hours preparing comfort boxes not only for those who were serving in the forces, but for victims of war too. As I think back, I recall going to meetings of the Chapleau branch with my grandmother Edith Hunt, after she returned from England near the end of World War II where she had served as a nurse. Today I remember many of the members who were active in Chapleau life after the war, and the veterans, and I wonder why!

The best answer I ever got that explained how these ordinary people from communities like Chapleau became the exceptional generation came from Frank Coulter when I once asked him why he had served so long on the local school board. His answer was profound but simple. J.M. Shoup, a veteran of both world wars and long time principal of Chapleau Public School had said they had a "duty to serve." Frank, a World War II veteran , along with so many other men and women accepted the duty to serve, to make Chapleau a better place. Lest we forget! My email is mj.morris@live.ca

NOTE: Hugh McGoldrick sent me the following information. Thanks Hugh.

"Many years ago as I and my friends were exploring the soon-to-be torn-down town hall we found the book. It looked interesting so I took it home to my mother, (Anne (Zufelt) McGoldrick) who as a young girl was also noted as attending some of the meetings listed therein. Later she donated it to the Chapleau library. I am glad to see it being referenced today.


"Had we not been exploring that day that formal record would have surely been lost forever."

Chapleau World War I and II veterans urged to become involved in community life as Legion members elected to township council in 1947

Two years after the end of World War II, as those who served in Canada's armed forces returned home to Chapleau, they were being urged to take more of an interest in community and municipal affairs.
Both J.M. Shoup, president of Branch No."5" of the Legion, and Harry Searle, after whom the Chapleau branch came to be named, urged the World War II veterans to be more involved in community life. Mr. Shoup, who had served in World Wars I and II and Mr. Searle, who served in World War I, and worked tirelessly for benefits for veterans were speaking at the annual Legion Armistice Day Banquet and Dance held in the Town Hall in 1947.

Mr. Searle proposed a toast to the branch and talked about the founding of the Legion and those from across Canada who were responsible. He stressed that it was with no thought of personal gain that the Legion was founded. Mr. Searle was present at the meeting in Winnipeg in 1925 where the Legion was founded and Chapleau received its Charter in 1926 as Branch No. 5 and was later named in his honour and is now known as Harry Searle (Ont. No. 5) Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion, according to information on the Chapleau community portal.

J.L Whitney proposed the toast to the memory of those who did not come back while Mrs. L. Montgomery outlined the work of the ladies during the war both in the forces and at home. She said that although the war was over there was still a fight against poverty to be won.

J.M. Shoup

In his remarks Mr. Shoup gave an outline of the work of the branch during the past year and what had been accomplished at the hall. He said that the hall was becoming more and more a community centre every day and that more and more facilities would be added for the benefit of both the general public and veterans.

Over 240 members and guests were present for the turkey banquet which was enjoyed by all. World War II veteran Henry Therriault was chairman for the evening while J. Thomson played the Last Post. After dinner they moved to the Town Hall auditorium where an hour of excellent humorous entertainment was provided under the direction of Ted Soucie. Dancing followed in the basement to the music of Wilf Simpson and his orchestra.

About a month later, Mr. Shoup was returned as branch president for another term at the branch's annual election of officers. Henry Therriault was elected first vice president, A.R "Rene" Acquin, second vice president, with George Collinson as secretary and Fred Matters as treasurer. Auditors were Mr. Searle, Mr. Collinson and Steve Therriault. The executive committee consisted of Mr. Searle, Mr. (Steve) Therriault, Ovide Cote, W. Morrison and Walter Steed. Interestingly two members of the Legion executive were elected to Chapleau township council in the 1947 election: Mr. Steed and Mr. Shoup. In that same election Mrs. F.M (Maud) Hands, who had been a nurse in England during World War I, became the first woman ever elected to Chapleau council.

When I discovered the articles about the 1947 activities that appeared in the Chapleau Post, it seemed appropriate to use them  as it marked the beginning of changes in Chapleau that would continue for many years. The veterans of World War II heeded the comments of Mr. Shoup and Mr. Searle to become involved in community life, and they were involved in every aspect of it in the years to come.

As I wrote in my 1984 book, "Sons of Thunder... Apostles of Love" the veterans returned home, resumed their employment, married and started to raise their families. .. These veterans, having experienced the bitterness of war and having lived through the Great Depression were determined to build a better community for their children.

I added: They became involved in local organizations, sat on the municipal council and school boards, and were active in their church. Chapleau was beginning to change. The barriers of isolation were being removed.

As I reflect today on the Chapleau where I was raised, attended school and later returned to teach at the high school, I recall the names of so many of our community's veterans who rose to the occasion not only in time of war, but in time of peace to create a better place for us all.

At a Remembrance Day service in St. John's Anglican Church one year later in 1948, Rev. Canon H.A. Sims said in part, "We must make peace by working hard at overcoming ugliness with beauty; overcoming meanness with generosity; overcoming lies with truth, and by overcoming evil with good." The service was to dedicate a prayer desk in memory of my father. Flying Officer James E. Morris, who was kiilled on active service in the RCAF in 1943.

Those who did come home understood so clearly the words of Canon Sims, and gave so much to our community. Thank you. To those who did not return, they shall grow not old because we will always remember them. My email is mj.morris@live.ca

Chapleau Post declares 'something out of the ordinary seen' as Mrs. Maud Hands becomes first woman elected to Chapleau council for 1948 term; B.W. Zufelt elected reeve

When Chapleau voters went to the polls in 1947 to elect a reeve and council, it followed "the most keenly interested nomination meeting in years", according to a report in the Chapleau Post.

In those days a nomination meeting would be held in the Town Hall on a Friday night in November with those nominated given until nine p.m. on Saturday night to qualify as candidates for a one year term on council. There were 69 people proposed to fill the office of reeve and four council positions for 1948, including Mrs. Maud Hands, who holds the distinction of becoming the first woman to be elected as a councillor in Chapleau.

As the nine p.m. Saturday deadline approached, it appeared that B.W. "Bubs" Zufelt may become reeve by acclamation, as at 8:30 p.m. he was the only one who had qualified. However, the Chapleau Post reported that shortly before the deadline Edgar Pellow appeared and qualified to be followed a minute later by Frank Edwards, who was the incumbent.

"The two, coming so close together and so late in the evening, it looked as though each of them was waiting for the other to qualify," the Post noted.

Referring to Mrs. Hands, the Post said "something out of the ordinary was also seen" as she became the first woman nominated who qualified to run in a Chapleau municipal election.

When nominations closed there were three candidates for reeve and 11 for the four councillor positions.

As the election campaign got underway, the Chapleau Board of Trade published a letter in the Chapleau Post giving its views on the election. Note the emphasis on electing "men" in the following excerpt from its letter.

"Chapleau is now apparently on the eve of one of its most progressive moves in its history; important industries are building up all around us; major adjustments to our townmakes it a better place to live ... matters will require the attention of only the best men we can get, sound thinking men with experience in handling financial matters, and common sense in looking after the welfare of their fellow men.

"Successful reeves and councillors are always men who have progressive ideas and who have made a success of their own life -- they can contribute something lasting to the community."

Major issues in the 1947 municipal election included a new water tank to replace the one built in 1910, a new intake pipe for the pumphouse, a sewage system and a municipal insurance plan. Interestingly, all these projects were undertaken plus some others as Chapleau moved into the 1950s and experienced a boom period.

In the most keenly contested election in years , the Chapleau Post reported that B.W. Zufelt was elected reeve with a majority of 45 votes over Edgar Pellow while incumbent Frank Edwards placed third.

Newcomer Walter Steed led the polls in the race for council seats while J.M. Shoup and J.O. Cahill tied for second place while Mrs. Hands made history, becoming the first woman elected to Chapleau council.

Born in England Mrs. Hands first came to Canada to ber with her husband Ambrose Evans, who was later declared missing in action during World War I. She had returned to England and stayed there training as a nurse and midwife, and nursing wounded soldiers until the end of the war in 1918. According to a piece in Chapleau Trails by Joy (Evans) Heft, she came to Chapleau with encouragement of the Evans family to work with Dr. J.J. Sheehan who was badly in need of assistance. Chapleau Trails was edited and published by Dr. W.R. Pellow.

She later married Fred Hands, a widower, and they lived in a house on Queen Street, across the lane from my grandparents Harry and Lil (Mulligan) Morris in the area that became known as Little England. They raised their family there as well as at Healy where they had a camp for many years.

Mrs. Hands worked with Dr. Sheehan and was also at Lady Minto Hospital for years. She was also very active at St. John's Anglican Church in the Women's Auxiliary and as superintendent of the Sunday school for many years. In 1968, as I wrote in my book 'Sons of Thunder.. Apostles of Love"' it was the end of an era at the church when Mrs. Hands retired as leader of the Junior Girls Group.

The church honoured her by renaming the Senior Women's Group the 'Hands Group.' But Mrs. Hands was not retiring completely as she would continue to visit the sick and shut-in of the parish.

She was also active in the auxiliary to Branch 5 of the Royal Canadian Legion and during World War II and after it was a prominent hard working member of the Chapleau Branch of the Canadian Red Cross Society, serving as its president.

As an aside, shortly after I became Chapleau's reeve in 1974, Mrs. Hands and I were having a chat at a function in the Legion hall. After a few minutes, she put her hand on my arm, and said, "You have my vote but you don't have every vote in this hall. Now you go and work the room." And so, my former Sunday school teacher, a veteran politician, taught me to work the room.

With the election of the council for 1948, Chapleau was headed into some very active years for the municipality, and it was perhaps very fitting that an outstanding citizen like Mrs. Hands, who was devoted to the health and welfare of the citizens was a member of it. My email is mj.morris@live.ca