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

Ontario cabinet minister Rene Brunelle describes Chapleau as 'most progressive community in Northern Ontario' in 1978 at official opening of Cedar Grove Lodge

When Cedar Grove Lodge for Senior Citizens and the Chapleau Recreation Centre were officially opened in June 1978, it was also an occasion to honour some of Chapleau's distinguished citizens.
At Cedar Grove, the apartment section was named in honour of Peter Blackburn and Vince Crichton, to be known as the Blackburn-Crichton Memorial Wing and the drop-in centre as the Mrs. Agnes Freeborn Memorial Elderly Persons Centre. Mr. Blackburn and Mr. Crichton were long-time residents of Chapleau and great supporters of community life. Mrs. Freeborn was the founding president of the Chapleau Senior Citizens Club whiich held its first meeting on the lawn of the old Chapleau High School in the summer of 1973.

At the recreation centre opening on June 29, it was announced that the arena portion would be known as the Mrs. A.W. Moore Arena in honour of Mrs. Moore, who was present for the occasion. Mrs. Moore, over a period of many years, made an immense contribution to hockey, and to the Chapleau Memorial Community Arena, where she singlehandedly raised the funds for the installation of artificial ice. Her picture and a plaque were to be placed in the arena.

The home for the aged section at Cedar Grove Lodge was named the Rene Brunelle Wing, after the Ontario cabinet minister who was so incredibly supportive of the project, and in large measure made it happen. Mr. Brunelle, who died in April, 2010, was present for the occasion in 1978, and officially opened the complex. The ribbon was held by pioneer residents Mr. and Mrs. Fred Leclerc. Mr. Leclerc had served as a member of Chapleau council.

In his remarks, Mr. Brunelle, who represented Cochrane riding referred to Chapleau as "the most progressive community in Northern Ontario", according to a report in the Chapleau Sentinel. Mr. Brunelle also toured the new civic centre and recreation centre.

In a letter, Ontario Premier William Davis wrote that the decision to name part of the facility after Mr. Brunelle, was a "fitting tribute" adding that the "north has no better friend than Rene Brunelle and in the true northern spirit you have recognized this in a most meaningful way... May I extend to all who have been associated in any way with this project, my warmest best wishes."

Following the opening of Cedar Grove on June 30, the Chapleau Senior Citizens Club, with Mrs. Min Blackburn as president, served a delightful lunch while citizens also toured the facility. Tour guides were members of the Sincerity Rebekah Lodge.

Mrs. Lauretta Veit, a member of the founding board for Cedar Grove was chairperson for the official opening, and delighted those attending with the announcement that Catherine McKinnon and her husband Don Harron, "Charlie Farquharson" were present. Miss McKinnon sang 'Amazing Grace' while "Charlie" performed one of his popular dialogues. The visit was arranged by Peter Bernier, chair of the Chapleau Recreation Committee.

Back to the opening of the recreation centre, another highlight was the presentation of the Peter Blackburn Memorial Trophy to Jamie Doyle of the Chapleau Intermediate "A" Huskies as the player who made the most outstanding overall contribution to the team. Mrs. Blackburn had donated the trophy of her husband who had been an avid supporter of the Chapleau entry in the Northland Intermediate Hockey League.

In accepting the trophy, Jamie said: "Mr. Blackburn travelled many miles with our team. He was with us when we lost and when we won. It is a great honour to have won this most prestigious trophy."

Recreation director Terry Bryson was master of ceremonies for the recreation centre opening whiile it was officially declared open by Robert Eaton, MPP, on behalf of Premier William Davis. The keys to the building were presented to Peter Bernier, the chair of the Chapleau Recreation Committee.

Harry Pellow, then of Neish Owen Rowland and Roy, and a member of one of Chapleau's pioneer families, was the principal architect for Cedar Grove and the recreation centre. Eileen McCrea, executive assistant to the reeve was overall co-ordinator of the openings.

Among the dignitaries attending the recreation centre opening was Carlo Cattarello, the president of the Northern Ontario Hockey Association and an outstanding tennis player. I had challenged Carlo to a set to be played on the arena floor, and he brought his racquet and clothes all set to play. I tried to use the excuse that I had forgotten everything at home, but Tim Morin came forward and offered to let me use his racquet, shoes, shirt and shorts. Trapped!

The Chapleau Sentinel reported that it was "a great set until the reeve complained of a 'sore wrist' with the games tied 4-4. Mr. Cattarello emerged the winner 5-4".

For new readers, I was the Reeve (Mayor) of Chapleau at the time.

Thanks to all those who have been writing me. My email is mj.morris@live.ca

IN PHOTO are founding members of the board of Cedar Grove Lodge at ground breaking cereemony in 1976: From left, Michael Morris, Dr. G.E.Young, George Evans, Hon Rene Brunelle, Walter Wilson, Ernie Gilbert, Lauretta Veit, G. Ste, Marie, F.A. Card, Louise Mione and Min Blackburn.

Lieutenant Governor Pauline McGibbon officially opens Chapleau Civic Centre in June 1978, and Ernie Gilbert holds protective umbrella during sudden downpour

Lieutenant Governor Pauline McGibbon officially opened the Chapleau Civic Centre 32 years ago on June 28, 1978, a rare moment in the life of a community to have the official representative of Her Majesty the Queen in Ontario pay a visit.
The next day, Cedar Grove Lodge for Senior Citizens was officially opened by Hon. Rene Brunelle, provincial secretary for resources development, and to complete the openings, the ribbon was cut by Robert Eaton, MPP, at the Chapleau Recreation Centre on behalf of Ontario Premier William Davis on June 30.

Accompanied by her husband Donald, Mrs. McGibbon inspected honour guards of the Chapleau Air Cadet Squadron under the command of Lt. Gary Groulx, and Branch No. 5 of the Royal Canadian Legion, accompanied by Jim Lane and Legion president Henry Therriault.

Cpl. Anita Memegos of the air cadets presented the Lieutenant Governor with a bouquet of flowers. Ken Russell led in the singing of O Canada and God Save the Queen, while the flag was raised by Legion member Boyd Beacock and John Way-White played Reveille.

After being escorted to the platform, Master of Ceremonies Deputy Reeve George L. Evans called on the band of the Air Cadet Squadron to play the vice regal salute.

Following prayers led by Rev. William Ivey, Father Laurent  Dube and Rev. Carson Duquette, Mrs. McGibbon cut the ribbon to officially open the civic centre. She then proceeded to tour the civic centre.

As an aside, during the official outdoor opening ceremonies there was a sudden downpour but Executive Assistant to the Reeve Eileen McCrea, prepared for any emergency, quickly provided umbrellas, and Councillor Ernie Gilbert was given the task of protecting the Lieutenant-Governor from the rain. Eileen co-ordinated all the official openings.

During her tour of the civic centre, Mrs. McGibbon, while in the library, commented that "One can judge the stature of a town or village by the extent of its library." She was greeted in the library by board chair Mrs. Renee Cecile, librarian Estelle Morin and the staff and board members.

At the Fire Hall she was welcomed by Fire Chief Ad Andrews, and while there presented 30 year service certificates to Chief Andrews, Deputy Chief Frank Coulter and Raoul Lemieux Sr.

She then proceeded to visit Cedar Grove Lodge, the museum and the recreation centre with Councillors Robert Lafreniere and Ernie Gilbert as tour guides and drivers for the official party.

Upon arrival at the Legion Hall for a luncheon, the Lieutenant Governor was met by branch president Henry Therriault and Ladies Auxiliary president Thelma Therriault. Her Honour placed a wreath on the newly rededicated cenotaph.

The Chapleau Sentinel reported that it was a delightful lunch prepared by a "gourmet chef." The luncheon was under the direction of Mrs. Dorleen Collings ably assisted by her team from the Legion auxiliary.

Mrs. McGibbon also had the opportunity to chat with Catherine Remus and Ann Thompson, who had been exchange students under the Rotary Club program. She also met Frank Cranston, Chapleau's last survivor of World War I.

On behalf of the citizens of Chapleau I presented the Lieutenant Governor with a plate designed and made by Northern Pottery, a Chapleau industry.The platinum plate was unique as it had been designed specifically for this occasion. (For new readers, I was the Reeve (Mayor) of Chapleau at the time.)

Following the departure of Mrs. McGibbon, there was another celebration at the Chapleau Public Library. The highlight of the gathering was the presentation of an achievement scroll to Mrs. Cecile by George Evans. It read as follows: "The Board of the Chapleau Public Library, in recognition of her untiring devotion to library service in Chapleau, presented this plaque to honour Mrs. Rene Cecile, member of the Board since its inception in 1959." Her granddaughter Lisa presented her with a bouquet of red roses.

Harry Pellow, then of Neish Owen Rowland and Roy was the principal architect for the Chapleau Civic Centre. Harry is a member of a pioneer Chapleau family.

Next week: Canada Week 1978 continued with openings, Don Harron, Catherine McKinnon, Foster Hewitt and King Clancy. My email is mj.morris@live.ca