Mike McMullen and Ian Macdonald confirm location of Chapleau Hudson's Bay Company Outpost in new research

Ian Macdonald, Mike McMullen

Mike McMullen and Ian Macdonald are changing the conventional wisdom of 100 plus years in the history of Chapleau with their revelations about the location of the Hudson's Bay Company Outpost commonly believed to have been at the Old Fort site at Mulligan's Bay. 

Chief Anita Stephens with Nick

Mike, my cousin, and Ian, my longtime friend and professor emeritus at the University of Manitoba, have spent countless hours researching, which included a recent trip to Chapleau, before revealing their conclusions here. Their findings are bound to spark a lively discussion and that's fine. 

It has been a great privilege to have been a small part of their research project, and I thank Mike and Ian for sharing with me. I also extend my most personal thanks to Chief Anita Stephens of the Chapleau Ojibwe First Nation for her assistance in making  their visit to the Memegos site possible.... MJM My email is mj.morris@live.ca

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By MIKE McMULLEN and IAN MACDONALD

In the early 1880s, as the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) was constructing its mainline through Northern Ontario, the Hudson’s Bay Company (HBC) at Michipicoten on Lake Superior, decided to build three outposts that would be strategically located near three towns that would be built along the CPR line. The objective was to intercept the Natives and carry out trading activities with them before they got to these new towns and the storekeepers that would be located there. One of these posts was the HBC Chapleau Outpost, which was built in the fall of 1884 and reported to the Michipicoten Post. The other two outposts were located at Dog River and Magpie.

We know from the HBC Archives that the post consisted of three buildings. Two photographs from the CPR Corporate Archives confirm this and show that they were located on flat land near a shoreline.   

          HBC Chapleau Outpost under Construction (1884) CP Archives and Ian Macdonald

These two photographs, taken by the photographer accompanying the CPR survey crew in 1884, show the outpost under construction. They were published in Van Horne’s Road by Omar Lavallee in 1974. For many years, it was commonly believed that these photographs were taken at the Old Fort site at Mulligan’s Bay. 

Ojibwe Families at HBC Chapleau Outpost Site (1884) CP Archives and Ian Macdonald

We believe that the Ojibwe families in these photographs were enticed to move to the Chapleau area from the Gros Cap Reserve at Michipicoten because of opportunities associated with construction of the HBC Outpost, the CPR and logging operations.

For the past two years we have been working collaboratively on early Chapleau social and economic history, including the HBC presence in the Chapleau area. One of our interests has been to verify where the Chapleau Outpost was located. Material from the HBC Archives in Winnipeg, Library and Archives Canada in Ottawa and other Chapleau-related material, such as Pioneering in Northern Ontario, by Vincent Crichton, led us to conclude that the site was about one mile south of the Chapleau CPR station on the east bank of the Nebskwashi River. 

This places it at the location where members of the Memegos family lived for many years – commonly referred to now as the Memegos site.

Less than two years after constructing this Post, HBC decided that with the growing population in Chapleau, the company would establish a general store in the downtown area. It was built on two lots at the southwest corner of Young and Birch streets in late 1886. When Chapleau was made headquarters of the Michipicoten district, responsibility for the Chapleau Outpost was transferred to Chapleau. Less than three years later, suffering from competition from other Chapleau general merchants and a general decline in the fur trade, HBC closed the Chapleau Outpost in 1889.

In 1903, the Ojibwe families, who had been living near Chapleau for nearly 20 years, petitioned for land of their own. The Indian Agent, William L. Nichols, supported their request and recommended to J. D. McLean, Secretary of Indian Affairs, suitable land close to Chapleau for this purpose. This land was on the east side of the Nebskwashi River where he wrote that there was an HBC post that was now in a state of decay. Indian Affairs approved the request and negotiated with the Province of Ontario for the purchase of this land, which would be paid for by these Ojibwe families. The land was surveyed in 1904 and became I. R. 61. 

Over time the Ojibwe would receive more land near Chapleau with three more reserves being added: I.R.61A, I.R. 74 and I.R. 74A.

Memegos Site on I.R. 61 on East Bank of Nebskwashi River  (1924) Vince Crichton collection

A photograph in the on-line Vincent Crichton Collection (Volume 4, Picture 30) taken in 1924, shows buildings on I.R. 61 (Memegos site) from across the river near the CPR tracks south of town. There appear to be seven buildings and two of them are quite similar to two of the original HBC buildings that are in one of the CPR 1884 photographs. 

We believe there is good probability that they are the same buildings and that they were repaired and upgraded by the Ojibwe families following their purchase of the 220 acres (I. R. 61) that included the HBC site.

Before finalizing our conclusions, we felt it necessary to visit the Memegos site in person and to do it in the spring before the growing season and before the black flies are out. Michael Morris contacted Chief Anita Stephens of the Chapleau Ojibwe First Nation and she gave us permission to visit the site. Josh Memegos and Fabian Picody took us in and out on Tuesday, May 14, 2013, two days after the more than 30 cm snowfall in Chapleau.

Fabian Picody, Ian, Josh Memegos

We found the remains of three buildings, but no log buildings. Apparently, many buildings were vandalized beginning in the late 1960s. The site is relatively level and uncomplicated, sufficiently high to avoid seasonal flooding and ideally suited to an HBC outpost that had to be built quickly. The shoreline condition, while not a sandy beach, does allow for easy beaching of canoes.

This site condition tends to be an anomaly as most land along this stretch of the river appears challenging and difficult to clear and build on. The view from the site across the river to the other side is quite similar to the CPR 1884 photograph that has the river in the background. The day before our visit to this site, we walked down the tracks in the snow to about a mile south of town to duplicate the 1924 Crichton Collection photograph view of the Memegos site on the other side of the river. The topography is very similar.

 Memegos Site where HBC Chapleau Outpost was located (May 2013) Mike McMullen

Before leaving Chapleau we had the pleasure of talking with Elder Eva Memegos and we showed her pictures of the Memegos site. She and her husband Adam moved to this location in 1946 when they were married. She identified buildings from the 1924 Crichton Collection photograph as still being on the site in the late 1940s when there were about 10 buildings there. She showed us the building that she lived in (one of the buildings that we believe was one of the original HBC buildings from 1884) and pointed out the two churches on the site: one Anglican and one Roman Catholic.

We are confident that our research has verified where the HBC Chapleau Outpost was located. We continue to look for information to determine what was at the Old Fort location at Mulligan’s Bay. This property, owned by Bruce Poynter, has a natural sandy beach and is located close to the Loon Lake portage. This location, at the southern end of the Nemegosenda and Kebsquasheshing Rivers, makes it an identifiable and inherently important place regardless of what may have been built on it.

(c) 2013 Mike McMullen and Ian Macdonald

Northern Pottery manufacturing plant officially opened on 'gala afternoon' in 1973

Arthur Grout

The official opening of the new Northern Pottery manufacturing plant was "something of a gala afternoon" in 1973, according to Margaret Costello in her Sault Star column.

"Well over 150 townsfolk travelled down Highway 129 about a mile or so south of town to have a good look at the enterprise and get acquainted with Peter and Jeanette Gjoni its gifted and energetic owners, " Maggie wrote.

On hand for the opening was Arthur Grout, of Chapleau, a member of the board of the Northern Ontario Development Corporation, who would cut the ribbon stretched across an attractive display of original design and beautiful colour in pottery.

Before the official ribbon cutting, Mr. Grout said he had been immediately interested when he had seen the Gjoni productions in the Centennial building back in 1969.

As time passed and he watched the steady growth, and expansion became a must, Mr. Grout said that as a director of NODC he was only too happy in recommending financing for what he felt was an up-and-coming enterprise for the town.

He congratulated Peter and Jeanette Gjoni for what had been accomplished in a short time and "with a flourish snipped  the ribbon."

Guided tours by Sidney O'Riley of the staff and Mr. and Mrs. Gjoni were "something of an eye opener for anyone unfamiliar with this particular industry."

"The weather was ideal for the occasion and there was an atmosphere of pleasant informality which all added up to an auspicious official launching of a first" for Chapleau.

Meanwhile, at about the same time in the summer of 1973, Maggie writes about the Malaysian contingent of Canada World Youth who had been in Chapleau for a month and had thrown a "delightful farewell party" in the basement of the Town Hall.

Maggie described them as "a most engaging group of hosts and hostesses" who had come to Canada as part of  the Canada World Youth exchange program. Throughout their stay they worked with the participants in a Chapleau Opportunities for Youth program funded by the government of Canada.

The program included Malaysian music and dancing and delicious Malaysian food. Guests joined in the dances with the Malaysian visitors and they also performed some interesting dance numbers.

The Malaysian group was very much involved in Chapleau's first Summerfest chaired by Ed Swanson.

Maggie also noted that the Chapleau Overture Concerts Association was formed in 1973 which she strongly supported. It was formed to bring good professional entertainment to town.

 The response to the campaign for members by the concert association far exceeded expectations and Feux Follets presented for the grand opening of professional performances in Chapleau saw no empty seats in the house.

While most remember Maggie as a reporter with the Sudbury Star and later the Sault Star, she had been a professional actress in the United States. In 1969, she played a leading role in the Chapleau Little Theatre of 'Three to get Married' a comedy by Kay Hill, and delighted the audience with her performance as the spinster Aunt Lizzie.

The summer of 1973 also saw the demolition of the historic overhead horseshoe bridge as construction got underway on the pedestrian overpass and new bridge.

As I worked on this column, I could not help but reflect on Chapleau in the 1970s. In all aspects of community life, it was a very busy place, and would not have been so, if it were not for a tremendous spirit among the citizens of all ages who committed themselves to those things that improved and brought the community together.  My email is mj.morris@live.ca

Bishop Tom Corston of the Anglican Diocese of Moosonee announces retirement effective December 31, 2013

Rt. Rev. Thomas A. Corston, the ninth bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Moosonee has announced that he will retire from the position effective December 31, 2013.

In a letter to the people of Moosonee on May 8, Bishop Corston said: "Following a rather lengthy period of prayer and reflection I have decided that it is time for me to retire. I have informed Archbishop Colin Johnson that I will resign as Bishop of Moosonee on December 31, 2013. At year’s end I will be just short of my 65th birthday and 40 years of ordination." 

Reporting on Bishop Corston's retirement the Anglican Journal said: " His retirement will coincide with the date that a decision to restructure the diocese into a mission area will take effect."

Bishop Corston said in his letter: I do not think I can continue to provide the leadership required much beyond this point in our Diocese’s restructuring process as outlined in the Vision Quest program. It is a good plan and I believe we have done all we can to secure our future as  the Anglican community in this Diocese. 

"I am sure that much of the angst some people are feeling will settle once the Diocese is living in the new entity. At year’s end a part-time Administrator will be appointed who will take over the administrative ministry of the Area. While it is a good plan it is, hopefully, not forever and before too long the Diocese will feel comfortable in electing a new Bishop to oversee new growth and vitality in this northern Church."

However, he is not leaving entirely as he will remain involved as "the 'Episcopal Visitor' for the Mission Area as an assurance that Confirmations and Ordinations are cared for and all parishes are visited. I will also act as 'Consultant' to the Archbishop and the Administrator for matters that may present themselves. I will easily be able to undertake those ministries from my Sudbury home for the foreseeable future or until a successor to this Office is chosen."

To most people in Chapleau, the bishop is known simply as 'Tom', the son of Frances (Jardine) and the late Henry 'Chicken' Corston. Both his parents come from pioneer families of the community.

Tom recently was presented with the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal by the Ontario Command of the Royal Canadian Legion, of which he is chaplain. In accepting the medal, he made special note of his father who was wounded in action during World War II and all veterans.

In his letter, he added: "I have enjoyed the brief time that I have been Bishop of this Diocese, in spite of the need for our having to restructure which is the cause of some sadness. I must say, however, that in my almost 40 years of ordained ministry the Lord has led me down roads I would never have gone otherwise. 

"It has been truly a remarkable experience. The last few years as your Bishop have been a tremendously fulfilling opportunity to provide leadership in a changing and challenging time for the Church in the north. I am so very thankful to the people of Moosonee for your support and I praise God for you all."

He was ordained deacon at a service in St. John's Anglican Church in 1974 and to the priesthood in 1975 in Timmins. He became bishop of Moosonee in 2010.

As part of his retirement announcement, Bishop Corston shared his disappointment with a lack of progress on plans for the future of historic St. John's, Chapleau. Although St. John's was established in Chapleau in 1885, the first service was held in the present church on March 29, 1908, making it the oldest 'public' building remaining in Chapleau.

The present Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church was opened on Christmas Eve 1919 after the original church building was destroyed in a fire, and the Royal Canadian Legion Hall was built in 1920 and Chapleau Public School about the same time.

Bishop Corston explained that in September 2012 an agreement was reached between him and some of the community leadership in Chapleau for the formation of a new Historical Society that would form a Board of Directors  and apply for incorporation. That new Society would then take over the ownership of old St. John's Church which would plan to use the building as a future cultural and historical centre for the town, as well as a site for community groups to gather, including a senior's centre. It was believed that it would be easier for such a group to apply for government funding to repair and upkeep the old church. 

He added that to ensure that the present Anglican congregation could continue to use the church for worship, two representatives of the new society would be elected from the congregation. Indeed, at their annual congregational meeting in January, two members were elected to represent the Anglican concerns on the new Board.

 
"Unfortunately the plans have fallen through", he wrote,  adding that  in a recent conversation with the Mayor of Chapleau, Andre Byham, he learned that the leadership for the project decided that they were not interested in undertaking the work required.  

"At the moment, according to the Mayor, there is no one else in the town interested in taking over the project," Bishop Corston said 

He said this is a "major disappointment" as the present congregation is too small to manage the required building renovations and upkeep. 

However, he remains dedicated to doing everything  possible to assure the old church is properly cared for, but as he expressed to the Diocesan Executive Council, this is a major dilemma for the Diocese. 

"It would be horrible to allow this rich piece of Chapleau's history to deteriorate to the point where is became necessary to demolish the  beautiful building."

 
Bishop Corston concluded his letter: "Thank you so much for your prayers and friendship that have upheld me as your Bishop. Moosonee was my first home in the Church after ordination and because of you it continues to hold tightly to my heart. For me it has been and continues to be, in the words of Robert Renison, our fifth Bishop, 'Ye Happie Kingdom'. May God bless you as you serve our Lord Jesus Christ in the years ahead."

If any are willing to assist Tom in ensuring a positive future for St. John's, please feel free to contact him, or chat with members of the church in Chapleau.  My email is mj.morris@live.ca