Chapleau Chamber of Commerce receives good news on airport but highway maintenance not satisfactory in 1973

When the Chapleau Chamber of Commerce held its annual meeting in January 1973, members received good news about plans for the Chapleau airport, but highway maintenance was subject of complaints.

As airport committee chair Gene Bernier was absent, Bill Ward reported on his behalf.

"All hurdles had been jumped having been jumped, work would begin on a 3,000 foot runway topped with crushed rock. Margaret Costello reported in the Sault Star that "Other developments in connection with the airport are also expected to get underway, which it is hoped will accommodate various aircraft and be of considerable significance in solving some of Chapleau's transportation problems."

By 1975, Chapleau had daily norOntair  flights, and even Premier Bill Davis arrived at the airport to tour projects underway in the community. Perhaps the most distinguished visitor to arrive was Ontario Lieutenant-Governor Pauline McGibbon who visited Chapleau in 1978 to officially open the Chapleau Civic Centre.

An airport terminal building was also opened as well as other improvements which included paving the runway. J. M 'Bud' Park became the first airport manager.

The first "official" landing at the airport was in 1970 by a plane piloted by Stan Deluce.

The chamber decided that 1973 was to be "transportation year" as this was a major problem for the community. That included negotiations with norOntair and completion of the road through Sultan to Highway 144. That project is still on the table more than 40 years later, despite the best efforts of Chapleau.

The members also heard that the highways patrolled by the Chapleau patrol yard were "not receiving proper winter maintenance". Sound familiar ???

According to Maggie's story complaints centred around a shortage of materials provided by the Ministry of Transportation and Communications.

It was decided to send a letter to the ministry office in Sault Ste. Marie "reporting the unsatisfactory maintenance of highways within a 30 mile radius of Chapleau registering complaints of regular travelers from outside points as well as local."

As I was working on this column, I could not help but wonder how many letters have been sent  and meetings held over the past 40 years on this issue -- and the Sultan road.

Walter Broomhead reported on efforts to publicize Chapleau with radio ads, a brochure and signage. By the Fall of 1973. Mr. Broomhead and his wife Kay, were primarily responsible for the launching of the first Chapleau Arts and Crafts Fall Fair, which remains an integral and important part of community life to this day.

Election of officers took place and Matt Castonguay and Con Schmidt were returned as president and vice president respectively.  Ronald Bruneau succeeded long time secretary Myrtle Delaney who retired and Lorne Hoppenreys became treasurer.  Directors were Walter Broomhead, Cy Leduc, Bill Ward, Olive M. Card, Mike Rubin, Len Houghton, Gene Bernier and Margaret Costello.

My email is mj.morris@live.ca

Shrove Tuesday pancake dinner introduces 'fashion ikons' of Christ Church in Cranbrook

The annual Shrove Tuesday Pancake dinner this year at Christ Church Anglican in Cranbrook, not only resulted in the usual great meal, but was also an appearance by the male "fashion ikons' of the parish.

Rev. Yme Woensdregt, the Incumbent, coined the fashion ikon comment after seeing the men who prepare and serve the pancake feast, attired in matching aprons for the occasion -- well almost, as Gerry Warner chose a different apron.

Bill Nightingale, who has been chairing the popular event for many years once again put together an excellent team of chefs aka fashion ikons, for the occasion to start the Lenten season. Congrats again Bill and also to Mark Spence-Vinge, your able assistant.

Although I have been helping at the pancake dinnerfor some years now, I have not been promoted above the rank of server of the excellent pancakes and sausage to a chef position.

In fact, when I tried to don an apron, it was quickly removed and I was pointed to my place behind the serving table.

Regular readers will notice from the photos that many of those involved are also members of the Friday Morning Coffee Club, aka FMCC, These guys get around!!!

Nonetheless, it was another very successful Shrove Tuesday event, and as the old saying goes "A good time was had by all."

Thanks to Joel Vinge for providing the photros.

Maybe one of these years I will be permitted to join the ranks of the fashion ikons, er chefs!

George Theriault relaxes with prime ministers Mackenzie King and Louis St. Laurent

When George Theriault was in the Royal Canadian Air Force, on numerous occasions he was called upon to fly dignitaries like the prime minister to a secluded lake for a few hours or days of fishing, hunting or just plain relaxing.

In his wonderful book 'Trespassing in God's Country - Sixty Years of Flying in Northern Canada', he includes a chapter, 'Relaxing with the Prime Ministers'. In 1954, after retiring from the RCAF, he established the main base for Theriault Air Service at Chapleau. He had joined the air force in 1940 during World War II.

He reveals that before Prime Minister Mackenzie King retired in 1948, "I had several opportunities to socialize with him at his summer home in Kingsmere, a small lake in the Gatineau Park, where he loved to spend the weekends. He enjoyed the simple pleasure of sitting on his verandah and chatting about all the unimportant details of life."

Mr. Theriault gives an insightful look into the life of Mr. King when he was out of the public eye. One day he relates that the prime minister in "his very shy way" if he would do him a favour.

"He had some young children visiting from Ottawa, and he wanted them to see the country from the air in my J-3 Cub which I usually flew to the lake on weekends. He even offered to pay for the gasoline for the trips... Naturally, I agreed to the trips but wouldn't accept payment for the gasoline."

He tried to convince the prime minister "to come up for a spin but he politely declined saying that he only flew when he was on business. He preferred to have his feet on the ground when he was relaxing."

Just imagine sitting on a verandah with the prime minister today "sipping some cool drinks." Well, Mr. Theriault did, and was asked by Prime Minister King  what the average air force pilot earned as a yearly salary, then added how much would a similar pilot flying for Trans Canada Airlines (now Air Canada make).

Mr. Theriault replied that he made about $4800 a year, and a TCA pilot about $10000 a year.

One of the other air force officials present asked the prime minister his salary. Mr. King "was silent for a while , and then responded that he made under $10000; this was in the summer of 1948!"

Turning to Prime Minister Louis St. Laurent, who succeeded Mr. King later in 1948. Mr. Theriault wrote, "we found a boss who really liked to relax in a boat or canoe."

"If Mr. St. Laurent only had a few hours to relax and fish, I flew him in the Norseman to a private camp North of Ottawa ... we could leave Ottawa after 5:00 pm and return by 10 pm."

Mr. Theriault always enjoyed fishing with him "because he would just paddle a 16-foot canoe out onto a lake and sit for hours. There was no competition, no hurry to catch a fish. It seemed to be a way of meditation for him. After a few hours of fly fishing his whole countenance brightened and the weight of office seemed to grow lighter on his shoulders.

"Catching a fish seemed less important t o him than the experience of just sitting in the canoe moving his fishing line in and out of the water. In the privacy of nature, he seemed to allow the pressure of government business to dissolve. The hours spent with him in a canoe were beyond the realm of time. The transforming power of nature worked its magic on us both."

Mr. Theriault has provided an insightful behind-the-scenes look at  two of Canada's long serving prime ministers. "Trespassing in God's Country" in its entirety is a great read. Russ Bannock, the former president of de Havilland Aircraft of Canada noted that it is a "magnificent story of his (Mr. Theriault's} life as a Canadian pilot.

My thanks to George Theriault and his son John for making a copy available to me. My email is mj.morris@live.ca