Olive M. Card efforts gave Chapleau a prominent place on Northern Ontario map

Olive, Vanessa Santerre, Rita Swanson

Olive M. Card, who became known as "Mrs. Minor Hockey" in Chapleau, tapped every resource to provide opportunities for minor hockey over a 25 year period, Margaret Costello wrote in a tribute to her.

But her involvement in the community went far beyond minor hockey. In 1966, she became the second woman to serve on Chapleau council. Mrs. Maud Hands, who was elected in 1947, was the first. Olive also served as Deputy Reeve.

"Because of Her" great contribution as secretary-treasurer of the Chapleau Minor Hockey Association for 25 years from 1947 to 1972, 2500 players enjoyed minor hockey. And before, I go any further, at least one referee got his start about 1955.

I was not a very good hockey player but played Bantam, so Olive, her husband Don and Garth 'Tee Chambers made it possible for me to attend the Northern Ontario Playground Hockey Association Referee School in North Bay. I know. I know. There are those who would say I was not a very good referee either, but their efforts let me stay involved in the game.

Given her contribution to Chapleau over a period of many years, far beyond minor hockey she belongs in the series celebrating Women's History Month, announced by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.   In highlighting Mrs. Card, she certainly fits the prime minister's comment that 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."

Olive (Schroeder) Card attended Chapleau Public and Chapleau High schools, and in 1947 married Lawrence David (L.D, or Don) Card. It also marked the start of her involvement in minor hockey. When Chapleau boys returned from serving in Canadian forces in World War II as Don had, they became involved in community affairs, and hockey was assuredly one of them. Don played in the Town League and for the Intermediates and coached minor hockey teams.

During her six years on council, Olive served as Chair of the Chapleau Recreation Committee and as a member of the Arena Board. She also was an executive member of the Sudbury District Municipal Association and as member on the Northeastern Development Council.

Margaret Costello wrote that "an excellent ambassador, she did much all through the north to promote the interests of Chapleau and give it a prominent place on Northern Ontario map."

She was also a member of the Chapleau Area Chamber of Commerce.

Names Below  St John's Senior WA 1952

A member of St. John's Anglican Church, she was active in the Women's Auxiliary.

"With all her outside interests her home and family were still of primary interest in her life," Maggie wrote.

At a municipal hosted party a presentation was made to her in appreciation of her efforts. The presentation was made by Vanessa Santerre and Rita Swanson of the township staff. 

Jamie Doyle, captain of the Chapleau Junior 'B' Huskies of the International Junior 'B' Hockey League, presented Mrs. Card with an electric wall clock at a Junior 'B' game in early 1973.  The clock was made of dark wood mounted beside a hockey figure above which was an engraved plaque reading, "1947-1972 -- TO Mrs. Olive Card for her 25 years of dedication to Chapleau Minor Hockey".

Mrs. Card assuredly deserves recognition as Canadians celebrate Women's History Month as a  remarkable woman  who influenced us and as the prime minister commented on the Because of Her project  "have helped build a better, stronger, and much more inclusive Canada."

The series continues next week. Thanks so much to all who have commented on the column about Mrs. A.W. Moore and also the photos used. This week I am sharing one of the Senior W.A. of St. John's Anglican Church in 1952. Remarkable women all, including both my grandmothers, Lil Morris and Edythe Hunt. As someone commented: A lot of mothers, grandmothers and great-grandmothers there!  

Thanks also to my cousin Anne (Zufelt) McGoldrick for her tremendous assistance. My email is mj.morris@live.ca

St John's Senior WA 1952. Rev E Roy Haddon was Rector of the parish.


Senior WA of St John's Church in 1952 Mrs. Hands, Mrs. Saylors, Mrs. Haskins, Mrs. Swanson, Mrs. Machan - ? Mrs. Chappise, Mrs. Saunders, Mrs. McKnight, Mrs. Crichton, Mrs. H. Morris, Mrs. Hunt, Mrs. Angove, Mrs. F. Morris, Mrs. Edie McKnight, Mrs. Coulter, Mrs. Keays Mrs. Herbert, Mrs. Donna Westerman front row Mrs. Nixon, Mrs. Way-White, Mrs. Whybray, Mrs. Simpson, Mrs. Collings, Mrs. Haddon, Mrs. Block, Mrs. Card. What a great bunch of ladies.  Photo from Anne (Zufelt) McGoldrick collection)

'Because Of Her' includes outstanding Chapleau women who made significant achievements and contributions to community life

Mrs Moore

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau issued a  statement on Women’s History Month that has prompted me to begin  sharing the stories of Chapleau's outstanding women -- and there are many of them I have discovered as I started researching their contributions to the community since its earliest years. 

Of course, I already knew some of the more obvious ones, and over the past week Mario Lafreniere and my cousin Anne (Zufelt) McGoldrick, have been of immense assistance.

I invite all readers to share "Because of Her" stories about Chapleau women Please feel free to contact me by email at mj.morris@live.ca or on Facebook. 

First though, the prime minister's comments that put it into perspective: “This October, I am pleased to join Canadians from coast to coast to coast to celebrate Women’s History Month.

“This year’s theme – Because of Her – gives all Canadians the chance to recognize and appreciate the significant achievements and contributions women have made to our great country.

“Despite historical hurdles and barriers, women have taken their place – as politicians and advocates, as entrepreneurs and leaders, as artists and academics – pushing for advances and changes that have benefited us all.

“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.

“On behalf of the Government of Canada, Sophie and I encourage all Canadians to join us in celebrating Women’s History Month. I also urge you to become part of the Government of Canada’s #BecauseofHer campaign, to share and learn more about all of the remarkable women – past and present – who have influenced us, and who have helped build a better, stronger, and much more inclusive Canada."

To launch the series, I decided to share two photos that Anne provided -- one of women who were members of the Catholic Women's League at Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church and the other of long-time members of Branch Number 5 (Ontario) of the Royal Canadian Legion receiving 25 year pins..

Mrs Linklater, Mrs. Riley, Mrs Montgomery, Mom. Mrs Freeborn - Legion Ladies

As I considered the prime minister's comments, I felt that "Because of Her", Mrs. A.W.Moore, a real difference was made in the life of Chapleau as she was primarily responsible for artificial ice in the Chapleau Memorial Community Arena in 1965. Mrs. Moore started raising funds for the artificial ice in 1951, just as the arena opened. For those who do not remember Mrs. Moore, she sold hockey pool tickets on the outcome of National Hockey League games -- going door to door to sell them weekly to her regular customers. All revenue went to the projects she supported.

The Chapleau Sentinel noted that her years of involvement with "courage, spunk and determination" to make it happen, will be ever remembered.

Amelia Moore was born in Manitoba, and after moving to Chapleau in the 1920s, and after World War II, became involved in Chapleau hockey primarily as the main sponsor of the Trappers in the very competitive town league. In 1949, she was delighted when her team won the town championship. They were her pride and joy, and they showed their appreciation of her efforts with a testimonial dinner.

After artificial ice was installed in the memorial arena, it changed the Chapleau hockey scene immensely. Bantam teams coached and managed by David Mizuguchi and David Futhey were very successful in the Northern Ontario Playground Hockey Association, and in 1966-67, the Chapleau Junior 'B' Huskies were founded by Lorne Riley, Keith 'Buddy' Swanson and Thomas Welch --- They won it all in their first year in the International Junior 'B' League, as well as the NOHA title.

The Chapleau Intermediate 'A" Huskies of the Northland Intermediate 'A' Hockey League arrived in the 1970s.

When the Chapleau Recreation Centre opened in 1978, the municipal council had decided that the arena portion would be called the Mrs. A.W. Moore Arena, and "Mrs. Hockey' Moore' was on hand for the official opening.

Take a moment next time when you are in the arena to remember Mrs. Moore, and the contribution she made to Chapleau. Because of Her efforts, Chapleau became a better place to live, work and play.  More Because of Her next week. My email is mj.morris@live.ca

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MM

Chapleau highly esteemed pioneer citizen J.B. Dexter served on first municipal council and as first Fire Chief

J.B. Dexter, A Rathwell at water plant

John Blanchard (J.B. or Jack) Dexter was a "highly esteemed and pioneer citizen" of Chapleau had a keen interest in the community and greatly contributed to it, according to the Chapleau Post.

Born in 1863 in Antigonish, Nova Scotia, he arrived in Chapleau in 1885, and became a locomotive fireman on the Canadian Pacific Railway, eventually  being promoted to anengineer in the days when wood burning engines were in use.

He left the railway to accept a position in the James McN. Austin department store and a bit later started his own painting and decorating business.

When the Chapleau Brass Band was formed in 1888, Mr. Dexter was a member, and the newspaper noted it was largely through his efforts that it came into existence.

But his "keen interest in municipal affairs" led to his election to Chapleau's first council when the community was incorporated as a municipality in 1901, and he was returned to office in every yearly election until 1913 -- when he and Chapleau's first and only reeve G.B. Nicholson, both retired.

Major projects included the Town Hall, opened officially in December 1913, as they retired, and a water works system, among other projects.

Mr. Dexter was instrumental in establishing the Chapleau Volunteer Fire Department, and was appointed Fire Chief, a position he held until his death in 1936.

He took the position as Town Foreman, and inspector of waterworks, the installation of which he worked hard to promote while on council.

In his book, Pioneering in Northern Ontario, Vince Crichton noted that he was "adept at sailing" and won second prize in a contest on the river on July 1, 1891.

Town Band at wooden cenotaph circa 1920 Remembrance Day

(As an aside, sailboats were not common on the river when I was growing up in Chapleau, but my grandparents Lil (Mulligan) and Harry Morris told me my father Jim Morris, and his friends, including Dr. G.E. "Ted" Young, had sailboats too. If anyone has information and/or photos, please let me know.)

Vince also shared an anecdote about Mr. Dexter about a house he bought  that was located near the CPR tracks on Pine Street and moved it to the northwest corner of Birch and Lansdowne Street, "designated as 68 Birch Street East."

When he moved it, the house was located "deep in the jackpine forest and his friends considered him a little daft" to locate his house there.

At the time of his death, he was the last member of the Chapleau Band which he had helped establish in 1888, as well as being the last charter member of Missanabie Lodge, I.O.O.F. He was also a Mason.

The Chapleau Post noted that "Though his life work here is done, the memory of Mr. in the hearts of the citizens who realize that much that they enjoy was made possible through his energy, courage and perseverance".

The Chapleau Band led the funeral procession to the Chapleau Protestant Burying Grounds on Birch Street. Thanks again to Margaret Rose (Payette) and Bobby Fortin for loaning me  the Brownlee Papers. My email is mj.morris@live.ca