Bachelors of Chapleau sponsor first dance in Town Hall with Alf Comte and Grand Orchestra providing music

The sign suspended over the centre of the auditorium in the Town Hall was illuminated bearing the word "Bachelors", according to the first edition of the Chapleau Headlight in 1915.

The newspaper was reporting on the first dance in the Town Hall sponsored by an organization called the Bachelors of Chapleau. The town hall was opened in 1914. 

About the banner the Headlight asked, "Original, what?"

The Grand Orchestra under the direction of Alf Comte was in  attendance and the favourite dances were waltzes, two steps, three steps, four steps and barn dances.

The newspaper reported that the bachelors were all in full evening attire while the ladies were "divinely beautifully and gorgeously gowned, some of them wearing new dresses."

Some of the bachelors who organized the dance  included Dr. Steve Wilkinson, (who was the general convenor),  and L.E. Wilkins, Davy Moran, and Lorne Nicholson. 

Some of the patrons for the occasion who received the "bachelors" and their dates were T.J Godfrey (reeve of Chapleau), G.B. Nicholson (reeve from 1901 to 1913), R.J. Anderson, W.R. McNamara, R.W.McEwan, H.C. Mulligan, W.C. Guthrie, V.T. Chapple, G.L. White, William McMullen and R.J. Allan.

There were even ushers to guide the guests to their tables and provide refreshments.

On the program, was printed the following toast:

"Here's to God's first thought -- 'Man'

Here's to God's second thought -- 'Woman'

Second thoughts are always best,
So here's to Women!"  

by Margaret de Valois

This article from the Chapleau Headlight also mentions that Chapleau had its first public library in 1888, first of all in a railway coach, then  in the Mechanics Institute.

The institute was the "centre of the social and intellectual life of the community" until it burned down in 1906. I was astounded to learn that when it burned down its library housed more than 2000 volumes "made up of the best books that could be secured." Apparently Sir William Van Horne of Canadian Pacific Railway fame made many contributions, and at one time donated 50 reference books on scientific and mechanical subjects.

The CPR was very busy through Chapleau in 1915 moving over 450 cars a day with 56 crews handling the work.

Even after more than seven years of writing Chapleau stories weekly, I continue to be fascinated by its life and times from almost the first days the community came into existence, and a review of those days is a story for another day.

Thanks so much to all who commented on the "Because of Her" columns. More to come.  As always, thanks to Bobby and Margaret Rose (Payette) for loaning me the Richard Brownlee Papers. My email is mj.morris@live.ca

George Collinson of Chapleau honoured by Royal Canadian Legion in 1971 for his dedication 'beyond the call of duty'

World War I veteran George Collinson, a charter member of  Branch Number 5 (Ontario) of the Royal Canadian Legion  received the Legion's highest award at a ceremony in 1971.

As part of the Chapleau branch's 45th anniversary dinner in 1971, Mr. Collinson received the Meritorious Service Medal. It was established to show appreciation to members 'who dedicate their time in service to the branch and for outstanding service beyond the call of duty," according to the Legion web site.

Mr. Collinson was one of the founders of the branch in 1926, returning to Chapleau after the end of World War I, where he assumed the position of postmaster, which he held until his retirement in 1958.

He became treasurer of the Chapleau branch, and at age 84 in 1971, he was the oldest active Legion  executive member in Canada, according to an article by Margaret Costello. 

 But his commitment to Chapleau life, went far beyond the Legion, including membership on the Chapleau Volunteer Fire Department, where he was the Fire Chief from 1946 to 1958. His immediate predecessor was D.O. Payette, and he was succeeded by Adam Andrews.

Ad Andrews, Mr Collinson, D.O. Payette

 The award was presented to Mr. Collinson by Provincial Command president Don Wilson, and the citation read by branch president Ed McCarthy. 

 In a "glowing tribute" some of Mr. Collinson's other contributions were mentioned. These included treasurer of the Lady Minto Hospital, the Kebsquasheshing Club and Salvation Army Fund. He had also been the branch welfare officer. He was also active in St. John's Anglican Church and on the public school board.

 Mrs. Costello wrote in the Sault Star that "It was a moving occasion for both Mr. and Mrs. Collinson who are held in high esteem by the entire community," After the formal presentation, the crowd broke into a rousing rendition of 'For He's a Jolly Good Fellow.'

 Five years later Mr. Collinson was again honoured by the branch on the occasion of its 50th anniversary as  a charter member. 

Toddy Collinson, Mr Collinson, John Rose

In 1916, when Mr. Collinson was serving in Canadian forces overseas, at least two Chapleau boys saw him while they were living in the trenches. In the chapter Letters from Overseas in World War I, in The Chapleau Boys Go To War, Michael McMullen and I included letters from several Chapleau boys including Harry Unwin and Charles Mulligan.

 In a letter to the editor of the Chapleau Headlight, Harry Unwin from "Somewhere in Belgium" in June 1916, mentioned that he had seen "several Chapleau boys" recently including Mr. Collinson. 

 Writing to his sister May (Mulligan) McMullen from "Somewhere in France" in October 1916, Charles Mulligan wrote that he "saw George Collinson the other day. He is fine".  At the time Charles was "living 20 feet underground" in a dugout. 

 Harry Unwin died while on active service on September 22, 1916. Charles Mulligan was wounded during the first day of the Second Battle of Arras on August 26, 1918, in northern France but returned to Canada in 1919 after being hospitalized for more than a year in France and England.  

 Michael and I were able to produce a list of 283 volunteers (282 men and one woman) with a Chapleau connection who served in World War I  We identified 32 Chapleau boys who died in that war or soon thereafter due to war-related wounds/health conditions.

In World War II our research identified 416 with a Chapleau connection (at least 30 were women). There were 29 Chapleau boys who died in that war: either killed in action or died due to war-related causes.

 Given the size of Chapleau, an amazing number of its citizens made an incredible contribution in World War I and World War II -- and to the community after both wars. LEST WE FORGET!  

 Note: In the interests of full disclosure, May (Mulligan) McMullen was Michael's grandmother and my great-aunt, while Charles Mulligan was our great-uncle. My email is mj.morris@live.ca

'Because of her, and her, and...', Ladies Auxiliary to Branch 5 of Royal Canadian Legion provided outstanding service to Chapleau

For 65 years, the Ladies Auxiliary to Branch Number 5 (Ontario) of the Royal Canadian Legion provided outstanding service not only to the Branch, but to the entire community. 

With Remembrance Day approaching and Women's History Month as announced by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau draws  to a close, it seemed very appropriate to include the Ladies Auxiliary among those who "Because of Her" made Chapleau a better place to live for everyone.

Founded in 1935 with Mrs. Mabel Way-White as its first president, the members had family members who served in World War I or World War II, or both -- and some members had themselves served in the armed forces.  Other members included those who had family members who served in Canada's armed forces in Korea, and other places after the two world wars.

By 2000 however, the ladies auxiliary ceased to function as  a separate entity. When Michael McMullen and I were writing "The Chapleau Boys Go To War", Bruce McCarthy, a past president of Branch Number 5 explained to us that the  Chapleau branch is holding the charter but there is no Ladies Auxiliary anymore.

"It began to decline when wives and daughters became qualified for associate membership in the branch. The great majority chose to join the branch rather than the auxiliary. The auxiliary ceased to operate in 2000."

Here is a list of the presidents from 1935 to 2000, but it should be noted that several served more than one term, often after an absence from the position.

They were: Mabel Way-White, Deborah Gawley, Amy Green, Gertrude Therriault, Annie Desson, Emmie Montgomery, Hazel Robinson, Annie Collings, Josie Way-White, Agnes Freeborn, Marian Pellow, Margaret Leigh, Thelma Therriault, Olga (Ollie) Lane, Dorleen Collings, Frances Corston, Eunice Michaud, Janet McCarthy, Olive McAdam, Anne McGoldrick, Winnie Bucciarelli, Elizabeth (Betty) O'Shaughnessy.

In 1985, as the auxiliary celebrated its 50th anniversary, Mrs. Amy Green, a charter member and past president was presented with a 50-year pin by Mrs. Gloria Sandford, the Ladies Auxiliary provincial president. Mrs. Green also received a 50-year plaque from provincial command. 

A Chapleau delegation, led by Harry Searle, a veteran of World War I, led the Chapleau delegation to the Winnipeg meeting in 1925 where the Canadian Legion was established. The Chapleau branch received its charter on October 6, 1926.

In her remarks, Mrs. Sandford extended congratulations on the auxiliary's "outstanding community service."

A Chapleau delegation, led by Harry Searle, a veteran of World War I, led the Chapleau delegation to the Winnipeg meeting in 1925 where the Canadian Legion was established. The Chapleau branch received its charter on October 6, 1926.

Throughout its history the members of the Ladies Auxiliary to Branch 5 did provide outstanding community service and "Because of her, and her, and her, and......" Chapleau was a better place to live for all its citizens. Lest We Forget! 

Thanks to Bruce McCarthy.  My email is mj.morris@live.ca