Frank Coulter honoured for years of service on public school board at graduation ceremonies for 54 students heading to Chapleau High School in 1973

Frank Coulter

Frank Coulter, who had attended Chapleau Public School and Chapleau High School, cut the ribbon to officially open the expanded and renovated public school at graduation exercises for Grade Eight students in June 1973.

Frank was also being honoured for his 17 years of service on the public school board and its successor the Chapleau Board of Education. He had served as public school board chair and stepped in to the same position when Rev. Murray Arnill resigned from the new board of education.

After the ribbon cutting he was presented with a barbecue by board member Scott Thomson, in appreciation for his years of service to education in Chapleau.

I asked Frank after he had retired from the board why he served so many years. His reply was simple: "Mr. Shoup told us we had a duty to serve and this was one way I could." 

J.M. Shoup, a veteran of World War I and II was the principal of Chapleau Public School for 30 years.

The graduation exercises also marked the end of elementary school for the 54 Grade Eight graduates who would be attending the high school for the 1973-74 school year. CHS was experiencing record enrolment with over 450 students registered in the 1972-73 school year.

In his remarks, board chair Mansel Robinson said he felt that the board could be well justified in "puffing their collective chests on the spectacular results of the additions and renovations" to the school.

He added, according to an article in the Sault Star by Maggie Costello: "... it is a million dollar school with a million dollar staff and million dollar students."

Sitting on the public school section of the Chapleau Board of Education at this time with Scott and Mansel were W.D. 'Doug' Jardine, Ron Jackson and Murray Hazen. Scott, Mansel and Doug, like Frank had attended both the public and high schools. Ron had been a teacher at CHS. 

Chapleau reeve T.C. 'Terry' Way-White who had also attended both schools paid tribute to the school boards. He said he felt that Chapleau was second to none in education. 

"We never had what today's Grade Eight has received..."

Jean Paul Spessot was presented with the J.M. Shoup Award, a board award to the student with the highest academic standing in Grade Eight. Mansel presented Jean Paul with the award.

The Rebekah Citizenship Award was presented to Catherine Remus. It was awarded to the student for academic effort and outstanding school citizenship. Mrs. Hendricka Johnson, noble grand of Sincerity Rebekah Lodge made the presentation.

Graduation certificates were presented to the students by assistant principal Ronald Holmes assisted by teacher Wallace Clark.

Following the official part of the ceremonies, the school choir under the direction of Mrs. Jeannette Gjoni with Mrs. Wilma Schmidt at the piano sang four selections.

Maggie Costello commented: "The fresh young voices, finely trained, had a lovely tonal quality and were a versatile group, their attacks sharp and part singing in tune and altogether delightful".

To wind up the program there was fine display of physical education activities under the direction of physical education teacher Don Bosley.

Perhaps you were there, one of the 54 students, graduating from Grade Eight, ready to move on to the high school on the hill. 

REMEMBER WHEN AT CHS!

I received the following CHS memory from Vivian Edwards. Thanks Vivian.

 "You sure are great on what went on in Chapleau High School. The only thing I hated was the school dances. Gees, all the guys stayed in a corner and if one walked across the way all the girls would wait, heart be still, he's coming to ask one of us to dance.  Naw he was going to the washroom."

A PERSONAL THANKS

I received a note this week from John Broomhead telling me that while Dr. Frank Broomhead was in England for John's recent wedding, they visited a cemetery and saw a tombstone with the name Morris on it, who had been killed in World War II, and wondered if it was my father. It wasn't as my father Flying Officer James E. Morris is buried in Ripon Cemetery, Yorkshire, but I so much appreciate that they would think of him. Very kind. Thank you. My email is mj.morris@live.ca

All dressed up for a Chapleau celebration. Who are they?

Here are two very well known Chapleauites who donned historical clothes for another celebration in the community's history. One of  these people attended Chapleau High School.

1. Name both of them though.

2. What occasion in Chapleau's history were they celebrating?

Debbie Linklater named Chapleau School High School Posture Queen in 1972, while Toby McGoldrick extends welcome in 1982 and annual At Home held in 1937

Cathy Lingenfelter, Debbie Linklater, Hilda Jackson

For five days back in 1972, and other years too, gum chewing was absolutely out and jeans seemed to have lost their appeal as female students at Chapleau High School appeared each day "elegantly apparelled and donning the most  ladylike manners", according to an article in Ad Astra, the school yearbook.

The students were competing for the title of Posture Queen and in cases where "bad habits got the best of their will power, or when their forgetfulness dominated the girls' good intentions, the efficient 'policemen' of the Posture Contest demanded the contestants' ribbons."

The article says that during the week-long contest  "charm and gracefulness" of the students seems to get a boost at CHS.

"For these five days it was fatal to unladylike in front of teachers and GAA (Girls Athletic Association representatives."

On Thursday, 19 semifinalists were left and the "critical eyes" of judges Ross Hryhorchuk, Ron Jackson, Anita Linklater and Ora WayWhite zeroed in on  the girls who would face off in the final competition on Friday.

During the semifinals and finals the contestants were directed through several moves that they had to effect as gracefully as possible. 

"The tastefully decorated stage which was the scene of the competition added its summer garden of roses theme to the tense atmosphere."

The finalists included Lise Charron, Lisa Elson, Micheline Frattaruolo, Sylvia Gravel, Barbara Hoath, Hilda Jackson, Debbie Lightheart, Cathy Lingenfelter, Debbie Linklater, Mariellee Lortie and Ingrid Ratatangas.

Judges for the finals were Mrs. Linklater, Walter Wilson and Greg Swiatek. 

Debbie Linklater was named Posture Queen while Cathy Lingenfelter and Hilda Jackson were the princesses. School principal J.B. Walsh crowned the queen while Alma Jardine, the 1971 Posture Queen crowned the princesses. Alma also introduced each of the contestants as they stepped on stage to do their routine.

GAA president Catherine Welch presented gifts donated by Chapleau businesses as well as a bouquet of roses from the GAA to the queen and princesses.

The annual Posture Queen Contest was a very popular moment in CHS life.

TOBY'S WELCOME

Fast forward 10 years to 1982 and the celebration of the school's 60th anniversary. Toby McGoldrick was president of the Students' Council and she extended a "most gracious welcome' to former students and visitors.

Toby said: " At Chapleau High School we continue to strive for the excellent standards which have always been part of the tradition of the school. We are proud of our school, the teachers and students past and present.

"While we are at CHS, we are in the process of preparing for life itself, which according to Alfred North Whitehead was the primary purpose of education," Toby added in  a welcome in the souvenir newspaper.

AT HOME IN 1937

Turning back the clock, the Great Depression did not prevent CHS from holding its annual At Home in 1937 when Miss S.B.Pallett was the principal. Students and staff entertained their relatives and friends.

An article at the time noted that the school was "beautifully decorated throughout in silver and black Coloured spotlights played a revolving mirror in the centre of the ceiling and the coloured reflections added a warm glow to the general effect."

The walls of the recreation room were decorated with photos of many graduates of the school.

Involved in the At Home were students Edith Crichton, Margaret Sootheran, Esther Martin, Merle Woodard, Florence Encil, Babs Collins, Margaret Steed, Bernice Delaney, Margaret Wilson, Marjorie Quelch, Phyllis Delaney, Mary Stefanko, Nellie Jones, Kay Somers, Murray Shoup, Ross Whitney, Frank Coulter, Harry Searle, Henry Wolfe, Lloyd McDonald, Garnet Cochrane, Bea Curry, Margaret Block,  Marjorie McGregor and Lynda Robinson.

During World War II CHS students participated in the Navy League Tag Day. Above are the 1944 students. Back row from left Joan Kinahan, Bobbie Nixon, Jerry Welch, Freda Depew, Freda Collings and Carol Black. Front from left Rowena Paul, Teresa Purich, Freda Matters and Elsie Collings.

As I typed the above names from the At Home and Naval League Tag Day, I tried to remember each person, and didn't do too badly in placing them and their families in the life of Chapleau. Some still have family living in the community.

As the CHS 90th anniversary reunion festival nears, I am sharing some Chapleau High School Moments with you during the month of June. If you have favourite moments from CHS, please feel free to contact me. My email is mj.morris@live.ca