Chapleau and Timmins representatives meet to plan Highway 101 to connect communities

After Highway 129 between Chapleau and Thessalon was opened the next project was to connect the community with Timmins. 

The North Bay Nugget addressed the issue in an editorial in February 1951.

"It has remained for Chapleau a tiny town to the north and west of us (North Bay) to start the ball rolling for a road between Chapleau and Timmins," the editorial said.

"Good for Chapleau. We hope they are successful. At the same time we wonder what the trouble is with Sudbury's initiative that it has failed to get together with Timmins (they are the two bigggest communities in the northland) to press for a highway to link up their cities."

Highway 144 linking Sudbury and Timmins was to come along later.

The editorial noted that a group of "Porcupine enthusiasts made a jaunt to Chapleau to talk up the new highway. Now Chapleau has returned the compliment.

Chapleau Reeve, B. W. 'Bubs" Zufelt who had assumed office in 1948, was impressed with the apparent ease with which a highway could be hacked through the bush between Chapleau and Timmins. Mr. Zufelt expressed the belief that the chain of lakes spotting the area could be rimmed at normal costs.

In the interests of full disclosure, Bubs Zufelt was my uncle.

"With the road completed, we shall not be the distant neighbours we are at present", he said. "We are certain this delegation is going to much toward getting the government to do something about getting this road."

The editorial continued that the "Timmins-Chapleau highway plan was fathered by business groups in the two towns and already it has been actively endorsed by labour unions in the area. They see the road as increasing employment opportunities since it would open rich timber and mineral resources now dormant because of the lack of transportation."

The editorial concluded: "Well, all we can say is, good for Chapleau andtimmins. We hope they get their road."

By 1962, Highway 101 was completed linking Chapleau and Timmins through Foleyet.

I remember the grand opening in Chapleau when the parade assembled at the Shawmere River and came into town. 

My first memory of travelling over Highway 101 to Timmins was In August 1964 when my Uncle Bubs drove me to Timmins to start my first job as a daily newspaper reporter at the Timmins Daily Press. My grandmother Edythe Hunt accompanied us. Like all grandmothers she had to check everything out!!!!

By 1966, Highway 101 had been extended to connect Chapleau and Wawa. However, although Chapleau had been promised that the Trans Canada Highway would pass through it, the community is still waiting!!!  My email is mj.morris@live.ca

Miss Teenage Canada Emma Morrison and Griffin Poetry Prize winner Liz Howard both important to sound of Chapleau story

Before I get specific about some of the sounds of the Chapleau story as I officially mark 10 years of writing Chapleau Moments, let me explain PERSIATS + G! which has been a guideline for me all my writing life, and is something I try to use as a guideline, no matter the issue.

 In 1964, I took a course in American history from Dr Charles W Paape, and he used the formula to put history into perspective. All elements of it are in every event to a greater or lesser degree.

For example, an election is a political event of course -- but it is also about economics, religion, social life, intellectual life (education), the arts, science and technology, and the "G" is geography - the place where it happens.  Metaphorically, it all happens on Main Street in the village where we live.

I have always been indebted to Dr Paape for his formula as I have used it time and time again.

Here is an example of Dr Paape's formula using Rev. Father Romeo Gascon the parish priest at Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church from 1911 to 1958 when he died and G. B. Nicholson.

He was active in Chapleau life far beyond his duties to the Roman Catholic community. 

Referring to research by Gemma Gagnon, Father Albert Burns SJ, noted that the Jesuit Fathers on October 19th 1911, transferred the parish to a zealous priest, who had been two years pastor of Cochrane,

By 1916 he had become involved in Chapleau sports and was the coach of the Young Elephants, a baseball team that played on a ballfield located at about the present site of the golf course. My grandfather Harry Morris was a member of the team.

In his book "Waking Nanabijou: Uncovering a Secret Past", Jim Poling Sr. notes that he was a "miniature whirlwind" interested and active in everything from architecture to painting to golf as well as hunting and fishing. Mr. Poling, who was at one time the general manager of the Canadian Press came to know about the Chapleau priest as he was researching a history of his family.

He also enjoyed woodworking and had a printing press in the rectory.

Just before Christmas, on December 18, 1918, Sacred Heart Church was destroyed by fire, but Father Gascon went to work right away and within a year a new beautiful church had been built on the same location and its 90th anniversary was celebrated on December 24, 2009 at Christmas Midnight Mass. Father Gascon had sketched out the design for the new church and celebrated the first mass in it. On Christmas Eve 2019 the church will celebrate its 100th anniversary

He was also president of the Kebsquasheshing Golf Club at one time, and enjoyed playing a round of golf with his friends from all denominations, including his good friend George Fife, the manager of the Chapleau Electric Light and Power Company who was also reeve of Chapleau from 1938 to 1942. I can recall saying good morning to both of them as they visited either on the front verandah of the Fife home on Lorne Street or the steps of the power company office on the site of the present Bargain Shop. Father Gascon greatly contributed to the sounds of the Chapleau story.

In the early years of Chapleau there is likely no one who contributed to the sound of the story in every one of Dr. Paape's formula than G. B. Nicholson

In about 1913 Guy Rogers visited Chapleau and wrote in a report that while there he made a friendship with "the real leader of life in Chapleau, a Mr. G.B. Nicholson, a fine Christian, and able man of affairs."

Rogers had been sent to Canada from England by the Archbishop of Canterbury of the Church of England to travel on the Canadian Pacific Railway to observe the work being done by the church as well as the lifestyle. He gives a glimpse into life in Chapleau at the time in the following statement: "How the early settlers stood the monotony and hardship of life is known only to them and God."

However, G.B. Nicholson, who was born on Prince Edward Island in 1868, and came to northern Ontario to work for the CPR with whom he worked for 17 years, where he also served as general secretary or general chairman for the Brotherhood of Locomotive Firemen and Engineers on the CPR eastern lines for 10 years. He turned down promotions as the man who came to be called "the father of Chapleau" had other plans for his life and the community.

In 1901, largely because of efforts by Mr. Nicholson, Chapleau became incorporated as a municipality in Ontario, and he became its first Reeve -- serving until 1913, and being returned by acclamation in the elections then held yearly for council. Chapleau experienced a remarkable period of growth during his time in office. A water works system was built with hydrants throughout the community. Two schools had been built and the high school was being planned. A town hall, described as 'a most moden building for the times' complete with theatre opened in 1913. Sidewalks were laid throughout the town, something that always amazed me as a kid seeing how early in Chapleau's history they were built. Go for a walk and take a look!

In 1910, the very efficient Chapleau Fire Department was created.

The railway YMCA with rooms and a restaurant received compliments and in 1914 the Lady Minto Hospital opened under the guidance of the Victorian Order of Nurses. The business section contained a number of special, general and department stores and the population had reached about 2,500 people.

Of course there were so many others who greatly contributed to the sound of Chapleau's story and each made it a better place to live, work and play for all of us as the greatest resource a community has is its people.I have included a photo of some from the sod turning for the new sewage system circa 1950.

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But in reflecting on the community's story I decided to include two very talented Chapleau citizens who brought great attention to the community and credit to themselves in the 21st century

The Globe and Mail reported that Liz Howard from Chapleau,  became the youngest winner of the Griffin Poetry Prize, receiving the $65,000 award for her collection Infinite Citizen of the Shaking Tent.

Liz Howard

"I sort of feel like I'm having an out-of-body experience It may seem really strange but I feel as though I actually died some time ago and [I'm] living in an afterlife," she told the newspaper.

Infinite Citizen of the Shaking Tent is the first debut collection to win the prize, as well.

Liz who also received $10,000 for taking part in the Griffin Prize readings, said the award would allow her to pay off her student loans and concentrate on her next book.

"I have several different projects in my mind, and it's hard to focus," she said. "All I want to do is write. All I want to do is do this one thing. And this is such a confirmation."

During her acceptance speech she said that"My upbringing was quite difficult and impoverished, and when I was young I sort of thought that perhaps it would be best to not exist "I guess I just want to say that it can get better. And for me, poetry made life possible."

At the awards ceremony, Liz said she has  several different projects in mind, and "it's hard to focus. All I want to do is write. All I want to do is this one thing."

Liz also paid particular attention to youth: "I know a lot of our youth today are struggling, especially our First Nations youth. And I guess I just wanted to say that it can get better. And for me, poetry made life possible for me. It made life tolerable for me - both reading it and writing it.

In an earlier interview Liz commented that ""My childhood in Chapleau, especially the significant amount of time I spent in the woods and lakes, are foundational to my writing. I am also very proud of my Anishinaabe (Ojibway) heritage and write about many First Nations issues."

Emma Morrison, a member of Chapleau Cree First Nation won not only the title of Miss Teenage Northern Ontario but Miss Teenage Canada,

After winning the Miss Teenage Canada title she told CBC News in an interview, "I want to stand up for all Canadians, regardlesss of gender, race, personal identity or preferences'

"Everyone needs to gain more self-love because I find today's society is more based on looks, how great you look on camera."

She admitted  her hours were long and she felt stressed over details during the pageant, but it was all worth it when she was crowned the winner. 

"At that moment, I was so shocked and so happy because  now this little, small town girl has accomplished such a big task," she says.

"It shows that no matter where you come from, you can set your goals high and big and work hard, and you will succeed. I feel like now I have a voice."

Both Emma and Liz have so greatly contributed to the sound of the Chapleau story. When reflecting on them, I realized more than ever that it was in Chapleau that I first became aware of the sound of story which has been such an important part of my life. I wish them well.

Thank you to all those who have responded to my column of July 11, especially Bobby and Margaret Rose Fortin who sent me a message and so kindly loaned me the Richard Brownlee Papers and other material.Bobby and Margaret Rose, both members of Chapleau pioneer families have helped so much. 

On a final note, Mr. Brownlee, one of Chapleau's first citizens was one of my first friends. After my father Flying Officer Jim Morris was killed on active service in the RCAF on July 16, 1943, my mother Muriel (Hunt) Morris and I lived with my aunt and uncle, Elsie and B.W. Bubs Zufelt on Beech Street. I would go through back lane to Main Street and the barber shop to visit him. He would also take me for rides in his car..

Please feel free to contact me with any you feel have created to the sound of Chapleau stories. My email is mj.morris@live.ca

Chapleau Moments created a 'dominant sound' in Michael's life for 10 years in Chapleau Express

As newspaper reporter 1960s

I am one of those most blessed people who have never really worked one day because I have been able to spend it living, in the words of Reynolds Price, the American writer, with the sound of story as the dominant sound in my life.

Since I was a child growing up in Chapleau, story has been central to me whether I was playing in the living room or creating my own plays for the Junior Red Cross Society performances in Grade 4 at Chapleau Public School.

Thanks to my mother, Muriel E (Hunt) Morris, who instilled a love of reading in me before I could hardly walk, and gave me the freedom to explore all the great children's literature of my time, story has been the place where I have lived. My grandfather George Hunt taught me the story of England while I was playing on the living room floor and my other grandfather Harry Morris, the story of the Canadian Pacific Railway from train timetables.

When I was attending Chapleau Public School, along with Alison (McMillan) McMullen, Brian and Teddy Demers we  did a play, a real swashbuckler which we wrote, produced and acted for the Junior Red Cross Society. Mrs. Madeleine Pellow was our teacher. Mrs Marianne Demers created the costumes.

Before I go any further let me explain. On July 18, I will have been writing Chapleau Moments for 10 years in the Chapleau Express. Publisher Mario Lafreniere sent me an email asking if I would consider writing a column. I agreed thinking it would run its course within six months or so.

But here we are 10 years later thanks to some awesome people who have provided assistance. In the beginning, I had my mother's (Muriel E (Hunt) Morris) book of clippings, and shortly thereafter, I inherited four boxes of Chapleau files from my aunt Marion (Morris) Kennedy.

I am forever indebted to the late Anne (Zufelt) McGoldrick and the late Doug Greig who were always there when I needed information. 

My best friend from childhood and throughout my life the late Harry 'Butch' Pellow was always there to provide assistance as well as contributing some of his Chapleau moments in articles. 

Harry Pellow 2012 at CHS reunion

Michael McMullen, my cousin, and Ian Macdonald, retired head of the department of architecture at the University of Manitoba have been awesome column contributors and researchers. Thanks so much.

Little did I realize that my experience as the Chapleau High School reporter for the long gone Mid North News with Joy (Evans) Heft, and a television program on CHAP TV in 1958/1959 would lead to a lifetime spent telling stories and talking about the stories of others in classrooms in Ontario and British Columbia. And people even hired me to write stories about people and events for daily newspapers, television, magazines and the internet.

at Cocoa Beach FL a Michael Pelzer photo

I recently calculated that I have been doing and teaching communications, journalism, media and  creative writing for about 61 years. It seems like only a moment has passed.

I  worked as a reporter and/or editor at several daily newspapers including the Star-Phoenix (Saskatoon), Kingston Whig-Standard, Timmins Daily Press, Chatham Daily News, Brampton Times, Calgary Albertan  and was northern Ontario correspondent for the Toronto Star.

And yes, as any of my students would  tell you, I loved to tell stories. Not all were necessarily appreciated of course and I was once criticized in student evaluations when I was at College of the Rockies for talking too much about my beloved cat Buckwheat. A student wrote that he/she got nothing from my course because "All he ever did was tell stories about his cat Buckwheat." Even I could not spend 15 entire weeks of a semester talking only about my cat. On second thought .... !!!

And yes, I admit that I told hockey stories while I was at Chapleau High School but only when we won!!!!

in my office at COTR 

At College of the Rockies I was so privileged to have been part of the founding of a graduate New (Social) Media Communications Program which would seem pretty old fashioned today, but in 1995 was on the leading edge of the biggest revolution in communications since Gutenberg's printing press. Since retiring I have continued to indulge my passion for communications -- for storytelling, both mine and others.

For example, I  listen to the voices of so many former students who are taking time to share part of their stories with me on Facebook, and telling stories about me too.  Yes, for old times sake I still write for a print publication the Chapleau Express.

at Rocky View Ranch  a Jim Roberts photo

I agree with Reynolds Price, the writer, that to "tell and hear stories is essential" -- and he argues it comes second after nourishment and before love and shelter. "Millions survive without love or home, almost none in silence; the opposite of silence leads quickly to narrative, and the sound of story is the dominant sound of our lives, from the small accounts of our day's events to the vast incommunicable constructs of psychopaths."

I agree totally.

In my life for sure, in the brightest and darkest moments, the sound of story is the dominant sound. Think about it. Now I am off for a walk to hear more of the sound of the  story on Main Street.

Thank you Mario for giving me the freedom to write Chapleau Moments. Thank you as well to all the people I have heard from over the past 10 years. Totally awesome. Next week I will share some of the sounds of Chapleau! My email is mj.morris@live.ca