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