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)