Reflections on Legion Hall in Chapleau as Branch Number Five undertake major renovation program

As the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I approaches on November 11, 2018, and the centennial of Chapleau's Legion Hall nears in 2020, it is very appropriate that Branch Number Five (Ontario) of the Royal Canadian Legion is planning major renovations to one of the community's last historic public buildings.

After receiving a copy of the letter that the branch sent out to its members regarding the planned renovations, I contacted Nellie Mitchell, the branch president, for an update on the plan. Nellie replied that the branch had " good productive meeting" and it would now proceed with getting the renovationds underway.

I could not help but reflect on the amazing role the "Legion Hall" and the members of the "Legion" have played in the life and times of Chapleau since it was opened officially in 1920 as St John's Parish house.

Opening of hall 1920

After World War I, Harry Searle a veteran, led a Chapleau delegation to Winnipeg for the founding convention of the Legion, and the branch received its charter in 1926 -- Number Five in Ontario, quite an accomplishment for a small community. On a personal note I have always been proud that Harry Morris, my grandfather, a World War I veteran was part of the Chapleau delegation.

But, "the Legion", was not home to the branch in the beginning. Mr. and Mrs. G.B. Nicholson had it built in memory of their son Lorne and his friends who were killed in action during World War I. It  was the parish house of St John's Anglican Church.

The late George Evans, former teacher and assistant principal at Chapleau High School wrote in a column that "It is significant that the donors of the building did not put their names on the monumental inscription: they were content that the world remembers them as the father and mother of Lieutenant Lorne W. Nicholson."

George added that on the carved transom above the front door is an inscription. It reads: "St John's Parish House. In memory of Lt. Lorne W. Nicholson and all those who with him voluntarily gave their lives in the Great War. Erected by his father and mother A.D. 1919".

In our book, 'The Chapleau Boys Go To War' Michael McMullen and I identified a list of 283 volunteers with a Chapleau connection, not all of whom returned home. Thirty-two lost their lives.

St. John's was unable to maintain the building during the Great Depression and  in due course the municipality took it over, and Branch Five rented it, then by 1955 when B.W. 'Bubs' Zufelt was reeve, it was bought by the branch. Mr. Zufelt (who in the interests of full disclosure was my uncle) was given a life membership for his efforts.

Michael and I identified 418 enlistments with a Chapleau connection in World War II, 29 of whom, including my father Flying Officer James Morris, did not return home.

Those who returned and made their homes in Chapleau, like the World War I veterans became very active in community affairs. In 1947, when J.M. 'Jack' Shoup, who had served in World War I and II. was branch president, said they had "a duty to serve" they did in all as aspects of community life with the "Legion Hall" as their central place.

Tee Chambers, Butch Pellow, Aldee Martel 1954

As I reflected on my growing up years in Chapleau I was a fan of Legion hockey and baseball teams with mostly veterans on them. I would hardly ever miss one of their games and Garth 'Tee' Chambers, a veteran, was my personal hero and friend. 

The Legion and its members became very involved in community coaching and sponsoring teams, holding annual poster and essay contests, assisting veterans and their families in need, serving  on local boards, committees and council, providing colour parties for local events, and much much more towards making Chapleau a better place for all.

Back Baisel, Mike McMullen, Mrs Broomhead, Dave McMillan, Richard Pilon, Tim Goodwin, Front Charlie White, Ken Schroeder, Boo Hong

I also went looking for photos and decided to share one of Baisel Collings, who coached the 1954 Chapleau Bantams, posing with the team. After World War II, Baisel played on Legion teams but like many he also coached. 

He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross along with three other Chapleau boys: Willard Bolduc, Donald Freeborn and Lloyd 'Sparrow' McDonald.

His citation reads: "Warrant Officer Collings has at all times displayed outstanding ability and a strong sense of duty, and he holds a fine record of achievement on the squadron. His untiring devotion to duty in moments of danger has been largely responsible for the successful completion of his crew's many sorties, and by his example of cheerful courage has maintained a very high standard of morale, not only for his crew members, but the squadron in general."

To me, Baisel's citation could have been written for any Chapleau person who served in World War I or 2, and then came home and contributed to the community. They sure followed Mr. Shoup's dictum "a duty to serve."

Not too many veterans of World War II remain now, but it is great to see that members of Branch Number Five  are carrying on the good works of those who served before, and they have undertaken major renovations to "the Legion". Congratulations and thank you.

My email is mj.morris@live.ca