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.
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.
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.
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.
 |
| Add caption |
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
