Reeve George Fife presents Chapleau key to Carnival King Dan Jessup at 1939 Winter Carnival

George Fife, Marie Perpete, Dan Jessup

The weather and the crowd at "the shrine of snow sports combined for a perfect opening" to the 1939 Chapleau Winter Carnival, according to an article in the Chapleau Post.

"Bright, brazing weather made more vivid the colourful costumes of spectators and competitors," the article said, but as an aside I could only find some black and white photos.

At the official opening where Reeve George Fife, the grandfather of Robert Fife, now Ottawa Bureau Chief of The Globe and Mail, presented the key to Chapleau to 1939 Carnival King Dan Jessup, the mayor of Sudbury, everything had been closed "lock, stock and barrel" and it seemed everyone was on hand. The article noted there were 225 visitors on hand with more coming on the trains. 

Arthur Grout the general manager of the "snow show" predicted 500 visitors would be there and the carnival would show a profit of $500. This was incredible remembering that the Great Depression was just ending. 

In 1939 Chapleau was 10 years away from having highway access.

A major feature as the carnival got underway was a figure skating show. The Chapleau skaters who only had nine weeks training as there was only natural ice in the old old arena on Lorne Street were instructed by C. Baker from Fort William who had been presuaded  to take the job.

Back: Rita Payette, Shirley Matheson, Freda Depew. Front: Evelyn Sheahan, Rhonda McQuaig, Shirley Nixon

Back: Rita Payette, Shirley Matheson, Freda Depew. Front: Evelyn Sheahan, Rhonda McQuaig, Shirley Nixon

Among those skaters appearing in their first show were Frank Block, Lorne Block, Helen Morin, Juliette Morin, Charles Corks, Shirley Nixon, Freda Depew, Rhonda McCuaig, Evelyn Sheahan, Rita Payette, Selma 'Sally' Uugo, Alice Depew, Marion Morris (my aunt), Shirley Matheson,  Cecelia St. Amand and Vivian Vizena.   Another article states that 25 members of the new Chapleau Figure Skating Club were involved along with skaters from Copper Cliff and Toronto.

The article noted that the skaters were nicely attired in costumes made in Chapleau but it does not tell us who made them.

Mr. Jessup was crowned after the parade in a ceremony at the ski hill. He received his diadem and sceptre from Fred Depew, secretary of the YMCA who had been the King of the first carnival in 1937. C.J McGregor, CPR superintendent was King in 1938.

From photos it looks like everyone in Chapleau attended the carnival parade. The population was over 2,500 in 1939.

Looks like everyone in Chapleau at parade

After the coronation of the King, the selection of the Snow Queen took place. The contestants were Rita Crichton, Mae Blackburn, Angelina Riley and Violet Therrien. Rita Crichton was named the 1939 Queen,

In his remarks Mr. Jessup complimented Chapleau on its carnival commenting that a lot of hard work had made the vision of a carnival come true. 

The old old rink had been recently "rebuilt" inside and a crowd of close to 1000 people were there for carnival activities which filled it almost to capacity. 

Skiing was another major attraction and the Koski brothers, Walter and Taunor of Nemegos ran almost a dead heat in the five mile senior skiing test. Walter just beat his brother to the finish line. 

The ski hill in 1939 was located at what I call "Dr. Young's Hill" but that was not its name in 1939. There was also a toboggan slide.

In the young skiers race honours were taken by Yvon Morin in first place with his brother Romeo in second over a half mile course.

There were many other activities during the three day carnival. 

Thanks again to Margaret Rose (Payette) and Bobby Fortin for kindly loaning me the Richard Brownlee papers. Happy Valentine's Day!!!!! I hope you are also enjoying the 2019 Chapleau Winter Carnival!!

Charles Reid set example "of good citizenship and daily living" in Chapleau

The "railway town" of Chapleau lost "one of its best loved and highly respected citizens" when Charles Reid died in 1958 , according to his obituary in the Sudbury Star..

Mr. Reid, born in Eganville ON, had lived in Chapleau since 1889, and at the time of his death was one of the community's oldest residents.

"To young and old alike he set an example of good citizenship and daily living", the article noted. To many he was simply called "Charlie" or "Uncle Charlie".

Mr. Reid began his career with the Canadian Pacific Railway in Cartier but then moved to Chapleau as a fireman on the "old woodburners". There was no enclosed cab in those days, and all they had to protect them during the cold winters was a canvas cover.

Sometimes when "out on the road" it took several days to cover a division.

Mr. Reid graduated to engineer  and during his half century of service with the CPR saw gradual improvement  in working conditions as well as well as changeover to coal burning engines.

In 1904 he married Mary Blanche Pellow and in due course they built a house on Birch Street beside the red brick house which was the Vince Crichton Sr family home at Birch and Aberdeen streets.

The article noted that he was "a man of simple tastes" with a "beautiful flower and vegetable garden."

Fond  of hunting and fishing, he was known as  a "crack shot" during deer hunting season. He also enjoyed blueberry picking.

With his close friend Walter Leigh, for many years he went out to cut wood for the winter.

Ina Robinson, Mr. Reid, Mr Leigh 1940 Carnival

In 1940, in the early years of the Chapleau Winter Carnival, and in fact the last one until well after the end of World War II, with Mr. Leigh he was active on the committee. Ina Robinson, who later married Frank Coulter was the Carnival Queen.

As an aside, Mr. Leigh, a very good skater, performed with the figure skaters.

Mr. Reid was a member of Trinity United Church and for his consistent and devoted service was presented with an honourary membership on the official board of the church.

He was also a member of IOOF Missanabie Lodge and was awarded a Veteran Life Membership.

"Charlie" or "Uncle Charlie", as he was known to so many was a vital part of Chapleau life for many years. In the interests of full disclosure, although I knew him well, passing his home daily, I always called him Mr. Reid. My email is mj.morris@live.ca

Ernie Gilbert 'hard act to follow' served on council honoured as King of 1979 Chapleau Winter Carnival

Ernie with faithful dog Rusty

Ernest Lucien "Ernie" Gilbert, after retiring as an engineer on the Canadian Pacific Railway, decided to enter municipal politics in Chapleau, was elected in the 1972 election, and served several two-year terms, as a councillor.

Ernie, as he was known also served as Deputy Reeve, and in 1979, was honoured by being selected to be King of the Chapleau Winter Carnival, a Taste of the North.

I first met Ernie at an all candidates meeting in the Legion Hall for the 1972 election, and happened to follow him in the speaking order. 

After listening to his speech, my first comment was "That's a hard act to follow."  And he was in so many ways as I was to learn over the next few years. We were both elected, and  became good friends. 

No matter the time of day, Ernie was on the job as a councillor. and chair of Public Works, and I recall several cold winter nights when he would get me up to attend at a water main break, bringing coffee for the Town Gang who were on the job repairing it.

Nick Card, T Way-White, Dr Young, MJ, Ernie

Recently I have been in touch with his grandson Brad who retired in 2013 after 30 years service with the Ontario Provincial Police, and asked if he would assist with a column about his grandfather.  Brad agreed.

Brad related that his grandfather was "the 7th son of a 7th son which in the early 1900’s was believed to bless you with the gift of healing. On Sunday afternoons, people would come to the Gilbert home to have my grandfather (then a young boy) rub their ailing parts, such as swollen feet and legs. As an adult, he became well known in the community for having the power to cure warts. Children would come to him with their hands covered in warts.

"He would rub a penny on each wart and bury it in a location only he would know and before long the warts would disappear and so goes the legend.

Ernie and Marcel Bougeault in 75th anniversary water parade with passenger MJM

"I grew up experiencing many of his home remedies, such as hot mustard plasters and a combination of sliced potatoes covered in black pepper, held in place over your forehead with a folded handkerchief to cure a fever. Many nights, I endured the pepper potatoes sliding down into my eyes and burning like fire. I’m not sure if it cured the fever or just made you stop complaining about it."

King Ernie, Bonhomme, MJM

His grandfather was a  French Roman Catholic and at the age of 23 married Alice the love of his life. "They raised four girls during the depression years. These were very challenging times and he learned many trades to support his family, such as lumberjack, fisherman, guide, miner, trapper and wood whittler.

"After the depression he became an engineer for the Canadian Pacific Railway. He was well known on the railway line as the engineer that played 'Shave and a Haircut' on the steam whistle no matter what time of day or night he was passing through town."

He  "loved and respected the bush and he loved to go brook trout fishing. He took great pride and enjoyment in sharing with his grandchildren the adventures of getting up at the crack of dawn and heading out to catch some speckled trout in little streams that you would never believe held such amazing trout. As kids and even later as adults we suffered the wrath of black fly and mosquito season when fishing with Grandpa. We spent more time swatting flies than we did fishing but Grandpa always seemed unaffected by them and always came home with the most fish."

"He was very active on his trap line. As a young boy growing up, I spent many weekends spent on the trap line with Grandpa. Many valuable life lessons were learned during those outings. Grandpa always had a pocket full of hard candies and offered them up often. I learned to pass on the generous offer as they were usually covered in pocket lint with a mixture of beaver hair and twigs. In the winter months, we would travel by snowmobile. Grandpa was usually driving and I was been pulled on a toboggan behind. I learned early on to hold on for dear life because to fall off always meant a long walk to catch up because grandpa seldom looked back as he was looking ahead for animal tracks. His memory lives on in the Chapleau Museum where a beautiful black wolf was donated by him and is on display."

On one occasion when Ernie was out on his trap line with his faithful dog Rusty, during his years on council, he fell and broke his leg. Rusty helped him back to his vehicle and Ernie managed to drive himself back into town to the Lady Minto Hospital. I asked Brad about it and he recalled that Rusty went right into the hospital with him and did not want to leave. Finally Stan Tokarchuk, who worked at the hospital and was their next door neighbour brought the dog home.

By the time Brad, who was attending school arrived at the hospital, obviously concerned about his grandfather, Ernie was telling stories to the nurses. 

see below

On the night of the next council meeting, we did not expect Ernie to attend, and no sooner had everyone commented, than Ernie arrived. He had managed to get up the stairs to the council chambers in the old Town Hall, and never missed a meeting even though one leg was in a cast.

He was a founding member of the Chapleau Senior Citizens Club in 1973 serving as a vice president, as well as on the board of Cedar Grove Lodge. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus and Ontario Trappers Association.

see below

Back to Brad: "My grandfather had many skills and gifts but his legacy is the happy, loving memories that his family has of him. Only a few weeks ago, I was going through a photo album of my grandfather and reminiscing about our time together. I started to cry, not a trickling single tear but a full blown ugly cry. That’s who my grandfather was. A man who made such an impression on me that memories of him generated that response, 18 years after his death."

Thank you Brad. It was an honour and privilege for me to know your grandfather and have him has a friend. May he rest in peace,.

He passed away on January 27, 2000 in North Bay at the age of 93. My email is mj.morris@live.ca

Names

Ernie protects Lt Gov Pauline McGibbon and her husband Donald during sudden shower at opening of civic centre 1978

Ground breaking ceremony for Cedar Grove Lodge 1976. From left are MJM, Dr G.E. Young, George Evans, Rene Brunelle, Walter Wilson, Ernie Gilbert, Lauretta Viet, G. Ste. Germaine, Nick Card, Louise Mione, Min Blackburn

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Chapleau Village Shops window display features winter carnival activities

The Chapleau Winter Carnival. "A Taste of the North" is underway from February 14 to 19, and Chapleau Village Shops got into the Carnival spirit with an incredible window display.

After seeing photos of the display on Facebook, I contacted Lucy Bignucolo who gave permission to post them here.

The art work was done by Cara assisted by Nancy.

Chapleau winter carnivals were first held in the 1930s during the Great Depression, and "A Taste of the North" was added to its name in 1974 when Walter Wilson was the chair.

For full program details, contact Joel Langelier at the Chapleau Recreation Centre.

Another upcoming celebration will be Canada Day focused on the 150th anniversary of our country!!!  Reunion anybody?????

Thanks Lucy!!!!!!

Chapleau 'a real bush city' declares public holiday for 1939 Winter Carnival, according to The Vacationer magazine

Chapleau "a real bush city" made three days in January 1939 a public holiday for its annual winter carnival, according to 'The Vacationer', a travel magazine. 

The magazine said that the 2800 people who live there will be out to enjoy every minute of the fun as the Carnival Holiday made it possible.

It added: "The men (no mention of women) apparently think the idea of Winter Carnival is a good one. We mean the men of the 'real' north because these particular lads to whom we refer are residents of of a real mining, trapping and lumbering town on the main line of the CPR about 430 miles from Toronto>"

A copy of the article is contained in the Richard Brownlee papers kindly loaned to me by Margaret Rose (Payette) and Bobby Fortin. I believe that Arthur Grout, 'the general manager' of the carnival convinced the magazine to do the story.

"There is no lack of wintry weather in Chapleau." the article contends. " Cold dry weather and lots of snow, often as much as five feet, make the town an ideal place for snow and ice sports. The high dry country frequently has a temperature as low as 40 degrees (Fahrenheit) below zero but because of the absence of dampness in the air there are not many complaints about the cold".

1940 Ina Robinson Carnival Queen

Obviously written for city dwellers who may visit Chapleau for the carnival, the unnamed writer captures the type of "men" who will be involved in events.

"They may be men who are quite at home in the lonely woods and who prefer their own company for the great part of the year, but when they come out to celebrate they really know how to have a good time. 

"As a matter of fact these very men will likely supply what will probably be the biggest thrill of all for those who don't know their northland pursuits.  Did you ever see a log cutting competition where big husky bushmen  swing razor sharp, double edged axes to cut through huge logs in a matter of seconds? Did you ever see a pair of husky lumberjacks cut through enough timber to build a good-sized cabin in a few minutes?"

Jimmy Purich on white horse

The writer notes that "trappers with their dog teams will compete for prizes before the crowds, and don't those wiry, tough dogs push their shoulders into the harness  and tug when they are urged on by a real dog handler. 

"

One of the major features at the carnival was a new 45-foot ski tower and jump that "should provide action enough for anyone who cares to make a leap."

There was also a toboggan slide that finished up with a "shoot out over the ice bound lake (really the Nebskwashi River) that will take away any breath you may have."

There was also a curling bonspiel "just in case you are a follower of the fine old sport of the stones and brooms."

Summing it all up, the writer concludes with a favourable view of Chapleau. "Although you will find Chapleau in the midst of rugged country you will not find it a backward place by any means. The town is well equipped with hotel accommodation and business places and presents a modern enough aspect to suit any sort of visitor."

The writer  also noted that the "heavy forest lands" that ran within a few hundred yards of the town "add greatly to the picturesque appearance of the snow covered area. The Kebsquasheshing River which runs past the town and which carries the canoes of trappers and prospectors in the warmer months, is frozen solid now and carries instead the dog sleds and toboggans of these same men."

I have included photos from several different winter carnivals just to give a snapshot of events. most not dealing with The Vacationer article. My email is mj.morris@live.ca

Parades in Chapleau played major role in success of winter and summer community celebrations

CHS Band in parade circa 1956

The old saying that everyone loves a parade sure applied to Chapleau throughout its history playing a major role in celebrations from its earliest beginnings after the arrival of the Canadian Pacific Railway in 1885.

Browsing through old photographs and "Googling" it seems that the first parades were associated with Dominion Day, now Canada Day  on July 1, but through the years, there would be other ones hosted by organizations such as the Orange Lodge, Knights of Columbus, and after 1926, Branch No. 5 of the Royal Canadian  Legion. The Legion took over the July 1 celebrations.

By 1937, with D.O. Payette, then the president of Smith and Chapple Ltd. as the "catalyst" according to a report at the time, with his business partner Arthur Grout as chairman, the Chapleau Winter Carnival was launched. Carnivals were planned in Mr. Payette's office.

Jimmy Purich leads parade

Jimmy Purich became parade marshal and would lead the parade on a white horse from the CPR station from where it formed up over the old overhead bridge to an ice palace on Main Street or across from the old old arena on Lorne Street.

B.W. Zufelt with Bev Machan 1956

After B.W. 'Bubs' Zufelt became reeve in 1948, the Chapleau Recreation Commission was formed and a Beach Day celebration on the first Monday in August was added, including a parade. The carnival queen was also a feature attraction in parades.

Jack Shoup far right

My generation will well remember J. M. 'Jack' Shoup, the principal of Chapleau Pubic School and longest serving township councillor organizing us for the parade, and later the children's races. He ran the skating races at the winter carnival too.

The Chapleau Band, first called Chapleau Brass Band, would appear to have been part of parades from about 1887 on and it even travelled to other communities to participate in their celebrations.  

Parade circa 1957

A bugle band was formed at Chapleau High School after the cadet corps was founded about 1926, and was directed by principal and teacher John 'Mac' McClellan. A parade around town was always part of the annual inspection.

Allan Ritchie

Allan Ritchie, who had moved to Chapleau from Moose Factory with his parents by canoe, proudly displayed his native heritage in Chapleau parades. His grandson Lark Ritchie, writing about him in Chapleau Trails said that he was "noted for his proud and consistent display of his native heritage at many Chapleau community events participating in parades."

Re-enactment of Cartier arrival

But parades were not limited to the streets of Chapleau, as there were at least two on the Chapleau River. In May 1934, John Burns, Edward Levesque, Hill Gagnon, Gerard Tremblay and Joe Fortier marked the 400th anniversary of the arrival of French explorer Jacques Cartier at Newfoundland by sailing on the river in a replica of Cartier's ship. 

Ernie Gilbert, MJ, Marcel Bourgeault 1976

Winter Carnival 1938

In 1976, as part of the celebration of Chapleau's 75th anniversary of incorporation as a municipality, a canoe flotilla travelled from the Ministry of Natural Resources "Point" to the beach area.

Parades started from CPR station

There may also have been sailboat parades at one time as races were held on the river in the community's early years.

I am sure everyone has their favourite parade stories, and please feel free to send them along. My email is mj.morris@live.ca

Enjoy the ice fishing derby and Chapleau Winter Carnival.