Cree and Ojibway 'spectacular' barnstorming hockey tour of Canadian and American cities in 1928 included players from Chapleau

The highly successful Cree and Ojibway Indian hockey barnstorming tour of Canadian and American cities in 1928 included players from Chapleau.


NOTE: CLICK ON PHOTOS TO ENLARGE!!

In fact, Dr. Andrew Holman of Bridgewater State University, in his grant application to write about the tour, referred to it as "spectacular" and "celebrated"  as 14 hockey playing Cree and Ojibway, travelling on a chartered bus, set out in January and February to play in 17 cities and towns in Canada and the United States.

Tony Cachagee

I have been assisted by  an incredible group of people  over the past month since 'The 1928 Cree and Ojibway Barnstorming Tour' by Kevin Plummer appeared in the Torontoist. 

The Chapleau players on the tour have been pretty well confirmed as being Charles William 'Tony' Cachagee aka 'Boxcar', George 'Farmer' Linklater, Alex McAuley and Wilfred McAuley. The other players on the Cree team appear to have been from other locations, and additional Chapleau players may have been involved too. In stories about the tour, McAuley was usually spelled McCauley.

Kevin Plummer provided background on the tour: "The “Cree and Ojibway Indian Hockey Tour,” as it was billed on the side of the bus, featured  the “Fast Ojibway Indians” versus the “Great Cree Indians.” One team was composed of Ojibway players from Bear Island in Lake Temagami—now known as Teme-Augama Anishnabai or Temagami First Nation. The other was composed of Cree players from Chapleau (according to one newspaper) or “the James Bay territory” (according to another). Papers weren’t concerned with such precision. It seems likely that the Cree team was drawn from Bear Island as well as Chapleau Cree First Nation, and possibly even Moose Factory or elsewhere."

He added that teams composed entirely of aboriginal players were not that unusual in the 1920s but   "The truly unusual thing about the Cree and Ojibway Tour was that rather than standard hockey jerseys, each player wore a 'feathered head-dress', buckskin tunic emblazoned with a C or an O, and 'beaded waists' on the ice. Almost every press report commented on the seemingly traditional attire and emphasized the players' authenticity as 'full blooded Indians'."

Mr Plummer noted that  the First Nations teams appear to have been "self-managed, cleverly marketed, and extremely popular as an exotic spectacle for (presumably white) urbanites in Canada and the US"

Dr. Holman wrote that the tour began in Ontario then reached its real target market which included Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island and Massachusetts. 

"In some cities the players divided themselves into two 'tribes'," Dr Holman explained, and "held out their game as part of a series for the Indian hockey Championship of Canada" while in other places only one team was put on the ice to face a local side."

It appears that the tour was the idea of William 'Bill' Friday, who in reports was referred to as the team captain but he did not play. Mr. Friday was an entrepreneur and businessman from the Temagami area who opened Friday's Hotel on Bear Island in the 1920s.

The Toronto Telegram reported in a story headlined, 'Cree Indians win in match with Ojibways'  that, "Toronto hockey fans were treated to a unique spectacle at Ravina rink ...when two full blooded Indian hockey teams, the Cree from Chapleau and the Ojibway from Lake Temagami engaged in a hockey game..." which the Cree won 12-4.

My cousin Michael McMullen advised that, "There is no doubt that in 1928 when the Cree and Ojibway teams played their exhibition games there that Ravina Gardens would have been one of the premier arenas in Toronto, probably only second to the Mutual Street Arena, where the Toronto Maple Leafs played before the opening of Maple Leaf Gardens in 1932."

Michael added: "I recall "Ravina Gardens" fondly as I played hockey there often in the mid-to-late 1950s. Everyone referred to the arena as just 'Ravina'.  For many years, it was one of the most used rinks in Toronto for minor hockey and High School hockey in Toronto.  For an arena that was built before WW1, I can remember how well the building had aged.  It was also unique in that it had boards that were about 18 inches higher than anywhere else."

After the team played in Pittsburgh, the Pittsburgh Post reported that "They are in demand all over the country and are unable to fill half the engagements offered them."

Mr. Plummer noted: "Although their names were printed in the newspapers, the Cree and Ojibway Tour players were never given a voice as well-rounded individuals. Toronto journalists praised the hockey skills of the players, judging that a handful of them were on par with any in the Ontario Hockey Association. But descriptions focused on their physical attributes.

 “Both teams are composed of big men, who are fast and tireless skaters,” the Providence News said. “They play a hard, body checking game that has always been replete with thrills.”

My good friend Derik Hodgson, a former sports writer and distinguished Canadian journalist, after reading Kevin Plummer's article commented that, "fascinating glimpse into the past ... and it was only a glimpse. Sounds much like a formula the Harlem Globetrotters used to much success in B-ball later."  

Sports teams on barnstorming tours were also popular in the 1920s.

Tony Cachagee, who retired from playing hockey when he was 40, was only 17 when he was chosen to play for a Northern Ontario All Star team and then joined the Cree team for the tour. Tony's grandson Kyle Cachagee advised that his grandfather played in so many places that he wrote the names of all of them on a hockey stick which still remains with the family.


After reading this story, Bill McLeod emailed me to relate that his father Borden McLeod was attending school in New Jersey at the time of the tour, and went to New York City to watch his "buddies" from Chapleau play. 

Chapleau hockey team 1918. Alex McAuley, top right

In Chapleau, there were First Nations players on hockey teams from at least 1918, and likely much earlier. Alex McAuley, who was on the tour played on a team which also had legendary goaltender Bob Turner on it.

The Cree Ojibway hockey tour has been the subject of some study by academics over the years in the context of sociological and cultural values in society in the 1920s and of course stereotyping, but with this team, William Friday and the players  seemed to take the view that some held of the "Indian" in society, and cleverly turned it into an advantage dressed, for example, in traditional dress  for the games. They were also good hockey players and won their fair share of games.

Kevin Plummer and Dr Andrew Holman have certainly contributed to a look into the role of First Nations players in hockey in Canada.

Special thanks to Donald and Ian White for their help

I so much appreciate the assistance provided by so many as I worked on this story and I extend my most sincere thanks to: Anne (Zufelt) McGoldrick, Ian White, Donald White, Doreen (Cormier) Cachagee, Derik Hodgson, Michael McMullen, Charles Saylors, Tom Saville, Dr. Bill Pellow, Don Houghton, Kyle Cachagee. Any errors are mine.

If readers would like more information, just Google "Cree Ojibway Indian hockey tour 1928". My email is mj.morris@live.ca

Identify 1181 CHS Cadet Corps officers of 1957

THEY ARE FROM LEFT STAN BARTY, IAN MACDONALD, NEIL RITCHIE, DAVID McMILLAN, JIM HONG. IN BACKGROUND IS A.E. "GUSSIE' EVANS Who are these five  fine looking cadet officers headed to the parade ground behind the old CHS for the annual inspection in 1957?

BONUS QUESTION: Who is the gentleman in the fedora and suit standing behind them?

CLICK ON IMAGE TO ENLARGE!!!

Email mj.morris@live.ca

Calgary Stampeders bring touch of old west to Chapleau after winning Grey Cup in Toronto

Let's take a look at Chapleau as it was on the edge of its boom years of the 1950s as it appeared through the pages of the Chapleau Post.

Ken and Beverly (Yanta) LeClaire recently sent me a copy of the December 2, 1948 edition of the newspaper when Arthur Simpson was the editor, and through the advertisements and stories gives the reader a glimpse of the life and times of the community at the end of the year in which it was threatened by forest fires.

The Calgary Stampeders were in Chapleau at the CPR station on their way home from Toronto, where they had defeated the Ottawa Rough Riders, 12-7, to win the Grey Cup, after having a 12-0 win record in the regular season, the only perfect season in the history of Canadian professional football according to Wikipedia. The Post described it as a "touch of the old West" as cowboys and girls in their ten-gallon hats and fancy shoes and trousers passed through on their special train..."

Although Chapleau was not particularly football conscious, according to the Post, the Stampeder fans rolled off the train and took over and "presented a spectacular entertainment to the crowd..."

1948 Calgary Stampeders

"They bounced off the train in a flurry of ten-gallon hats  and fancy gay coloured hankerchiefs. One fan with an accordion appeared  - another with a guitar  and with a cry of YIPPEE --- they piled onto the platform and gave the locals a treat with a score of western songs".

In response to the crowd's request to see the Grey Cup, coach Les Lear himself brought it out for all to see.

Although the Post does not mention it, they also rode horses along the station platform. I was seven years old and in the crowd -- even got an autographed photo of the team arranged for me by my aunt Marion Morris, who was living in Calgary at the time.

Reeve B.W. Zufelt

In local political news, the Post reported that B.W. 'Bubs' Zufelt had been re-elected by acclamation to serve another one year term.

Joining him on the 1949 council would be J. Cahill, A.J. Grout, E.J. Lepine and W. Steed.

Another front page story said it was expected that the first car would go over Highway 129 in January, and it happened. The highway was declared officially open on a cold winter day on January 30.

C.W. Collins Store 1948

As I looked through the paper, it struck me while reading the advertisements that the only store with ownership by a member of the same family in 1948 and 2012, was Charles W. Collins Stores Ltd., now Collins Home Hardware and Collins Home Furniture, and owned by Doug Collins, the grandson of Charles W. Collins. The Collins name has been associated with ownership of a Chapleau business since 1928.

In the store's advertisement, men's and ladies' McBrine "baggage with character" was being sold at between $25 and $50. while Biltmore hat certificates were available at $5 and $10.

Customers were encouraged to visit the mezzanine for ready-to wear clothes. "Drop up to the mezzanine and see our new party dresses. Smart and stylish in velvets, bengalines and crepes. Choose your favourite frock  for your Christmas parties ahead.." Also, lovely soft fur felt bonnets were available for remarkable prices ranging from $3 to $6.

Walt Disney was popular and the store had children's dressing gowns with Mickey Mouse, or Donald Duck or Pluto on these colourful cotton chenile dressing gowns selling for $4.25 or $5.95 depending on size.

At the Regent Theatre, owned by Cecil Smith, located where the Royal Bank is now, playing was 'Sitting Pretty' starring Robert Young, Maureen O'Hara and Clifton Webb, all very popular movies stars of the day for younger readers who may not recognize the names. The Royal Bank in 1948 was located beside the Dominion grocery store near Birch and Young streets across from the Algoma, later Hublit Hotel.

My cousin Michael McMullen has confirmed that Murrays and Mulligan, a general store was located where the Dominion store later was opened circa 1886. Patrick Mulligan was our great great uncle.

As the natural ice "old old rink" on Lorne Street, and outdoor skating rinks as well as the pond on the back river would soon be in use, Morita Brothers was advertiswing that everyone should have their skates sharpened and be ready for that first workout. They were located on Lansdowne Street across from Gamma Photo Centre which was advertising Kodak products for sale. Who would have ever thought in 1948 that Kodak would ever file for bankruptcy protection as it has just done in 2012.

In 1948, Chapleau had two pharmacies -- the Model Drug store where Ross Thornton was the pharmacist and Rexall Drugs with Ed Downey as pharmacist.

At Smith and Chapple Ltd. where D.O. Payette was president and A.J. Grout vice president, their advertisement was featuring a selection of "beautiful" fur coats ranging in price from $200 to $400. They came in mouton, sable dyed muskrat, raccoon and muskrat. In 1949, Mr. Payette would retire from the firm and Mr. Grout took over.

Smith and Chapple had opened a book department just inside the entrance to its men's wear shop and Mrs. Mitchell would be in the department from 1 to 5 each afternoon to assist customers in making selections. 

Popular Presto pressure cookers were available at $16.95 and $19.95 in the hardware department while steering sleighs were on sale at $2.69 and $3.29.

To prevent frozen gas lines Pellow's Garage and Service was selling Arctic Sure Flow with guaranteed protection for 1000 miles per 75c bottle. At Pellow Supply Co. Alberta lump coal was available at $17.50 a ton.

Harold S. Cahill Men's Shoppe located in the Queens, later Sportsman Hotel, had a wide variety of men's fashions available while Vet's Taxi operated by Pete Therrien announced it now had three cars available for better service. Its motto: "We doze -- but never close." Len Perfetto had Chapleau's other taxi service at the time.

Back on the front page was a social news item announcing that a bridal shower had been held at the home of Mrs. Percy Scott in honour of Frances Jardine, who was to marry Henry Corston. After lovely gifts were opened a "dainty lunch was served by Mrs. Scott assisted by her neighbours."

At Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church, a service was held with Bishop G. Landry present where he announced that Father Romeo Gascon was named domestic prelate and would now be Msgr. Gascon. In 1948, he had served as the parish priest for 40 years.

Finally, in my look at moments in life and times of Chapleau in late 1948, everyone was invited to dances at the Legion hall on Saturday nights to the music of Wilf Simpson's Orchestra. Only 50 cents admission!

The community was getting ready for its boom years.

Thanks to Ken and Beverly for the Chapleau Post. My email is mj.morris@live.ca