Chapleau Moments

by MichaelJ. Morris

WhentheLadyMintoHospitalhonoured Dr.JohnJosephSheahanwithamemorialplaque and officially opened the new childrens' ward in 1963. Rev. Gaston Lampron of Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church referred to him as a "greatsoulandgreatman'addingthattheoccasion wasafittingtributetohismemory.

In dedicating the memorial plaque, Rev. J.G.M. Doolan of St. John's Anglican Church mentioned the affection and respect that Dr. Sheahan Was held since his arrival in 1907 in Chapleau until his death in 1942. Mr Doolan added it was in both his personal andprofessionallife.

The memorial plaque was unveiled by Dr. Sheahan's daughter, Evelyn.

C.B. Greenlaw, chair of the hospital board welcomed the dignitaries who were present for the occasion on a day with "clear skies and pleasant temperatures which parallled carrying out the dedicationserviceon the hospital lawns, according to

MargaretCostellointheSudburyStar.

Dignitaries included Evelyn, Dr. Sheahan's daughter;Ray Jessup, president of the Ontario Hospital Association; E.P. Everitt, CPR Superintendent; and Mrs. Lionel Nolan, a personal friend of Dr. Sheahan who had a long associationwiththehospital.

The Lady Minto Hospital was opened in 1914.Mr. Greenlaw outlined the history of the

Lady Minto Hospital from 1914 when it was the only hospital between Sudbury and FortWilliam (nowThunderBay.

MrsNolancommentedthatDr.Sheahan's "ready smile" won the hearts of young patients whoconsideredhimtheirhero"

She added that until his death he was not only a physician but " but counsellor, father and friend.Hewasalwaysavailableintimeofneed."

Mr, Everitt of the CPR said that every word he had heard would not bring out all the greatnessthatDr.Sheahanpossessed.Hismedical practice through the north country was very difficultandhetravelledbydogteamandhorses and sleigh as his transportation..As an aside the good people of Chapleau had bought him a Ford totakehimaroundtown.

Dr Sheahan 1940 Carnival King, Ina Robinson,CharlesReid,WalterLeigh

Visits to the new childrens' wing were conducted by Mrs. Frances Burrows, Mrs. WilliamGrinton,Mrs.RossPellow,MrsRichard Avison,andMrs.J.R.Keddie.

There were already young patients in the newwingwhichwascompleteineverydetail. The guests then returned to the hospital lawnforrefreshments.PouringteawasMrs.Elsie Wilkinson,oneofthefirstmatronsatLadyMinto Hospital. Many of us will remember Mrs. Wilkinson as the school nurse. My email is mj.morris@live.ca