Michael and Emma Poupore

Michael Joseph (M.J.) and Emma Poupore came to Skead in 1942 from Gogama to establish the Poupore Lumber Company sawmill in the area.  The company was responsible for bringing new life to the flailing community, employing most of the residents in some capacity.

Emma Poupore was a true matriarch for the community.  She was a kind and loving person who treated everyone with respect and was always willing to lend a hand when needed.  She would often be found providing comfort to a homesick immigrant or working to ensure that the atmosphere of the town was one of warmth and welcome.

Michael Joseph (M.J.) and Emma Poupore - 1954.  Photo courtesy of the Greater Sudbury Historical Database.Mrs. Poupore was an active community leader who took it upon herself to take care of the needs of the community and to ensure that the company houses and boarding houses were in top condition for the lumber workers.

She was president of the Women's Auxiliary at St. Joseph's Hospital in Sudbury, she spearheaded the development of the Skead Guild in 1944, and as elected president of the Ontario Women's Liberal Association, she would travel extensively with the political campaign team.  As part of the Red Cross Society, Emma organized a first-aid training course for the young women of Skead during the war years.

With all of her many accomplishments, Emma Poupore was most proud of her contribution to the construction of St. Bernardine of Siena Church.  The combined efforts of the town and the Poupore Lumber Company were instrumental in the development of the church.

The Poupore family home was located across the street from the church.  This home was carried on a flatbed from Gogama to Skead when the couple first moved to the area.  It is still in existence today.

M.J. and Emma had six children, four boys (Mike, Frank, Gordon, and Jonathan) and two girls (Emma and Simone).  The boys worked with their father for the lumber company while the girls assisted Emma.

The Poupore family were dedicated members of the community.  They always ensured that every resident had ice for their iceboxes, and they even went so far was to cover the outstanding costs incurred in the construction of the town church.

In 1954, M.J. and Emma celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary among friends, family, and Skead residents.  The event was highlighted by CKSO TV.

Emma Poupore passed away in 1961, just a few short months before her husband, M.J.  The couple was succeeded by their children and numerous grandchildren.  The Poupore name is still well-respected in the community.

 

Material compiled from Skead, Ontario, Canada: 1924-1999.

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