Lest We Forget / 59 On completion of the new “Home”, the old building was sold and was used by various businesses including the Double D. Restaurant, a motorcycle dealership, and an autobody shop prior to being consumed by fire a few years later. In 1971, it was decided to build a new branch “Home”. This was started in late 1971 and officially opened 30 July 1973. The opening coincided with PEI’s Centennial Celebration. In the cornerstone was embedded a copper urn that contains a history of the Miscouche Legion and personal artifacts of members. The official opening was performed by Comrade Wiley Barrett, Wing Commander Ret. 30 July 1973. The branch made very good progress and in 1983 was in a position of being able to build a 6500 square foot extension. Not only was this financially viable, but necessary for the expanding business. The new extension allowed for a larger functions area, Ladies Auxiliary kitchen and Cocktail Bar on the upper floor. On the lower floor, a Veterans / Seniors Room, larger sports rooms and a restaurant called “Wilf’s Nook”. On 1 January 1973, the first levee was held and continues to draw large crowds from all over Prince County. What we may consider a first, in 1974, it was recognized that some kind of organized program was needed to entertain graduating students on graduation night. The branch held a dry dance for students upstairs and downstairs, entertainment for parents. The first safe grad? Branch # 18 has held the Boy Scouts Charter since 1952 with annual financial support. As a community project, Branch made a $5000 commitment to be paid over 5 years to purchase a new fire truck for the Village of Miscouche. Prince County Fire Departments had no Jaws of Life Equipment. Miscouche Fire Department pursued this need and a donation of $3000 to each of St. Eleanors and Summerside Fire Departments made this dream a reality. This has since been copied in other communities in Prince County. Amajor reduction in Ladies Auxiliary membership has had a very negative impact. the manager, some paid help and volunteers have to manage banquets, etc. This of course reflects in lower profit at a time legion branches can ill afford it. Younger ladies are joining as associate members and older Ladies Auxiliary members have transferred over. Good for per capita taxes but poor for branches. Past Presidents 1946-1950 Pat Martin 1947 Perley MacNeill 1948 Regis Gaudet 1949-1953 Albert Kincaid 1951 Edmond Arsenault 1952 Raymond Farrell 1952-1955 Gus Gaudet 1954 Ben Sonier 1956-1957 O.J. Gallant 1958 Elmer Gaudet 1959-1960-1961-1967 George Veno 1962-1963-1964 Dave Cameron 1965-1966-1970-1971-1984 Everett Gallant 1967 Harold Blacquiere 1968 Eddie Gaudet 1969 Frank St. John 1973 Maurice McQuaid 1974-1975 Joe Perry 1974-1976 George Langmaid 1977-1978 Wilfred Gallant 1978-1979 Gerry Prendergast 1980-1981-1987-1988-1997 Lloyd Cameron 1982-1983 Allan Parks 1985-1986 Elgin Veno 1989-1990 Simon Arsenault 1991-1992 Keir Johnson 1993-1994 Edmond Gallant 1995-1996 Bob Dixon 1998-1999 Les Phelan 2000 Diane Dixon 2001-2002 Danny Gaudet The Royal Canadian Legion Prince Edward Island Command Branch No. 18 - Miscouche
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTM0NTk1OA==