The Royal Canadian Legion Saskatchewan Command LEST WE FORGET 99 The granting of the Great War Veteran's Association of Canada charter was given to the Lemberg Branch in July of 1920. Information gleaned from their Bank of Hamilton bankbook starting in May 1920, reveals that a J.G. Gardiner dance was held on September 7, 1920 with a profit of $27. In December of 1927, a special meeting of the G.W.V.A. was held and $600 was given to the town of Lemberg. The G.W.V.A seal was changed to Canadian Legion, British Empire Service League Lemberg Branch in January 1933. The names on the charter were L.W. Dodge and C.A. Findley. The World War I Veterans were ambitious, dedicated and able men who did honour to the Lemberg Legion. Comrade William Henry produced the play “So This Is London” in 1927. Comrade Henry produced many excellent plays in the following years. A play would follow a supper on November 10th and a dance would be held November 11th. The first closed rink in Lemberg was built by the G.W.V.A. on the site of the present hotel in 1927. The community had been canvassed for funds and Mr. Frank McKen donated a house to be sold and proceeds given to the rink. In February 1928, the Branch put on a dance to raise money to buy uniforms for the Lemberg Band. March minutes indicate they donated $265 for this purpose. The Lemberg Legion organized the school field day and the community Sports Day. In September 1928, a Chautawqua show was brought to town and in the same month a boxing match was held. A children’s party was arranged for Halloween and later that evening the Legion patrolled the streets. In 1932 the local hall (now the Ward-Kanciruk. duplex) was purchased from the United Church for $2,000 at 3% interest. Not long after, the first picture shows were held in Lemberg. At the end of World War, Branch 69 Lemberg Legion of British Empire Service League was happy to report a greatly increased membership with the return of the local Veterans. On V.E. Day, May 7, 1945, a dinner was held at the Minto Hotel and Sgt. Raymond Stilborn was a guest on this occasion. A Legion Victory Sports Celebration was held in June 1945. The Casey Shows were engaged for this event and for several years following were part of the Sports Days. A ‘VJ’ Dinner was held on August 14, 1945 at the Minto Hotel. The Hon. J.G. Gardiner was guest speaker. In 1946, the present sports grounds were developed. In May when the men were working, Comrade Richard Acton stopped activities at 3 o’clock and conducted a short service at which time the grounds were officially named "Victory Park." Their next project was a new Memorial Theatre. In 1948, their plans were revised in favour of building a multi-purpose Memorial Hall. The minutes from October 1948 state that the official opening would take place on November 11, 1948, with a fowl supper, show and dance. The community had been canvassed for money and labours and had responded. A cenotaph was erected in 1949. In the early 1950's, the mortgage was burned. This was possible due to all the dances, plays, shows and hall rentals. Shows were held several times a week, but had to cease on Tuesdays after receiving a letter of concern from the Lemberg Band. It seems that children preferred going to the show rather than practice. In 1954, a scholarship was given to a grade twelve student with the highest academic standing. The following year, the Pony League Ball Club was sponsored by the Lemberg Legion. The Branch has also supported C.G.I.T., Scouts, Cubs, Girl Guides, as well as Minor Hockey. In 1961, minutes reveal the name was changed to The Royal Canadian Legion. Due to decreased show attendance, the movie projector was sold that year and the first Poppy Contest was held. The Branch sponsored their first athlete to attend a Track and Field Clinic in 1969. This was also the year that the Lemberg and District Lions took over the hall. Some interesting facts contained in over sixty years of minutes: • Comrade Harry Cole was President in 1927 • "Rum Jars” magazine subscriptions taken in 1934 • Annie Allen and Sid Kenyon received most points in the 1936 field meet • Chris Zaph was a long-term hall caretaker • Gene Dulowhy’s orchestra played for a Lemberg dance in July 1952 • In 1952, a radio was purchased to be loaned to hospitalized members of the Legion and Auxiliary • An extra $2 was charged in 1952 for the use the Hall basement for Weddings • In 1963, the Canadian flag received a poor reception by the Legion • Due to vandalism, a new stone cenotaph was erected in 1963 • A member was authorized to purchase two liquid "303s" for a mulligan stew social Over the years, it has not been all work and no play. Veteran Legion members always enjoyed curling. They curled in Legion bonspiels for over half a century. The main focus for the present day members of the Lemberg Branch is the November 11th program and the literary and poster contests for Grades 1-12. An annual Poppy Day Tea is also held with the help of young people who are members of the Air, Army and Sea Cadet groups. The Legion believes that the involvement of young people in the act of remembrance will ensure it is continued for the future generations. Although most Canadians today are fortunate enough to have no personal experience of living with war, we owe it to those who have served and continue to serve to understand, to learn, and to appreciate the contributions of those who have helped protect peace both here in Canada and around the world. LEMBERG BRANCH 69
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