The Royal Canadian Legion Saskatchewan Command LEST WE FORGET 107 The Ladies’ Auxiliary got its charter on March 3, 1927. Names that appear on their Charter are: Millicent S. Broom, Eva A. Morgan, Alice M. Hawlett, Alice M. Cook, Margaret M. Graham, Winifred M. Young, Ivy M. Hammond, Rose Brinkhurst, Margret E. Bowyer, Anna L. Hardy, Hadassah R. Smith, Edith Beasly, Laurina S. Wilson and Stella V. Forbes. Their Charter was returned on August 9, 2000 because of the age of their members. The Maple Creek Legion played a part in the very first attempts to organize the Rodeo in Maple Creek, by sending a representative, M. Bevans, to "A Canadian Cowboys Contract Managers Association," held in Calgary in 1928. The Maple Creek Legion was involved in sponsoring "The Cowtown Rodeo," with what seems to be varying degrees of success, off and on, through the 1920s up to the mid-1980s. Over the years, the Maple Creek Legion's Branch members were strong participants in upholding Legion policy and their activities varied. Members were appointed to represent the Legion’s views at immigration meetings at the town hall. The struggle for Veterans’ rights have been continuous. Letters were sent to Members of Parliament reminding them of Legion policy on Remembrance Day and Veterans employment in the civil service. Annual sales of poppies and wreaths, Remembrance Day Parade organization, and participation were focal points. The idea of giving children an opportunity to write essays on Remembrance Day began with a suggestion by Com. Hitchcock in November 1936. This has been a tradition and is still carried on today. On January 12, 1937, the town fathers were asked to donate a cemetery plot to the Legion. This has since been enlarged. On March 28, 1939, a decision was made that an engraving of Vimy Ridge be framed and hung in the club room. This engraving now hangs in the main hall. In May 1942, an "Roll Honour," listing the names of enlistments from Maple Creek and District "Volunteers for Active Service" was drawn up and is still on display in the Normandy Room. In 1946, it appears the first women members to be admitted to the #75 Branch were Helen Morrison and Shirley Kearns. The President at that time was Jack White, who is believed to be the first WWll Veteran to hold office. That same year, the Legion sponsored a League Hockey team, and a member was appointed to assist Veterans passing through by providing meals and beds and negotiating the rental of H huts from the base for Veterans to rent. Although there is not a clear record of where any of the meetings were first held at the beginning, it is known that the Legion occupied the old Presbyterian Church before it was demolished and became the Salvation Army Church; the building, now known as the Gold building, and the Armories before the Ken Club moved an H hut from the Army base in 1953, which forms the main hall of the present Legion building located on Maple Street. It was not until 1975 that the project was under taken to construct the building that can be seen today at 218 Maple Street. Over the years, little has changed with Legion activities and support. The Branch does a lot of community support, golf course, local arena, Scouting Association, Salvation Army, and Cadets. They support student to Legion Track and Field each year and present bursaries or Scholarships to students for further education. We support many other community activities and worthwhile causes. Remembrance Day activities of November 11th have moved from the Legion Hall to the Armories to accommodate more people. This also allows space for the participation of the school band at the service. They no longer march to the Cenotaph because of the age of their Veterans. In the Legion, they have what is called the Memorial Wall. This is a plaque that consists of photos of members, local and district, who gave their lives for freedom and country. Also, there is a picture of the geographical location in Saskatchewan, named after them. The Branch has 29, so far, with more to come. These plaques came from family members and were donated for the Wall. The hall also consists of many uniforms, worn in the services, and photos of army units and members, also photos pertaining mostly to World War II. Our first woman President was Juanita Porter in 1997-1998. Currently, there are over 100 members and we hope to keep the activities of the Legion going for years to come by supporting the community, organizations and worthwhile causes. MAPLE CREEK BRANCH 75 (...Cont’d)
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