The Royal Canadian Legion Saskatchewan Command LEST WE FORGET 151 (Cont’d...) The precursor of the Legion Branch in Nipawin was the War Veterans Association, which held its first meeting in 1920. Nipawin Branch 120 received its charter on December 28, 1928. At that time, it was the Canadian Legion of the British Empire Service League. Charter members were H.B. Smith, J. Lafarelle, J.F. McKay, W.O. Shearer, S.M. Scott, J.A. Irwin, J.A. Dall, W.W. Lawrence, F. Street, L.P. Corley, R. Rogers, H.J. Lawrence, J. Short, and G.A. McKay. In the beginning, business meetings were held in a variety of places, including in the neighboring community of Codette, the Lawrence Bros. Hardware and the Odd Fellows Hall. In 1940, services of the local Branch were offered in any way for the Home Protection Force. The Branch had an influx of new members at war’s end and the decision was made to build a hall with the first $200 deposited into a building fund in September 1944. A shortage of building supplies (cement) delayed construction start until spring of 1946. This difficulty plagued construction. A loan of $2000 was obtained and members were asked to donate to the building fund ($10 in lieu of two days work). Voluntary loans were also obtained from the membership, but the job was finally completed. Two extra lots were purchased and a note burning for paying the $3000 debt was held in 1971. In 1984, the official ribbon cutting for the new Legion lounge and clubrooms under the hall was held. An expansion for the new kitchen and meeting rooms was done for the Legion Diamond Jubilee in 1986. Major renovations to the lounge were made in 1995. In 1996, the Memorial Park was constructed and the Cenotaph was moved to the Park with the official dedication held on August 10, 1997. The lift was added in 1998 to make sure Veterans had access to the hall and lounge. In 2001, new washrooms were constructed with funds donated by the Auxiliary when it surrendered its charter. They gave over 70 years of valuable service to the Branch. A number of Auxiliary members were welcomed as Branch members. In July 2002, the Tribute Wall was dedicated. Photos of those killed serving their country, along with the geographic site named for them are surrounded by photos of all those who have served from the area. This is an ongoing project with over 200 photos already filling the walls of the lounge. In the Upper Hall are the Fallen Heroes plaques donated by a local insurance company on behalf of Western Financial Group. The Legion has always been a major sponsor of the Nipawin Air Cadet Squadron 190. In return, they assist the Branch with events such as the Poppy Campaign and Remembrance Day. The Branch has assisted with numerous youth projects, such as junior hockey, baseball, track and field, music festival, scholarships, etc. We have been heavily involved with the Relay for Life Cancer run when it comes to Nipawin. Through the Poppy Fund there are three bursaries available for students. The Branch has over 200 members, including 16 Life members and 60 Ordinary members. Eight members have over 60 years in the Legion, including six exclusively to Branch 120. Regular weekly events include: bingo, kaiser, darts, cribbage and a Saturday supper. We employ someone to run the lounge and a parttime janitor. Everything else is done by volunteers. We have annual Vimy and Poppy Day teas, Decoration Day, Remembrance Day service and banquet preceded by visits to all local schools, and on November 11th, a second service at the nursing home. When Legion Branches in neighboring communities closed, we took over Poppy campaigns in White Fox and Codette. The Branch has hosted numerous provincial sports events, and take part actively in the Legion sports program. In 2000, the Branch hosted Dominion Regular Curling, and to add to the excitement, the Nipawin team won. The hall has the Happy Harvesters Dance Club, the Community Drama group and the Diabetes Association as regular tenants. They also cater many community events. In 2007, the Branch will play a major role in the Anti-Stigma Campaign project conducted by the British Columbia Institute of Technology, one of only three communities in Canada to be chosen for the three-year project. The Branch will celebrate its 80th Anniversary in 2008, and the members hope to honour the founders and Veterans with a mural in Memorial Park. Branch members thank our veterans who have generously passed the torch to associate members, while carrying on supporting and working for the Branch whenever possible. NIPAWIN BRANCH 120
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