The Royal Canadian Legion Saskatchewan Command LEST WE FORGET 159 They converted it into a hall and a Legion Clubroom. In 1946, many World War II veterans returned home and joined the Legion. The Weldon and Kinistino Veterans joined the Shannonville Branch. The Branch started using the chartered name "Kinistino." Membership grew to 101, with dues at $3.50 per year. There was talk of building a new Legion hall. This hall became a reality with a lot of work by the Veterans and volunteers. The cost of building the hall was $18,546.44. Money was raised by various projects. One of those projects was a turkey raffle. This raffle brought in a generous sum of $1,355.48. That is quite a sum for one turkey. The first meeting of the Kinistino Legion Branch #129 was held in the new hall on December 2, 1948. The official opening and dedication of the new hall was held on May 24, 1949. The Kinistino Branch of the Ladies' Auxiliary was formed in 1945. The Legion and the Legion Auxiliary have continued to work closely throughout the years. The Auxiliary has given tremendous support and assistance for any Legion project. Around 1966, the Legion began having weekly bingos. These bingos are still carried on in 2006. Besides keeping the hall and clubrooms in good order, the Legion has donated to many community projects, both in money and as volunteers. It was an exciting time when the Legion curling team went to Nationals in 1984 and 1986. Members of the team were Russell Bacon, John Freeman, Jack Drysdale and Gordon McPhee. One of the highlights at Christmas is the Annual Turkey Dinner, which is prepared and served by the Legion and Legion Auxiliary in early December. Everyone from the town of Kinistino, who is 70 years of age or older, gets an invitation. The Kinistino Legion has always had a strong Poppy Day campaign. Students at school are recognized with monetary awards at the local level for their posters and literary efforts. The Remembrance Day activities continue to be a well-attended and important event every November 11th. In August 2006, the Kinistino Legion had two Life members, thirteen Ordinary members, thirty Associate members, and no Affiliate members. It is hoped that this Legion Branch will remain strong. History from research by Russell Bacon KINISTINO BRANCH 129 (...Cont’d) The Hudson Bay Branch 130 was formed on November 26, 1929, and was then known as Hudson Bay Junction with twelve charter members. At the present time, there are 96 Legion members. The Ladies’ Auxiliary was formed on September 27, 1932, with twelve charter members. The Ladies’Auxiliary now has twelve members. The Branch's first fundraising was dances and suppers. They now have weekly bingos, Ladies Night Out, fall suppers, and monthly suppers. They have started a 100 Club Lottery with a raffle every Friday. The present hall was built in 1948, and renovations are done as needed. We also have a bar downstairs. We have a Boer War home in the Heritage Park. The Branch sponsor Track & Field and give bursaries to our Veterans’ grandchildren, donate to numerous charities, and members take part in cribbage, darts, bowling and golf. HUDSON BAY BRANCH 130 The Canwood Branch of the Legion was chartered on February 14, 1930. There were thirteen Charter members. The Branch was revitalized with the return of World War II Veterans in 1945. The Legion hall was started in 1949. The floor was laid in 1952, and it was opened in 1954. Sewer and water were installed in 1963. In 1971, an upstairs kitchen was built. In 1976-78, that hall was updated with a new floor and carpet, new kitchen cupboards and new lights. In August 1949, a group of ladies met to form an Auxiliary to the Legion. Their charter arrived in December and was signed by ten ladies. The Auxiliary started with a bank account - this was achieved by making and selling lunches at the Silver Lake Dances every Saturday night. In the early years, when the ladies catered, they had to bring everything from home: water, wood for stove, dishes and silverware, and white sheets to use as tablecloths. CANWOOD BRANCH 132 (Cont’d...)
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