The Royal Canadian Legion Saskatchewan Command LEST WE FORGET 177 Biggar Branch was chartered in June 1930, with 17 Boar and First World War Veterans. The Ladies’ Auxiliary was chartered on August 9, 1937, with 15 members and was disbanded in 1998 for lack of members. The early meeting halls were small and in the community. Over the years, a lot of time and funds have gone into the present hall, which the Branch has had for over 50 years, and many wonderful happenings have evolved from it over the years. Some of the biggest and best ventures have been the sponsorship of the longest running Santa Claus and Community Day for kids and shut-ins for over 30 years. Over the years, as well as community events, the Branch has run a Senior Hockey Team, Two-Day Semi-Pro Baseball, as well as minor sports of all kinds, and some very large donations to the Fire Department, Hospital and Senior Homes and meeting centre. The Branch has both paid and volunteer staff, and a bar license as well. The Branch is well respected in the community and take a large part on November 11th parade and services. Much of the members’ time is given towards the welfare to veterans and their dependents. Present membership of Biggar Branch 138 stands at 137. BIGGAR BRANCH 138 The fIrst organizational meeting of local veterans was held in the old fITe hall on March 22, 1930. The name chosen was the Wilkie District Branch British Empire Service League Canadian Legion. The charter was granted June 4, 1930. Charter members are: lC. Jones, W. McAllister, D.J. McCarthy, J.H. Gammon, H.R. Wells, W.P. Graham, G.G. McConechy, J. Wemyss, M.A. Wilson, and G. W. Smith. The cenotaph was dedicated in the Memorial Park on July 3, 1927. The first Armistice Day parade of veterans and Legion members was held there November 11, 1930. A Legion Hut was constructed on the corner of Imperial A venue and Marion Street. The fITst meeting in there was probably held January 8, 1933. The hut was sold to Allan Crawford Jr. and moved off the site June 25, 1945. Early fund raising activities included a Jitney Dance which cost 5 cents a dance, or you could dance all evening for 35 cents. Several bingos, dances, and teas have been held throughout the years. The branch sent cigarettes to local servicemen overseas in World War II. Financial assistance was given to the War Services fund, aid to Russia, and to our local veterans and dependents. In 1945 the Branch and the Town Council established a Soldiers Plot in the local cemetary. Pte Oliver Zink was the frrst veteran laid to rest. This year (2006) a new sign is being erected to honor our veterans. August 10, 1945, a Decoration Day Service was held in the Roxy Theater. At this time a new plaque was unveiled for the Cenotaph. The plaque contained the names of the 34 local deceased World War II soldiers. Work on a new Legion Hall was started September 6, 1947. The 28' x 48' structure included a full basement. The hall did not have water and sewer connections. Water was hauled in and the local Night Soil Man was always sure of a hefty donation. Upgrades to the hall continued over the years with a 15 foot extension being added in 1968. Our Auxiliary has been the backbone of our organization for the past 60 years. We were proud to participate in their 60th Anniversary celebrations. They received their charter April 15, 1946. The Auxiliary charter members are Edith Johnson, Beatrice M. Nay, Lonetta M. Grill, Lorna P. Hushagen, Marion J. Knisely, Lyla Hushagen, Mary Abramoff, Irene Cameron, Mary McIntosh, Margaret E. Buxton, Jean Turner, Agnes McConechy, Loretta Marshall, and Mary Sherwood. Throughout the years the ladies have worked tirelessly catering, running bingos, teas, and raffles to name a few. They have always been there for us. The Legion simply couldn't have done it without them. The many fun times at the Wilkie Branch have included the Pig & Whistle dances, the haggis at the Robbie Bums dances, and the pipers at the St. Patrick's Day dances. Our present membership (2006) is 56 members. Submitted by Dave Martin Sec. Wilkie Branch #139 WILKIE & DISTRICT BRANCH 139
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