The Royal Canadian Legion Saskatchewan Command LEST WE FORGET 179 After World War I (1914-1918), Veterans of the Tompkins area joined the “Great War Veterans Association” and as of 1928, members of the organization were: CA. McEwan, Bill Mullen, Sid Knight, Sandy (Alex) Blair, Ben Smith, Randy Holding, Alfred Heffer, John Gilchrist, Joe Little, Jim Smith, Alex Chouinard, Jacob Joyce, Alf Watell, Bill Dowland, Sam Beatty, Max McGillivary, I.A. Brian, Gordon McEwan Cyril Theedon, Aurther Hansen, Rev. Williams, Reg Forster, T. Henry Forsaith, Archie Cameron, Charlie Keown, E.J. Leicester, Harry Heffer. The meetings were first held in the Orange Hall, then in the old school house, and finally in the Beaver Lumber Yard (located at the present day post office). In 1925, the Federal Government passed an act to incorporate all Veterans Associations, to be known as the Royal Canadian Legion - (BESL) British Empire Service League with Branches throughout Canada. In 1930, the Royal Canadian Legion Tompkins Branch #140 was organized. The membership roll was transferred and absorbed into this new organization and the Great War Veterans Association terminated. Charter members of the Tompkins Legion #140 were: Scotty (Ivy) Richardson, President; Alf Wastell, Vice-President; I.A. Brian, Secretary/Treasurer; C.A. McEwan, Alex Forsyth, John Gilchrist, Thomas Simpson, Archibald Cameron, Cyril Theedon and Reg Forster. The Branch was represented at all Provincial and Dominion Conventions by delegate Alf Wastell. The Legion was very active within the community, promoting sports and supporting many worthwhile activities, one of the foremost projects being the building of the Tompkins Memorial Hall, which was completed in 1946. In 1957, they purchased and renovated the building presently known as the Legion Hut. In 1984, the Tompkins Legion membership had dwindled to only nine members. George Robinson, then President, recruited M.C. (Dick) Wells, who had just retired from the Royal Canadian Navy, and together they started a recruiting campaign. By 1986, the membership had increased to over forty members. Dick Wells is still membership chairman and the current membership, in 2006, is 65 and climbing. The Tompkins Legion Branch #140 has represented Saskatchewan on three occasions at Dominion Cribbage. In 1994, George Robinson, Dick Wells, Alvin Dugan, and Peter Robinson won the right to represent the province in Saskatoon, losing by two points to British Columbia. George was the oldest competitor at a young 81 years. In 1998, Tompkins again represented the province in Charlottetown, PEI, with the team consisting of Dick Wells, Garlin Wells, Bernie Ford and Peter Robinson. Again in 2001, lady luck smiled on Tompkins and Dick Wells, Garlin Wells, Bernie Ford and Raeburn Jahnke represented the province in Kingston, NS. The Royal Canadian Legion Tompkins Branch #140 are very active within the community at this time giving support to the Rec. Board, Curling & Skating Rinks, Community Centre, School, Senior Citizens and many youth activities. Legion Presidents since 1984 are as follows: 1984 George Robinson 1985 Jake Jesse 1986-1988 M.C. (Dick) Wells 1989 Preston Eklund 1990 Pat Robinson 1991 Raeburn Jahnke 1992 Raymond Peterson 1993 Don Harvey 1994-1995 Peter Robinson 1996-1997 Randy Jahnke 1998-1999 Peter Robinson 2000-2002 Randy Jahnke 2003-2004 Pat Robinson 2004-present Judy Wells Legion Secretary/Treasurers since 1984: 1984-1986 Alex Forsyth 1987-1988 Don Harvey 1989-1990 Dick Taylor 1991 Ken Ford 1992-1993 Raeburn Jahnke 1994-1995 Walter Ernshaw 1996-2001 M.C. Wells 2001-present Bette Jane Jahnke LADIES’ AUXILIARY TO TOMPKINS BRANCH 140 The Ladies’ Auxiliary to Tompkins Branch 140 was formed on May 12 1947, with Mary Kruse as President and Gladys Wiens (McEwan), Flora Thompson, Faye Wiens, Mae Noland, Mary McEwan, Vera Brian, Ethel Downey, Gertrude McEwan, Mary Cave, Olive Harrison, Irene Bethel, Hazel Baker, Mary Ivhason, Violet Leoppkey, Marion Mitchell, Elizabeth Ward and Amelia (Dolly) Hundt. The first meeting of the Ladies’Auxiliary was held in the town hall. The Ladies’ Auxiliary was very active throughout the community for many, many years. TOMPKINS BRANCH 140 (Cont’d...)
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