The Royal Canadian Legion Saskatchewan Command LEST WE FORGET 185 It is very hard to get a precise story of the Canadian Legion (or the Great War Veterans Association, as it was called then) after the First World War, as many of the old records were lost in the Pool Elevator fire years ago. The Luseland Branch of the Great War Veterans Association was formed in the year 1919, with ap-proximately eighteen charter members, among whom were Harry Griffin, H. Barlow, W.H. Creighton, Wm. Evans, Wm. McKenzie, J.W. Sim, W.D. Sim, L. Mattatall, George Crawford, F.A. Fellows, D. McKenzie, G.E. Morris, P. Hennon, E.E. Keys, E.R. Graham, A. Brockelhurst, D. Jones, and E. Connley. The writer is unable to find the name of the first President of the G. W. V .A., but the late J.W. Sim was one of the first Secretary/Treasurers, holding that office in 1922-23. This early organization was a very active one as is shown by some of the entries in the cash book. A Sports Day on July 3, 1921, netted the sum of $1,212.17. In 1923, a record shows a gain of $207 from a sports meet. The first prize for baseball was $125 and it went to Macklin in 1921, the second prize of $75 went to the Denzil Club. In 1922, the first payment by the G.W.V.A. was made for a building site, the one opposite the Royal George Hotel, and construction began the same year on the clubroom. The membership fees were $3 per annum, and also at that time, the late J.W. Sim attended a few conventions that were held in Regina. Some members of the G.W.V.A. were Wm. Wylie, John Kembel, C.W. Pattison, Fred Lindberg, George Riehl, Jack Ferguson, A.E. Dowling. The main project of the G.W.V.A. was the Memorial Park and Cenotaph, which is a fitting memorial to those of their comrades who lost their lives in the World Wars. In the year 1926, the G.W.V.A. amalgamated with the Canadian Legion of the British Empire Service League. Mr. J. Zubick, now of Calgary, was the first Legion President, with James Sim again as Secretary; an office which he held off and on for many years. New members then were Harry Whittaker, Tom Eyre, Carl Beck, G.H. Downton, Fred Riley, A.G. Howard, and Harry Griffin. Taxes on the property that year were $8.70, while the Community Hall rental was $2 per evening. Records are not available for the activities of the new Legion until the depression, when the membership dropped considerably and the fees were cut to $1. This state of affairs continued until the end of the last war. Mr. A. Geelan was the President then, with Wm. Wylie as Secretary/Treasurer. Much credit is due Mr. Geelan for his work in keeping alive the Canadian Legion during the war, in order to hand over the reigns to the "young sweats" when they returned. In 1946, a complete reorganization took place with fifteen World War II Veterans joining the ranks of the older Veterans. The late E.W. MacEwan was appointed President with W.M. Wagner as Secretary/Treasurer. In 1948, after considerable discussion and controversy, the Legion sold the G.W.V.A. club room and constructed a Legion Room in the upper part of the Luseland Memorial Rink, for which they obtained an extensive lease from the town. Activities have been varied. Annual socials and banquets were held for Legion members and their wives. Much work and money was put into the new rooms. The Legion started holding Car Bingos in 1955. This con-tinued until 1959. Money from Bingos was spent building a paddling pool on the north side of the Memorial Park. From then until the present day, the Legion has continued to take part in many community projects. At the beginning of the 1970s, membership began to fall and it looked as if the Branch would have to close. It was at this time that sons and daughters of Veterans were admitted into the Legion and through their efforts the Luseland Branch is again a thriving organization. History by Robert Haugen LADIES’ AUXILIARY TO LUSELAND BRANCH 146 The Auxiliary to the Legion was formed in 1954 with fifteen members. Presently, there are twenty-two members. The ladies’ first commitment is to the Legion, and they assist by serving lunch at their dances and parties and if needed help with renovations to the Legion Room. A few years ago the 11th of November was for Legion members only and they usually went to the Legion Room after the services for the day, while the wives were left home with crying and fighting kids. About twelve years ago they decided the Auxiliary should take part in this day and now a supper and a social is held and enjoyed by all. The ladies raise their monies by annual Nov. 11th Tea and Bake Sales. Proceeds go to Veterans Comfort Fund and a scholarship fund, which is for children of Legion or Auxiliary members who may need assistance for their education. They also have card parties and raffles. There are five Auxiliaries in the zone, so every fifth year Branch 146 Auxiliary hosts zone rallies, curling and dart tournaments. They also support most local charities. In 1979, they celebrated their 25th Anniversary and six members received their 25-year pin: Elsie Muench, Shirley Patterson, Gertie Whittaker, Lil Kembel, Dilly Flahr and Essie Campbell. They have one Life member, Mrs. Whittaker, and she is honoured on her birthday each year with a floral arrangement and a party. Present executive is Ann Banks, President; Maryann Germann, Secretary; Bev Obrigewitch, Treasurer; and Marion Myers, Standard Bearer. Shirley Patterson, Kay Heffner, Grace Tuck, Mrs. Frey, Hedwig Ternan, Gerl Whittaker, Muriel Kloehn, Jean Clapperton, Nela Delert, Marie German, Evelyn Wagner, Joan Barker, Essie Campbell. History by Essie Campbell LUSELAND BRANCH 146
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