The Royal Canadian Legion Saskatchewan Command LEST WE FORGET 191 The Fairlight Branch was first formed in the area of Fairlight and Walpole on March 10, 1931. Meetings were held alternatively at Walpole and Fairlight in the homes of various members. The last meeting held at Walpole was on August 8, 1946, when the Branch acquired a building on the west side of Main Street in Fairlight. With the influx of WWII Veterans, the membership increased. With help from the Ladies’ Auxiliary and bingos, etc., the Branch was able to build a new hall on the same location after tearing down the old building. The Branch celebrated its 50th Anniversary on October 23, 1981. However, due to declining membership, which was due to deaths, etc., the Branch had to relinquish its charter. The hall was sold to a local lady and her daughter who now operate it as a Tea Room and Gift Shop known as “Home Sweet Home.” With the money received from the sale of the Branch, members had a Stone Cenotaph erected on Main Street in Fairlight with a bronze plaque listing the names of the fallen in the two World Wars. The remainder of the money was put into a Bursary Fund in the local School Division, and each year a worthy student receives a cash donation from this fund. The Branch also had a long-time Secretary who devoted much of his time to Legion business. His name is J.F. Cawood, and he has been the Branch Secretary for forty years. FAIRLIGHT BRANCH 154 ~ Closed The Royal Canadian Legion, Eston Branch #155, received its charter from Dominion Command on March 27, 1931. Charter members were: Wm. Rockley, Ernest Jackson, Claude Hamilton, Thomas Myers, Raymond Parker, D. McAllister, Fred Edwards, Daniel Steadward Sr., Dr. Robert K. Johnston, Henry Carruthers, D. Wightman, I.F. Tullock, R. Newport, Dr. Ross Rose, Dr. Samuel Holmes. The Legion originally had its clubrooms in a small building on First Avenue East in Eston. During the early years, the Legion operated boys' summer camps at Jackfish Lake. These camps were a marvelous outing for the boys, for a period extending from 1932 until the start of the Second Great War of 1939-1945. The Legion was involved in community affairs, such as Memorial Day services and Poppy sales supporting disabled Veterans. During the Second World War, it was active in supplying parcels to all service men and women in all theatres of war. Also at this time, they were very active assisting in formulating plans for the rehabilitation of returning Veterans. The Legion records show that on April 9, 1945, donations were being accepted and plans were initiated to build a new hall. This hall was to be named the Eston Legion Memorial Hall in remembrance of the men and women who lost their lives during the two world wars. The hall was completed early in 1947 at a cost of about $35,000, with a great deal of donated labour and assistance. A Cenotaph was designed and built by George Gatenby in 1952, with a bronze plaque attached, listing the names of those who died during the wars. The Eston Union Hospital burned down in the fall of 1951, at which time the Legion Hall was converted into a hospital. This situation remained until the new hospital was completed in 1955. During this time, the Legion built a temporary clubroom on the Beaver Lumber property. The Legion planned and built a new facility in 1959 to be used as clubrooms and the Boy Scouts. This was situated beside the Legion Hall connected by a walkway between the adjoining basements. The Legion Memorial facility in 2006 is well maintained and operated by the members for the benefit of the community. Currently, the Legion members use the upper level of the clubrooms, and the Eston Lions Club use the lower level for its general meetings and offices. Over the years, the Legion has supported all worthwhile community projects, by sponsoring the Boy Scouts, providing scholarships, donations to the Music Festival, Minor Hockey, Riverside Park, School Patrols, Camp Easter Seal, West Central ESTON BRANCH 155 (Cont’d...)
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