The Royal Canadian Legion Saskatchewan Command LEST WE FORGET 197 Loon Lake Branch 165 received its charter on September 17, 1931, with the following fourteen Charter members: Fred (Scotty) Mitchell, Jack Kershaw, T.A. McFarlend, Tom Owen, J.A. Kronlund, J. Krausie, Ed Knott, Cliff McDowell, William McDowell, W. Trowsdale, H. Underhill, T.H. Kerr, William Black, and A.H. Parkinson. The first President of the Loon Lake Branch was William McDowell, holding that position from 1931-1936. In the beginning, the Branch operated without a clubhouse and meetings were held on Bill Tracey’s farm, in the Post Office and store from 1931_1932. The first hall was built around 1933 in Loon Lake on Lot 1 & Block 5 on Main Street. The hall was used until 1946, when it was destroyed by fire. The Legion then purchased two lots east of the original one. Someone donated a small building, and then an addition was built on. This hall was used until 1987, when it was demolished and a new hall was built. On November 11, 1954, Remembrance Day Service unveiled the new Cenotaph for Loon Lake Branch 165. Since 1931, the Branch has operated successfully and now has a total of forty-two members with eleven Ordinary members, twenty-nine Associate members and two Life members. The Ladies’ Auxiliary received its charter on April 4, 1946; and closed on January 1, 2000. The Branch has been active in the community by hosting a Birthday Party for people at the special care home, and each June they do Meals on Wheels. During the summer months, they do clean-up and cutting grass at Sanderson_s Bay. Over the years, they have donated a $300.00 scholarship to a Grade 12 student (these students usually have grandparents, parents, or relatives in the Legion) continuing their education at either college or university. Loon Lake Legion members have continued to have their Remembrance Day Services and dance. LOON LAKE BRANCH 165 The veterans of the First World War in Bienfait and district met on October 11, 1931 at the Freeman Hall. The officers elected by ballot were: President C.W. Locke; 1st Vice, J. Bembridge; 2nd Vice, A. Nelson; Secretary, Ken John; Treasurer, A.H. Cuddington. It was decided on October 19, 1931 that a dinner would be held at the King George Hotel, at which Premier Anderson and Attorney General M.A McPherson would be invited and entertained after the inauguration ceremony. Financial assistance was accepted from Estevan and North Portal Branches. On October 19lh, the public and the Veterans in "the hall" welcomed the Premier and Attorney General. The meeting was called to order; after the address from the Attorney General the public left and Comrades Redford and Douglas of Weyburn Branch proceeded with the ceremony. Comrade Duff from Bengough spoke briefly to the Veterans and the Bienfait Legion #169 was on the way. Everyone then adjourned to the hotel for supper catered by Mrs. Dudfield (Clara Uhrich). The first meeting was held on October 26, 1931. The Green Hall was used for meetings for 50 cents to cover the cost of lights and the Freeman Hall was used for socials. Dues were $2.00 to the end of March 1932. At the end of 1931, there were 49 members. The first Vimy was held April 9, 1932. In May 1932, a committee was formed to start the erection of a Memorial Hall. A building 32 X 57 feet of brick and tile would cost approximately $4,000.00; excavating, hauling of brick and gravel extra. In 1940, a special meeting was held to outline the enrolling of the "Home Guard" ex-servicemen with only Service in Canada during the Great War was referred and the Bienfait Branch all signed up for this corporation. In June, a resolution was made to support the government to coordinate the manpower and resources of our country to a successful conclusion of the Empire' s present fight for freedom. On September 1, 1942, a moment's silence was taken in respect for Canadians killed at Dieppe and also the Duke of Kent. Gas rationing started in 1942, with food rationing later. In 1960, plans were submitted and approved for the building of a new hall. The first meeting was held in the new hall on April 3, 1968, and the mortgage-burning ceremony was celebrated in September 1977. BIENFAIT BRANCH 169 The Great War Veteran's Association was formed in January 1920. Leslie Legion Branch received its Charter on December 28, 1931. During the Second World War, the branch sent parcels overseas. The Legion members and Ladies’ Auxiliary were very active in the community and gave financial support to the Air Cadets, bursaries, sport camps and curling. The Branch disbanded on December 31, 2002, at which time some members joined the Foam Lake Branch. The Leslie Ladies’ Auxiliary was formed in 1951, with twelve members. Funds were raised by holding bake sales, bingos, the New Year’s Eve Dance, and an annual Legion Sports Day. The Ladies’ Auxiliary disbanded on December 31, 2002. At an annual meeting on Tuesday, April 9, 1946, "VIMY DAY," President, D.M. Patrick was quoted as saying, "Congratulations to the fighting services for a job well done, and hope that the men and women will carry into civilian life the same high courage and resourcefulness, and the will to serve Canada wholeheartedly and unselfishlessly in peace as in War." LESLIE BRANCH 172 ~ Closed
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