The Royal Canadian Legion Saskatchewan Command LEST WE FORGET 203 On January 5, 1933, the Spiritwood Branch original charter was formed with thirteen members. In the following years, there were twenty more members who joined The Royal Canadian Legion from World War I. There was no Legion hall at that time, so meetings were held in churches. After World War II, there were up to seventy Veterans in the Legion, plus there were seven peacetime servers. At the present time, membership is way down, with only 12 Ordinary members, 14 Associate members and 1 Affiliate member. A Legion Ladies’ Auxiliary was then formed. Their original charter date was 1957, with a membership of ten. In the years that followed, their membership peaked at fifty members. Then, slowly the membership declined. At present, the Ladies’ Auxiliary has disbanded. During the years of World War II, there was no active Legion in Spiritwood. Members went to Mildred Branch 190 (seven miles east of Spiritwood) to have their meetings. Later, Mildred amalgamated with Spiritwood Branch. In the 1950’s, there was a Legion hall built (40’ x 80’) plus a cenotaph. This building has served its Legion members well providing a place for their meetings, dances, parties and all around socializing. In 2003, there was a big rock erected along Highway No. 3, which was dedicated to our fallen soldiers. This rock has a ring around the topside that we like to think of as a “Halo.” In 2005, the Legion hall was moved onto a new foundation and was made wheelchair accessible. The future of this Legion as in all other towns is uncertain, but we still continue as a viable asset to our community. SPIRITWOOD BRANCH 182 Dedication of the rock to our fallen soldiers Spiritwood Legion Hall moving on to new foundation. The Frenchman Butte Legion 183 was organized on January 19, 1932, with seventeen members. Rev. J. Bolsten was President and F.O. Simpson was Secretary/Treasurer. Meetings were held in the CNR waiting room. Records of the first 10 years as a Legion Branch are lost, but the minutes start on November 11, 1946. A motion was made to hold a meeting in the old school, which was a log building and later served as a church and pool hall. Ownership was not known at the time, but we acquired proprietorship, held meetings there, had card parties and dances and collected some rent also. During WWII, a building, which was the co-op store, was purchased and made into a Legion hall. The Branch paid $700.00 for the building. A new front was put on the hall, but in February 1959, the hall was completely destroyed by fire. On March 8, 1960, a new hall was to be rebuilt made of cement blocks 32 x 72. Raffles, dances and donations from other Branches helped to pay for the new hall. The Branch never really had a Ladies’ Auxiliary. A few women tried to have meetings in their homes but they soon became inactive. The Frenchman Butte Branch, at present, has 3 Life members, 14 Associate and 8 Affiliate non-voting members. Youth programs play a part in this Branch. We sponsor youths in Track and Field and occasionally we give out Scholarships. Students from grades 2 to 9 are very active in our Remembrance Day Essay and Poem activities. Crib Tournaments, working bingos, hall rental and our annual Remembrance Day banquet and dance are our main source of revenue. Working along side the Frenchman Butte Museum Society, the Frenchman Butte Legion takes part in the local festival every August, and also always manages to put a float in the local parade. Giving to various charity funds keeps the Branch active in the local area. The Branch was very active in curling in the early years until the ice gave out, and they kept active in Cribbage and Golf functions. The Frenchman Butte Legion 183 has a history of friendly and caring members. FRENCHMAN BUTTE BRANCH 183
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