The Royal Canadian Legion Saskatchewan Command LEST WE FORGET 209 In 1932, veterans from World War I residing in the Aylsham area began proceedings to form a Legion Branch. The charter, issued December 7, 1933, included the following names: John D. MacFarlane, Harold R. Dafoe, Hadley LaPointe, William J. Stevenson, Wademar Apperley, Thomas Douglas, John F. King, Daniel G.S. Sinclair, James Stansfield, George MacFarlane, Cyril P. Thomas, Richard A. Laxen, William G.H. Norrish, Louis M. Robbins, James Clark. The first President was J. D. MacFarlane and the first Secretary was W.J. Stevenson. Various places were used for meetings until 1935 when members donated money to purchase the Sunnybrook Hall for $300, paid at $25 down and $75 per year at 6 percent interest. It took eight years to payoff this debt. The hall was moved fourteen miles at a cost of $40 for the moving contractor and payment of Legion dues ($1.75) for the use of a tractor. It was situated on a lot purchased by the Ladies’Auxiliary from the C.N.R. Many events were held in the hall and in 1941 it was remodeled to accommodate movies, which were shown until 1958. The hall was partially destroyed by fire in 1948 and had to be replaced. The new hall was built jointly by the Legion and the village and operated by a committee with three members from each. It was known as the Legion Memorial Hall. An upstairs meeting room was used by the Legion, Legion Auxiliary and firemen. By 1975, this hall had deteriorated beyond repair and was demolished. Meetings were then held in the new Aylsham Complex until the Legion disbanded. Over the years, many fundraising events were held and funds were donated to causes in the community. As the first war Veterans dwindled, the Legion continued to function with the younger men in charge. However, membership gradually waned and so, very reluctantly, members voted in May 1979 to disband. Funds were divided between Pineview Lodge in Nipawin and the Aylsham Community Complex. Some members joined the Codette or Nipawin Branches. LADIES’ AUXILIARY TO AYLSHAM BRANCH 191 Approximately five months after the Legion displayed their charter, the ladies did likewise. An organizational meeting was held on April 11, 1934, and charter was issued May 31, 1934 to Alice Bennett, Maude DeForest, Jean R. MacFarlane, Lillian M. LaPointe, Irene Black, Elsie Brady, Mable F. Carswell, Laura Rowan, Isabelle Clark, Lorene O. Thomas, A. Martha Aikman, Reta Duncan, Clara Stansfield, Ann M. Sinclair and Dorothy King. An additional four members were registered: Doris Dahlseides, Gladys Howell, Lillian May Gerrie and Helen Laxen; with Alice Bennett named Honorary President, Maude DeForest, Executive President; Secretary/Treasurer, Irene Black; pianist, Reta Duncan and councillor, Mr. P.C. Gerrie. Membership fees were $1 with an option to pay in two installments (reduced to 75 cents in less than year and to 50 cents in 1936, raised back to $1 in 1937). The Auxiliary supported their Legion over the years and also donated to various community projects and charitable organizations. In 1972, they joined with the Rebekah Lodge to organize the first Donor’s Choice Appeal in the community. In 1973, dues were $3. By 1975, membership was down to thirteen, three of whom resided in Nipawin. Finally, at the December meeting, it was decided to disband. After many years of dedicated work for a common cause the bonds of friendship and fraternalism are strong and not easily broken -- for many years, in spring, about Rally time, remaining ex-members met to brag and reminisce. AYLSHAM BRANCH 191 ~ Closed The Livelong Branch 192 was chartered on April 26, 1934, with sixteen members. The first meetings were held in Steve Davenport’s (returned man) service station and pool hall. Later meetings were held at the pool elevator. In April 1952, the Legion built their own hall. The land was donated by Walter Hicks. Funds were raised by holding dances and having suppers. The Ladies’ Auxiliary also helped out by donating to the building LIVELONG BRANCH 192 (Cont’d...)
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