The Royal Canadian Legion Saskatchewan Command LEST WE FORGET 215 This Legion was chartered in 1935 as the Garrick Branch #199. Charter members were: Daniel Wright, Leslie Redford, Jim Langton, Malcolm Logan, Donald Galbraith, William Irvine, George Inglis, Frank Kroetsch, Bertram Rothwell, Thomas Willis, James McGonigle, Robert Irvine, William Gray and William Jones. The Branch was renamed Luella Denton in 1939 in honor of the World War I nurse who became Matron at the Nipawin hospital. The Garrick Legion Hall was built in 1937, and was moved in 1947 due to basement flooding. Many renovations and improvements were done over the years, and by 1990, it was being rented to the Torch River Youth Club and used as a youth centre three times a week. The Branch donated to many causes over the years, including supporting the Choiceland Air Cadet Squadron and health care facilities in Nipawin. In 1979, the first sons and daughters of original Veterans joined the Branch. However, by 2003, membership had declined drastically as the village population shrunk and it was decided to close. A number of members joined the Nipawin Branch. LADIES’AUXILIARY TO LUELLA DENTON BRANCH 199 An organizational meeting in February 1938 was followed in March of that year by the installation of officers: President, Mrs. J. McGonigle; Secretary/Treasurer, Mrs. G. Archibald; Standard Bearer, Mrs. L. Redford; and pianist, Mrs. J. Mollison. Dues were 50 cents each. Auxiliary members sent parcels to soldiers overseas, made layettes for overseas mothers, and adopted an orphan family in London. The overseas parcels continued until 1950. Showers were held to welcome war brides and to provide kitchenware for the Legion Hall. By 1990, over eighty ladies had been members of the Auxiliary, but like many others, declining membership resulted in the surrendering of its Charter. Information obtained from various community history books. LUELLA DENTON BRANCH 199 ~ Closed An organization meeting of the Cut Knife Legion Branch 200 was held on October 24, 1938. The first executive was elected: President, J. Hamilton; Vice-President, R. Woodall; Secretary, W. Perkins; Treasurer, S. Barker. The charter members were: A. Jack, W. Nettbohm, H. Grant, J. Leslie, J. Cameron, S Zeilinski, M. Bradburn, G. Durling, N. Parkinson, D. Wilson, J. Hamilton, R. Woodall, S. Barker, A. Beckett, A. Hushagen, and J. Pook. The meetings were held in a room at Mah Show’s Hotel, with the rent being six dollars a month. In 1938, the annual dues were $1.75. The 1938 New Year’s Eve Dance made a profit of $28.40. The 1939 Poppy Campaign made a profit of $5.42. A renovated hall was moved to its present location in 1957. A stone cairn was built in 1977, dedicated to those who did not return from WWI and WWII. From 1935 to the present, Cut Knife Legion has been a very active part of the Cut Knife community. For many years, they hosted the annual New Year’s Eve Dance and Social. As times changed, and the needs of the community changed, the Cut Knife Legion has always been there to assist where help was required. In the late 1930s, relief was given to those most affected by the drought. Welfare of Veterans has always been the first and foremost concern to the Branch, with the youth of the community second. The Branch members have always supported local youth through sports, bursaries and scholarships. Along with the cooperation of some dedicated teachers, the history of Cut Knife Veterans has been kept alive and every year, Remembrance Day services are held at the schools. The present membership of the Cut Knife Legion #200 is eighty-one. Like most Branches, they have trouble getting members out to meetings, but they are still a vital part of the community. It is very important to the Branch to keep the memory of Veterans’ sacrifices alive. LADIES’ AUXILIARY TO CUT KNIFE BRANCH 200 The Ladies’ Auxiliary was organized in November 1937. Its purpose throughout the years has been to support the Legion in its endeavours to assist the needy and disabled Veterans and their families, as well as community projects, especially those involving young people. When the Saskatchewan Command of the Legion Auxiliary disbanded in 2000, the Cut Knife Auxiliary voted to continue with their support of the local Legion and the community, but with aging and declining membership, this group later disbanded in December 2005. Some members joined the Legion and continue to support Veterans’ welfare and the community. CUT KNIFE BRANCH 200
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