The Royal Canadian Legion Saskatchewan Command LEST WE FORGET 233 Several WW I Veterans formed a Great War Veterans Association Branch in Naicam, SK in 1920. When the Canadian Legion was formed, the Branch was absorbed into the new organization. A local branch, known as the Big Four, comprised of the villages of Pleasantdale, Lac Vert, Spalding and Naicam, was formed. The Charter was issued on May 22, 1939. This Branch functioned until each village decided to have a Branch of their own and a new charter was issued to Naicam in 1948 with 19 charter members. Naicam Branch has had several homes over the years. We obtained our present building in 1968. This building was given an addition a few years later and serves the needs of the branch and community well. The Ladies’Auxiliary received its charter in 1957. They worked with the Branch on all of their projects for many years. About five years ago, their numbers dwindled and the Ladies’ Auxiliary folded. In 1964, the Branch held their first weekly bingo. The money raised was used for many local donations. They handed the bingo over to the Naicam Cadets in 2000, but continue to sell Nevada tickets at this and other functions. The Naicam Legion Cadet Corps was founded it 1967. Naicam Branch continues to sponsor the Corps with monetary donations and free use of the Legion Hut for many of their functions. A Cenotaph was erected on the east side of Naicam to remember those gallant comrades who lost their lives in the Wars. The cost was borne by public subscription, but the upkeep is done solely by the Branch. Each November 11th, a Remembrance Day Service is held. Over the years, it was held in the Star Theater. After the theater closed, the service was moved to the Naicam Town Hall with the laying of wreaths held at the Cenotaph. As members aged, it was decided to hold the entire service indoors. Since 2000, the Service has been held in the Naicam School Gym. A collapsible replica of the cenotaph was build and it is set up for the laying of the wreath ceremony. The branch continues to support many local causes: NaicamMuseum, Naicam Library, Curling Club, Skating Rink, Minor Sports, Donor's Choice, to name a few. Through the Poppy Fund, they are able to give donations to many of the area Hospitals and Senior's Homes, and also give two annual bursaries to Grade 12 students. The Branch is very proud of our "Wall of Honour." In the 1950's and 60's the provincial government named lakes, islands, bays, etc., to honour local servicemen who paid the supreme sacrifice. A bush pilot, Doug Chisholm, photographed these geographical memory sites. The Naicam Legion has purchased 20 of these framed photos, and now proudly displays these in memory of the young men from Naicam and District who did not return home. The Wall of Honour can be viewed at online at www3.telus.net/nb218. Membership has declined, but over the past ten years, the Branch has been able to attract many active younger members and this has given the Branch a new lease on life. At the present, the Branch has 35 members: 8 Life, 11 Ordinary and 16 Associate. LADIES’ AUXILIARY TO NAICAM BRANCH 218 Shortly before 1957, Mrs. McDonald and Ivy Stapleton began catering to Legion functions. On February 16, 1957, a motion was made by Comrade Bill Stapleton to approve the formation of a Ladies’ Auxiliary to Naicam Branch 218. The motion was carried, and in June 1957, the Auxiliary received its charter. At first, meetings were held in homes, later moving to the Town Hall. When the Legion bought the old Pentecostal Church in 1968, the Ladies then had permanent location. Additions to accommodate a game room and bathrooms were done over the years. The Auxiliary helped the Legion in a small way by catering to weddings, Christmas parties and teas. The charge at the time was $1.50 per plate. A coffee maker was purchased with Blue Ribbon coupons. AVeteran's chair was bought and delivered to the Saskatoon Veteran's Home with our name and number on it. Other activities were raffles, quilt making, selling cook books, bake sales and teas. Prices were cheap at that time. In 1969, the Ladies purchased a set of dishes with the Legion Crest on them at a cost of $248.15. The dishes are still in use. In 1963, they started the Christmas Carol Festival and it was an annual event for over twenty years. Proceeds were sent to the Veteran's Comfort Fund. The Branch presented the Auxiliary with a Ladies’ Auxiliary Flag in 1966. The Auxiliary always had a Banquet for the Legion and Auxiliary members and guests on November 11th. We also took part in curling. Two teams advanced to Provincials, where they were defeated. In 1985, the Ladies’Auxiliary celebrated their 25th Anniversary. This event was attended by Zone and Provincial representatives. In 1987, they purchased a piano which was used for many occasions. In 1990, they made and raffled off a beautiful quilt featuring the Provincial Flowers. Over the years, they have donated to the Music Festival, Telemiracle, Naicam Museum and Student Bursaries. They helped with Naicam Homecoming in 1971, 1975, 1980, 1985 and 1990. It was always the aim of the Ladies’ Auxiliary to support the Legion in whatever project they did. NAICAM BRANCH 218
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