The Royal Canadian Legion Saskatchewan Command LEST WE FORGET 251 years and the branch found that it could purchase the building for $500.00. In discussion with the Village of Kenaston council, the Legion was granted a 99-year lease on the lot. The building was moved onto its new foundation in the fall of 1948 and became the hub of Legion activities. Meetings, suppers, Remembrance Day Services, Zone Rallies and social events were all held in the hall. The boy scouts and girl guides used the facility for their activities and the Kenaston Band held practices there every Monday. The Legion Hall still stands today, next to the old community hall. Although it has not seen much activity during the last few years, it holds many wonderful memories of Branch functions. In May 1949, discussions turned to erecting a War Memorial in the Kenaston Park although the actual construction didn't take place until 1954. Carl Unrah of Hanley was hired to do the stonework. Over the next few years, the Legion took on greater and greater roles in the community. The Branch organized a winter carnival, sponsored curling bonspiels and sports days, cleaned up the cemeteries, donated funds to youth groups, sponsored hockey teams and the list goes on and on. All the time they were also lobbying the government for the fair treatment of Veterans and their families. One of our members was also assisted in seeking treatment in the Mayo Clinic, a rare event in those days. In all of the activities, the Ladies’Auxiliary were on hand to lend support and their culinary talents. It is noteworthy that the Legion brought in John Diefenbaker to speak at an outdoor Memorial Day celebration. Mr. Diefenbaker returned to the community at the request of the Legion only two years later. During the 1950s, the Kenaston Legion continued to work for the betterment of the community. Members of the Branch assisted the Red Cross, St. John's Ambulance, Kenaston Junior Athletic Club, Winter Carnivals and Sports Days and helped out at many functions. From September 1951 to June 1952, the main floor of the Legion hall was rented to the Davidson Larger School Unit (now known as the Davidson School Division), as there were too many students for the school. The total rent for the year was $300.00. On March 19, 1954, the Legion sponsored an Ice Show in the Kenaston Skating Rink, complete with professional entertainers. It was a bitterly cold and foggy evening but the "show must go on." Most of Kenaston and the surrounding area turned up to see the performance, which featured figure skating, clowns and elaborate costumes and sets. It was quite an undertaking for a small town Branch, but from all reports, it turned out to be a great success. It was also in early 1954 that Glen Hamre became the Secretary/Treasurer of the Branch - a position that he held until the new millennium, for a total of forty-six years! Over the years, the Branch has done whatever it can to enhance the community and Legion initiatives. Through the great support of the Poppy and Wreath campaigns, the Branch has been able to contribute to the welfare of Veterans, make donations to a wide variety of Legion activities, and provide scholarships for deserving students. In 1992, we made a decision that we could best serve our community by sponsoring the Kenaston Wellness Clinic. The registered nurse in attendance provides health monitoring, foot care and individual wellness counseling to many of our residents. We are very proud that we have been able to continue supporting this service to the present day. Each year, they hold the Remembrance Day Service and are so grateful that Kenaston has not forgotten the sacrifice of our war heroes. Membership has been dwindling over the past twenty years, as many Veterans have passed away and others have moved to larger centers. Currently, the Branch has only four active members and eight others on the ledger, most from out of the area. They are very pleased that Wray Breadner has been a member since that first meeting back in 1945. Wray, Glen Hamre, Vance Hamre, and Ken Parsons are regular members (Veterans or RCMP), and Bill Lindsay, Carol Lewis, Gayle and Merlin Lee, Terry Hamre, Rosemary Parsons, Ole Remmen, and Gordan Cowan are Associate members. Glen has been granted "Life Membership" for his dedication to Branch activities. For nearly sixty years, the Kenaston Branch of The Royal Canadian Legion has been a part of the community. It is the sincere hope of Branch members that they be able to continue in that role for many years to come. KENASTON BRANCH 240 (...Cont’d) The charter for MacDowall Branch 241 was granted on August 3, 1945. Eleven names were on the charter; nine were First World War Veterans and two were Second World War Veterans. The Branch prospered. Their intent was to serve members and community, as well. The Legion took over the abandoned High School in 1952. Maximum enrolment reached 60 members. Highlights as a Legion was their service to members. As a community, the Branch’s highest achievement was sponsoring a two-day agricultural short course in co-operation with the local Agricultural Representative. Approximately 100 farmers attended. This was quickly picked up by the Department of Agriculture and expanded across the Province. Membership dropped and the Branch moved into the Seniors Hall. The Legion Hall was sold and moved to a petting zoo farm three miles north-west of MacDowall. The charter for MacDowall Branch 241 was cancelled on December 3, 2003. MACDOWALL BRANCH 241 ~ closed
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