The Royal Canadian Legion Saskatchewan Command Commemorative History Booklet 258 Govan's Legion Branch #257 was formed in October 1945, but was chartered on February 8, 1946, with the first President being Comrade E.F. Fitzsimmons. For three years, the Legion held its meetings in the Town Hall or the Gymnasium; they then purchased the former W.W. Hall and moved it to town. With adequate space for both the Legion and the Auxiliary, they began holding meetings on the same night, followed by lunch. In order to pay for the building and other expenses, they worked hard at such money-raising projects as a minstrel show, dances, and games at Sports Day. The first meeting in the new hall was held on February 8, 1949, with J.V. "Red" McGrath as President. The hall had a beautiful hardwood floor, which, along with a piano purchased from Mrs. McPherson, made the Saturday night dances, they sponsored for many years, very popular. The Legion organized the first Armistice Day Service, with Fr. Bergen, a member of the Legion, giving the first Armistice address. Later, many prominent people were guest speakers, including John Diefenbaker, John Fisher (the broadcaster known as" Mr. Canada"), Hon. Alvin Hamilton and Jack Cardiff. The Legion was always interested in youth, sponsoring Junior Hockey, and later, the Annual Minor Ball Tournament, until the Minor Sports Association was formed. It also assisted several young Govan athletes at the Physical Fitness clinics organized by the Legion and held at Dundurn, Muenster, and Notre Dame (1975). Members were also directly involved in sports. In 1961, Earl Fitzsimmons, Charlie Wayling, Osborne Lakness, and Jack Bridges went to curl, for the honour of Govan and Saskatchewan, in the Canadian Legion Finals in Prince Edward Island. Help for local people in trouble, such as those suffering from such misfortunes as illness or fire damage, was organized by the Legion. In 1976, the Legion found a new home in the former School Unit Office Building. The Legion Memorial Hall was then sold and removed to the Last Mountain Regional Park. Due to the continuous decline in membership, Govan Legion #257 closed on December 31, 2000. Excerpts from Govan History book submitted by: M. Doreen Riach, Secretary/Treasurer, Nokomis Branch 290 LADIES' AUXILIARY TO GOVAN BRANCH 257 Representatives of the Govan Legion met with Mrs. E. Walker and Mrs. L. Roberts, representing the ladies, in the fall of 1947. Subsequently, a Ladies’Auxiliary received its charter on January 15, 1948. Charter members were: Doreen Roberts, Margaret Hill, Menitha Fitzsimmons, Mrs. Guthrie, Mrs. Stowe, Marie Bridges, Dorothy Bridges, Margot Bridges, Margaret Gibson, Esther Walker, Mrs. J. Clarke, Mrs. McGinnis, Muriel Newlove, Mrs. Longe, Mrs. J.H. Gibson, Mrs. M. Hocking, and Mavis Campbell. The organizational meeting of the Govan Ladies' Auxiliary was held on February 5, 1948, in the dining room of the Silver Plate Hotel. Mrs. Mayers, Provincial President, installed the following officers: President, Mrs. J. Gibson; 1st Vice-President, Mrs. Les Roberts; Treasurer, Mrs. C. Newlove; Secretary, Mrs. Esther Walker, and Standard Bearer, Miss Margaret Gibson. The objective of the club seemed to be to raise money, by selling lunches at dances, Ice Carnivals and auction sales. They donated $200 to the men in the first year of operation. On April 18, 1949, the first of several Variety Shows was held, with the theme of the "Gay Nineties." In May 1949, the first meeting in the Legion Hall was held and a piano was purchased. Just as a note of interest, hot dog prices that year were ten cents. By 1951, they had risen to fifteen cents. Social evenings and summer picnics were held every year. Dances and bingos seemed to be the favorite means of fundraising, along with the annual fall tea and bazaar. The most repeated item of business was the purchase of a Water Ticket. Special money-making projects included raffling a "hope chest" and a quilt. Ladies' Curling in the Zone began in 1955, with Esther Walker in charge. Mavis Campbell and her rink were good enough to make the Provincials several times. In 1956, the Ladies' Auxiliary decided to support the Govan Health Centre. A wheelchair was purchased the next year and presented to the D.V.A. wing of the Regina General Hospital. The Auxiliary also always supported its members when in distress, whether it be sickness, accident or fire. Youth activities included billeting hockey players, sponsoring Ice Carnivals, and beginning in September 1963, the 4-H Homecraft Club. They paid expenses for girls to attend the Legion Track and Field Camp. In 1965, the ladies made their first visit to the Veterans in the Wascana Hospital, taking entertainment and lunch to brighten their day. This became an annual event. Although the prime purpose was to assist the local Legion, they made an annual donation to the Provincial Comfort Fund and the Bursary Fund. Four Govan and District students have been awarded bursaries. In 1971, the Home Coming Year, the Ladies' Auxiliary arranged the Antique Display for the Homecoming Tea in the High School. A quarter of a century had rolled on. So on April 14,1973, nine of the members were presented with 25-year pins for continuous membership. The Auxiliary moved to join the Legion in their new hall on March 11, 1976. The togetherness at lunchtime led to much fun and confusion. Three new members were welcomed to the branch that year. The Ladies' Auxiliary carried on as usual in 1977, with the added feature of two supper meetings enjoyed by all. Material was purchased and new drapes were made for the windows, which was a great improvement to the hall's interior. The ladies continued with their good works until they joined the Men's Legion upon canceling their charter on December 31, 2000. Excerpts from Govan History Book submitted by: M. Doreen Riach, Secretary/Treasurer, Nokomis Branch 290 GOVAN BRANCH 257 ~ Closed
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTM0NTk1OA==