The Royal Canadian Legion Saskatchewan Command LEST WE FORGET 259 The Hanley Legion received its charter on February 8, 1946. The first meeting was held in the waiting room of the C.N.R Station in September 1945. L. C. Duddridge was elected President and R. Moore was elected Secretary. Attending the meeting was R. Baxter, T. Bohrson, W. Hohrson, W.H. Dean, L. Duddridge, J. Haraldson, W. Hodgson, R. Loe, J. McGregor, D. McPhee, R. McPhee, S. McPhee, E. Paulson, G. Paulson, T. Remmen, R. Utegard and O. Wagar. Later in 1945, they were presented with a furnished room in the Hanley Opera House, as well as a ninety-nine-year lease by the Hanley Town Council and RM. of Rosedale. Our present Legion building, known as the Hut, was purchased from the school unit and was formerly the Bell Rock School. It serves the Legion and Auxiliary well, to this day. Branch membership is 10 Life members, 12 Ordinary members, 34 Associate members, and 3 Affiliate members. They continue to hold a Remembrance Day Service, which is well attended by the local community and members from Dundurn military camp. A lunch is provided by the Ladies’Auxiliary, which is followed by an annual afternoon dance. The evening ends with a ham supper prepared and served by the Ladies’ Auxiliary. Members are invited to attend Remembrance Day services at the local school and church. The Branch supports area youth through bursaries, scholarships and sponsorship of the Legion Track and Field. They support their community through donations to the Wellness Clinic, Canadian Paraplegic Society, school track and running a lottery, which raises over $5,000.00 annually for the community centre. The first weekend of January, the Branch hosts a "Round the Clock" bonspiel, which is our major fundraiser. We have hosted Legion sponsored curling, golf and crib tournaments, as well as had members going to other Branches to participate in their events. In 2005, we entered a float in the Hanley Homecoming parade, which celebrated the town's 100th birthday. The first Hanley Legion Ladies’ Auxiliary was organized on November 8, 1949. Fourteen members were initiated by Zone Commander, Mrs. Meyers. The first members were: Mrs. Edna Bedient, Mrs. Pearl Ophahl, Mrs. Vemice Trask, Mrs. Kathleen McPhee, Mrs Laura Hunter, Mrs. Anna Haraldson, Mrs. Helene Bohrson, Mrs. Grace Malcolm, Mrs. Arlene Holland, Francis Kranz, Mrs. Rosalee Gregg, Mrs. Neeta Haraldson, Mrs. Blanche Loberg and Freida Loe. The Auxiliary carried on until August 23, 1951. On October 14, 1970, the Auxiliary was reorganized and continues to this day. In April 2000, closure of the Saskatchewan Command Ladies’ Auxiliary in Regina gave our ladies the opportunity to close or join the Branch. They chose to remain an Auxiliary to our Branch. Over the years, several organizations have been recipients of their financial support. These include Camp Easter Seal and Sherbrooke Nursing Home Veterans’ Wing. They also purchased tables for the local hall and other necessary items. The ladies have helped in the booth at several community events, including looking after the lunch booth at the annual Legion Bonspiel serving homemade soup and pies, as well as burgers. In 2003, they held a Poppy Tea. As it was well attended, they have continued to hold this annually. They organize the annual Legion Christmas party; the highlight of the party is the visit from Santa. He hands out bags filled with Christmas treats to all the children in attendance. HANLEY BRANCH 258 Legion Auxiliary #258, October 2005 Hanley Homecoming Parade, Legion float and members
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