The Royal Canadian Legion Saskatchewan Command Commemorative History Booklet 266 homes. It was a real treat to attend District and Zone rallies to see and participate in formal openings and closings. Membership began with 16 ladies, and reached a high of over 30 members. The final year’s membership stood at eight, hence the decision to close. The final members involved were: Lionne Morelli, Ervilla Brown, Winnie Fink, Joy Rauckman, Mary Hastie, Clara Leigh, Phyllis Colhoun and Evelyn Vanhouwe. Phyllis, Joy, Lionne, Evelyn and Winnie now belong to Nutana Branch 362 of Saskatoon. The Auxiliary started out in the Viscount-Plunkett area, but as more and more of the membership moved to Saskatoon, meetings were held in Saskatoon. Money raised through fund-raising went towards Provincial Track and Field Clinic, Veterans Comfort Fund, the Bursary Fund and community charities. The Auxiliary also took a turn at entertaining at the Saskatoon Vet Home for a number of years. A once-a-month birthday party was given to all who had birthdays that month. Their turn usually occurred in July. One month, they had 10 Vets to party with! The Home provided the birthday cake; the Auxiliary provided the gifts. Laura Solmes often sang and Joan Jackson provided the music. One social activity that has not stopped is the annual Christmas party. It first began as a Christmas party for just the Ladies, and then the Legion Members were invited. When most of the membership began living in Saskatoon, they met (and still do) at Justin’s Restaurant in Market Mall. It has now evolved into a celebration of former neighbours and friends from the Viscount-Plunkett area. It is still organized by the Legion and former Ladies’ Auxiliary members. Remembrance Day still plays a vital role. The former Auxiliary Ladies still help with the judging of the poster and literary entries. They usually make sure that the coffee pot and lunch is served on November 11th. The Ladies may have been small in numbers over the years, but big in participation. Their actions have served as a role model for others. Though the Viscount Ladies’ Auxiliary is no longer an active organization; the friendships and goodwill will be forever cherished. VISCOUNT BRANCH 271 (...Cont’d) Branch #272 is located at 208 CanAm Highway #6 South, Watson, Saskatchewan. The humble beginnings of the Canadian Legion British Empire Service League began with the Watson Board of Trade who worked for ten months to get a Branch established and also organized the first Remembrance Day service held on November 11, 1945. The Legion received its Charter on February 25, 1946 with twenty members. The first meetings were held in the Town Hall until a house on 1st Street NW could be purchased for this purpose. In later years, meetings were held in a member's home, followed by the curling rink clubroom, and eventually in a building that was purchased in April 1987. The grand opening of the Legion Hall took place on October 24, 1987. More space quickly became necessary and an addition was added to facilitate a kitchen, games room and display cabinets. Legion members, along with Associates and Affiliates volunteered all the labour required to carry out the renovations and building expansion. In the earlier years, fundraising was accomplished by holding dances. At the present time, funds are raised by holding raffles and through hall rental for various functions. The Legion operates on volunteer labour, except for a paid janitor. The Legion displays WWII memorabilia, information on Dafoe #5 Bombing and Gunnery School, and a Wall of Honour in remembrance of the servicemen from this area who paid the supreme sacrifice. Annual Branch activities include hosting an annual cribbage tournament on November 10th, and planning and participating in the Remembrance Day Service held at the Watson Civic Centre, followed by an afternoon of socializing and an evening banquet at the Legion Hall. The Watson Legion sponsors the Watson High School Valedictorian Award, as well as many other youth-oriented functions throughout the year. Our Branch has contributed towards many community projects over the years, including the skating rink, hospital, senior's home, swimming pool, and the Watson Combined Appeal. The Watson Legion Auxiliary was organized with ten members on March 31, 1965, and received its Charter on June 14, 1965. Throughout the years, they held various fundraisers and donated to many youth functions and community projects. At present, the Auxiliary very capably helps with various Legion functions by providing coffee, lunches, and deserts. At present, Watson Branch #272 has forty Legion members and the Auxiliary has eight members. WATSON BRANCH 272
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