The Royal Canadian Legion Saskatchewan Command Commemorative History Booklet 270 Wm. Elworthy organized the Nokomis Legion Branch in 1946 with twenty members. The date of the Charter was May 29, 1946, with the Charter members: D. Adam, E.A. Anderson, W. Ducker, W.H.V. Elworthy, D.W. Fenton, J.C. Fenton, T.G. Halstead, K.C. Hendry, M. Horbul, T. Horbul, N.A. Joa, R.W. Kirk, W.H. LeCain, A.E. McDougall, R.J. McFarlane, W.A. McNichol, M.L. Potter, J. Redford, F.E. Rodgers, and R.D. Strachan. The first President was W. Elsworthy and the first Secretary was R. Strachan. Marv Potter is still an active member of the Legion, receiving the Meritorious Service Award in 2004. The first meetings were held in the Masonic Hall banquet room. In 1952, a barn was moved into town and renovated into a hall with a Legion Clubroom in it. The first meeting was held in the Legion Memorial Community Hall on August 11, 1952, with eighteen members present. To raise funds for the hall and Legion activities, they held dances, carnivals and had a booth at the Sports Day. In 1961, a Cairn was built to honour those who paid the supreme sacrifice in both World Wars and the Korean War. On October 3, 1962, it was decided to purchase a rural school, Richfarms School, with a loan from the Credit Union for $500.00 and ten co-signors. This would be moved to town and used as a meeting hall. The community hall was turned over to the town. At the same time, the town was asked to reserve two lots next to the Cairn for future building. In 1964, the Legion hall was built next to the Cairn for $1,900. A raffle or pool was held each month until the loan was paid. Currently, the Legion holds a bingo each month and another at the annual Fair to raise funds. Each year, the Legion holds a community Remembrance Day Service on November 11th. For several years now, they also hold a service at the Health Centre on Remembrance Day for the residents and patients. Legion members also visit the schools (Govan & Nokomis) to talk to the students and hold a service. Each fall, an essay and picture contest is held at the schools. Winners' submissions are sent on to the Zone level and further. Since 2002, a Flag Day is held with services in Nokomis and Lockwood, and for the first time, in 2006, there was a service held at Govan. Canadian Flags are placed in crosses on all Veterans' graves and at the Cairn (Cenotaph) for those buried or lost overseas. Nokomis Legion has sponsored the Scouting Association and the Cadets. Years ago, they did the Cancer Drive. More recently, they have purchased equipment for the Health Centre and donated money for a Rescue Vehicle for the Town. Legion members have always participated in Zone, District and Provincial rallies and activities. Activities participated in have been golf, bowling, curling, and cribbage. Quite often, a float has been entered in the Fair Day Parade. Nokomis Legion has always been supportive of other Legion members and Legion Branches. Records show that donations from the Welfare Fund to individuals in times of need, as well as to other branches, e.g, Cumberland House when their hall burnt. On one occasion, used skates in good condition were collected to be sent to Northern communities so youngsters could play hockey. Following W. Elsworthy as President was Jack Brewer for four years. Other Presidents serving more than one year were: Bob Kirk - 2 years, Bill McClughan - 3 years, Fred Korpatniski - 2 years, Harry Hurley - 3 years, Harry Badham - 8 years, Lewis Simpson - 6 years, Wm. Riach - 11 years, and Ray Hards - 10 years. The current President is Lavern Sobus. Serving as Secretary for more than one year were: A.E. Wheatley - 4 years, M.L. Potter - 9 years, John Fenton - 2 years, G.T. Humphrey - 6 years, Bill McClughan - 8 years, Fred Korpatniski - 2 years, Ray Hards - 7 years, Lewis Simpson - 14 years, and Doreen Riach for 5 years. Bill Riach recently served three years as Zone Commander. Branch membership now stands at fifty, with 16 Veterans, 33 Associate members, and 1 Affiliate member. When Govan Legion Branch #257 closed in 2000, Nokomis Branch members were pleased to have Chris Lekness, Ward Mortenson, Palmer Unseth, Pat Farrar, Ira Travis, Joe Pratchler, Ernie Aldred, Gord Aldred, and Barrie Hunter join their Legion. The Branch members are proud of their Veterans and their sacrifices for us. Membership has increased by ten Associate members in 2005, who with the rest, work toward maintaining our Veterans' well-being and honour. Compiled by Colleen McNichol & Doreen Riach - submitted by M. Doreen Riach, Secretary/Treasurer,Nokomis Branch 290 NOKOMIS BRANCH 290
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