The Royal Canadian Legion Saskatchewan Command LEST WE FORGET 271 310 1st Street E. Dundurn, SK S0K 1K0 Secretary: Carole Clark Phone: 306-492-4956 President: Jack Merril Branch Charter Date: 29 May 1946 Current Membership: 18 Auxiliary Charter Date: 25 March 1960 Closed: 22 May 1999 DUNDURN BRANCH 291 The Crooked River Branch 292 was organized at a meeting on January 26, 1946, at which the Provincial President of that time, Comrade W. Whelan, outlined the aims and objectives of this organization. The Veterans present at that meeting became the Charter members as listed on the Charter granted to the Crooked River Branch on May 29, 1946, and are as follows: G. Abbott, G. Belsher, E. Boucher, E. Canada, J. Canada, F. Caplette, F. Chatlain, E. Cummings, G. Fahner, A. Fairbairn, G. Fengstad, G. Head, G. Henderson Jr., P. Lawrence, W. Locker, W. Peoples, E. Sandgren, R.J. Stoker, E. Sward, and W. Whitmore. The Ladies’ Auxiliary received their Charter in October 1948. Charter members were: I. Olmstead, H. Steele, V. Fairbairn, E. McIvor, M. Wiens, M. Huyghebaert, H. Huyghebaert, and S. Vanderguct. The Auxiliary deserves high praise for the contribution made to the Legion over the years. When they handed in their Charter, most of the ladies joined the regular Branch, so we still feel the effects of that great organization. The Branch did not have its own Clubroom, so meetings were held on an alternate basis at members’ homes in Crooked River, Girwood, Peesane and Eldersley. The Auxiliary would meet the same night and after business was concluded on both fronts, everyone would meet for lunch and a social visit and then head for home. In June 1955, a lot was purchased and construction began on a new Clubroom. The first meeting in what was to be the Branch home for the next twenty-eight years was held on June 3, 1958. In 1986, the Auxiliary purchased a building in Tisdale and had it moved to Crooked River. Once again, the men and women of the branch were asked to devote their time in preparing the building as a suitable Clubroom. Local citizens also contributed time and labour. The hut was ready for its first meeting in the fall. In 2005, improvements were made that would carry the Branch through for the several years. Looking back, the Branch has always been quite active in the area. The first major event was a Legion Sports Day held in Peesane on July 1, 1947. To raise money, turkey shoots began in October 1948, with live turkeys awarded to the winners. Many members recall the formation of a Junior Baseball team in 1953. 1965 saw the formation of a Junior Sandlot baseball team with uniforms supplied by the Auxiliary. Sponsorship and instruction of the Pasquia Air Cadet Squadron was another Branch project. The big event of the year has been and continues to be the Remembrance Day Service held in the community hall. In early years, the students played an important part in the service as they participated in the Legion's Essay, Poem and Poster contest. We lost contact with the school children when the school closed, but we now sponsor and guide the students of the Bjorkdale School in the same contest. In its 60th year, the Branch remains quite active with a membership of thirty-seven. Monthly Bingos and the sale of Nevada tickets keep finances in order. Without the support of the general public over the years, the Branch would have had a difficult time surviving. Thank you all! CROOKED RIVER BRANCH 292
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