The Royal Canadian Legion Saskatchewan Command Commemorative History Booklet 272 The Redvers Branch is located in beautiful parkland near the Manitoba and American borders, not far from Kenosee and White Bear resorts. Although the district sent a sizable number of volunteers to the Great War, 1914-18, and in 1926 erected a striking Cenotaph to the memory of those who did not return, Redvers was not where Legion Branches were organized in the 1920s and 1930s. Manor Branch l31, Auburton Branch 229 and Three Town Branch 194 served the needs of the area until after World War II. These earlier Branches eventually surrendered their charters while Redvers Branch 293 carried on. A meeting of twenty-one Veterans at the King's Hotel in Redvers on April 24, 1946 resulted in the chartering of the Redvers Branch. At first, members met in a variety of rented facilities: Jensen's Hall, the R.M. of Antler #61 offices, and a building bought for $2,300.00. The first permanent purpose-designed building; a 50' x 40' frame structure was erected, largely by volunteers in 1950. It served until 1963, when the present premises were constructed, again with much donated labour. An extension to this structure was undertaken in 1982-8-3. The completed structure contains a very large upper hall capable of division to provide separate halls, complete kitchen facilities and, on the lower level, a bingo hall and lovely bar facility, the finest building of its type in the district. As neighbouring branches declined, Redvers grew to over 100 members. Advancing age and rural depopulation have had their adverse effects in the last few years, however, and although it still musters eighty-six members, the active contingent is now quite small. The Branch soldiers on doing as much as it can, considering its circumstances. Over the years the Branch, aided by its loyal and extremely active Auxiliary, supported the Pipestone Air Cadets #623, donated to the local Health Centre, helped with treats and movies for local children at Christmas, and prepared a float in the annual fair. Labour to erect a barn for one comrade and a porch for another comrade’s widow were provided, with no strings attached. Few local worthy causes went on without Legion support and that of the Auxiliary, who still carry on a weekly bingo. Profits went to sundry needy local organizations and various good causes. One unusual activity, held annually since 1937, is the 'Hands Across the Border' event. Held in Sherwood, North Dakota each American Memorial Day, members of local American and Canadian Legions march across the international border to the music of Canadian bag pipers or the Sherwood brass band. At the Sherwood School auditorium, a Remembrance Service takes place, followed by a march to the local cemetery. Lunch and baseball games for the young complete the day. This event bolsters the spirits of aging Veterans and helps them to carry on. Carry on they do, working to better the lives of our membership and leading and educating our youth in citizenship in the hope that, as much as possible, the horrors of the wars of the 20th century will never again disturb our tranquil life and peace-loving people. Redvers Legion Ladies Auxiliary #293 was organized in 1946 with thirty-three members under the leadership of Mrs. Sadie Johnson as President. Several ladies took memberships when the Legion was called the Three Towns Branch, namely Storthoaks, Nottingham and Alida. Meetings were held in members’ homes. In 1948, the Legion opened a building fund with $375.00 donated by the Auxiliary. In 1950, the first Legion Hall was built. This later became the Knights of Columbus Hall and recently a Day Care. Membership declined in the early 1950s, but increased again in the 1960s. The Ladies Auxiliary purchased the 144th share for the Redvers Community Hall Company Limited on March 29, 1948. The original certificate is still in our possession. It is unfortunate that there are no minute books prior to 1960. Records of the early years are Roll Call and Treasurer's books. It is apparent from these records that the ladies were busy with catering and other fundraising events, such as Teas and Bake Sales to help the men's Royal Canadian Legion Branch. Conditions were far from adequate with food being prepared on a wood burning stove, and no plumbing. Water was carried by pails from Mr. Burnett's (the town drayman) and heated in wash boilers. Coffee grounds were put in a gauze bag and into the boilers to boil for coffee. As membership increased, the ladies became more active with fundraising, preparing for the new Legion Hall. They catered to many, many banquets, held Dine and Dances, Sadie Hawkins dances, bake sales and teas. The ladies also helped fund many community efforts, making donations to school playground equipment, Cur1ing club artificial ice, music festival trophy, swimming pool, and several blankets for hospital patients’ beds. They also sponsored a banquet for the Juvenile Hockey team in 1971, when they won the South Saskatchewan Playoffs and competing for the provincial championship. For a few years, the ladies held a fishpond at the fun fair, with proceeds going to the Recreation Centre. They also sponsored an adult physical fitness class for one year. It is interesting to note that while the ladies were working diligently to raise funds, some of the prices were: in 1970, a cold plate for banquets was $1.75; in 1972, dance admission was $3.00 per couple. In 1946, the dentist paid hall rent of $3.00 per month. In 1950, one head of lettuce, one tomato and one pound of butter cost $1.09. In 1952, postage to send a blanket to Moose Jaw was 34 cents. In 1959, -turkey cost 40 cents per pound. An ad in the Redvers Optomist cost 50 cents. In 1964, doughnuts were 50 cents per dozen. In 1977, a fruit basket cost $3.64. REDVERS BRANCH 293 (Cont’d...)
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