The Royal Canadian Legion Saskatchewan Command Commemorative History Booklet 282 Prior to 1946, some Smeaton Veterans belonged to the Snowden Branch. It was about time Smeaton and District Veterans decided to organize a Branch in Smeaton. Money was short, so a group of Veterans canvassed the town and District asking for donations. Donations of Poultry, which was used for a turkey shoot, money, labour and building materials were provided. Mr. Ben Griffiths had a lot in town. He was going to build a house on it but instead he donated the lot to the Legion. On March 28, 1947, Branch 319 received its charter. There were 18 charter members. The first President was P. May. In 1964, a 20-foot extension was built, with a kitchen. In 1975, it was extended again, with washrooms, and in 1978 a new Cenotaph was built. The Branch has sponsored Scouts, Hockey Teams, Ball Teams, Curling and Track and Field. LADIES’ AUXILIARY TO SMEATON BRANCH 319 The Branch has had excellent support from the Ladies’ Auxiliary. As for the Ladies’ Auxiliary, they were formed on January 2, 1948, with 15 charter members and was officially chartered in March of 1948. Many activities have taken place in order to raise money for sponsoring projects, such as bingos, fish ponds, bake sales, teas, suppers, auction sales, banquets, raffles and quilt making. They have sponsored Track and Field, bursaries, school bonspiels, Veterans and families, sick or in hospital, and furnished a Ward in the local hospital. We have supported the CNIB, Red Cross, heart and stroke and fire victims. The Ladies’ Auxiliary closed its doors on April 22, 2006. The few ladies who are left support the Branch in all their activities. SMEATON BRANCH 319 The Maryfield Branch #322 of the Canadian Legion of the British Empire Service League received its charter on January 31, 1947. In 1948, two lots were purchased on Main Street and a hall was erected. In 1961, the Legion, along with other organizations and volunteers, built a playground beside the hall. The Branch sponsored bantam hockey and baseball for 12-and-under boys. They also sponsored Boy Scouts. The Branch volunteered to organize the Red Cross canvassing in 1959. The Remembrance Day essay competition was started in school in 1961. Jack and Inez Enion purchased a Past President Plaque to commemorate the 50th Anniversary, which was also the 30th Anniversary of the Maryfield Branch. The plaque hangs in the hall, to this day, with twenty-seven Presidents’ names listed on it. On June 15, 2002, the Legion erected and dedicated a cairn in the playground. It is to be a lasting memorial to the men and women who fought in the wars for freedom and peace. On May 1, 2002, the Legion, due to decrease in membership, turned over their assets to the town of Maryfield for the use of future generations. May they remember and enjoy the peace that these brave men and women have won for us. Submitted by Helen Au1ie MARYFIELD BRANCH 322 ~ Closed Box 416 Beechy, SK S0L 0C0 Secretary: Alfred Saxton Phone: 306-858-2549 President: Sheldon Carson Branch Charter Date: 17 February 1947 Current Membership: 20 Auxiliary Charter Date: Unknown BEECHY BRANCH 324
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