The Royal Canadian Legion Saskatchewan Command Commemorative History Booklet 284 In 1923, a group of Veterans formed a Branch of the Great War Veteran's Association. This group carried on successfully until March 22, 1926, when membership was transferred to the new Canadian Legion of the British Empire Service League. Thomas Kjer was the first President and carried on until the Great Depression. The last record of the organization was made in January 1930. By war's end, the Legion was still dormant in Lampman, but several First War Veterans, including Comrades Fred Lavender and Ed Hofley, had joined the active Bienfait Branch. With many new Veterans returning to the area, there was keen interest in forming a Branch in Lampman. In June 1946, an organization meeting was held in the R.M. chambers, with about twenty-five Veterans present. Wilfred Roy was elected President, Dr. Stewart was elected Secretary, and Norman Hofley was elected Treasurer. About two weeks later, Zone Commander, William Burton, attended the first meeting to initiate the new officers. Even with assistance of the Bienfait Branch, the long tough winters of 1947 and 1948 made it difficult for rural members to attend meetings and the Lampman Branch was effectively "on hold." With the arrival of the jovial and gregarious "Doc" Hallam, things began to turn around with members taking turns hosting the monthly meetings in their homes so that refreshments could be served. In 1953, the vacant Massey-Harris shop was moved to a site just south of the Grimes Welding Shop. This was the meeting place for the Branch for the next thirteen years. It was also the Grade One classroom for two years, while a new intermediate school was being built. While fundraising efforts had put a few dollars in the coffers, members and friends of the Legion loaned money and even co-signed the Credit Union mortgage on a new building. Work began on the new two-storey, 40 x 72 foot building in the fall of 1965. It was completed in July 1966 at a cost of $96,000.00. The official opening was held on August 6, 1966 at 11 :00 a.m. The mortgage was officially burned on September 16, 1977. The Branch would be nothing without our Ladies’ Auxiliary. They formed in 1960 for the purpose of organizing Veteran's wives and to help the men raise money. Bingos were held once a week, as they are now. These tireless women have catered countless meals. The Lampman Branch has always found the means to lend financial assistance and other support to Veterans, their families, the community, the organization, and the country. Unfortunately, in the past few years, it became increasingly difficult to keep the heat on, the roof intact, and support the people who depend on us. Declining membership was only one of the problems, which continues to be a struggle today, although numbers are increasing. In September 2005, the Branch accepted the resignation of their longtime manager, and the executive took over the reigns. This cut down expenses and seemed to revitalize whole outlook of the Branch. They also had to take out a mortgage on the building and look forward to the day when this generation can also have a ceremonial burning of the mortgage. As it did in 1923, the existence of the Branch depends on the tireless efforts of volunteers. History, remembrance, and reverence...lest we forget. -Excerpts from Poet's Corner - A History of Lampman and District and the RM of Browning LAMPMAN BRANCH 330 Box 55 Lebret, SK S0G 2Y0 Secretary: Lois Blondeau Phone: 306-332-6566 President: Ralph Blondeau Phone: 306-332-6566 Branch Charter Date: 14 July 1947 Current Membership: 37 Auxiliary Charter Date: 05 November 1949 LEBRET BRANCH 333
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