The Royal Canadian Legion Saskatchewan Command LEST WE FORGET 31 community. The Branch also took part in organizing the Kipling Sports Day each year, with some years attendance being around 3000. All of these activities meant much work but showed a good profit. Once the theatre was paid for, the Branch could make donations to many community projects such as to the Memorial Hospital to furnish a ward, to the recreation centre and to the tennis courts. The Ladies’ Auxiliary had been organized during the war years and they were a very important part of the organization. Successful November 11th services were held along with the Poppy Day Campaigns. The Ladies have always sold poppies on the streets and their Poppy Day Teas have been very successful. In the early years, the Poppy Fund was used to assist many veterans, but today it is more used for purchasing equipment for the hospital and the senior citizens in Willowdale Lodge. We also use it for Literary crests for the Literary contest in the schools, which helps our children more understand the wartime sacrifices. On April 8, 1968, fire destroyed the Legion Theatre. The Branch sold $50.00 certificates and many members guaranteed a bank loan. Financing was arranged and a new modern 340-seat facility was built. It opened in 1969 and was debt-free by 1978. Later on, a lounge was added. In 1986, the Theatre was sold and the Kipling Branch met in the new community centre. In 2006, the Branch is now 80 years old. The Branch now owns a large building in the centre of Kipling. The Auxiliary can serve up to 150 steak suppers. In the past five or six years, the Branch has seen an increase in support from the community for the November 11th Services and Poppy Campaigns. An Honour roll has been installed in the hall displaying the pictures and military history of 35 men from the area who lost their lives in war. There is also a group of about 125 pictures of men and women who have served in the armed forces. In recent years, the membership has dwindled and the Branch is small, but still remains active. KIPLING BRANCH 6 (...Cont’d) The Great War Veterans Association was organized on January 17, 1920 at an organizational meeting held with Comrade A.E. Elliott in the chair. The following months the GWVA was challenged with the work of helping members of the Imperial Command pensioners sort out and receive their proper pensions and exchange. The first November 11th dance was held on November 11th, 1920, with the first anniversary of the signing of the Armistice. The Association continued on with making donations to the community and looking for a permanent building. On April 23, 1926, the re-organization was completed and now known as the Herschel Branch of the Canadian Legion of the British Empire Service League, with the charter being issued on October 12, 1926. The membership totaled 48 at that time. Their memorial fund was started in 1933. In 1938 a motion was passed to look into the possibilities of erecting a Memorial Hall. In 1940, the Branch set up a parcel fund for the troops overseas and steps were taken to register under the War Charities Act. In 1943, a motion was passed to form a Ladies’ Auxiliary. In 1945, the Branch hosted 25 servicemen who served in the 1939-45 conflict to a luncheon and smoker. A citation was given to Sgt. E. F. Schmidt, D.F.M., RCAF for his display and great courage and determination under severe anti-aircraft fire and fighter damage to their aircraft. On. November 12, 1945, a special Remembrance Service was held at the School headed by Rev. G.W. Rodes. The Branch had also unveiled a Roll of Honour and read the names of all the volunteers of the District. The Branch’s donations in sending parcels overseas totaled over $3000.00. 1950 saw a combined community effort to get the hall started and the Herschel Memorial Hall became a reality. A bronze plaque was purchased to record all members of WWII killed in action and a flagpole and memorial was erected at the Herschel cemetery. During the National Flag debate in 1963, Herschel Branch went on record as voting in favour of keeping the Red Ensign. Early records show that Herschel Branch members were active in the Poppy Campaign in over twenty schools in the area. All of these country schools are now closed. Funds raised for the general account show a wide range of ideas such as plays, curling bonspiels, dances, raffles of all kinds, turkey shoots, sports days, garage sales, bean and penny guessing games, card evenings, and just about anything one could think of. They also assisted in local sports hockey teams, baseball, track and field, figure skating, drama, curling and skiing, curling, darts, golf, cribbage and later, bowling. HERSCHEL BRANCH 7 (Cont’d...)
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