The Royal Canadian Legion Saskatchewan Command LEST WE FORGET 53 In 1911, a returned soldier's league was formed. The Abernethy district league decided to form a company to be called the Abernethy and District Memorial Hall Company for the purpose of selling shares to build a hall in Abernethy. The hall was completed, and those who fought and who died for freedom and for the country would have a permanent testimonial. The villages of Abernethy and Balcarres, and the residents of Lorlie, each had a committee of the Returned Soldier's League. These became two leagues, and the Abernethy league eventually became the Great War Veteran's Association 1920. Six years later, the G.W.V.A joined the Canadian Legion of the British Empire Service League. It became known as Abernethy (Saskatchewan No. 26) Branch. The Branch was chartered on October 12, 1926, with 15 members. In 1961, it became the Royal Canadian Legion. During the 1920's and early 1930's, the Abernethy Branch assisted in the operation of the hall. They sponsored plays from Lemberg and Kenlis, as well as traveling shows and orchestras. All proceeds went to the hall. The Decoration Day service at the cemetery was begun by the Abernethy Branch in 1926 and has continued to the present time with few exceptions. The Ladies’Auxiliary to Abernethy Legion Branch No. 26, after 49 years of faithful service, disbanded on December 31, 1997. From 1926 to 1930, Remembrance Day was celebrated with a dance. Since 1949, a memorial service and the placing of wreaths has been held in the hall. The Abernethy Branch has actively promoted and sponsored sports and scholastic activities, including field days, Pony and Bantam League baseball, physical fitness plans and the Royal Canadian Fitness Camp. The Abernethy Branch presently consists of 15 members. ABERNETHY BRANCH 26 In 1919, a branch of the Great War Veterans Association was formed in Humboldt and in 1926, merged with the Canadian Legion. During the years between the wars, the Branch was active in veteran and community affairs. The Branch has occupied many premises over the years, including a building moved in the BCATP station at Dafoe, SK. This building was destroyed by fire in 1983, and the present building was opened in 1985. The Branch sponsors the local Army Cadet Corp and the Humboldt Legion Swim Team. It also supports local students and athletes through bursaries and financial assistance. Financial donations are also made to other charitable organizations throughout the year. Branch members continue to be active in most sports, including golf, curling, bowling and cribbage. Bingos are held weekly on Friday evenings in the hall, and are one of the main sources of income. The hall is also rented for wedding receptions and luncheons. The clubroom is host to a bridge club on Monday evenings, while fun pool is played on Fridays. The clubroom is staffed by volunteer bartenders and is open 5 days a week, Tuesday to Saturday. The Bill Benson Military Museum is located within the Branch premises and has an extensive collection of military memorabilia. The museum is wheelchair accessible and is open on request. Membership, at present, is approximately 240 members and is holding relatively steady at this figure. The Ladies’ Auxiliary was also organized in 1919, and has continued ever since in supporting the Branch in many ways by catering to Branch social events, luncheons and lately the Special Olympics. Financial donations have been given to many area facilities including, St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, St. Mary’s Villa and many other charitable organizations. The Ladies’Auxiliary also supports the Branch in its annual Poppy Campaign, Remembrance Day services and with the general maintenance and operation of Branch facilities. At present, there are 32 members in the Ladies’ Auxiliary who are truly dedicated to the support of the Legion. The members of the Humboldt Branch 28 and the Ladies’Auxiliary look to the past with pride and the future with confidence. HUMBOLDT BRANCH 28
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