The Royal Canadian Legion Saskatchewan Command LEST WE FORGET 61 The November 28, 1949 minutes approve entry of a Silton rink in the Legion bonspiel, although previously voted down due to poor roads - Legion officials had encouraged reconsideration of support. The minutes of May 13, 1950, indicate that Silton Legion meeting approves a Branch donation to the Winnipeg Flood Relief Program. Recorded minutes of the 1947 - 1952 era refer to very limited funds available for building and Branch operation; combined whist and dance for 50 cents per person, the usual winter functions – and a summer picnic with 5 gallons of ice cream and cones. Winter road conditions were always a problem, as those who remember the blizzards of 1947-48 and 1949, which are well recorded in Saskatchewan archives. Then, as now, the November 11th service and fellowship visiting were the highlights of the Legion year. A general party line telephone ring, the usual means of informing community of upcoming events! Prizes given out at social events were normally donated by Legion executive officers. Poppies were distributed through half a dozen area schools, usually returned $3.00 per school from 30 poppies at 10 cents each. The original Silton Legion building and property was donated to the Village of Silton in 1993, with the agreement that storage for Legion artifacts would be provided in the community centre and access to the community hall would be available for meetings and Legion social events. Since 1947, Comrade Joe Martin has held all offices including zone and district command. His guidance as Secretary/Treasurer today is so highly respected by all. Bob Swanston's name first appears in November 1953 minutes, and George Burgess in January 1954 - both continue faithful attendance in 2006, having served multiple terms as President and most other Branch offices. R. James Ewing continues membership long after holding President, Secretary/Treasurer and other significant offices, as have Eleanor Ferguson and Murray Cheetham. Alvin Phipps, Harold Morton, Victor Compton, J. MacPheat, Pat Thompson and others, all now deceased, were active long-term Silton Legion officers. In 1987, this Legion Branch paid $4,200.00 to cover the church memorial window restoration costs. They assisted Mr. and Mrs. Yung in arranging for the dedication of a memorial marker in honour of Lorne Johnston, a soldier killed in the battle of Hong Kong. The Silton Ladies’ Auxiliary were always there in support, food supply, organization, social and financial, at $15 donations, then as an auction - $25, $40, $75, $100, $200, $300 donations to the Legion and sharing profits. Unsung heroines indeed from 1931 to 2000. From frugal, hard time community support to significant youth, school projects, rinks, halls - DVA hospital - Lumsden and Strasbourg nursing homes, Telemiracle, Camp Easter Seal, and many others, a few good, earnest men and women poured thousands of dollars and unmeasured volunteer work into local communities - all in quiet, humble dedication. The Legion was a main community social agenda. The Remembrance and Last Post, school, community, cenotaph and funeral services all continue to inform and remind the community of the price paid for the freedom we enjoy and often take for granted today. SILTON BRANCH 33 (...Cont’d) On December 27, 1926, the Theodore Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion acquired their charter. There were fourteen members in attendance. In the early years, the meetings were held in the council chambers of the village hall. In 1950, the Legion purchased a blacksmith shop. With the help of many volunteers, the blacksmith shop was moved and converted into the Legion hall, where meetings and events continue to be held. After World War II, returning Veterans joined and membership grew. But as the years passed, Veterans passed on, and present membership consists of fifteen: one Life member, four Ordinary members, and ten Associate members. Fundraising is the main source of revenue for this organization. In earlier years, they held dances, whist drives and bingos, with proceeds going to the hospital, Christmas treats for children, minor hockey and minor ball teams. Members also participated and hosted many Zone curling play-offs. They also supported the Boys Scouts, Cubs and Girl Guides organizations. Theodore Ladies’ Legion Auxiliary 34 acquired their charter in 1951, with twenty members. This volunteer organization raised money by having teas, bake sales and whist drives. They also assisted the Legion in their community functions and Legion obligations, activities and celebrations. The Auxiliary disbanded in 1974 due to declining membership. The money remaining was given to the Theodore Legion for their war memorial. In June of 1990, the Branch held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to unveil the new cenotaph. With many volunteers and donations, this war memorial was erected in memory of local comrades who paid the ultimate price of war. At present, Branch 34 continues to market the poppy and wreath sales campaign. To commemorate Remembrance Day, they hold Remembrance Day Services at the community school promoting the essay, poem and poster contest program and conclude with a service at the cenotaph. They also hold a D-Day Service in June. The Branch members are invited to lead our town parades, at reunions and celebration occasions. THEODORE BRANCH 34
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