The Royal Canadian Legion Saskatchewan Command LEST WE FORGET 87 On October 16, 2006, the Moose Jaw Branch #59 of the Royal Canadian Legion will have proved to have been a viable asset to the community for the past 80 years. For the past seven and one-half decades the Branch has assured that proper care and attention has been paid to the welfare of all those who served, or are now serving, in our Armed Forces, as well as the welfare of their dependents, maintaining and comforting those in the community who have required special treatment - especially the disabled, sick, needy and aged. The Moose Jaw Branch is just one of the more than 1,600 Branches in Canada, USA and Germany that is a part of the largest non-profit, dues-supported fraternal organizations that touches the lives of thousands of ordinary Canadians, particularly the youth and the aged, every day. Hatched as an embryo after World War I, from the forming of the Great War Veterans Association of Canada, Moose Jaw Veterans moved in to the old fire hall station on the corner of Saskatchewan and First Avenue northwest, now the site of a thriving condominium. In 1921, the Veterans moved to the corner of Cordova Avenue and Main Street, the present location of the now defunct Grant Hall. In 1925, the Great War Veterans Association dominion convention delegates voted to change the Association’s name to the Canadian Legion of the British Empire Service League. The Moose Jaw Branch sold its property on Main Street to the Community Hotel Association, which erected the Grant Hall, and moved into the old Market Building while awaiting the construction of its new home. On February 17, 1926, Saskatchewan was the first province to ratify the Legion’s constitution and form a Command. On October 16, that same year, the Moose Jaw Branch was granted its charter. On November 11, 1927, the new home at 268 High Street West was taken over from the Bird Construction Company and officially opened. In 1958, the Canadian Legion of the British Empire Service League was changed to the Canadian Legion, and in 1960, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II granted the organization permission to affix the term "Royal" to its name. Officiating at the opening were: Branch President J.C, Whitridge; Provincial President and guest-speaker, Capt. Carrothers; the Venerable Archdeacon Wells-Johnson, the Rev. Mr. Church; and T. Kindred, acting for the mayor. The celebrations ended with a dance. The new facility housed a meeting room, ladies’ room and offices on the first floor, sleeping rooms, caretaker's quarters on the top floor, and a bar, club and games room and library in the basement. It wasn't all clear sailing in the facilities, as the police conducted many raids on the establishment when wives complained of husbands spending too much time and money at the Legion bar. Financial times were also tough. "Smokers," Housie-Housie (Bingo), and supporting Legion sports events, were all used to raise funds. When licensing to sell liquor came into effect, finances improved, although rationing during the Second World War took its toll. World War II brought an influx of new members. The canteen was enlarged, three billiard tables were installed, and a coffee bar and cement floor were added to the basement. The hall was rented almost every night and assurances were taken to allow the public to use the washrooms but were partitioned off from the clubrooms. When King George VI and Queen Elizabeth visited Moose Jaw in 1939, and Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Phillip in 1959, the Legion was called upon to participate in many activities. In 1956, plans were put into effect to enlarge the Branch facilities. Furniture and fixtures were renewed, and decorative and extensive repairs were made. In 1959, the Branch spent $40,000 on renovations to increase public use. The Memorial Lounge was officially opened October 21, 1960, and in 1964, plans were made to provide more auditorium space, as well as increasing lounge facilities. The $90,000 project was started in 1965, and completed by February 1966. In 1966, the top floor was renovated. In 1986, when the Branch celebrated its Diamond Jubilee, a ramp was constructed and an elevator was installed to accommodate handicapped and elderly patrons. Also that year saw the installation of smoke-inhalers in the lounge area. In 1988, the office was modified and the inner stairwell removed to augment storage space. A new roof, designed to enhance the exterior appearance of the Branch was completed. Funding for MOOSE JAW BRANCH 59 (Cont’d...)
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