The Royal Canadian Legion Saskatchewan Command LEST WE FORGET 95 Saskatoon Branch 63 of the Canadian Legion, B.E.S.L., was formed as a successor to the Great War Veterans Association, a Branch of which had been established in 1923. The charter for Branch 63 was received on October 23, 1926. The fist President was Dr. W.A. Carrothers. By 1929, membership had grown to the point where a new larger building was needed. Work commenced that spring and the building at 315 19th Street East was opened and the first meeting held in December 1929. The building has been in continuous use to the present time, however, with rising upkeep and utility costs and declining membership, and with a generous offer from a developer, the property was sold in early 2006. A new site on Spadina Crescent West, has been purchased and the Branch will move in the early part of 2007. A Ladies’ Auxiliary to the Branch was formed and the charter received on May 26, 1931. The hard work of Auxiliary members over the years - catering, putting on teas and bake sales, contributed many thousands of dollars to the welfare of the Branch, one highlight for many years hosting a dinner for all Veterans whether Legion members or not in the afternoon of November 11th. The crowd filled the large upstairs hall. The afternoon concluded with the Branch chorus leading the singing of old wartime favorites. Due to declining numbers, the Ladies’ Auxiliary was disbanded in May 1999. Branch membership of a few hundred in the first two decades rose rapidly following World War II, reaching a peak of approximately 1,500 in the 1950's. Several members moved up from Branch Executive positions to higher office with Provincial Command. Two of these achieved noteworthy positions include: Mr. Justice Mervyn Woods rose to Provincial President (1955-57), followed by election to Dominion President (1960-62). Gordon Blair joined Branch 63 in 1948 while attending University of Saskatchewan. He practiced law first in Saskatoon then in Ottawa. He continued Legion work over the years and was Chairman of the Constitution and Laws Committee, Dominion Command (1963-84). In 1994, he was asked to become Grand President of the Royal Canadian Legion, an honor he held until his death in 2006. Membership has declined in the past ten years due to deaths, non-renewals, and now stands at slightly over 300, including Life Members. For many years, the Saskatoon Poppy Campaign had its headquarters in Branch 63. The three local Branches, along with the Army, Navy and Air Force Veterans and local cadet groups have participated. In 2004, the campaign headquarters has been moved to Nutana Branch 362. During the 1930's, unemployment was high. Branch Executive tried to persuade employers to give preference to unemployed Veterans when hiring for the few jobs available. A male voice chorus was formed in March 1932, with 44 members. The chorus performed many concerts over the next thirty-two years. The Second World War years (1939-1945) saw the Branch supporting Provincial and Dominion Commands in lobbying the Federal Government to ensure adequate benefits for returning Veterans. The Branch worked with department of Veterans Affairs to have them purchase a 200 acre parcel of land to establish a community of 1/2 acre small holding (Montgomery Place) on Saskatoon's west side for Veterans. The Branch also supported and promoted the War Bond drives. The large dance floor in the upstairs hall was a popular place with service men and women stationed on Saskatoon and area during the war. A highlight and challenge for the Branch was hosting the 1948 Dominion Convention. Some 1,900 delegates attended. The Legion sponsors many sports teams. Working at Legion track & field meets. Other Branch activities of members and volunteers include sending delegates to Provincial and Dominion Conventions, serving on boards and joint committees, such as Legion Manor, Poppy Fund, Decoration Day, Remembrance Day, Woodlawn Memorial, Canada Remembers Air Show and many more. SASKATOON BRANCH 63 A group of World War I Veterans met in the old Pelly Hall and decided to form a Legion Branch. On October 16, 1926, it became a chartered Branch. The number of charter members was approximately 23. In 1934, the Branch had 28 members. The Branch in the early 20’s, 30’s and 40’s was combined with Norquay. On October 11, 1949, Pelly Branch No. 65 formed their own Branch omitting Norquay. There were 28 members in attendance at that meeting. In May of 1963, The Royal Canadian Legion moved into their own building on Main Street. The Ladies’ Auxiliary was formed on the 12th of June 1950, with approximately 12 charter members. The new Legion Building was moved in early 1963, and all work was completed by Legion members. Branch activities are Baseball, Old Timers’ Crib Tournaments, Fast Ball and Whist Drives, which were all sponsored by The Legion. The present membership of The Legion is 21. The Legion is strictly run by its members. Due to the age of most members, we now have a November 11th service in the Pelly Hall with approximately 100 people in attendance each year. The most outstanding thing in our Legion are the walls in the lounge area that have pictures and a brief history of all surrounding WWI and WWII, Korean War, and Peace Time members. Information for this wall was researched by Cora Stobee. The plaques with photos were assembled by Rick Kurtz. PELLY BRANCH 65
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