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HomeMy WebLinkAboutTimes-Advocate, 1980-04-23, Page 34DARLING'S THREE LOCATIONS TO SERVE YOU EXETER LUCAN HURON PARK 235-0420 227-4082 228-6754 BEST . WISHES TO THE R.E. POOLEY, BRANCH 167, ROYAL CANADIAN LEGION. FIFTY YEARS OF SERVICE IS AN ADMIRABLE RECORD. JEFF FRED JIM JOE Page 2 T-A Legion Special, April 23, 1980 Many name changes in 50-year history Byt3OUG WEDLAKE When rounded in April 1930 .t was designated Branch 167, Canadian Legion of the British Empire Service League, and some of its charter members had been former members of the Great War Veterans Association. While the branch number has always remained the same, there have been some name changes. From 1940 until 1947 it was known as the Exeter-Hensall branch, and when Hensall and area members decided to form their own branch in 1947 it :everted to its original name and in 1967 it then became known by its present designation, R.E. Pooley Branch 167, Royal Canadian Legion. The first recorded history of the branch is to be founded M the Minutes Book of the wanch, and it is fitting that tese minutes be presented at this time. It is in the handwriting of Milton W. Pfaff and reads as follows Organization Meeting April 2nd 1930 A meeting of the ex- service men .of Exeter vicinity was held in the Town Hall Wednesday evening April 2nd for the purpose of forming a local branch of the Canadian Legion, B.E.S.L. Comrade Harry Wray, president of the London Branch and organizer of Western Ontario was present with a number of his executive officers. Com . Capt. Fremlin, Soldiers' Advisor, explained the workings of the Pension Board and the Appeal Board. Other members of the Lopdon Branch gave their experiences with the Legion. Corn. Wray then asked if it was the wish of those present to form a local branch, to which there was a hearty response. Applications f6r mem- bership were received, A fee of three dollars annually was decided upon,. of which.30 cents per capita goes to Provincial Headquarters, and $1.00 per capita to Dominion Headquarters. .25 cents is the fee for a badge which must be returned if for any reason the holder ceases to be a member of the Legion. All non members of the Legion directed to retire. The following thirty ap- plicants for admission to the Legion were then initiated by Corn. Wray and his staff of officers. G.S. 'Atkinson, Thomas Pryde, Elmor Harness, Andy M. Easton, S.J.V. Cann, John N. Willis, J.G. Cochrane, Hillary Horton, W.E. Middleton, W.G. Rivers, Alfred H. Gambrill, Samuel King, Norman Hockey, Norman Norry, Homer Bagshaw. M.W. Pfaff, G.O. Thomp- son, W.H. Harness, Joseph B. White, Norman Hannigan, Gordon C. Culbert, Ralph Willis, A.R. McKinnon,,D.G. Appleton, W.C. Davis, Earl Parsons, Fred Wells, Edward Anderson, William Laverty, S.W. Simms. The following officers were then elected to hold temporary office until such time as permanent officers were appointed. President - Com S.G. Atkinson 1st Vice Pres. - Corn. A.R, McKinnon 2nd Vice Pres - Corn. A.H. Gambrill Executive Members - Corn Geo. Thompson Andy M. Easton, and S.J.V, Cann Sec-Trews. - Com M,W. Pfaff Adjustments Officer - Corn. S.G. Atkinson, The meeting was closed with the National Anthem, after which lunch was served by Corn. Middleton, signed G.S. Atkinson. signed M.W. Pfaff Sec-Treas. The Branch Charter was issued on April 23rd 1930, and at the General Meeting held on May the 19th, with one exception, all who had been elected to hold temporary office had their positions confirmed. At this. meeting two further committees were formed, one. Mem- bership with Corn's W.G. Rivers, W.E. Middleton, Dr. Collier. and G.Q. Culbert the other By-Law, with Corn's Dr, W.E, Weeks, Rev. J. J. Fenton and Earl Parsons. During the ensuing months the membership of the branch increased, and under the guidance ,of its president the branchworkedvigorously and enthusiastically to en- sure it future success. It would appear that its drive for membership was suc- ceeding because on November 6th 1930 it held its meeting in the Frayne Block, its first permanent club rooms. The rent for these quarters was $50.00 per annum and the Public Utilities at that time averaged approximately $3.00 for a two month period. A caretaker was also ap- pointed and his initial salary was $6.00 per month, however this was later reduced to $4.17. Furniture and a pool table was purchased at this time, and to defray expenses and assist the branch in com- munity work it organized socials, bingos and dances. During the following years membership continued to rise and its financial position remained sound despite the fact that times were hard and money was scarce. For those who have no knowledge of the thirties, membership fees represent over two days salary for the average worker who was fortunate enough to be , employed. Canada was now entering into the great depression and its effect was felt by everyone, 1933 would see a decline in attendance at meetings and the inability of many members to pay their dues. To encourage these members to remain active, any member unable to pay his dues was able to act as caretaker; one month in lieu of payment. With the loss of mem- bership and active par- ticipation, a crisis was reached on April 24th 1934 when the question of the Please turn to page 3 50 YEAR BADGES — On April 22, 1976, these six members received their 50-year Legion Badge. From the left: Comrades Horace Pfaff, R.E. Pooley, Joe White, Cliff Brintnell, Norm Norry and Bill Snell.