HomeMy WebLinkAboutTimes-Advocate, 1980-04-23, Page 35those participating, from the left: Zone Commander George Inglis, Dominion •resi•ent ev.
Lumbsdon, District Commander Harold Gellattley and President Harvey Pfaff.
GOOD LUCK
on your Anniversary Celebrations
from
,CANADIAN CANNERS LTD.,
EXETER
Good
Luck
on your
50th Anniversary
We wish you the best for your anniversary
celebrations and for the future.
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• Business Cards • Draw Tickets
• Complete Line of
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Stephen Printing
Exeter, Ontario
Phone 235-2442
to the
Royal Canadian Legion,
R.E. POOLEY BRANCH 167
The management and staff of A & H Superior Market
Congratulate Legion members on their 50th Anniversary.
Best of luck in the future.
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Early years on the move
T.A Legion Special, April 23, 1980
Continued from page 2
advisability of continuation
as a branch was placed
before the floor, It is quite
obvious that there must have
much soul searching on this
occasion, but after , much
discussion it was
unanimously decided that it
would continue. While there
were many who were to
become members in later
years and perform out-
standing work for the
branch, much credit is due to
those who fought for its
continuation and kept it
_viable.
Having survived what may
be described as its one and
only crisis, new interest and
support. was forthcoming
early in 1935. This -is
exemplified by a desire to
purchase the old theater and
convert it into a more per-
manent clubroom.
However, the acquisition
of this building did not
materialize, and it was over
a year before the, branch
rented new quarters. This
was done in 1937 when it
rented space over the
Hopper Furniture store, and
it was to remainhere for the
next three years.
In reviewing what may
perhaps be the most im-
portant decade in branch
history, thought is directed
to branch members, and
branch activities and service
in the community. The
members had one thing in
colninon, they were all. ex-
service men, and while some
for one reason or another
ceased to be members, those
who remained had one
common objective which
was service to their fellow
man. They came from all
walks of life and in their
ranks were men who would
become some of the bran-
ches most outstanding
members. There were those
who gave so unstintingly of
their time and who guided
the branch through perhaps
the most difficult, period of
its history, and those who
helped in whatever area
assistance was needed. They
continued to perpetuate the
memory of their fallen
comrades, assisted the less
fortunate, and it is quite
apparent that the spirit of
comradeship developed in
times of war, continued in
times of peace.
The branch- was in-
strumental in organizing
Remembrance Day parades
and services both in Exeter,
Hensel], and Hurondale, and
in requesting that Exeter
declare the day to be a
holiday. The -sick and
hospitalized veterans were
visited on a regular basis
and provided with such gifts
as cigarettes and fruit,
Assistance was given to
needy comrades and tran-
sients, to widows and their
children. It also gave
baskets of food to needy
families and in co-operation
with other service
organizations, raised monies
for community work.
Entertainments were held,
together with picnics, sports
and Christmas parties.
Presents presented at some
Christmas parties being
made by branch members,
Deceased veteran names
were collected and placed on
Honour Rolls, and poppies
were sold in remembrance of
them. It maintained close
contact with other branches
in Huron County and Zone 10,
and gave active support to
their parades and rallies,
and as early as 1930 it had
joined the Independent
Order of Odd Fellows in
Decoration Day ob-
servances.
While the road in many
ways had not been an easy
one, and the goals set not
always met, much had been
Accomplished. The efforts of
the few had established a
solid foundation on which to
build, and the branch had
every right to be proud of its
record. Recognition of this
good work came early from
both Exeter and Hensall, and
the Townships of Usborne,
Stephen and Hay.who all saw
fit to give the branch
financial support.
A new period in branch
history was now fast ap-
proaching. On September 1st
1939 Poland was invaded by
German forces, and Canada
joined Britain and France in
declaring war on its former
enemy. To say that Canada
was .totally unprepared for
the forthcoming conflict
would he-an untruth, but the
fact remained that on that
date the country was weak
both in manpower and
material.
Canadian reaction to the
problem was swift and great
efforts were made to rectify
it. The Legion ever mindful
of the post war years of the
twenties also made
preparations to meet its
future obligations. One of the
Canadian Legion's first
project was the raising of
$500,000 for its War Service
Fund, and in this the branch
pledged to raise $400 towards
this 'fund.
The area was canvassed,
and funds received even-
tually far exceeded this
objective. By the middle of
1940 the branch was also
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