HomeMy WebLinkAboutTimes-Advocate, 1980-04-23, Page 38Congratulations
to the Legion members.
We hope your
//Of/We/WA,
celebrations
are successful.
Scotiabcink
374 'Main St.
Exeter
235.1142
linr rmirkeis...of fine foods
rizehrs
We're proud of your record
of achievement in our community.
WE WILL BE PLEASED TO SERVE YOU IN :
PA EXETER HWYS. 4 & 83
Tom Tapp room
is a popular spot
One of the favorite spots at Motors in Detroit, but visited
the R.E. Pooley branch here regularly to visit his
Legion hall is the Tom Tapp sister, Mary.
room. A World War I veteran,
Tom was a lifetime Tom was killed in a car
member of the local branch accident in, Detroit in 1969
who worked at General and left a bequest to the local
branch that was used to
remodel and equip the room
which was named in his
memory.
Elmer D. Bell, Q.C., and
Reg McDonald were named'
executors for his estate and
the bequest included a cash
gift of $6,000 and 256 shares
of Detroit Edison stock that
results in a dividend of ap-
proximately $320 per year
for the capital account.
The Tom Tapp room
features a chesterfield,
chairs, TV and tables and a
picture and plaque denoting
his contribution hangs
proudly on the wall.
The project to refurbish
the room was started in 1970
and the completion was
marked with a special
ceremony by the Legion
members. TOM TAPP
from
Acme Neon Signs (London) Ltd.
Thames Rd. W., Exeter
235-0710
Continued from page 5
and on one occasion 458 paid
admission, As an indication
of its popularity, during one
winter season a group of
young people from as far
away as Sarnia were
frequent visitors.
At first glance the sixties
may not appear to have been
as eventful as the fifties, but
it must be remembered that
many progfams instituted in
past years were now part of
the branches overall
program. While minor sports
continued to be a major
project, it was during this
period meaningful con-
tributions were made to the
Recreation Council, and a
sizable donation was made to
the South Huron Hospital
Building Fund.
For its centennial Year
project the branch undertook
to place a pavilion in
Riverview Park, and had it
dedicated that same year. It
was also in the centennial
year that the branch
honoured one of its most
dedicated and devoted
member by renaming the
branch in his name.
Sincetimeimmemorialman
has felt the need of some sign
or symbol as a mark to
distinguish himself, his
family or his country. One
such symbol was a flag, a
name said to have been
derived from the old Saxon
word "ffaken", meaning to
fly or float in the wind.
Roman Legions identified
themselves with their
vexillum, while kings and
noblemen used standards,,
banners and, penants for
identification.
During times of war these
"flags" were used to
distinguish friend from foe
and would be paraded before
the troups, hence, the
"Parading of the Colours."
The introduction of the
standing armies in the
sixteenth century and their
organization into regiments,
led to the introduction of
Regimental Colours. Today
there are three types in use
in the British Army, and they
are referred to as The
Standard, The Guidon, and
Regimental Colour. By long
standing tradition Canadian
armed forces have followed
this example, and it was only
fitting that when the 161
Huron Battalion was formed
during WOrld War 1 it too
should have its Colour. The
Battalion Colour with its
Battle Honours, Vimy Ridge,
Arras, Amiens, and Cambrai
blazoned on it, was made by
ladies of Exeter and hung in
the Trivitt Memorial
Church.
During the late fifties
certain members of the
branch did much research
and gathered the names of
those who gave their lives
while serving in the 161. A
book of Remembrance
containing their names and
replica of their Colour was
dedicated and placed in the
Court House Chapel,
Goderich., in 1960, A further
replica was produced, and on
June 28th 1970 the Colour
presently hanging in the
Trivitt Memorial Church
was also dedicated, The
original is now "preserved
and lies in a glass case
within the church..
By taking a short step back
in time, it will be found that
shortly after World -War II
numerous branches were
forming their own bands. In
this area the pipe band was
the most popular, and the
fifties and the sixties could
be said to be the era of such
bands.
The Exeter Pipe Band was
formed in 1953 when certain
members decided that this
branch should also have a
band. Bagpipes and drums
were ordered and each
member purchased his own
instrument. While there was
much enthusiasm it would
appear that skill was
lacking,'and the band was to
receive invaluable in-
struction in piping and
drumming from members of
the Clinton Legion.
To encourage its members
further, the Ladies Auxiliary
in 1955 purchased 60 com-
plete uniforms in the Royal
Stuart tartan, and for over
the next decade and a half,
the band became a very
familiar and respected arm
of the branch. During these
years the band appeared at
Zone and District Con-
ventions, Band Tattoos, Fall
Fairs, Anniversaries, and
many other engagements.
Among the more im-
portant would have to be
Warrior Day parades at the
London Fair, and District
Convention at Lions Head
when the Cape Crocker
Indian Reserve Branch was
host, appearances at Sarnia,
once as a feature band,
conventions at Kitchener
and Band Tattoos at Forest
and Goderich. .Perhaps the
most memorable occasion
would have to be its visit to
Sherrill, New York., when it
joined with bands from
Forest, Strathroy, Clinton,
Seaforth, Goderich, and
Brussels to form a massed
band and lead parades in
that city's anniversary
celebrations.
A silver key to be found
hanging in the bar was
presented by the Mayor of
Sherrill.lt bears the names of
the band members and the
date, 1966.
Among the photographs to
be found elsewhere is one of
a Drum-Head Service held at
the Exeter fair grounds, and
it may be of interest to some
to mention the following, In
many civilizations drums
Please turn to page 7
IN PARADE Among the many local parades in which the Legion have entered floats was
the 1979 Exeter Fair event. Shown on .the colorful entry are President Lee Webber,
Comrades Gerald Campbell and Henry Dyck and Ladies Auxiliary Comrades Annie Lawson
and Wilhelmina Jaques.
Page 6 T-A Legion. Special, April 23, 1980
Dedicate 1 6 1 st Colours