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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHomecoming '87, 1987-07-01, Page 31THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, JULY 1, 1987. PAGE A-31. _ Homecoming '87_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Brussels Legion Auxiliary began in 1946 The Ladies Auxiliary to the Brussels branch of the Royal Canadian Legion was formed in April 1946. The initiation was conducted by the Provincial Presi­ dent Comrade Pegg. The motto of the organization was “service at all times". The first President was Comrade Verna Thomas. The first Zone Commander was Comrade Doro­ thy Hoyle. The first year there was a membership of 48 members. Of these, there are only six members left. Three of these members are Charter - Comrade Kaye Duncan, Comrade Elsie Shaw and Comrade Maggie Rutledge. The other three members are Comrade Verna Tunney, Comrade Kitty Rutledge, and Comrade Ann Baker. Of these members only three are active - Duncan, K., Rutledge, K., and Tunney, V. Meetings were held in various places - library, lodge rooms, members homes, the old town hall Sporting black choir gowns with white collars, these members of the Brussels United Church choir in the late 1930’s smile for the camera. Top row, from left: William J.D. Cardiff, Lloyd Wheeler, Peg Gamiss, Bill Procter, Beatrice Walker, Addie Cardiff, Earle Anderson, May Wilkerson, Monte Brothers and Jack Bates. Middle row: Edna Davidson, Helen Baeker, Mary Davidson, Lenora Higgins, Mrs. Stanley, Mayme Downing, Mrs. Dave Denman, Mrs. Bill Procter, Margaret Downing and Mrs. John Rowland. Bottom row: Violet Ellacott, Betty Best, Alice Pope, Virginia Plum, Mary Baeker and Madelon Speiran. Photo courtesy Adeline Campbell, Blyth. where the present Legion now stands. The dues were 10 cents a month. Money was raised by teas, bake sales, bazaars, selling Christmas cards, and raffling off a quilt that the members had made. The Auxiliary also had a booth when the Legion held their annual Sports Day in the park. In May 1946, the Legion bought abuildingonMainSt. ownedby Norman Thompson. The meetings were held on the ground floor. Later the Legion gave the Ladies the upstairs which they renovated taking out partitions, laying a new floor, and fixing up the kitchen, making the rooms large enough to hold small banquets and card parties. The regular meetings were held the first Thursday of the month and the third Thursday there was a social held among the members with such events as cards, bingo, etc. In 1965, the Legion built a new Hall. The auditorium was much larger so that the Auxiliary could cater to larger banquets, wedding receptions, and anniversaries. The Ladies extended and furnished the kitchen withall appliances, etc. They also bought tables and chairs for the auditorium and furnishing the drapes for the hall. In 1974, the Ladies gave the Branch money to pay off the mortgage. The Auxiliary also donates to several organizations, give to the Bursary Fund, and also help the Branch. The group holds a church parade on D-Day, and participate in Decoration Day services at the cemetery with the Branch. They also attend the church parade and ceremonies on Remembrance Day ending the day with a banquet. Tworepresentatives are sent to Provincial conventions held every two years. Representatives also attend annual zone conventions. The Auxiliaryis active in sports such as cribbage, euchre, darts, and bowling. In the winter months euchre parties are held in the Legion hall. The group has adopted two veterans at Westminister Campus and remember them on their birthdays, Christmas and throughout the year. The Auxiliary alsoremembers any of its mem­ bers who might be there also. In 1971, 1976, and 1981, the group celebrated their 25th, 30th, and 35th anniversaries. They presented members with pins who had earned them. At these occa­ sions they entertained the Zone. In June, 1985, on occasion of the Legion’s Diamond Jubilee celebra­ tions the group honoured six Life Members with Diamond Jubilee medals. It also gave 10 Certificates of Merit to 10 very deserving members. April 1986 the Auxiliary celebrated its 40th anniversary with a dinner and dance. In the year 1986 - Sept. 1987, the Ladies Auxiliaries in the province are celebrating the Diamond Jubi­ lee and the Auxiliary purchased a United Church history Continued from page A-15 speakers, banquets and birthday cakes. Several changes and addi­ tions to the church facilities have taken place in recent years which have added to the comfort and convenience of all concerned. Those worthy of special mention are a set of three pulpit chairs presented by the Gerry family, the installation of the present kitchen and washrooms, the purchase of the electric organ, the new oil heating system, the worship centre in the Sunday School room, and the carpeted floor in the basement. In 1976, the Brussels United Church celebrated its 100th anni­ versary with a special service. The occasion was commemorated with the presentation of a large wooden cross, the donation of the Hoover family of Brussels, which was mounted on the rear wall of the choir loft, and by the publication of rocking chair for the Nursing Home in Brussels. A Canadian flag was also given. They presented these on June 17. There are six Life Members: Comrade Kaye Duncan, Comrade Maggie Rutledge, Comrade Verna Tunney, Comrade Kitty Rutledge, Comrade Doreen Rutledge, Com­ rade Bernice MacFarlane. There have been 19 Presidents for the years 1946- 1987: Comrade Verna Thomas. Comrade Jean Leach, Comrade Ann Gemmell, Comrade Bertha Elliott, Comrade Vera Hastings, Comrade Mary Lowe, Comrade Kaye Duncan, Comrade Margaret Stephenson. Comrade Pat Shaw, Comrade Mary Storey, Comrade Helen Storey, Comrade Doreen Rut­ ledge, Comrade Mabel Willis, Comrade Margaret Brewer, Com­ rade Gene Dellow, Comrade Jean Bridge, Comrade Joan Miller, Comrade Grace Jutzi, Comrade Bonnie Brewer. At present there is a member­ ship of 47 members. The group meets the second Monday of the month. abookletoutliningthe church’s first century in Brussels. Today, Reverend Charles Car­ pentier ministers to the spiritual needs of more than 140families from Brussels and the surrounding area. Alma Watson is the Clerk of Session, serving elected elders Jean Bridge, Betty Campbell, Bob Richmond, Dorothy Steffler, Ruth Sauve, Kathy Workman, Ken Barbour, Ralph Watson, David Boynton, Betty Graber, Neil Mc­ Donald, Laurie Campbell and Bob Smith. Neil Gowing is the ch air­ man of the Board of Stewards; Ken Cowan is the organist and leader of the Senior Choir; Sheila Richards established and leads the Junior Choir; Kathy Workman has served as Sunday School Superintendent forthepasttenyears; and Betty Graber is president of the very active U.C.W. J3® Agromart •Fertilizer •Pesticides •Seeds •Feed •Twine •Custom Application <*88^ Agromart “Helping Things Grow” to the Village of Brussels on their 115th Birthday Swwioty t&e, tMuwwfy mosterfeeds © At Brussels Agro mart Ltd. quality is a tradition BRUSSELS AGROMART LTD. BRUSSELS. Ontario 519-887-6273