HomeMy WebLinkAboutTimes-Advocate, 1999-03-31, Page 13Crossroads
Exeter Times -Advocate
Wednesday, March 31 , 1999
PIZZA
HOT UNE
235-3141
Page 13
on's rich history documented in new book
. By Kate Monk
TIMES- ADVOCATE STAFF
EXETER — Did you know the Exeter
Legion's first president, Major Garnet S.
Atkinson, received a military funeral
parade through the streets of Exeter and
London? Did you know the branch had a
pipe band?
Eric Heywood of Exeter is putting the
finishing touches on a 360 page book
documenting these community mile-
stones and many more in the 70 -year his-
tory of the Royal Canadian Legion R.E.
Pooley Br. 167.
The book heads to the printers soon
and is chocked full of information.
The project has been a labour of love
for Heywood.
"The legion is my second home. I'll do
anything for them," he reflected
Heywood has worked on the book for a
"couple years" and full time for the past
nine months.
"It got to a point where it was so inter-
esting, I was at it all the time," Heywood
explained, adding some mornings he's
working at the computer at 6:30 a.m.
Heywood used legion minutes and
financial reports, communication with
members and their relatives, the Internet,
libraries and newspapers to compile the
stories. He said he has phoned people
from England to British Columbia.
The 360 page book includes 130 pho-
*is. Heywood admits the book has been a
tinge task with countless details and he
has proofread the book three times to
ensure accuracy.
"Enthusiasm has been great" from com-
munity and legion members, Heywood
said.
Readers will learn about the lives of
each of the legion's presidents including
their time in the armed forces, education,
careers and families. Heywood's consid-
erable research on the first four presi-
dents got him hooked.
"The more I got into it, the more I got
involved," he said.
The chapters on the presidents include
names of the executive, chairman of the
committee and some minutes from the
year's meetings.
Information is also included on the
branch's Ladies Auxiliary, buildings the
legion have called home, men who lost
Eric Heywood is putting
Limon.
theirlives during battles, life. members,.
donations to the cc rnffunity and many
other stories.
"There's not one bad word about any-
body in the book," Heywood said with a
smile.
Ladies Auxiliary history also
documented
The history of the Legion in the commu-
nity is rich and goes beyond its four
walls.
The legion in Exeter started on April 2,
1930 with its 30 charter members hold-
ing meetings in the Exeter town hall.
From 1930-1947, it was known as the
Exeter-Hensall Legion until the Hensall
members received permission to start
their own branch.
After having several homes, the legion
built its new building on William St. in
1950. Heywood said he believes the
Exeter Legion was the first in Canada to
have its own new building.
the finishing touches on Remembering 70 Years 1930-2000, documenting the work of the Exeter
The Auxiliary was started in '51 by 39
w egion members, Heywood said
the meeting minutes of.'51-'84 are miss-
ing but thanks to Dorothy Pfaff s long-
time involvement with the auxiliary, she
had accumulated additional information
Heywood was able to use. To keep the
book's sections even, he hasn't included
minutes from any years but has included
details on donations and events.
The auxiliary has donatedto many
groups and organizations but their main
purpose is to support the legioi:,
Heywood said.
Although the Canadian Legion move-
ment was started to care for war veter-
ans, the book shows the Legion has been
an important part of the entire communi-
ty, contributing to youth and seniors
alike. Over the years, the Legion has
made over 1,400 donations to more than
350 organizations and individuals total-
ing well over $500,000, including
$487,000 in the last 18 years.
Heywood said this is not a book people
have to read front to back; each
short story is independent.
What does Heywood want people to feel
when they read the book?
"I'd like them to think the legion isn't a
place where you go to have a beer,"
Heywood said. "I'd like them to think the
legion is working for the good of the
town, not only for youth but fcir seniors as
well."
Heywood has• donated all his time and
materials for the project. Printing the
book i is been privately funded with no
money coming from the legion.
The hardcover book will be sold at cost
for $35. Approximately 400 copies of
Remembering 70 Years 1930-2000 have
already been spoken for with only 100
additional copies available.
To reserve a copy, call Heywood at 235-
1254, or the Exeter Legion after noon.
The Canadian Legion Branch 167 Exeter Pipe Band performed throughout Ontario from 1953-73. Back row, from Ieft, Brian Fink, Bill Smith, Roy Brock, Jim Pinder,Al
Smith, Jake Marks, Corky Schroeder and Glenn Fisher. Front row, from Ieft, Eric K.. Heywood, Scotty Brown, Murray Brintnell, Keith Brintnell, Fred Simmons, Max
Harness, Bob Sanders, unknown, Gord McTavish and Gerry'Wurm.
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