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The Huron Expositor, 1989-10-25, Page 3io ,cu mi' anniversary ,i An anniversary dinner held Saturday evening at the Seaforth Legion Branch 156, was theaifficial culmination of.a year.full of .special activities to mark the branch's 60th anniversary. Legion members and special guests gathered for first a social hour, then a fit- ting meal prepared by the Legion Ladies Auxiliary, and finally a combination of wit- ty and serious remarks by scheduled guest speakers, who included MPP Jack Riddell, Seaforth Mayor Hazel Hildebrand, Past President Harry Nesbitt, Zone Cl Comm - mender John MacDonald, Distract C Com- mander Don Standen, 1st Vice Ontario Command, Ladies Auxiliary, Evelyn Car- roll and Zone Cl Comander Ladies Aux- iliary Mary Hawn. A cermonial anniver- sary cake was cut by a sword bearing Joe Kobolak, Immediate Past Provincial Presi- dent, assisted by Henry Ziler. Mr. Kobolak, also special guest speaker on this occasion, complimented the Seaforth Branch for its work and support of the Ontario Command over the years, and gave a rousing pep rally speech for the Legion of tomorrow. "The Ontario Command is indeed proud for your achievements over 60 years, and we congratulate you. It's a tribute to your' members, past and present, that you've given 60 years of service to both the veterans and your community," he said. "It's a solemn rembrance of those Cana- dian who gave their lives so we as a na- tion might be free." After touching briefly on the ac- complishments of the branch, Mr. Kobolak emphasized the important role played by the peace, goodwill and friendship offered by Canadians servicemen in Canada and around the world. "You've retained the spirt of com- radeship that was forged in wartime and nurtured in peacetime," he said, commen- ting on the improvements made in pen- sions and allowances. the heln given to deserving students, and the many other projects of the Legion. "It's all done in the name of com- radeship, which in the first instance was borne of the greatest tragedy off war. Out of the torturing of human bodies and minds has come this .greatest outpouring of love." Mr. Kobolak noted that the Legion con- tinues to maintain its mission through it major programs, helping seniors and peo- ple in general to achieve fuller lives. "We continue to monitor car to our com- rades ornrades in hospital, and to seek out veterans who may require help," he said. Mer. Kobolak suggested however, that with the demise of a large number of veterans, that the younger members of the Legion be alerted and educated as to the purpose of the Legion. "Face it comrades, they are the future of the Legion. And we have to adjust in our activities and thinking to make use of their talents. A strong, active membership is most important. Lord only knows how many potential associate members there are." "We have to keep alive the memory and deeds of the fallen. We cannot become lax in our remembrance activities. The poppy is the symbol of remembrance and if we forget, who will remember. We have to en- sure that those that made the surpeme sacrifice for justice will never be forgot- ten." Mr. Kobolak urged the Seaforth Branch to ensure the Legion is a progressive and necessaryorganization, and suggested it set a strategic plan in place for the future. "We have to work together in harmony and mutual caring. Remembrance, con- radeship and service held us together in the past, and it will in the :future if we work together in harmony. Let's let the next 60 years be just as great as the beginning." Memories Seaforth Branch 156 of the then Cana- dian Legion of the British Empire Service League was organized at a meeting in the GWVA Hall in Seaforth on October 15, 1929, following informal discussions that .had, been going on for some months. A charter was issued to the Branch on October `25 of the same year, with the charter [members being S.W. Archibald, Charles Adams, W.C. Bennett, Dr. J.A. Munn, George Scott, Charles Neely, Bert Muir, John H. Earle, John H. Best, Ed- ward Brown, Fred Barlow, A.H. Douglas, A.M. Hill and H.D. Chesney. ,Officers of the new Branch, elected at a meeting held in the Orange Hall on December 12, 1929, were: S.W. Archibald, President; C. Adams, 1st Vice President; W.C. Bennett, 2nd Vice President; Dr. J.A. Munn, Secretary; and G. Scott, Treasurer. Committee members were J.H. Earle, B.O. Muir and C.F. Neely. From its inception the Branch assum- ed responsibility for all matters con- nected with the welfare of Veterans and with the perpetuating of the memory of those Veterans who had paid the supreme sacrifice. One ,of the first activities of the • Branch was organizing a church parade and Armistice Day program a few weeks after it had been established. Throughout the thirties the activities of the Branch were directed to assisting those who found themselves in need, and with the outbreak of the Second.War in 1939, members spared no effort to pro- vide full support on the home front. Branch 156 participated throughout the war years in a series of events, alone or with other organizations, which produced thousands of dollars for the war effort. Meetings at that time were held in member's home until the organization got permission to use rooms in the Post Of- fice, This accommodation was adequate until the World War II Veterans began to arrive home. Then larger quarters were needed and for a few years Cardno's Hall became the Legion's quarters. At this particular time the Legion had been the recipient of Seaforth's gift of a slue of money for each Veteran return - log home. That sum amounted to $107080. This money was used to help the town in wilding a new commtulity centre in chich the Legion was promised perma- nent quarters. These quarters were used THE HURON EXPOSITOR, OCTOBER 25, 1989 - 3A 0 � •..,, »•Trac ANNIVERSARY CAKE - One of the highlights of an anniver- Seaforth Legion Ladies Auxiliary, Joe Kobolak, Immediate Past sary dinner held Saturday in celebration of Branch 156's 60 Provincial President, Henry Ziler, Seaforth Branch, and Harry years of service to the Dominion, Veterans and the communi- Nesbitt, longest Past President (still living) of the Seaforth ty, was the cutting of an anniversary cake. Shown here with Legion Branch 156. Robinet photo. the cake are, from left, Jessi,Cameron, 1st President of the vivid of DON'T BE SHY - A lot of Vanastra Public School students became mysteriously camera shy last week when the Legion came by to videotape them for I.D. purposes. Over 120 Vanastra children were captured on film. Elliott photo. for 22 years until construction was started in 1959 on the Legion's present quarters. The building committee for that facility included D. Sills, Chairman; R.S. Box, John Holland, Robert Smith and Clayton Dennis, and, with the volunteer help of members and citizens alike, con- struction proceeded rapidly and it was possible to occupy the new building ear- ly in 1960. In succeeding months the work was completed making possible a formal opening by Fred J. O'Brecht, 2nd Vice President of Dominion Command on June 2, 1961. In the middle of the 50s, the second war Veterans began assuming more responsibilities of the Branch. One of the names that left its mark on many:,df the young athletes of that time was .that of Jack Eisler, who organized and ran Saturday morning hockey for somewhere .around 15 year. For Jack's contribution to minor hp key, and the Legion as a whole, nch honored him with the Meritor Se4iice medal, which is the highest honer *eh can be bestowed upon a gionaire.. Jack also assumed the office t;6f' P,residen 1964. era fro the-Iate r50s, Rea McGre r was a Branch's Bar Steward. In 1966 he retired from the position and tenders. were advertised for a new can- didate. Frank Phillips was hired, and held the positior,,,fintil a.couple of years ago, when the himself retired. However, 'all during his years of service Frank began assembling artifacts and memorabilia pertinent to the two wars, and today the Seaforth Branch has been touted as oneof the better branches in the provinces for its show cases both downstairs and upstairs. Frank was awarded a Certificate of Merit and later a Life Membership into the Branch for his many years of dedication to the aims and objects of the Royal Canadian Legion. During the 50s and 60s the Seaforth Legion was prospering both financially and in its growing membership. Somewhere in the 70s Al Nicholson became the membership chairman and started the Early Bird Campaign in the Branch. This campaign has proved very successful in having members dues paid up by the beginning of the year, and for the first time this year, by the end of November. Al and his committee have won a plaque almost yearly for the branch, since coming up with this cam- paign. Al himself, was also awarded the Meritorious Medal for his contribution to the Seaforth Branch. He served as Presi- dent in 1961 and 1962, later as Zone Com- mander of Cl, and after that as District Commander. Besides his office in the ,Beaneh .he is District Poppy Chairman. -Branch 156 can indeed be proud of its members, Executive members and Past Sec'forth Legion Presidents, all who have helped make describe what the Legion has accomplish- Seaforth's Branch an organization the ed through the years. Town can be proud of. The Diamond An- niversary's motto of. 1985 can best "Pride in our past, faith in our future." SPECIAL PRESENTATION - Huron MPP Jack Riddell was a special guest at the Seaforth Legion Branch 156 anniversary dinner on Saturday, and brought with him some good words about the Legion, and a plaque from the government. He presented the plaque to Seaforth's lst Vice President Gordon DeJong. Robinet photo. Following is a list of the Past Presidents of the Branch since 1929 and to the present. An asterisk denotes those who are:deceased. 1929-30 - S.W. Archibald* 1930-32 - B.O. Muir* 1933-34 - Charles P. Sills* 1935-36 - Charles Holmes* 1937-38 - J.E. Keating* 1939-40 - G.D. Ferguson* 194142 - John Earle* 1943-44 - D.A. Muir* 1945 - Dr. J.A. Munn* 1946 B.J. Duncan* 1947 - Charles P. Sills* 1948 - A.Y. McLean* 1949 - Dr. P.L. Brady* 1950 - A.W. Sillery* 1951 - Leslie -Beattie* 1952.53 - dames T. ,Scott• 1954-55 - Stuart Wigg* 1956-57 - Jack Holland* 1958-59 - Harry Nesbitt 1960 - Archie Dobson* 1961-62 - Allan Nicholson 1963 - H.S. MacDonald* 1964 - John Eisler 1965.66 - G.D. Sills 1967 - R.J. Boussey 1968 - Charles Wood 1969-70 - Wm. Dalrymple* 1971.72 - Cleave Coombs 1972-74 - Gordon Scott 1974-76 - Gordon Hays* 1970.78 - Tom •Wllbee 1979-80 - George Miller 1989-82 - Bill NVilbee 1982-$4 - Peter ,Maleolm 1984.86 - Jack ,Muir 1986-88 - James Watson 1988 L.B. Melanson Wed. Oct. 25 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. - Parents and Tots 4:30 - 5:30 p.m. - Junior and Belies Ringette .practice 5:39 - 6:30 p.m. - Pee Wee I 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. - Minor Broomball 8:00 - 10:30 p.m. - Ladies' Broomball 8:00 - 9:00 p.m. - Fitnessis Fun at S.D.C.C. Thurs., Oct. 26 9;00 - 10:00 a.m. S.D.C.C. 4:00 - 5:30 p.m. - 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. - 6:80 - 8:00 p.m. - 8:00 - 11:30 .p.m. 7:30 - 9:30 p.m. - 4:00 - 5:00 p.m. 5:00 - 6:15 p.m. 6:15 - 8:00 p.m. 8:00 - 9:30 p.m. Oldtimers - Listowel vs Novice - Minor Hockey Teams - Minor Hockey Unknown - Blyth vs. Queen's - Fitness is Fun at Figure Skating Atom practice Minor Broomball - Men's Broomball Mixed Adult Basketball Fri. O 4:15 - 5:15 p.m. Ringette 5:15 - 6:15 p.m. Hockey practice 6:15 - 7:15 p.m. Hockey ;practice 8:15 - 11:45 p.m. Seahawke ct. 27 Sun. Oct. 29 11:00 - 12:00 p.m. - Ringette 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. - Novice Ringette 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. - Lucan vs. Centenalres 4:00 - 5:00 p.m. - Minor Hockey 5:00 - 6:00 p.m. - Petite Ringette 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. - Tween Ringette 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. - Belle Ringette 8:00 - 11:00 p.m. - I.H.L. - Petite- and Tween - Junior Houaeleague - Senior Housaleague - Grand Valley vs. Spedlal edition errors corrected A :couple of ;errors have *come ,ap- 4ave c ed ;parent *1 4a <.supplement ;on ,tike -.Seaforth • 4#404.914.440.4.01)0€1.1V4 in. at..we+ekts kedi- tit oneef 'The Baron Eispoeittor.xThelfit, fin ,a atony. bout. :the.+ROO)140401.le is �of,'the bn-a Edi , vasen�iypidoadliies.,�,tan�aNiobalson a9tr "ar'my"•tf o,W elI,,1 .must inti# e''tbcen.�sedlr tfora m- ��oleon; is .rinl •:...8 ' d "v�fi �£it�^� fir' � r.�i �pi on„1! .Y tit.Aur `t yokonip or r 'V ttfflll>�itfG �fK�iy ins. . Scott, who Fhad .a quote. of hers ..somehow in-.a<secpnd slip .up Edith.Jessome, was ,intermixed with that of someone ,glee. , rinadverttetttly ,missed in the 'outline underneath ;a photograph of .the :P,ast• :While Mrs.•;,Spttladmits +P,residents. of the.Legion,TLadfies ,Auxiliary. dollat,the ton A ilRrs :Jessome,woo 900tediir�Ithe.eatre of .�o+utlet :after n*dog,i 'thhe ba know ;tint tthe•. wheolehlair) d. we .bride,. he tat got !�e ; o .nngl nB,{to iftlefltton :Aar 1 • e �P0 A. aas,rf� � ',`,'�lA ih ���,tif•;ti�:31 41 11s 1 1� ..bd e4`i�t�i�t�i���!'�1�' � "Lt.�al e,eelied,a;:great arys ;a sogi8l 0 ,pain AMfar e torpo d. have ot.beeii ,forme Atd �dtfltrdjly. 14 Our ' +lanl �d Jnr ;utidiog�o2.lto �ii�arbara :n;er. �DVft`t>0�ts4116�"t�s ,�galri'�”; f�a�Qd'. Mon. 4:30 - 8:30 p.m. - 8:30 - 10:00 p.m. Oldtimers 10:00 - 11:00 p.m. 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. - 8:00 - 1,0;00 p.m. - at S.D.H.S. Oct. 30 Figure Skating - Goderich vs Beaver Sat. Oct. 28 MINOR HOCKEY iBOTTLE DRIVE ALL MORNING 7;80 • 8:30.a.m.-;Mlnor.Hockey •59:80 -.9;30 c.m. -.t liiti„ps.taL,Morth Stare :9:30-10:80,a.m. - O lura:vo caaadlens 10:00 -41110 p.m. Free Atoaat .elf- ' :Exam nation.Tamohit grCllnlcrkluronxlaw %A144$0dum, iwyAS Clinton +4O2;x3416. +1.30 11s3ka.m. •-Ifilaroee va Panoulns 11.80-,12;00.p.m. - •LINO ,a a Whalare • 1200 -1:;30:P.m. -,Mites Hockey ;1530 12;000.m. —:Ringette Aovlce,and I ifft43Y 'daad. "atokot1,u obi c Odin !a+ Tues. - Midget practice Wood Refinishing Competitive Volleyball Oct. 31 10:00 - 12:00 p.m. - 9:00 - 10:00 a.m. ,S.D.c.c. 5;30-,6:30;p.m. - ;6:30 - 840 p.m. - ,8 00 - 1,0700 p.m, - Parents & Tots Skating - Fitness is Fun at Pee Wee 11 Minor Hockey Teams Unknown Wed. "Nov. 1 1:90 -,3 00 p.m. - Perents 8 Tots Skating 1:00 4:08 p.m. - Senior shuttled:oard Aa0•,6:aop,m.—JunlorandBelle Ringette Iptoollee :5000 16:•30^PA% — Pee Wee I practice 440 -18:40 - Minor jlroomb4ll 41:00 ab;30 p.m. --- L0d40' :;nrocrdyli �;4i0 pR;410p,m. —Rocrootoom V,oflcypoo "po 440p.m. — ,FOn4.ss;iafAn,at55p,4<:+p.