LITTLE CURRENT—On Saturday, September 27 the Legion Hall in Little Current was set up to receive dignitaries and guests. At the back of the hall, tables held 95 years’ worth of history in scrap books, with pictures, news articles and other pieces of information. The Legion’s history was also projected on a screen flashing photographs and news clippings dating back through the decades to the present. The projection was on a loop which played repeatedly for guests as they arrived.
Duane Deschamps, first vice president and sports officer of the branch, welcomed everyone, once the hall was filled. After giving the land acknowledgement, and having everyone rise to sing O Canada, he asked Pastor Whitney Bruno to open the ceremonies with an invocation and prayer
Mayor Al MacNevin also spoke. “I’ve had the good fortune to attend many events at the Legion. I know the dedication they have to veterans and to the community members in this town. They try to make everyone feel welcome and they offer lots of opportunities to gather with friends and make new friends. I’m glad I’m able to welcome you here today. Thank you for coming and thank you to the Legion and enjoy the rest of the celebration.”
“I’m very proud to be a member of this Branch and the Legion as a whole,” Duane Deschamps said, before giving a brief history of the Royal Canadian Legion and this Branch. “Thank you to all who have joined us to celebrate this very important milestone of this organization that has seen some good times and some bad times over the years.
“After the First World War, some 560,000 Canadians returned home with little or no security, work skills or job opportunities,” Comrade Deschamps began. “To assist their return to civilian life, The Great War Veterans Association of Canada was formed in 1917. This association and many others that sprang up were ill-equipped to deal with the government and to affect any real change.”
“In 1926 these groups came together to form a united front as The Canadian Legion of the British Empire Service League and soon saw 20,000 members in 800 branches across Canada. Following WWII, the Legion again helped ensure the establishment of fully organizing training, pension and relocation plans for all those coming home.
“In 1960, the Queen allowed for Royal to be added to the name. The Royal Canadian Legion has continued to care for veterans and ex-military members, the Royal Canadian Legion’s work to perpetuate remembrance and serve the community has earned them the respect of everyone who enjoys freedom today.
“Branch #177 was formed in 1930, four years after the formation of the Canadian Legion of the British Empire Service League. In the years just following the end of World War I, a Manitoulin branch of the Great War Veterans’ Association was formed in Little Current and its charter still hangs proudly on our wall.
“For the next 18 years the members held their meetings in the basement of the Edgewater or sometimes in a back room at the Mansion House (the Anchor Inn today). Comrade Keith Patterson, who served in the Royal Canadian Air Force from 1941-1945, received an honourable discharge and joined Branch #177 in 1948. He, along with other members, Leonard Campbell, Douglas Fenton and Thomas Boyter, felt that an organization of this importance deserved its own home,” Comrade Deschamps continued. “They risked all their families had to ensure the survival of the branch. They put all they had on the line and signed a mortgage to build Branch #177’s first home. As members of the Building Committee for Branch #177, they borrowed $500 on bonds held at the bank for safekeeping, took $500 from the Canteen Fund and borrowed $1,000 from the bank to secure payment to Janet Dyell to grant and mortgage the land and premises. During this time of aggravation, Keith became president for the branch. Janet Dyell owned Lots 24 and 25, south side of Vankoughnet Street, where we are now. On March 26, 1957, they took out a bank note and sold two more bonds of $500 to pay the balance owing on the property to the now Janet Dyell-Eno.
“On October 31, 1973—16 years later—Roy Drolet, Robert Bunton, Boyne Heise and Keith Patterson, as trustees for the branch, formally mortgaged the building and premises for $80,000. Therefore, they were the mortgagors to the Bank of Montreal for the addition to the branch that gave so much additional space both to the upstairs hall and the downstairs club rooms, games room and meeting rooms. As well, there were 19 others who were guarantors for the mortgage: Frank Drolet, William Morphet, Charles Joseph Beaudin, R. Albert Bussieres, Sherman J.W. Vanhorne, A. Grenville Green, Richard S. Eade, Donald Patrick, Bernard Dunn, Louis Emon, Wilburt Oliver, Harold Morphet, Sherman Morphet, James Bond (not 007), Frederick Herbert Noon, Roy Green, John Ferguson, Robert McDonald and William Seitz.
“On November 7, 1973, the Deed from the Building Committee from the ‘50s, which still included Keith Patterson, was signed over to the new trustees of Branch #177 for $1 as their successors.
“Undoubtedly, Branch #177 had many struggles over the years to survive,” Comrade Deschamps said. “There were times of great financial burdens that threatened its existence, in more recent years with the effects of COVID-19, the future of the Branch became threatened once again. However, due to the efforts and endeavours of dedicated members, we are able to overcome our financial burdens by hosting brunches, dinners and fundraising events. Sadly, as we know, so many Legion Branches have closed due to financial strain. We are proud to say, that with the help of our members and volunteers as well as support from the community, we have prevailed through these challenges and are able to continue to serve veterans, their dependents, the community and our youth. We are 95 years strong and looking forward to many more years of doing great work for our veterans, their dependents, our youth and our community,” Comrade Deschamps concluded. Then he said, “If I can have members of any Branch stand,” and the room full of uniformed men and women stood. “I’d like everyone to give these hard-working individuals applause.” And everyone gave their heartfelt applause.
Comrade Deschamps then asked Roy Eaton to come to the podium. Comrade Eaton brought words from the District Commander Flora Wilson Chartrand. First Comrade Eaton remarked that it was an honour to be representing District H. He pointed out certain members in attendance, Linda Kelly “our most senior veteran,” he said (which she later disputed). “And the members from Branch 514, Gore Bay, thank you for coming down.”
“District H has a District Commander, Deputy Commander, and a 2nd Deputy Commander and all three want to be here today,” Comrade Eaton said, “but they are across this province and therefore I’ve been asked to say a few words from Commander Flora Wilson Chartrand.” The Commander congratulated the Branch on the 95th anniversary. “Since receiving your charter in 1930, your Branch has stood strong for your veterans and your community through historic times…Your Branch has been there to honour its veterans every step of the way. You take great pride in your unwavering commitment to the true spirit of the Legion, which is serving. Serving veterans, serving their families, with dedication and care.”
Zone H3 Commander Gary McPherson spoke next. “I’d just like to say ditto to what everyone else has said,” he began. “Every time I come to this Legion, I get a warm feeling, this Branch is so welcoming. The people who come to this Legion are absolutely fantastic. Everything that you do is out there for people to see, keep it up.” He then presented a certificate to President Leslie Burnett from the Royal Canadian Legion Ontario Provincial Command congratulating the Branch on 95 years of dedicated service.
Everyone was then invited outside to be present “for the laying of the wreath for those who fought, are still fighting, and for those who paid the supreme sacrifice,” explained Comrade Linda Bowerman. When the outdoor ceremony was complete, Legion members and guests returned to the hall for refreshments. A celebratory mood was evident throughout the hall, for the achievements of a remarkable organization and the milestone it had reached.
by Margery Frisch