C. R. Soney, Dr. C. C. Graham, Phil Kingdon, Walter Needham pouring tea in the Legion Club Rooms, Oct. 22nd, approximately 1950.

The Canadian Legion

The Royal Canadian Legion No. 159 was formed at a gathering of war veterans on April 20th, 1945. h. R. Dicketts acted as chairman. our first president was Ewart Mather and Secretary-Treasurer was C.E. Whitmer. This meeting was held above Smellie's store. This space served as our club rooms until 1950.

A charter was applied for and received June 15, 1945 and presented June 24, 1945.

The following veterans are our charter members: R. C. Smellie, Jas, Hainstock, Ray Simkoe, Garnet Clement, A. G. Smellie, Chas Cameron, Bud Rea, W. C. Anderson, Don Denny, H. R. Dicketts, Tom Ratcliffe, E. E. Thompson, C. E. Whitmer, C. R. Loney, Forest Mann, R.C. McLennan, W. R Tennant, Ewart Mather, D. E. Boulton, Phil Kingdon, Garnet Reid, J. D. Robertson, Roy Fenton, George Chipping.

Our meetings were held in upstairs club rooms in Smellie Bros. store rent free until new club rooms in the Memorial Rink building were acquired in Sept 1950. We had an official opening Oct. 22, 1950.

Over the years the Legion have sponsored baseball hockey teams, boys and girls physical fitness training, track and field candidates to the Peace Gardens etc. We have donated our aid to various Charities our main source of income is the operation of a weekly bingo game which has become religion to our patrons and very profitable to the Legion.

We have a Poppy Fund which is used to assist Veterans and dependents in distress and hospitalized personnel. We have one tag day each year.

Socially the Legion have two big nights each year. Our Nov. 11th Banquet and in April a Vimy night, both of which wind up with a dance.

Of recent years, jointly with the Elks we have kept Silver Beach operating and the Senior Citizens Home bears the name Elks-Legion Court.

The Legion have a Remembrance Day Parade and a Decoration Day Parade each year and if requested, will officiate with Guard of Honor at veterans' funerals.

The Legion, through the assistance of the Town of Russell and R. M. of Russell, operate a much needed Ambulance Service for the Russell and adjacent districts. The Legion is the sponsoring body for 677 Squadron of the Air Cadets.
-- B.C.

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