Some Local History - Royal Canadian Legion Branch 350 By Bill Stevens As soldiers returned to Port Dalhousie from their service in World War Two they joined with veterans from past conflicts to mutually assist each other. As more veterans joined, gatherings were held in the Boy Scout Lodge on the bank of Martindale Pond at the foot of Welland Avenue, now Christie Street. Meetings shifted to the basement hall of the Austin Hotel and a more formal organization ensued with Percy Haig becoming acting president in 1943. As the Canadian Legion of the British Empire Service League grew, the Port Dalhousie group applied to join. On June 14, 1945 a charter was presented to the Port Dalhousie group at a meeting held in St. John’s Church Parish Hall. Norman Cowell, D.C.M. (Distinguished Conduct Medal) became the charter president of the new Branch 350. Other charter members were: Rev. Charles A. Flook, J.T. Gammage, Percy Hooper, Percy Haigh, Francis A.N. Haultain, Alfred Halstead, Jack D. Hunt, Tom Jenckes, Emil Kreger, R.A. Plato, Fred Pysher, Edward “Bob” Reilly, Mel Springer, Gerald Wing, Syd Lambert, B.K. Cowell, P.W.L. Maguire and L.G. Dyke. On August 15, 1946 a very large crowd attended the Legion meeting in the Buffalo Room of the Austin Hotel. It was announced that a $1000 donation had been received toward the building fund for a Memorial Hall. Plans were made to hold a “Gala Frolic” at Lakeside Park on September 14, 1946 to raise further funds. On February 7, 1947 the annual meeting was held at the Austin Hotel and it was announced that the local Legion branch would take over the former brick gate yard building, which is the nucleus of the building you see today. The rowing people were using the building for boat storage during regattas and it was decided to accommodate this use. Plans were quickly set in place to renovate a part of the building for the members. On March 28, 1947 the new Legion hall was officially opened and dedicated by Captain Finlayson, Legion Zone Commander. The president Charles Fox and members of the executive and officers were all in attendance. While not all Legion members came from Port Dalhousie, the population of Port Dalhousie in 1947 was approximately 800 with the Legion having 80 members. On June 14, 1947, the Ladies Auxiliary was granted a charter. Charter members were: E. Stockwell, Rita Fox, Marg. Hunt, Mary Wing, Francis Cotrell, M. Ross, C. Coppen, Marg. Steinmetz, Dorothy Shields, Muriel Brand, E. McLellan, Pat Wells, D. Hooper, M. Kreger, K. Haigh, K. Hassim, Ruth Rhodes, Ruth Thompson, C. Stephenson and D. Sackrider. A visit of note to the Port Dalhousie Legion was that of Their Excellencies, Viscount and Lady Alexander of Tunis, the Governor-General while they were attending the Royal Canadian Henley Regatta on August 1, 1949. In 1950 further improvements were made with the addition of a walk-in cooler and bar and the lower lock gate building area renovated into a banquet hall. In 1951 the Federal Government, or Crown, granted the land and building to the Trustees of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 350. On March 23, 1952 a dedication service of the Memorial hall was held. Four veterans of the Boer War were present: Arthur Mower, Robert H. Johnston, R. Pringle and P. Walsh. The president Alex Ross presided over the event. In July of 1960 an addition to the front was added. Also in 1960, on December 19, Queen Elizabeth granted “Royal” and the name changed to Royal Canadian Legion and the local branch quickly amended the sign. In 1985 large windows looking out onto the harbour were installed as part of a general renovation of the facility. In 1989 the upper floor was renovated and became the “new” canteen to accommodate the over 800 members. Some early presidents of the Legion (1943 - 1975) were: P.Haig, N. Cowell, A. Ross, C. Fox, R. Corbett, J. Hunt, W. Mackie, Alex. Sommerville, J. Bloomfield, S. Crulman, H. Kelly, R. Reilly, R. Culp, W. Richardson, M. Munroe, D. Fiskes, A.W. Berry and E. Stoppard. Since the formation of R. C. L. Br. 350, the branch has assisted many veterans, contributed to community projects, sponsored sports teams, provided bursaries, hosted numerous groups and entertained the members and guests and of course the halls are maintained for rent. Today the Legion welcomes new members and guest to enjoy the friendship and community that the Legion provides. As the sign on the façade says “Don’t be Shy - Give the Legion a Try”
Posted on: Mon, 05 Jan 2015 23:56:51 +0000
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