Royal Canadian Legion Branch 244 Hemmingford

Legion History continued by Karl Kramell  (February 2017)

Branch 244 sponsors the local Boy Scouts, and donations are given each year to the Boy Scouts and Girl Guides, In 1986 an Honours and Award Committee was formed. Many members have been honoured for their services and hard work with Service Medals, Appreciation Certificates and Merit Certificates. Life Members of the Branch are; Alex Bell, Herbert Short, George Stanford, Herbert Tomlinson, Cecil Hamilton, June Palmer, William John Brown, Nancy Hamilton, Dorothy Dey, Florence Wilson and, Alexander (Sandy) Rankine.

In 1986 Gordon Hill donated the large gas stove for the kitchen upstairs which is still being used today by the Ladies Auxiliary. In 1989 Kenneth Johnson donated $5000.00 to the Branch for the purpose of purchasing new tables and chairs, a new coat rack and microwave oven for the Legion Hall.

In 1994, after several lengthy discussions, and with the assistance of Robert Brown who was instrumental in helping to obtain a $20,000.00 grant from Deputy Andre Chenail an extension of twelve feet long to the rear of the building by the width of the existing building was done on both floors and with a full basement. Anew roof was also added. In 1996 the main floor was renovated. One of W.J. Brown’s last request in 1996 was to have one of the flag poles moved and placed in front of the Legion Hall. It’s still being used today to fly our National Flag.

During the Great Ice Storm of January 1998 the Legion proved to be a most valuable asset to the community. With it’s large gas stove the Legion Hall was the receiving, preparation and Cooking Depot for all meals served to the Community Shelter and citizens in the area who had no means of cooking. Under the direction and inspiration of Carol Lafferty over 9600 meals were served, by candlelight and no heat during the first seven days. The remainder twenty two days by generator. Note: Branch history will continue in next issue