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{ak Oshawa Branch No. 43, Canadian Legion B.E.S.L. Five years ago last week, 'on Aug- ust 19, 1926, the Oshawa Branch of the Canadian Legion came into be- ing, at a meeting held in the Osh- awa city hall. It was a momentous meeting, for it brought into exist- ence, after a lapse of some two or three years, a virile organization of service men in the city. Like most towns and cities, Oshawa had had its experiences of war yeterans' or- ganizations, They had sprung up, had served their useful purpose for a period, and then, in the genefal chaos which resulted from a multi- plicity of soldier bodies, they passed away, and ceased to function. Here we must pause to pay tri- bute to the Ladies' Auxiliary of the Branch. In those years when the men had ceased to have any organi- zation, they kept together, met re- gularly, maintained a strong orga- nization, and did the work which should normally have been done by the men. Then, when the Legion was organized five years ago, they were ready to carry on as an auxili- ary to the branch, and - since then they have continued their magnifi- cent efforts as a real auxiliary. In the five years that have trans- pired since that August night when the Legion was organized in Osh- awa, the branch has had its ups and downs, It has had its lean times and its times of prosperity, but today it can hold up its head as one of the strongest and best organized branches of the Legion in Ontario, suffering somewhat, perhaps, from the severe economic depression which has beset the community, but still exerting a splendid influence and inspiration throughout Zone No. 14, of which it is the central branch, The First Officers To go back to the organization meeting--we find that Comrade Johnny Graves was in the chair, and that Lt.-Col. Frank Chappell was elected the first president of the branch, with D. M. glas as first vice-president, and J. M. Ashby as second vice-president. 'Harry Carey was elected the first secretary of the branch. An excellent start was made, but enthusiasm was hard to engender, and nothing spectacular was accomplished in the first few months, These officers carried on until the beginning of 1927, when the next election was held, at which Col. Chappell resigned as president, and was succeeded by Dan M. Doug- las, who has always been a tower of strength to the branch. Com- rade Jack Parker was elected first vice-president and Comrade Roger Armitage second vice-president, while Comrade Carey was re-elected secretary. Going Ahead The year'1927 saw the branch go- ing ahead slowly but surely, under- taking service activities on behalf of comrades in need and distress, and adding to its membership. Social activities played a large part in the branch work, and a fine spirit of comradeship was built up. During this year a pipe band was organized, and while it started well, it led to some mistakes and misunderstand- ings which, in the next year or so, acted as a boomerang and retarded the progress of the branch. A suc- cessful Poppy Day campaign was undertaken, and the branch made its first appearance in a body at the Warriors' Day Parade. In August, 1927, Comrade Carey resigned as secretary, and was succeeded by Comrade Arthur Gladman, who has held office as secretary and finan- cial secretary since then. Herb. Kelly, by the way, was treasurer in 1927, and held that office until the end of 1930. The year 1928 found Robert Stu- art elected as president, Harry Gay as first vice-president, and A. J. « Gay and D. J. Thomas. OSHAWA DAILY TIMES, TUESDAY, AUGUST 25; 1931 OFFICERS AND EXECUTIVE, OSHAWA BRANCH, No. 43, CANADIAN LEGION, B.E:S.L. Front row, left to right: George Walsh, past president; James Aylett, first vice-president; M. McIntyre Hood, president; W. J. Jenkins, second vice-president; A. H. Power, Jr, secretary. Middle row, left to right: Arthur Gladman, financial secretary; W. Reed, D. M. Douglas, sergeant-at-arms; Herbert Kelly, A. J. Graves. Back row, left to right: Everett Warne, chairman of executive; E. R. W. Gibbie, Harry GOVERNMENTAL AID 1S SECURED FOR 10GAL VETERANS 'Legion Accepts Responsi- | bility for Comrades in Need of Assistance Each year the city of Oshawa benefits very considerably as the re- sult of the philanthropic work car- ried on by the Canadian Legion throyghout the community, and the responsibility 'assumed by the vet- erans' organization for the care of |many unfortunate cases involving fellow soldiers, or members of sol- diers' families. Annually, through the cffort of the Legion, thousands of dollars are raised or secured from governmental and other outside sources, for Oshawa citizens, Much of the total is represented in pen- sion claims successfully prepared and presented by the Yegion on be- half of local veterans whether mem- bers of the Legion or not. It is impossible to compute the amount of retroactive pension received, by cases benefited in other ways. In commuted pensioners who through the efforts of the Legion during the past year have had their pensions re-established, Funds secured through Legion ef- W. A. Dewland, Limited Oshawa's Leading Ladies' Wear and oe Ti Store Cordially Welcomes The Visitors and Delegates to THE LEGION CONVENTION We will be pleased to have you visit our store at any time during your convention. May we assist you in making an appro- priate selection of gifts to take back to the folks at home as a remembrance of your visit to Oshawa. 0 A a Mm nn 0 W. A. Dewland, Limited 16 Simcoe Street North fort from various sources during Hamilton as second vice-president In May, Comrade Stuart resigned as president, and was succeeded by Harry Gay. The year troublous vear, and strife over the pipe band did not help matters very much. The branch, however, con- tinued to carry on useful service, looking after pensions adjustment work, and relief, and doing even better with its Poppy Day Cam- paign and its delegation to the War- riors' Day parade. Re-organizing In January; 1929, a determined ef- fort to re-organize the branch on a better footing was.made. The branch meetings were being held in a small 1928 was a | the Legion, these two men, and others associat- ced with | was laid. for tl and som 1m co-ordmgung "I merce, { done | the I rogress of | larly in paving the w {ng | Mr. | Mr. Go mayor, « | minded citizen 1 | the Chamber began to reap the be nefits of its cfiorts, and Frank 1 the last two years include the fol- lowing: Poppy Fund, $2,000, Can- Under the guidance of : teen Fund, $1,100; Pension relief from the Department of Pensions and National Health, $1,358.50; Re- troactive pensions, $16,144; War Veterans Allowance, $1,680; Impe- rial Canteen Fund, $80; Last Post Fund, $141; Pension Gratuities, $200; Compensation while in hospi- tal, $2,332. This totals $24,935.50. The annual value of pensions se- cured in addition to this is equiva- lent to a total, sum of $13,702 paid to veterans and dependents in Osh- awa each year on the present basis In addition there have been many some the mothers' allowance helped the situation to a great extent, and in still others the government old solid foundation Chamber of Com- splendid work was cfforts for city, particu- y for the com- ries Following ighlin as president was lon D. Conant, a former another progressive- them, a Legion Delegates And Visitors WELCOME! You want a good place to eat, with wholesome the new indu and der his guidance, scveral them of were se- lustries, some of and importance, 1, the president for food, prompt service and refined surroundings, That is what you will find if you pay us a visit while in Oshawa for your convention. ® . room, known as the "Old Dugout" | z i | D 1 t over the market building, and this : " | 1931, is a er citizen of the age pension has provided the solu- egion e ega es was not co cive to large attend- y wl + | type, one has devoted bh In every case the Legion as- jo nublic s in many cag sists the applicant in securing all ng ag 1 ) as pi needed information and preparing her o and presenting claims, or, where it is a case of relief, investigating the y | tion, ances. At the January election, J. T. : Dalby was elected president, with | an ds « 2 George Walsh first vi :791 the ociated vice-president | You can make it more 42 Oshawa Boulevard We weicome you to Oshawa and trust your convention may be a complete success, and your stay in Oshawa pleasant. yourselves with our famed Dry Gingerale, Coca Cola, and other dehghtful drinks. Try them once and you will always ask for them. "~ enjoyable by refreshing Phone and Empire in the time of need, and are still serving it. Our service facilities are at your disposal, and Roger L. OLDSMOBILE Sales and Service Welcomes the Legion Delegates and Visitors We welcome the Canadian Legion Convention to Oshawa because it gives the people of our community opportunity to show their appre- ciation of the men who served their country Corbett we would welcome the opportunity of making your stay in Oshawa more pleasant by taking care of your car troubles and service require- ments. 1}ithe If in Need of Service Give Us a Call Athol Street West Phone 428 and T. M. Gladman second president, appointed secretary, and Kelly treasurer, and M. McIntyre Hood was elected chairman of the executive, a new office. This year saw a definite forward movement The membership grew from about 35 to over 100, and it became neces branch. The use of the Oshawa Club Rooms was secured in August, and that was another turning point in_the history of the branch, In 1929, for the first time, the Oshawa Branch sent representatives to the provincial and dominion conventions, Comrades Dalby and Hood attend- ing the convention at St. Thomas and Comrade Hood that at Regina When the year ended, the member- ship of the branch stood at 135. Great Progress Progress was continued on a re- markable scale in 1930, when George Walsh was president, J. W. Aylett first vice-president, T, K. Creighton second vice-president, M, M. Hood chairman of the executive, A. H. Power secretary and Arthur Gl; man financial secretary. The spring membership campaign resulted in the membership being more than doubled, until, by mid-summer, it stood at around 325 members. Again the need for larger quarters was felt, and the ¢ity council generously granted the branch the free use of the council chamber for its mect- ings, Strong demands for « Legion Hall came from the members, these being revivals of a similar desire ex- pressed in 1928, These demands re- sulted in the formulation of plans for a hall, and an application was made to the city council for a site In November, the council made a grant of $2,000 to the legion for the purchase of a specified site on Centre Street. This site was hought, but, unfortunately, owing to the fin- ancial depression, expected financial support has been delayed, and it has not yet been possible to go ahead with the project, although the members are confident that, with the coming of better times, their hall will be built in the near future. | Special Ventures | At the 1930 convention in Hamil- thn, Oshawa was represented by four lelegates, George Walsh, E. W, R. Gibbie, W. J. Jenkins and J. T. Dalby; while M. M. Hood attended he a member of the provincial exe- [butive. As a result of the efforts of these delegates, Oshawa was unani- mously voted the 1931 convention,-- |and here it is. The year 1930 also [saw the initiation of a series of so- | cial nights which were of material assistance in increasing the strength of the branch, saw an even bigger } Poppy Day campaign than the pre- || vious year, and the inauguration of a specialized 'adjustment service, which has been carried on by M. M. Hood and A. H. Power. In the last two years, the records show, over $35,000 has been recovered for Osh- awa veterans, the dependents of comyades who have passed away, Land others through the ®fforts of adjustment service of the ranch, and scores of comrades*have been saved from secking the aid of charity through that service, which has been largely responsible for the growth of the branch. 1931 Progress The year 1931 has scen still fur- | ther progress, although hard times have had their effect in keeping the paid-up strength of the branch up to its high point. The members, however, arc loyal, and the branch still stands in the forefront for ac- tivities on behalf of those who need its 'services. The 1931 officers are M. MclIntyré Hood, president; J. W. Aylett, first vice-president; W. J. Jenkins, second vice-president; Everett Warne, chairman of the executive; A, H. Power, secretary and Arthur Gladman, financial sec- retary. With an able executive, and a loyal following of members, the Oshawa Branch looks forward hope- fully to the future. In the spring 6f 1929, the branch held ifs first banquet, a Vimy Ban. \ vice- | Arthur Gladman was re- | Herb. | sary to secure new quarters for tlic | 'any progressive community is the REV. ROY D. MESS Provincial Vice-Chairman Rev. Roy D. Mess, vice-chairma don, England in 1912." Hq lege, London ary, 19 1918 Ypres in 1916, and the second time on November 7, 1918, He was dis- charged from the service on July 31 1919. At the present t Hon. Captain and Cha 2nd Machine Roy is a membe a vigorous Byron Branch of gion, London, O Thomas convent , he man of the ways and means com- mittee, and brought in the report | which resulted in an appeal for fin- ances being made to the Ontario Canteen Fund. At Hamilton last year his services were recognized by election as vice-chairman of the Ontario Provincial Command. I held quet, and since then it similar functions at Vimy Day and Armistice ycarly. These have be- come red Iétter events the com- munity. The branch has been, for tunate in sccuring out:standing speakers, and the 7 ns have been noted for thei igh standard of oratory and enterts ment, Throug all these years, the La- dies' Auxiliary has valiant support, and has proven of wonders ful assistance in all the projects sponsored by the branch, Without that support the branch could not have carried on as it has done, and we are glad to say that as the branch has grown, so has the auxi- liary, until today it is known as one of the most progressive and active auxiliaries in the province. So, while the Oshawa branch of the Legion has had its ups and downs, it has, in thé last two or three years, gone steadily forward, keep- given It will be a delight for us to serve you. Waldorf Cafe circumstances and advising and help- ing those concerned to re-establish themselves, BUT NOT CONTEMPTIBLE A story is told of Marshal Foch's first visit to England, in 1910, when he stayed at a hotel near Victoria. Soon after his arrival he heard sounds of martial music and going to the window beheld a company of the Guards on their way to St. James's Palace. An English friend who was with him said: "That is the British army; what do you think of it?" To which he replied: "Very nice, but not large s of the Cham- badge at 1 Oshawa, so that ognized as a dele- us receive the hospita- Il the citizens are anxi- (JUST NORTH OF HELLFIRE CORNER): = MIKE'S PLACE Goodman Tunnel Dugout Has an Old Soldier's Welcome for the Delegates to the Provincial Convention of the CANADIAN LEGION | Drop in and see us and let us have a talk about the old days "Oven There". We are ready to supply all your needs for Cigars, Cigarettes and Tobacco, and if you enjoy a game of billiards or pool, our Parlors are at your disposal. BOUCKLEY (Mike) 116th Battalion C.E.F. Be Sure You Visit 'Mike's Place' 11 King Street West AL. Former Member, Oshawa Branch Canadian Legion ing in the van of Legion progress, and building up steadily on the basis of that well-known motto, "THE LEGION FOR SERVICE." The Oshawa Chamber of Commerce The Chamber of Commerce of life-blood of its civig life. So it is in Oshawa, which is fortunate in the splendid . contribution which has been made to the progress and ad- vancement of the eity by its Cham- ber of Conmerce and the men who have been directing its affairs. Or- ganized a little more than three years, it has even in that short space of time been a great factor in stabilizing the business and indus< trial life of the cdmmunity, and in promoting those things which make for the building of a bigger and; better city. The Oshawa Chamber of Com- merce was fortunate in having as its first president Mr. George W. McLaughlin, a public-spirited citi- zen to whom the people of the city look for sound and ecomstructive leadership. The first sccretary, too, was aman of outstanding ability, in the person of Leon Frazer, a vet- eran of the 21st Battalion, and a George C. Allchin Limited Radio Sales and Service and Electrical Dealer Broadcasts Its Hearty Greetings to the CANADIAN LEGION PROVINCIAL CONVENTION We cordially invite all delegates and visitors to tune in on the hospi- tality that awaits them, so that they may fully enjoy their stay Oshawa for the Legion Convention. For Expert Radio Service, Call George C. Allchin Limit Corner Bond and Simcoe Streets : ve Telephone 1438 es member of the Oshawa Branch of 11 Simcoe Street North pi i a -------------------- Sn Apter