HISTORY OF THE ROYAL CANADIAN LEGION IN PORTAGE LA PRAIRIE
Following World War 1, various veterans groups tried in vain to organize on a National basis.
Finally in 1925, representatives from most of the existing groups, at the time, met in Winnipeg and the Canadian Legion Canada-Wide was born. Soon after formation, the Canadian Legion became affiliated with the British Empire Service League.
A few veterans in Portage la Prairie, Manitoba began getting together in private homes, local business offices, local halls, and then in the basement of what is now the former Vopni Press Building on Saskatchewan Avenue East (which is now a pocket park).
An organization meeting was held on October 10, 1928. The first state of Officers was elected November 30, 1928 and the Charter was received on December 6, 1928.
In 1937, a dedicated group acquired the old McConochie House (previously the Congress Hall Hotel) at the corner of Duke Avenue and 3rd Street Southeast, converting it into a meeting hall for both the Branch and Ladies Auxiliary.
During World War II, the Branch operated Saturday night dances and the Ladies Auxiliary operated a dry canteen.
On January 9, 1941, following the death of one of Portage’s heroes of Vimy Ridge, and as a lasting memorial to Major Fawcett Taylor D.S.O.E.D. the Branch was named Major Fawcett Taylor Branch #65 of the British Empire Service Legion. It was later that Our Sovereign granted the title of Royal Canadian Legion and the affiliation with the British Empire Service League ceased.
Soon after the war, the old house proved to be inadequate, so in the late 1940’s saw the birth of a “Building Fund”.
In the early fifties, whilst the old house was being demolished and the new building started, the Branch obtained permission to hold their meetings at the Armouries.
On August 24, 1968, the now completed building was officially opened by Mr. E.G. Webb, the only living “Charter Member” at that time.
Due to increased membership, in 1976 a new section was added to the building allowing for a capacity of 293 in the upstairs hall for social occasions and banquets. Club rooms were added downstairs with a regulation size pool table, two shuffleboards and 4 dart boards in the games room.
Both the upstairs hall and downstairs lounge are wheel chair accessible with the building of a ramp system inside the building. Also both areas have wheelchair accessible bathrooms.
The Legion Hall is rented out for events like socials, weddings, and other events.
Each September the Legion hosts Legion Week with events and activities held daily starting with a Bud, Spud & Steak supper and entertainment, Cribbage and Shuffleboard Tournaments, our weekly Friday Meat Draw and Chase the Ace Draw. We also host a Veteran’s Dinner and wind up the week with a dance in the Cedar Lounge.
The Poppy Campaign is held annually with major annual donations to the local hospital and senior complexes as well as donations to the local Army and Air Cadet Squadrons. Bursaries are given to the local High Schools in our area. We host a Poster, Poems and Essay contest each year in the local schools.
The Portage Legion organizes the Community Remembrance Day Service annually which draws members of the public to the Portage Credit Union Centre.
Each year just prior to July 1st, the Legion places a Canada Flag on each veteran’s grave in our local cemeteries.
Finally in 1925, representatives from most of the existing groups, at the time, met in Winnipeg and the Canadian Legion Canada-Wide was born. Soon after formation, the Canadian Legion became affiliated with the British Empire Service League.
A few veterans in Portage la Prairie, Manitoba began getting together in private homes, local business offices, local halls, and then in the basement of what is now the former Vopni Press Building on Saskatchewan Avenue East (which is now a pocket park).
An organization meeting was held on October 10, 1928. The first state of Officers was elected November 30, 1928 and the Charter was received on December 6, 1928.
In 1937, a dedicated group acquired the old McConochie House (previously the Congress Hall Hotel) at the corner of Duke Avenue and 3rd Street Southeast, converting it into a meeting hall for both the Branch and Ladies Auxiliary.
During World War II, the Branch operated Saturday night dances and the Ladies Auxiliary operated a dry canteen.
On January 9, 1941, following the death of one of Portage’s heroes of Vimy Ridge, and as a lasting memorial to Major Fawcett Taylor D.S.O.E.D. the Branch was named Major Fawcett Taylor Branch #65 of the British Empire Service Legion. It was later that Our Sovereign granted the title of Royal Canadian Legion and the affiliation with the British Empire Service League ceased.
Soon after the war, the old house proved to be inadequate, so in the late 1940’s saw the birth of a “Building Fund”.
In the early fifties, whilst the old house was being demolished and the new building started, the Branch obtained permission to hold their meetings at the Armouries.
On August 24, 1968, the now completed building was officially opened by Mr. E.G. Webb, the only living “Charter Member” at that time.
Due to increased membership, in 1976 a new section was added to the building allowing for a capacity of 293 in the upstairs hall for social occasions and banquets. Club rooms were added downstairs with a regulation size pool table, two shuffleboards and 4 dart boards in the games room.
Both the upstairs hall and downstairs lounge are wheel chair accessible with the building of a ramp system inside the building. Also both areas have wheelchair accessible bathrooms.
The Legion Hall is rented out for events like socials, weddings, and other events.
Each September the Legion hosts Legion Week with events and activities held daily starting with a Bud, Spud & Steak supper and entertainment, Cribbage and Shuffleboard Tournaments, our weekly Friday Meat Draw and Chase the Ace Draw. We also host a Veteran’s Dinner and wind up the week with a dance in the Cedar Lounge.
The Poppy Campaign is held annually with major annual donations to the local hospital and senior complexes as well as donations to the local Army and Air Cadet Squadrons. Bursaries are given to the local High Schools in our area. We host a Poster, Poems and Essay contest each year in the local schools.
The Portage Legion organizes the Community Remembrance Day Service annually which draws members of the public to the Portage Credit Union Centre.
Each year just prior to July 1st, the Legion places a Canada Flag on each veteran’s grave in our local cemeteries.