Before becoming the golf clubhouse, the building was home to the local Legion. Legions began as informal community groups to help returned veterans from World War One and their families. The Soldier Settlement Board helped returned veterans set up farms with land grants, low interest loans and ongoing support for new farmers and their wives. The Canadian Legion B.E.S.L. (British Empire Service League) was founded in Winnipeg in 1925. Advocating for the needs of veterans was a main goal until the Second World War broke out when parcels for the soldiers overseas became a focus. As they returned home, continued help for readjusting and support was more important than ever. The VLA - Veterans' Land Act - was passed in 1942 to assist with housing and beginning farming careers.
In about 1940, a legion charter was granted to Sinclair, Reston and Pipestone as all one branch - The Elizabeth Branch No 106. Due to gas rationing, it was decided to split into 3 branches to avoid travelling for meetings. After WW2, Reston veterans met in Mennie Hall (aka Jackson Hall) on the corner of First Avenue and Fourth Street. The Masonic Hall basement was also used for social gatherings and meetings. In 1947, the group purchased the post office and guard house from the former base for the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan at Souris. From March 1943 - March 1945, Souris was home to #17 Service Flying Training School. The building was split to accommodate a Legion Hall for Reston and one for Pipestone. This second building is today the Drop In in Pipestone beside the Community Centre. Reston Legion held their first meeting in their new space in December of 1948. The first location for the building has been noted as north of the Memorial Park and if anyone can help with a more precise spot, please contact me at ssimms@escape.ca
For unknown reasons, it was relocated to the corner of Sixth Street and First Avenue in 1956. Many meetings and social events were held within its walls there over the next almost 4 decades. Weekly Bingos in the Legion Hall were held for many years spring to fall as a fundraiser and social event. The membership grew older and smaller and upkeep on the building became too much. The building was once again loaded up and moved in June of 1994 to become the clubhouse at the Reston Golf Course. The Legion continued to meet for a few more years after this time until it ceased to operate in Reston in the early 2000's. Glen and Eleanor Henderson built their home on the former Legion site.
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June 1994 -Photo of relocation of Legion building from collection of John and Verna Olenick. I believe it is Terry and Chuck Mayert supervising the move in this picture. Women had an important place in the Legion too and the the first women's auxiliary meeting was held in October of 1939 in Cusack's Hall, now the Panda Cafe. Ladies from Sinclair, Pipestone, Ebor and Reston joined to form a group dedicated to "Service and Comradeship". During WW2, a money belt was sent to each local boy overseas and they sent packages including such items as cake, gum, candy, cigarettes and chocolate bars. Red Cross work like making quilts, knitting socks, bereavement support, welcoming committees and war bride support were taken on by the group. Money was raised and given to needy locals as well as country wide veteran needs. Most of my Historic Reston posts include research on a person or two instrumental to the building's history and their families. This one is different. So many people would have been vital over the years in running the Legion and the Ladies' Auxiliary, upkeep on the building, organizing events and honouring the fallen during remembrance services. As in war, each person had his role and the collective efforts went toward the community's benefit. I hope the new golf clubhouse will rise with the same spirit and pride. |
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