In the early 1930s, there were a number of WW I veterans in the Provincial Service.  A core group of these veterans led by Frederick Mulholland of the Forest Services, proposed that a Legion Branch for Public Service veterans be formed.  The name of the branch would be the Public Service Branch.  Membership eligibility would be as in the Canadian Legion, with an additional requirement of employment in the Dominion or Provincial Government Services, and for those who signed the “Petition for Charter”.  It was also stated that, under no circumstances, would the new branch apply for a licence to sell beer by the glass.

Comrade W.G.Stone, a Zone representative, presented the charter in October 1933.  The first President was Frederick D. Mulholland; dues were set at $1.00 on admission and 25 cents per month, payable quarterly.

The question of permanent quarters was an ongoing problem, and the matter was not resolved until May 9, 1934.  At a general meeting, it was proposed to enter into a joint sharing arrangement with the Civil Service Association for quarters at 539 Superior Street.  In November 1934, the branch received a letter from the Premier for “undisturbed occupation.”

At the general meeting of April 30, 1937, the branch became a member of the Civil Service Council.

In October 1938, it was proposed to purchase one wreath for the Civil Service Memorial Ceremony, now called the Rotunda Ceremony.  This ceremony was held at 5:00 pm but was changed in November 1945 to 11:00 am on the working day immediately prior to November 11th.

Membership in November 1941 stood at 64 members.  The branch moved to 521 Superior Street, the building we currently occupy, in March 1948.

Holiday Sweep Tickets were first sold around the Buildings Precinct in June 1951 as a means of raising funds.  These sales continued until 1982.

Christmas parties for children of members were started in the 1950s.  In 1952, 128 children attended, the following year, this number jumped to 157.  By 1982, the event was discontinued as only grandchildren were attending.

Also in the 1950s, the branch was instrumental in having a Book of Remembrance created for those government employees killed in WW11.  There were 33 names received from the Civil Service Commission.

A Ladies Auxiliary was formed on April 24, 1954.  Initially there were 16 members, which increased to 24 the following month.  The Charter was presented in 1954 with Joan Carr as the first President.  In September 1959, the L.A. surrendered its Charter.

In February 1957, the branch sponsored the “Public Service Legion” baseball team in the Fairfield Little League, a sponsorship that continued for over 46 years.  The same year, the branch became a member of the United Nations Association.

On March 21, 1968, the branch scholarship was changed to the name of “Donald Keirs Memorial” in memory of long time Service Officer who worked tirelessly to help veterans secure pensions they deserved.

Today, the branch continues to serve its members and the community with distinction.  Let us hope we can continue for many more years.

– Mel Smith

BRANCH 127 PAST PRESIDENTS