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Royal Canadian Legion
Branch #35, Westville
The Canadian Legion of the British Empire Service League was granted a charter as Branch 35 on September 18, 1928. The first president was Major James Grant MacKenzie with the following as charted members, all of whom are now deceased: Major James G. MacKenzie, William Darroch, Rev. William S. Godfrey, Charles Edward Swan, Edward Davis, Dougal Carrigan, Hector Hubert, Daniel Crockett, Harry Murphy, Charles Wilks Hale, James Roy, Arthur McKay Rennie, John MacNaughton, Brenton Horne, Charles F. MacLeod and Stewart MacLeod.
The first meeting of the Great War Veterans Association (G.W.V.A.), which later became Branch 35, were held on the second floor of McCool's Grocery Store on Main Street. The new Legion Branch survived many difficult years with few members, no money, and little or no public support or sympathy.
The first Legion Hall was purchased on February 19, 1934, by members using their personal funds. The building was the former Methodist Memorial Church situated at the corner of South Main and Court streets. With no funds available, the building was rented during the war years to the services, and Legion meetings were held in the old Town Hall building. At war’s end the building was renovated for Branch use and became the only community-type building in the area. Membership increased with a new Ladies’ Auxiliary playing a vital role. An unfortunate fire on September 10, 1976 destroyed the building and Branch records.
The executive then purchased land on Spring Garden Road, and a strong building committee was set up with Andy Deagle as chairman. A modern steel structure was erected during 1976-77 and was opened for use on June 4, 1977. Branch president was Bob MacNaughton. During the construction period, meetings were held in the Orange Lodge on Main Street. The Mortgage was burned in 1979.
November 11 is still a prominent part of the Legion’s yearly memorial program with a parade, service at the Cenotaph, and an evening banquet and dance.
Following is a partial list of past presidents: Robert Boeck, Sr.*, Arthur Bezanson, Murray Clark, Massey Cotter, William Darroch*, William Hines, Raymond Hale, John Higgins*, Thomas Harris*, Willard Logan*, Stewart Murdoch*, Lloyd MacNaughton*, Robert (Bob) MacNaughton, Francis (Scotty) MacNeil, James G. MacKenzie*, Harold Sutherland*, Charles Swan*, Col. C.D. Sampson*, and Edward Wadden*.
*deceased
The Pictou Highlanders, 1915