FROM THE G.W.VA. TO THE ROYAL CANADIAN LEGION
The Terrace Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion started out as the Great War Veterans Association (G.W.V.A.) in 1919. The membership consisted of Boer War and World War I Veterans. It is doubtful if any of the original members still survive.
The premises this group used as their headquarters was situated in the old building presently occupied by Ikon Business Machines. The G.W. V.A. had a room in the northeast corner of the building and was quite small. The B.C. Forest Branch had a room in the northwest corner. The Municipal Clerk and a land surveyor also had space there. The upper floor was completely open and used for dances and basketball games.
It was called the G.W.V.A. Hall, but was mortgaged to Mr. O. T. Sundahl, and was leased or rented out. The roof of the building used to be a standard gable type roof, but in the mid-thirties, a late and very wet snowfall caved it in. They made a flat-type roof when repairs were made. This building had no plumbing or electric lighting.
In 1946, with a larger membership due to the Second World War Veterans and ex-service people, the Legion moved into a former picture show hall.. This was also on the north side of Lakelse Avenue, and dispensed beer only. It was a popular meeting place and well patronized. Membership was quite large because W.W.II had not been over verv long and was still on everyone's minds.
In 1953, the Branch moved to this present location. This is a former Army building. It has seen many changes and improvements since the Legion took it over.
Some of our older members must have some interesting stories to tell about the early years. A hard liquor license was obtained in the late sixties, which was quite a change. The L.C.B. regulations at that time would not allow draft beer and liquor to be dispensed at the same bar. Most other licensed premises where both were served did so in separate rooms. This rule was finally changed and the Branch installed draft beer facilities. This has been the mainstay of the business ever since.
There has been many plans to rebuild, or to move to a different location, but none of these have materialized so far.
Information on the Legion:
G.W.V.A. 1919-1925. Then changed to the "Royal Canadian Legion Empire Service League" In 1958 this was shortened to "Canadian Legion" and in 1960 the word "Royal" was added. In 1962, the current Legion Crest replaced the old B.E.S.L. one.
Reprinted from the 1999 Anniversay News