Royal Canadian Legion - Local Historical Building
Above the entrance to the building now known as the Legion Hall is a large plaque that in
essence states that the building was erected in memory of their son Lorne W. Nicholson, by his
parents Mr. and Mrs. G.B Nicholson in 1919 and was originally known as St. John's Parish
House
Lorne Nicholson, an only son, was killed in action on November 4, 1918, one week before the
signing of the Armistice. He was a Lieutenant of the Canadian Expeditionary Force, 4th
Canadian Mounted Rifles.
The Cenotaph that had been erected after The Great War was moved and rededicated in
1978. It originally stood at the North end of Young Street and was situated immediately
East of St. John's Anglican Church with the old Town Hall on its other side. It was moved
and rededicated on the North West corner of Beech and Young Street adjacent to the Legion.
Harry Searle, from all accounts, worked tirelessly for the veterans of the First and later
the Second World War. At a gathering of like minded Veterans in 1926, Harry signed the
bill to form the new Canadian Legion formerly known as the Canadian Legion of the British
Empire Services League. It is believed that the Legion organization was permitted the use
of the St. John's Parish House for meetings and social functions and later for financial
reasons the parish building was given to the town. In 1956, after purchasing the building
valued at $125,000 and completing renovations, the Legion Hall grand opening was held on
November 30th.
NOTE: Neither the architect of the building nor the construction company that
erected it is known. Any additional information regarding the building would be
appreciated.
|
Township of Chapleau
RSS Feeds