Malcom Sampson | Aug 15, 2013


The original Royal Canadian Legion was formed in 1945 by returning veterans from World War 2 and was called the North Frontenac Legion. Between 1945 and 1983 Legion meetings were held at available homes, halls and the Kennebec Community Centre, just down the road from the present location.

The first president of the Legion in Arden was Harry Alexander, followed by Claude Parks,
Charlie Parker and Bert Brown. Fred Hugh, was president from 1948 to 1955, and Howard Jackson served as treasurer for numerous years. Another active participant back then was Edward Wilkes

The current Legion was developed in 1981 and 1982, with the official opening taking place in May 1983. At that time it was still known as the North Frontenac Legion but in 1985 the name was changed to Branch #334, Gordon Gaylord Branch. It was thought at that time it was the only Legion branch named after a living veteran.

As times change, so do the functions, uses and commitments of both the Legion and all its members. The membership has fluctuated through the years from a high of 427 to a low of 123. Current membership stands at 155, which is hoped to be a stepping stone to a goal of 200 by 2015. Members are definitely wanted!

A sign of responding to local needs was the decision by the Legion to open a small grocery store on the premises. The idea of a store was started by the "Friends of Arden". It is open to all; you do not have to be a member to purchase grocery items, and although the Legion is no "Wal-Mart" or "Target", it is unique. Where else can a person have a relaxing beverage while shopping? No big city store can offer that! Store hours are noon to close Tuesday through Sunday.

Our Legion hosts numerous events, all open to the public, all reasonably priced, and all held in a friendly, comfortable atmosphere, such as a New Year’s Levy; Fishing Contest & Fish Fry; ATV Rally, Chili Cook-off; Bass Derby & Fish Fry; Chicken BBQ, Duck Race; Pig & Corn Roast; Car Rally; Remembrance Day; Deer Contest & Hunter’s Ball; Children's Christmas Party and New Year’s Eve Party. Throughout the year there are also various dart tournaments, breakfasts, bake sales, cake auctions, raffles, meat draws and steak suppers.

Since January 2011 the fundraising committee has raised $8,000 for roof repairs; $2500 for kitchen renovations, purchased a new television set, vacuum cleaner, replaced the ceiling in the central dart room, and purchased an awning for outdoor BBQ events.

The latest venture is to raise $4,950 by issuing redeemable shares at $50 each to repair water damage to both ceilings and floors. Shares earn interest at 6% per annum, repayment to start in mid-September 2013 and the target is 4 shares per month being repaid. The same idea was used on the roof and repayment took only 10 months instead of the scheduled 40. All participants should feel very proud to have helped. At this time, over 50 ceiling shares have either been paid for or committed to, so don't be shy; you can still join the club! Call the Legion at 335-2737.

The Ladies' Auxiliary is active as well and all monies raised by the auxiliary are used for local community activities, covering various sporting events and donations to worthy causes.

Other programs supported by Branch #334 consist of helping administer the Legion Villa in Kingston. This is a home for all seniors, not just veterans, and contributions to help cover costs come from all Legion branches within the area.

Our local C.A.R.E. program, started in 2006, is another source of funds for local families in time of need. Branch #334, along with the C.A.R.E. Committee and Ladies Auxiliary raise funds by holding the annual Duck Race, a summer sewer tournament, Christmas tree Angel donations and raffles throughout the year. Other funds are raised by generous donations from community members.

All Legions are very involved in the November Remembrance Day Services and Poppy Campaigns. Branch #334 is no exception. We host up to 60 serving military each November 11th and without a doubt, the hospitality given them, plus the food all donated by local ladies is second to none.

Within Arden, our Legion is one of the few remaining hubs of activity and would be sorely missed if not there. All help within the Legion is strictly volunteer. Our current members can all feel a sense of accomplishment at what has been built so far and we can all hope for bigger and better things for the future. If anyone is thinking of being a member or has a suggestion for improvements, please call 613-335-3664

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