Branch 113 Dresden    Legion Week Sept. 15 to 21  

National Legion Week Is September 15 to September 21/2024

Dresden's First World War veterans were served by Br. 113 of the British Empire Service League some 95 years ago. However, following the Second World War, the veterans group was reorganized and a new charter was formally issued on March 14, 1946. The Dresden branch retained its original charter number 113.

Immediately following the Second World War, veterans were meeting in Dresden's old fire hall, then located next to the Presbyterian Church.  Years later, the local branch's membership regularly in a shop where McKellars Flowers & Gifts is now located.

Still later, meetings were held upstairs in the old Toronto-Dominion Bank building.

A location for Br. 113's meetings and activities was an early problem for the young branch, and in 1947 the Green Mountain Hotel at the corner of Camden and St. George Streets was purchased in hopes that it would serve as a permanent site.

At first it was anticipated that the existing structure could easily be converted into a Legion hall. But upon closer examination, it was determined than an entirely new structure would have to be built.

Legion member Neil McKerracher demolished the Green Mountain, and saw that the building materials were removed.

Local contractor George Clark agreed to construct a 30 by 50 foot cement block building for $5,000. He held the mortgage and Br. 113 paid the principle. Clark didn't charge the Legion any interest.

The branch's newly constructed Legion hall was formally opened on Sunday, April, 3, 1949 and as president that year, Pat Dunlop served as chairman of the opening ceremony. Between 400 and 600 people turned out for the event.

When it received its charter in 1946, membership stood at 60; by 1949, that had grown to 119 veterans.  Still later, Br. 113's membership would rise to nearly 200. In June of 1954, when the Legion branch burnt its mortgage  in a formal ceremony, about 175 members and associates attended that function.

 In January 2024 Branch 113 began extensive renovations of the weary but historic building. While it reamins a work in motion, branch members and the general public are pleased with the results thus far.