Friday, April 5, 2024 3 Brooklin Town Crier Brooklin's Community Newspaper Proud to be a Brooklinite Since 2000. Published 24 times per year. Editor, Richard Bercuson 613-769-8629 • editorofbtc@gmail.com • Circulation 8000 • Delivery via Canada Post Locally owned and operated. A publication of Appletree Graphic Design Inc. We accept advertising in good faith but do not endorse advertisers nor advertisements. All editorial submissions are subject to editing. For advertising information, contact: Email: mulcahy42@rogers.com Next Issue: Friday, April 19, 2024 Deadline: Friday, April 12, 2024 Brooklin TOWN CRIER.com Brooklin Legion Branch 152 was not the community's first one. Its roots can be traced back to 1929 when the first version of the Legion emerged. Under sponsorship of Oshawa branch No.43 and presided over by A.J. Graves, the Brooklin Legion was conceived. Local resident Dr. James Moore became the first President, with William McCarthy as the first Vice President, Arthur Boyes as the second Vice President, and Robert Wilson as the Secretary Treasurer. The Executive Committee was comprised of businessmen such as Campbell, Shortridge, Ross, Harrison and Lockyer. Old Legion opens Its initial event took place on November 4, 1929, a significant occasion in the village. Local residents and World War I veterans congregated at the Whitby Township Hall (today, Cassels Road Community Centre). M. McIntyre Hood, a prominent member of the Oshawa Legion and the provincial Legion executive, delivered an inspiring speech, emphasizing the responsibility entrusted to the Brooklin branch in upholding the honour of the Canadian Legion and its values. Despite the initial enthusiasm, however, the branch's existence was shortlived. By January 20, 1931, activities were scarce. A record of a single charitable act, a ton of coal given to a needy member, marked its final entry in the minute book. The Great Depression and lack of finances likely contributed to its downfall, leaving Brooklin without a Legion branch for the next 35 years. John Graham had purchased Before the Legion was the Legion (1925-1970) By Jennifer Hudgins the building from Norman Colwill in 1925, turning it into a hotel, complete with a bar, a far cry from its origins during the so-called "dry era." However. in 1946, Graham decided to retire and sold the former Temperance House at 56 Baldwin to William J. Goodwin. Goodwin was a retired member of the Oshawa police force who earned recognition in the community and beyond for his Brooklin House's delicious chicken dinners. Building sold Tragically he was killed in a car accident in 1964. The building was then purchased by Mr. Morris, an Oshawa furniture store owner, though it remained vacant until Brooklin barber Fred Phillips purchased the mortgage from him in 1966 with the purpose of transforming the space into a Legion hall. Phillips and his wife Pat had settled at 68 Baldwin Street to establish Fred's Barbershop and noticed the lack of a Legion. With many World War II veterans residing in the community, the couple recognized the importance of providing a gathering place for those with shared experiences. Pat took initiative by writing a letter to Dominion Command in Ottawa, aiming to renew the 1929 Charter. Renovations With the aid of volunteers, the first floor of the hotel underwent renovations which were completed by 1968, transforming Brooklin House into The Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 152. Two years later, during a strike at General Motors in Oshawa, Legion members who were unemployed contributed to renovating the second floor. Remarkably, the Brooklin Legion became the youngest hall in Canada to pay off its mortgage within three years due to diligent financial management, strong community support and effective fundraising efforts. On June 6, 1970, the 26th anniversary of D-Day, Donald Wilson, Dominion Legion first Vice President, cut the ribbon to officially open the new hall. This revival restored the Legion's significance within the community after decades of absence. Today it stands as a symbol of community spirit and service. Fred Phillips