The Lindsay Legion Ladies’ Auxiliary and their 75 years of service

Just in Time local history series

Those entering Branch 67 of the Royal Canadian Legion on Fridays at lunchtime are (depending on the menu) greeted by the delightful aroma of fish and chips, liver and onions, roast beef and potatoes – with pie often served up for dessert. The atmosphere is lively and hospitable, with new friends and old acquaintances catching up over food and fellowship.

Overseeing it all are the dedicated personnel making up the Ladies’ Auxiliary of the Lindsay Legion, which in 2024 mark the 75th anniversary of receiving their charter of incorporation.

Although it was formally constituted in 1949, the LA had in fact been meeting for a year – and the raison d’être for its existence could be traced back to the First World War. During those four years of bitter conflict, women on the home front “did their bit” by preparing parcels of knitted goods and other items destined for those serving on the front lines. Following the cessation of hostilities, women continued to step up in support of those who had been injured, visiting them in hospital and ensuring their families were looked after as well. Ladies Auxiliaries emerged not long after the Royal Canadian Legion itself was formed in 1925 and officially incorporated the following summer.

Fifteen years later, another global conflict saw Canadian women step up in support of those on active service overseas. One of these women was Ruth Nesbitt, who spent the Second World War years working in the Dominion Arsenal at the corner of Mary and Albert Streets in Lindsay. Born in Toronto in 1924, she was only in her mid-20s when elected as the Lindsay Legion LA’s first president.

The inaugural gathering of the LA took place during the evening of Nov. 23, 1948 in the Legion hall on York Street. Representing the LA’s Ontario Command was a Mrs. J. Cameron, of London, Ontario, who took the assembled women through the roles and functions of a Ladies’ Auxiliary. A short piano recital was presented by Jean Burns before the business portion of the meeting got underway with the election of officers. Supporting Nesbitt in her role as president were first vice-president Bertha English and second vice-president Velma Heffernan, while Margaret Kemp and Catherine Spence would serve as secretary and treasurer, respectively. Catherine Corey was chosen to be the LA’s ceremonial standard-bearer, and an executive consisting of Mildred St. Thomas, Rachael Jones, and Helen York would aid and assist the other women in the discharge of their responsibilities. (As was custom in Legion halls, each of these women was formally styled as “comrade.”)

The first anniversary of the LA was celebrated in style the following November. A beautifully decorated Legion hall welcomed an invitation-only crowd, which was treated to speeches, a sing-song, musical entertainment, and a skit that was said to have drawn “a great number of laughs from the guests.” Thereafter came lunch, and as reported in the Thursday Post, “the tables were soon laden with dainty sandwiches, relishes, cup cakes, candies, and after-dinner mints.”

Always looking ahead, the Lindsay Legion LA soon set about organizing a variety of events that not only raised funds for the Legion but also afforded members with many an opportunity to socialize. The Christmas tea and bazaar was a perennially popular function, and the local Legion branch was normally crowded to capacity as local residents sought out that perfect holiday gift.

Members also made pilgrimages to conventions in Toronto organized under the auspices of the Ontario Provincial Command. Here, they had the opportunity to network with women from all over the province and exchange ideas about how to best carry out the work of a ladies’ auxiliary. These could be emotional occasions, too; after all, both world wars were still fresh in the memories of most Canadians. Rita Gendron, one of three delegates from Branch 67 who travelled to the 1958 convention noted that the parade to the cenotaph in Toronto was particularly poignant, drawing tears to the eyes of the padre of Sunnybrook Hospital.

Founding President Ruth Nesbitt passed away in 1989, as the Lindsay Legion LA was on the verge of entering its fifth decade. Her funeral was attended by mourners from far and wide, and florists were reportedly sold out of pink flowers. Among other things, Ruth was remembered for her generosity. “Every year she would pay to send a less fortunate girl to summer camp,” recalled Howard Nesbitt of his mother, who maintained a lifelong interest in the Girl Guide movement.

Ruth Nesbitt’s legacy of giving back to the community remains a core part of the Ladies’ Auxiliary to this day. In the last several years, the LA has donated funds towards the installation of a flagpole at the Lindsay Lilac Gardens, it has donated backpacks to students at King Albert Public School, and in 2016 it raised $1,236 for Special Olympics. And that’s not all. The Lindsay Legion LA also supports homeless veterans, a service dog program, and a student bursary.

Three quarters of a century on, the LA remains optimistic about the future. “Branch 67 LA currently has 76 members on the roster,” says present President Marilyn LaMarche, “and we would certainly welcome more members to join our LA and become involved with our activities and events.”