On Sept. 7, the Carman Legion Ladies Auxiliary celebrated its 90th anniversary since its humble beginnings in 1934. Roughly 29 members and 50 people were in attendance.
It all started on Sept. 12, 1934, when Carman Legion Auxiliary #18 received its charter with 15 members. In December of that year, the membership increased by 18 with the acceptance of mothers and wives of 1914-1918 veterans as Honorary Members.
By forming an organization, the Carman ladies felt it was one way of helping fight the War from home. When World War 2 broke out in 1939, the need became evident, and they were kept busy raising money (sometimes having to take a loan for supplies), knitting, baking, packing parcels, etc., for the troops at the front.
Since the War ended, the Auxiliary has remained active over the years and has been very fortunate for the outstanding support of their Legion Branch, Carman #18.
At the 90th anniversary celebrations on Sept. 7, there were speeches, food, and a cake that everybody enjoyed.
“It’s hard to believe we got to 90 years when you see other Auxiliaries across the province folding, so we’re hopeful we can get to 100,” said Heather Bunka of the Carman Ladies Auxiliary. “We’re going to try, and I have hopes that we will. We don’t have too many younger members as the youngest is in their 40s and the oldest is 95 years old. The average age is in the 80’s.”
Carman Ladies Auxiliary meetings are held at the Carman Legion on the third Wednesday of the month.
“We do quite well still, and we’re going strong,” said Bunka. “We get our members out to our monthly meetings, averaging 15 people attending each meeting, which is pretty good. We’re always happy with the turnout that we get.”
Standard Photos by Karen Maxwell
