Yellowknife (Feb 26/03) - What's in a name? Half a century of history if you're a member of Yellowknife's Royal Canadian Legion, Vincent Massey Branch No. 164.

Charles Vincent Massey was this country's first Canadian-born Governor General. He was born in Toronto on Feb. 20, 1887, and died in London, England, in 1967. During his seven years as Governor General -- 1952 to 1959 -- he visited Yellowknife, in 1953, when the local legion hall was christened with his name. He was one of the first people to receive an Order of Canada. He was an advocate of bilingualism, national unity and First Nations rights, as well as a promoter of cultural diversity.

On March 1, the local legion celebrates 50 years since its christening.

The Yellowknife legion was founded in Old Town by 19 members in 1945. It moved in 1952 to what is now the Office Lounge and remained there for 27 years before moving to its present location, on Franklin Avenue, in 1979.

For its first eight years, the branch remained nameless. During a special ceremony on Feb. 27, 1953, it was officially christened with the name of Governor General Vincent Massey.

Legion naming is a custom practised by most legions, said Dusty Miller, branch service officer.

"We chose Vincent Massey because he was on a visit up here," said Miller, who arrived in Yellowknife a few years after the naming ceremony.

"He was here and a very high profile war-time personnel. They thought it was quite appropriate since he was here and did open the legion."

Members remember

Miller is one of a small number of long-time members of the Yellowknife branch.

Miller, who served in the Royal Canadian Air Force during the Second World War, joined the legion in Ontario after the war. He transferred to the Yellowknife branch when he moved here in 1955.

Over the past 48 years he's served continuously on the legion executive, including two terms as president. He's presently the branch service officer.

He's seen a lot of change over the years.

"The old legion was the centre for the community's gatherings and entertainment," recalls Miller. "At that time, there were parties and dancing frequently. It was sort of the night spot of Yellowknife."

"Originally the main thrust of the legion was to serve returning personnel from the war," he said adding the legion was a "training" period for soldiers returning to civil activities.

Now the legion takes on a new role as a centre for philanthropy.

"The legion is so important to the community because of the money we give back to the community," said branch president Lloyd Lush.

The Yellowknife branch has 470 members. Between 50 and 60 of those are active within the community. When they aren't raising money through fundraisers such as bingo, members are active on the bowling, darts, crib, curling and pool leagues, said Lush.

This year the membership hopes to raise $250,000, which will be donated to various community-minded organizations around the city.

The celebrations

The golden anniversary will be marked with a gala affair March 1.

The special event is by invitation-only and about 100 guests are expected, said branch manager Lorne Power.

The legion will also be stuffing a time capsule to be opened on its 100th anniversary.