Royal Canadian Legion

After World War I in Canada and elsewhere there was the Great War Verterans Association. A branch of the Canadian Legion came into being in Cloverdale as a result of a meeting called by Harry V. Coates on April 13, 1926. This first meeting was held where the Post office presently is located. About ninety members signed on and Cap't MacNeil was elected Provisional President. A charter was issued on March 19, 1927.

Early meetings were held at a rough lumber and tar paper shack on King Street (176A), on land owned and donated by Col. McLelan. After a few years the branch needed a canteen license, and a bid was made for the Burrows and Armstrong building, located where the Clydesdale Inn stands today.

After World War II, membership increased rapidly and more room was needed. Eleven lots on 175th Street were sold to us by Surrey for the nominal sum of $1.00 each, which were later swapped for 11 lots at the present Branch's location. A two-storey building was erected at a cost of $60,000, and officially opened on April 17, 1948.

All went well, until August 7, 1956, when a fire struck and the building completely burned down. A new hall was built, which was opened in early 1957. Over the years some additions have been made, and kitchen, office and bar have been modernized.

A Colour Party was formed in the late 1950's and has been active in parades and other events as well as adding dignity to our General Meetings.