Branch History/Archives
Victoria Branch Minutes from 1927- September 1935
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Victoria Branch Minutes from 1936-1952
https://victoria.uelac.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Old-Minute-book-2.pdf
Victoria Branch Archives
Box # 1
| Secondary Description |
| Correspondence 1965 – 1976 including reestablishment of the Victoria Branch in 1965 |
| Correspondence 1971, 1972 – 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976 |
| Correspondence 1977 – 1983 |
| Correspondence 1983 – 1985, 1994 |
| Correspondence 1982 |
| Correspondence 1983 |
| Correspondence 1984 |
| Correspondence 1972 – 1975 |
| Meeting Minutes 1971 – 1980 |
| Executive Meeting Minutes – January 1999, April 2000, March 2001 to October 2004 |
| Executive Meeting Minutes – January 2005 to October 2007 |
| Executive Meeting Minutes – 2008 |
| Executive Meeting Minutes – 2009 |
| Executive Meeting Minutes – 2010 |
| Executive Meeting Minutes – 2011 |
| Executive Meeting Minutes – 2012 and 2013 |
| Executive Meeting Minutes – 2014 – 2016 |
| Regular Meeting Minutes – February 1999 to November 2002 |
| Regular Meeting Minutes – February 2003 to November 2005 |
| Regular Meeting Minutes – February 2006 to November 2007 |
| Regular Meeting Minutes – 2008 |
| Regular Meeting Minutes – 2009 |
| Regular Meeting Minutes – 2010 |
| Regular Meeting Minutes – 2011 |
| Regular Meeting Minutes – 2012 |
| Regular Meeting Minutes – 2013 |
| Regular Meeting Minutes – 2014 |
| Regular Meeting Minutes – 2015 |
| Meeting Minutes – 2015 |
| AGM Minutes – 2018 |
| Branch Meeting Minutes – 2019 |
| Executive Meeting Minutes – 2019 |
| Correspondence – 2001 – 2003 |
| Correspondence – 2004 |
| Correspondence – 2005 |
| Correspondence – 2006 |
| Correspondence – 2007 |
| Correspondence – 2009 |
| Correspondence – 2010 |
| Correspondence – 2011 |
| Correspondence – 2012 |
| Correspondence – 2013 |
| Empty Folders – 5 |
Box # 2
| Secondary Description |
| “The Loyalist Bicentennial Collection” – Pamphlet (Undated) |
| Speakers Autographs – April 1985 – December 1994, May 1995 |
| ___ to February 2000, September 1999 – November 2003 |
| Addresses and Speeches, various – 1974 – 1975 |
| Dominion HQ Minutes, various 1976 – 1984 |
| Bicentennial Stamp Correspondence – 1982, 1983 |
| UEL HQ Bylaw Material, various 1940 – 1980 |
| UEL HQ correspondence, various 1936 – 1951 |
| UEL Victoria Treasurer’s Annual Reports – 1980 – 1981 |
| Will Grant from Maggie Ray Rae – 1986 |
| UEL Dominion Headquarters Minutes, Reports |
| ___ Various 1971 – 1980 |
| Copy of “Manuscript Lists in the Archives of Canada |
| ___ Relating to The U. E. Loyalists”, 1909 |
| 1994 UEL 80th Anniversary Convention Vancouver – materials |
| 1994 “Discover Our Heritage” Loyalist Western Tour – materials |
| New Victoria Br. Monument Stone 2014 – materials |
| Phillip Leith Award – 2009, 2010 – materials |
| 2015 Dominion Conference Victoria – materials |
| UELAC Victoria Bylaws, 2010 |
| UEL Victoria Membership Lists – various 1966, 2013 |
| Loyalist Rose History – various materials |
| UEL Victoria Membership Lists – various 1966, 2013 |
| UEL Victoria Minutes, Reports – various 1965 – 1997 |
| Coat of Arms – tracings |
| UEL Essays – 1934, 1983 |
| “The Loyalist Myth in Canada”, Jo-Ann Fellows, |
| ___ Historical Papers, 1971 |
| Confederation Life’s “Gallery of Canadian History” |
| ___ Listing and Description of paintings, circa 1960s |
| “Guide to the Loyalist Burying Ground St. Andrews”, |
| ___ St. Andrews NB, 1983 |
| “A Victoria Branch Historical Outline”, R. Ferguson, 2012 |
| “A Short History of the Victoria Branch of the United Empire |
| ___ Loyalists’ Association”, C. B. Fisher, circa 1973 |
| “75th Anniversary of the United Empire Loyalists (sic) Branch |
| in Victoria” by G. M. Aitkens UE, November, 2002 |
| “An Historical Outline of The United Empire Loyalists’ |
| ___ Association of Canada”, coordinated by E. Richardson, U.E., |
| ___ Winnipeg, Manitoba June 7, 1997 |
| Fall 2012 Gazette, p. 31 |
| Description of 1970 6 cent stamp: “Alex MacKenzie from Canada |
| ___ by land 22nd July 1793″, Canada Post Office Department |
| Various Correspondence, folder of Mr. Aitkins, 1973 |
Box # 3
| Secondary Description |
| Binder #1 |
| Beginning about 1450 – The Jarvis Family of Chatkyll and Meaford, Staffordshire, England – by Julia Jarvis, undated |
| Some early Victoria Branch family histories: Winnifred Lugrin Fahey, the Fanning, Crowell and Wells Families, |
| John Wendle Wigle |
| Stackhouse U.E.L. An Old English Family Sometime of Yorkshire |
| The Mills Family by Anna C. Cawthra |
| Family History of the “Losee” Family – French “Lozay” |
| The Lee Family U.E. Loyalists |
| Stephen Hart and His Descendants |
| Captain Michael Grasse |
| Miss E. H. Dean, Descendant of William Blair and Janet Young |
| Joseph Risteen |
| Article on G. I. Thornton, Chilliwack BC |
| John Cunningham |
| The Jones Family |
| Titus Simmons |
| Binder #2 |
| Van Blaricom |
| Genealogy of: Post, Munn, Howden, Scott, Leeder, McDonald, McFarland |
| 12 January 1802 Petition to hold a fair in the Town of Westmorland, NB |
| Robert Land — U. E. L. |
| Binder #3? |
| A Short History of the Victoria Branch of the United Empire Loyalists’ Association by C. B. Fisher |
| 21 May 1994 letter from David C. Lam, Lieutenant-Governor, welcoming attendees to the UEL |
| ___ 80th Annual Convention being held at UBC 19 to 21 May 1994 |
| Binder #4 |
| The Loyalist Settlement of Prince Edward County By Dr. H. C. Burleigh |
| Peter Young Line |
| Settlement of Glengarry County Loyalists – A Talk of May 26th, 1977 by Elizabeth Blair |
| The Pioneers of 5th Town By C.L.R. Wanamaker – “County” Magazine Vol. 4 No 26 – Winter 1982 |
| The Clifton Houses 1832 – 1898, 1906 – 1932 |
| United Empire Loyalists in the Niagara Peninsula April 1984, Wm. A. Smy |
| Proclamation – Lieutenant-Governor Simcoe’s “Proclamation” of 1796, attempting to clarify the privileges |
| ___ given in the original declaration (1789) of the “Mark of Honour”. |
| Binder #5 |
| John Hathaway |
| A Rolph family history |
| Medway Cemetery, London Township |
| Ogden Family Tree |
| Philippe James Vaucher UEL Application, Oct. 15, 1982 |
| Binder #6 |
| Wilma Saville UE |
| Samuel Tidd/Teed |
| The Avery Clan |
| Harold Frederick Morgan UE |
| Christian Riselay UE |
| Hannah (Annatje) Schauer UE (Sipes) |
| Jacob Smith Sr. UE |
| Hendrick/Henry Windecker |
| Rulof Vandecar UE |
| Johann Adam Young UE |
| Maralynn Wilkinson UE |
| Christian Keller |
| History of Henry Redoer and wife, Sophia |
| Caleb Swayze 1746 – 1782 |
| Solomon Johns, UEL (1751 – 1786) |
| Susanna Bucklin (1752 – about 1836) |
| Binder #6 |
| Photographic negatives – UEL Negatives, UEL Certificate Presentations |
| The Armorial Bearings of the United Empire Loyalists’ Association of Canada |
| ___ article from The Loyalist Gazette, Autumn 1972 |
| 75th Anniversary of the United Empire Loyalists’ Branch in Victoria by Gene M. Aitkens UE November 2002 |
| Article on Provincial Branch Activities in The Loyalist Gazette Nov. 1933 |
| Article on Victoria Branch reactivation in spring, 1967 The Loyalist Gazette |
| The First Annual Diner of the Reactivated Victoria Branch May 12, 1969 |
| March 17, 1970 Victoria Branch meeting write-up in The Loyalist Gazette, Autumn, 1970 |
| Current photos of members present at 1939 planting of Maple Tree in Beacon Hill Park in Spring, 1978 Gazette |
| Programmes – 1973 UEL Day Banquet and 1974 UEL Annual Dinner at UVIC Faculty Club |
| Report on Branch activities in The Gazette Autumn, 1972 |
| Cards from The Confederation Life Collection |
| Programme – 75th Anniversary of the Victoria Branch Banquet, 7 December, 2002 |
| Programme – President’s Tour of the Pacific Region – September 27 – 30, 2001 |
| Membership Lists -1966 – 1971 |
| Folder – The Story of John Archibald, Sr. |
| Scrapbook – Clippings 1939 – 1984 Victoria Branch UEL Compiled by Karen Borden |
| ___ May 28, 1977 Photos of members present at 1939 planting of Maple Tree in Beacon Hill Park |
| ___ The Queen’s letter of thanks to the Victoria Branch on occasion of her visit to British Columbia |
| Envelope containing Map North and West Townships of Ontario |
| Envelope containing Humberstone Twp. Niagara County Maps of 1862, 1876, 1811 |
| Envelope containing various maps |
| Envelope containing Key Index of N. B. With Original Grantees |
| Folder – The Ancestors and Descendants of John Cameron UEL and Lady Mary Cameron, of Cornwall Twp. |
| Copy of “Loyally Yours” 100 Years of The UELAC |
Box # 4
| Secondary Description |
| Binder – Gazette Index – 1963 – 1983, 1984 – 1998, list of names cross-referenced to Gazette issue |
| Handwritten Listing of Gazette issues – Nov 1933 to Spring 2017 |
| Handwritten Note: Missing Spring 1987 |
| Various Gazette issues |
| National Geographic April 1975, article “The Loyalists: Americans With A Difference” |
| Canadian Geographic January/February 2012, cover story “1812 The War That Shaped Our Nation” |
Box # 5
| Account Number: |
| Account Name: The United Empire Loyalists of Victoria |
| Contact Name: Brian McMullen |
| Phone # / Email: 250-813-1954 / bjmcmullen@shaw.ca |
| Secondary Description |
| Binder UEL 2011 – 2015 |
| Members photos |
| June 2011 UELAC Conference, Brockville ON photos |
| June 2011 Buccaneer Days photos |
| February 6, 2012, ten members invited to tea at Government House to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee |
| Spring Banquet Queen Elizabeth II 60th Jubilee |
| UELAC Dominion Conference, Winnipeg, June 2012 |
| First BC Loyalist Day Celebration, July 22, 2012 |
| 80th Anniversary Founders’ Dinner, October 13, 2012 |
| Visit by Bob McBride UE, UELAC Dominion President |
| UELAC Pacific Regional Conference, May 4, 2013, Chilliwack |
| 150th Victoria Highland Games, May 18, 2013 |
| Second BC Loyalist Day Celebration, July 22, 2013 |
| Lt.- Gov. Judith Guichon unveiled a plaque marking BC Loyalist Day and the 75th commemoration of the 1939 Royal Visit |
| Pacific Regional Fall Fleet, October 5, 2014, New Westminster |
| UELAC Annual AGM Conference, May 28 – 31, 2015, Victoria BC |
| Loyalists at Government House |
| Ross Bay Cemetery Loyalist Tour, June 14, 2015 |
| Loyalist Day Picnic, July 22, 2015 |
| Unveiling The Loyalist Rose Garden Plaque on Victoria’s Inner Harbour, October 17, 2015 |
| AGM, November 14, 2015 |
| Binder Branch Activities Compiled by Karen Borden 2010 – 2016 |
| Binder The Loyalist Gazette Clippings 1933 – 2019 and Obituaries |
| Binder The Loyalist Gazette Clippings 2016 – 2019 and Ephemera |
| Binder Victoria Branch Activities UELAC 2016 – 2020 and Ephemera |
| Binder Victoria Branch Activities UELAC 1980 – 2010 and Ephemera |
Box # 6
| IN THE MAYORS GROVE, |
| BINDER – BC ARCHIVES UEL, CONTAINING: |
| THE FORTUNES OF A UNITED EMPIRE LOYSLIST FAMILY BY JOHN ROBINSON SIMONS |
| TRIALS AND TRIUMPHS OF N. B. LOYALISTS RECOUNTED – NEWSPAPER ARTICLE |
| UNWRITTEN HISTORIES OF THE UNITED EMPIRE LOYALISTS – NEWSPAPER ARTICLE |
| LIST OF MEMBERS – UNDATED |
| KETCHESON FAMILY INFORMATION |
| 1931 NEWSPAPER CLIPPINGS |
| FLORENCE J. HARRIS TESTAMENT |
| THE JONES FAMILY TESTAMENT |
| CAPT. MICHAEL GRASSE ARTICLE |
| ORANGE LAWERANCE U. E. LOYALIST TESTAMENT |
| THE LEE FAMILY U. E. LOYALISTS TESTAMENT |
| THE CLAPP FAMILY TESTAMENT |
| THE UNITED EMPIRE LOYALISTS BY JANET YOUNG |
| FAMILY HISTORY OF THE LOSSE’S, UEL (FRENCH LOZAY) |
| JAMES MOODY TESTAMENT |
| HISTORICAL SKETCH OF PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND |
| STEPHEN HART FAMILY TREE |
| STEPHEN HART AND HIS DESCENDANTS |
| JOSEPH RISTINE TESTAMENT |
| 2021 MEEETING AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION, VARIOUS |
| MISCELLANEOUS 2017 – 2018 MINUTES, VARIOUS |
| 2019 BRANCH AND EXECUTIVE MINUTES, VARIOUS |
| 2020 BRANCH AND EXECUTIVE MINUTES, VARIOUS |
| 2020 – 2021 OATH OF OFFICE |
| SPRING FLEET AND 90TH ANNIVERSARY LUNCHEON 1927 – 2017 BROCHURES |
| THE VICTORIA LOYALIST – FALL/WINTER 2019 AND NOVEMBER 2020 |
| KAREN BORDEN REMEMBERANCE CARDS, ETC. |
| 2020 MEETING NOTES, VARIOUS |
| 2019 MEETING NOTES, VARIOUS |
| 2018 MEETING NOTES, VARIOUS |
| 2017 MEETING NOTES, VARIOUS |
| 2016 MEETING NOTES, VARIOUS |
| EXECUTIVE AND MEMBERSHIP MINUTES (LISTING TO 2021) |
| THE LOYALISTS PIONEERS AND SETTLERS OF THE WEST – A TEACHER’S RESOURCE |
| 2022 – 2023 MINUTES AND INFORMATION 1, VARIOUS |
| 2022 – 2023 MINUTES AND INFORMATION 2, VARIOUS |
| LETTER FROM QUEEN ELIZABETH THANKING THE BRANCH FOR OUR 2021 CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR GREETINGS |
| 2019 AND 2022 VICTORIA HIGHLAND GAMES & CELTIC FESTIVAL BROCHURES |
Box # 7
| Secondary Description |
| UEL FLAG |
| ARTICLE – THE 1ST ANNUAL DINNER OF THE REACTIVATED VICTORIA BRANCH MAY 12, 1969 – |
| _____ ORIGINAL IN BOX 3, Scrapbook – Clippings 1939 – 1984 Victoria Branch UEL Compiled by Karen Borden |
| FOLDER CONTAINING – NOTICES OF UEL BOOK PRIZE IN CANADIAN HISTORY 2004 – 2009, AN INTRODUCTION TO THE |
| VICTORIA BRANCH OF THE UEL, 2 PAGES, UNDATED, CLIPPING ON CAMP SECURITY, |
| PENNSYLVANIA, UNDATED, CLIPPING OF 1924 HORSEBACK RIDE TO INVITE PRESIDENT COOLIDGE TO UEL CELEBRATION |
| IN QUINTE, LISTINGS OF VARIOUS UEL VICTORIA LIBRARIES, UNDATED, INFORMATION ON THE LOYALIST TREE |
| IN THE MAYORS GROVE, BEACON HILL PARK, UEL STICKERS, PRESENTATION OF SAMPLE INFORMATION SHEETS TO |
| NEW MEMBERS OF VICTORIA BRANCH OF THE UELAC, PICTURES FROM THE SPRING BANQUET MAY 15, 2004 |
| FOLDER CONTAINING – 90TH ANNIVERSARY LUNCHEON INVITATION, THE LOYALISTS – A PARKS CANADA BROCHURE, |
| 1983, INFROMATION ON DESCENDANTS OF JOSEPH H(E)ARTLY, INFORMATION ON RICHARD PIERPOINT BLACK |
| LOYALIST, PHOTOS OF UEL PLAQUES ON A CAIRN IN SASKATCHEWAN – NO LOCATION, NOTES ON UELAC VANCOUVER |
| BRANCH LIBRARY – UNDATED, ASSORTED SIGNATURES RE PUBLICIZING THE UEL MEMBERSHIP LIST – 2016, THREE |
| PHOTOS FROM THE UELAC CONFERENCES IN VICTORIA, 2015, AND SUMMERSIDE, PEI, 2016. |
| FOLDER CONTAINING VICTORIA BRANCH 2022 MATERIAL INCLUDING MINUTES, ETC. |
| ARTICLE IN AUG. 3, 2023 OAK BAY NEWS RE EMPIRE LOYALISTS CLUB MARKS 230TH ANNIVERSARY, WITH PHOTO |
| BROCHURE – OUR CANADIAN MONARCHY, BY THE MONARCHIST LEAGUE OF CANADA |
| CD TITLED – VICTORIA BC UELAC CON 2015, CONFERENCE LABLES |
| 2 NEGATIVES – UEL 1980’S |
| LETTER OF THANKS FROM KING CHARLES RE OUR CONDOLENCES ON THE DEATH OF HIS MOTHER |
| VARIOUS MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION 2019 – 2021 |
| VARIOUS SALVATION ARMY CITADEL INFORMATION 2019 – 2020 |
| INFORMATION ON THE NEW ONLINE MEMBERSHIP SYSTEM, 2019 |
| INFORMATION ON THE VICTORIA LOYALIST NEWSLETTER, UNDATED |
| SOME INFORMATION ON BRANCH MEETINGS, 2018 – 2019 |
Box # 8
| Account Number: |
| Account Name: The United Empire Loyalists of Victoria |
| Contact Name: Brian McMullen |
| Phone # / Email: 250-813-1954 / bjmcmullen@shaw.ca |
| Secondary Description (BOX FULL) |
| 2011 RECEIPTS |
| 2011 BANK STATEMENTS |
| VARIOUS NOTES AND FINANCIAL DOCUMENTS 2009 – 2006 |
| DEPOSIT BOOK FEB 24, 2006 – SEPT 26, 2008 |
| 1994 CONVENTION INFORMATION |
| FINANCIAL INFORMATION, BANK STATEMENTS, NOTES, ETC., 2016, 2017 |
| FINANCIAL INFORMATION, BANK STATEMENTS, NOTES, ETC., 2017, 2018 |
| FINANCIAL INFORMATION, BANK STATEMENTS, NOTES, ETC., 2019 |
| FINANCIAL INFORMATION, BANK STATEMENTS, NOTES, ETC., 2020 |
| FINANCIAL INFORMATION, BANK STATEMENTS, NOTES, ETC., 2021 |
| FINANCIAL INFORMATION, BANK STATEMENTS, NOTES, ETC., 2022 |
| UEL BC ARCHIVES RECORDS – DEPOSITED BY THE UEL IN MAY 1935 |
| MEMBER SURVEY RESULTS – YEAR??, J. MCMULLEN PRESIDENT |
| MINUTES – 1927 – 1935 |
| MINUTES – 1936 – 1952 |
| LOYALISTS COME WEST 2015 – BROCHURE FOR 2015 DOMINION CONFERENCE |
| “MY FAMILY HISTORY” BY KATHLEEN LYNCH IN THE LOYALIST GAZETTE FALL 2017 |
| VICTORIA LOYALIST NEWSLETTER – FALL 2017 |
| CERTIFICATE OF COMMEMORATION OF 75TH VISIT OF KING GEORGE VI AND QUEEN MARY IN 1939 AND 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF |
| _____THE UELAC, JULY 22, 2014 |
| ARTICLE “UEL CENTENNIAL COMMEMORATED IN BEACON HILL PARK”, JULY 22, 2014 |
| “THE LOYALIST ROSE GARDEN & BRONZE PLAQUE OF VICTORIA’S INNER HARBOUR”, BY ARUELIE STIRLING UE |
| Loyalist Day Picnic – July 22, 2024 (In clear plastic folder) |
| Card from HRH King Charles – April 30, 2024 (In clear plastic folder) |
75th Anniversary of the United Empire Loyalists Branch in Victoria
by Gene M. Aitkens UE
November 2002
The year 2002 marks the 75th anniversary of the United Empire Loyalists’ Association of Canada branch in Victoria. What follows is the history of its first 26 years, roughly to the end of WWII, and is taken from the minutes of meetings.
On 4 February 1927, the descendants of the United Empire Loyalists in Victoria held their first meeting in the Assembly Room of the Parliament Buildings Library with 24 present. Most of those gathered were Victoria businessmen, some having previously belonged to the B.C. Historical Society, but they were anxious to form a Loyalist Branch in British Columbia and to become part of the Canadian Association, headquartered in Toronto. Major Beaumont Boggs convened this meeting, and was requested by those present to act as the chairman. Colonel T.B. Monk became Secretary-Treasurer. Those two men could be considered as the Founding Fathers. It was moved by Mr. F.E. Winslow and seconded by Mr. Alexander Fraser that the Meeting for Incorporation be held on Friday 4 March at 8 p.m. The Provincial Librarian, Mr. Hosie, kindly offered the Assembly Room of the Parliamentary Library for the occasion. The offer was accepted with thanks, and all but one of the meetings that first year were held there. At that first meeting, Mr. Winslow, a New Brunswick Loyalist, gave an address on the Winslow Papers, the records of his family.
During the balance of its first year, at all the meetings, the new society continued having addresses by its members on their Loyalist roots. Members also gave advice on historical accuracy to Spencer’s store (forerunner of Eaton’s) on the preparation of a float for the 1 July parade, and they kept trying, unsuccessfully, to get the Branch acknowledged by Toronto headquarters and the Charter issued. The Executive also worked on its new Constitution, and the result was presented at the 1 November 1927 meeting. With a few amendments it is the same one we use today, its objects being (1) to perpetuate the memory of Loyalists, their allegiance to the British flag, and the part they played in building Canada, and (2) to use every effort to have the true history of our country taught in our schools. Membership fees were set at $1.00 per year, payable at the annual meeting in November (fees have been amended several times, of course!). The Treasurer’s statement for 1927:
| Receipts | $15.00 | |
| Disbursements: | ||
| Adverts: | $5.90 | |
| Room rental | 6.00 | |
| Total | 11.90 | |
| Cash on hand | $3.00 | |
| Signed T.B. Monk, Sec. |
Strangely, two years passed without a meeting, apparently because President Beaumont Boggs was very ill. Col. T.B. Monk became President in November 1930. 22 members again met in the Parliament Library.
The matter of affiliation with the Dominion Association was again discussed, and the Secretary was instructed to write to Toronto requesting a Charter, and to include $5.00 for costs. He was also to ask that Victoria be made the Provincial society for B.C., there being no other branches at the time. (This was never granted.)
At year’s end 1931, the Secretary-Treasurer’s report showed no funds on hand other than a 4c stamp!
During 1932, the Victoria Branch was asked to support the Native Sons of Canada in advocating a distinctive flag for Canada – long before it came about in Lester Pearson’s time, in 1965! Loyalist Day, 18 May, was celebrated in the old Craigflower School on the Gorge. Teas were served at 35c each to the 25 members who were present. A letter was sent to the Public Library with a list of books published on Loyalists that should be on the library shelves (no follow-up). New Branches were formed in Toronto, Hamilton, Brantford, Kingston, Regina and Vancouver – five years later than Victoria! Christmas cards and official stationary were ordered from Toronto. Victoria Branch placed a wreath at the Cenotaph at the 11 November ceremony.
During 1934, Mr. J.P. Watson, who had been Secretary for two years, was elected President. He was also President of the Chamber of Commerce and a Rotarian. Sadly, in the following year, he became ill and died, and was mourned by all. He was the father of our long-time member Eleanor Watson.
During 1935, the Branch was still writing to Toronto regarding the Charter, and getting tired of sending dues with nothing in return. The new branches were busy erecting memorials to their Loyalist ancestors and Victoria was contemplating doing the same. One plan was for a cairn on the highest point in Beacon Hill Park where a space had been offered by the City, but this idea was abandoned as too costly, and a drinking fountain in the Park was decided on instead. Raising the money took several forms: demonstrations of B.C. products and aluminum ware in the Hudson’s Bay Co. store, an Auction Bridge, and teas like this one recorded in the minutes.
The Provincial Branch of the U.E.L.s held a very successful Garden Party at the Home of Mr. and Mrs. J.H. Richards, Cadboro Bay, to raise funds for the drinking fountain which they plan to present to Beacon Hill Park in commemoration of the life and deeds of the Loyalists. Tea was served at small tables placed around the beautiful garden, the weather being ideal for the occasion. Mrs. T.B. Monk presided at the tea table, being assisted by ladies of the Society. A stall of home cooking and candy was managed by Mrs. O.D. Wilson and Mrs. M. Ap’John and conducted in a very jolly manner by Mr. Yardley. Mr. Lossee had charge of the ice cream booth.
Recording Secretary, Queenie Tabor.
The branch’s two priorities were historical and social, and it did remarkably well at both. There was a Program Committee that presented vocal, piano, and violin solos, recitation and readings at all the meetings, and there seems to have been plenty of talent. There were no Application Forms to fill out at this time, no proofs required and no Certification. Prospective members told their family history as the historical part of the meeting and were accepted. About 1940, the national association changed the rules and a Branch Genealogist was appointed to help people fill out their forms.
In 1939 with war clouds gathering, King George VI and Queen Elizabeth were welcomed on their cross-Canada tour by having a designated spot under a banner on the Parade route and by planting a maple tree in the Mayor’s Grove in Beacon Hill Park. At the dedication ceremony on 29 May, the members gathered around the tree and the program began with the singing of “O Canada”.
Mr. Tabor, the President, made his remarks and “The Maple Leaf Forever” was sung. A dedication prayer by Rev. McLean, the Chaplain, followed. The members dedicated the tree by touching it in turn, and then formed a circle around it. In conclusion, “God Save the King” was sung. The tree with its plaque at the base is still thriving in the Park.
During the war years, spurred by patriotism, the membership grew to about 60. The Branch inaugurated a Comforts Fund to send small items to soldiers overseas, and also raised $100.00 at a Garden Party for the Queen’s Canadian Fund. The drinking fountain was forgotten and was never erected. An item of interest I spotted in the minutes of this period was that “a beautiful woven scarf, made and donated by Mrs. M. Bjornfelt, was raffled at one of the meetings and realized $22.00 for the Comforts Fund.” Mrs. Bjornfelt was Corresponding Secretary and mother of our member, Ingrid Bjornfelt.
The long-awaited Charter was finally presented on 31 January 1940 during the presidency of Mr. F.E. Winslow. It was dated 1936, nine years after Victoria Branch’s first application, and did not reflect the true age of the Branch. Sad to say, the original Charter was lost and despite years of searching, has never turned up. It was only replaced when our present Branch was reactivated in 1967.
Interest kept waning after the active war years and although meetings continued to be held the turnout was poor. In 1953, both President and Secretary were absent and two of the faithful women members, Mrs. Olive Wilson and Mrs. Kathleen Mullard, were filling those offices. Soon after, the organization went into abeyance.
In 1967, the same Mrs. Olive Wilson decided to reactivate the U.E.L. Association in Victoria as her Centennial Project. Ads were placed in the newspapers and about 65 people, including some former members, met in the Empress Hotel, and the present Branch had its beginning – but that’s another story.
| Founding Members | These members joined |
| during the 1930s and 1940s | |
| Col. T.B. Monk | Mrs. Walter Adams |
| Mr. J.F. Armstrong | Mrs. May Anderson |
| Miss Baynes | Mr., Mrs., and Miss Carman |
| Miss Copp | Rev. E.C. Church |
| Rev. George Dean | Mr. and Mrs. W.G. Evans |
| Mr. Alexander Fraser | Mr. W.S. Fawcett |
| Mr. W.C. Gauce | Mr. C. Bart Fisher |
| Mr. Grasse | Mr. P.L. Grass |
| Mrs. F.C. Green | Mr. J.H. Gray |
| Mrs. Addie Greenwood | Dr. Wallace Gunn |
| Miss Harris | N. Hemsley |
| Mrs. E.C. Hart | Miss M. Ap’John |
| Mr. A.E. Jones | Mr. W.H and Miss Long |
| Mr. W.E. Lossee | Mrs. Gertrude Marshall |
| Mr. Mann | Mrs. Mathinson |
| Mr. C.W. Risteen | Mr. Darcy McLeish |
| Mrs. H.B. Ross | Mr. and Mrs. James Mullard |
| Mrs. A. de B. Shaw | Mrs. Pope |
| Mr. J.R. Simons | Mr. J.H. Richards |
| Mrs. Wheatley | Mrs. Russel |
| Mr. F.E. Winslow | Miss Queenie Tabor |
| Col. E.R. Tooley | |
| Mrs. Olive Detlor Wilson | |
| Rev. McLean | |
| Mrs. Bell | |
| Mr. Percy Watson | |
| Mrs. A.C. Ross | |
| Mrs. H. Taylor | |
| Mrs. William McLeish | |
| Mr. Wasson | |
| Mrs. I White | |
| Mrs. McNaughton | |
| Mrs. Wells | |
| Mrs. Spofford | |
| Mr. Senton |
-edited by Joan Clement UE and Irene Feir UE