A Brief History

This club was formed on February 22, 1922, by a group of energetic, dedicated women who were widows, wives, mothers, sisters, and daughters of veterans of the First World War. They acted as auxiliary to the Great War Veterans' Association (forerunner of the Legion). This club was given its charter on December 23, 1922. There were twenty-eight charter members.

The first president was Mrs. Alfred Lundie, who held office for seven years. The vice-President was Mrs. "Dr." Simpson; secretary, Mrs. Anna Aldwinkle; treasurer, Mrs. Roger Oakley.

The club received a parcel of land 137 feet by 240 feet from the Lacombe School Board, to be used for a Memorial Park. Much planning and work went into the project of landscaping the park.

McDonald Nurseries planted trees and shrubs, and raised money for memorial trees that were donated by local residents. Most of the funds for the park were raised within the group.

At a cost of $3,500, a marble statue was put in place in the park on which is inscribed the names of those who gave their lives in the war.

Through the years following, many improvements were made to the park. An iron fence, gates, concrete walks, shrubs and flower beds were added. The Lacombe Memorial Centre (LMC) is located in the same area.

The Lest We Forget Club co-existed with the Ladies Auxiliary until about 1955. (unconfirmed information).

(The park and memorial is across the street from the fire hall and police station.) The park was turned over to the Town of Lacombe on April 30, 1955, on the condition outlined by the then president, Mrs. Seymour Edmunds, that the park continue to be called the
'Lest We Forget Park' in perpetuity!

(Future)