Diamond Head Branch 277 is unique in many ways! It is located in the
spectacular natural setting of fast developing Squamish, recreational
capital of Canada. The Branch was named after Diamondhead Mountain in
Garibaldi National Park, seen in the background of the photo.
Branch 277 had a very unique beginning! Branch 181 Woodfibre,
chartered on June 20, 1945, was located across the water at Woodfibre,
a BC Coastal mill town that was about to be dismantled.
At the same
time, Branch 115 Squamish, chartered January 27, 1931, was operating in
downtown Squamish. Woodfibre needed a new home but the town was not big
enough to support two legions. Needless to say, many interesting
discussions took place and on May 15, 1974, the two branches
amalgamated to form Diamond Head Branch 277.
In 1975, a new building opened (see right) with the Lieutenant Governor cutting the ribbon. Symbolizing the amalgamation, a bronze plaque of two hands shaking in friendship was donated.
Continuing on a unique path and faced with an irreparable roof, Branch
277 members voted, again with much interesting discussion, to go forth
and build another new building! (see top-left)
Although the branch faced huge developing
challenges, the new building was officially opened in September 2003.
After two years in operation, it was obvious that something creative
had to be done if the branch was to survive.
After a year of exploring many options, on April 1, 2005, Branch 277 was the first Canadian legion to successfully stratify its building and welcomed Tantalus Bike shop downstairs.
The name Squamish means strong wind and it is the strength of the people of Branch 277 that also make it unique. Branch 277 presently has 320 members and up until December 2005 a Ladies Auxiliary that had 35 members. Branch 277 LA was the only one left in its Zone by the end of 2005 and its work was most important to the continued success of the legion. Hard working volunteer members continued to look for creative ways to maintain a smaller branch while doing much to support its charities. The branch recently donated a specialized $6,000.00 tilt wheel chair to local Hilltop House and collaborated with the local Perforning Arts Council and the Municipality, to bring the 2005 Dutch Tulip Friendship Tour Event to Squamish, commemorating the 60th anniversary of the Liberation of Holland.
Should your vacation plans take you along Highway 99, perhaps on the road to Whistler, please watch for our flag proudly displayed just behind Canadian Tire! Take the time to drop in and say hello to us; you will be welcomed! Find out more at www.squamishlegion.com