The Omemee Legion celebrated its 75th anniversary on Saturday (September 14) by unveiling a exterior makeover of the historic building at 46 King Street East in Omemee, including a new military-themed mural that covers the entire rear wall.
For the past four years, members of Omemee Legion Branch 497 had been planning an rejuvenation of of the building’s exterior, and an $18,500 capital grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation last year made it possible to proceed with painting three sides of the building in the summer.
“The provincial government, through the Ontario Trillium foundation, is proud to support the revitalization of the Omemee Legion Branch 497,” said Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock MPP Laurie Scott at the unveiling. “I am happy to see the efforts being made to honour this historic landmark. It is inspirational to see the Legion’s commitment to preserving our heritage for generations to come.”
Branch president Donna Robinson, past president Bill McQuade, and artifacts and grants chair Karen Cooper wanted to honour the 1889 legacy of the building as the town foundry, and chose a Victorian paint colour scheme to mimic its worn and weathered brickwork and to blend in naturally with recent streetscape improvements in the town.
“This year marks the 75th anniversary of the founding of the Omemee Legion, and we thought it would only be fitting to combine its birthday with a new look that reflects the building’s 135 years of history,” Cooper said.
As for the mural, the Legion fundraised to hire local artist Trevor Clark to depict a tribute to the dazzle camouflage paint that helped protect Royal Canadian Navy warships during both World Wars.
Also known as razzle dazzle, the complex patterns of geometric shapes in contrasting colours interrupting and intersecting each other were designed to make it difficult for the enemy to estimate a target’s range, speed, and heading.
Clark’s mural also features a life-size representation of a ship’s propeller.
McQuade said the building’s improved aesthetics will allow the Legion to expand its business and rental options, “which gives us additional income security.”
“The Legion has always been the town landmark building and, if it looks well kept and cared for, so does the town,” Robinson added.
The Legion’s building is available for community events and meetings. For inquiries, visit Omemee Legion Branch 497 on Facebook, call 705-799-5095, or email rcl497@bellnet.ca.
