Note: sincere apologizes to the Legion for not getting this story out sooner. We were allowed access to the major part of the move on July 14, and have been trying to get the story completed since.
The Cobourg Legion/Branch 133 is well on its way to moving into it’s new home.
Thankfully the move isn’t far. In fact, it’s directly across the street from its current location at 133 Orr Street in Cobourg near the downtown.
The “old” Legion and the new one are approximately the same being 11,500 sq feet of the banquet hall and club room.
There will also be a full kitchen in the new Legion.
Most of the major move happened on July 14, 2021 with Stevenson Cartage and Moving doing the work.
One of the most “unique” challenges was removing the old pool table which has a date on it of 1936.
Each of the five slabs of the table weighed approximately 300 pounds.
Stan Jarvis who is the Building Committee Chair said it’s nice to be close for the move.
“That’s the beauty of it. We are going right across the street. And it’s all brand new. And that’s going to mean a lot to the members.”
Jarvis said that Rick Stevenson and his crew of movers were doing a “phenomenal job” along with the Legions volunteers who are sorting out what is and isn’t going.
The Legion plans on having a auction/sale for items such as chairs that may not be going in the new building.
With contractors “getting swamped” they are doing their best to help out where they can at the Legion.
Another issue is finding material. Like most things during COVID, materials are at a premium – if you can find them.
There are still a number of things that need to happen, but Jarvis said they are hopeful to be open at the end of August.
“We’re working hard and that’s what we are shooting for.”
Jarvis has been a member of the Legion for 47-years and he’s only looking ahead with the move.
“It’s going to be fantastic.”
Pointing at the old Legion, Jarvis said, “this building is done.”
“It’s old, it’s decrepit. Nothing works right. It’s lived it’s life.”
But Jarvis promises that the history of the former Legion will still proudly hang at its new location.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
