Block Name: “Remembrance Poppy”
Host Name: Royal Canadian Legion Branch 402
Address: 9 King Street East, Millbrook Ontario L0A 1G0
Mounted next to the entrance to the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 402, in Millbrook, the “Remembrance Poppy” 8’x8’ barn quilt block represents the readily recognized symbol that honours veterans and commemorates those who have given their lives in the service of their country. Red poppies have been associated with conflict since the Napoleonic Wars of the early 1800s, when a writer of that time first noted how poppies flourished over the graves of soldiers. During World War I, Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae, a Canadian Medical Officer, wrote “In Flanders Fields” which inspired the wearing of a poppy as a sign of remembrance. Among the many services Branch 402 provides for the community throughout the year is the annual Remembrance Day Parade and Commemorative Service held close by at the Cenotaph.
Branch 402 received their charter in 1946 as soldiers returned from service in World War II, and in 1948, Branch 402 Ladies’ Auxiliary was formed. In its early years, the Branch used an old freight shed near Millbrook’s railway station as a meeting place, and later built a cement block structure on Distillery Street. In 1965, the government demobilized the Cavan and Millbrook militia unit and the Legion executive, with the support of the village Council, obtained the Armouries for Branch 402. The wall on which the “Remembrance Poppy” barn quilt block is mounted is part of an addition built onto the original Armouries building, constructed in 1913. A ramp from the street up to the entrance of the Armouries enabled vehicles to come and go, and there was a rifle range in the basement.
Block designed by: Bonnie McQuarrie, Kate DeKlerck
Block painted by: Jeanne Moran and Maya DeMaria
Barn Quilt Trail Etiquette:
Please Respect Private Property. Most quilt blocks are installed on private property and should be viewed from the road.
Please do not trespass. In some cases - only where clearly indicated - the barn quilt may be located on a business and the property may be open to the public.
Please drive carefully. Stopping along busy roads can be dangerous and illegal. Use caution when slowing or stopping near a site
