Post 139 Sullivan, Indiana started with a meeting held October 13, 1919 at the Sullivan County Courthouse. At that first meeting they elected officers. Omar Nichol was elected the first president, and set the membership fee at $1.00 per year. At the conclusion of the meeting every man present joined the post. The next day Norval K. Harris, who was named as delegate, left for Indianapolis to attend the state convention. For some reason Norval..

After the first meeting on October 13, 1919 to establish an American Legion Post in Sullivan, Indiana the new executive committee members went to work to raise funds and grow membership.

For their first project the executive committee planned a Smoker at the Local Elks Lodge on November 28, 1919. For those of you who aren’t sure what a smoker is, I’ve attached a letter to the editor published in the Sullivan Daily Times November 20,..

The Smoker planned by the new post was a huge success. Now it’s time to move into the 1920’s ready to grow Post 139 into the future. See the 1919 photo gallery for a history of the planning and results of the first and last event of 1919.

The first year and a half seems to have been spent raising money to open a post. The first post opened on February 11, 1922, in the basement of the Sherman Building on the Sullivan Square which is now home to the Crossroads Community Church they now use it for classrooms for Sunday School

After what was the worst mine disaster, up to that time, in Indiana Post 139 received this certificate from the National Commander of the American Legion for their response of both time and money. 51 lives were taken that day many, were friends and relatives of Legion members. Check Sullivan mine disasters in Gallery.

Once again Post 139 has been touched by a coal mine tragedy. January 28, 1931 as the day shift ended Little Betty mine, located in eastern Sullivan county and western Green county, was rocked by an explosion. A total 28 miners perished in the disaster and again Post 139 members answered the call to provide both manpower and financial assistance to the miners’ families. Check Sullivan mine disasters in Gallery.

The second location, 220 North Court Street, was across from the elementary school that is now owned by the city. This property was acquired from W. J. Jennings Lumber Company on December 17, 1934.  Also across the street, to the North, was a Masonic Temple which was sold to the school and demolished several years ago to make room for a new gymnasium for the school. The school has now been demolished and the gym..

On July 28, 2018 we lost one of our oldest members. Sonner Faught passed away following a brief illness. He was active to the last organizing and emceeing the 4th of July celebration on the city square this year. His presence will be missed by our local post for the leadership he provided for over 70 years. Sonner will definitely be a hard act to follow.