Post 28 Beltsville, Maryland
Post 28
Beltsville, Maryland
HISTORY
1930
apply for a charter from the Department of Maryland.
Jan 1, 1931
Lewis Babcock and W. L. A. Strawbridge envision a need for an American Legion Post for Takoma Park. They obtain the signatures of fifteen World War One veterans and apply for a charter from the Department of Maryland.
Lewis Babcock and W. L. A. Strawbridge envision a need for an American Legion Post for Takoma Park. They obtain the signatures of fifteen World War One veterans and apply for a charter from the Department of Maryland.
officially organized
Mar 31, 1931
The Post, near the meeting point of Prince Georges and Montgomery Counties, and Washington D. C., is officially organized. Department Commander George Henderson installs the officers.
The Post, near the meeting point of Prince Georges and Montgomery Counties, and Washington D. C., is officially organized. Department Commander George Henderson installs the officers.
temporary charter
May 7, 1931
The National American Legion grants a temporary charter to Takoma Park Post 28. The first meeting is held in the Takoma Park Fire Hall on Carroll Avenue.
The National American Legion grants a temporary charter to Takoma Park Post 28. The first meeting is held in the Takoma Park Fire Hall on Carroll Avenue.
National Commander's "Citation for Distinguished Service."
Jul 1, 1931
For increased membership Post 28 receives the "Mattingly Trophy" and a National Commander's "Citation for Distinguished Service."
For increased membership Post 28 receives the "Mattingly Trophy" and a National Commander's "Citation for Distinguished Service."
organize The American Legion Auxiliary of Post 28
Oct 26, 1931
Mrs. Charles Hartley helps organize The American Legion Auxiliary of Post 28.There are 11 members at the first meeting held at her home.
Mrs. Charles Hartley helps organize The American Legion Auxiliary of Post 28.There are 11 members at the first meeting held at her home.
Auxilliary Charter granted
Jan 2, 1932
Mrs. Charles Conrad , President of the Maryland Auxiliary, presented the unit with its Charter. Mrs. T. Walker, past District President of the Auxiliary, presented Mrs. Conrad with a gavel. During its first year, the auxiliary is active in relief work and food and clothing collections for needy families. The membership increases to 25.
Mrs. Charles Conrad , President of the Maryland Auxiliary, presented the unit with its Charter. Mrs. T. Walker, past District President of the Auxiliary, presented Mrs. Conrad with a gavel. During its first year, the auxiliary is active in relief work and food and clothing collections for needy families. The membership increases to 25.
designated as the "Flag Post"
Feb 9, 1933
Takoma Park Post 28 is designated as the "Flag Post" of the State by the Department of Maryland. Several Embassies of our World War One Allies present their Nation's flag to the Post.
Takoma Park Post 28 is designated as the "Flag Post" of the State by the Department of Maryland. Several Embassies of our World War One Allies present their Nation's flag to the Post.
participates in the Armistice Day Ceremonies at Arlington Cemetery
Nov 11, 1933
Post 28 participates in the Armistice Day Ceremonies at Arlington Cemetery with amassing of Allied flags. A member of the post, bearing that Countries' flag, accompanies a representative of each Allied Nation of Word War I as they advance and place a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Post 28 participates in the Armistice Day Ceremonies at Arlington Cemetery with amassing of Allied flags. A member of the post, bearing that Countries' flag, accompanies a representative of each Allied Nation of Word War I as they advance and place a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
1940
the first building
Dec 1, 1941
Morris Miller of Washington, D.C. donates to the Post the first building. The one story (15'x12') building is the foyer and powder room of our present Post. W. H. McCeney is responsible for having it transported and placed upon our property. Mr. McCeney also furnishes the material and builds a boardwalk the length of the front of the building.
Morris Miller of Washington, D.C. donates to the Post the first building. The one story (15'x12') building is the foyer and powder room of our present Post. W. H. McCeney is responsible for having it transported and placed upon our property. Mr. McCeney also furnishes the material and builds a boardwalk the length of the front of the building.
Civil Defense plane spotter observation tower
Jan 1, 1942
Post 28 Commander Martin F. Iverson supervises the construction of a 25' tall tower attached to the southwest side of the original building. The tower is 100 square feet at the base with a windowed room, siren and navigation light on top. The tower is used as a Civil Defense plane spotter observation tower during World War II.
Post 28 Commander Martin F. Iverson supervises the construction of a 25' tall tower attached to the southwest side of the original building. The tower is 100 square feet at the base with a windowed room, siren and navigation light on top. The tower is used as a Civil Defense plane spotter observation tower during World War II.
Commander of the Department of Maryland
Jul 1, 1943
Martin Iverson becomes the 28th Commander of the Department of Maryland.
Martin Iverson becomes the 28th Commander of the Department of Maryland.
deed of two plots of land
Feb 23, 1944
In exchange for $1,000, Mr. Robert E. Latimer conveys a deed of two plots of land (6.62 acres) to Post 28 with the understanding the land is to be used for American Legion activities. It is the last part of 182.74 acres the Latimer Company owned and used to mine gravel. Mr. Latimer donates the $1,000 back and is responsible for having the land graded for the Post home.
In exchange for $1,000, Mr. Robert E. Latimer conveys a deed of two plots of land (6.62 acres) to Post 28 with the understanding the land is to be used for American Legion activities. It is the last part of 182.74 acres the Latimer Company owned and used to mine gravel. Mr. Latimer donates the $1,000 back and is responsible for having the land graded for the Post home.
3" ami-aircraft artillery piece
Jan 1, 1946
Members of Post 28 acquire World War II Army surplus ordinance from the Bainbridge Training Center on the Susquehanna River. The 3" ami-aircraft artillery piece with a welded breech remains at the entrance to the Post,
Members of Post 28 acquire World War II Army surplus ordinance from the Bainbridge Training Center on the Susquehanna River. The 3" ami-aircraft artillery piece with a welded breech remains at the entrance to the Post,
Quonset hut
Jan 1, 1947
Post 28 acquires a (60'x25') surplus former Quonset hut used in World War Two. An exterior (12'x60') wood-frame office/storage room runs the length of the northwest side of the original building. The Quonset hut is transformed into a meeting room with a small kitchen in the southeast corner. The office/storage area is changed into a bar, passageway, and furnace room.
Post 28 acquires a (60'x25') surplus former Quonset hut used in World War Two. An exterior (12'x60') wood-frame office/storage room runs the length of the northwest side of the original building. The Quonset hut is transformed into a meeting room with a small kitchen in the southeast corner. The office/storage area is changed into a bar, passageway, and furnace room.
permit for a club house
Feb 18, 1948
Prince Georges County Commissioners issue a permit for a club house on the premises of Latimer's Gravel Pit. The pit is located on the north side of Powdermill Road about one-quarter of a mile west of Cherry Hill Road and three miles east of Beltsville. It is zoned "Residential "A".
Prince Georges County Commissioners issue a permit for a club house on the premises of Latimer's Gravel Pit. The pit is located on the north side of Powdermill Road about one-quarter of a mile west of Cherry Hill Road and three miles east of Beltsville. It is zoned "Residential "A".
1950
First-Lieutenant John Latimer, killed
Aug 23, 1951
First-Lieutenant John Latimer, U.S. Army, is one of nine people killed when an Air Force C-47 crashes near the Summit Alaska airport.
First-Lieutenant John Latimer, U.S. Army, is one of nine people killed when an Air Force C-47 crashes near the Summit Alaska airport.
Rest rooms are added
Jan 1, 1953
Rest rooms are added to the northeast side of the original structure.
Rest rooms are added to the northeast side of the original structure.
first "American Legion Awards" from Post 28
Jun 1, 1956
High Point High School presents the first "American Legion Awards" from Post 28. The faculty elected two graduating seniors best representing "courage, honor, leadership, patriotism, scholarship and service."
High Point High School presents the first "American Legion Awards" from Post 28. The faculty elected two graduating seniors best representing "courage, honor, leadership, patriotism, scholarship and service."
highest point in Prince George's County
Jan 1, 1957
Workers from the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission place a 10" square cement marker with a circular 3 1/2" diameter metal disk on Post 28 property. They designate this as the highest point in Prince George's County. The compass bearings are southwest of the edge of the driveway and 9' northwest of Powdermill Road. On the disk is written "Azimuth Mark U.S. Coast & Geodetic Survey." National Geodetic Survey has no record of this marker.
Workers from the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission place a 10" square cement marker with a circular 3 1/2" diameter metal disk on Post 28 property. They designate this as the highest point in Prince George's County. The compass bearings are southwest of the edge of the driveway and 9' northwest of Powdermill Road. On the disk is written "Azimuth Mark U.S. Coast & Geodetic Survey." National Geodetic Survey has no record of this marker.
John B, Latimer Post 28.
Oct 28, 1958
The National Organization of The American Legion Headquarters grants a Supplemental Charter changing Takoma Park Post 28 to the John B, Latimer Post 28.
The National Organization of The American Legion Headquarters grants a Supplemental Charter changing Takoma Park Post 28 to the John B, Latimer Post 28.
1960
John F. Kennedy killed
Nov 22, 1963
An assassin kills President John F. Kennedy as he passes the Texas Book Depository in Dallas, Texas.
An assassin kills President John F. Kennedy as he passes the Texas Book Depository in Dallas, Texas.
Temporary Charter naming the John F. Kennedy Memorial Post 287 in Langley Park, Maryland
Nov 17, 1968
The National American Legion Headquarters grants a Temporary Charter naming the John F. Kennedy Memorial Post 287 in Langley Park, Maryland. Regular meetings are held at the Adelphi Mill Community building
The National American Legion Headquarters grants a Temporary Charter naming the John F. Kennedy Memorial Post 287 in Langley Park, Maryland. Regular meetings are held at the Adelphi Mill Community building
1970
Super Bowl Party
Jan 26, 1970
Post 28 hosts it's first annual "Super Bowl Party." Initially it is a Post Office celebration, and it is gradually taken over by the members of the post.
Post 28 hosts it's first annual "Super Bowl Party." Initially it is a Post Office celebration, and it is gradually taken over by the members of the post.
Permanent Charter Kennedy- Latimer Post 28
Oct 9, 1973
The National Organization of The American Legion grants a Permanent Charter in effect combining Post 287 with Post 28 and changing the name to Kennedy- Latimer Post 28. The Southern Maryland District and the Maryland Convention approve the transfer of Post 28 to Prince George's County.
The National Organization of The American Legion grants a Permanent Charter in effect combining Post 287 with Post 28 and changing the name to Kennedy- Latimer Post 28. The Southern Maryland District and the Maryland Convention approve the transfer of Post 28 to Prince George's County.
Charter establishing an Auxiliary of Kennedy-Latimer Post 28.
Jan 11, 1974
The American Legion Auxiliary grants a Charter establishing an Auxiliary of Kennedy-Latimer Post 28.
The American Legion Auxiliary grants a Charter establishing an Auxiliary of Kennedy-Latimer Post 28.
plane observation tower torn down and burned
Jul 9, 1974
The former plane observation tower is discovered to be so severely infested with termites that it is torn down and burned. Nothing is salvaged.
The former plane observation tower is discovered to be so severely infested with termites that it is torn down and burned. Nothing is salvaged.
Charter to Post 28 Sons of The American Legion.
Mar 11, 1976
The National Convention of the American Legion grants a Charter to Post 28 Sons of The American Legion.
The National Convention of the American Legion grants a Charter to Post 28 Sons of The American Legion.
first American Legion medals to JROTC cadets
Jun 1, 1977
Post 28 member, Colonel Charles Vasitiadis, Commander of Aerospace Science Staff at High Point High School, presents the first American Legion medals to JROTC cadets. Patrick Davis receives the medal for scholastic excellence, and Cheryl Ludwig receives the medal for highest military excellence.
Post 28 member, Colonel Charles Vasitiadis, Commander of Aerospace Science Staff at High Point High School, presents the first American Legion medals to JROTC cadets. Patrick Davis receives the medal for scholastic excellence, and Cheryl Ludwig receives the medal for highest military excellence.
built from bricks used as ballast in British sailing ships arriving in Baltimore Harbor
Jan 1, 1979
The members of Post 28 dedicate the newly built 650 square foot extension to the bar. The bricks used in the construction of the supports and stairs are salvaged from a demolished house on Washington Boulevard in Baltimore. The house had been built from bricks used as ballast in British sailing ships arriving in Baltimore Harbor. Fred Ridgeway cleans and transports them to the Post, and Bill Baker contracts for the brickwork.
The members of Post 28 dedicate the newly built 650 square foot extension to the bar. The bricks used in the construction of the supports and stairs are salvaged from a demolished house on Washington Boulevard in Baltimore. The house had been built from bricks used as ballast in British sailing ships arriving in Baltimore Harbor. Fred Ridgeway cleans and transports them to the Post, and Bill Baker contracts for the brickwork.
barbeque pit
Aug 1, 1979
Members of Post 28 help construct a barbeque pit about 60' southwest of the Post Home. They build a Pagoda type structure, which simultaneously protects from the rain and dissipates the smoke. Fred Ridgeway pours two cement slabs 12'x6' and Yx4', and Jay Van Kirk completes the brickwork.
Members of Post 28 help construct a barbeque pit about 60' southwest of the Post Home. They build a Pagoda type structure, which simultaneously protects from the rain and dissipates the smoke. Fred Ridgeway pours two cement slabs 12'x6' and Yx4', and Jay Van Kirk completes the brickwork.
1980
rifle team places third
Apr 1, 1980
Post 28 rifle team places third in national competition. The Post pistol team places eighth.
Post 28 rifle team places third in national competition. The Post pistol team places eighth.
Fred T. Ridgeway kitchen
Sep 1, 1984
Members of Post 28 add 1,000' square feet to the Post home. The addition includes a kitchen, preparation room and storage area. This is dedicated to Past Post Commander Fred T. Ridgeway.
Members of Post 28 add 1,000' square feet to the Post home. The addition includes a kitchen, preparation room and storage area. This is dedicated to Past Post Commander Fred T. Ridgeway.
VFW Meritorious Distinguished Service Award
May 17, 1987
The Veterans of Foreign Wars presents Post 28 a Meritorious Distinguished Service Award in furthering the aims and ideals of the Veteran's of Foreign Wars of the United States.
The Veterans of Foreign Wars presents Post 28 a Meritorious Distinguished Service Award in furthering the aims and ideals of the Veteran's of Foreign Wars of the United States.
first annual "Policeman of the Year "award.
Jun 1, 1988
Prince George's County police officer, Sergeant John Decker, receives Post# 28's first annual "Policeman of the Year "award.
Prince George's County police officer, Sergeant John Decker, receives Post# 28's first annual "Policeman of the Year "award.
1990
Post hall is renovated
Jan 1, 1990
The Post hall is renovated and modernized under the direction of Bob Rosenburg.
The Post hall is renovated and modernized under the direction of Bob Rosenburg.
new lighting in the Post hall
Jan 1, 1991
Post 28 Commander Gene Trenton installs the ceiling and new lighting in the Post hall
Post 28 Commander Gene Trenton installs the ceiling and new lighting in the Post hall
Arthur Door is elected Commander of the Prince George's County Council
Jun 1, 1993
Past Commander Arthur Door is elected Commander of the Prince George's County Council of the American Legion.
Past Commander Arthur Door is elected Commander of the Prince George's County Council of the American Legion.
original charcoal drawing presented to Post 28
Jan 1, 1994
An original charcoal drawing of two men in combat is presented to Post 28. The artist is Ward Kennedy; the son-in-law of Ladies Auxiliary member Marlene O'Brien.
An original charcoal drawing of two men in combat is presented to Post 28. The artist is Ward Kennedy; the son-in-law of Ladies Auxiliary member Marlene O'Brien.
youngest post commander in Maryland
Jul 1, 1994
Thirty-year-old Gregory Ladd becomes the youngest post commander in Maryland. He is the first veteran of Desert Storm elected Commander of Post 28.
Thirty-year-old Gregory Ladd becomes the youngest post commander in Maryland. He is the first veteran of Desert Storm elected Commander of Post 28.
bar-b-que pit rebuilt
Jan 1, 1995
Post 28 is connected to the sewer system. Members rebuild the bar-b-que pit after it is destroyed by controlled burning during the clean up of the wooded area.
Post 28 is connected to the sewer system. Members rebuild the bar-b-que pit after it is destroyed by controlled burning during the clean up of the wooded area.
first "Firefighter of the Year" award.
Jun 1, 1995
Prince George's County fireman, Brian Addis, receives Post 28's first annual "Firefighter of the Year" award.
Prince George's County fireman, Brian Addis, receives Post 28's first annual "Firefighter of the Year" award.
first Independence Day Family Picnic
Jul 4, 1996
Commander Schulze initiates an Independence Day Family Picnic with the understanding that this will become and annual event
Commander Schulze initiates an Independence Day Family Picnic with the understanding that this will become and annual event
Kennedy-Latimer Golf Tournament
Aug 1, 1996
The first annual Kennedy-Latimer Golf Tournament is held at Bowie Country Club. Jonnie Stevens, Glen Wynkoop, Dave Duttery, and Mike Anderson tied for low score.
The first annual Kennedy-Latimer Golf Tournament is held at Bowie Country Club. Jonnie Stevens, Glen Wynkoop, Dave Duttery, and Mike Anderson tied for low score.
The American Legion" column first appears in the Beltsville News
Oct 1, 1996
The monthly "The American Legion" column first appears in the Beltsville News.
The monthly "The American Legion" column first appears in the Beltsville News.
licenses the Post 28 kitchen
Jan 1, 1997
: The Prince George's County Health Department licenses the Post 28 kitchen. This license enables food to be served at the post five days a week. The Department conducts a "Level "B" Food Handler's Course certifying a dozen post members.
: The Prince George's County Health Department licenses the Post 28 kitchen. This license enables food to be served at the post five days a week. The Department conducts a "Level "B" Food Handler's Course certifying a dozen post members.
nature trail
May 1, 1997
Bobby Queen begins the initial work on a nature trail around the perimeter of the Post property. Part of the trail includes the old road bed of Powdermill Road. Documents record the existence of this road during the Civil War, and there is excellent reason to believe this was its location during the American Revolution.
Bobby Queen begins the initial work on a nature trail around the perimeter of the Post property. Part of the trail includes the old road bed of Powdermill Road. Documents record the existence of this road during the Civil War, and there is excellent reason to believe this was its location during the American Revolution.
horseshoe pits
Jun 1, 1997
Greg Fuqua, with help from others, supervises and installs new lights for the horseshoe pits. Calverton Exxon underwrote the cost of the material and Percontee Inc. furnishes heavy equipment for the construction.
Greg Fuqua, with help from others, supervises and installs new lights for the horseshoe pits. Calverton Exxon underwrote the cost of the material and Percontee Inc. furnishes heavy equipment for the construction.
"1997 Department History Award"
Oct 1, 1997
Department of Maryland Historian, Shelly Sines, presents the "1997 Department History Award" (Posts with membership of 101-250) to Post 28.
Department of Maryland Historian, Shelly Sines, presents the "1997 Department History Award" (Posts with membership of 101-250) to Post 28.
2000
pig roast for veterans of the Iraq war
May 1, 2004
Post 28 held a pig roast for veterans of the Iraq war recuperating at Walter Reed medical center. A valiant pig gave up his life for the cause and a good time was had by all.
Post 28 held a pig roast for veterans of the Iraq war recuperating at Walter Reed medical center. A valiant pig gave up his life for the cause and a good time was had by all.
"2004 Department History Award"
Oct 1, 2004
Department of Maryland Historian, presents the "2004 Department History Award" (Posts with membership of 101-250) to Post 28.
Department of Maryland Historian, presents the "2004 Department History Award" (Posts with membership of 101-250) to Post 28.
Fire destroyed the Post 28 home
Jan 1, 2005
A fire started by a short in the furnace destroyed the Post 28 home. Thanks to the comradeship of fellow legionnaires, Post 28 meeting are temporarily moved to College Park Post 217 while a new post home is constructed
A fire started by a short in the furnace destroyed the Post 28 home. Thanks to the comradeship of fellow legionnaires, Post 28 meeting are temporarily moved to College Park Post 217 while a new post home is constructed
"2005 Department Scrapbook yearbook Award"
Oct 1, 2005
Department of Maryland Historian, presents the "2005 Department Scrapbook yearbook Award" (Posts with membership of 15-150) to Post 28.
Department of Maryland Historian, presents the "2005 Department Scrapbook yearbook Award" (Posts with membership of 15-150) to Post 28.
