Post 253 Royal Oak, Michigan
Post 253
Royal Oak, Michigan
About This Post
Post Namesake
Corp. Franz (Frank) Heinrick Wendland, b.1886-d.1918, Co. L 18th INFT. U.S. ARMY, KIA 10/4/1918. Buried at Meuse Argonne Cemetary, Romagne-Sous-Montfancon, France.
What Makes this Post Unique
In 1921, Post 253 became the first American Legion Post to sponsor a Boy Scout Unit (R.O.2) in the world.
Photos
Memorial Day flag planting at Royal Oak Cemetary
American Legion Cub Scout Pack 1604, Retire flags.
War Bond Ads
Department of Michigan, 17th District Bowling Team
Guardian Angels at Oakmount
2001 Christmas Party
Veterans Day 2001
2001 Post 253 Picnic
Memorial Day 2001
Stiching Sisters Quilts of Valor
2015 National Convention
Grand Opening
HISTORY
1920
Organize Legion Post on Monday.
Jan 23, 1920
Frank Wendland Post 253, to be. Designation of local organization, Charter on way. Doughboys, gobs and leathernecks, American veterans of the great war, gathered at the high school Tuesday evening to hear State Commander, A.H. Gansser of the American Legion, tell of the aims and purpose of that organization. Application for a charter for Frank Wendland Post No. 253, of Royal Oak has been forwarded to National Headquarters in Indianapolis for final approval, after having..
Frank Wendland Post 253, to be. Designation of local organization, Charter on way. Doughboys, gobs and leathernecks, American veterans of the great war, gathered at the high school Tuesday evening to hear State Commander, A.H. Gansser of the American Legion, tell of the aims and purpose of that organization. Application for a charter for Frank Wendland Post No. 253, of Royal Oak has been forwarded to National Headquarters in Indianapolis for final approval, after having..
American Legion Post is Organizied
Jan 30, 1920
-Fifty ex-service men attend new organization, Frank Wendland Post 253, American Legion, was formally organized Monday evening at the high school with fifty ex-service men present. Interest in the new organization is high, and is expected that a large number of former soldiers, sailors and marines will enroll as charter members of the Post at it's next meeting Monday evening Feb.2 at 7:30 pm at the high school. State Committeeman, Peter C. Sweeney, of Detroit..
-Fifty ex-service men attend new organization, Frank Wendland Post 253, American Legion, was formally organized Monday evening at the high school with fifty ex-service men present. Interest in the new organization is high, and is expected that a large number of former soldiers, sailors and marines will enroll as charter members of the Post at it's next meeting Monday evening Feb.2 at 7:30 pm at the high school. State Committeeman, Peter C. Sweeney, of Detroit..
Organization of Post
Feb 10, 1920
Two weeks after the organizational meeting officers were elected, shortly after this the Post moved from the High School to the Odd Fellows Hall.After Nov. 1st 1920 meetings were held at the Storz Hall, at the corner of Main and Fifth Streets, was leased and occupied as our home. The big event of our first year was the Annual Banquet held in the High School gym on May 12th 1920, over 250 residents of this..
Two weeks after the organizational meeting officers were elected, shortly after this the Post moved from the High School to the Odd Fellows Hall.After Nov. 1st 1920 meetings were held at the Storz Hall, at the corner of Main and Fifth Streets, was leased and occupied as our home. The big event of our first year was the Annual Banquet held in the High School gym on May 12th 1920, over 250 residents of this..
VETERANS OF TWO WARS AT BANQUET
May 13, 1920
Wendland Post of the American Legion honors civil war veterans. When the boys of '61-'65 members of the old Grand Army of the Republic as their honored guests, the boys of '17-'18 members of the new Grand Army of the Republic, banqueted Wednesday evening at the high school gym. The event was the first annual banquet of Frank Wendland Post 253, American Legion. The six G.A.R. Veterans present were, Joseph B. Grow. John Monroe, Robert..
Wendland Post of the American Legion honors civil war veterans. When the boys of '61-'65 members of the old Grand Army of the Republic as their honored guests, the boys of '17-'18 members of the new Grand Army of the Republic, banqueted Wednesday evening at the high school gym. The event was the first annual banquet of Frank Wendland Post 253, American Legion. The six G.A.R. Veterans present were, Joseph B. Grow. John Monroe, Robert..
MEMORIAL DAY PLANS COMPLETE.
May 28, 1920
The Memorial Day committee has completed the program for Monday as follows: All service members are required to be in uniform at the high school at 9 am. Parade leaves high school at 10 am, marches to Main and Fourth streets, counter marches to Oakview Cemetery where the exercises will be held: America- High School Chorus, prelude to Gettysburg Address-George A. Dondero, Gettysburg Address-Ferris Gardner, Enavcuation-John Monroe, G.A.R.. Occupation-Harry J. Merit, American Legion, Memorial Day..
The Memorial Day committee has completed the program for Monday as follows: All service members are required to be in uniform at the high school at 9 am. Parade leaves high school at 10 am, marches to Main and Fourth streets, counter marches to Oakview Cemetery where the exercises will be held: America- High School Chorus, prelude to Gettysburg Address-George A. Dondero, Gettysburg Address-Ferris Gardner, Enavcuation-John Monroe, G.A.R.. Occupation-Harry J. Merit, American Legion, Memorial Day..
WENDLAND POST ELECTS WM. PARR AS COMMANDER
Jan 1, 1921
The year 1921 opened with the election of the following officers: Commander-Wm. Parr. Vice Commander-Dr. R. Vincent. Adjutant-Fletcher Renton. Finance Officer-Cyril J. Penny. Historian-G.D. Harris, Jr. Membership has increased to 55.
The year 1921 opened with the election of the following officers: Commander-Wm. Parr. Vice Commander-Dr. R. Vincent. Adjutant-Fletcher Renton. Finance Officer-Cyril J. Penny. Historian-G.D. Harris, Jr. Membership has increased to 55.
RED ARROW HERO'S BODY IS RETURNED.
Jan 21, 1921
Gustave Barnowski, killed in action at Battle of Juvigny is buried with honors. The native of Township was a member of G. Co., 126th Inf. 32nd Division, he was laid to rest in St. Mary's cemetery. The funeral was held at the home of his Mother, Mrs. Mary Barnowski of 126 E. Seventh St., followed by a service at St. Mary's church. Members of Frank Wendland Post 253, American Legion, formed an escort from the..
Gustave Barnowski, killed in action at Battle of Juvigny is buried with honors. The native of Township was a member of G. Co., 126th Inf. 32nd Division, he was laid to rest in St. Mary's cemetery. The funeral was held at the home of his Mother, Mrs. Mary Barnowski of 126 E. Seventh St., followed by a service at St. Mary's church. Members of Frank Wendland Post 253, American Legion, formed an escort from the..
LADIES' AUXILIARY ORGANIZED
Jan 24, 1921
Soon after it's formation, Frank Wendland Post 253 realized a need, and so on Jan. 24, 1921, the Ladies' Auxiliary came into existence. The first officers elected were: President-Mrs. H.B. Medley Vice-President-Mrs. G. Renton Secretary-Mrs. P.J. Formaz, Jr. Treasurer-Mrs. A.C. Codling Immediately its presence was felt. During its first year, the ladies held box socials, bake sales and dances. Just before Christmas it held a Christmas sale, and with the proceeds sent well-filled stockings and..
Soon after it's formation, Frank Wendland Post 253 realized a need, and so on Jan. 24, 1921, the Ladies' Auxiliary came into existence. The first officers elected were: President-Mrs. H.B. Medley Vice-President-Mrs. G. Renton Secretary-Mrs. P.J. Formaz, Jr. Treasurer-Mrs. A.C. Codling Immediately its presence was felt. During its first year, the ladies held box socials, bake sales and dances. Just before Christmas it held a Christmas sale, and with the proceeds sent well-filled stockings and..
1921-1922
Feb 10, 1921
The year opened by a visit to the Post by State Commander Martin, Adjutant Tabor and Welfare Officer Broderick, who gave us a big send-off. Athletics were continued throughout the year, and the Legion basketball team copped the cup for the District Championship, under the leadership of Hal Rodgers. The annual Banquet was held in may and as usual was a big success. The Post took a very active part in the Memorial Day services,..
The year opened by a visit to the Post by State Commander Martin, Adjutant Tabor and Welfare Officer Broderick, who gave us a big send-off. Athletics were continued throughout the year, and the Legion basketball team copped the cup for the District Championship, under the leadership of Hal Rodgers. The annual Banquet was held in may and as usual was a big success. The Post took a very active part in the Memorial Day services,..
COUNTY LEGION GROUP MEETS AT PONTIAC.
Apr 15, 1921
The Oakland County Council of the American Legion met at Legion headquarters in the Board of Commerce Wednesday night. Plans were laid out for a baseball league, to be formed among the Legion Posts of the county. Also, in line with the offer from the government whereby each American Legion Post is to be furnished with ten rifles, the County Council has decided to form a military company.-The next meeting will be held, March 10th,..
The Oakland County Council of the American Legion met at Legion headquarters in the Board of Commerce Wednesday night. Plans were laid out for a baseball league, to be formed among the Legion Posts of the county. Also, in line with the offer from the government whereby each American Legion Post is to be furnished with ten rifles, the County Council has decided to form a military company.-The next meeting will be held, March 10th,..
Memorial Day
May 30, 1922
Only photo to show...more research required.
Only photo to show...more research required.
FORMER AVIATOR WEDS ALBION GIRL
Sep 6, 1922
The wedding of Miss Mildred Mabel McLivenna of Albion and Mr. Jesse Frank Campbell of Royal Oak was solemnized, Wednesday afternoon Aug. 31, at 4o'clck at the home of Prof. Henery Ewbank, 419 Cass street, Albion. Rev. Oscar Thomas Olson, former pastor of the Royal Oak Methodist Episcopal church, performed the ceremony. Miss Maxine Elliot was bridesmaid and Harry J. Merritt was bestman. the bride is a graduate of Albion College, class of 1921 and..
The wedding of Miss Mildred Mabel McLivenna of Albion and Mr. Jesse Frank Campbell of Royal Oak was solemnized, Wednesday afternoon Aug. 31, at 4o'clck at the home of Prof. Henery Ewbank, 419 Cass street, Albion. Rev. Oscar Thomas Olson, former pastor of the Royal Oak Methodist Episcopal church, performed the ceremony. Miss Maxine Elliot was bridesmaid and Harry J. Merritt was bestman. the bride is a graduate of Albion College, class of 1921 and..
NEW LEGION OFFICERS TAKE CHARGE MONDAY
Oct 16, 1925
Legionnaires are receiving these notices: "Paste this to your hat!" Comrade, Frank Wendland Post 253, American Legion holds it's first regular meeting, October 19, at the Legion Hall, Fifth and Main streets. Your new Officers just elected will strut their stuff. It's going to be good. Get on the job and help them put it over. F.M. Langdon, Adjutant.
Legionnaires are receiving these notices: "Paste this to your hat!" Comrade, Frank Wendland Post 253, American Legion holds it's first regular meeting, October 19, at the Legion Hall, Fifth and Main streets. Your new Officers just elected will strut their stuff. It's going to be good. Get on the job and help them put it over. F.M. Langdon, Adjutant.
FORGET-ME-NOT DAY TOMORROW.
Nov 6, 1925
Saturday is "Forget-me-not Day", when members of the Frank Wendland Post 253, American Legion, Ladies' Auxiliary, will sell flowers in banks and on the streets of Royal Oak for the benefit of disabled Veterans of the World War. Mrs. Edith Banes Osgood, President of the Auxiliary, will be in charge. She will be assisted by high school girls, besides the members of the organization.
Saturday is "Forget-me-not Day", when members of the Frank Wendland Post 253, American Legion, Ladies' Auxiliary, will sell flowers in banks and on the streets of Royal Oak for the benefit of disabled Veterans of the World War. Mrs. Edith Banes Osgood, President of the Auxiliary, will be in charge. She will be assisted by high school girls, besides the members of the organization.
LEGION PLANNING ARMISTICE BALL
Nov 9, 1925
Frank Wendland Post 253, American Legion is planning to give the sixth annual Armistice Day Ball, Wednesday evening in the Oak ballroom, Royal Oak. C.K. Berridge is chairman of the committee in charge. Fred Wheeler and Arthur Lyon are assisting him. Plenty of stunts and novelties are promised at the dance. Instead of a parade this year, the Legion will keep an open house at it's hall at Fifth and Main streets. It is expected..
Frank Wendland Post 253, American Legion is planning to give the sixth annual Armistice Day Ball, Wednesday evening in the Oak ballroom, Royal Oak. C.K. Berridge is chairman of the committee in charge. Fred Wheeler and Arthur Lyon are assisting him. Plenty of stunts and novelties are promised at the dance. Instead of a parade this year, the Legion will keep an open house at it's hall at Fifth and Main streets. It is expected..
1930
American Legion Boy Scout Troop R.O.2, Drum and Bugle Corp.
May 30, 1930
Photo only more research needed.
Photo only more research needed.
1940
Legion Auxiliary Sponsors Card Party
Jan 17, 1940
Twelve tables were played yesterday afternoon at the first monthly dessert card party sponsored this year by the Auxiliary to Frank Wendland Post 253, American Legion, in the Legion hall. Door prizes went to Mrs. J. Mein of Detroit, Mrs. John A. Henkel of Royal Oak and Mrs. Sue Hager of Ferndale. Table prizes were towels. Copied from Post Historians 1940's Book.
Twelve tables were played yesterday afternoon at the first monthly dessert card party sponsored this year by the Auxiliary to Frank Wendland Post 253, American Legion, in the Legion hall. Door prizes went to Mrs. J. Mein of Detroit, Mrs. John A. Henkel of Royal Oak and Mrs. Sue Hager of Ferndale. Table prizes were towels. Copied from Post Historians 1940's Book.
Boy Scout Troop RO 2 Wins Cup Permanently
Feb 14, 1940
More than 150 awards were presented Wednesday night at the Court of Honor for Boy Scouts of American, Royal Oak township district, featured by awarding permanent possession of the Advancement trophy to Troop RO-2. The Court was held in Coolidge school, Ferndale. Copied from Post Historians 1940's Book.
More than 150 awards were presented Wednesday night at the Court of Honor for Boy Scouts of American, Royal Oak township district, featured by awarding permanent possession of the Advancement trophy to Troop RO-2. The Court was held in Coolidge school, Ferndale. Copied from Post Historians 1940's Book.
Troop RO 2 Gains Scout Swim Title
Apr 27, 1940
RO-2, Boy Scout troop sponsored by the American Legion, dethroned RO-9, Baptist church Scout troop from their position as champions of the Royal Oak Township district of Boy Scouts annual swimming meet finals held in Royal Oak high school pool last night. Copied from Post Historians 1940's Book.
RO-2, Boy Scout troop sponsored by the American Legion, dethroned RO-9, Baptist church Scout troop from their position as champions of the Royal Oak Township district of Boy Scouts annual swimming meet finals held in Royal Oak high school pool last night. Copied from Post Historians 1940's Book.
Seventy Enjoy Auxiliary Fete
May 1, 1940
Seventy mothers and daughters attended the Mothers and Daughter banquet of the Auxiliary to Frank Wendland post 253, American Legion, last evening in the Legion hall. Copied from Post Historians 1940's Book.
Seventy mothers and daughters attended the Mothers and Daughter banquet of the Auxiliary to Frank Wendland post 253, American Legion, last evening in the Legion hall. Copied from Post Historians 1940's Book.
