Post 97 Libby, Montana

Post 97

Libby, Montana

Post 97 Libby, Montana

About This Post

Post Namesake

Austin F. Reedy;  22 years old.  His parents were Mr and Mrs John Reedy, Libby.  Austin entered the Army from Libby in October 1917.  He served in Company H, 163rd Infantry, 41st Division and Company H, 127th Infantry 32nd Division.  ... READ MORE

Notable Members

Robert Petrusha; Department Commander, 1974 -1975     Department Vice-Commander, 1973 -1974

Larry Stroklund;  Western Zone Command, (Districts 4,5,6) 2015 -2017    National Appointment to Force Structure Committee,  2013 - 2017    Department Executive Chairman,  1999 -2001    District 4 Commander,  ... READ MORE

What Makes this Post Unique

Historically the American Legion, Dept. of Montana, Post 97 in Libby, Mt. has been an important Service Organization for the Veterans and the Community. It began with the fund raising and erection of a WW1 memorial statue. Since then it ... READ MORE

HISTORY

1910

Austin Reedy Uniform Picture

Oct 18, 1917
This is an early photo of Austin Reedy in uniform.
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Austin Reedy Uniform Picture
Austin Reedy Obituary

Austin Reedy Obituary

Jul 31, 1918
Austin Reedy was the first service member killed in battle from Lincoln County Montana in WW1. He was from Libby, Montana and is the namesake of American Legion Post 97.
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1920

Post 97, Libby, Montana, Charter

Oct 25, 1920

 Traditionally from 1920, the WW1 veterans organized, ran and policed the July 4th Celebrations in Libby, Montana.


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Post 97, Libby, Montana, Charter
Original Membership

Original Membership

Oct 25, 1920

The original membership was actually meeting in 1919. They met at an old church on the corner of Montana Ave and Lincoln Boulevard.


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Actual Original Charter

Jun 10, 1921

We have many versions of the original Charter.  The group that Originally formed as the American Legion, became organized October 25, 1920.  They then became Chartered on June 10, 1921.


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Actual Original Charter
Article about Lincoln County WWI Deaths.

Article about Lincoln County WWI Deaths.

May 25, 1922

The attached is a reprint of an original article, the reprint is from May 25, 1967.


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Base of WW1 Memorial

May 30, 1922

This is the base of the WW1 Memorial on Lincoln Boulevard in Libby, Mt. The engraved names are active duty veterans from Lincoln County Montana, who died while on active military duty.  Buried in the base of the Statue is a metal (presumed lead) box with memorabilia of the era.


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Base of WW1 Memorial
WW1 Memorial Statue

WW1 Memorial Statue

May 30, 1922
Memorial Statue to honor WW1 deaths of veterans on active duty from Lincoln County Montana.
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Post 97 First Meeting Place

Dec 5, 1922
The photo is the present day look of the first meeting place. The structure is imaginable as the First Presbyterian Church of Libby as it was in 1922.
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Post 97 First Meeting Place
Memorial Statue Obituaries

Memorial Statue Obituaries

May 23, 1923

The Memorial Statue on Lincoln Boulevard in Libby, Montana honors five soldiers from WWI, the statue was "Lady Remembrance" produced by Spokane Monument Works of Spokane, Washington.  These are the five soldiers obituaries.


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Memorial Statue Obituaries

May 23, 1923

Memorial Statue Obituary of Statue Honoree.


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Memorial Statue Obituaries
Memorial Statue Obituaries

Memorial Statue Obituaries

May 23, 1923

Memorial Statue Honoree


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Memorial Statue Obituaries

May 23, 1923

Memorial Statue Honoree


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Memorial Statue Obituaries
Memorial Statue Obituaries

Memorial Statue Obituaries

May 23, 1923

Memorial Statue Honoree


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1950

Post 97 Purchases Present Day Club

Mar 9, 1953
In March of 1953, The American Legion Post 97 purchased the First Bank of Libby building. I have also put in an old picture of original building from 1918.
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Post 97 Purchases Present Day Club
Picture of Bank that turned into Club

Picture of Bank that turned into Club

Mar 9, 1953
This is a 1918 picture of First Bank of Libby that turned into the Post 97 Club.
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Montana Americal Legion begins Highway Fatality Marker White Cross Program

Jul 18, 1953

They are numerous enough to notice.  Infrequent enough to startle at seeing.  They stimulate reverence, sorrow, sympathy, curiosity, and caution.  They effect us all to one degree or another.  They are the white crosses that mark the sites of fatal traffic accidents along the highways of Montana.  For 75 years, these white crosses have reminded passing motorists of the dangers of the road, as well as the lives, which have been lost on the highways.

The..

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Original Honor Squad

Original Honor Squad

Apr 12, 1956

The original Honor Squad was established in 1956 or 1957 .


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1960

Legion Baseball Field

May 12, 1960
Post 97 Legion Member spearheaded the need for Little League Baseball and American Legion Baseball in Libby. The effort started in the late 1950's and the Legion Field was updated in the late 1980's.
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Legion Baseball Field
Legion Baseball Field

Legion Baseball Field

May 12, 1960
View of the present field.
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