The American Legion was chartered by congress in March of 1919 as a result of American service members in World War I organizing and attending a caucus in Paris, France. Shortly thereafter the idea of veterans organizing and establishing a local post in the City of Millville began to spread and take root.
Joe Smith, a former Mayor a past City Solicitor, played a vital role in bringing what would become Post 82 to fruition. Unbeknownst to many, Mr. Smith urged the establishment of a local American Legion post in the City of Millville, and inducted a group of veterans to assemble in his East Main Street office in the summer of 1919. There were still servicemen in theater at this time. The following temporary officers were elected to conduct the preliminary work that was necessary: Dr. Frank R. Sheppard (Commander), Harry Waltman (Vice-Commander), Joseph Smith (Adjutant), and J. Lawrence Bacon (Finance Officer).
After a couple of meetings in Mr. Smith’s office the veterans began holding sessions on the second floor of the Millville Social and Athletic Association for a period of time before renting a space formerly occupied by the Clover Social Club.
