The name, “JENARDE”, was derived from the first letter of the surname of men gassed or wounded in action.

On the 24th day of February in 1920, fifteen ex-servicemen of Canistota and community met in the Masonic Hall for the purpose of organizing an American Legion Post. The following were the fifteen signers or pledges required to form the Post: George A. Mock Wm. V. Stevenson Carl O. Peterson A. A. Breihan Charles L. Mock Oren H. L. Amy A.M. Johnson Emanuel Rechtenbaugh George S. Potter Gilbert N. Graham Thomas K. Graham Willis K. Crowhurst Boise G. Williams Roy Jarratt George Jarratt In 1923 they had a difficult time keeping up enough interest and activity to preserve the organization It seems that Martin DeKramer and E. Rechtenbaugh were largely responsible for keeping things going. 2017 Commander Brian L. Kruse, Adjutant Jelene K. Wipf and Treasurer John Lambertz

History of the Jenarde Post #162 American Legion On the 24th day of February in 1920, fifteen ex-servicemen of Canistota and community met in the Masonic Hall for the purpose of organizing an American Legion Post. The following were the fifteen signers or pledges required to form the Post: George A. Mock Wm. V. Stevenson Carl O. Peterson A. A. Breihan Charles L. Mock Oren H. L. Amy A.M. Johnson Emanuel Rechtenbaugh George S. Potter Gilbert N. Graham Thomas K. Graham Willis K. Crowhurst Boise G. Williams Roy Jarratt George Jarratt The number, 162, was assigned by Department Headquarters. The name, “JENARDE”, was derived from the first letter of the surname of men gassed or wounded in action. Dues were set at $3.00 per annum. The rooms over the Farmers State Bank were leased for club rooms. The Charter was given March 1st and by the March meeting there were 25 members. A. A. Breihan was elected the first commander. Toward the end of the first year the Post suffered a lack of interest form the members. Meetings were neglected and the clubrooms were leased by another renter. The December meeting was held in the Lumber Yard offices, and it was decided that they would lease new clubrooms and try to arouse new interest in the Post. Dues were raised to $4.00 and they sponsored a few dances, basket socials, etc., to raise funds. Ten rifles were ordered ad received in time for the Memorial Day services in 1921. On June 24, 1921, it was decided to discontinue rental of clubroom as it was difficult to raise funds. The furniture was sold and regular meetings were discontinued. Special meetings when necessary, were to be held at one of the members’ place of business. It should be noted though, that they did continue active particitpation in observance of Decoration Day Memorial Day, Military funerals, etc. In January of 1923 they got back into the swing of regular meetings again…most of them being held in the Fire Hall. The Auxiliary Unit was organized early in 1923 and the two organizations decided to meet on the same nights and rented the Fraternity Hall for same. Meanwhile, there was considerable talk of promoting the building of a community hall, but plans never quite matured. They had a difficult time keeping up enough interest and activity to preserve the organization It seems that Martin DeKramer and E. Rechtenbaugh were largely responsible for keeping things going. It appears that most of the difficulty could be traced to committees that just didn’t function. Time after time, committees were set-up to look into money-making schemes, building proposals, etc., but they never had anything to report. It is apparent that Jenarde Post owes thanks to a relatively small group for keeping its charter during those times. The records for 1924 to 1927 are missing. May 8, 1928 a meeting was held at the Pink Hall with ex-servicemen from Bridgewater attending. Mike Williams was nominated Commander; B.B. Shaw was elected as Vice Commander R. L. Armstrong was elected as Adjutant; George Jarratt was elected Treasurer; and Chas. Pucta was elected Sergeant-at-Arms. May 15, 1928 a meeting was held in conjunction with the Auxiliary at the Pink Hall. Committees were announced. Sport Day was discussed and it was sentiment of the Post not to try to take over the celebration this year. The matter of running a stand at Sport Day and it was decided that the Legion would have a stand on Sport Day and pay for those working in same. An attendance prize of $1 was implemented in June of 1928. July 1928, Vern Gordon’s name was drawn but being absent the dollar would be added to the next meeting drawing. Monthly meetings were held and the usual meeting attendance and donations were made. Election of officers was held February 11, 1929. Alfred Raab, Commander; B. B. Shaw, Vice Commander; G. S. Potter, Adjutant; R. L Armstrong, Treasurer. Activities including Junior Baseball and Park clean up were discussed at the April 1929 meeting. Decoration Day Speaker was discussed and Sport Day Committee chosen in May and the next meeting wasn’t until September 10, 1929. An informal meeting was held again April 14, 1930. There were no more meeting notes until October 20, 1930 when the meeting was held in the Public School Building. Election of officers was held: R. L. Armstrong, Commander; B. B. Shaw, Vice Commander; Roy Dawson, Adjutant; Tom Graham, Treasurer. January of 1931 the debt owed to the Pink Hall was discussed and it was agreed that the best way to take care of the Hall obligation was to take up a collection of $1 each to pay a good share of this debt. In 1931 meetings were held every other month. In August of 1931 it was noted that the Legion was $1.30 to good now. In October of 1931 L. McKean was elected Commander; Emmanuel Rechtenbaugh Vice Commander; Roy Dawson, Adjutant; Floyd Halgerson, Treasurer; Martin DeKramer, Service Officer. A Pheasant Supper was held Tuesday, October 13. Discussion was held at the November meeting on how to stimulate more attendance at a regular hour on meeting nights. It was decided that each member present should bring at least one more member to meeting next month. Proceeds of the Pheasant Supper was fair. The legion keeping all the profits to pay up debts due. In January and February 1932 there was a unanimous motion to pay the Bonus in full now and Peter Norbeck’s answer to the letter in regard to such was read. In April 1932 three visitors from Mitchell were on hand to talk on membership. The next meeting was held at Chas. Pucta’s to hear the National talks on the radio about the membership program. In May 1932 Rifle Bond, Treasure Bond, 1931 Providing Record, M. J. burial flowers and Chas. Pucta bill of $1.20 be allowed and paid. The Post would buy rifles after Sport Day if funds permitted. They would have a Blanket Stand and an Eat & Drink Stand at Sport Day. The next official meeting in August showed the Blanket Stand netted $15. The Post went on record in favor of the immediate payment of the Adjusted Compensation Certificate at the 1945 value. Alert Elott was nominated at the Sixth District Meeting at Watertown as delegate to Portland, Ore. They charged $.35 adults and $.15 children for the Armistice Day Oyster feed and dance. Motion was made and carried unanimously that the Secretary cast the entire vote for all the present officers to hold over. A Carnival was to be held the last Thursday in December. In January, 1933 it was moved and carried to have the Legion Banquet on Washington’s Birthday and inviting Harry Kehm, State Commander. February 27, 1933 – Crack squad to be organized next meeting. Bud Dawson to have charge. In January, 1934 it was moved and carried that they hold dances every other Friday night until February meeting. April 1934 there was talk of going to Huron to the Spring Conference. During the May meeting it was noted that the Firing Squad was to meet May 28. Chas. Pucta to take charge. Vern Gordon to take charge of vaccination for Legion or 40 et 8. Taking up again with the October meeting in 1934, it is noted that the membership had increased and that there were usually around ten members present at meetings, which was not a bad percentage of a small post. Meetings were held somewhat irregularly often skipping two and three months between, but it probably helped attendance to have fewer meetings with something to do at each, rather than a lot of meetings with little or no business to handle at some. At the May meeting in 1937 the Post resolved to petition the County Commissioners on a proposed lake in this are – possibly at the farm then occupied by Arthur Lindbloom, 4 miles west and one north of Canistota – asking that this be made a W. P. A. Project of the county. However, there seems to be no written report of the results of this proposal. During this period, Vern Gordon was keeping the dances going as a source of revenue for the Legion. The Auxiliary served lunch after nearly all meetings. Noted that in October 1938, motion was made and carried that local legion men assist with the National Corn-Picking Contest. In December of that year the Post gave sacks of candy to the children of the community at Christmas. 1939 seemed to be a routine year with little or nothing of an unusual nature recorded in the minutes. Might note here that in going through the old minutes, donations to various worth-while functions or organization are noted from time to time, even though funds were low and hard to replace. In 1940 the Legion sponsored some rabbit hunts. Also in 1940 comes the first mention of Boy State. A committee was appointed to check o Boys State and at the May meeting, five candidates were on the possible list. Lyle DeKramer was the boy sent by this Post that year. Also, noted mention of Junior Baseball Team and loan of suits, but nothing on record as to when this project was started or who was responsible up to 1940 when John Uecker became coach. Another item of interest comes to attention in the 1940records. Many of the members will recall the Memorial Day address by C. C. Wagner that year. The following resolution was adopted and copies sent to the Clipper, C. C. Wagner, and to Hanford McNider: We the members of Jenarde Post #162 do not approve of the repeated uncomplimentary remarks by C. C. Wagner of Madison, S.D., directed at our past National Commander Hanford McNider, during the Memorial Day address in the Canistota High School May 30, 1940. The Post entered a float in the Sport Day parade that year and furnished the Color Guard at the March meeting in 1941 it was decided to give a present to the boys going into Service. Vernon Tarrell was selected for Boys Sate. A special meeting was held in December to prepare entertainment of the next draft group from this county. In 1942 the Post turned in $38.59 to the Crippled Children Fund, and sent a boy to Boys State. Interesting to note that they also recommended to the city council that an Air-Raid Warden be appointed. Plans were also made for a practice blackout of the city on December 14, 1942 from 10 P.M. to 10:20 P.M., the Legion assisting the Mayor and councilmen with same. During the War years, the activity followed pretty much of a routine course with little of an unusual nature. There were several instances of veterans on furlough attending the Legion meetings. Noted that the Post donated Emblem playing cards to servicemen along with other services performed for the benefit of those in uniform. By October of 1945, membership was beginning to increase rapidly with the returning of servicemen form this community. Interest was rising in discussions of possible locations for a Legion Home; so, committees were appointed to investigate. The town board was approached about a new city auditorium, but finances nixed this. At the December meeting of 1945, Martin DeKramer offered the rental of the second floor of his business place for meeting and club rooms. This move was voted upon and approved at the next regular meeting and work began almost at once on remodeling. A dance committee went to work to help raise funds -dances being held at the Lodge Hall – and a new membership drive got into full swing. Speakers were invited to discuss veteran’s problems; service officer was appointed and also an employment officer. The new Legion Rooms were occupied in April and the May meeting was held “at home for the first time in many years. Many new members along with a new home gave new life to the Post. As funds became available, more improvements were made in the Club rooms. New money-making projects were planned. It was decided to rent the bowery dance floor from the Sport Day Committee for the purpose of promoting dances during the summer months. A concession was operated Sport Day and realized a good profit. It might be noted that during the Spring of 1946 there was some discussion of changing the name of the Post and a committee was appointed to receive and present suggestions for a new name, but it was finally decided that the original name should be kept. A federal Club License was purchased and a “dugout” installed in a room adjoining the club rooms. To insure a “members only” status, it was decided to purchase and install a special lock for the door and issue keys to members – member toto pay for the cost of his key. A club manager was selected and open hours, visitor’s regulations etc., established. Th dugout proved a good source of income, along with dances Bingo and suck other operations. It is interesting to not that a vote carried “not to wear uniforms for Memorial Day Services that year” – guess the memory was a little too fresh yet for many members. Activities sponsored in 1946 included Junior Baseball, Independent Basketball and the usual drives and donations for USO, Boy Scouts, Orphan’s Gifts for Yanks, etc. The Commercial Club and the Legion went 50-50 on expense of a new location for the Unknown Soldier Monument at the cemetery. The usual business and activities reigned through 1947, until in the Fall, when the building fever arose again with the possibility of purchasing surplus building from the Air Base in Sioux Falls. The community was polled from pledges of supporting such an undertaking with the result that it was decided to go ahead. Lots were purchased next to the Creamery and a full-size basement constructed. A building, approximately 32’ x 150’, was purchased and moved onto the site. Funds were obtained by borrowing from the people of the community of a no-interest basis, same to be pro-rated back as funds became available. Approximately $6,700.00 was raised in this way. In addition, many contributed labor, use of equipment, etc. New difficulties rose at every turn, but the dream steadily approached reality. The new Legion Hall was opened for its first public function on Sport Day of 1948. The city sponsored dance was held upstairs and the Legion operated its Dugout in the basement. Further improvements on the building proved to bae a constant drain on funds, but this also provided a goal for the members to strive for. Cooperation form many coupled with exceptional efforts from a few kept things advancing steadily. In addition to the constant finishing touches being added to the interior, a new heating system was installed in October, 1948. Partitions were erected in the basement to provide private club rooms. The club room was altered several times to meet size and arrangement requirements and finally plastered in the Spring of 1949. Meanwhile, it was decided to incorporate the Post and Att. Ward Clark was directed to take care of same. While trying to keep up with the building project, the Post did not neglect its other “responsibilities. Boys State Jr. Baseball, Basketball, etc., were still sponsored along with the donations to the usual funds – polio, Abbott House, etc. A summer recreation program for the children of the community was sponsored jointly by the Legion, Commercial Club, and School. Fund raising projects included dances, Bingo, rabbit hunt, and poultry raffle. The Hall, heat and lights were donated to the TeenAge Canteen sponsored weekly by our Auxiliary Unit. I would like to note here that a deep interest in activities for young people is apparent throughout the history of Jenarde Post. Small towns are too often lacking along these lines and it proves a very worthwhile project for any Post. During 1948 the doctors from Ortman Clinic refurnished their clinic and donated their used furniture to the Legion Hall. This chrome furniture though used was in very good cognition and added greatly to the looks of the hall. In spring of 1949, Mrs. Edith Bowen presented the Post with $100.0 as a memorial fund. This was used toward the purchase of Post Colors. About this time, the floor in the new hall was presenting a problem. Roller-skating was a favored activity for he young folks, but it was also too much for the soft-wood floors. It proved necessary to curtail the skating for some time until possibilities of a new hard-wood floor could be studied. To well-planned Stag Parties that year netted a good sum in addition to the usual activities; so, a new maple floor was put in that winter. The Auxiliary contributed $500;00 toward the new floor which cost about $1,300.00. The Post also paid back 10% of the community loan on the original building fund, just a year and a half since the building first opened. This was not a small accomplishment, considering the fact that all the work and improvements had been done during this time on a pay as you go basis. In the Spring of 1950 this Post adopted and pushed a resolution to permit Chiropractic Treatment of Veterans under the Veterans Administration Program of those veterans desiring same. During the Spring of 1950 we also sponsored a Community Minstrel Show as a fund-raising project, which was quite successful. The show was presented at the Veteran’s Hospital in Sioux Falls. Further projects in addition to the “usual” Legion sponsored activities included dividing the cost of a summer recreation director with the City and Commercial Club. Also, gave building and assistance to our Auxiliary in sponsoring a Teen-Canteen program; presented gifts to all local men entering the services through the Korean conflict; participated in the “Tide of Toys” program. Paid another 10% on building loan. During 1951 the Club Rooms were again remodeled and painted, and another 10 % paid on building loan. A good fund raising year. During 1952 we paid our main street pavement assessment in full, another 10% on building loan, fixed up that part of the basement not occupied by club rooms for banquet and general use, purchased 20 folding chairs, and kept on with all usual Legion programs. In 1953 the average membership was 13-14 members. Don Dawson was the Commander. Frank Miller was the Adjutant. The Legion donated to Crippled Children’s. A representative from the Post went to the District meeting at Bridgewater March 18, 1953. There was a joint Legion birthday party with a potluck. 30 chairs were purchased at $3.90 each. Jerry Dean Scott was Boys Stater and John Nueberger alternate; Jerry Schluter was third. The Post was involved with Boy Scouts. Election of officers was held in 1953 and elected were: Chad Reid Commander; Melvin Hartman Vice Commander; Frank Miller Adjutant; Duane McKay Finance Officer; M. J. Wingert Chaplain; Kenneth McDade Historian; Henry Johnke Sgt.-at-Arms. Fritz Marquardt was nominated to manage the Club for another year. The price to rent the Legion Hall was $20, paid up legion members could rent it for $10. Legion will have Color Guard for Sport Day instead of float. The Legion bought a TV for the Legion Club for $330. The Legion carried a balance of $680.00 in June of 1953. The Legion Hall was donated to Canistota Ball Club for Bingo. On a 4-7 vote, 1954 membership dues were set at $4.00. The Feather Party that was supposed to be held on November 18 was changed to December 16, 1953 with turkey, geese, ducks and chickens. Legion had a New Year’s Party with $1 admission. Building obligation was to be paid the usual 18% before Christmas. In 1954 the Legion discussed hiring an Orchestra for next New Year’s Party or hire Uecker – motion carried to hire Uecker. The Post donated to High School, Crippled Children’s and Boy Scouts. Organized a shooting range and destroyed old rifles. The Post bought a new heater for $200.00. Stag Party entrance fee was $1 and .25 for lunch..org