Schmidt-Barnes American Legion Post
Virgil, South Dakota
The American Legion Post Number 268 in Virgil, South Dakota is call the Schmidt-Barnes post named after two local young men who volunteered for active duty during the Second World War. This post is located in a small town 15 miles southwest of Huron, SD. At one time the town was progressive with grain elevators, cattle stock yards, lumber yard, bank and grade and high schools. Today less than twenty people live in Virgil.
The formation of the post was on March 18, 1946. The fifteen charter members were Archie Denison, Ralph C Gooding, Vern H. Hein, Clarence W. Krutzfelt, Elmer LeGrand, Louis LeGrand, Herbert L Maunders, William B. Maunders, Joseph J Maunders, Roy M Miller, Clarence Schamber, Cooley Taylor, Eugene C. Van De Walle, and Robert A Walters.
The original post home was a small two room building located on main street in the center of the town. This remained the active post for many years.
Later the post had an opportunity to purchase the local Coop, a gas and service operation, which was going out of business. The post obtained a loan from a bank in nearby Wolsey, SD on June 11, 1991 and moved into the building. With contributions the loan was paid off in a short time. With continued updates such as new metal siding, new roof panels, new windows and carpet, the building is a credit to the post and to the town.
A high period of membership was shortly after World War II when the post sponsored farm management information programs for returning veterans that were members of the post. In 2008 the post reached an all-time high in membership.
One member, a Korean War Veteran, with 50 years continuous membership rose through the American Legion leadership positions, to become the state Commander in 2006-2007. This member, Gunner Baatrup, continues to be active in local post, department, and national activities.
