For Jack Henry Post 1, history starts in the spring of 1919 when Jack Sutherland thought a Veteran's group should be formed. Men like Lyle Larson, Elwyn Swetmann, Walter Blanton, and John L. Hughes all took this call and started spreading the word. On Jun 1, 1919 a meeting was held at the old Robert's Hall in Anchorage, which was at the corner of 4th & C Streets. More than thirty - (30) Veterans assembled, and after the appointment of a chairman, it was decided to organize a veterans club here in Alaska.
In August of 1919 a meeting was held to finalize the formation of the Post and an invitation went out to all local veterans’ clubs to join. So on August 20th of 1919 Anchorage made its' application for membership to the American Legion. Fifteen men signed this original application.
These men unanimously agreed/decided, based on the recommendation of a late comrade, to name the Post after John "Jack" Henry. Jack Henry was the first man from Anchorage to be killed in action. Jack Henry died in the Cierges Woods, in France, nearly a year before the Meuse-Argonne offensive. So the newly named Jack Henry Post 1 application was signed and sent to Headquarters American Legion, which at the time was in New York City.
Word came on September 17, 1919 that the charter had been approved and returned to Anchorage. The first official general membership meeting was held on Friday September 19, 1919 at 2000 hours at the local Moose Hall. Thirty-three men showed up for the meeting. Elections for Officers were held and the Charter was signed/ratified.
