Post 12 Norwalk, Connecticut

Post 12

Norwalk, Connecticut

Post 12 Norwalk, Connecticut

About This Post

Post Namesake
Frank C. Godfrey
Notable Members
Adjutant - Arthur C. Kelly
What Makes this Post Unique
Post 12 Norwalk works well with the local community on a number of events held each year.Our "Veteran of the Month, U.S.Flag memorial service" honors a deceased veteran and their family. This program is attended by the local City officials, ... READ MORE

HISTORY

1910

The first meeting

Apr 11, 1919
On April 11th, 1919, a meeting of ex-service men was held at City Hall, South Norwalk, and plans for the organization were made. No name was chosen for the organization, but a committee was appointed to investigate and report as to what had been done in other cities of Connecticut.
Full Story

The charter is signed

Jun 3, 1919
On June 3rd, another meeting for all ex-service men was held and officers were elected. There were speeches by Philo Calhoun and others. The application for a Charter was signed by those present. John Keogh was elected Commander.
Full Story

Welcome Home Day

Sep 17, 1919
On September 17th, the local Post of the Legion helped the Mayor’s Committee of sixty and other organizations to carry out successfully a Welcome Home Day for the ex-service men of Norwalk. A big parade and clam-bake were features of the day.
Full Story

1920

Washington's Birthday

Feb 22, 1920
On Washington’s Birthday, February 22, 1920, at the Palace Theatre in South Norwalk (opened in 1914, 1150 seats), the Post held a Memorial Service for those who had paid the supreme sacrifice. Certificates of Honor from the French Government were presented to the nearest of kin of those who had given their lives. Congressman Augustine Lonergan spoke, and the local G.A.R. Post presented silk colors to the Legion Post.
Full Story

Memorial Day events

May 30, 1920
Members of the Post decorated the graves of comrades who had passed on, a custom which has been followed yearly since that time. A Memorial Day Parade was held on May 31st.
Full Story

Women's Auxiliary Unit formed

Jan 17, 1921
The women’s Auxiliary Unit was organized January 17th, 1921. Meetings of the Post were held at City Hall for a while after its organization, later in the Roodner Building, and the Central Trust Co. Building.
Full Story

Cannon presentation to City of Norwalk

Jul 16, 1921
The Post took part in a celebration in honor of the presentation of a cannon to the City of Norwalk by the French government. M. Casanave of France was the speaker at the dedication ceremonies. NOTE: this cannon now surmounts a permanent memorial to the ex-service men of on the Norwalk Town Green.
Full Story
Cannon presentation to City of Norwalk

Open meeting honoring Lt. Frank C. Godfrey

Nov 8, 1921
An open meeting was held. A picture of Lt. Frank C. Godfrey and the Post's colors were dedicated in a fitting manner.
Full Story

Boxing at the Legion

Feb 28, 1922
On February 28th, a rally and boxing show was held for ex-service men and the general public. There were speeches and music, and refreshments were served by the Auxiliary.
Full Story

New post home

Jun 21, 1922
The new club house was formally opened by the members of the Legion and the Auxiliary. Guests were entertained, and a history of the careers of Frank C. Godfrey and his predecessors was read.
Full Story

Firemen's Parade

Jul 3, 1922
On July 3rd, the Post and Auxiliary were represented in the Firemen's Parade by a float portraying "The Tribute to an Unknown Soldier". This float won a prize.
Full Story

Armistice Day

Nov 11, 1922
On November 11th, the big Armistice Day parade was held. The 192nd Regiment National Guard, Military and fraternal organizations, and delegations from many cities too part in this parade. Lieutenant Governor Templeton and other notables of the State were guests of teh City of Norwalk that day. This great parade was originally planned at a meeting of the American Legion Post and afterwards arranged by a General Committee of ex-service men and prominent citizens.
Full Story

Post moves to new building

Feb 1, 1923
On February 1st, the Post moved to quarters in the brand new Odd Fellows' Building at 70 South Main Street, South Norwalk. This place was considered a better location for a meeting-place than the club-house on Wilton Avenue, Norwalk.
Full Story

Mass meeting

Apr 17, 1923
On April 17th, a mass meeting and smoker was held at the Armory to interest outsiders in the work of the Legion. During the spring the paid membership of the Post was doubled as a result of the work of the officers and members.
Full Story

Memorial Day service

May 27, 1923
The Post attended a Memorial service at the Norwalk Methodist Episcopal Church. Our contribution to the "Overseas Graves Endowment Fund" was $25.00, raised by the Adjutant of the Post, without public solicitation. Commander Downs has been engaged in looking after the interests of ex-service men, advocating among other things, the appointment of ex-service men to positions on both the local and state police forces. An outdoor Memorial Service was held at City Hall, South Norwalk.
Full Story

Legionnaires help neighboring town establish a Post

Aug 28, 1923
On August 28th, members of the Frank C. Godfrey Post and Auxiliary journeyed to Wilton to attend a meeting of the Wilton Post and upon this occasion and American Legion Auxiliary unit was formed in that town.
Full Story

Membership growth

Dec 31, 1923
The growth of the post is evidenced by the fact that at the close of the year 1923 the records showed nearly three times as many paid up members as were recorded at the end of the year 1922.
Full Story

New officer installation

Jan 15, 1924
The officers for the year were installed by Past-Commander George Moore of Bridgeport. The officers of the Auxiliary were also installed on the same evening.
Full Story

Movie night at the armory

Apr 22, 1924
The motion picture "Flashes of Action" was shown at the Armory under the auspices of the Legion Post. Comrade Ernest Coulter explained many of the scenes shown. The Post gained nearly $200 for this event.
Full Story

5th anniversary

May 6, 1924
The 5th anniversary banquet was held at Odd Fellows' Hall. Department Commander E.P. Armstrong, the guest of honor, gave a stirring talk to the members and guests who were present. The four past commanders of the post were presented with pat commander emblems. About one hundred applications for membership were received by this post during the state-wide membership drive.
Full Story