Hugh Gilbert American Legion Post 138, Port Tampa City, Florida, is affiliated with the National Organization of The American Legion under the jurisdiction of The American Legion, Department of Florida, as is documented in the “Constitution of The American Legion, Department of Florida”, as adopted at the Department Convention of 1946 and amended at Department Conventions through 2013. Post 138 received its original “Temporary Charter” on May 11, 1945, with a subsequent “Permanent Charter” approved on June 19, 1946 adopting the name of “Hugh Gilbert Strickland”. The Post first began meeting at a corner drugstore until they found their Post Home. The membership of Post 138 purchased the building on 5535 W. Prescott Street as well as some associated land from the Rail Road Company in the mid-to-late 1950's. The Post Home is in the same location today.

The American Legion Department of Florida is divided into areas and districts and organized and officered as found in the Constitution. Post 138 is one of seventeen Posts within the 15th District which is part of the Central Area (which includes the 16th and 7th Districts). The 15th District covers all Posts within Hillsborough County, that portion of Pasco County, except New Port Richey, Hudson, Holiday and Seven Springs West of Interstate 75, (The American Legion Highway), and all of Hernando County. The Central area covers 15th District as described, plus the 16th District which covers all of Pinellas County and New Port Richey, Hudson, Holiday and Seven Springs from West Pasco County; it also covers the 7th District including all of Polk County and that portion of Pasco County East of Interstate Highway 75 (The American Legion Highway).

(Photo: Post 138 Before 1960 Hurricane Donna, which tore off the entire top level!
Photo Credit: Post 138 Archives, unknown Photographer)

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