Randall-MacVane American Legion Post #142

   In April of 1931 a group of Peaks Island veterans gathered to discuss the idea of establishing an American Legion Post.  The location of the meeting is unknown but may well have been the Island Hall (a community hall) or the home of Comrade Gus Carlson.  All in attendance supported the mission and goals of the national American Legion and felt that the presence of a Post on the island would be of great benefit to present and future generations.  A vote was taken to create the Post.  Officers elected were Commander Anthon W. Jensen, 1^st Vice-Commander Thomas A. Flanagan, Chaplain John A. Libby, Sergeant-at-Arms William O’Keefe, and Adjutant Oscar C. Seabury.  The Charter was received in November of 1931 with 28 veterans listed as Charter Members.  Members voted to name the Post the Earle MacNeil Randall Post in honor of Lt. Earle MacNeil Randall, a Peaks Island Marine who was killed during training maneuvers near Quantico, Virginia on April 17, 1922.

   Membership in the Post continued to grow.  A Ladies Auxiliary was created to supplement the activities of the members.  It was time to find a permanent home.  After much searching the Wilson cottage on Welch Street was purchased in 1937.  These were the Depression years – money was scarce.  The Peaks community as well as many other individuals and businesses on the mainland responded with dozens of small donations.  The Ladies Auxiliary held many fundraising events as well.  But it was not enough.  Academy Award film director John Ford, a life-long summer resident, contributed the balance of $500 to complete the purchase.  Immediate renovations were needed.  Again, John Ford provided $500 ($5,300 2019 value) for needed materials.  Following naval service in WWII he became an “official” member of the Post and upon his death in 1973 was made a “Honorary Commander” of the Post.

   During WWII Peaks Island was the site of a large Coastal Artillery base with about 800 soldiers stationed there.  Some brought their families with them.  The Post offered support, respite, and lots of activities to these temporary residents and to the families of the 112 islanders who served overseas.  Following the war the veterans returned home; others moved to the island.  The Post bustled with activity through the 1950s.  Members voted to re-name the Post the Randall-MacVane Post to honor Signalman First Class Arthur L. MacVane.  His ship, the submarine U.S.S. Trigger, left Guam in March 1945 and was never heard from again.  She is presumed lost in enemy waters. 

   Korean War and Viet Nam War veterans returned to the island – unheralded – their service unappreciated by the public at large.  Interest in the Post waned; membership dropped.  Building maintenance stalled; finances became precarious.  The few active members struggled to keep up.  There was talk of disbanding the Post.  The fortunes of the Post ebbed and flowed for many years.  In recent years a new group of veterans has emerged.  Many have served in the Mideast wars and other hotspots around the world.  Viet Nam veterans are finally being recognized and have become active members.  These new members are leading the Post into the future. 

    Many building repairs have been completed; a handicap access ramp has been erected; finances have been stabilized.  And, more importantly, the Post and Ladies Auxiliary are reaching out to the community in many ways.  Educational activities with the local school such as the annual Americanism essay contest and flag folding and disposal procedures are frequent.  Sponsorship of the Memorial Day parade followed by a community cook out is an annual event.  The Post co-sponsors an annual holiday party for all island youngsters with the Lions Club.  Social activities including public meals are offered to the community as well.

   Support from the community is growing.  Veterans and those currently on active duty are warmly welcomed.  It is felt that the Post has a bright future ahead. 

John Ford - Academy Award Director , native of Portland, ME and summer resident of Peaks Island. Admiral Ford was elected "Honorary Commander" of POst 142 upon his death in 1973.