A BRIEF HISTORY

Cleghorn Post 429
The American Legion
Department of Massachusetts

A Brief Retrospective

Cleghorn Post 429, The American Legion was founded in the later part of 1947. With a Charter being issued on February 12, 1948. The founding fathers were: Francis H. Dubois, Roy F. Dutcher, Norman J. Thibault, Andre X. Morin, Wilfred T. Deloge, Paul Cote, and Gerard Lamy. During its infant years the membership met at various locations in the Cleghorn area such as St. Joseph school, Canado Hall and Clarendon St. School. During its first year the Post membership reached 200 veterans from a starting point of 29 Charter members.

Credit for the Post formation has to go to Francis H. Dubois, who was a charter member of Fitchburg, A. L. Post 10, for more than forty years. Of the first 29 charter members, one was a woman, Mrs. Leonora (Butler) Brouillett. The Post gained its second woman member in 1958 when Mrs. Fern (Murray) McConville was initiated.

The first installation of Officers took place on Tuesday November 16, 1948, with Francis H. Dubois being installed as the first Commander. On January 7, 1949 an official application to Legion Headquarters, for a permanent charter, was made. The first Executive Committee meeting on record took place on January 17, 1949. At this meeting it was recommended that a committee look into buying a lot or building, in a suitable location, as a future home. At the Feb. 1949 meeting it was moved that the E-Board meet on the third Monday of every month.

The first annual Post Banquet was held at the Lion D'or Club on May 18, 1949. During this time period a plan was outlined for a proposed Drum Corps, it was referred to the Executive Committee. During the May Executive Committee meeting the Post accepted the Flag and Honor Roll located at Cleghorn Square but added that it would not be responsible for any damage to it, deterioration, etc. and that the would be handled by the Business Men's Association.

The dues for the year 1950 was set at $4.00. At the January 9, 1950 meetings plans were formulated for what was later know as "The Past Commander's Night". At this meeting the Post announced that it would sponsor one (1) boy to the "Boys' State" program, that being Rene LeBlanc of St. Bernards High School.

At The April 3, 1950 meeting plans were shown for a proposed 40'x30' building to be built,as Post Headquarters at an estimated cost of $20,000. The building to be built on one of two locations: Madison, Delisle and Edward Sts. or Oak Hill Rd., Columbus St. and St. Joseph Ave. The project was put on hold.

During the latter part of 1950 the Post became involved in a project at Park Hill Pond to build a baseball diamond for use by local district youths. At the Feb. 4, 1952 meeting it was approved that the Post buy the Leclair Laundry and Rose property, located at 200 Daniles St. and the immediate vicinity, for the price of $1800 and $9000 respectively. The property was purchased during the period April-May 1952. For the next several years there would be problems concerning the lands that the Post owns. The city wants the land for the F.H.A This problem is finally resolved around the later part of 1954. During the period between 4/52 and the latter part of 1955 many additional construction projects are performed on the Post including a new heating system, the addition of a bar, updates of the rest rooms, also a lot of work was done on the second floor during this period. In mid June it was voted that the bar reports be given on a weekly basis and that inventories be done monthly.