Air Raid Defense, Observation Posts, Legion Members Volunteer

January 6, 1941: - ******** William J. Begley, Commander, called the regular meeting to order with 25 members present. Opening rituals conducted. There is $318.08 on hand. Bills were referred to proper channels. New bylaws have been printed and it was voted to pay for the printing, reported George Dunham for the committee. 1st V.C. Diotte reported 113 members in good standing for 1941. Membership teams were formed with the following Captains: P.C. Arthur Hall, Commander Begley and P.C. Patrick J. McMahon. The Governor Saltonstall proclaimed Legion Membership Week as January 26 to February 1. Defense Unit Officers have been elected by the Veterans Council, reported PDC McCrillis. They are - : Capt. John Lane, 1st Lt. Clifton McCrillis and 2nd Lt. Arthur Loheed. Alternates- Alfred Butler and Harold Tessier. Voted to donate $2.00 to the Elks Fund; $5.00 for 10th District Council dues; and, $3.00 to the Local Veterans Council 1941 dues. Voted $10.00 for Adjutant expenses this year and $3.50 for repair of radio and $1.50 for playing cards. The National Department sent a citation for good work done in 1940 by the Post on Americanism. Voted to have it framed. State Dept. Vice Commander Dr. Hall spoke on National Defense. He spoke on changes to take place on Observation Work on airplane defense trials.

February 3, 1941 : _ ********* Members present-29. The financial condition shows $423.59 on hand as of Feb. 1, 1941. There are 165 members in good standing, PC Saunders reported recent air observation defense units established on request of Mitchell Fields that the work was well carried out. In all there were 40 volunteers, of these, 31 were Legion Members. Nine flights in all were seen and reported. It was voted to send a letter of thanks to property owners who co-operated in the air defense program. Comrade Tessier and State Vc Hall told the defense unit to carry on. A committee was delegated to visit George Washington Thomas on Feb. 22 and that money be appropriated for cigars. Delegated were Commander Begley, 1st VC Diotte, 2nd VC Fuller and Service Officer Cole. Money is running low for the building fund. The Post voted to pay $10.00 a month for rent instead of $6.50. Proper authorities will be contacted to remedy problems of getting flags for deceased veterans. It was voted that Service Officer Cole have such authority. Veterans night will be held in our hall on Feb. 22. Appropriated was $25.00. The Womens Relief Corps will rent the hall on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of the month for $50.00 a year, if Memorial Association is in favor. An audit of the books will be done in March. Elected as auditors were PDC McCrillis, PC Geo Dunham and Comrade Wright. Voted to pay the expenses of the Commander, Adjutant and Finance Officer to th National Commander’s Banquet in Boston. Voted $2.00 to the Cabot Club Program for British War Relief.

March 3, 1941 : - ******** Commander Begley called the meeting to order, 36 members present. Cards inspected; flag advanced; invocation by Chaplain C Elmes Leggee and last meeting read and approved. Bills were read and referred to proper channels. Reported 172 members in good standing. Report of the delegation visit to GAR Commander George Washington Thomas on his birthday February 22. PC Cole still trying to get flags for deceased veterans. New date for Veterans Night is March 14. Prices for a new metal cabinet for Adjutant Records were quoted at $29.50. Accepted as one of progress. Begley and Bemis will continue to investigate prices. The Local Allied Veterans Council special meeting took place at the VFW Hall for election of officers. The following were elected for 1941. – Commander, George I. Dunham of the Legion; VC Charles Carver of the VFW; Adjutant, Everett Saunders of the Legion; and, Finance Officer, Benjamin Shaw of the S. U. V. It was voted to discontinue the National Tribune. Voted to buy 2,000 poppies. PC Cole as Chairman of the National Defense for the Post reported that he wished the Post sponsor a Home Defense Unit. It was so voted to sponsor same. Compiled and signed by Marshall Snow, Adjutant and Approved by William J. Begley, Commander.

April 7, 1941 : - ******** Regular meeting opened with 27 members present. Membership report of 183 members given by Adjutant Snow as chairman 1st VC Diotte is in the Newport Hospital. Finance report of $342 in treasury given by PC George Dunham as acting FO. About 100 were present on Veterans Night held on March 14. Expenses were $17.93. State Adjutant Curran, State VC McManus and Hall also attended. Anthony Gibbs was main speaker. Not much was transacted at the Local Veterans Council meeting except Home Defense was discussed at length. Seven have signed for the 1941 Sons of the Legion. Captain McCann is very ill. About $21 in the treasury and $54 in Drum Corps. McQuades Clothes Shop and Middleboro Clothing were designated official dealers in Legion Uniforms on request from State Dept. The Barnstable Voiture 40 & 8 requested funds to build a cabin at Camp Farley. Voted to donate $5.00. A nominating committee of five for electing officers for 1942 were elected. They were:-Marois, Atkins, Saunders Fortin and M. Rose. Voted to ask FO Thomas to purchase scholarship medals for Bates School and High School. Voted to invite the Wareham Post for a social night. Pool table repairs are needed at about $53.70. Only $22 in the fund. Voted to have pool table fixed and pay out of treasury and repay out of returns on the table. New metal filing cabinet purchased for $21. Voted to donate $5.00 to the YMCA.

May 5, 1941 : - ******** Commander Begley called meeting to order with 32 members present. Opening rituals performed. It was announced that there are 188 in the membership. Service Officer Cole talked about the BLACKOUT for May 21. He urged all members to sign up for various details such as Fire, Police and as District Captains. Comrade Rogers reported that Captain McCann had passed away. A military funeral was conducted by the Sons of the Legion. President Roosevelt has proclaimed May 18, 1941 as “I am an American Day.” This day to be set aside for newly made citizens. The Selectmen have requested that we work out a program for the town. Americanization Officer Drake and PC A. Hall and VC Wright were appointed. Finance Officer Thomas reported $309.43 on hand. It was voted to donate $5.00 to the local District Nurse Association. PC Cole, it was voted, has authority to ask all service men to join in the Memorial Day Parade. The program will be looked after by Geo Dunham, P. J. McMahon and Ernest Thomas. When the new metal cabinet is installed, the records will be examined and overhauled. 3d VC Wright and PC Hall were appointed to get the chairs in clubroom repaired for $15.00.

June 2, 1941 : - ******* Twenty Four members attended. Commander Begley announced that there now 203 members in good standing. Acting Finance Officer Geo. I. Dunham reported $367.78 on hand. Commander Begley reported $122 taken in on poppy drive. After expenses would be $47.25 profit for the Legion with same amount for the Auxiliary. PC Hall reported two clubroom chairs had been fixed. Americanization Officer Drake reported that notice came too late to do anything about “I am American Day.” Voted to have a carnival. Voted to endorse PC Dr. John Hall for candidate as State Vice Commander in 1942. Result of election for 1942 Officers. Commander, Reginald E. Drake; 1st VC, Herman W. Fuller; 2nd VC, Fred M. Wright; 3d VC, Warren P. Rogers; Adjutant, Marshall A. Snow; Finance Officer, Arthur S. Hall; Chaplain, Leslie M. Woodward; Sgt. @ Arms, Everett Caswell; Historian, John F. Casey; Athletic Officer, Everett L. Saunders; Americanization Officer, Harry Schofield; Graves Registration, Roger Anderson, Judge Advocate, Fletcher Clark, Jr.; Executive Committee, Frank Diotte, Arthur Almquist and PJ McMahon; House Committee, Frank Harris, Chas Card and Gideon Fortin; National Defense, Joseph Dutra, Geo I. Dunham and Louis A. Cole. Delegates to State Convention, Frank Diotte, PJ McMahon and William Begley; Alternates, Fred Wright, Reginald Drake and A S. Hall. Each delegate will be allotted $10. A committee was appointed to find a suitable presentation to give Service Officer Louis Cole for the work he has done. Appointed were PC Geo Dunham, PC Dr. John Hall and Fred Wright.

July 7, 1941 : - ********* 21 members present. Financial report shows $327.83. PDC McCrillis reported at the Local Vets Council meeting discussion was on listing of scattered graves in cemeteries of veterans of all wars. Adjutant reports 205 members in Post for 1941. Voted to donate $5.00 to 4th of July program sponsored by Kiwanis Club. Proceeded on balloting for auditing committee for 1942. Elected were McCrillis, Saunders and Geo Dunham as after nominations, Adjutant cast one ballot for same. USO meetings are being held at YMCA to obtain funds for recreation for service men. Voted $5.00 to Salvation Army. Comrade John Murphy of Norwell asked all to attend the 10th District clambake at Monponsett on July 27. PC Saunders will arrange airplane observation posts. Volunteers wanted. PC Cole spoke as Defense Officer that men are wanted in uniform for police duty.

August 4, 1941 : - ******** Meeting called to order with 19 present. Normal opening ceremonies. Sgt. @ Arms PJ McMahon escorted Service Officer outside. PC Dunham then discussed citation to be awarded to Cole for outstanding work for past several years. A life membership was donated and $25.00 voted to prepare and present the award. Membership Chairman Frank Diotte reported 205 paid up for 1941. Of $20 allotted about with $14.50 remaining, which was returned to treasury. Local Vet Council meeting had discussions on listing all graves of all wars being done with Gov’t Rep, reported PDC McCrillis. Finance Officer reported $272.08 on hand. A Fall River Corp had had men in town selling books under the Legion name for the Fall River Convention. Post 64 was not notified. Also have used unfair tactics. Voted to send letter to the company, one to State Dept and one to 10th District protesting such tactics. A committee of ten was formed to look into the matter. Installation night will be Sept. 26 and ask the Auxiliary to have installation with us. Comrade Tessier requested that rifles be loaned to train local State Guard Unit. After discussion, it was voted not to loan rifles. It was voted to look up all data on how the rifles came into Legion possession. And to see what restrictions were placed on loaning them out. It was voted to purchase 5 defense bonds at $18.75 each.

September 8, 1941 : - ********* Commander William J. Begley called the meeting to order with 22 present. Ernest Thomas, Finance Officer, read financial showing $105.58. Reported he was unable to purchase defense bonds through local P.O. because they are not sold to organizations. PC Arthur Hall will look into the situation to see of other form of bonds could be bought. Membership is 206 for 1941. Elections were held for 1942 Service Officer with Louis Cole nominated and elected. Also, PDC McCrillis was elected as Assistant Service Officer. PJ McMahon was elected as the 1942 Sgt. @ Arms. Information about the rifles was reported by Adjutant Snow. He reported that the rifles belong to the Post. It was voted that Comrade Tessier be loaned the rifles for Local State Guard use. Also that rifles be given proper care. $15.00 was voted for Adjutant supplies and $25.00 for his 1941 pay. Letters will be Senators asking them to vote in favor of the Widows and Orphans Bill.

October 6, 1941 : - ********* Reginald Drake called his first meeting to order as Commander with 21 present. The Adjutant inspected cards. Sgt. @ Arms PJ McMahon advanced the flag. Invocation b Chaplain Leslie Woodward. Records of last meeting read. Purchase of Defense Bonds still being studied. Adjutant report that records now in hall metal cabinet have been put in shape. PC Saunders for Air Raid Defense reported trials would beheld beginning October 10 for one week. Two Posts organized and volunteers wanted. Air Defense work was voted $2.00 (telephone, etc.) for the coming test week. It was voted to lay on the table an appeal from State Guard for funds. Citations were awarded from National Headquarters for excellent 1941 membership for Post 64. They were awarded to 1941 Commander William J Begley; Membership Chairman Frank Diotte and Adjutant Marshall Snow. The citations were copied on the record. The Carver Post was sent a letter offering them assistance in continuing their Post. The financial report showed $82.35. The auxiliary was sent a letter of thanks for $15 check presented at installation. A committee of nine was appointed to carry out Armistice Day program. Herman Fuller resigned as 1st VC. Fred M Wright was elected. His 2nd VC position was taken by Warren P. Rogers, who vacated 3rd VC. His spot was voted to Edson M. Bemis. Service Officer Louis Cole was presented an inscribed metal Legion Life Membership for outstanding work and Post appreciation.

November 3, 1941 : _ ********* Twenty-two in attendance. Normal opening rituals. PC Saunders reported for AIR RAID OBSERVATION that in October there were 35 plane reports, 117 planes observed and on 1st day 24 flights with last day two flights. There were 16 planes noted in one group. History of the Observation Posts (air) is wanted by State Department. Saunders says he will look after same. The Post will send a letter to Rock Mfg. Co (Albert Charboneau) thanking for use of property and to hope we can have the same again. Wareham will come up for a social night November 3, reported PC Saunders. Expenses of $5.00 was voted. FO Thomas reports $85.85 on hand. Voted to send a letter to Barre, Vt. For circulars on War Memorials. Service Officer was voted $10.00 for expenses for ensuing year. Finance Officer will hold $5.00 for petty cash. State Dept. Auxiliary voted $5.00 for Vets benefits in hospital at Christmas time. Membership campaign was voted $20.00. Voted to buy book “Roberts Rules of Order.” If Dr. Hall becomes a candidate for State Commander the Post will solidly endorse him. The Welfare Officer will buy articles such as sympathy cards, etc., it was voted. Hathaway Adv. Co. wants to hire the roof for a sign. If building is strong enough there is no apparent objection. Referred to Memorial Association for action.

December 1, 1941 : - ******** Regular meeting with 21 present. No meeting was held for Local Vets Council reported FDC McCrillis. PC Saunders reported Armistice Day parade a success and all money spent with all prizes awarded. PC Begley reported a sale of turkeys to be carried out pre-Christmas by the Ways and Means committee. A balance on hand of $49.58 was read for the financial report. The Adjutant is receiving various flyers from Army Headquarters on Enlistments, etc. On various appeals for funds and after much debate the following amounts were voted: $1 to local Girl Scouts; $1 to Society Cruelty to Children; $2 to Red Cross; and $1 to Plymouth Health Association (passed the hat for $1 more) Voted to buy 3 pictures of Marion outing for Historian records. Voted to share expense of Christmas Party for Veterans Children in conjunction with Auxiliary. Elected as delegates to the Local Veterans Council; McCrillis, Cole and Atkins. Alternates elected were McMahon, Drake and Saunders. The three Vice Commanders were appointed to take care of Veterans Night. The USO wishes to use the for entertainment services for men in the camps. It was voted they may have hall for Dec & Jan not to conflict with regular letting of hall. Finance Officer Hall reports pool table returns. Repair Bill $53.95. Receipts so far $42.40. Left to pay $11.55. Commander Drake appointed Ernest Thomas as Chairman of Oratorical Contest. …………… (1941 compiled by Historian Bob Lessard 2014)