John D. Rockwell, Jr. Post 64 Publicist Recognized By Local Newspaper

January 30, 1969
Plans were formulated by members of Simeon L. Nickerson Post 64 American Legion executive board to celebrate the 50th anniversary of its founding in March. The event will consist of a roast beef dinner followed by dancing to the music of the Cavkiers of Wareham.

Attorney Fletcher Clark, Jr., who was the first Commander of Post 64 back in 1919/1920 will be honored at the celebration. Present Commander Harold R. Tower, Jr., will host the festivities.

John Rockwell, Jr., publicist for the Post has been releasing information to the press regarding the Birthday celebration. The Middleboro Post was organized during a special meeting of soldiers and sailors on June 23, 1919.

The Middleboro Gazette of February 23, 1969 published a “pat on the back” article in recognition of Rockwell’s publicity involvement with the Post. “… a special sort of man, vital to the group and often unheralded for his contributions….a good public relations worker, “said the newspaper.

“A Legionnaire since 1946, the dedicated man keeps the public informed of Legion activities. He was Commander of the Post in 1951 and has held numerous posts since then,” the article said of Rockwell.

“Mr. Rockwell for several years put out a monthly newspaper entitled “Nickerson News” which contained advance notice of upcoming programs, write-ups of major events in the local Post as well as local, state and national news.”

The Gazette also reported, “In his work as executive committeeman, cooperative chairman of the Allied Veterans Council and other posts he has held, he has kept the public informed of annual Memorial Day and Veterans Day parades, routes, judges, and special services.

Among the many activities associated with Mr. Rockwell's publicity work is his scrapbook collection of published material. He has acquired most of the news clippings regarding Post 64, which he had penned and those of other writers. The clippings have been placed in a huge scrapbook and date back to 1948 through the current 1969 offerings. The scrapbook is a magnificient historical accounting of Post activities.

Rockwell lives at 17 Court End Avenue, where he has a collection of miniature trains and street cars. He is a funeral director at Egger’s Funeral Home. He is also a member of the Central Baptist Church.
.............................( Compiled by Post Historian Bob Lessard 2014)