Post 102 Anoka, Minnesota
Post 102
Anoka, Minnesota
About This Post
Post Namesake
Edward B. Cutter of Anoka, enlisted in Company B, 3rd Minnesota Infantry, Minnesota National Guard on January 22, 1906. He was elected 2nd Lieutenant and later promoted to 1st Lieutenant. While in Law School at the University of Minnesota “Ned” joined the Officers Training Program. After serving on the Mexican border he entered active service on August 17, 1917, choosing to become an air observer. He arrived in France on August 18, 1918, assigned to the 90th Aero Squadron, American Expeditionary Forces (AEF), as an air observer. Lt Cutter was killed in action on October 21, 1918 while observing German troop activity during the Verdun Offensive. He is buried in the American Cemetery at Souilly-sur-Meuse, France.
Notable Members
Private Rick Sorenson, USMC, a native son of Anoka and former member of Post 102,
was the recipient of the Congressional Medal of Honor (MOH) for conspicuous gallantry
in action, against the forces of the Japanese Empire, on 1-2 February, 1944. You can read the full story HERE
Theresa Ericksen is an honored member of Post 102. A stalwart member of her profession in peace and war, see her biography by Johannes Allert. Theresa was a member of the Post beginning in the early 1920s, and you can read her full story HERE
HISTORY
1910
Edward B. Cutter Post 102, Chartered
Aug 25, 1919
On August 25, 1919, Edward B. Cutter Post 102, was chartered-
On August 25, 1919, Edward B. Cutter Post 102, was chartered-
The Chronicle of Edward B. Cutter Post 102
Sep 1, 1919
The Chronicle of Post 102 (Anoka, MN), The American Legion, is derived from newspaper articles in 189 local editions of three newspapers, spanning ninety-eight years, an award winning Post newspaper, Post records, Commanders scrapbooks and personal recollections. Much of the Chronicle is a series of vignettes describing events of the Post, each is dated. Some events occur only once or infrequently, others are annual, e.g. school patrol training. Post 102 of The American Legion is..
The Chronicle of Post 102 (Anoka, MN), The American Legion, is derived from newspaper articles in 189 local editions of three newspapers, spanning ninety-eight years, an award winning Post newspaper, Post records, Commanders scrapbooks and personal recollections. Much of the Chronicle is a series of vignettes describing events of the Post, each is dated. Some events occur only once or infrequently, others are annual, e.g. school patrol training. Post 102 of The American Legion is..
Edward B. Cutter Post 102 Officially Organized
Oct 22, 1919
The "War to End All Wars" had been over for eleven months in October 1919, when the Edward B. Cutter Post 102 of The American Legion became a permanent organization. On the twenty-second of that month, at a meeting at the armory, an executive committee of eleven was chosen, with Lloyd McCann as president. Members that day helped fill out over one hundred bonus applications. The nation was in recovery mode, the "Roaring Twenties" just..
The "War to End All Wars" had been over for eleven months in October 1919, when the Edward B. Cutter Post 102 of The American Legion became a permanent organization. On the twenty-second of that month, at a meeting at the armory, an executive committee of eleven was chosen, with Lloyd McCann as president. Members that day helped fill out over one hundred bonus applications. The nation was in recovery mode, the "Roaring Twenties" just..
1920
HONORS FOR SOLDIER DEAD
May 27, 1920
["HONORS FOR SOLDIER DEAD." Anoka Union 27 May. 1920: Print.] Memorial Day Fittingly Observed by Veterans and Citizens of Anoka = Blue and Olive Drab = New Veterans Form Guard of Honor For Men Who Fought in War of Rebellion. Memorial Day was observed in Anoka with fitting ceremonies and Anoka’s citizens turned out in numbers to do honor to the soldier dead. In the morning the J.S. Cady Post No. 2, G.A.R. and..
["HONORS FOR SOLDIER DEAD." Anoka Union 27 May. 1920: Print.] Memorial Day Fittingly Observed by Veterans and Citizens of Anoka = Blue and Olive Drab = New Veterans Form Guard of Honor For Men Who Fought in War of Rebellion. Memorial Day was observed in Anoka with fitting ceremonies and Anoka’s citizens turned out in numbers to do honor to the soldier dead. In the morning the J.S. Cady Post No. 2, G.A.R. and..
Support Your Service Organizations
Aug 28, 1920
["Support Your Service Organizations." Anoka Union 28 Aug. 1920: Print.] I don’t know who had the original idea, but it certainly was successful. To the uninitiated, I am referring to the first annual American Legion Post 102 picnic Sunday at George Green Park, Anoka, an affair that hosted about 300 kids of Legion members to races, prizes, a fish pond, pony rides, food, pop and a dance. About 150 adults were there to supervise, conduct..
["Support Your Service Organizations." Anoka Union 28 Aug. 1920: Print.] I don’t know who had the original idea, but it certainly was successful. To the uninitiated, I am referring to the first annual American Legion Post 102 picnic Sunday at George Green Park, Anoka, an affair that hosted about 300 kids of Legion members to races, prizes, a fish pond, pony rides, food, pop and a dance. About 150 adults were there to supervise, conduct..
Pay For National Guardsmen
Oct 22, 1920
["Pay For National Guardsmen." Anoka Union 22 Oct. 1920: Print.] Inquiry has been sent to the state department headquarters of The American Legion, here, as to whether "national guardsman were to receive additional pay" from the state for services rendered while on border duty. P.L .O’Toole, assistant adjutant, has made public this announcement: "National Guard members who served on the American border in 1916, are entitled to draw, as additional pay, 50 cents per day..
["Pay For National Guardsmen." Anoka Union 22 Oct. 1920: Print.] Inquiry has been sent to the state department headquarters of The American Legion, here, as to whether "national guardsman were to receive additional pay" from the state for services rendered while on border duty. P.L .O’Toole, assistant adjutant, has made public this announcement: "National Guard members who served on the American border in 1916, are entitled to draw, as additional pay, 50 cents per day..
Theresa Ericksen
Jan 11, 1921
[ Allert, Johannes "Theresa Ericksen." Anoka County Historical Society Image/Print.] From the start, Theresa Ericksen's life was marked with adversity, yet she chose a vocation of service and self-sacrifice. Equally compelling is the fact that she came from neither wealth nor privilege, yet much of her legacy remains intact. Orphaned at age six, she travelled with her Uncle & Aunt to destinations as far away as China and Japan. A visit to St. Paul, Minnesota..
[ Allert, Johannes "Theresa Ericksen." Anoka County Historical Society Image/Print.] From the start, Theresa Ericksen's life was marked with adversity, yet she chose a vocation of service and self-sacrifice. Equally compelling is the fact that she came from neither wealth nor privilege, yet much of her legacy remains intact. Orphaned at age six, she travelled with her Uncle & Aunt to destinations as far away as China and Japan. A visit to St. Paul, Minnesota..
Naturalized Citizenship
Jan 12, 1921
["Naturalized Citizenship." Anoka Union 12 Jan. 1921: Print.] The Edward B. Cutter Post, No., 102, held the first of its regular monthly meetings, January 11, at the Armory. Commander Caswell made the announcement that any ex-service man who had been naturalized in the service, but who had not received his papers, should get in touch with him, as he has the necessary data to procure them. The reason that men did not receive these papers..
["Naturalized Citizenship." Anoka Union 12 Jan. 1921: Print.] The Edward B. Cutter Post, No., 102, held the first of its regular monthly meetings, January 11, at the Armory. Commander Caswell made the announcement that any ex-service man who had been naturalized in the service, but who had not received his papers, should get in touch with him, as he has the necessary data to procure them. The reason that men did not receive these papers..
Victory Medals
May 17, 1921
["Victory Medals" Anoka Herald 17 May. 1921: Print.] All ex-service men of Anoka and vicinity can secure victory medals at the Anoka Armory Friday afternoon and evening, May 20. The American Legion has made arrangements to have a man from the recruiting office in Minneapolis issue these medals at that time. Bring your discharge papers and take your medal away with you. Every ex-service man is welcome at the American Legion smoker given that evening.
["Victory Medals" Anoka Herald 17 May. 1921: Print.] All ex-service men of Anoka and vicinity can secure victory medals at the Anoka Armory Friday afternoon and evening, May 20. The American Legion has made arrangements to have a man from the recruiting office in Minneapolis issue these medals at that time. Bring your discharge papers and take your medal away with you. Every ex-service man is welcome at the American Legion smoker given that evening.
Recruiting Challenge
Mar 13, 1923
["Recruiting Challenge." Anoka Herald 13 Mar. 1923: Print.] At the meeting of the Edward B. Cutter Post, of The American Legion, Tuesday evening, March 6, 1923, it was decided to put on a membership campaign. The Post is to be divided into two companies “A” and “B” and certain credit be given to each company for each new member or re-instatement of a member and attendance at meetings. The Commander, Finance officer, and Adjutant are..
["Recruiting Challenge." Anoka Herald 13 Mar. 1923: Print.] At the meeting of the Edward B. Cutter Post, of The American Legion, Tuesday evening, March 6, 1923, it was decided to put on a membership campaign. The Post is to be divided into two companies “A” and “B” and certain credit be given to each company for each new member or re-instatement of a member and attendance at meetings. The Commander, Finance officer, and Adjutant are..
Adjusted Compensation
Mar 1, 1924
["Adjusted Compensation." Anoka Union 1 Mar. 1924: Print.] The men in charge of the adjusted compensation work at Washington are anxious for the applications to be sent in so that they can get on with the work. Blanks can be procured from the post office, or from the commanders of any veterans organization. Lawrence LaPlant has been appointed service officer of the Edward B. Cutter Post, No. 102, American Legion. He has blanks and will..
["Adjusted Compensation." Anoka Union 1 Mar. 1924: Print.] The men in charge of the adjusted compensation work at Washington are anxious for the applications to be sent in so that they can get on with the work. Blanks can be procured from the post office, or from the commanders of any veterans organization. Lawrence LaPlant has been appointed service officer of the Edward B. Cutter Post, No. 102, American Legion. He has blanks and will..
1930
Teacher Recognition
Apr 5, 1932
In keeping with the Post and Auxiliary's promotion of Children, Youth and Community, they have long been advocates of education and champions of the American Education Week. In the thirties, a program was started to recognize educators: teachers, staff, cooks and custodians. Schools have included those in Anoka, Coon Rapids and Champlin. Early on, the program became a two way street, with each side acknowledging the efforts of the other. In 1936, the Post and..
In keeping with the Post and Auxiliary's promotion of Children, Youth and Community, they have long been advocates of education and champions of the American Education Week. In the thirties, a program was started to recognize educators: teachers, staff, cooks and custodians. Schools have included those in Anoka, Coon Rapids and Champlin. Early on, the program became a two way street, with each side acknowledging the efforts of the other. In 1936, the Post and..
Sports Program at the Fair Grounds
Jul 26, 1933
["Sports Program at the Fair Grounds." Anoka Union 26 Jul. 1933: Print.] The mid-summer sports program under auspices of the American Legion at the Anoka fair grounds Tuesday evening was a decided success drawing a crowd of over 1000 people. The horse races drew a field of runners who ran the course in record time.H. Mullenberg of Owatona was the winner in the 2:18 pace winning all three heats. His time in the first heat..
["Sports Program at the Fair Grounds." Anoka Union 26 Jul. 1933: Print.] The mid-summer sports program under auspices of the American Legion at the Anoka fair grounds Tuesday evening was a decided success drawing a crowd of over 1000 people. The horse races drew a field of runners who ran the course in record time.H. Mullenberg of Owatona was the winner in the 2:18 pace winning all three heats. His time in the first heat..
Anoka School Patrols
Jul 14, 1937
["Anoka School Patrols." Anoka Union 14 Jul. 1937: Print.] Through the efforts of state highway patrol officers, Kitteridge, Brown and Nelson, the school board was able to contact the proper authorities and two instructors. Officers Hendrickson and Anderson were detailed to talk to the children at the Franklin and the Convent schools and to instruct the school patrol how to pilot the children across the streets. Tha Anoka American Legion furnished the Sam Brown belts..
["Anoka School Patrols." Anoka Union 14 Jul. 1937: Print.] Through the efforts of state highway patrol officers, Kitteridge, Brown and Nelson, the school board was able to contact the proper authorities and two instructors. Officers Hendrickson and Anderson were detailed to talk to the children at the Franklin and the Convent schools and to instruct the school patrol how to pilot the children across the streets. Tha Anoka American Legion furnished the Sam Brown belts..
American Legion Sponsors Football Party
Oct 4, 1938
["American Legion Sponsors Football Party." Anoka Union 04 Oct. 1938: Print.] The local post of the American Legion will sponsor a football benefit and party on Tuesday, October 4, to raise money for the purchasing of warm-up jackets for the members of the Anoka high school football team. Tickets are on sale by Legion members and a record crowd is expected to attend. The local Legion post, as most of you remember, won the award..
["American Legion Sponsors Football Party." Anoka Union 04 Oct. 1938: Print.] The local post of the American Legion will sponsor a football benefit and party on Tuesday, October 4, to raise money for the purchasing of warm-up jackets for the members of the Anoka high school football team. Tickets are on sale by Legion members and a record crowd is expected to attend. The local Legion post, as most of you remember, won the award..
American Legion Football Stag a Big Success
Oct 8, 1938
["American Legion Football Stag a Big Success." Anoka Union 08 Oct. 1938: Print.] The Football stag sponsored by the American Legion in the Anoka Armory last Tuesday evening was a big success financially and everyone who attended reported a good time. Enough money was made to buy twenty-two football overcoats for Les Mason and Arch Pease's high school football warriors. These overcoats will be formally presented at the homecoming game to the team and will..
["American Legion Football Stag a Big Success." Anoka Union 08 Oct. 1938: Print.] The Football stag sponsored by the American Legion in the Anoka Armory last Tuesday evening was a big success financially and everyone who attended reported a good time. Enough money was made to buy twenty-two football overcoats for Les Mason and Arch Pease's high school football warriors. These overcoats will be formally presented at the homecoming game to the team and will..
Tornado Disrupts Convention
Jun 18, 1939
["Tornado Disrupts Convention." Anoka Herald 18 Jun. 1939: Print.] 10 District Convention Anoka... the tornado hit at 18 minutes after 3 pm on Sunday, June 18 when the Fire Hall clock stopped when power lines fell. Just a half hour before the scheduled start of the parade, the worst tornado in the history of the city struck with very little warning. The accompanying roar of the tornado was almost deafening. Guy Spencer compared the sound..
["Tornado Disrupts Convention." Anoka Herald 18 Jun. 1939: Print.] 10 District Convention Anoka... the tornado hit at 18 minutes after 3 pm on Sunday, June 18 when the Fire Hall clock stopped when power lines fell. Just a half hour before the scheduled start of the parade, the worst tornado in the history of the city struck with very little warning. The accompanying roar of the tornado was almost deafening. Guy Spencer compared the sound..
Legionnaires and Auxiliary at Their Best
Jun 19, 1939
["Legionnaires and Auxiliary at Their Best." Anoka Herald 19 Jun. 1939: Print.] Officials of the Tenth District, American Legion, had planned to hold their annual convention in the drill hall of the Anoka Armory. The Armory being deemed to large, the City Hall was rented. The Armory was demolished, the move probably saved lives and certainly injuries. The City Hall was not touched. The Legionnaires immediately formed rescue squads to aid the injured. The Auxiliary,..
["Legionnaires and Auxiliary at Their Best." Anoka Herald 19 Jun. 1939: Print.] Officials of the Tenth District, American Legion, had planned to hold their annual convention in the drill hall of the Anoka Armory. The Armory being deemed to large, the City Hall was rented. The Armory was demolished, the move probably saved lives and certainly injuries. The City Hall was not touched. The Legionnaires immediately formed rescue squads to aid the injured. The Auxiliary,..
1940
Veterans Gainfully Employed Making Poppies
Jan 1, 1940
["Veterans Gainfully Employed Making Poppies." Anoka Union 01 Jan. 1940: Print.] Only Veterans receiving little or no government compensation are offered poppy employment, with preference going to those having families to support. The men are paid on the basis of the number of poppies produced and the number which can be produced per man per day is limited to conserve their strength and to spread employment as widely as possible. Besides providing much needed money,..
["Veterans Gainfully Employed Making Poppies." Anoka Union 01 Jan. 1940: Print.] Only Veterans receiving little or no government compensation are offered poppy employment, with preference going to those having families to support. The men are paid on the basis of the number of poppies produced and the number which can be produced per man per day is limited to conserve their strength and to spread employment as widely as possible. Besides providing much needed money,..
American Legion Sponsors Anoka Summer Program
May 30, 1940
["American Legion Sponsors Anoka Summer Program." Anoka Union 30 May. 1940: Print.] Several Hundred Anoka Young People Will Receive Instruction The boys and girls of Anoka now have one of the most complete recreational programs in the state. The program is planned so that the interests of most of those who wish to take part will be met. Through the cooperation of the board of education and the city council, the recreational facilities in Anoka..
["American Legion Sponsors Anoka Summer Program." Anoka Union 30 May. 1940: Print.] Several Hundred Anoka Young People Will Receive Instruction The boys and girls of Anoka now have one of the most complete recreational programs in the state. The program is planned so that the interests of most of those who wish to take part will be met. Through the cooperation of the board of education and the city council, the recreational facilities in Anoka..
