Strong spirit continues, dispite waning membership

In 1919, the American Legion DeParcq Post was formed in the St. Paul neighborhood of Highland Park and was named after St. Paul native John DeParcq, who died in Army basic training at Camp Dix, New Jersey in 1918.  In 1923, The Christie Post was formed in Highland Park and named after John Christie who was killed on the Western Front just a few weeks prior to November 11, 1918.  In 1929, the posts merged to become Christie DeParcq.

To this day, Christie DeParcq is best know for our Minnesota state American Legion Baseball championships.  We won the state championship in 1927, 1928, 1935, 1946, 1947, 1962 and 1963 – more than any other post in the state.  Our most famous baseball alumnus were future hall-of-famer, Minnesota Twins pitcher Jack Morris (Highland Park class of 1973) and Jack Palmer (Cretin High School class of 1965) who was the star pitcher on the 1963 state championship team. He later became the captain of the University of Minnesota 1969 Big Ten championship team. Of note, Jake Mauer, father of Minnesota Twins current home town hero Joe Mauer.

Our all-time high in membership was in 1946 with 348 members.  As of December 2017, we were still going strong (in spirit at least) with 37 members.

Christie DeParcq has had some notable members, to include:

Jim Dorfsman became a member in 1980 and worked extremely hard to help the post flourish in the 1980’s and 1990’s.  He had a million dollar personality, brought many new members into the post and was Post Commander in 1993-1994.

Tom Shaw was Post Commander in the late 1990’s and was a tireless advocate for veterans’ benefits.  He would lobby for veterans every legislative session at the state capitol.

Sid Schmuckler was post judge advocate and a mentor for every member in the post.  He founded the United Veterans Council which continues to advocate for veterans to this very day.

Bertha Dorr was Unit 406 Auxiliary President for 30 years before her retirement in 1999.  She attended every single 4th District Auxiliary meeting.

Albert Simon was Post Historian in the 1970’s and early 1980’s.  He was one of the very last remaining World War I veterans in the state of Minnesota at the time of his death at the age of 101.

Mike Ash joined Christie DeParcq in 1994 and became Post Commander.  He than became 4th District Commander and then only the second Department of Minnesota Commander to be elected out of the 4th District, serving in 2013-2014.  He currently serves as the 4th District Adjutant.

Teresa Ash became Post Commander in 2005 and served 2 terms as 4th District Commander 2009-2011.

Joe Jansen has been Post Commander for the last 12 years and is currently the 4th District representative to the Armed Forces Service Center at the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport.

Jim Hassing became a life member of the American Legion in January 1989 and after talking to Jim Dorfsman, he transferred into Christie DeParcq in September of 1996.  He is currently Post Adjutant and Treasurer.  Jim (often with an additional post member in tow) has been a monthly volunteer at the Minneapolis VAMC, bringing cheer to our hospitalized veterans for over 20 years.

Larry Russ was a Doctor of Chiropractor and a track and cross country coach at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul served as Post Historian.  He successfully recruited many new members and recorded through his photography many events held by Christie DeParcq, including the annual Christie DeParcq Holiday Party held at Mancini’s Char House a St. Paul landmark.