Post 97 Libby, Montana
Post 97
Libby, Montana
About This Post
Post Namesake
Austin F. Reedy; 22 years old. His parents were Mr and Mrs John Reedy, Libby. Austin entered the Army from Libby in October 1917. He served in Company H, 163rd Infantry, 41st Division and Company H, 127th Infantry 32nd Division. ... READ MORE
Notable Members
Robert Petrusha; Department Commander, 1974 -1975 Department Vice-Commander, 1973 -1974
Larry Stroklund; Western Zone Command, (Districts 4,5,6) 2015 -2017 National Appointment to Force Structure Committee, 2013 - 2017 Department Executive Chairman, 1999 -2001 District 4 Commander, ... READ MORE
What Makes this Post Unique
Historically the American Legion, Dept. of Montana, Post 97 in Libby, Mt. has been an important Service Organization for the Veterans and the Community. It began with the fund raising and erection of a WW1 memorial statue. Since then it ... READ MORE
HISTORY
1910
Austin Reedy Uniform Picture
Oct 18, 1917
This is an early photo of Austin Reedy in uniform.
This is an early photo of Austin Reedy in uniform.
Austin Reedy Obituary
Jul 31, 1918
Austin Reedy was the first service member killed in battle from Lincoln County Montana in WW1. He was from Libby, Montana and is the namesake of American Legion Post 97.
Austin Reedy was the first service member killed in battle from Lincoln County Montana in WW1. He was from Libby, Montana and is the namesake of American Legion Post 97.
1920
Post 97, Libby, Montana, Charter
Oct 25, 1920
Traditionally from 1920, the WW1 veterans organized, ran and policed the July 4th Celebrations in Libby, Montana.
Original Membership
Oct 25, 1920
The original membership was actually meeting in 1919. They met at an old church on the corner of Montana Ave and Lincoln Boulevard.
Actual Original Charter
Jun 10, 1921
We have many versions of the original Charter. The group that Originally formed as the American Legion, became organized October 25, 1920. They then became Chartered on June 10, 1921.
Article about Lincoln County WWI Deaths.
May 25, 1922
The attached is a reprint of an original article, the reprint is from May 25, 1967.
WW1 Memorial Statue
May 30, 1922
Memorial Statue to honor WW1 deaths of veterans on active duty from Lincoln County Montana.
Memorial Statue to honor WW1 deaths of veterans on active duty from Lincoln County Montana.
Base of WW1 Memorial
May 30, 1922
This is the base of the WW1 Memorial on Lincoln Boulevard in Libby, Mt. The engraved names are active duty veterans from Lincoln County Montana, who died while on active military duty. Buried in the base of the Statue is a metal (presumed lead) box with memorabilia of the era.
Post 97 First Meeting Place
Dec 5, 1922
The photo is the present day look of the first meeting place. The structure is imaginable as the First Presbyterian Church of Libby as it was in 1922.
The photo is the present day look of the first meeting place. The structure is imaginable as the First Presbyterian Church of Libby as it was in 1922.
Memorial Statue Obituaries
May 23, 1923
The Memorial Statue on Lincoln Boulevard in Libby, Montana honors five soldiers from WWI, the statue was "Lady Remembrance" produced by Spokane Monument Works of Spokane, Washington. These are the five soldiers obituaries.
Memorial Statue Obituaries
May 23, 1923
Memorial Statue Obituary of Statue Honoree.
Memorial Statue Obituaries
May 23, 1923
Memorial Statue Honoree
Memorial Statue Obituaries
May 23, 1923
Memorial Statue Honoree
Memorial Statue Obituaries
May 23, 1923
Memorial Statue Honoree
1950
Post 97 Purchases Present Day Club
Mar 9, 1953
In March of 1953, The American Legion Post 97 purchased the First Bank of Libby building. I have also put in an old picture of original building from 1918.
In March of 1953, The American Legion Post 97 purchased the First Bank of Libby building. I have also put in an old picture of original building from 1918.
Picture of Bank that turned into Club
Mar 9, 1953
This is a 1918 picture of First Bank of Libby that turned into the Post 97 Club.
This is a 1918 picture of First Bank of Libby that turned into the Post 97 Club.
Montana Americal Legion begins Highway Fatality Marker White Cross Program
Jul 18, 1953
They are numerous enough to notice. Infrequent enough to startle at seeing. They stimulate reverence, sorrow, sympathy, curiosity, and caution. They effect us all to one degree or another. They are the white crosses that mark the sites of fatal traffic accidents along the highways of Montana. For 75 years, these white crosses have reminded passing motorists of the dangers of the road, as well as the lives, which have been lost on the highways.
The..
Original Honor Squad
Apr 12, 1956
The original Honor Squad was established in 1956 or 1957 .
1960
Legion Baseball Field
May 12, 1960
Post 97 Legion Member spearheaded the need for Little League Baseball and American Legion Baseball in Libby. The effort started in the late 1950's and the Legion Field was updated in the late 1980's.
Post 97 Legion Member spearheaded the need for Little League Baseball and American Legion Baseball in Libby. The effort started in the late 1950's and the Legion Field was updated in the late 1980's.
Legion Baseball Field
May 12, 1960
View of the present field.
View of the present field.
American Legion begins White Cross Program
May 25, 1965
The State of Montana enacted the White Marker Program in 1967, however, the American Legion, Post 97 began in 1965. This is the original sign put up by Legion members on the Idaho Border of U.S. Highway 2.
The State of Montana enacted the White Marker Program in 1967, however, the American Legion, Post 97 began in 1965. This is the original sign put up by Legion members on the Idaho Border of U.S. Highway 2.
Montana White Marker Program
Jan 1, 1967
The White Marker Program began in Montana.
White Cross Highway Markers
May 20, 1967
Officially enacted in Montana in 1967, some American Legion Posts had already started erecting White Markers on Montana Highways. They were placed along highways in the state where a traffic fatality had occurred.
Officially enacted in Montana in 1967, some American Legion Posts had already started erecting White Markers on Montana Highways. They were placed along highways in the state where a traffic fatality had occurred.
Memorial Statue Defaced
May 23, 1967
On May 23, 1967 the WWI Memorial Statue in Libby was defaced. The original statue was removed and replaced by another in 1968. The original statue top resides in Libby Cemetery.
Libby Little League wins State Championship
Aug 9, 1967
This picture goes with the August 10th photo.
This picture goes with the August 10th photo.
Libby Little League wins Little League Title
Aug 10, 1967
Libby Little League wins State Title, but were defeated on way to Little League World Series. The team was coached by Legion Post 97 Commander Lee Gehring and several of the boys on this team became Legion members and past officers.
Libby Little League wins State Title, but were defeated on way to Little League World Series. The team was coached by Legion Post 97 Commander Lee Gehring and several of the boys on this team became Legion members and past officers.
1970
Operation Christmas Tree
Dec 1, 1971
In 1971, Libby Post 97, assisted a former Viet Nam era Army helicopter pilot, secure and deliver Christmas Trees and ornaments to Viet Nam.
In 1971, Libby Post 97, assisted a former Viet Nam era Army helicopter pilot, secure and deliver Christmas Trees and ornaments to Viet Nam.
Operation Christmas Tree
Dec 10, 1971
The pictured tree was delivered to the Saigon USO by Commander of the American Legion Post 97, Libby, Mt.
The pictured tree was delivered to the Saigon USO by Commander of the American Legion Post 97, Libby, Mt.
Operation Christmas Tree
Dec 17, 1971
American Legion Post 97, Libby, Mt., Commander Keith Walsh answered letter acknowledging completion of mission and people and organizations that assisted.
American Legion Post 97, Libby, Mt., Commander Keith Walsh answered letter acknowledging completion of mission and people and organizations that assisted.
1980
Highway Cleanup
Apr 23, 1980
On Earth Day, 1980, the Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts and members of Post 97, American Legion of Libby, Mt. began highway cleanup on 2 miles of Mt. Highway 37 north of Libby. In early 1990 the project switched to 2 miles of U.S. Highway 2 west of Libby, Mt. The change occurred due to finding Asbestos along Highway 37.
On Earth Day, 1980, the Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts and members of Post 97, American Legion of Libby, Mt. began highway cleanup on 2 miles of Mt. Highway 37 north of Libby. In early 1990 the project switched to 2 miles of U.S. Highway 2 west of Libby, Mt. The change occurred due to finding Asbestos along Highway 37.
American Legion- DAV van
May 5, 1980
In the 1970's The American Legion Post 97 purchased an old van to transport veterans to the VA Medical Center in Spokane, Wa. They secured a grant from St. Regis Lumber and built a garage on VFW property to house the Van. In late 1977, Post 97 entered into an agreement with The DAV to share the cost of a DAV van. In 1980 they received a new van. The picture is of the latest..
In the 1970's The American Legion Post 97 purchased an old van to transport veterans to the VA Medical Center in Spokane, Wa. They secured a grant from St. Regis Lumber and built a garage on VFW property to house the Van. In late 1977, Post 97 entered into an agreement with The DAV to share the cost of a DAV van. In 1980 they received a new van. The picture is of the latest..
2000
Veterans Day Memorial
Nov 11, 2005
The Post 97 Honor Guard has been around for some time (Approx. 1956/57), this is their annual participation in the Veterans Day Ceremony.
2010
Ladies Auxiliary Quilt
Nov 11, 2016
The quilt was made and donated by Barb Hoeltzel.
The quilt was made and donated by Barb Hoeltzel.
South Pole Flag
Dec 10, 2016
Post 97 Legion member, Ray Tangen, while working at the South Pole, had the station commander fly a flag for Austin Reedy Post 97, Libby, Mt.
Post 97 Legion member, Ray Tangen, while working at the South Pole, had the station commander fly a flag for Austin Reedy Post 97, Libby, Mt.
Scouting Charter
Dec 31, 2016
In 2016, the Post had sponsored Scouting in Libby for 70 continuous years.
Memorial Day Ceremonies
May 29, 2017
Every Memorial Day the Post 97 Honor Guard participates in the ceremonies. Our bugler is a high school student and a member of the Junior Ladies Auxiliary.
Past Honor Guard Commanders:Gus Adamson, Gene Dedic, Rex Smith, Ray Dedic, and Ron Reuteler
