HISTORY HIGHLIGHTS OF GUYER-CARIGNAN POST 22
*1919*
Through the efforts of a few good men:
Julian Von Toble, Harold Hadley, Harry Manson, Charlie Goss, Charles Stevens and a few others, the Post got its temporary charter issued on July 15, 1919 stating Julian Vob Toble as Commander and Harold Hadley as Adjutant.
The Constitution and By-Laws of Arthur G. Guyer Post 22 of Lebanon, N.H., were adopted December 2, 1920.
The new Post was named Arthur G. Guyer as he was the first person from Lebanon killed in action. It was in the Battle of Chateau Thierry.
He was killed by German gunfire while he was bandaging Raymond Carlisle's wounds.Raymond was a brother of Albert Carlisle, who later became a member of this Post. Raymond was captured by the Germans and returned to the United States after the war was over.
The permanent Charter was issued on June 13, 1924 to Commander Floyd Eastman and Adjutant Harold Morse listing 160 Charter members. The Post grew in membership and community service activities
In 1927 the following members went to Paris, France to march in an American Legion Convention:Harry Manson, Tim Dennehy, Willis Howard, Ray Church and Charlie Stevens.They carried Post 22 colors, representing the State of New Hampshire in the Convention Parade.
Other points of interest are as follows:
1926 -Comrades Painchaud and McCue started the formation of a Drum and Bugle Corps.
1928 - Sponsored Jr. Legion Baseball and started a fund for a Post Home as well as Community Services.
1929 -Harry Manson was elected Department Commander, our 1st.
1929 through 1938 the Post grew in activities and community services, such as sponsoring the BoyScouts, Sons of the American Legion, Legion Baseball, and many other functions in both Lebanon and West Lebanon. The Drum Corps grew and marched in many parades in the states of New Hampshire and Vermont.
1939 -Post 22 sponsored the 1st American Legion Convention in the town of Lebanon. From the records, it was a great success with all members doing their share of fund-raising and finding places for the visitors to stay and where convention meetings were to be held.
1943 - Another try at finding a building that could serve as a post home. Many lots and buildings were considered. A lot was offered by Marion Carter behind the Overall Shop but it was not accepted because the lot was too small for a building and parking space. The old Catholic church on School Street was considered and turned down because of lack of parking space and cost of renovations. Atthis point, Commander Floyd Eastman offered the Lebanon Inn on Parkhurst Street, rent to be $1 per year. After much discussion it was accepted on June 7, 1945, by Commander George Daly as the Post Home.
September 1945 - Commander Isaac Tomkins appointed a House Committee to organize the project: Russ Carver, Fred Curtis, Donald Boisvert, Jerold Ashley, and Floyd Eastman, who were to select their own chairman. They were to manage the project and report to the Post Commander.
In May of 1946 the 1st Post Meeting was held in the new home (the former Lebanon Inn). On March 7, 1946, the Post name was changed to Guyer - Carignan Post 22 in honor of Richard L. (Pat) Carignan who was killed in World War II.
June 21, 1946 - The Post received the State Department Membership Trophy for the highest 4 year average, which was accepted by Commander Isaac Tomkins.
October 28, 1948, Commander George Currier noted the Post Home was out of the red for the 1st time since opening in 1946. Plans were made to have the Department Convention held in Lebanon in 1949. The Convention Corporation was formed and proper papers signed by George Lomis.
June 2, 1949 - Fred McNamara, Commander had a big year as the State Convention was held in Lebanon, and all the committees were commended for doing a good job.The convention was a big success - June 18th through the 20th. Net profit of the convention was $3731.75, which was deposited in Dartmouth Savings Bank as a restricted fund.
1952 -Royce Morse, Commander. A War Memorial Band Stand was built, and the WW 1 Marker was relocated into Colburn Park. Also, on March 3, 1952 Comrade Floyd Eastman asked Post 22 to move out of the home for personal reasons. After many delays and some court action, Post 22 moved out on January 10, 1955. All items belonging to Post 22 were stored in various places donated by members.
Meeting on January 14, 1955, we were back in the GAR Hall, and searching for a new place to meet.
By October 6, 1955, a committee reported that the Guyer property on Mechanic Street was our best prospect, the Underpass Cash Market owned by Eddie Guyer, at the cost of $12,500.The committee was Commander George McBain, Ed Cilley, Ronald Boisvert, Bob Lewis, Royce Morse and Phil Beaton.
October 13, 1955 a special meeting was called with 24 members present to discuss the purchase of the Guyer property.Bernard Daly and Phil Beaton reported they had contacted three local banks for a loan, but none of them wanted to finance the purchase of the property. Bob Lewis suggested we go to the New Hampshire Savings Bank in Concord for a loan as the local banks were not interested. He had checked and made arrangements for a 1st mortgage of $8500 and Guyer would hold a 2nd mortgage of $4000.This was accepted by those present, and approved by the Bank onNovember 15, 1955.
On November 22, 1955, the committee went into action on the renovations with all volunteer help, 5 to 12 each night until it was approved by the Liquor Commission.
On January 24, 1956, the home was opened for business. The Auxiliary furnished a lunch and a good time was had by all. Total cost of renovations was $1145.85. This was paid off in 1959, and for the first time in years the Post was out of debt, just in time to start plans for a new home, larger and with more parking space.
1960 - Committee set up to look into the possibility of expanding present building room on the northeast corner for kitchen and storage room.
August 3, 1964 - House Committee Chairman Bernard Daly, noted renovations to building to start October 10, 1964, to include new bar, paneling on the walls, and floor covering, not to exceed $8000.
January 7, 1965 - Chairman Daly reported renovations complete almost within budget - $8696.00. The Club looked so much better no one complained of the over run.
January 7, 1966 - Motion to start savings account for a Building Fund with any surplus funds.
November 5, 1970 there was $4200. in Building Fund.
August 3, 1970 - Lost our good House Committee Chairman, Bernard Daly, who resigned after 10 years on the job. Ed Lalumiere was elected and he accepted the challenge.
June 3, 1971 - Life Membership for Bernard Daly for his past service to the post and club. Other Life Members are Floyd Eastman, Robert Lewis, George McBain, Wilfred Guitar, Arthur Herrin, Edmond Lalumiere and Alfred Besaw. These are granted to members who have made an outstanding contributions to the post.
April 5 1973 - All members with over 50 years membership were granted certificates: Horace Hatch, Edwin Eates, Alfred Covell, Ignatiour Carter, Alfred King and Timothy Dennehy.
The post donates to several special programs:
Boys State, VA Hospital patients, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, Dollars for Scholars, Children'sChristmas Party, Christmas Baskets for needed Vets, Muscular Dystrophy and Special Olympics and Scholarship and School Awards
