From the front page of the Nashua Telegraph, Tuesday, Feb 1, 1921
A rousing housewarming and the installation of officers marked the meeting of James E. Coffey post, American Legion, as a gala night long to be remembered, The installing officer was State Commander Reginald Stevenson of Exeter and many distinguished guests were present. An entertainment and lunch followed the installation and addresses of a number of guests. Mayor Henri A. Burque was present as the official representative of the city.
The retiring commander , William E. Sullivan called the meeting to order and the colors were unveiled, the 250 comrades and guests standing at salute while the national anthem was played.
After a brief reminiscent address by Comrade Sullivan in reference to the organization of the post May 30th, 1919, and the building up of the organization and its steady growth since, he presented State Commander Stevenson as the installing officer, who appointed Past Commander Sullivan as marshal to conduct George M. French, the newly elected commander to the platform, where he was duly installed. Commander French then took the gavel and presided during the remainder of the ceremonies.
The following officers were installed:
Commander - George M. French
Vice Commander - Eliot A. Carter
Adjutant - Charles II. Savage
Finance Officer - Leo Sirois
Treasurer - Eugene R. Ackerly
Sergeant At Arms - Edward Bernard
Chaplain - Rev. Roy Honeywell
Trustees - William E. Sullivan, A.E. Brownrigg, and George Underhill
Following the installation, addresses were made by State Commander Stevenson, State Adjutant George Morrill, Captain Herbert H. Rouse of the War risk bureau and compensation department of the United States government, who has been in Nashua assisting the service men in securing and adjusting their war claims, Mayor Henri A. Burque, Adjt. Gen. Charles A. Howard, Former Mayor James B. Crowley, Commander James R, Ashton of the John G. Foster post, G.A.R. and Gen Elbert Wheeler.
Among the guests representing the Grand Army ere Past Commander Andros B. Jones, Gen. Charles W. Stevens and Capt. Jas. A. Cobb, Gen. Arthur G. Shattuck was present representing the State Guard.
The entertainment was entirely by ex-servicemen and included a piano solo, Clarence Pillar; vocal solos by Claude Hinman; violin solo, Alvin A. Lucier; vocal duet, Leo Stone and Horatio Lavel; planologue, William Gahagan; vocal solo, Arthur J. Pierce; movies, David P. Stevens, operator (courtesy of the Y.M.C.A).
Lunch was served by George Barton.
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During 1921, the post held a membership drive that boosted membership to 219. The Coffey Post began to take its place in the community as a active civic group. There were large turnouts for both the Armistice and Memorial Day parades with the Legion in charge of the Armistice Day observance.
Commander French will go on to serve for a long period as Judge Advocate and for many years as Trust Officer. He was largely responsible for the Post being named beneficiary under the terms of the wills of John A. Fisher and Charles A. Holman. These were substantial bequests to the Post Trust funds.
