On September 24, 1945, fourteen veterans of World War I and II led by Frank Ebelhare met in Stone Harbor for the purpose of establishing an American Legion post on Seven Mile Beach (now called Seven Mile Island) to service the communities of Avalon and Stone Harbor, New Jersey. Their first meeting was held on October 15, 1945 and David R. Craven was elected Post Commander. On March 30, 1946, the Stephen C. Ludlam Post 331 of The American Legion was officially chartered by the Department of New Jersey with 66 members from both Avalon and Stone Harbor. PFC Ludlam (1925-1945) was a Stone Harbor resident who was killed during the Battle of the Bulge in WW II and received the Distinguished Service Cross and Purple Heart for his heroism during that battle. Among the members were a father and daughter, Frank Ebelhare (a WW I veteran) and his daughter Emma (a WW II Navy veteran). On 14 June 2000, Emma (now Emma Kemly) became the first female commander of Post 331 and later became first female commander of the county American Legion organization. She was a direct descendant of The Mayflower and the American Revolution. She was also the granddaughter of Richard C. Holmes, who was a keeper of the island’s Life-Saving Station from 1876 until 1887. Her son and grandson are members of the Post’s Sons of the American Legion squadron. Today, the Post has a membership of over 280 veterans.
On February 28, 1946, a group of women met for the purpose of organizing an Auxiliary unit of Post 331. Miss Anita Piccolo was elected as its first President. Later on April 5, 1946, the Auxiliary unit of Post 331 was chartered with 17 members, who were spouses of the new legionnaires.
