November 10 1959.
Dear Commander Carelton Lake. Thank you for requesting information on my activities with Fugle-Hummer Post 65 of the American Legion. Apparently I was not present at the Organization Meeting but joined about two weeks later. Which barred me from the Honor of being a Charter Member.
The Post met at various places until we had our present home .This building was an Annex to the Franklin School and stood on the side of the School and Partly on Center St. We purchased it from the School Board for $1.00and it was moved to it's present site.
The Borough of Metuchen owned property through a Tax Lien. We obtained a long term Lease for a $1.00 per year. The Post had very little money and as this was a Major Project we had mostly Volunteer help and purchased materials, which were not donated, at a discount, thus the Home came into being.
Searching the Records in the County Clerk's Office we found the State of New Jersey had taken part of the original lot for a Highway and Title and Payment had not been given by the State. Nat Pierde, the Commander appointed Isaiah Rolfe, Chris Ostergaard and myself Charles Carman committee to investigate. Knowing Jacob Bauer, the Chief Highway Engineer. We went to Trenton and in a matter of minutes we had action and were referred to the Real estate Department. We were asked the Value, and having in mind $600 asked for a $1,000 and got it. Our expenses were $23,the Back Taxes were $900.The Committee turned over the DEED to the Property and $77 to the Post.
During my time as Commander the Post was as active as the Depression permitted. The highlight was a Real Memorial Service of All Denominations held at the Presbyterian Church. It was one of the largest gatherings Fugle-Hummer Post ever had, there was scarcely standing room.
The Legion was always Proud of the "Memorial Park. The Monument was designed by the late Clement Fairweather, The Park has been the scene of Memorial day services for a number of years and we hope it continue to do so.
So many have asked me about Thomas Alva Edison and his Activities in Menlo Park. Mr. Edison had moved from the Park before I was Born. My Birth Place is Menlo Park and naturally revered the name of Edison. My Father took part in some of the Inventions and he and my Mother and two Sisters new the Edison Family intimately. It was my pleasure to have met and talked with Mr. Edison on Two occasions.
My ancestors came to this Country in 1631 and a large number have taken part in all of the Wars so it is quite natural. I volunteered in the WORLD WAR. My rank was Captain of the Engineers and subsequently made Major which rank I still hold in the Reserve Corps. The rank was given to me as I had previous Military training in College and a Civil Engineers Degree and had been on a number of Engineering projects. I am proud to say I was the youngest Captain of Engineers at the time. I was in Camp Lee, Virginia. The intensive training was to prepare me for Overseas Duty but instead was transferred to Raritan Arsenal on account of my knowledge of the Properties in this area. I was in Complete Charge of the Surveys, Title Work, Closing Titles and the entire Unit Cost System. Perhaps I could have done more for my Country at the Arsenal but always regretted .I was not assigned to Duty Abroad.
I am always reluctant to write or say anything about myself but your letter gives me no Alternative.
Sincerely Past Commander Charles B. Carman.

View more history for Post 65 in Metuchen , New Jersey