After reviewing the history of our Post 556 it was decided that the best way was an old fashion picnic. Our post's meeting minutes described picnics held with chicken BBQ, sweet corn, ice cream, and a dish to pass held back in the early 1920s. Usually, they were held at members homes or a members campsite. We followed there fine example and had an excellent turnout. A short speech seemed in order from the Centennial Chairman Stephen Nelson:
"Hello everybody and thank you for coming today. Don’t volunteer for anything! We all learned that in the Service! But that is what every member of the Legion is and it is a very enjoyable side of the American Legion and life in general. I volunteered to be chairman of the Samuel Derby Post 556 Centennial. I learned so much. I want to thank The Frewsburg’s Myers Library, Frewsburg Historical Society and the Fenton History Center & Barb Cessna for their help gathering some of the histories of the post.
I want to thank Edith Moore for her contributions before she passed. We miss you, Edie:
I was kind of lost until Cal Fain presented a Scrapbook he purchased at a house sale. So many of the pictures you see are from that scrapbook. After that - things really started to come together.
The history is online with over 200 photos and the history of the post since 1919 and before.
I learned of our own Governor Fenton, Known as the soldier’s friend for his fight for veterans benefits in the late 1800s.
An enemy plane spotting tower built and maned on Oak Hill in the early years of WW2 by Post 556 members.
Grand Army of the Republic – a prelude to the American Legion THE G.A.R. was instrumental in starting Memorial Day, a day to honor our fallen military hero’s. The American Legion and this Post 556 proudly carry on this tradition. This Posts history is rich. With stories of community involvement . The post has raised and donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to Veterans, Families Youth Groups, sports groups, and a huge supporter for 100 years of the Boy Scouts of America.
Finally, you parents and grandparents. The legion supports many youth programs that aid in young peoples development Girls and Boys State. The oratorical contests. and many more. Just this year Shanan Hotcckiss’s Daughter entered a Legion essay contest and was selected to go the Georgetown University for a week for special studies. What a life experience that was!
The next 100 years This Post will continue to provide a meeting a place where Men and Women meet and discuss their daily lives get support from one another and also promote Americanism and the Community.
Thank You"
T
