These World War I Veterans from Alexandria Bay are pictured in front of the Royal Manor Restaurant on James Street when it was the home of the late Dr. Forsythe.
From left to right: front row, Manford Cobey, Dewey Eager, Fred Bain, Fred Barker, Clevis Minor, Hubert Hunt, Ross Lilly, Tassey Collins, Father Michael Fogarty, K Seaman Edgerly, Dr. Lewis Hartman, Joseph Truesdell, Sam Guerrieri, Arthur LaVinge;
Middle Section starting underneath post, an unknown person in the campaign hat, Ernest VanBrocklin, Rueben Slate, Gould Lyman, Milo Moore, Mickey McDonald, Floyd Helmer;
Back row, Merrick Rodgers, David Bain, Lucius Britton, Elisha Burtch, Andy Duclon, Curtis Martin, Jesse Baum, Harry Bain, Leon Taylor, Raymond Hass, Ira Parker, Ross Trickey, Ernest Reynolds
1920
Commander: Reverend M.E. Fogarty
1st Vice Commander: Elisha Burtch
2nd Vice Commander: Hubert Hunt
3rd Vice Commander: Vilas Hunt
Secretary: K.G. Edgerly
Treasurer: Lucius Britton
The Constitution and By-Laws called for an executive committee of 11 men. It was noted to have six regular officers along with 5 additional men to make up the committee; These were Ross Lillie, Manford Coby, Sam Guererri, Gould Lyman and Kenneth Blevins.
Thus started the local American Legion and projects to make money for assisting in YOUTH activism, charitable organizations, assisting members and sometimes for the personal enjoyment of the club were begun. One of the first activities started by the men was a Legion Basket Ball team, another was a Military Ball of which the price would be $1.25 per couple and .35 for each additional lady. The dance was to start at 8pm and continue till 4am. Smokers were held periodically as were minstrel shows.
On Feb 16, 1920 dues were raised to $2 per year and the 2nd and 4th Monday of each month to be meeting dates. Rev. Fogarty was elected to represent the Post at County and State activities and Conventions. Sometime between April 26th 1920 and May 10, 1920 the post was changed from No. 1 to John B. Lyman Post 904.
At the Dec. 13, 1920 meeting it was reported by Gould Lyman that the Woman’s Auxiliary was being organized and making application for charter. Also the slate of officers for the coming year was presented. (the formation of a pillar with youth and service to veterans, the formation of the American Legion Auxiliary – which will be the largest one formed in the state at the time charter)
1921
Commander: Reverend M.E. Fogarty
First Vice Commander: Dr. S.J. Hartman
2nd Vice Commander: F.G. Lyman
3rd Vice Commander: Carl Miller
Adjutant: S. Edgely
Treasurer: L. Britton
Father Fogarty attended a County meeting in Watertown on Oct 8, 1921 and reported at the October meeting of the Post that plans were being made to unveil the bronze tablet of the Jefferson County men who lost their lives in World War I, on Armistice Day at Watertown.
During the meeting of Nov. 14, 1921 a Discussion in regard to hanging or shooting without trial in France was held. It was reported no one saw anyone shot or hanged.
About this time discussion and thoughts were being given to meeting rooms. Up until now they had been meeting in the Red Cross Rooms. It was decided that the Miller block was out of question but the Del Haas rooms were favorable and a lease was signed for 2 years. (Activism in the County and early desire to find space for more Legion activities)
1922
Commander: Dr. S.J. Hartman
First Vice Commander: Carl Miller
2nd Vice Commander: Raymond Haas
3rd Vice Commander: Hubert Hunt
Adjutant: F.G. Lyman
Treasurer: Curtis Wantier
Sgt. At Arms: Andrew Duclon
A pay station telephone was installed in the Haas rooms during Jan. 1922 but later in May of that year it was removed. The Auxiliary was granted permission to use the rooms for their meetings. A letter was sent to Congressman F. W. Mott to use his influence to ail our Legion member F.G. Lyman to the Post Mastership of Alexandria Bay. A committee of three was appointed to look after sick and disabled service men who come under the jurisdiction of the Post and find out if they need anything and to report at the first regular meeting. A copy of the American Legion weekly will be presented to the Holland Library each week. Letter of resignation from Commander Hartman was read at March Meeting. (first example of lobbying Congress as a post, first example of service work for veterans)
1923
Commander: Carl Miller
1st Vice Commander: Raymond Haas
2nd Vice Commander: J.H. Hunt
3rd Vice Commander: Ross Lillie
Adjutant: G. Lyman
Treasurer: C. Martin
Sgt at Arms: Andy Duclon
Chaplain: Father Fogarty
During this year new leather chairs were purchased for the Post at a cost $50 dollars. It was requested that members wear uniforms to the Military Ball. It was noted that the Easter Dance netted $15. Memorial services were held at Convention Hall this year @ 2:30pm, with a parade prior and very moving services at grave sites with all men in uniforms.
1924
Commander: Hubert Hunt
1st Vice Commander: J.T. Collins
2nd Vice Commander: Richard Leonard
3rd Vice Commander: Ernest VanBrocklin
Adjutant: Kenneth Blevins
Chaplain: Andrew Duclon
Sgt at Arms: Ira Parker
Plans were under way for the State Convention to be held in September at Alexandria Bay. A Janitor was hired for $40. For 5 months with Auxiliary paying half. It was also voted to solicit members not to exceed $3 and no less than .50 to buy a remembrance for Mrs. Lyman in respect for her being elected as National President of the “Gold Star Mother’s Organization”. It was decided at this time not to renew the lease for the Haas rooms and to locate site for later meetings. One of such sites was the Fireman rooms.
Exerts from TI Sun: “Plans are being made for meeting of the state organization of the Gold Star Mothers to be held at Alexandria Bay in September, one day prior to the opening of the American Legion and Auxiliary Convention at this place. Mrs. L.F. Lyman, Alexandria Bay has the honor of holding the state and National President of the order. The Gold Star organization is backing a movement asking the government top send all wearers of the Gold Star, who have sons buried in France, to provide transportation to various resting places. May 8, 1924”
“Final plans are being made for the American Legion convention which will meet here in two weeks. Local men who have charge of arrangements under the chairmanship of F. Gould Lyman are: Wm. E. Flander, Clinton Jones, Maxwell Northup, Cyril Lee, James S. Boyer, J. Hubert Hunt, K.P. Blevins, Ernest Reynolds, Carl Miller Tasse Collins. Aug 21, 1924.”
At a special meeting held on Feb. 24 1924 it was voted to purchase the Masonic Site on the following terms: $240 a year for 10 years with 6% interest paid semiannually. The committee appointed to look into the legality and purchasing of said site were Chairmen Lucious Britton, K.P. Blevins, Clint Jones, Reynolds Lyman and Ross Lillie. Thus began projects to help pay for coming up expenses of new legion site. Receipts from a dance were $20. Hot dog stands $41.35. A minstrel show was organized and held March 4, 1924. It was voted to have a fair on April 24th and 25th with letters sent out to wholesale dealers. A movie picture “Man without a country” shown with good turnout. Fuller Cornwall offered 1 ton of coal for fair to raffle.
During all this busy time plans were still in the making for hosting State Convention. TI Sun Sept 4th 1924” With the arrival of the last delegates of Legionnaires and friends, the sixth Annual convention of the Department of New York American Legion got underway today. Sessions will be held in the big tent erected for that purpose on Uncle Sam’s Campground. More than five hundred delegates will begin reviewing the work of the Legion for the past year. Mr. F. Gould Lyman chairman of the general convention arrangements committee, has all plans completed for the entertainments visitors. In addition to a chowder dinner and boxing bout which were enjoyed last evening, a boat tour through the islands and speed boat races will provide enjoyment thorough the remainder of the week. J. Hubert Hunt, Commander of John B. Lyman Post, American Legion has been active in making this convention a success.”
At Nov 24, 1924 meeting the Building fund Committee reports receipts of $3,216.12 and disbursements of $963.48 leaving a balance on hand $2,252.64. Also at this time it was voted to write the NY State School Inspector and invite him to look over the Legion building site in connection with the local High School grounds. (hosting the 1924 Department of New York American Legion Convention is proof of the oversized influence of Post 904 on the American Legion in the early years. Like now John B. Lyman Post was a leader for other American Legion posts in the County and Department)
