In 1962 Withamsville-Mt.Carmel American Legion Post 72 was chartered. The Post was conceived by the ideas of a few men who were willing to undergo the hardships necessary to establish the foundation upon which the Post has grown.The Post original name was Withamsville/Mt. Carmel American Legion Post 72,the name was changed Honor Stuart G. Luginbuhl since he was our founder. During the formation year we met in basements, garages, old rooms, and sometimes on the patios at the home of members. During this time all of the programs of The American Legion were carried out and the membership grew. We knew for survival it was necessary that we would have to get an address and location we could call home. Commander Jim Bennett contacted the owners of The Hearth Restaurant and Annex, but it was decided that we were not in a financial position to accept their offer of a lease. January 1965 brought about problems with the location, and in the next few months a great deal of planning, nego¬tiations and meetings took place by the Property Purchasing Committee, with Robert Taylor as Chairman. In April 1965 we purchased the 3.8 acres of land and all real property owned by the Mt.Carmel Social Club. The land and building had been owned by the Social Club since 1912. The acquisition of this property and subsequent remod¬eling of the building again increased the membership of the Post. The growth in membership and the increased participation in Legion programs resulted in the Post winning many County, District, Department and National Awards. We became recognized as one of the outstanding Posts in the Department of Ohio. The formation of the Trojanettes brought distinction to the group and to the Post for their many outstanding accomplishments and perform¬ances, including State Champions a number of times. The formation of The Junior Auxiliary and The Sons of the Legion added additional distinction. The Post in conjunction with the VFW sponsored The Black Shields of Sparta, a drum and bugle corps group, formed within the last three years, which is now becoming a corps able to hold its own in competition. During the years we have been formed, we have been fortunate in having a working Auxiliary. The women have worked alongside us in our many projects, and in our dreams for the growth of the Post. We are indeed thankful that we have been blessed with the help of this unselfish and untiring group. They have come to our aid many, many times to help us in our needs. They too have done an outstanding job in accomplishing the programs of The American Legion Auxiliary. The Post was made an unbelievable offer for its property during January 1969. Since the acquisition of the real estate it had been our dream to build a new post home when we had acquired sufficient capital. Armed with building plans and the offer we had received for the property, Elm Savings and Loan Association of Deer Park was approached with the possibility of a loan to begin construction. They were receptive to our proposition and construction was begun in August 1969. We are indebted to the many persons who bought bonds to help us in our financing. We are especially indebted to Lake Post No. 737, Lake Milton, for their sizeable contribution and to Bond Hill Roselawn Post 427, Cincinnati for their help in time of need. The first official function in the new Post home was held on April 5, 1970. This was the Fourth District Spring Conference, and although the Home was not completed, the members worked until after midnight the night before in order to have the facilities in condition so the conference could be held. There were, naturally, some inconveniences, such as the lights blowing, etc., but those in attendance enjoyed themselves. The hopes and dreams of many and the vision of all members are culminated here today in the dedication of the Post. The Post is deeply indebted to the many members of all of the organizations who helped in the way of work, finances and untiring efforts in the completion of this beautiful structure. We are indeed proud of the progress of this Post since its humble beginning just ten years ago. We are pledged to service for God and Country and to the American Legion in the years to come.

Post 72 is one of a very few Posts that have (2) Legionnaires that have been elected and served the Dept. of Ohio as Department Commander. Those being Stuart G. Luginbuhl 1962 / 1963 and Ronald Hartman 1999 / 2000.