Watson-Krauter Post 110 of Wessington, South Dakota
December 17, 1919 about 75 veterans of World War One met and organized the John G Watson Post 110 of the American Legion. The Post was named for a local lad that lost his life by drowning. He was working on the dock at a harbor in France when he fell in the water and the tide pulled him under and his companions couldn’t save him. The dues were $2.00 a year and in 1920 the membership was 65.
In 1932—there were 8 members –and for the depression years 1933—38 there were no formal meetings, with three members paying their dues each year—although Memorial Day and Armistice Day were always observed, also military funerals were performed. In the fall of 1938, after a military funeral, the group got together and elected officers and had 51 signed up for 1939. The post remained active after that, sending boys to Boys State and having dances, raffles and other fund raising events.
In June 1946, the members changed the name of the Post to: Watson-Krauter Post 110. Clifford Krauter was the first soldier from Wessington to be killed in World War Two. He is buried in the Philippines. Five other young men from our area were to die in uniform before the war was ended.
In 1960, the post bought a building on Main Street for a Post Home.
In 1975, we purchased a new bingo machine and also a grill. We have had many pancake feeds from that grill.
Our highest membership years were 1992 and 1993 when we had 120 members each year.
We won the 5th District Americanism Award several times and once won the State Award.
We also had the honor of having two State Commanders from our Post: Don Clarke in 1974-5 and Russel Testerman in 1987-88. Don was also National Executive Committeeman for several years.
