The American Legion Post was organized in Carthage in 1919 and was named the Delbert Graves Post Number 51. This group conducted the Armistice Day program that year and was honored by a banquet given for them in the Masonic Hall conducted by the local Red Cross chapter; C.D. Florine was the first Commander.
Through the years the organization continued to be active in local affairs, presenting celebration attraction from time to time, sponsoring baseball teams for various age groups, and presenting patriotic programs on Memorial Day and other occasions.
In the year 1940, the post purchased the old Opera House. The building was dedicated on June 20, 1940. In the year 1945. The name of the post was changed to Graves-Wallum Post Number 51 in memory of Elmer Wallum and a new charter was issued by the state.
In 1962, a building on North Main Street, that was formerly a recreation parlor, was purchased. Remodeling was done to accommodate the Legion and Auxiliary. Over the years, improvements were made. Air-conditioning was added in 1977. Membership was large in through the 1960s and 1980s. Turkey raffles were held at Thanksgiving and Boys State candidates continued to be sponsored.
By the turn of the century membership was dwindling and cost of operation increased so Saturday night bingo was added. In 2007, only three members remained in the Carthage Legion Post. They were: Robert Turner, Lester Hass, and Tellef Carter. The post was dissolved, and the building turned over to the Carthage Historical Society. The Carthage improvement Association holds the annual Memorial Day Service at the City Auditorium each year. The flags fly on patriotic holidays and the museum exhibits some of the Post memorabilia.
