Post 148 Colonial Beach, Virginia
Post 148
Colonial Beach, Virginia
About This Post
Post Namesake
American Legion Westmoreland County Post 148 was chartered on September 24, 1932 with 35 members. Currently the Post has 324 members and 14 PUFL members. The membership initially held their monthly meetings at the Montross High School Auditorium, or the Court House, Montross, VA. The membership had met informally for a year under a temporary Charter in 1931. The Post is fully committed to mentoring youth and sponsorship of wholesome programs in our communities, advocating patriotism and honor, promoting strong national security, and continued devotion to our fellow servicemembers and veterans. Much of the history of the Post has been complied from the minutes from the 1932 through 1977 meetings. Other minutes and historical data was lost September 18, 2003 when Hurricane Isabel destroyed the Town. The data herewith was compiled by Gene Webb, with much help from our Post Membership. Language used in description of events comes directly from the minutes.
Notable Members
Franklin C. Caruthers, first Post Commander was a member of Barracks #2307 Veterans of WWI, elected 2nd District Commander, 1936 was also a member of the American Legion Drum and Bugle Corps Club of Richmond (1936). Francis Earl Baird, former Post Commander, was the Department Vice Commander in 1967, 8th District Commander in 1965. Stanley G. Adams (1907-1954) Colonial Beach, Westmoreland County, Va. Born in Eclipse, Nansemond County (now part of Suffolk), Va., December 16, 1907. Ferry boat captain; farmer; real estate business; served in the U.S. Navy during World War II May 23, 1942 - Aug, 1945, Awarded Bronze Star; chair of Westmoreland County Republican Party, 1944-50; candidate for Virginia state senate, 1947; candidate for U.S. Representative from Virginia, 1948; alternate delegate to Republican National Convention from Virginia, 1952. Member; American Legion; Veterans of Foreign Wars. Francis L. Karn - First female member of our Post. Service Officer her entire membership period. Legionnaire of the Year 1963. Key player in the building and refurbishing of the Town Memorial. Secretary/Treasurer Chamber of Commerce. Very active in Colonial Beach Christmas Group which donated gifts and food baskets worth approximately $30k for many years. The Francis L. Karn Memorial Boardwalk is named in her honor. Charles Edward Stuart (1892 - 1951) Charter Member, Post Service Officer/Historian 1933. Charles was a lawyer and was elected to the Virginia House of Delegates and served four terms. Owner of Stratford Hall (Robert E. Lee's birthplace) from 1919 - 1929 when he sold the property to the Robert E. Lee Memorial Foundation.
What Makes this Post Unique
Our Post is located in a very small town which has a reputation as the "Playground on the Potomac". The Post owns the building, parking lot, beach front and observation deck overlooking the Potomac River. Westmoreland County has a very rich history, being only one of two counties in the country that have had two Presidents born here. Notable residents are: George Washington (1732-1799), the first president of the United States John Washington (1631-1677) great-grandfather of George Washington James Monroe (1758-1831), the fifth president of the United States Robert E. Lee (1807-1870), a general best known for fighting on behalf of the Confederate Army in the American Civil War Richard Henry Lee, a signatory of the United States Declaration of Independence, United States Senator, and the sixth president of the United States in Congress Assembled (under the Articles of Confederation) Francis Lightfoot Lee, a signer of United States Declaration of Independence Richard "Squire" Lee Thomas Brown, the second governor of Florida Nicholas Spencer, acting governor of Virginia, co-patentee of Mount Vernon estate Thomas Lee, a leading political figure in colonial Virginia Thomas Sandford, American Revolutionary War soldier, Kentucky legislator, Member of the Eighth and Nineth U.S. Congress. Sloan Wilson, the author of The Man in the Gray Flannel Suit Rob Wittman, United States Congressman (VA-1, Republican) Captain John Marshall "Of the Forest" (1700-1752) Grandfather of Chief Justice John Marshall Walter Balderson, Emmy Award-winning video engineer John dos Passos, the author of the U.S.A. trilogy and other works The Post, fortunately, has members who have made huge differences in our town and county. The Post continues to further the goals of service to country.
Photos
1st Annual Virginia ALR Scholarship Legacy Ride
Blessing of the Bikes
American Legion Riders of Post 148 paying our respects to a Vietnam Veteran. RIP Uncle Mike
Legion Riders 2017
Memorial Day 2017
Fifth Annual American Legion Festival and Regatta
Memorial Dedication October 5, 1947
Legion Riders Wreaths Across America Oak Hill Cemetery
Legion Riders Receive Charter
Landon Richard Stanford
Frances Karn
Captain George Millward
HISTORY
1930
Initial Meetings
Sep 8, 1931
The Post membership held informal meetings for a year until the Post was Chartered in September 1932.
The Post membership held informal meetings for a year until the Post was Chartered in September 1932.
First Meeting as a Chartered Post
Sep 13, 1932
It was passed that all paid up members be placed on the Charter and the Charter placed in the Westmoreland County Courthouse.
It was passed that all paid up members be placed on the Charter and the Charter placed in the Westmoreland County Courthouse.
Meetings Moved To Colonial Beach
Mar 15, 1933
The membership decided to hold their meetings in Colonial Beach. The Colonial Hotel, the Blackistone Hotel, Town Hall, Shirley Miller’s Crab Shore, Ambassador Hotel, Arcadia Hotel, King Cotton Hotel, Black Hawk Dance Pavilion, Curley’s Crab Shore Pavilion, Log House Tea Room (Washington’s Birthplace Historical Site), Lemon’s Hotel & Hotel DeAtley were Post meeting locations until the Post home was built in 1950.
The membership decided to hold their meetings in Colonial Beach. The Colonial Hotel, the Blackistone Hotel, Town Hall, Shirley Miller’s Crab Shore, Ambassador Hotel, Arcadia Hotel, King Cotton Hotel, Black Hawk Dance Pavilion, Curley’s Crab Shore Pavilion, Log House Tea Room (Washington’s Birthplace Historical Site), Lemon’s Hotel & Hotel DeAtley were Post meeting locations until the Post home was built in 1950.
Newspaper Clippings of April 1933 Meeting
Apr 21, 1933
Department Commander Bristow addressed the membership, urging them to support the President and the country in its economic recovery.
Department Commander Bristow addressed the membership, urging them to support the President and the country in its economic recovery.
Poll Tax Resolution
Aug 21, 1933
At the Department Convention, the membership voted to advocate veterans of the World War be exempt from paying the poll tax in order to vote. In 1933 the following officers were elected. F. C. Caruthers - Commander, H. B. Washington - First Vice, Carl Flemer - Adjutant, Charles E. Thomas - Financial Officer, Charles E. Stuart - Service Officer/Historian, George H. Selph - Chaplain, William Kurts - Sergeant-at-Arms, and Thomas Keane - Publicity. The membership..
At the Department Convention, the membership voted to advocate veterans of the World War be exempt from paying the poll tax in order to vote. In 1933 the following officers were elected. F. C. Caruthers - Commander, H. B. Washington - First Vice, Carl Flemer - Adjutant, Charles E. Thomas - Financial Officer, Charles E. Stuart - Service Officer/Historian, George H. Selph - Chaplain, William Kurts - Sergeant-at-Arms, and Thomas Keane - Publicity. The membership..
Purchase of New Colors
Feb 15, 1936
In February 1936 members pledged to give five dollars from their bonuses received under the Adjusted Compensation Payment Act toward purchasing new and suitable colors for the Post. In February 1936 three colored veterans expressed their interest in starting a Post and the members offered their assistance in organizational works.
In February 1936 members pledged to give five dollars from their bonuses received under the Adjusted Compensation Payment Act toward purchasing new and suitable colors for the Post. In February 1936 three colored veterans expressed their interest in starting a Post and the members offered their assistance in organizational works.
Memorial Tablet Committee Formed
May 15, 1936
In May 1936, the Post formed a Memorial Tablet Committee.
In May 1936, the Post formed a Memorial Tablet Committee.
American Legion Festival
Jun 21, 1936
The Post held three day events annually called the American Legion Festival starting in 1936 until at least 1947 with the exception of 1942/3 when the Post held a Defense Parade due to WWII. Besides donations from the business people and wholesalers, the Post received donations from the Town, held dances at Blackistone’s Pavilion, sold soft drinks, sold registration badges, held Most Popular Girl contests, turkey shoots, oyster roasts, and regattas, The net receipts from..
The Post held three day events annually called the American Legion Festival starting in 1936 until at least 1947 with the exception of 1942/3 when the Post held a Defense Parade due to WWII. Besides donations from the business people and wholesalers, the Post received donations from the Town, held dances at Blackistone’s Pavilion, sold soft drinks, sold registration badges, held Most Popular Girl contests, turkey shoots, oyster roasts, and regattas, The net receipts from..
Franklin C. Caruthers Elected Second District Commander
Aug 26, 1936
Franklin C. Caruthers, Post 148's first Commander was elected Second District Commander at the State Convention. Two resolutions were also passed that year. One urged passage of veteran's preferences in hiring. Another opposed appointment of anyone "who advocated Communism" to anyone in a teaching position. The delegates also voted to amend their Constitution to allow naming of a negro Department Vice-Commander to represent the interest of negro veterans.
Franklin C. Caruthers, Post 148's first Commander was elected Second District Commander at the State Convention. Two resolutions were also passed that year. One urged passage of veteran's preferences in hiring. Another opposed appointment of anyone "who advocated Communism" to anyone in a teaching position. The delegates also voted to amend their Constitution to allow naming of a negro Department Vice-Commander to represent the interest of negro veterans.
American Legion Festival 1937
Jun 15, 1937
A newspaper article from June 15, 1937 in the Free Lance Star regarding the Festival.
A newspaper article from June 15, 1937 in the Free Lance Star regarding the Festival.
Post Buys Property for Post Home
Nov 6, 1937
The Post paid Mr. Blackistone $50.00 for the option on one building lot on Colonial Avenue on or near the Terrace (back of Brewingtons land) at the price of $1,000 to run for six months from November 6, 1937. Receipt written on Colonial Beach Hotel letterhead which Mr. Blackistone owned.
The Post paid Mr. Blackistone $50.00 for the option on one building lot on Colonial Avenue on or near the Terrace (back of Brewingtons land) at the price of $1,000 to run for six months from November 6, 1937. Receipt written on Colonial Beach Hotel letterhead which Mr. Blackistone owned.
Post Buys Additional Property
Apr 20, 1938
April 20, 1938 from Frank D. Blackistone. Lot known as Lot 50, fronting 50 feet on Colonial Avenue and running back northerly between parallel lines 95 feet to Lot 53 to the north, on the revised plot of the subdivision of the Hotel Reservation. Previous owner was Gardner L. Boothe who sold it to Mr. Blackistone December 23, 1920. (In deed book 81, page 357.) Mr. Henry B. Washington loaned $950 to the Post for..
April 20, 1938 from Frank D. Blackistone. Lot known as Lot 50, fronting 50 feet on Colonial Avenue and running back northerly between parallel lines 95 feet to Lot 53 to the north, on the revised plot of the subdivision of the Hotel Reservation. Previous owner was Gardner L. Boothe who sold it to Mr. Blackistone December 23, 1920. (In deed book 81, page 357.) Mr. Henry B. Washington loaned $950 to the Post for..
Adoption of Constitution and By-Laws
Apr 18, 1939
On April 18, 1939 the Post Membership adopted a Constitution and By-Laws.
On April 18, 1939 the Post Membership adopted a Constitution and By-Laws.
Field Piece & Flagpole Erected at Current Memorial
May 15, 1939
In May 1939 the Navy Department donated a 4.7 field piece to the Post. This gun was transported to the Post Lot on Colonial Avenue across opposite the Dance Pavilion in June. In October 1939 the field piece was moved the triangle of property across from the Catholic Church, said property being owned by the Town. The Post also placed blocks under the field piece painted the field piece in December. In March 1940, the..
In May 1939 the Navy Department donated a 4.7 field piece to the Post. This gun was transported to the Post Lot on Colonial Avenue across opposite the Dance Pavilion in June. In October 1939 the field piece was moved the triangle of property across from the Catholic Church, said property being owned by the Town. The Post also placed blocks under the field piece painted the field piece in December. In March 1940, the..
American Legion Festival 1939
Jun 17, 1939
Story from the Free Lance Star regarding the Annual American Legion Festival held in Colonial Beach.
Story from the Free Lance Star regarding the Annual American Legion Festival held in Colonial Beach.
1940
American Legion Festival 1940
May 27, 1940
On June 28 - 30, 1940 our Post held its Fifth Annual American Legion Festival and Regatta. This gallery shows the program for the three day event. Highlights include: June 28th - 40 & 8 Dinner at Linwood House followed by a torchlight parade and wreck at the Colonial Beach High School Auditorium. (editors note: I have no idea what wreck means in this context). A Grand Ball was held at Blackiston's Dance Pavilion with..
On June 28 - 30, 1940 our Post held its Fifth Annual American Legion Festival and Regatta. This gallery shows the program for the three day event. Highlights include: June 28th - 40 & 8 Dinner at Linwood House followed by a torchlight parade and wreck at the Colonial Beach High School Auditorium. (editors note: I have no idea what wreck means in this context). A Grand Ball was held at Blackiston's Dance Pavilion with..
American Legion Festival 1940 Free Lance Star Article
Jun 22, 1940
The Rotary Club was placed in charge of soliciting floats and decorating cars for the Grand Parade to be held Saturday at 4:00PM. Published in the Free Lance Star on June 22, 1940.
The Rotary Club was placed in charge of soliciting floats and decorating cars for the Grand Parade to be held Saturday at 4:00PM. Published in the Free Lance Star on June 22, 1940.
Support for the Burke-Wadworth Universal Service & Compulsory Military Training Bill
Aug 15, 1940
In August 1940 the members voted to support the Burke-Wadsworth universal service & compulsory military training bill. The Post Adjutant communicated this fact to the Virginia members of Congress and urged them to support this bill. Historical Note: On 16 October 1940 male residents of the United States between the ages of 18 and 35 registered nation-wide for possible induction into the armed services of the country. It was the first machinery for the introduction..
In August 1940 the members voted to support the Burke-Wadsworth universal service & compulsory military training bill. The Post Adjutant communicated this fact to the Virginia members of Congress and urged them to support this bill. Historical Note: On 16 October 1940 male residents of the United States between the ages of 18 and 35 registered nation-wide for possible induction into the armed services of the country. It was the first machinery for the introduction..
American Legion Festival 1941- Request for Entrants for Queen
Jun 12, 1941
Published in the Free Lance Star June 12, 1941.
Published in the Free Lance Star June 12, 1941.
American Legion Festival 1941
Jul 11, 1941
Newspaper article from the Free Lance Star regarding the Annual American Legion Festival held in July 1941. Over 200 Legionnaires registered the first day. Governor Price was to speak Saturday.
Newspaper article from the Free Lance Star regarding the Annual American Legion Festival held in July 1941. Over 200 Legionnaires registered the first day. Governor Price was to speak Saturday.
