Post 41 Berryville, Virginia

Post 41

Berryville, Virginia

Post 41 Berryville, Virginia

About This Post

Post Namesake
Captain Lloyd W. Williams, USMC America entered World War I to reinforce the battered French and British troops waging a desperate fight against Germany. On June 2, 1918, a division of Marines was sent to support the French army at ... READ MORE
Notable Members
Frank M. Wray, Department of Virginia Commander (1925-26) Harold L. Scheuer, Seventh District Commander (1938-39) & Department of Virginia Vice Commander (1939-40) Robert E. Pope, Department of Virginia Commander (1969-70)
What Makes this Post Unique
What comes to mind when you think of an American Legion Post? Many of us imagine an old-fashioned basement bar, smelling of cigarettes, and filled with aging men. However, this stereotype does not entirely apply to Lloyd Williams Post 41. ... READ MORE

Photos

HISTORY

1910

Doughboys Return Home

Jan 7, 1919
The first two Clarke County soldiers to return from the battlefields of France since the armistice was signed, landed on American soil this week. Kenneth N Gilpin, a member of the House of Delegates representing Clarke and Warren Counties, is an officer in the Naval Flying Service and Corporal Ernest F. Locke, a member of Company H, 318th Infantry, who is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Locke near Berryville. Corporal Locke left a..
Full Story

Victory Parade

Jul 4, 1919
Between 5,000 and 6,000 people packed and jammed Berryville to pay homage to Clarke County's world war heroes. The veterans were given a royal time. They were welcomed to the town with music and a grand parade. They were dined in true old Virginia style, and made to feel that the people of the county hold them in grateful remembrance.
Full Story

Charter Application

Sep 12, 1919
Encouraged by Major Henry W. Carpenter, U. S. Marine Corps, some of the returning Clarke veterans had already started discussions about forming a local post of the new American Legion. They saw this as an opportunity to provide the returning veterans with a support group and at the same time involve them in community service. On September 12, 1919, fifteen men signed a charter application for an American Legion Post in Berryville. It was to..
Full Story

Temporary Charter Issued

Sep 23, 1919
A temporary charter was issued on September 23, 1919 for Lloyd Williams Post 41 of The American Legion.
Full Story

Organizational Meeting

Oct 30, 1919
Major Henry W. Carpenter presided over the initial organizational meeting of the new post. Thirty veterans were present at the meeting and took part in the organizational work. Dr. Lewis M. Allen was elected the Commander of the new Lloyd Williams Post 41 of the American Legion. The other officers elected were Moses G. O’Brien, Vice Commander; Rice W. Levi, Sr., Finance Officer; and Leon D. Scheuer, Adjutant. Commander Allen was instructed to appoint a..
Full Story

Membership Drive

Nov 20, 1919
A committee was formed to encourage all returning veterans of the World War to join the new American Legion and make this Post a permanent organization of Clarke County. The recruitment notice described the Legion as an non-partisan and non-political organization of American veterans of the World War. It is a civilian organization, not military or militaristic. Nearly all of its members were civilians before the war and now civilians. It makes no distinction of..
Full Story

First Fundraiser

Nov 22, 1919
The first fundraiser was a bazaar that netted over $500. This became an annual event for the next twenty years where citizens could do their early Christmas shopping.
Full Story
Constitution and By-Laws

Constitution and By-Laws

Nov 30, 1919
The Constitution and By-Laws of Lloyd Williams Post 41 were approved on November 30, 1919. Members who joined the post prior to November 11, 1919 would be known as charter members. In addition to the fifteen signers of the charter application, another fifteen men were members of the post prior to November 11, 1919. Major Henry W. Carpenter was the first signer of the charter application and the only signer who was not a veteran..
Full Story

1920

Need for a Community Building

Jul 12, 1920
Lloyd Williams Post 41 held a public meeting at the Court House to discuss the construction of a Community Building in Berryville. The meeting was conducted by Dr. Lewis M. Allen, the commander of Post 41. The building would serve as a memorial to the world war veterans, provide a place for all organizations and activities in the county, and be the home of the local National Guard Company.
Full Story
Early Meeting Hall

Early Meeting Hall

Sep 5, 1920
Winston Hall was on East Main Street where the Bank of Clarke County driveway is now located. Built in 1881 by Siz Daingerfield, a black barkeep, it was named for singer, Jenny Winston. Upstairs was the largest meeting hall in the town and was used for entertainments and even school graduations; down stairs was the saloon. From 1920 until 1938, American Legion Post 41 used Winston Hall for its meetings. Griffin Taylor operated Winston Hall..
Full Story

Auxiliary Unit 41 Formed

Nov 14, 1920
The American Legion Auxiliary of Post 41 was formed one year later in November 1920. The first president was Sara H. Elder. She was the wife of the Berryville postmaster and the mother of John Robinson Elder III, a veteran of World War I. There are no records available regarding whether or not it was officially charted by the Department of Virginia.
Full Story
Town Clean Up

Town Clean Up

May 7, 1921
American Legion Post 41 sponsored a Berryville clean up. Members of the Legion and residents removed trash from the town run and other areas around the town. Legion members provided the trucks to haul away the trash.
Full Story

Incorporation of Post 41

Mar 1, 1922
Post 41 formed a non-stock corporation for the purpose of handling the finances associated with acquiring a meeting hall and eventually the construction of a Community Building. Jetson Fields Spates, a veteran of World War I and a cashier at the Bank of Clarke County, was elected as president of the American Legion Post 41 Corporation.
Full Story
First Legion Hall

First Legion Hall

May 8, 1922
Post 41 purchased two adjourning lots at the southwestern corner of North Church Street and Academy Street for $3,700. The Berryville Post Office is currently located on these lots. One of the lots was purchased from Judge H. B. Whiting and included a two story building that had been used as his law offices. This building served as the first Legion Hall and also was used for meetings of other community organizations. Post 41 eventually..
Full Story

Legion Bazaar and Parade

Jul 4, 1923
Lloyd Williams Post 41 held a lawn festival and river party at Castleman's Ferry. There were about a thousand present with plenty to eat, lots of fun, boat riding, canoeing, and swimming. Electric lights were installed on the grounds for the occasion. Free transportation was provided to and from Berryville. This event evolved into an annual two-day fall Bazaar and Parade that included a Friday night parade up Main Street, Saturday home demonstration and crafts..
Full Story

Legion Adjusts Claims

Aug 2, 1923
Lloyd Williams Post 41 has successfully adjusted the claims through the War Risk Insurance program of 95 World War veterans. The Legion will assist any war veteran in filling a claim with the Department of War Risk Insurance.
Full Story

Clarke County Honor Guard

Apr 9, 1925
Robert W. Fuller, a World War I veteran and charter member of Post 41 died unexpectedly of appendicitis. Mr. Fuller was an extremely popular young man in the community and the Legion decided that he deserved a full military funeral. Since military funerals at that time were reserved for active duty personnel, Post 41 decided to form its own Honor Guard to conduct the funeral. The pallbearers and color guard were all Legionnaires while the..
Full Story
Clarke County Honor Guard

Land Purchased for Legion Events

Apr 4, 1928
Post 41 purchased two adjoining lots at the corner of North Buckmarsh Street and West Main Street for $7,000. This was the planned site for the new Community Building. A small building referred to as the Legion Hut was constructed on one of the lots. Beginning in 1928, this location was used for the Post's annual yard parties and other events. The lots were sold in 1938 for $9,500. Mario's Pizza is currently located on..
Full Story

Tunney-Heeney Boxing Match

Jul 26, 1928
The Gene Tunney versus Tom Heeney heavy-weight boxing match was broadcast at the Legion lot at the corner of Main and Buchmarsh Streets. A radio with extremely loud speakers was set up in the Legion Hut to broadcast the fight blow by blow. All sorts of refreshments, sandwiches, ice cream, cake, soft drinks, coffee and the like were sold. Several hundred people gathered to listen to Tunney defeat Heeney.
Full Story

Spring Training

Apr 4, 1929
In the spring of 1929, Berryville was the spring training home of a minor league baseball team from Pennsylvania. In response to an invitation from the Lloyd Williams Post 41, the Wilkes-Barre Anthracite baseball team spent two weeks in Berryville preparing for its season in the New York-Pennsylvania League. The Legion felt the hosting of the team would benefit the community at large with some good advertising and help promote tourism in the area. The..
Full Story

Decoration Day

May 30, 1929
Prior to 1929, family members of deceased veterans placed flowers and flags on the graves of veterans. This tradition started shortly after the Civil War. In 1929, and was known as Decoration Day. Post 41 started the honoring of deceased veterans with a simple service and the placement of flowers and flags on the graves. After World War II, this became Memorial Day and services were held at Green Hill Cemetery each year.
Full Story

1930

Citation for Service

Dec 4, 1930
The American Legion Department of Virginia announced that Lloyd Williams Post No. 41 had won a National Headquarters "Citation for Most Distinguished Service". The citation was awarded to Legion Posts which exceeded their total membership over the previous year. Only twelve other Legion Posts in Virginia received the award.
Full Story

Fall Festival Parade

Oct 28, 1932
The Legion's two-day fall festival terminated here last night with a torchlight parade about a mile long, comprised of 25 floats and decorated machines depicting the most important enterprises in Clarke County as well as its foremost organizations. There were seven military companies of the National Guard, two fire companies, three bands from out of town, and the riders from the Clarke County Horse and Colt Association. Over four thousand spectators lined the parade route.
Full Story

Bond Issue Defeated

Mar 9, 1933
By a vote of 168 against to 63 for, the proposed Berryville bond issue for the erection of a Community Building-Armory was defeated. The result of the balloting added the finishing touches to the much discussed Community Building-Armory; for the time being at least. It seems as if every Berryville citizen wanted the building but the idea of an increase in the tax levy to get the building did not appeal to the majority,
Full Story

Swimming Classes

Aug 10, 1933
The Legion inaugurated a series of swimming classes for the young folk of the community. The classes will be given each week day at the Shenandoah River with Dr. J. M. Casey as instructor. Transportation will be furnished. The classes will leave Berryville at 3 p.m. each day. Besides Dr. Casey, there will also be three other instructors to take care of the boys and girls in the river.
Full Story

Permanent Charter Issued

Feb 7, 1934
Lloyd Williams Post 41 of The American Legion was issued a permanent charter.
Full Story

Boxing Matches

Apr 12, 1934
Lloyd Williams Post 41 will hold boxing matches each month during the summer at the Horse Show grounds. The matches will be held at the front of the grandstand. Lights will be strung over a ring to be built. The first match will be on May 7th between Buckley and Cubbage.
Full Story

Decoration Day Parade

May 30, 1934
Three hundred fifty Clarke County school children, Boy Scouts, National Guardsmen, and veterans of the World War, marched in the Decoration Day parade organized by Lloyd Williams Post 41. The parade moved through the streets of Berryville to Green Hill Cemetery where a community service was held by the Legion. The parade to the cemetery was discontinued in 1960.
Full Story

Flag Education

Aug 9, 1934
The Legion will hold flag training exercises in all of the schools in this county. It is their purpose to teach students the meaning, origin and history of the United States flag.
Full Story

Essay Contest

Nov 22, 1934
As its part in observing American Education Week, which is sponsored by the American legion, the Lloyd Williams Post offered a medal to the high school student who wrote the best essay on "My Conception of Good Citizenship." One hundred and forty essays were turned in. Miss Edith Russell, daughter of Mrs. Mary Russell, was awarded the handsome silver medal for having written the best essay. Miss Russell is a member of the senior class..
Full Story

Boys State

Jun 11, 1939
Lloyd Williams Post 41 sent two rising high school seniors to the inaugural Virginia Boys State held at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg. Since 1939, American Legion Post 41 has sent at least one local high school student to Virginia American Legion Boys State. Boys State did not operate during the war years 1942-1945. Our delegates are selected by Post 41based on leadership, character, scholarship, and service to their school and community. All expenses are paid..
Full Story

Supervisors Allocate Funds to Legion

Jun 15, 1939
The Clarke County Board of Supervisors allocated $2,000 to the Lloyd Williams Post, American Legion, to be used in the construction of the proposed community building. The funds were allocated at $500 a year for four years.
Full Story

Legion Carnival

Oct 12, 1939
Over $300 was raised by the Lloyd Williams Post from the proceeds of their carnival held last week on the lot of Lucy Pulliam. The affair was well attended all nights it operated and good order was marked throughout. Ernest Locke, Commander of the local Post, wishes to express his appreciation and thanks to all the people who helped by operating the several concessions, and thanks to the general public for their attendance which contributed..
Full Story
Community Building

Community Building

Dec 8, 1939
From the beginning, the Post had a vision to build a memorial to their fallen comrades of the war. The vision soon took the form of a community building that would serve as a monument to their fallen comrades and at the same time provide a meeting place for the Legion and other civic, social, and recreational groups. Post 41 began the process of communicating this vision to the community and started raising funds toward..
Full Story

1940

Swimming Pool Dedicated

Sep 4, 1941
Clarke County dedicated its swimming pool at the Community Building in Berryville on Friday afternoon. The site for the pool was donated by the Lloyd Williams Post, American Legion. It is located in the rear of the Community Building.
Full Story

Victory Rally & Parade

Nov 10, 1945
Over 5,000 people jammed Main Street to witness a giant parade and gathered on the Berryville High School grounds for a program designed as a welcome to returning servicemen, an Armistice Day program, and Victory Bond rally. The entire county turned out to witness this giant celebration and hear speeches from General George C. Marshall, Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army, Rear Admiral Richard E. Byrd, and Senator Harry F. Byrd. The event was..
Full Story

Turkey Shoots Approved

Dec 2, 1945
Turkey Shoots were approved as a fundraiser in the Community Building. Only .22 caliber rifles were permitted.
Full Story

Legion to Aid GIs

Aug 29, 1946
Veterans entitled to draw pay for unused leave under the "Armed Forces Leave Act of 1946" may obtain application forms from Lloyd Williams Post No. 41. The Legion will assist veterans in completing and filling applications.
Full Story

An Invitation to Veterans

Sep 26, 1946
The American Legion veterans of World War I and the Clarke County Citizens Committee cordially invite the veterans of World War II and their families to be their guests at the Welcome Home and Remembrance Celebration to be held at Berryville on Saturday, October 16th. This celebration is an official expressions of appreciation and "Welcome Home" to those who served the country in World War II, and commemoration of the valiant sacrifice of those who..
Full Story

Welcome Home & Remembrance Day

Oct 16, 1946
American Legion Post 41 organized a Welcome Home and Remembrance Day Celebration as an expression of appreciation for those who served the country in World War II. It was held at the Horse Show Grounds and attended by over 5,000 people. Over one thousand men and women from Clarke County had served in the Armed Forces during World War II--nearly 20% of the counties adult population. Forty men paid the ultimate price and died in..
Full Story

Addition to the Community Building

Nov 6, 1946
Approved the plans for an addition to the Community Building. The plans expanded the building by about 35 feet in length to allow for a full-sized inside basketball court. The approved motion also dedicated the Community Building to the veterans of World War I and World War II.
Full Story
Addition to the Community Building

Sioux Travelers Basketball Game

Jan 25, 1947
The Legion basketball team played the Sioux Travelers Indian basketball team at the Community Building. Admission was $.50 for adults and $.35 for children. The Legion made $93 and paid the Indians $86. This fundraiser would be held for several more years.
Full Story

Sponsored School Safety Patrol

Mar 5, 1947
Post 41 voted to sponsor the new Safety Patrol at Boyce and Berryville schools and donated $100 to support the program.
Full Story

Auxiliary Unit 41 Chartered

Jan 27, 1948
The Auxiliary became inactive in early 1937 and remained inactive for the next ten years. In the spring of 1947, the Lloyd Williams Post 41 Auxiliary was reactivated. It was officially charted by the Department of Virginia on January 27, 1948. Kathleen Estep Levi was elected president. It became an important partner of Post 41 in operating the Community Building and raising money to pay off the debt on the building.
Full Story

Awards & Appreciation Dinner

Apr 3, 1948
American Legion Post 41 and Auxiliary Unit 41 held their first Awards & Appreciation Dinner in the Community Building. This event was a way to recognize and honor individuals and groups for their service and support of Legion programs and activities. It became an annual event.
Full Story

Bingo Problems

Oct 5, 1948
Post 41 started holding bingo games as a fund-raiser. The grand prize for the first game was $50 and the net loss for the night was $53. At that time, bingo was considered a gambling activity and was not legal. At that time, bingo was considered a gambling activity and was not legal. The bingo games continued until December of 1949 when the Legion received a letter from the Commonwealth Attorney. The letter stated that..
Full Story

Legion Basketball

Nov 2, 1949
A motion passed to fund Legion basketball teams for boys and girls with $125 approved for uniforms and equipment. The teams would play on Saturdays in a league made up of other Legion teams in the area. Post 41 continued sponsoring this program until the mid-1950s.
Full Story

ABC License

Dec 7, 1949
The Virginia ABC Board finally approved Post 41's application for a license to sell beer in the Community Building. Due to objections from several local churches, it took over a year for the ABC Board to approve the license. Post 41's application was turned down twice before Judge Harold Potts, a member of Post 41, intervened and convinced the ABC Board to approve the application.
Full Story

1950

Washington Redskins' Basketball Game

Mar 18, 1950
Post 41 hosted the Washington Redskins in a basketball game. Post 41's boys basketball team represented the Post. The Redskins were paid fifty percent of the gate receipts after expenses. Admission was $1.00 for adults and $0.50 for children.
Full Story

Metered Television Installed

Apr 5, 1950
A coin-operated metered television was installed in the Community Building.
Full Story

Tide of Toys

Dec 6, 1950
Post 41 collected over 1,000 toys for the American Legion's "Tide of Toys" campaign. The campaign collected new toys that wiere sent to children in war ravaged Europe.
Full Story

Minstrel Show

Dec 7, 1950
Fritz Skinner, talented Charles Town theatrical performer, has agreed to assist the Lloyd Williams Post in putting on a minstrel show next month. Francis Logan has agreed to chair the show committee and eight other Legionnaires have volunteered their services. Two performances are scheduled. Reserved seats will be sold for $1 at Wisecarver's Gent Shop. General admission will be 75 cents for adults and 50 cents for children.
Full Story

Legion Basketball

Jan 11, 1951
The American Legion teams, men and women, took a doubleheader from the Front Royal Black Raiders Saturday night on the local court, but had a tough time in doing so. The men won by a score of 41-40 and the women by 39-26. The men held sway throughout to avenge an earlier licking from the same team earlier in the season. Bill Lee led his team with 14 points, while Herman Lloyd registered nine, and..
Full Story
Veterans Grave Markers

Veterans Grave Markers

May 14, 1952
For over sixty years, Lloyd Williams Post 41 has been installing grave markers provided by the Veterans Administration on the graves of veterans buried in local cemeteries. The Post installs the markers for free. This is a small way for the members of Post 41 to pay their final respects to a deceased veteran. It is believed that Post 41 is the only veterans’ organization that currently provides this free service. With the establishment of..
Full Story

Spying for the FBI

Dec 3, 1952
The Federal Bureau of Investigation contacted the Post about assisting with a program of identify individuals or organizations engaging in un-American activities. Reports of such activities could be anonymously made to the FBI office in Winchester.
Full Story

Monthly News Bulletin

May 6, 1953
Approved the printing and mailing of a monthly bulletin of Legion activities and news. In the mid-1980s, a postcard announcing Legion meetings and activities was substituted for the bulletin.
Full Story

Wood-Chopping Contest

Nov 4, 1953
Post 41 held a square dance a wood-chopping contest for women. A $4 entry fee was charged for the contest with the winner getting a $40 prize.
Full Story

Boat Raffle

May 5, 1954
Members of Post 41 built a wooden boat and purchased a 5 horsepower motor that was raffled with tickets costing $0.50 each. Due to fears associated with the drowning of two men in the Shenandoah River the previous month, all raffle tickets were not sold and the Post lost $75.
Full Story

Post 41 and Patsy Cline

Jul 7, 1954
A popular regional band, the Kountry Krackers, was contracted to perform at Friday-night dances sponsored by Post 41. This was a country music band whose lead singer was a local girl named Patsy Cline. The band with Patsy singing attracted large crowds to the dances, and the Post was making good money. Singer Jimmy Dean often attended the dances and performed with the band. Country music singer Jimmy Dean was an unscheduled participant at the..
Full Story
Post 41 and Patsy Cline

Funeral Expenses for a Legionnaire

Dec 1, 1954
The following was recorded in the official minutes of the Lloyd Williams Post 41 for December 1, 1954: “Legionnaire Ginger Logan suggested that at least fifty members of the Post should agree to give fifty cents per month for the next six months with the money to be made available to Mrs. William Nelson Seal to help defray expenses in the death of her husband and a member of the Post”. According to official records,..
Full Story

Veterans Day Church Services

Feb 20, 1955
At The American Legion's 1951 convention, it formally endorsed a "Back to God" movement. This was a "crusade" to being the American people back to God, making America a great moral and spiritual force in the world. The program was implemented in February 1955 on the anniversary of the sinking of the USAT Dorchester, and the sacrifice of the Four Chaplains. Post 41 decided that an appropriate way to implement the program would be to..
Full Story
Veterans Day Church Services

Christmas Party

Dec 20, 1958
For the first time, the Christmas Party included members of the Auxiliary and spouses. Prior to this, it had been a stag function for Legion members only. This is now an annual event with almost 200 members of our Post family attending.
Full Story

1960

Veterans' Graves Registration

Feb 2, 1962
Post 41 compiled a list of veterans buried in Green Hill Cemetery and a map showing the locations of their graves so that flags could be placed on the graves for Memorial Day. Flags were also provided for the first time to other cemeteries in the county. The graves registration has been maintained and updated annually and currently includes the names and grave locations for over 1,400 veterans buried in local cemeteries.
Full Story

Post 41 Invitation Track Meet

May 8, 1965
Post 41 sponsored the inaugural Lloyd Williams Post 41 Invitation Track Meet at Clarke County High School. Post 41 provided the trophies and medals for the participants and served as timers and scorers for the event. The meet included high schools from several counties in the northern Shenandoah Valley. Loudoun Valley High School won the first meet. This was an annual event until 2004, when the high school decided to discontinue the meet.
Full Story

Bond Burning Ceremony

Jul 7, 1965
The final bond issued for the construction of the Community Building was retired. Post 41 was now debt free for the first time in over twenty-five years. A Bond Burning Ceremony was held to commemorate the event.
Full Story
Bond Burning Ceremony

Academic Scholarships

Mar 2, 1967
Post 41 approved the awarding of academic scholarships to graduating seniors from Clarke County High School. This continues to be an annual award of at least two scholarships each year. The scholarships are currently $2,000 each.
Full Story

1970

Rental Rates Approved

Jan 3, 1971
New rental rates for the use of the Community Building were approved. The rental rates were $60 for dances, $10 for churches and $35 for Legion members' parties. There was no charges for the fire department, scouts, or meetings of community organizations. Commercial use of the building was prohibited.
Full Story
Concrete Bases for VA Grave Markers

Concrete Bases for VA Grave Markers

May 13, 1973
Legionnaires Bill Willingham and Dave Bowerman designed and built steel forms for making three concrete bases at a time for the bronze grave markers provide by the Veterans Administration. The forms are still being used.
Full Story

1980

Apple Butter Fundraiser

Nov 3, 1980
Post 41 held its first apple butter sale. Members of the Post and Auxiliary made the apple butter and sold it as a fundraiser. This became an annual event until the mid-1990s.
Full Story

VA Medical Center Support

Dec 4, 1980
Since the late 1940s, Post 41 has been volunteering to assist at the Martinsburg VA Medical Center. This started by providing cigarettes and toiletries to the patients and visiting with them on a regular basis. In December 1980, Post 41 approved a donation to help provide Christmas gifts to the patients. This became an annual donation. In recent years, this has expanded to providing cookies each month to the Stephens City VA Clinic. The Post..
Full Story

Difficult Times for Post 41

Dec 4, 1980
The Post had to borrow $5,000 for needed repairs to the Community Building. Very few community groups are using the building and Post membership is under sixty members—an all-time low. There are fewer than ten members attending meetings and active in Post programs. The Post is not generating enough revenue to maintain the building or to fund activities. It is decided to try to sell the Community Building.
Full Story
First Female Member

First Female Member

Sep 7, 1988
Sarah B. Toxvard, a Navy nurse during World War II, became Post 41's first female member.
Full Story

1990

Commercial Lease of the Community Building

Nov 5, 1991
After several years of unsuccessfully trying to sell the Community Building, Post 41 agrees to lease the Community Building to the Dollar General Corporation for its retail store and borrows $28,500 for the repairs and improvements needed for the store. The debt was retired from rent proceeds in 1994. debt was retired from rent proceeds in 1994. The revenue from the lease continues to fund almost all of Post 41's programs and activities. The Post..
Full Story

Post Family Picnic

Sep 6, 1995
Post 41 held a picnic for Legionnaires and members of the Auxiliary and their families at Chet Hobert Park in Berryville. The delegates to Boys and Girls State were invited to attend and talk about their experiences. This became an annual event. The first Post Picnic was in 1923 at Castleman's Ferry on the Shenandoah River. It was held on and off over the years at several locations including the Charles Town Park.
Full Story

Kids Voting

Nov 5, 1996
During the November general elections, Post 41 began assisting with Kids Voting at the Buckmarsh Precinct in Berryville. This is a national program to get students involved and ready to be educated, engaged citizens. Students learn about democracy through a combination of classroom activities, an authentic voting experience, and family dialogue. Legionnaires from Post 41 setup the voting machines and provide the adult supervision for Kids Voting at the precinct. Post 41 has continued supporting..
Full Story

2000

World War II Veterans Honored

World War II Veterans Honored

Apr 16, 2005
When the “greatest generation” marched off to fight “the war to end all wars,” 1,008 Clarke County residents were among them. For a small rural county, with a population of 7,159, according to the 1940 Census, that was almost a seventh of the entire county in uniform. Post 41 recently honored its members who helped defend freedom with thanks, applause, and certificates of appreciation. Lloyd Williams Post 41 has 20 members who served during the..
Full Story

Blue Star Banners

May 1, 2006
Post 41 rekindled the program of issuing Blue Star Service Banners to local families who had members serving in our Armed Forces. Since 2006, we have issued almost one hundred banners to families in our area. The Blue Star Service Banner is an official banner authorized by the Department of Defense for display by families who have members serving in the Armed Forces during any period of war or hostilities the United States may be..
Full Story
Blue Star Banners
Memorial Day Service

Memorial Day Service

May 28, 2006
Since its chartering in 1919, Lloyd Williams always honored the deceased veterans buried in Clarke County by decorating their graves with flowers and U.S. flags and conducting memorial services in local cemeteries. Through the efforts of Lloyd Williams Post 41, VFW Post 9760, local churches, and local government, one combined Memorial Day Service was held on May 28, 2006, in Rose Hill Park in Berryville. This had now become an annual service for the entire..
Full Story

The Post Dispatch Newsletter

Jul 1, 2006
Post 41 started publishing a quarterly newsletter, The Post Dispatch. The purpose of the newsletter was to communicate past, current, and future news to our Post family. The newsletter has received many state and national awards over its short history.
Full Story
Berryville Christmas Parade

Berryville Christmas Parade

Dec 2, 2006
Post 41 participated in the Berryville Christmas Parade. Its entries included the Clarke County Honor Guard leading the parade, a large trailer hauling Legionnaires, and three vintage cars. Legionnaires handed our small U.S. flags and candy to the spectators along the parade route. This is now an annual event for the Post.
Full Story

Emergency Exit

Jan 2, 2007
The Legion Meeting Room in the basement of the Dollar General Store in Berryville currently only has one exit. This has been a safety concern for several years. The Building & Grounds Committee recently correcting this situation by installing a second exit to serve as an emergency egress from the basement. The officers and members of Post 41 wish to thank Legionnaire George Dellinger for his work on this project.
Full Story
Flag Retirement Ceremony

Flag Retirement Ceremony

Nov 11, 2007
On Sunday, November 11, 2007, American Legion Post 41, VFW Post 9760, and Boy Scout Troop 34, held a Ceremony for the Retirement of Flags. The ceremony was held in Rose Hill Park with more than 200 flags retired. About fifty residents attended the ceremony. The United States Flag Code states: “The Flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem of display, should be destroyed in a dignified..
Full Story

Christmas In April

Apr 9, 2008
Post 41 sponsored “Christmas In April” for the patients in the Nursing Care Units at the Martinsburg VA Medical Center. This unique activity was suggested by Legionnaire Carle “Bing” Germelman as a way to assist the veterans living in the Nursing Care Units. Members of our Post family donated DVD movies, socks, and toiletries for the patients. The estimated value of the items donated was over $1,500 and included 121 DVD movies and 12 dozen..
Full Story
Clarke County Veterans Memorial

Clarke County Veterans Memorial

Nov 11, 2008
At 11:00 a.m. on November 11th, over three hundred veterans, citizens, and public officials gathered at the new Berryville-Clarke County Government Center to dedicate the Clarke County Veterans Memorial. The memorial—appropriately dedicated on Veterans Day—honors the men and women of Clarke County who served, are serving, and will serve in our armed forces. The memorial was a joint effort between local veterans’ organizations and local governments. VFW Post 9760 and American Legion Post 41 each..
Full Story

Parking Meters on Parade

Nov 30, 2008
Post 41 participated in the Parking Meters on Parade contest held by Berryville Main Street, Inc. The contest involved decorating a parking meter in a “holiday fashion” to celebrate the Christmas season. Prizes for various categories were awarded at the Christmas Tree Lighting in Rose Hill Park this evening. Christmas music was provided by the Clarke County Community Band. This was followed by a Cookies and Hot Cider reception in the old hotel lobby behind..
Full Story
Parking Meters on Parade
Wreaths Acros America

Wreaths Acros America

Dec 6, 2008
In 1992, Worcester Wreath Company of Harrington, Maine, found itself with an excess of wreaths nearing the end of the holiday season. Arrangements were made for the wreaths to be placed at Arlington National Cemetery. This became an annual event at Arlington. In 2006, in response to thousands of e-mails and letters, Worcester Wreath expanded its wreath donations nationwide. This year, ceremonies were held simultaneously at 230 locations. Funding for the program comes from individuals,..
Full Story

An Unmarked Grave

Mar 8, 2009
Harry Russell Deahl was a World War I veteran who grew up in Clarke County and worked as a farm laborer most of his short life. Recently, one of his relatives looking for Mr. Deahl’s grave in Green Hill Cemetery discovered that his grave was unmarked. Cemetery Manager Voyne Lowery contacted Post 41 to see if we could get a VA-provided military marker. The family could not find his military records and learned that his..
Full Story
An Unmarked Grave
Veterans Food Drive

Veterans Food Drive

Jul 1, 2009
The two major veterans’ organizations in Clarke County, American Legion Post 41 and VFW Post 9760, joined forces to sponsor the Clarke County Food Drive for the month of July. Tom Bundy, a member of both service organizations, was the motivating force behind this project. Collection barrels were located at local churches and the Dollar General Store. The drive concluded with 1,142 pounds of donated food for the FISH Food Bank. The food was used..
Full Story

90th Anniversary Proclamation

Sep 23, 2009
The Berryville Town Council honored Lloyd Williams Post 41’s 90th anniversary with a proclamation recognized the Post’s ninety years of service to veterans, veterans’ families, and the community.
Full Story
90th Anniversary Proclamation

Honorary Life Membership

Nov 4, 2009
A motion was approved to grant Honorary Life Membership to all members of Post 41who are 75 years old or older and who have paid membership dues at Post 41 for the past five consecutive years. This action become effective on July 1, 2010. Post 41 will continue to pay the dues of members who are World War II veterans, members of the Clarke County Honor Guard, and local members on active military duty.
Full Story

2010

Flag Day

Jun 14, 2010
On Flag Day, members of Post 41 installed a new flag pole for Gene and Laura White. Gene is a World War II veteran who has been a member of Post 41 for over fifty years. The flag pole and U.S. flag were donated by Past Commander John Gallagher. Four Legionnaires helped to install the flag pole. Terry Hayton did most of the heavy digging; Bill Overbey mixed the concrete; Bob Ferrebee provided the technical..
Full Story
Flag Day

Post 41 Website Launched

Jul 1, 2010
American Legion Post 41 launched a website, http://www.alpost41.org, for the first time. Our objective was to improve communications with our members, potential members, and our community. Over the first four and a half months of publication, the website has exceeded our expectations. It has been a huge success. The website averages over 30,000 hits or page views to the site from almost 1,000 users each month. It is evident that we are reaching not only..
Full Story

GI Party

Sep 30, 2010
On September 30th, several Legionnaires from Post 41 held a good old fashion GI party to clean up our Legion meeting room and restrooms. Most of the former “grunts” from the Army and Marines were well trained in the skills needed for this job and offered on-the-job training for the Air Force and Navy veterans who had never had the privilege of scrubbing a latrine with a toothbrush. Thanks to Legionnaires John Harris, Terry Hayton,..
Full Story

Post 41 Facebook Page

Nov 23, 2010
American Legion Post 41 is now on Facebook. If you are a Facebook user, you can ask to be added as a friend of Post 41. This will allow you access to announcements, news, and information about upcoming events. We are listed on Facebook as a non-profit organization under the name “American Legion Post 41, Berryville, VA”. If you are not familiar with Facebook, you need internet access and a free account to use the..
Full Story

Stone's Chapel Church

Dec 29, 2010
The Clarke County Memorial Cemetery Association has started a preservation project on historic Stone’s Chapel Church which was built in 1793. The last worship service in the church was over ten years ago and the building has been neglected since then. Larry Hardesty, a member of Post 41, is in charge of the project. The floors in the sanctuary were recently treat for wood borers and refinished. All of the pews had to be removed..
Full Story
Stone's Chapel Church
KP Duty

KP Duty

Apr 8, 2011
During our military basic training, we learned many useful skills and among these were how to field strip a cigarette, clean a latrine, and peel potatoes. On April 8th, several members of Post 41 had an opportunity to apply one of these basic training skills to civilian life. They volunteered to peel potatoes that will be mashed for the Post’s Awards Dinner. They peeled one hundred pounds of potatoes in less than an hour. Since..
Full Story

Museum of the Marine Corps

Apr 19, 2011
American Legion Post 41 and VFW Post 6790 sponsored a bus trip to the National Museum of the Marine Corps at Quantico, Virginia, on Tuesday, April 19, 2011. Schrock Tours provided the bus at a discount rate and the driver volunteered his services. The two Posts split the cost of the bus. It was a great trip with 42 members of Post 41 and VFW Post 9760 participating. You did not have to be a..
Full Story
Museum of the Marine Corps
A Promise Kept

A Promise Kept

Jun 8, 2011
TEC-4 William C. “Billy” Owens, Jr. was the first Clarke County soldier to die on foreign soil during World War II. On April 17, 1943, he died during a training accident in England. He was killed when his jeep overturned and caught on fire burning him to death. He was a member of the 29th Reconnaissance Troop, 888th Infantry Brigade, 29th Infantry Division. His body was returned to Berryville and he was buried in Green..
Full Story

Visitation Committee

Jul 2, 2011
Post 41 organize a committee to make regular visits to members of Post 41 who are in nursing homes or assisted living facilities. The committee visits each Legionnaire at least twice a month.
Full Story

Saga of the Sump Pumps

Sep 4, 2011
When the Legion Building was built in 1938, there was a spring flowing in the area where the building’s foundation was laid. To manage the water flow, large cinderblocks were laid under the foundation to form channels for the water to flow through. Sump pumps were installed to discharge overflow water and prevent the basement meeting room from flooding. When the electrical service to the building is interrupted, the pumps do not work and water..
Full Story

Flags for the New High School

Apr 28, 2012
The Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the new Clarke County High School was conducted by the students and staff of the school. Several hundred people attended the ceremony and toured the new school immediately after the ceremony. The new high school is modern, open and spacious and should serve the students of Clarke County for many years. Post 41 and our fellow veterans of VFW Post 9760 donated all of the flags for the new school...
Full Story
Flags for the New High School
Berryville-Clarke County Veterans Day Program

Berryville-Clarke County Veterans Day Program

Nov 11, 2012
On November 11th, the Town of Berryville and Clarke County held a Veterans Day Service at the Clarke County Veterans Memorial. Veterans were welcomed and thanked by Mayor Wilson Kirby. Hopefully, this will become an annual event. Tammy Lanham performed some beautiful and patriotic songs. Commander Mike Linster and VFW Commander Bob Wagner placed a wreath on the memorial honoring all veterans. Vietnam veteran Chris Birch provided some heart-felt and emotional remarks about the sacrifice..
Full Story

Wee Angels Preschool Program

May 23, 2013
On May 23rd, Post 41 visited the Wee Angels Day Care Center at Duncan Memorial United Church in Berryville and presented a program on Memorial Day and patriotism. About fifty pre-school students attended the program. Commander Mike Linster, Past Commander John Harris, his wife Karen, and granddaughter Emma Cohen conducted the program. This is the fifth consecutive year we have provided this service to Wee Angels. John Harris began the program by explaining who veterans..
Full Story
Wee Angels Preschool Program

Post Excellence Award

Jul 12, 2013
Post 41 was recipient of the Post Excellence Award presented by the National Commander. This award recognizes Posts that demonstrated excellence in four of the main areas of concern to The American Legion. To qualify for the award, Post 41 was required to certify a high standard of participation in each of the four areas—membership, youth activities, community service, and support to currently serving troops and veterans. This is the third consecutive year that Post..
Full Story

Post Newsletter Earns National Award

Sep 5, 2013
Lloyd Williams Post 41 of The American Legion has the best newsletter of any small American Legion post in the country. That’s the word from the National American Legion Press Association, which held a Media Contest for all American Legion posts nationwide. The entries were judged by the English Department of the University of Nebraska this year, and, for the first time, social media outlets such as Facebook and Twitter were also judged in separate..
Full Story
Post Newsletter Earns National Award
Salvation Army Bell-Ringers

Salvation Army Bell-Ringers

Dec 7, 2013
Post 41 volunteered to serve as “bell-ringers” for the Salvation Army at the Berryville Food Lion on December 7th. Sixteen Legionnaires staffed the Red Kettle collection from 9:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. By the end of the day, the kettle was stuffed full of donations from the good people of Clarke County. The total collection for the day was $659.49—the highest for the season in the Winchester-Clarke County area for the season. The Salvation Army..
Full Story

Middle School Essay Contest

Jan 8, 2014
Post 41 participated in the Department of Virginia's Middle School Essay Contest for the first time. The one page essay must begin with the words: "I like living in America because..." and must be written during class time. The winning essay is forwarded to the District-level competition. Fifty-four students ay Johnson-Williams Middle School wrote essays. The winning essay was written by Sarah Dalton, an eighth grader at Johnson-Williams Middle School. Donna Michael is her Language..
Full Story
Middle School Essay Contest
Post History Article

Post History Article

Feb 17, 2014
On February 17th, a team from The American Legion National Headquarters in Indianapolis came to Berryville to interview Adjutant/Historian Bob Ferrebee about Post 41's history page on the Legion's Centennial Celebration web site. The team included Holly Soria, Art Director, Laura Edwards, Assistant Editor of The American Legion Magazine, and a videographer. In an email to Post 41, Holly Soria stated: "I am writing to praise you for the excellent execution of your Centennial Post..
Full Story

WWII Veteran Finally Gets His Medals

May 7, 2014
During World War II, Charles E. "Charlie" Boyd served on three continents and the Philippines Islands. Because his unit was constantly on the move, Charlie never received the medals and service ribbons he was entitled to for his service. The officers of Post 41, recently learned of this and decided to correct this oversight. Using a copy of his military records, the Post ordered his medals and service ribbons. His decorations include the Bronze Star,..
Full Story
WWII Veteran Finally Gets His Medals
Care Package for Our Soldier

Care Package for Our Soldier

Jul 2, 2014
1LT Christopher Liggett, a member of Post 41, is currently deployed with the 101st Airborne Division in Afghanistan. He is scheduled to return home by Thanksgiving. The members of Post 41 recently shipped him a care package that included his favorite snacks and foods. We also included a card thanking him for his service, sacrifice and patriotism. The card was signed by Post members at the Legion meeting. Christopher is a 2008 graduate of Clarke..
Full Story

Centennial History Workshop

Aug 25, 2014
On August 25th, Post 41 Historian Bob Ferrebee was one of the facilitators at the 96th National Legion Convention in Charlotte, NC. The 100th Anniversary Observance Committee invited him to participate in a workshop to help members get involved in the coming Centennial Celebration of The American Legion. He discussed how he assembled and shared Post 41's centennial profile, and the ways in which an exciting centennial program can build awareness and membership in the..
Full Story
Centennial History Workshop
Captain Lloyd Williams Grave Marking Ceremony

Captain Lloyd Williams Grave Marking Ceremony

Sep 21, 2014
Over one hundred people from across the country assembled in Green Hill Cemetery on Sunday afternoon to honor the World War I Marine Corps officer who famously said the words, “Retreat, hell! We just got here!” The event honored Clarke County native Captain Lloyd W. Williams, who uttered this line when a French officer ordered him to withdraw his company of Marines during the Battle of Belleau Wood. Captain Williams was killed in the ensuing..
Full Story

Adopt-A-Senior for Christmas

Dec 6, 2014
Post 41 adopted two senior citizen families for Christmas this year. The Clarke County Senior Center provided the names of the families and their Christmas food wish lists. Legionnaires Bob Jackson, Terry Hayton and Bob Ferrebee did the shopping and delivered the food baskets in time for Christmas. Each family was provided with a basket full of food and gift cards.
Full Story
Classroom Flags

Classroom Flags

Feb 6, 2015
Post 41 and our fellow veterans at VFW Post 9760 provided U.S. flags for the classrooms at Clarke County's elementary and middle schools. Many of the classrooms were without flags or the flags were worn and needed replacing. VFW 9760 Ladies Auxiliary President Pat Dickenson learned of the flag situation and organized the effort to provide the fifty-one flags. Post 41, VFW Post 9760, VFW Post 9760 Ladies Auxiliary, and VFW Post 9760 Men's Auxiliary..
Full Story

Korean War Veterans Honored

Apr 11, 2015
At the April 11th Awards and Appreciation Dinner, Post 41 recognized its members who served on active duty during the Korean War Era. The Korean War is often referred to as the "Forgotten War" and the men and women who served were never properly recognized and thanked for their service and sacrifice. Thirty-six veterans who served during the war were able to attend the dinner: Jerry G. Beydler; Dudley Earl Brown, Jr.; David E. Clark;..
Full Story
Korean War Veterans Honored

Commerical Lease Renewal

Aug 5, 2015
Since 1990, Post 41 has leased the Legion Building to Dollar General Corporation as retail space. The current lease was scheduled to expire on January 31, 2016. The Executive Committee has reached an agreement with Dollar General to extend the lease for three years at $3,150 per month. Dollar General will continue to pay real estate taxes, insurance and utilities, and internal maintenance costs under $300. The contract also includes two three-year lease options at..
Full Story

New Service Awards

Apr 9, 2016
At our April 9th Awards Dinner, two special awards were presented to community organizations. Frederick County Public Schools, James Wood High School, Millbrook High School. Sherando High School and Redbud Elementary School were present the “Service to Veterans” award for the annual Veterans Day Program held at Millbrook High School. The Horseshoe Curve Benevolent Association was presented the “Service to Community” award for its support to various community needs. These will become annual awards.
Full Story