Did You Know?
Post 508 had $1,000 on hand when Commander Raymond Brandau and members of our legion decided to build a pool for the village. Cmdr Brandau organized teams to solicit for pledges. The Post was determined to raise the $30,000 needed to construct the pool, bathhouse and wading pool for younger children. Kenny Flock, Chairman of the Memorial Day celebration, executed a successful benefit activity, as did other area sponsors. Our legion appointed Leonard Goldbeck as Chairman of the Finance Committee. His team included Norman Martin, Vernal Dunnum and La Don Paeth. Roland Heath and Eugene Limp shared the treasurer duties. Val Stoda and Bill Tillman served on the audit committee. What a powerhouse team!! Fundraising started in March, 1966 and the pool was completed in July, 1967.
A two-day celebration ensued! The schedule of events for July 22-23, 1967, included a horse show with barrel races and pole-weaving; a talent show in the park; and free dances, one in the Legion Hall and the other for teenagers in the school gym. Mary Domke was crowned queen ...all happening on Saturday. But there’s more!
A celebratory parade down main street, complete with prizes for the best floats; a sky- diving exhibition; swimming events and a square dance occurred on Sunday. What a celebration!
The Wilton American Legion Post 508 dedicated the Wilton Pool on July 25, 1967 to the Village of Wilton. The picture shows (from left to right) a state senator, the project engineer, the contractor, Mayor Hollis Meacham and Post 508 Commander Raymond Brandau. Queen Mary Domke is in the foreground enjoying the cool water.
Do you remember the celebration? What memories do you have of swimming in the Wilton Pool?
(Information gathered from The LaCrosse Tribune archives, 1967)
Our Legion was in existence 21 years when Post 508 membership voted to spend money on a pool for the village to appreciate.
