Post 508 Wilton, Wisconsin

Post 508

Wilton, Wisconsin

Post 508 Wilton, Wisconsin

About This Post

Post Namesake

Hanson-Stark-Leith-Paeth Leonard Hanson - killed in the Argonne Forest on Oct 14, 1918...28 days shy of the armistice and 37 days shy of his 18th birthday. Edwin Stark - Onboard the U.S.S. Cyclops, which was lost at sea. No wreckage ... READ MORE

Notable Members

Mahlon Denter. Mahlon received his battlefield commission during WWII while assigned with the L4 Piper Club in the 105th Howitzers. He has been a member of Post 508 for 66 continuous years.

Photos

HISTORY

1920

Post 273 - Short-lived

May 19, 1920
Our first Legion (Post 273) was short lived, and cancelled out on Oct 10, 1923 due to lack of interest, lack of activity, and members complained that dues were too high (at the time dues were $2.00 a year). Commander: Perry Rifleman Adjutant: W.D. Ziereke Treasurer: W.F. Gruenberg Chaplain: Roy Smith Sgt at Arms: Bernard Lydon
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1940

New Charter - New Legion

Jul 19, 1946
Wilton area Veterans returning home form WW II applied for and received a new charter for the Wilton Area Legion.
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Welcome Home Banquet

May 25, 1947

A welcome home banquet was held at St Paul's Lutheran Church in Wilton, Wisconsin for returning war heroes. On the menu were foods like: Sergeant Beer, Major Potatoes, Colonel Corn, Private Celery, Admiral Ice Cream and Commander Cake.


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Welcome Home Banquet
Legion Day Celebration

Legion Day Celebration

Jun 18, 1949
Post 508 hosted a two-day annual event -- Legion Day. Celebrations started with a parade including floats, and novelties. A tractor pull, baseball game, home talent show, and dance followed. Proceeds from Legion Days went towards funding completion of the Legion club house.
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Land bought for legion building

Jul 1, 1949
the Legion bought a small parcel of land from a Charley Lunsford and built a solid cement basement for a Headquarters. This basement is fondly known as "The Dug Out".
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1950

Meeting in the

Meeting in the "Dugout"

Jan 1955

Original members to be identified.


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1960

2nd Story Built

Jul 1, 1962
The Legion added on to the Dug Out!
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Wilton Vets of V.E. Day, 1945 - Reunion

Wilton Vets of V.E. Day, 1945 - Reunion

May 8, 1965
On May 8, 1965, members of the Wilton Legion who were members of the armed forces on V.E. Day (May 8, 1945) had a reunion.
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Shelter added

Jul 1, 1965
The shelter was built on for summer activities.
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1970

Kitchen!

Jul 1, 1977
The shelter, which was built on in 1965, was remodeled into a kitchen, along with the purchase of the adjoining Liersch property next door.
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1980

Dedication of New Legion Hall

Jul 23, 1981
The Wilton Legion dedicated the new legion hall on Sunday, July 23, 1981.
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Large addition

Large addition

Jul 1, 1989
In the summer of 1989, a large addition was built on now giving the Wilton American Legion one of the finest buildings in the area for meetings, receptions, and entertainment.
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1990

Wilton Legion Firing Squad

May 30, 1991
Mahlon Denter, Firing Squad Commander, leads Larry Bever, Gary Bever, Darryl Raabe and Marv Steinbrink in a rehearsal before the annual Memorial Day event.
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Wilton Legion Firing Squad

2010

Denter is 65-Year Legion Member

Denter is 65-Year Legion Member

Feb 2, 2012
Post 508 honored Mahlon Denter for 65 of continuous service!
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Dedicated Wilton Area Veterans Memorial

May 26, 2013
Over 800 Veterans from Civil War to Present Day are recognized within this memorial.
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Dedicated Wilton Area Veterans Memorial
New Commander Installation

New Commander Installation

Jul 11, 2013
Commander Larry Bever distinguished himself in the performance of outstanding service to the Wisconsin American Legion as Commander of the Wilton American Legion Post 508, Wilton, Wisconsin from July 2003 to July 2013. Under his command, the Wilton American Legion provided $5,000 in scholarship monies to local high school students; $1,000 to area youth at the Rod & Gun Club’s annual event; and $1,000 to the Village of Wilton’s annual festival. Under his leadership, Post..
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