FIRST MEETING OF THE AMERICAN WAR VETERANS----MINUTES
Marshfield,Wis.
June 18, 1919
A meeting of the American War Veterans was held at Armory l for the purpose of electing permanent officers.
The meeting was called to order by Capt. E. O. Witt Temporary Chairman. Mayor Henry Kalsched was introduced, and in a very appropriate manner welcomed home the returning soldiers. He also expressed the desire that the boys would avail themselves of Marshfield's hospitality and have a good time during the Red Arrow celebration. Capt. Witt then explained how a temporary organization of American War Veterans had been formed, while most of the soldiers were still in the service and that the purpose of the meeting was to elect permanent officers and perfect a permanent organization.
Nominations were placed in order for chairman. Motion made and carried that Major Robert Connor be elected Chairman. After occupying the chair to which he had been elected, Major Conner thanked the comrades for the honor they had bestowed upon him. He also explained his position as regards the returned soldier, stating that he was in favor of doing everything possible in aiding the returned soldier, and that in order to accomplish this it would be necessary to have a strong organization.Nominations announced in order for Secretary. Motion made and carried that Capt. Fred B. Rhyner be elected Secretary.Motion carried that the only chair appoint a committee of three as a nominating committee to submit names for members of the Organization Committee, Finance Committee and Welfare Committee. The chair appointed as such Capt. L. H. Schoenhofen, Corp. Glen Kraus and Sgt. Albert Wirkus. After a short recess the meeting was again called to order and this committee reported as follows;
Organization Committee
Sgt. Fred Olson
Pvt. J. S. McDonald
Pvt. Chas. M Pors
Seaman M. D. Masten
Sgt. H. O. Wildish
Finance Committee
Sgt. A. J. Rasmussen
Sgt. A. J. Pankow
Sgt. A. M. Laemle
Welfare Committee
Capt. Geo. Wood
Sgt. Albert Wirkus
Sgt. John Dawson
Motion carried that the secretary be instructed to cast a unanimous ballot for members of the above committees as submitted by the nominating committee.
Motion carried that Capt. John Kohl be declared elected Chaplain.
Motion Carried that Sgt. Irwin Wendt be declared elected Sergeant at Arms.
The following subjects were discussed: Meeting dates, name of organization, dues, preference of memorial. It was decided to meet the first Wednesday of each month, the next regular meeting to be held in August. The name of the Local organization and the amount of dues was left to the organization committee, with instructions to submit several names and plans for dues at the next regular meeting.
The organization placed itself on record as being in favor of an armory as their preference for a suitable memorial for those who made the supreme sacrifice.
There being no further business the meeting adjourned.
F. B. Rhyner, Secretary
Per G. S. Wood Jr.
ORGANIZATION
A Temporary organization of the veterans of World War l was formed early in 1919 with Capt Edward O. Witt as temporary Chairman. This was before any veterans had returned home. The first meeting of the returned veterans was held at the Armory June 18, 1919. The minutes which are included in this history. The meeting was prior to the adoption of the name "American Legion". There were two conflicting groups in Wisconsin striving to get national affiliation. One of these had a convention in Milwaukee, July 7th and 8th, 1919 to which three delegates were sent from the Marshfield organization. By the way, the total expenses of the three delegates for two days in Milwaukee, including transportation, hotel, meals, etc. was $61.40. Future delegates please note. During the summer of 1919 the state straightend these conflicting groups out. And they became one under the name of "American Legion".
The first charter was dated August 24th, 1919, and the orginal signers of the application for the charter wre as follows:
R Conner Leo Luis William Pors
Fred B Rhyner Fred Braem George S Wood
A. J. Rasmussen Warten Wikus Vernon Kelly
John Kohl William Maass Chas Normington
M. H. Kraus Walter C. Mueller William Beseler
A permanent charter was issued September 14, 1925, Registration Number 8126. The local post was incorporated in 1940, and supplemental charter to this effect was issued March 26, 1940. On April 4, 1946 a committee was appointed to submit the name of a World War ll veteran to be added to the name of the Post. The committee selected Ivan G. Sadowska.
The permanent charter was voided March 4, 1947 on account of the change in the name of the post, and a new charter was issued March 7, 1947. A supplemental charter replaced the one issued March 26, 1940, also issued on the same date, March 7, 1947.
On June 5, 1947 the formal presentation of the charter to the Post was made by District Commander Emil Gehrke.
MILITARY BANQUET
The annual Military Banquet was first discussed at a meeting in October, 1921, no action was taken. The first banquet was held April 22, 1926, and is has been a annual gathering ever since, and invariably successful. All military people in the locality are invited, ex-service men, National Guard, Military Bands, and miscellaneous military personnel.
The cost of the event was borne by the post for a good many years, but when things got bad financially, a nominal charge was made, and this saved the situation. An effort is always made to get the best speaker available, and we usually had good ones.
MEMORIAL DAY AND ARMISTICE DAY
The first observance of Armistice Day (later changed to Veterans Day), was November 11, 1919, and Col. McCoy of Sparta was the speaker. The ceremony has been held annually since that date. The weather is invariably cold on November 11th, and the exercises, when held outdoors, have been brief and poorly attended, both by the military and the spectators.
Memorial Day is observed by a parade to the cemetery and the services are held at Flanders Field. This has always resulted in a good turnout, as the parade is composed of all local bands, marching units, floats, etc. Memorial Day was established after the Civil War and sponsored by the G.A.R. up to the time of World War l. Shortly after this it was taken over by the American Legion, who carried on the tradition.
POPPY DAY
The idea of a Poppy Day was originated in 1920, and adopted by this post April 6, 1921, when poppies were purchased. April 20, 1921 the Women Auxiliary of the American Legion was invited to handle the poppy sale for 50% of the profits, and it has been handled on this basis for many years. In early days the members of the Women's Auxiliary had meetings and actually made the poppies, but later they were made by the veterans in the hospitals, and they were purchased from them. The proceeds from this sale is used for rehabilitation, in hospitals and for local cases.
WOMEN'S AUXILIARY
February 4, 1920 the commander appointed a committee to work with the eligible women to organize a Women's Auxiliary to the American Legion. October 20, 1920 the question of a Women's Auxiliary was discussed and a motion made to give the ladies $7.50 to pay for their charter. The organization was completed, and Mrs Walter G. Sexton was elected April 6, 1921 to serve as the first President. Later Mrs Frank Noll served as Department President.
PAST COMMANDERS CLUB
There was considerable talk throughout the years about a past commanders club, but nothing was ever done. Prior to 1950 a club was organized, but did not accomplish very much. January 17, 1959, the past commanders club was again organized and a copy of the minutes of this meeting is attached to this history.
ORGANIZATION MEETING OF THE PAST COMMANDERSOF
LESSELYONG-SADOWSKA POST 54 OF THE AMERICAN LEGION
Past Commanders present;
Alvin Hansen Richard Hansen Anthony Knott
George S Wood Elmer Thuss Elmer Marten
Ed Buchmiller Chas. M Pors Arthur O. Neinas
Glen D Tinkham Walter V Mueller Dr. H Baldwin
Kenneth Olstinski Kenneth Pucker Ferd. Thums
Ed Ramussen
Meeting called to order by Kenneth Pucker.
Motion, duly seconded and carried that Kenneth Pucker act as trmpotary chairman, and George S. Wood act as temporary secretary.
Motion, duly seconded and carried, that the past commanders of Lesselyong-Sadowska Post 54 of the Wisconsin Department of the American Legion organize a Past Commanders Club, without any present National or State affiliations.
Motin that Kenneth Pucker be nominated President. The motion was seconded, and there being no further nominations, Kenneth Pucker was elected unanimously.
Motion that Richard Hanson be nominated Secretary and Treasurer. The motion was seconded and there be no further nominations, Richard Hansen was elected unanimously.
Motion duly seconded and carried, that we have no constitution, by-laws or dues.
Remarks by President Pucker: One of the purposes of the Past Commanders Club is to be available when called upon for guidance and assistance to incoming commanders. At present we have no problems, but in future we may have some great problems, and it should be our duty to be available for guidance and assistance to new commanders, and they should know that they can call on the club for any assistance.
Motion by Richard Hansen, seconded by Chas. Pors that after July 4th that all flags should be removed from graves in the various cemeteries in this area, so that they will not become an eyesore, and that a committee should be appointed to work with Henry Felhoefer to accomplish this. Motion carried.
Motion by Neinas, seconded by Knott that the committee that put this very fine dinner be given a vote of thanks. Motion Carried.
Meeting Adjourned.
George S. Wood
Temporary Secretary
Metting held at the club Room of the American Legion on Saturday, the 17th of January, 1959.
ATHELETIC AND SCHOLARSHIP AWARD
June 14, 1922 the first medal was given to a boy in high school who had the best athletic and scholastic record. The first recipient was Oscar Witt of Marshfield. May 4, 1939 the high school of the Village of Auburndale was included. A boy from Columbus High School of Marshfield was added after that school was in operation.
ATHLETICS
For a few years after each war the members participated in baseball, basketball, etc., but as they get older, they cannot actively take part in the strenuous sports. The post had a basketball team for a short time after each War, with more or less success. The basketball equipment was sold Feb. 2, 1948
The local post had teams in the district and state bowling tournaments, and the Wisconsin Legion Bowling Tournament was held at Marshfield, beginning March 14, 1942. 365 teams attended from all over the state. The city of Marshfield produced 106 teams to make this tournament a success, and the members worked hard day and night to put this across. The tournament made a profit for the post. This was one project that was not left to one or two members to handle, but the whole post worked hard in shifts. As this event lasted about six weeks, you can see the members were very faithful.
JUNIOR BASEBALL
The American Legion Baseball was first organized in 1927 and disbanded in 1929 on account of lack of money. It was operated from 1935 to 1942, when it was turned over to the City Recreation Director, and at that time the post equipped the team with uniforms and other equipment. The post organized a team again in 1938, but the war stopped it, but it was operated very successfully from 1946 to 1950. Sept. 2, 1948 the post received the 8th District Championship trophy, and on Sept. 1, 1949, the post was awarded a trophy for second place in the Junior American Legion Tournament held at West Bend. The Ford magazine carried an article about American Legion Baseball in Marshfield. For a number of years they were unable to operate because it was impossible to find a manager.
The project was one that always left to one or two members to handle, and after a few years the manager gets tired of giving up all his summer, and this is the main reason for the sporadic operation of the baseball teams. I think the ability of the boys of that age is more or less the same throughout the years, but they require management and financing, as well as transportation, in order to function.
NATIONAL GUARD UNITS
Immediately after World War ll a campaign was started to get National
Guard units for Marshfield. The Adjutant General of Wisconsin notified us that an infantry company had been allocated to Marshfield, and that this decision could not be changed. After considerable correspondence, in 1947 the Adjutant General requested to assign two artillery units to Marshfield, and August 28, 1947 official word was received by the post that two batteries had been assigned to Marshfield, Batteries B and C of the 128th Field Artillery.
The first National Convention was held at Minneapolis in 1919, and a delegate was sent there from this post. The State of Wisconsin had separate conventions because of two factions, before they finally got together, and Marshfield were in attendance. From then on the Marshfield Post had delegates' at all state conventions, and in early years there was usually someone at the national conventions, either as a delegate or as a visitor. The Commander and Adjutant invariably attended the district and state meetings for commanders and adjutants. The state meeint for Post Commanders was held in Marshfield in February 1921, and it was a successful affair.
In early 1920's the National Convention was held at Cleveland, Ohio, and one Sunday morning my wife and I headed for Cleveland with Art Neinas from Marshfield. We left here about 3 AM and picked up John "Bonehead" Kohl at Milwaukee. As soon as we were out of Milwaukee the boys started to cry for beer. I told them to wait until we had a few miles behind us and until we got past the Chicago traffic. When we got past Chicago, I told them to watch for a tavern, and when they found one it was in Indiana, and Indiana was closed on Sunday.
NATIONAL AND STATE OFFICERS
The members of the local post who have served as National and Department officers are as follows: Wm R Kenny, Depart Vice-Commander 1939-1940, Department Commander 1944-1945, and following his term as Department Commander served four years on the National Executive Committee. Chas. M Pors was on the National Executive Committee in the 20's. Father Urban Baer was elected Department Chaplain for the term 1949-1950, and Father W. J. Dillenberg served as Department Chaplain for the years 1959-1960.
HOMECOMING CELEBRATIONS
June 19, 1919 the Red Arrow Celebration was held at what is now Wildwood Park to welcome home the veterans of World War L, A committee of citizens handled this affair and they barbecued an ox that weighed 820 lbs. The stuffing consisted of 30 lbs. Of bacon, 30 lbs of liver, 30 loaves of bread, 1 bushel of onions, 3 gallons of catsup. An oven was built especially for roasting the ox. The ox made excellent eating. The celebration consisted of music, speeches and the reunion of many men who had not seen one another for several years. This was followed by a dance.
August 10, 1946 was the day of the big Homecoming Celebration for the veterans of World ll. Following a big prade, there was an air show, banquet and dance. December 6, 1945 American Legion Post entertained the returning veterans of World War ll at a dinner at the armory.
MEETINGS
There has always been a difficulty in getting a good turnout at regular meetings. Many schemes have been tried to bring them out, but it takes something exceptional to accomplish this. The Legion started out with monthly meetings, and a short time later two meetings a month were tried. This was not successful, and the monthly meetings were resumed. Entertainment, speakers, lunches, prizes, all have been tried with varying success.
October 6, 1932 a joint installation of the officers of Nekoosa, Babcock, Dexterville, Pittsville and Marshfield posts was held, district Commander Monk of Wausau installing the officers. The auxiliary units of the above posts also installed their officers at the same time. Monthly meetings were also occasionally held in Auburndale, and at first this was successful.
MEMBERSHIP
It has always been a big problem to get members. Many will not join unless there is a selfish interest. Many pay their dues every year, but have to be solicitated. There was a lot of enthusiasm for a few years after World War l and again after World War ll, but when it settles down to hard work without glamour, they just seem to forget to pay up. It is impossible to give selfish inducements to join the legion.
There is a potential membership in this area probably close to 2000, and the membership probably averages somewhere close to 300. Two or three goo, hard working members have always accounted for 75% of the enrollment. There are quite a few every year who intend to join but they wait for someone to come and collect their dues. If this is not done they will not send in the money. We had an example a number of years back when a member thought he had qualified for a long service button. Investigation disclosed that he had not paid his dues for a couple of years a good many before. No one had asked him for his dues and they were not paid. 35 year membership cards were issued July 9, 1953 to 24 members, and March 4, 1958 22 members were entitled to 40 year cards.
LIFE MEMBERSHIP
The first life membership card was presented to Herbert O Froehlke on February 3, 1949. On April 10, 1958 a life membership was bought by the post for William R Kenney.
CONTRIBUTIONS
The post was never in a financial condition where they could be as liberal as they would wish in the matter of donations to worth while civic and charitable drives, however, the post always did what they could. Jan.28, 1956 a wheelbarrow race for the March of Dimes was held down town Marshfield. This was followed in succeeding yeas by wheel chair races. These races were instrumental in raising a considerable amount of money for the March of Dimes.
SERVICE
The service work for the veteran has been a big problem from the very first. A lot of new legislation was required to get care for the veteran who had been sick or wounded. The hospitals were inadequate, and the medical care was inconsistent. Throughout the years many veterans hospital were built and arrangements for extra care were made with local doctors and hospitals.
The connection between the veteran and the government was hampered by obsolete and imperfect legislation and red tape, and the American Legion did some of its greatest work in this field, getting hospitalization and justice for the veteran.
The local post was extremely fortunate in having excellent men in this department from the very first to the present. Charles M. Pors held the office of Service Officer from March 2, 1921 to 1929, at which time William R Kenney took over and handled these veterans cases until his death, and since the office was taken over by Kenneth Pucker. One of their biggest jobs was to assist the veterans of World War l and ll and the Korean War in making out forms required by the government, to advise his insurance, homestead rights, loan rights, application for the bonus, and many other things about which the average veteran was totally ignorant. I feel that in this department the local post has done well or better than any post in the United States. In 939 a county service officer was established, and we have been fortunate in having men in this capacity who gave the veteran every consideration, and gave the Legion service officer full cooperation.
YOUTH ACTIVITY
BOYS STATE
The first reference that I can find a record of was Boys Week at St John's Military Academy at Delafield, Wis July 6th to which 5 boys were sent. This meting became known as Boys State and was an annual occurrence until May 6, 1943, when it was called off for the duration of the war. It was renewed in 1945, and has been continuous since that date. The meeting has been held at Ripon for a good many years. Marshfield has usually sent about 8 boys, one of which was sponsored by the American Legion. Past Commander Glen D Tinklam was elected president of Boys State about 1947 and has served continuously in that capacity since. The post has always entertained the boys who attended Boy State, at a Post meeting, and the boys have given account of their experiences, and have expressed themselves as grateful for their opportunity to attend.
BOY SCOUTS
The Marshfield post started to aid the Boy Scout movement in 1924. The post inaugurated a Bean Feed for the Boy Scouts, Feb. 2, 1939. This has been an annual affair, and has been extremely successful. The Boy Scouts presented a plaque to the American Legion Post in appreciation of the Bean Feed and interest taken in the Boy Scouts by the post. The Boy Scouts have occasionally been invited to the post meetings where they gave exhibition of tying knots, sending messages in code, making camp, etc.
GIRL SCOUTS
The Women's Auxiliary of the Legion has been taking an active interest in the Girl Scouts through the years
CLUB ROOMS
The first meeting were held at the old armory building, and November 5, 1919 an agreement was made with the Eagle to rent space in their lodge building. This arrangement was cancelled Oct 20, 1920. At the same meeting the Legion was invited by the Knights of Columbus to hold their meetings in the K C building. No action was taken until March 16, 1921, when it was decided to accept the offer to use the K C hall.
March 14, 1924 a committee was appointed to pick a site for club rooms, but nothing came of it. From 1926 to 1938 the Legion was again meeting at the old armory. In the winter of 1937-1938 an arrangement was made to take over the golf course and operate it, on May 5, 1938 the first meeting was held at the golf course. This was a good arrangement, but on account of lack of help it had to be abandoned, and Jan 21, 1942 found us back at the old armory. October 7, 1943 it was decided to leave the old armory and accept an offer to meet in the new armory.
A building committee was appointed Feb 2, 1948, and on June 3, 1948 it was decided to purchase the Baxter-Ritger Funeral home building and furnishings. The first meeting was held in the new club rooms June 3, 1948.The possibility of disposing of the club house was discussed at a meeting April 6, 1950 and on September 20, 1950 an offer of purchase from Connor Lumber and Land Co with a proposition for the use of the basement for club rooms on a rental basis, was received. The building was sold and July 12, 1951 the basement of the Connor building was occupied as club rooms.
July 12, 1956 it was voted to buy a plot of ground on Oak St from the city for $375.00, but it was decided on Sept 6, 1956 to look for a more suitable location. The Johnson Furniture Company building was considered a more suitable location. The Johnson Furniture building was considered December 13, 1956. April 10, 1958 1 1/2 acres on South Maple Avenue were leased from the city for 25 years at $1.00 per year. Apparently this lease was never signed. The post proposed to beautify this land for the purpose of a Veterans Memorial Park. March 15, 1962 the Commander was authorized to sign a lease with the city for this property. April 12, 1962 it was decided to go ahead with the plans for a club house on this site, and on this date, October 1, 1962, the building is almost ready for occupancy.
MISCELLANOUS
The Willard D Purdy Junior High School was dedicated November 11,1920 by Chaplain Stearns of Milwaukee, who had been Chaplain of the 32nd Div. During the War. I believe he was Department Chaplain of the Legion later
Many trophies of all kinds were received by the post and some of its member through the years. The Bauer Child Health Trophy was awards to the post for permanent possession June 15, 1948.
A committee was appointed and money appropriated to further the organization of a Barber Shop Quartette January 8, 1948.
Land was leased from the city May 5, 1949 to encourage model airplane flying.
ENTERTAINMENT AND FINANCING POST ACTIVITIES
Entertainment and the financing of post activities come under one category because so often one is dependent on the other. This post has never been wealthy, and every money spending project that came along had to be dealt with entirely apart from any small amount of money the post might happen to have. The post has tried everything that had a chance to make a profit, and still must resort to various schemes to raise money for specific projects.
The Fair grounds were leased for a few years to hold 4th of July celebrations. The management of the celebration was taken over by an outsider and the post members worked with the management. Two years we were able to show a profit of about $800 a year, and the third year lost about $600. The latter due to extremely bad weather.
We operated a stand at the fair for many years, and this usually showed a profit. The post operated a stand at the Fair in 1961 and 1962 and made a substantial profit.
There were concessions operated by the post at baseball games, and at the opening of the shoe factory. A North Wood County Park and Powers Bluff in the Winter, concessions were operated.
We sponsored plays and nationally known bands with varying success. Financial success or failure of these various things was based on the willingness of the members to work. In the cae of plays tickets had tobe sold, and if the membership did not go out and sell, there could not be much, if any profit. The same thing applies to many dances that were sponsored. You had to get name band to attract a crowd and this was very expensive. The people that would come of their own volition never was enough to cover expenses, and if you wanted to make a profit you had to get out and sell tickets. If you could generate the right amount of enthusiasm, the project would be successful.
The most profitable venture undertaken by the post was the management of the golf course in 1938 and 1939. These years actually produced a very satisfactory profit, but sufficient help could no be obtained, and two or three members practically gave up their entire summer to manage the project. There were many helpers, of course, for short periods of time, but the bulk of the work fell on the hands of two or three men, and they finally gave up, and no one could be found to take their place. If you have to hire help, you cannot make any money on these projects.
Keno or Bingo parties were held in all the early years, at least annually, with an extra one occasionally, and they made some money each time, and provided a lot of entertainment and amusement. However, these were finally stopped by state law, and as far as I know they are still forbidden. I cannot see, when 90% of the people enyoy a little harmless gambling, that the state legislature should be afraid of a few noisy lobbyists. The legislature cold certainly write a law that would legalize Bingo in churches and clubs with restrictions and licensees to keep the cost and prizes down to reasonable limits. Everyone had a good time at these parties and no one got hury to any extent.
In the early years we had boxing, wrestling, dances, picnics, dinners, rifle shoots, bingo, and parties of every kind, some with the auxiliary present and some without. These were on a non-profit basis, and usually ended up with a loss to the post.
I have always felt that it was a mistake not to cooperate more closely with the Women's Auxiliary, by having parties, dances, dinners, picnics, joint meetings, etc. There would be more opportunities to make a profit. The women are excellent organizers of dinner parties and picnics, and the more interest you have among the members, and the more entertainment that is provided, the easier it is to get members and keep them.
The history of the Post was compiled from the records of Geroge S. Wood Post Historian in 1964
