page updated 01/31/2011

Conceived in France at the close of the World War as a means of providing diversion and recreation for soldiers no longer needed in military service, the tentative organization of the American Legion quickly spread to America and the Legion became outstanding as a peace-time organization of ex-service men. During the early history of the Legion its major interest was in the work of rehabilitation. In recent years the interest of the Legion has centered around a program of community service, which has come to be known as the "Iowa Idea"......

The American Legion Auxiliary is closely associated with the Legion. Its program has been progressive and always in support of Legion activities.......

~excerpt from the 'Author's Preface'

American Legion Posts in Clayton county, Iowa 1919-1929

*Indicates that the post charter has been cancelled

~source: The American Legion in Iowa 1919-1929; by Jacob Armstrong Swisher, 1929
~transcribed for Clayton co. IAGenWeb by Roseanna Zehner, November 2003 & updated with the excerpts from the 'Author's Preface' by S. Ferrall

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Strawberry Point American Legion and Auxiliary

Strawberry Point Post No. 218 of the American Legion was organized in 1920 and received its charter on July 20 of that year. Among the first members of the organization were Meron Axtell, Arthur Baumgartner, D. G. Courtnage, Fred Birrer, A. R. Dittmer, Walter Fredrick, Carl Fults, A. C. Huebsch, Ben Kleinlein, Con Kleinlein, Henry Knake, Lloyd Kramer, Dave Hamlett, Leon Olinger, J. F. Reilly, Gusta Sherman, Howard Steward, Louie Schmidt, Stanley Sargent and Elwin F. Sargent.

The legion first held its meetings in the old Opera House until it burned in 1925. When the new bank building was built, a corporation known as Legion Activities, Incorporated was formed, and the old bank building was purchased for a permanent home. Legion meetings are held in the second floor meeting hall and the first floor is occupied by Meyer’s Jewelry Store.

Present officers of the American Legion are Lyle Jones, Commander; J. J. Hotz, Vice-Commander; Richard Allen, Adjutant; Meron Axtell, Chaplain; Ben Kleinlein, Sergeant-at-arms; and A.C. Fliehler, Corporal of the Guard. The post now has 137 members.

The legion Auxiliary received its charter on April 28, 1922. It is an active organization, meeting once a month in the Legion Hall.

Present Officers are: Mrs. A. R. Dittmer, President; Mrs. Judson Elliot, First Vice-President; Mrs. Lavern Dalen, Second Vice-President; Mrs. Edward White, Recording Secretary; Mrs. D. M. Newton, Corresponding Secretary; Mrs. Ben Kleinlein, Treasurer; Mrs. Mayme Alderson, Chaplain; Mrs. A. C. Fliehler, Historian; and Mrs. Calvin McCary and Mrs. Clyde Bollman, Sergeants-at-Arms.

~source: the Legion article was published in the 'Strawberry Point Centennial Thrills' booklet issued on the 100th Anniversary of the city of Strawberry Point, IA (1853-1953)
~transcribed by Terry Sargent for Clayton co. IAGenWeb

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