Newsletter

American Legion Post 56 Monthly Bulletin

March 2006

Commander's Message

Greetings!  I am pleased to say that with the help from Exol that the construction of the Veterans Memorial at the Court House may now start.  Post 56 has donated one thousand dollars for a plaque to be placed at the Memorial.  You may still purchase pave bricks or make donations to the Memorial.  Applications are at the club or may be obtained from Jon Rhiger at the Court House.

The Commanders Project is going well with just about half of the funds donated.  One of the items to be purchased is a new set of friers.  If you have attended any of the Fish Fry’s you will  have noticed that it is a little slow.  With the new friers, Jason assures me, that he speed will pick up.  Another item is a new alto sham, which is used to keep foods warm as ours is literally falling apart.  With the new alto sham some foods can be prepared ahead so that the kitchen can keep up with orders.

May 19, 20, and 21 is the First District American Legion convention to be held here in Albert Lea.  Registration starts Friday afternoon at the Club.  Saturday is the big day with meetings in the morning, then lunch at the Club, afternoon will continue with more meetings.  Saturday late afternoon will be a parade including the Albert Lea H.S. and Glenville-Emmons bands.  Saturday night is Party time at the Club, there will be entertainment and specials, so come and have fun and meet folks from our District, Department, and other Posts.  Sunday will start of with breakfast at 7:30 at the Club then finish up with voting for District Officers.  If you wish to attend, preregistration is the best, registration materials may be picked up at the Club.  We are looking for volunteers to help with registration, meals, and to shuffle people around.  The Convention is open to Legion, Auxiliary and SAL members.

Last, Dan Petersen has resigned as our 2^nd Vice Commander due to family and job conflicts.  We need someone to replace him, so if you know of someone or are willing to take the position contact the Post Officers.

For God and Country,

Tom Henderson, Commander Post 56

LEGION HERITAGE

Past commanders of Leo Carey Post 56 of the American Legion have been involved in various occupations.  And one of those occupations is that of a pharmacist.

The post’s 20^th commander, Frank Barlow, was born during 1895 in Bancroft Township .  He graduated from Albert Lea High School in 1911 and after graduated from the Drew School of Pharmacy.  During World War I he served in the U.S. Army Medical Corps in Hot Springs , Ark. and Fort Omaha , Neb.

For 50 years he was an employee and alter owner of the pioneer drug store at the corner of South Broadway Avenue and West Clark Street .  In time, this business became known as the Barlow-Spicer Drug Store.

Barlow served as post commander in 1938-39.  He died in January 1971 and is buried in St. Theodore’s Cemetery.  He was born during 1896 in Wells and served in the U.S. Army during World War I.

Alfred J. Kipp, who served as the post’s 21^st commander in 1939-40, is also buried in St. Theodore’s Cemetery.  He was born during 1926 in Wells and served in the U.S. Army during World War I.

Kipp came to Albert Lea about 1926 and was a self employed carpenter.  He was the sexton of St. Theodore’s Cemetery from 1964 until his death in October 1971.

The post’s 22^nd commander was Lester O. Westrum who served in this capacity in 1940-41.  He was born during April 1891 in Glenville and was a truck driver in the U.S. Army during World War I.

Westrum graduated from Mankato Commercial College and became involved with the banking business in Minnesota and North Dakota .  Later, he and a brother named Edgar operated an insurance agency in Albert Lea.

After World War II he worked as a salesman for the Sather Cookie Co.

Westrum died during June 1978 and is buried in Graceland Cemetery .

Club Update

Here comes March, one month count down to Spring!  In addition to our regular schedule of Karaoke every Friday we have several extra attractions during the month.

Saturday, March 4^th, we are having the “17^th Street Players”  performing a mystery dinner show entitled “Murder on the Grille”.  Tickets are $15 per person, includes tip and tax, and of course a Grilled Chicken dinner.  Reservations may be made at the Legion.

March 17^th is St. Patrick’s Day – we will be doing some special menu items in support of this Irish holiday.

March 18^th will be a special menu night of New York Strip Steak and Barbequed Ribs prepared especially for you by myself and #1 cook, Seth Henry.

March 25^th will be an evening of entertainment by Donna Chapel.  This will be a dinner show with choice of three entree’s – this will be priced at $20 per person which includes tax and tip.

March 26^th we will have our regular Legion breakfast.  Then check the calendar as there are four special fundraisers during the month, everyone of them worthy and needy of our support!!

Come on out and support your club, we have many activities but without your participation these attractions will have to be curtailed.  Let’s not let that happen to our Legion Club.

Jason Kennedy

Food and Beverage Manager

For those of us that thought we were in the South, so much for that thought as Mother Nature decided to check to see if we had our long johns on and took our breath away for a few days.  I think the people that attended the military exhibits also had their breath taken away with the great displays people had to share both old and recent.  Thank for their displays at the Armory.  Talk is – when are we going to do something again?  Willing to help let us know at the Legion.

Say now that you treated your Valentine in February how about a couple more treats.  First, bring her to the Legion on Saturday March 4^th to the murder mystery dinner “Murder on the Grille” presented by the 17^th Street Players and for only $15 for that grilled chicken dinner with the play.  Can you solve the mystery plus pull out your old poodle skirts, polka-dot bikini, bobby socks, slick your hair back and put your hair back in a ponytail – remember those days?  Come and have fun.  The second date in Saturday, March 25^th and sit back and listen to the “Donna Chapel” show as she sings her recording from country, gospel, and patriotic songs.  She sang backup for Tammy Wynette and is accompanied by her husband Jesse a fantastic lead and steel guitarist.  A choice of meal all for $20.  Each show starts with happy hour at 5:30 pm and dinner at 6:30 pm .  Group seating if requested and tickets will be available at the Legion club.  So call 373-7993.

Oh yes, our membership is renewing slowly and new are not keeping up with lost so please renew if you haven’t and ask someone new if they have served.  Currently we are at 996 or 86.6% of goal so we have a ways to go.  Thanks for your help.

You might be interested in attending the “Post Everlasting” which will be held on Monday, March 20^th.  If you wish to remember a fallen comrade from our ranks during the past year.  Coming up at Post 56 in May will be the 1^st District convention so don’t be surprised if you get a call to help in some fashion to help make Post 56 a great host.

Thanks for your help and contributions for Post 56.

Arnie Mulso, 1st Vice

FYI   

This month’s editorial commentary is going to deal with several topics, plus a compliment.

First, the deadline for any material for this publication is going to be the Wednesday following the Post meeting.  Thus, we can eliminate the boxed notice regarding the deadline dates and use this space for something else.

This action is based in part on my error regarding the deadline note in the February issue.  Also, I’m getting a little weary of having to check the calendar for a deadline date for the upcoming issue.

Again, the deadline for all issues from now on will be the Wednesday following the post meeting.  For those who have information to submit, please keep this in mind as your goal.

Second, the last issue had an excellent letter from past commander Melvin Mathis who now lives in Varnville , S.C.   We thank him for this update.  We encourage other members to submit written or typed material for this publication.  However, please keep in mind that editorial discretion will eliminate anything negative, critical of others, or hinting at any topic even remotely political.  Now, let’s see what evolves.

Third, the 2006 Albert Lea Sesquicentennial observance got off to an excellent start with January’s military theme.  Again, special recognition goes to Arnie Mulso, Dave Mullenbach, John R. Petersen, Kurt Barickman, the Albert Lea unit of the Minnesota National Guard and other fine folks for the outstanding weekend presentations.

Ed Shannon, Editor

SAL Officers

Commander........................Jeff Elseth

Vice Commander................Tom Baas

Sergeant At Arms...............Scott Rasmussen

Adjutant.............................Bernie Priebe

Chaplain............................Mike Bennett

Membership Director..........Jack Briggs

VETERANS’ MEMORIAL UPDATE

As of February 23, a total of 1,304 of the paver bricks and 23 sponsorships have been sold to honor those who served in the nation's armed forces.  There's room for more paper bricks and more sponsorships!

Taps 

Harold Blake

Born October 31, 1924 .  Died January 28, 2006 .  He served in the U.S. Army during World War II and was a member of the American Legion and the D.A.V.

John Hogan

Born May 5, 1926 .  Died January 21, 2006 .  He served in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II and was a life member of both the American Legion and VFW.

Almon L. Scherf

Born September 16, 1921 . Died February 4, 2006 .  He served in the U.S. Coast Guard during World War II and was a member of the American Legion and VFW.

Leslie Thisted

Born June 12, 1920 .  Died February 2, 2003 .  He served in the U.S. Army during World War II and was a member of the American Legion and D.A.V.

Simon Thompson

Born March 21, 1908 .  Died February 10, 2006 .  He served in the U.S. Army during World War II and was a member of the American Legion VFW.

James Weller

Born September 25, 1941 .  Died February 7, 2006 .  He served in the U.S. Army 1966 and 1967 and was a member of the American Legion.

Dollar-A-Month (D.A.M)

Thank you for your contributions to the Dollar-A-Month fund.  All contributions support the Post 56 club facilities, maintenance & continued growth of our organization

Judi Olson,

D.A.M. Account Manager

Post 447 VFW meetings are held on the 2^nd Monday of every month at the American Legion Post 56 Clubrooms @ 7:00pm. Come and join VFW Post 447. 

Veterans helping Veterans.

Book Your Upcoming Special Event

with Jason  373-7993