Added on August 5, 2019  Marsha Chartrand

American Legion Auxiliary celebrates 100 years

Submitted by Rita Huber, American Legion Auxiliary Unit 117

The American Legion Auxiliary was organized by women who shouldered family responsibilities when their men went to France during World War I. Very aware of the needs of returning veterans and the plight of fatherless families, the women vowed to continue their supportive role when the veterans of World War I founded the American Legion in 1919.

In 1920, the Auxiliary of the American Legion had been formed with 1,342 units and the first National Convention of the Auxiliary was held in Kansas City, MO in 1921. At that time, the name “American Legion Auxiliary” was adopted and the Auxiliary became the official aide to the Legion. Its membership now tops over 1 million women. 2019 celebrates 100 years of Service–Not Self.

The purpose of the Auxiliary is to “contribute to the accomplishment of the aims and purposes of the American Legion.” The Auxiliary plays an important role in many areas of society. Auxiliary volunteers are the backbone of assistance in VA Medical Centers, providing diversion and entertainment for patients, assisting in physical and psychological therapy, and doing clerical duties–all of which would otherwise cost the taxpayer millions of dollars. They have made lap robes and slippers, and supplied Christmas gifts for countless veterans.

Thousands of hours are devoted to Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts, 4-H Clubs, and other youth organizations; the Auxiliary also focuses on the promotion of Americanism in schools. Members volunteer at blood banks, libraries, nursing homes, and within civic and community organizations. The local Unit provides many helpful services to local community projects and the youth of Manchester.

The Emil Jacob Post 117 of the American Legion was chartered on August 20, 1921. The Auxiliary Unit 117 of Manchester was organized by the wives, mothers, and sisters of World War I veterans who were members of the local Post. The Charter was presented to a group of 23 ladies on May 10, 1922.

Mrs. Lee Davisson served as the first Unit president and the first meetings were held in the homes of the members, in the afternoons, twice a month. Some of the Unit’s early projects consisted of ice cream socials, bazaars, and bake sales. The proceeds were used for the Veterans Hospital in Battle Creek and the Children’s Billet at Otter Lake. They also provided layettes and service baskets to needy veterans and their families in the Manchester area. The Auxiliary members tied quilts and sewed many garments, all of which were distributed to the needy and the Children’s Billet.

In 1925 the ladies purchased and sold 200 poppies. In 2019 they purchased and sold 4,000 poppies. Proceeds from poppy sales are used solely for veterans’ welfare.

At the end of World War II in 1945, more young veterans’ wives were added to the membership and the Junior Auxiliary was born. Also in 1945 the Auxiliary ceased meeting in members’ homes when the Legion purchased a building on Main Street. That site now houses River Raisin Antiques.

By Constitutional action of the American Legion in 1970, granddaughters of veterans were made eligible for membership in the Auxiliary. The first granddaughter in Unit 117 was Rhonda Sturdevant, granddaughter of Frederick and Lucinda Wurster.

After the Korean and Vietnam conflicts, the membership again grew to include ladies involved with men who had served their country during these wars.

On December 1, 1976 the Legion Post purchased the Sutton property on Adrian Street and the Auxiliary moved their meeting place to the new quarters at the Sutton House in 1977. They supported the men and helped with the tedious move to the new location.

After cessation of the Grenada/Lebanon conflict in 1984, the Panama conflict in 1990, and the Persian Gulf War, more Auxiliary members were added to the membership rolls. In 1995, the Unit membership rolls consisted of 126 members; in 2019 there are 87 members on the roll.

Helen Popkey has been a member of Unit 117 for 65 years; Dorothy Schultz has been an ALA member for 68 years; transferring from the Clinton Unit. Elinor Schmidt and Rita Huber are 60-year members, and there are numerous 50-year members.

In 2002, the Unit hosted a dinner to honor World War II veterans and their families, with about 100 in attendance. The WWII veterans all received certificates and their names were sent to National Headquarters to be added to the kiosk at the WWII Memorial in Washington, DC.

Many hours have been spent together working bingo with the Post, hosting funeral lunches, taco nights, and more. The Unit continues to support the VA Hospital by doing bingo parties for the patients, participating in Christmas workshops, helping homeless veterans, and supporting community services here in Manchester. The Unit also sponsors a girl who is going into her senior year at Girls State.

Since the sale of the legion hall, the Unit is now dependent on our raffles and bake sales to continue our work for veterans. On August 15, during the Third Thursday events, the Auxiliary will have a historical display at a booth on Main Street. At this time, we will also be selling raffle tickets for a fire pit along with many extras, and a homemade throw made by member Liz Gonyer.

Please continue to “Help Us Help Our Veterans.”