Celebrating 100th anniversary of American Legion: Up close and personal

J. T. Glenn, one of the namesakes of the Mackinder-Glenn Post 510 was killed in action, World War I, August 1918.

by Mary Jo David

To the families of those who have died in military service for the United States, May is the month we pay our respects for their ultimate sacrifice. But this year, prior to Memorial Day, many living veterans across the country have cause for celebration because May 8, 2019, is the 100th anniversary of the approval of the American Legion’s constitution, which took place at the St. Louis Caucus in 1919. In other words, it is the 100th birthday of the American Legion.

Here in Stockbridge, the Mackinder-Glenn American Legion Post 510 has been one of the pillars of the town since the post was founded in 1947. As is the tradition for many American Legion posts around the country, the Stockbridge Legion was named for local military people killed in action during their service. In this case, the Mackinder-Glenn American Legion Post was named for Russell Mackinder and J.T. Glenn, both KIA in World War I. Property donated by William Domine prompted the local Legion to purchase the balance of the land for building its current home at 830 S. Clinton St. in Stockbridge.

Years ago, the local Legion sponsored activities ranging from baseball to oratory contests and from Poppy Day sales for disabled veterans to the once popular Carnival (or “Free Fair” as locals liked to refer to it). To this day, the Mackinder-Glenn Post can be depended upon to provide memorial honor guards as needed for veterans’ funerals and to host the annual Ceremony for Disposal of Unserviceable Flags every June.

The Mackinder-Glenn Post has its fun side as well—hosting regular activities open to the community, like bingo, euchre, the annual Chili Cookoff, the Lenten Fish Fry tradition, and weekly Thursday night specials that rotate through tacos, sliders, chicken wings, and Coney dogs. Local Legion members march in the Parade of Lights and the Homecoming Parade in Stockbridge and in Gregory’s Fourth of July parade. They also continue to sponsor Stockbridge Cub Scout Pack 4768.

Currently, the oldest member of the Mackinder-Glenn American Legion Post is a 92-year-old World War II veteran and the newest member is a 38-year-old veteran who joined two weeks prior to the writing of this article. Many join for the camaraderie, but for the veterans who have been longtime members of the Mackinder-Glenn American Legion Post, commitment to the Legion runs deep, as does their appreciation for the years in the service that earned them the opportunity to join the Legion.

Post Commanders: A long list of dedicated veterans

Jerry Kunzelman, current post commander, shares memories from a Legion scrapbook

Post Commanders in Stockbridge have hailed from all walks of life, including the postal service, accounting, mortuary services, auto dealerships, factory workers, equipment operators, insurance salesmen, and more. Below is a complete list of Mackinder-Glenn American Legion Post 510 Commanders, spanning from 1946 through 2019.

Paul Stephens

William Caskey

Wendell Barber

Herold Ludtke

Pat McDonald

John Nichol

Robert Rose

Robert Mackinder

John Horst

Elmer Lehman

Walter Barbour

Max Cool

Gilbert Neill

Roland Cobb

Ed Marshall

Norman Jacobs

Robert Price

Loren Collins

Russell Hartsuff

Floyd Ward

Richard Switzer

Lester Herrick

Robert Frinkel

Reid Hartsuff

Paul Collings

Lloyd May

Don Negus

Thomas Collings

Roland Stoffer

Lloyd Olson

David Stoffer

Kenneth Amerman

Don Davis

Alvin Myer

William McLeod

Clete Carlton

Stan Daily

Richard Koker

Elmer Schulte

Harold Duquesnel

Tom Clark

Douglas Bowman

Tom Kelly

James Lobdell

Al Matyzius

Frank Strzaulka, Jr.

Joe Kimbirauskas

William Cool

Dennis Costello

Jerry Kunzelman

Years ago, the local Legion sponsored activities ranging from baseball to oratory contests and from Poppy Day sales for disabled veterans to the once popular Carnival (or “Free Fair” as locals liked to refer to it). Photo by Mary Jo David.

Original Mackinder-Glenn Post 510 in 1950, photo by H. W. Ludtke.

Above the fireplace hangs the Preamble to the Constitution of the American Legion. Photo by Mary Jo David.

Advertisement to recruit veterans “to help strengthen and preserve the heritage of America. JOIN THE AMERICAN LEGION. Take an active part in the affairs of your community, state and nation.”  A handwritten note documents, “This appeared in the Stockbridge Brief Sun during March 1965.”