Greendale
Wisconsin
Add an Article
Add an Event
Edit
Greendale American Legion Post 416
History :
In September of 1938 organization of Greendale Post 416 was begun by Joseph J. Dersinski, Joe Sullivan and Clarence Hammer. The original members, eighteen World War I veterans, held their first New Year's Eve party in 1939, in a remodeled barn on Commander Lee Sowen's property, between 70th and 71st streets on Grange Avenue. Commander Joseph J. Dersinski held the first meeting January 12, 1939 in the Community building, which stood where the Village Hall is today.
Application for Post 416 of the American Legion was received at National Headquarters on March 18, 1939. The Post became a corporation under Wisconsin Statute Sec. 188.08, and in 1941 a permanent charter was granted.
On August 14, 1941 Post 416 asked Mr. Walter Kroening, Federal and Village Manager, if they could use the old Planning Office on 68th and Grange for their club house and one week later the request was granted.
The Teacherage, closed after the war, was an old Victorian farm house that had been converted into a boarding house for Greendale teachers. The Government owned Basse Woods property held the Teacherage, a garage, storage shed and barn on 3.19 acres of land located on the 6300 block of Grange Avenue. On December 1, 1952 American Legion Post 416 purchased this property for $11,000. Planning of a new Post Memorial Building was begun in 1961, and in November of 1968 ground was broken behind and to the east of the Teacherage. Dedication of the present Post building was held on Saturday, May 31, 1969.
Additions and remodeling were made the to building and grounds during the 1990's, adding a new public entrance, offices, storage areas, mechanical systems and food service improvements.
Today, the permanent home of the American Legion and Post 416 supports a roster of 542 members. Present and past members and officers of the Post, Auxiliary and SAL have established a proud heritage of volunteerism at the post and in the community. Many served as elected and appointed village officials and public servants in the community of Greendale since 1938.
In September of 1938 organization of Greendale Post 416 was begun by Joseph J. Dersinski, Joe Sullivan and Clarence Hammer. The original members, eighteen World War I veterans, held their first New Year's Eve party in 1939, in a remodeled barn on Commander Lee Sowen's property, between 70th and 71st streets on Grange Avenue. Commander Joseph J. Dersinski held the first meeting January 12, 1939 in the Community building, which stood where the Village Hall is today.
Application for Post 416 of the American Legion was received at National Headquarters on March 18, 1939. The Post became a corporation under Wisconsin Statute Sec. 188.08, and in 1941 a permanent charter was granted.
On August 14, 1941 Post 416 asked Mr. Walter Kroening, Federal and Village Manager, if they could use the old Planning Office on 68th and Grange for their club house and one week later the request was granted.
The Teacherage, closed after the war, was an old Victorian farm house that had been converted into a boarding house for Greendale teachers. The Government owned Basse Woods property held the Teacherage, a garage, storage shed and barn on 3.19 acres of land located on the 6300 block of Grange Avenue. On December 1, 1952 American Legion Post 416 purchased this property for $11,000. Planning of a new Post Memorial Building was begun in 1961, and in November of 1968 ground was broken behind and to the east of the Teacherage. Dedication of the present Post building was held on Saturday, May 31, 1969.
Additions and remodeling were made the to building and grounds during the 1990's, adding a new public entrance, offices, storage areas, mechanical systems and food service improvements.
Today, the permanent home of the American Legion and Post 416 supports a roster of 542 members. Present and past members and officers of the Post, Auxiliary and SAL have established a proud heritage of volunteerism at the post and in the community. Many served as elected and appointed village officials and public servants in the community of Greendale since 1938.