Regional History Center Regional Collections American Legion Post No. 66... Finding AidTitle: American Legion Post No. 66 - DeKalb Records, 1919-1979
ID: RHC/RC/154
Extent: 1.0 Linear Feet
Date Acquired: 08/02/1982
Subjects: American Legion, DeKalb (Ill.), Veterans, World War I
Languages: English
The American Legion traces its origins to a meeting of members of the American Expeditionary Force held in Paris in March 1919 known as the “Paris caucus.” This caucus was followed in May by another meeting in St. Louis and in November by the American Legion’s first national convention in Minneapolis.
Local veterans first met to discuss the formation of a DeKalb American Legion on June 6, 1919 at city hall. An organizational committee was appointed with Thomas S. Murray as chairman. With the assistance of Lieutenant William Knight of Rockford, the DeKalb American Legion was formally organized on June 20, 1919. The first chairman (later Commander) was a DeKalb physician, Captain John P. Kane; the secretary was Harris M. Fisk. Membership was open to all veterans who were in a branch of the Armed Services during wartime. By October 1919 local membership had grown to 135 members. The American Legion auxiliary was formed in 1920. The DeKalb American Legion Post #66 participates in many veteran’s activities, athletic events, as well as community events. Membership in 1984 was 425 members.
Repository: Northern Illinois University
Access Restrictions: There are no restrictions on access to the collection.
Use Restrictions: Property rights in the collection are held by the Regional History Center; literary rights are dedicated to the public.
Acquisition Method: The records of DeKalb American Legion Post #66 were donated to the Northern Illinois Regional History Center on August 2, 1982.
Related Materials: Researchers should refer to related materials held by the Center: DeKalb Daughters of Veterans Club (RC 127); Grand Army of the Republic (RC 126); and Vertical File Manuscripts.
