McDonald American Legion

About

What Is the American Legion?

The American Legion was chartered and incorporated by Congress in 1919 as a patriotic veterans organization devoted to mutual helpfulness. It is the nation’s largest wartime veterans service organization, committed to mentoring youth and sponsorship of wholesome programs in our communities, advocating patriotism and honor, promoting strong national security, and continued devotion to our fellow servicemembers and veterans.

The American Legion’s success depends entirely on active membership, participation and volunteerism. The organization belongs to the people it serves and the communities in which it thrives.

McDonald American Legion Officers

Meet the dedicated members who support our veteran community.

Mike Sellers

Post Commander

Pete Broccoli

Bar Manager

Pat Powell

Assistant Adjutant

Missy Henry

Historian

Kohl Gibson

Finance Officer

Dan Sorrells

First Vice Commander

Tom Hayes

Adjutant/Chaplain

Name

Second Vice

Name

Sergeant at Arms

McDonald American Legion History

The first steps to organize an American Legion Post in McDonald were taken in 1919, and on December 21st of that year, a meeting was held for the purpose of Organization. The Meeting, held in the Dreamland Theater, was instigated by Arthur E. Konneweg and Arthur Mandale.

The following week, on December 28, the following officers were elected:

  • Chairman, Dr. John A. Douglass
  • Vice Chairman, Ferdinand Sheckley
  • Secretary, Arthur E. Kenneweg
  • Treasurer, James Campbell

The following fifteen men signed the first Charter:

  • Harry M. Porks
  • W. Alvin Young
  • Arthur J. Randour
  • Walter P. Gillespie
  • Edward Berry
  • Guy A. Rumbaugh
  • Samuel H. Ayres
  • John F. Dodds
  • Joseph Mullooly
  • Edwin A. Mandale
  • Fred H. Campbell
  • Harry Masquelier
  • Frank A. Loveland
  • James Robb
  • William Smart

On January 10, 1920, the Temporary Charter for the Post was presented by the American Legion, Department of Pennsylvania.

On March 30, 1920, the name Ernest Phillips Post No. 485, was taken in honor of and as a Memorial to the first man from McDonald to give his life for his Country in World War I.

A Chronology of the Major Events and activities of the Post from that time until now follows:

  • James Donaldson was Commander for the term, 1920-21. In that year, the Legion presented a Bronze Loving Cup to Harry Wilson, for saving the life of Comrade Legionnaire, Harry Schaffer.
  • The first Military Funeral by the Post was held in August 1921 in Honor of Robert (Bun) Troy. First Furniture purchased for Legian Post was also that year.
  • The first Legion Dance was held January 30, 1920, in the Orpheum Hall with music by Remmy Voye, Fred Campbell, Charles Lienard, Joseph Blank and August Carly.
  • William Smart, who died April 7, 1922, was the only Commander of the Post to die while in office.
  • An American Legion Drum and Bugle Corps appeared for the first time on December 21, 1927, under the direction of Graham Cooper, Sr., and Jules Motte.
  • The first American Legion School Awards were mode June 6, 1929, and were presented to Ernest Kramer of Midway, Edward F. Gladden of Cecil Township, ond William B. Bums of Mc Donald.
  • The Post created the flagpole in front of the Municipal Building on July 18, 1929.
  • The purchase of the Wills Property in East Lincoln Avenue for a New Legion Home took place in July 1944. In the same year, Mike Cedat was awarded an outstanding Citizenship Certificate of Merit for service to the Legion by a non-Legionnaire.
  • The Honor Roll was dedicated to the Servicemen of World War II in October 1945.
  • The New American Legion Post Home was dedicated, November 11, 1945. The Speaker won Colonel Foddis and the Commander was Jules Mangold.
  • A Certificate of Merit was awarded to Howard M. Pettit and Lynford C. Lynch for outstanding service to the American Legion and particularly Post No. 485 by non-Legionnaires in 1952. That same year, the last remaining debt of the Post was paid off. The Commander was Edward L. Smith.
  • During 1952, 53, and 54, the Post donated use of its home and was instrumental in putting McDonald over the top in Blood donated to the Blood Bank.
  • A 35th Anniversary Celebration was held at the Post Home on March 17, 1955, at which seven of the living Charter Members were present and were given fountain pens. They were: Guy A, Rumbaugh, Fred H. Campbell, W. Alvin Young, Samuel H. Ayres, James Robb and Edwin Mandale. Arthur Randour and Edward Berry were unable to attend, and Joseph Mullooly and Harry M. Parks could not be located. Tribute was paid to the late Earl Charlier and to Arthur E. Kenneweg who was present, who were instrumental in founding the Local Legion Post, although not signers of the original Charter. The speakers of the evening were August L. Sismondo, Commander, 25th District of the American Legion and U. S. Attorney, John W. Melivaine, Commander of the Post was Arthur A. Boll, Jr.