American Legion Post 864 Records (Rockford)

Collection

Identifier: RHC-RC-194

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The collection partially documents the history of the American Legion Daniel Post 864 of Rockford, Illinois from 1937 to 1986. The post meeting minutes and financial reports provide extensive information of the group's functions and activities from 1937-1986. The post newsletter, 864 News, details its activities from 1960-1986. Additional information to document special events sponsored by the post is foldered separately and includes Armistice Day (Veterans Day) banquets (1938-1985), Memorial Day services and parades (1942-1983), travelogue programs (1960-1987), and various local scholarship awards (1971-1986). Of special interest are the documents detailing the Daniel Post of Ex-Servicemen's application to merge with the American Legion in 1943, and the subsequent incorporation of the Daniel Post Building Corporation in 1944. Researchers should note a gap in the meeting minutes which occurs between 1976 and 1985. The run of minutes for the years 1956 to 1976 often have financial reports included as attachments. Financial information on membership (dues) and the annual travelogue lecture series is included as part of the regular financial reports. Other membership information can be found in the chronological correspondence. Annual reports submitted by different post commanders at irregular intervals are also included in the chronological correspondence.

Dates

created: 1937-1986
Other: Date acquired: 00/00/1989

Conditions Governing Access

There are no restrictions on the collection.

Conditions Governing Use

Property rights in the collection belong to the Regional History Center; literary rights are dedicated to the public.

Biographical or Historical Information

In August 1937, a group of veterans began working on organizing an American Legion post in Rockford with membership requirements that differed from accepted Legion standards. Calling themselves the Daniel Post of Ex-Servicemen, the members stressed religious belief and a patriotic commitment. Participation in gambling, drinking of alcohol, dancing, "stag" entertainments, and rough language were disallowed at the Daniel Post. The members preferred to devote themselves energetically to good works for the benefit of Rockford's veterans and the community as a whole. In its first year, the Daniel Post gathered more than one hundred members, mostly veterans of World War I. The Daniel Post obtained its American Legion Charter on April 7, 1944, after making three separate applications. A ladies auxiliary of fifty members received its charter on the same day. In the fall of 1944, the Daniel Post purchased a house at the corner of 7th Street and 11th Avenue in Rockford. Post members promptly formed the Daniel Post Building Corporation to raise funds to renovate their house, which dated from 1882. The new post home was dedicated in July 1945. Throughout the next several decades, the Post was active in lobbying to secure benefits for veterans of all wars. The Post has been active in supporting Christian missionaries overseas since 1966. Within Rockford, the Post supports scholarship awards for local students and assists in coordinating ROTC programs. The Post faithfully participates in municipal Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and Independence Day celebrations. The Post has sponsored an annual educational travelogue series since 1960 as a fundraiser. Today, the Daniel Post continues to play an active and beneficial role in the Rockford community.

Note written by

Extent

2.50 Linear Feet

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Source of Acquisition

Robert Borden

Method of Acquisition

Robert Borden, longtime member and former historian of the American Legion Daniel Post 864 of Rockford, Illinois, donated the post's records to the Regional History Center in 1989.