History of V.F.W. Post 6241

Clarence Armstrong Post 6241, named after one of George Armstrong's four sons who served overseas during the Second World War, was chartered on the 29th of March 1946 by 32 members.

The first commander was Harold B. (Happy) Glaser. He was instrumental in organizing the Post. During 1946 the meetings were held at the Farmers Bank.

Clarence R. (Bud) Frye was commander in 1947-1948. First articles of incorporation as "Post 6241, VFW of USA" were adopted in October 1947.

The decision was made on January 8, 1947 to purchase the Jimmy Curran (later Davis Nelling) property at 10 Criswell Avenue from Charles Shank for $12,000.00 on a "handshake, unofficial - pay as you can" basis. Last payment was made in August of 1951 and the home was officially deeded to Post 6241. It is the oldest house in Mercersburg (built in 1750).

The first meeting was held in the 10 Criswell Avenue property on 19 June 1947, and furniture, for sometime, consisted of "pop crates". Membership was 41. A separate Home Association organization was established during October 1947.

The commander during 1948-1949 term was Ed Baker and membership increased to 72. Ed continued to be very active in Post activities for many years and maintained "the books" and handled finances.

Howard Dovey, Jr. was commander during 1949-1950 term and regular membership was 83.

During the 1950-1952 term, Grant Guthrie served as commander with membership at the end of that time at 81.

In April 1951, a revised Articles of Incorporation was adopted as "Clarence Armstrong Post 6241, VFW of USA, Home and Club Association." Although the commander had managed the business of the Post in the past, the commander also officially became president of the Home Association. In August of 1951, final payment was made on the 10 Criswell Avenue Home.

Melvin Cutchall was elected as commander, for 1952-1953 term, with an ending membership of 82.

In 1953-1954, Davis Nelling was commander, with an ending membership of 87.

From 1954-1957, Russ Straley was commander. In 1955 regular membership doubled from 100 to 204. Marty Nelson, the quartermaster, and Russ Straley canvassed the countryside from door to door to sign members. By the end of the 1956-1957 term, membership was 243. Post 6241 won a national membership contest for 1955 for the highest percentage of increase in membership. The award, a 7-day trip to Bermuda for two, was won in a drawing by Robert Yeager. The VFW color guard (with uniforms) was established at that time, and Post 6241 joined the Federation of Clubs.

With growing membership, there was more activity at the Post, more help, and more community activities. All of a sudden "everyone" was coming to the Post to see what was going to happen next. A free family picnic and three free "feeds" per year were started. The old home became jammed and obviously too small.

In June 1955, with $1,200.00 in the bank, we decided to build a new building. With money help from Arch Hoch of The First National Bank, the adjacent lot, (89'X397'), which is the front half of the current lot, was purchased from Charles Shank for $2,000.00. Since the Post could not afford machinery, clearing of the lot (a jungle) and digging of the footer were done by hand.

Many regular and social members "pitched in", and with the guidance, patience and work of Bill Swailes, construction was phased over several years as dollars became available. Working with available dollars caused one mistake which was regretted - the steel post in the ballroom. To save $2,500.00, used steel beams were located in Baltimore (delivered on the side of an extract truck free to Loewengart Tannery). Only one beam was 18" - the other three 10" beams (including basement) required support. The original building was 40' by 60' - two floors. Death benefit of $100.00 (later increased to $300.00) was started and still remains. Russ Straley continued as building construction coordinator through completion.

With Marty Nelson as commander (1957-1958) and after 2'/z struggling years, Post 6241 moved into a new, $24,000.00 home on meeting night, 15 November 1957. With the income from the sale of the old home to Davis Nelling (May 1958) for $5,500.00, the new home was paid for. Regular membership had increased to 272. The 75 mm display gun, M1897A2, was donated by "Letterkenny" and obtained from a site in front of Indiantown Gap headquarters.

In 1958, Russ Straley became the first registered service officer of Post 6241. Later John Angle and Don Mills (current service officer) became registered. Grant Guthrie was elected 21st District Commander and Russ Straley served as District Adjutant.

During this period, the Mercersburg Little League, having problems finding a ballfield, approached Post 6241 to purchase the present park for them from Fred Gluck for $3,000.00. The V.F.W., which has always supported the Little League, purchased the ground. It was deeded to them with the understanding it would revert to the V.F.W. if the Little League disbanded.

For 1958-1961 terms, William Swailes was commander with an ending membership of 296. In October 1958, Post 6241 procured and installed playground equipment at the Lions Club Park. In August 1959, Russ Straley and Marty Nelson set up operations at the Post to complete applications for eligible veterans to obtain the State Korean bonus. Sponsorship of adult and junior bowling teams began in August of 1961. In January 1961, pictures of Post commanders were first displayed and this has been continued.

Ray Byers served as commander for 1961-1964 terms, with ending membership of 313. During this period, decision was made to purchase a portion of the Lizzy Rankin property (back half of present lot) from Leonard Fry for $3,000.00. The Main Street part was purchased by the fire company. The north line of the Rankin lot runs through the south end of the ballroom. Johnston's Run at that time wound its way near the present building and through the present parking lot. Post 6241 rerouted Johnston's Run to the present location. Mike Myers supervised and arranged the rerouting by Junior McCulloh.

In 1962 a group of local people, primarily interested in starting a football program at James Buchanan High School, organized as JBHS Athletic Boosters. This group approached the V.F.W. for starting dollars. They said, "if you don't, who will?" Post 6241 started them off with $1,000.00 and with good leadership and plenty of energy and help from other organizations, football is alive at James Buchanan Schools.

Charles Strait served as commander during 1964-1965 term, with ending membership of 313.

Mike Myers served as commander for 1965-1967 terms, with ending membership of 285. During 1965, the offices of Commander and President of the Home Association were split. All nine directors of the Home Association must be regular members, and the Post Commander, Senior Vice Commander, and Quartermaster are automatic directors. During Mike Myers' term, the Veteran's Day banquet was started, and more playground equipment was bought for the Lions Club Park.

In 1967-1969 terms, Jack Fix served as commander, with ending membership of 311. While Mike Myers and Jack Fix were commanders, the Home Association took on the ambitious project of improving the Post Home. the project included the lounge room addition, refinishing the ball room, extending the kitchen area, installing rest rooms, and stuccoing the exterior of the building. A barbeque pit was constructed in March of 1968, and a bridge was installed over Johnston's Run in July of 1968.

In 1969-1970 term, Dannie Stouffer was commander, with ending membership of 376. The trip of the JBHS Band to the Green Bay football game was financed by Post 6241. The 25th Anniversary of the issuance of the Post 6241's charter was celebrated, with State Senator Elmer Hawbaker as the primary speaker. The Voice of Democracy, which was and is a National down to Post program, was officially instituted by Post 6241. The Post 6241 and Auxiliary currently provide a $500.00 college scholarship for the winner and government bonds for runners-up. The awards increase in value as winners proceed through district and department to national.

Richard Hopkins was commander for 1970-1972 terms, ending membership was 426. Decision was made to sponsor a bowling team and has been continued each year since then.

Post commander for 1972-1974 terms was John Starliper, with ending membership of 470. June 1972 - burglar/fire/smoke detection system was installed ($1,400.00). August 1972 - chain link fence was installed on east and west sides. April 1973 - V.F.W. golf league and tournament was started and continues today. April 1973 - the ballroom extension (32'X35') and expanded ladies room was constructed at a cost of

$58,000.00. New Home Association house rules were developed and approved. August 1973 - use of Post Home by Great Cove Golf League for 250 drawing was approved. Death benefit was increased to $200.00 (February 1974).

Harry Tolbert was commander for 1974-1976 terms, with ending membership of 538. Decision was made in May 1974 to co-sponsor the Halloween Parade with the Lions Club. Project involves approximately $1,500.00 per year and work by members to conduct the parade. June 1974 - sponsorship of summer youth bowling league began. May 1974 - parking lots were black topped at a cost of $11,200.00. Additional area was black topped in April 1977 for $3,678.00. August 1974 - a new preferred membership category (veteran member) was approved for persons with military service but not eligible for charter qualifying regular membership. Post 6241 decided in December 1974 to provide Christmas food baskets or certificates to needy families. This policy has continued over the years and has been handled in an excellent manner by Penny Bowers.

In March 1975, Post 6241 began and continues to sponsor a soccer team. July 1975 - revised May 1983 and August 1984 - Medical Relief Fund was established. January 1976 - sponsorship of a softball team began and continues each year.Helen Swailes, Emily Baker, and Phyllis Mills served as 21st District Ladies Auxiliary presidents.

For 1976-1977, Lawrence Keefer was commander - ending membership 543. In February 1977 the mortgage obtained to construct the ballroom extension was "burned". May 1977 - batting cage and pitching machine were procured for the Little League at a cost of $2,400.00. July 1976 -new trash cans were distributed near the square.

Gerald Lee was commander for 1977-1979 terms - ending membership was 548. V.F.W. family picnic previously held at "Blacks-Shellys Woods" will be held at the American Legion picnic grounds. March 1979 - the Pennsylvania State Legislature approved liquor licenses for nationally chartered veteran's organizations, but restricted by local options. Post 6241 obtained a license under this law.

For 1979-1981, Donald Keefer was commander - ending membership was 515.

Paul Clugston was commander for 1981-1983 terms with ending membership of 483. October 1982 - an updated digital security and alarm system was installed for $2,900.00.

Donald Hopkins was commander for 1983-1984 term - with membership of 484. November 1983 - new front entrance was constructed for $7,408.00. New carpet was installed in ballroom at a cost of $4,400.00 in May 1984. October 1983 - End-of-Night drawing was started. September 1983 - bar area was remodeled into a horseshoe.

For 1984-1986 terms, Don Mills was commander, with ending membership of 488. July 1984 - building roof replaced for $13,455.00. June 1985 - the Calvin Miller property (107 Faust Street) was purchased by Post 6241 for $40,000.00 and the adjacent lot for $6,500.00. In August 1985 house was rented to Bob Hawbaker. May 1985 - the V.F.W. (Little League) Park was renamed the "John Angle - V.F.W. Memorial Park." A new entrance sign was installed at the park in August 1985. A new security system, tied into other security agencies, was installed in May 1986 at a cost of $4,220.00.

In June 1986, Don Mills was elected as 21st District Senior Vice Commander and in 1987-1988 he served as District Commander.

For 1986-1988 terms, Chester Keefer was commander with ending membership of 489. June 1987 - canopy for rear entrance was installed ($1,400.00). August 1987 - walk-in cooler and addition for it, including expansion of kitchen, was completed at a cost of $23,551.00. In September 1987, the Miller property, except adjacent lot, was sold to Bob Hawbaker. Adjacent lot was reserved for possible parking lot. February 1988 - ballroom was remodeled for $13,000.00. May 1987 - new electronic scoreboard was purchased for the Little League ($2,000.00).

For 1988-1990 terms, Marvin Miller was commander, with ending membership of 497. December 1988 - Post 6241 sponsors a soccer team. April 1989 - new trash cans were procured for "The Square" ($1,440.00). July 1989 - new concrete bridge was placed across Johnston's Run ($3,720.00). August 1989 - liquor license was changed to catering club license. February 1989 - a new 1988 Chevy van was purchased for $15,482.00 to be used for Club and veteran-related business and driven only by designated drivers. Strict operating rules were established.

July 1989 - parking lot was resurfaced for $22,500.00. November 1989 - lounge area was converted to a dining/lounge area. November 1989 - Pennsylvania voters approved "Small Games of Chance" for non-profit organizations and Post 6241 obtained required permit. March 1990 - Rotary Club begins to hold weekly dinner meetings at Post 6241.

For 1990-1991 term, Paul Houpt, Jr. was commander, with ending membership of 500. February 1991 - Post 6241 opposes governor's proposal to close Scotland School. School remains open. February 1991 - Due to lack of interest by James Buchanan High School and Mercersburg Academy, the Post 6241 Voice of Democracy Program ($500.00 scholarship) was transferred to Fannett-Metal High School. March 1991 - new conference and meeting room was constructed under the ballroom at a cost of $100,000.00. May 1991 - Post 6241 was one of six organizations financing and conducting a homecoming celebration for Persian Gulf troops at JBHS athletic field. Veterans of all wars were represented and honored. There were 41 Persian Gulf veterans from the Tuscarora School District. June 1991 - Bob Hawbaker, our loyal and efficient quartermaster for 25 years, is recognized by V.F.W. Department as an "All State Quartermaster". Bob remains as quartermaster and now has 29 years in the job.

Robert Galloway was commander for 1991-1992 term with ending membership of 505. Post 6241 supports Donnie Mills for V.F.W. Department Judge Advocate. He was elected and began his ascent through the chairs as Jr. Vice Commander (1993-1994), Sr. Vice Commander (1994¬1995), and finally (1995-1996) the honorable office of Department Commander of the Pennsylvania Department, consisting of 24 districts and 651 posts.

Glenn Keefer was commander for 1992-1994 terms with ending membership of 487. October 1993 - French drain type water control system was installed in front of building to eliminate the water problem in the basement during extreme wet weather (cost $10,600.00). October 1993 - the Red Cross was authorized to use our building two times each year for blood donations, at no cost. March 1994 - a new set of hospital equipment, including automated beds, was procured ($4,500.00) for loan by the Post to persons needing them. A controlling set of rules for loan of equipment was developed.