History of American Legion
Munster Post 16
The "War to End All Wars" finally ended on the 11th day of the 11th month of the year of Our Lord, 1918. The American Dough boys, who "went over there" started coming home. But for many of the returning veterans, their personal war was to continue. America was not ready to care for their grievous wounds, so it was up to the vets to take care of each other. The American Legion was created in Paris, France by the troops awaiting transport back to the states.
Hammond attorney Floyd Murray was one of those men. With determination and perseverance, Murray organized the first Legion post in Lake County, Hammond Post 16, and Indiana's First District, which encompassed Lake County. On July 5, 1919, The American Legion issued a charter to Hammond Post 16.
The early going for the veteran's organization was tough going. Most veterans wanted to forget the horrors they experienced in the European trenches and get on with their lives. The post's first few meetings were held in Murray's Hohman Avenue law office. Eventually, the post started meeting in a room at the Hammond Chamber of Commerce's building. By 1925, the membership of the post had reached only 16 members. Rehabilitation of their war comrades was the main focus of the member's activities.
Eventually, membership began to grow. The post was able to purchase a permanent building to call its home. In 1937, the post dedicated the building at 127 State Street in Hammond as the Post Home. The conclusion of the Second World War saw the ranks of the Legion swell. The post quickly outgrew the State Street building and secured a larger headquarters at 6634 Calumet Avenue. This building was dedicated as the new
Post Home in 1950.
During the post's early years, the WWI generation set the standards for governance and hospitality. The motto "Post 16, where hospitality is host" was adopted. A war memorial was dedicated in Harrison Park on Hohman Avenue in Hammond in 1923. Maintained by the post members with the assistance of the Ladies Auxiliary, the memorial serves as a backdrop for the Post's annual Memorial Day and Veteran's Day observances. These moving observances attract several other Legion posts, a VFW post, local politicians and other dignitaries as well as members of the community, and are one of the highlights of each year.
Membership in Post 16 peaked in the 1950's, with the entry of WWII and Korean War vets into the ranks of the Legion. Time began to take its toll on the WWI veterans, and the WWII vets began to assume leadership roles in the post. Like most veteran's organizations, membership is declining today, with the passing of the WWII veterans and a smaller pool of younger veterans eligible to join. However, several younger veterans have assumed leadership roles, and have instituted changes in the post, such as this web site. Currently the membership stands at 112 (4Q 2011), with members continuing to provide service to their community, state and nation.
Like many veteran service organizations, Post 16 began to experience a decline in membership. With older members unable to accomplish as much as in the past, Bingo went by the wayside and with it, a major source of income for Post 16. A decision was made by the membership to sell the Post building, which was accomplished on February 14, 2011.
However, the post's leadership embarked upon a major strategic re-branding initiative. The major aspect of this campaign was to move the post to Munster,
Indiana and recruit new members in that town, which is without an American Legion post.
The Post was granted a new charter in Munster in the fourth quarter of 2011.
Photo of charter
Although without a building, the post is still able to meet at the Munster Town Hall, and remains active in both the community as well as Children & Youth activities, such as the American Legion High School Oratorical Scholarship Competition, the Flag Education program and Boy Scouts. With a renewed and refreshed vision, the post in reinvigorated as it approached its Centennial Anniversary.
Regular business meetings are held on the second Tuesday of each month, followed by a number of social events during the course of the year, including the Legion Birthday Party each March and a Christmas party in December. The post also conducts a solemn flag disposal ceremony in June or July.
All qualified veterans are encouraged and invited to become members of Post 16 as our history moves along into the 21st Century.
There is also an active chapter of the American Legion Ladies Auxiliary at the post. The ladies supervise the annual Poppy Day event, assist with the Memorial Day observance, and the various parties.
1952 Post Newsletter Current Newsletter Old Post Web Site Constitution & By-Laws
CHARTER MEMBERS OF AMERICAN LEGION HAMMOND POST 16
Floyd R. Murray, Founder and 1st Commander
J. A. Graham
Ÿ John Laws
Onis O. Melton
Ÿ Roy F. Holly
Joe W. Todd
Ÿ Patrick Schloer
Ray Seely
Ÿ W. E. Price
William E. Nichols
Ÿ Paul Ramthum
George Herner
Ÿ Ed J. Knorzer
Eric Lund
Ÿ Clarence Jones
John Hoess
Ÿ Emry Gustavson
Fred W. Mallon
Ÿ E. F. Lott
J. W. Acton
Ÿ Edward Fredericks
William J. Hastings Ÿ Henry C. Cleveland
Phillip Greenwald
Ÿ J.A. Chevigny
Morris Iddings
Ÿ Chas. Enswerler
Harry Miller
Ÿ Arthur Rothman
A.W. Loyd
