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As early as 1922, a number of ex-servicemen
banded together, calling themselves Legionnaires. This action as
recognized by the Department Chaplain was directed to Sealy to help
organize a post. It was January 13, 1930 when Chaplain Clark
called a meeting at the Central Power & Light Company office, and by
January 23, 1930 a permanent charter for the Sealy American Legion Post
#442 was Granted. L. L. Bender served as the first commander, holding
that position for some eight years. The post was incorporated on
May 29, 1939.
The Legionnaires used
the Sealy Liedertafel Hall for their many activities and celebrations
prior to 1934, at which time they purchased property from Ed Beckmann on
what was called the outskirts of town. Through the cooperation of
the membership and assistance of local citizens they were able to build
a hall. The lumber and materials were furnished by Meloneck Lumber
Company and constructed by a local builder, Albert Thomsen and helpers.
This hall was used for meetings, dancing, and other community affairs,
even as a skating rink for a period of time. Some two years after
completion, State Highway 36, was completed past this point, thus
linking the various other communities to this area.
Several years later,
the group was no longer able to maintain the hall and it closed.
After W.W. II, young veterans from the years of 1945-46 started a
process to reopen the hall and make improvements. Air-conditioning
was added and a kitchen and dining room were built in 1953. Cement
picnic tables and a game stand were added; however, the game stand was
soon enclosed and used as a meeting room and for small socials.
Renovation of the hall inside began in 1979 by adding acoustic ceiling
tile, new lighting, paneling, bar facilities, and a wheel chair ramp.
As of 1993, the Sealy
American Legion boasted a membership of 223 and the Ladies Auxiliary
(organized in 1947) had a membership of 136 members. These
veterans of all wars and the auxiliary ladies help the community in
many, many material ways, but the greatest is the promotion of
patriotism in AMERICA. |
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