anaheim-gazette 1936-06-11

Early Days of American Legion Cited by Former State Historian BY FRED W. SMITH Past California Department Historian (1927-28) To search one's memory for the incidents that occurred some 18 years ago and remember them to date is more than a task for one afternoon's diversion. However, in order to give what might be a more or less comprehensive study of the Legion's life and to do so from memory and from knowledge gained through a few week's study prior to publishing a complete history of the organization in 1928, at which time the writer was assigned the job as state historian, will be attempted. The American Legion, while officially it came into being in St. Louis, Missouri, at what is now referred to as the famous "St. Louis Caucus," was really founded in Paris, France, at which time a number of the men from all ranks in all branches of the service, gathered for the purpose of "perpetuating those friendships which were made under the most trying of conditions." It was decided at this meeting to await the termination of hostilities and return to America for the permanent organization. Thus was born the St. Louis Caucus which was called by Col. Theodore Roosevelt Jr., who made it manifest that the American Legion would in no way be a political body and was to be composed of every race, religion, and creed, with no interest in partisan politics, religious beliefs or industrial strife. This was particularly brought to a head at St. Louis because of the fact that Teddy Jr., was a much mentioned possible candidate for the presidency of the United States. He was terrestress engendered by this organization we had the Centralia (Washington) riot when two members of the organization (I.W.W.) fired from a roof top into the marching veterans on Armistice Day of 1919. One Legion man was killed and two wounded as memory serves, with the result that a fight ensued that brought out the fact that the Legion would again fight for Americanism and its principles. In California Col. Henry Mathewson was the first president of the Legion (the office later became known as Commander) and did much toward the instituting of the organization in California. He immediately surrounded himself with a number of men who had attained the heights of patriotism through the baptism of blood and who realized the necessity for organized effort to care for the host of wounded veterans as well as rehabilitate those who were able to again take their places in the commercial world. The prob-of the men from the government. Because of this the Legion launched upon a hospitalization bill which would increase great the hospitalization facilities of state and care for the veterans should be done. Much criticism was forthcoming upon the heads of the Legion but soon that passed the way most criticism when it brought out that taking care these men was not the obligate alone of the veteran organization but the people whom he had sacrificed their health fighting for the cause. Veteran administrations eventually established as the result of the early efforts of Mathewson and his handful workers. Today we have Veteran Administration in Francisco, the hospital at Livermore, a hospital at San Fernando and Sawtelle as the principal institutions for caring for the veterans. More hospital space is being needed today, but so far the ceran organizations have been unable to care for the emergency cases. In the matter of rehabilitation the biggest problem was preparing a man, who through injury was unable to follow the line of war; many cases men who made their livelihood with their hands lost one or in some cases had hands, thus placing them with a means of living. This problem Anaheim Chapter, D. A. R. Founded Here April, 1925 The Anaheim chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution was founded in April 1925, with Mrs. Arnold Bode the first regent. The charter membership list included the names of 12 women. In line with one of the principle projects of the Anaheim group, that of preserving historic landmarks, the first house to be built in Anaheim was moved to its known as Commander) and did much toward the instituting of the organization in California. He immediately surrounded himself with a number of men who had attained the heights of patriotism through the baptism of blood and who realized the necessity for organized effort to care for the host of wounded veterans as well as rehabilitate those who were able to again take their places in the commercial world. The problem of reemployment and readjustment was second only to hospitalization needs for wounded, and either was a man-sized job to undertake. A serious lack of hospital space was soon discovered in California, due, it was believed to the fact that so many veterans of other states seeking the sunshine of California, many of them suffering from lung diseases, that the problem particularly in this state was acute. In the press for immediate action, the government carried on some contract hospitals. Complaints relative to treatment in these so-called hospitals, were soon rolling in and it was necessary to investigate. With some without inclination, and many unable to afford the time, these investigations fell on the shoulders of a few. Conditions were found to be deplorable. In many cases men were confined to attics with army cots for beds. As many as seven quartered up next to a roof, and a contract man receiving $5 per head for the care and housing. More hospital space is needed today, but so far the eran organizations have been able to care for the emergency case. In the matter of rehabilitation the biggest problem was prepared a man, who through injury unable to follow the line of war he was in prior to the war. Many cases men who made livelihood with their hands lost one or in some cases he hands, thus placing them with a means of a living. This problem was eventually cared for three vocational training established the various schools of the state. After the injured vets had cared for as much as possible pending legislation which would relieve the situation and be care for those who were unfit to care for themselves; the attention of the veterans then turned to those who were more or able to care for themselves. Here is where the adjusted pension (later to be known the 'bonus') first came up for discussion. Some discussion of such an issue was brought up in the early months of the California department. It was brought about through fact that a settlement with railroads had been made by government. As will be remembered the roads at the beginning of the were taken over by the government and placed under the control of Secretary of the Treasury (now the California senator) and the roads put in a c FOR EXPERT KODAK FINISHING AND ENLARGING see the MISSION STUDIO 314 W. Center St. Anaheim TOWNE TOGGERY 157 W. Center Street QUALITY SPORTSWEAR The Anaheim chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution was founded in April 1925, with Mrs. Arnold Bode the first regent. The charter membership list included the names of 12 women. In line with one of the principle projects of the Anaheim group, that of preserving historic landmarks, the first house to be built in Anaheim was moved to its present location on North West street and officially designated as Pioneer house. The house was the gift of E. E. Beazley of Fullerton and was originally located in the 200 block on North Los Angeles street. Mrs. Marie Dwyer donated the land where the Pioneer house now stands. Expenses of moving the structure were defrayed by Peter J. Weisel. The Pioneer house was opened in March 1929. Another of the outstanding projects of the organization is the annual Pioneer picnic which was inaugurated 11 years ago. The picnic has grown annually, until now it is ranked as one of the outstanding civic affairs of Anaheim. Membership in the Anaheim chapter has grown from the original 12 to 30 members. Mrs. M. Mitchell Visits at Midway Mrs. Mary Mitchell, newly elected member of the department executive board of the Woman's Relief Corps, accompanied by Mrs. Maude English, attended the meeting of the Midway City corps Monday. A $10.00 award for membership at the Santa Barbara convention was awarded to Midway City, and Mrs. Mitchell was chosen to make the presentation. Presses Roar in Bonus Bond ‘Factory’ James E. Van Zandt, commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, watching one of the machines producing 600,000 bonds a day in the Federal engraving bureau in Washington, D. C., to meet the demand for 37,000,000 bonds to be delivered June 15. At San Francisco’s main postoffice, extra employees were hired to assist in the work of gathering $32,000,000 in bonds for local distribution. for loss to the companies approximating two billions of dollars. This was allowed and under the circumstances the ex-servicemen felt there would be some adjustment under whose guidance the bill—the Universal Draft Act was brought into being. This act, if and when passed, would go far toward elimination of the profits W. R. C. Oldest Women’s Club The Woman's Relief Co is the auxiliary of the Army of the Republic, is women’s patriotic organization having been organized in the national convention of the national convention of A. R. in Denver. The reception of the California department held at Santa Rosa was the 52nd annual call of the order. At this co which was a joint session Woman's Relief Co Daughters of the American Revolution, Mrs. Mary M. Anaheim was elected to cutive board. The local corps, the A received its charter on 1923, with Carrie A Mav as the first president. The past thirteen years of its organization has grown not only for the members of the community as a whole. At the present time Mr Brumagim is the presider a most worthy leader. Party is planned to be here home on June 18th, with vitation extended to the public. Mrs. Mitchell, his social committee, with his hants, has made prepara another successful event many prizes to be awarded followers of card games. With other patriotic tions of the community bers have accepted the Elks lodge to part of the Flag Day exercises a James E. Van Zandt, commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, watching one of the machines producing 600,000 bonds a day in the Federal engraving bureau in Washington, D.C., to meet for loss to the companies approximating two billions of dollars. This was allowed and under the circumstances the ex-servicemen felt there would be some adjustment in pay for those who had given up more or less lucrative employment for services in the ranks at $30 per month. At about the same time the matter of compensation for men who had been injured, and still were able to do partial work was taken up and a veterans bureau established. This has been for the past 18 years more or less of an up and down proposition. Medical men were assigned to meet as boards to determine the extent of injuries and incapacity and thus classify the men. Here is where the big fight ensued as to "service connection." Among the prominent leaders in the state was John R. Quinn, department commander in 1921-22 and later national commander under whose guidance the bill—the Universal Draft Act was brought into being. This act, if and when passed, would go far toward elimination of the profits in war. It still is one of the problems for which the ex-service men are fighting. Another act for which the Legion fought was the Home and Farm Aid Act of California, which was championed and fought for by Buron Fitts in 1922, when the people of the state were asked to approve a 20 million dollar bond issue. This act received the approval of the people and as a result has cost the state nothing even for administration but was the means of getting homes for California veterans. Too many a veteran returned to his farm and is making good because of this act. Activities in the Legion throughout the life of the organization has been to take up legislation benefitting all men who served in A-10 SPEED “MIXMASTER” ELECTRIC BEATER and a set of Mettox Poppy-trail Pottery make useful gifts H. N. WHITE HARDWARE 142 East Center Street H. N. WHITE HARDWARE 142 East Center Street Make Your NEXT PAIR FREEMAN SHOES You'll appreciate their excellent leathers—their smart styles—the way they wear—the way they hold a shine—the comfort they give—and the way they're priced. $5 to $6½ Some Styles Slightly Higher WORN WITH PRIDE BY MILLIONS ECONOMY SHOE STORE 181 W. Center St. Anaheim W. R. C. Oldest Women's Order The Woman's Relief Corp, which is the auxiliary of the Grand Army of the Republic, is the oldest women's patriotic organization having been organized in 1883 at the national convention of the national convention of the G. A. R. in Denver. The recent convention of the California-Nevada department held at Santa Barbara was the 52nd annual convention of the order. At this convention, which was a joint session of the Woman's Relief Corps and Daughters of the American Revolution, Mrs. Mary Mitchell of Anaheim was elected to the executive board. The local corps, the A. B. Paul, received its charter on May 6, 1923, with Carrie A Mawe chosen as the first president. Through the past thirteen years of its existence the organization has grown, and has accomplished a great deal, not only for the members but for the community as a whole. At the present time Mrs. Mamie Brumagim is the president, and is a most worthy leader. A card party is planned to be held at her home on June 18th, with an invitation extended to the general public. Mrs. Mitchell, head of the social committee, with her assistants, has made preparations for another successful event, with many prizes to be awarded to the followers of card games. With other patriotic organizations of the community the members have accepted the invitation of the Elks lodge to participate in the Flag Day exercises at the Elks Announcement ... BLUEBIRD DRAPERY SHOP 216 East Center Street Announces a charge in ownership, with Ann Krogan, formerly with the drapery department of the S. Q. R. Store taking over the interests formerly held by Mrs. M. E. Canby. Mabelle C. Hathaway will continue her active interest in the business. Friends and customers are invited to visit the shop and view splendid stocks now on display. Buy a New STUDEBAKER and combine BEAUTY, ECONOMY & COMFORT We also have a large stock of and combine BEAUTY, ECONOMY & COMFORT We also have a large stock of GOOD USED CARS See us before you buy KIRBY BARNES CO. 253 N. Los Angeles St. Phone 3930 Gazette Want Ads For Results ATTENTION! World War Veterans CONGRATULATIONS You are about to receive the bonus—so justly earned. You now have an opportunity to accomplish this long cherished desire to supply your family with a permanent home—which we would like to help you build or buy. bonus—so justly earned. You now have an opportunity to accomplish this long cherished desire to supply your family with a permanent home—which we would like to help you build or buy. THE SAVINGS LOAN AND BUILDING ASSN. OF ANAHEIM 116 S. Los Angeles St. (Member Home Loan Bank)