September 26, 1945 Interlaken Post 462 American Legion Renewed

At the end of World War I, sixteen veterans made an application on September 3, 1919 for an American Legion Post for Interlaken. John V. Kellogg was elected the first commander. With the passing of time, many of those veterans moved to other places. Of those who remained, they affiliated with other Seneca County posts.

In 1945 as the World War II veterans were returning, the desire for an active post in Interlaken was again brought forth.

Interlaken American Legion Post Home, Main Street Interlaken
Now the Town of Covert Municipal Building
Photo by the author

On September 26, 1945, a meeting was held “in the Fire Rooms for the purpose of forming an American Legion Post in Interlaken. 20 veterans were present, John V. Kellogg was appointed temporary chairman of the meeting.” Thus begins the article in the Interlaken Review of September 28, 1945.

The article continued, “Past Commander Francis J. Edwards of Ovid, was present and gave a very interesting talk concerning the Legion.” In reading the list of membership committee personnel many familiar names are shown, T. J. Mahoney, Frank Goodwin, Stanley Hagerman, S. Leslie Macomber, Lyle VanArsdale, Floyd Dickerson, Lew Egan, Albert Jones and Thomas Northrup.”

“The Post received word on October 26, 1945 that it would be able to use the original name and number, Interlaken Post #462.” [Article by Wm. Peabody, Patterson, 1976 Bicentennial History]

The November 16, 1945 Interlaken Review listed the newly elected officers who were elected on November 8^th. Commander, John V. Kellogg; 1^st Vice Ora D. Jenkins; 2^nd Vice Stan Hagerman; Adjutant, Herman Emmons; Treasurer, Lyle VanArsdale; Sgt at Arms, Leslie Macomber, Historian, Lew Egan; Chaplain Frank Goodwin.

In time, a Post home would be built on the property donated by the Halstead Canning Factory and Mr. and Mrs. John R. VanLiew.

Plaque in the Covert Municipal Building honoring the VanLiews and the
 Halstead Canning Factory for the land for the Interlaken Legion Post Home.
Photo by the author

 In 2008 the Post elected to retire its charter. The Post home is now the Town of Covert Municipal building. With its service flags and World War II honor roll in front of the building, memorial boards and Legion emblem on the main table inside, its original use is still very much evident.

1951 Charter for the Interlaken American Legion Post #462
Photo by the author

Dewitt’s Diary, Wednesday, September 26, 1945

The ground was too wet to work on this morning. Cleaned up and treated seed wheat this morning.

Bob A and I went fishing this afternoon. Caught three nice bass across the lake.

The weather was nice this afternoon. Looking for Leland most any day.

For more on the history of Interlaken Post #462 see Patterson, Between the Lakes, The History of South Seneca County, (1976) page 154-156, and Covert Memories 1950-2015 pages 167-171.