Edgeley American Legion
American Legion Henry Parthie Post No. 146
In December, 1919, seventeen veterans of World War I assembled in Edgeley for the purpose of organizing a Post of the American Legion, which had been organized on the national level in Paris, France, the preceding summer.
A charter was issued on January 22, 1920 by the National Department to the Henry Parthie Post No. 146, the American Legion, Department of North Dakota, Edgeley.
The Post was named in honor of Henry Parthie, who was the first Edgeley man on record, killed in action. Previous to his war service, he had worked in a hardware store in Edgeley.
The first meeting place was in the basement of the First National Bank for about 15 years. In 1934, with a membership of 110, they purchased the first Edgeley Public School Building. This building was used until 1949.
Our World War members did a good job in maintaining post operations during the depression years. Two of them, Dr. L. B. Greene and Don Paul served as district commanders -- Greene, two terms back to back, 1926-1928, and Paul, 1932-1933. Greene also served eight years (1929-1937) as a member of the department executive committee.
The Post then made arrangements with the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post to share the use of its quarters, which are still used today. The first such place was an old school house moved west of City Hall. At the present time the meetings are held in the Vet's Club portion of the Old Armory.
Post 146 recorded its peak membership of 123 in 1977. Twenty large framed pictures of World War II received from the Department of Defense, commemorative of the WW II 50th anniversary, as well as the 50th anniversary flag, are displayed on the walls in the club. Edgeley was officially designated a WW II commemorative community in 1993 by the Department of Defense.
Annual events sponsored by the post include the Veteran's Day supper, at which time a speaker is invited and the members are recognized for outstanding service and service pins from 10 to 50 years are awarded.
Memorial Day is always a special event, attended by about 200 people each year. Twenty large flags are displayed every year - eight at the community service, six at Mount Hope Cemetery, and six at Mount Calvary Cemetery. The local National Guard does a presentation of colors and the salute at the cemeteries with Taps being played by a local band member. A wreath is placed at both cemeteries. Auxiliary members are in charge of the program.
Annually, the post holds a community steak fry to raise money for the baseball program. The annual wild game feed was also a big family event and fundraiser in the past.
Boys State and Girls State are special programs for the Legion and Auxiliary. In 1994, the Legion and Auxiliary were able to sponsor 11 boys and three girls. Music camps for boys and girls are also on the agenda for them. Two or three students are sponsored to the International Music Camp each year.
Youth baseball has been sponsored by The American Legion in Edgeley for more than 50 years. Many trophies won by Legion baseball teams are displayed in the Legion home. Baseball has always been the leading event in the community and enjoys full community support. In 1994, a total of 123 youth were enrolled in the program consisting of a Legion team, Babe Ruth team, T-Ball team and Pee Wee team.
A "Field of Dreams" project was begun in 1994 which consists of a new baseball/softball complex. The plans included a baseball field with a large parking lot, covered grand stand, concession stand and handicap accessible restrooms. The idea for the "Field of Dreams" began when 16 acres of land was donated by Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Hazard.
In 2000, the Henry Parthe Post 146 in Edgeley, North Dakota was presented with the award for the "Most Outstanding Post" in the nation for their involvement with children and youth programs. This award is a result of many hours of time and effort donated by the members of the post and non-members of the community.
The American Legion is open to anyone who has served. Membership numbers enhance programs and we welcome new members.