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                Post  History

                   Veterans’ Day and Beckwith Post 110, American Legion

Courtesy of Richsard DeSorgher

 

Following the end of the Civil War, Union veterans formed what became known as the Grand Army of the Republic, the “G.A.R.” They pledged to care for the veteran, help with those in need of a job, continue with the friendships formed during the war years and use the organization as a way to maintain the political beliefs they believed were best for the country they had fought for. The community level organization was called a "Post" and they elected Post Commanders. In Medfield, the G.A.R. Post was organized on January 10, 1870, with fifteen original members. It was called the Moses Ellis Post #117.   In 1890 they bought the building that now houses Casabella Pizza, the Jewelry Store, the Medfield Barber Shop and Zullo Gallery and used it as their Post Headquarters. The building had two main halls, the first floor hall was used for banquets and dinners and the upper hall was used for their meetings.  As time went on, the number of G.A.R. members still living declined greatly. The last G.A.R. member, Albert Woolson from Indiana, died in 1956 at the age of 109. Medfield's last G.A.R. member was Julius Fitts who died at the age of 100 on January 6, 1944 and was buried at Vine Lake Cemetery.

 

In 1917 the United States went to war with Germany in what was called The Great War. The Armistice ending the war began on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918. In November 1919, President Wilson proclaimed November 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day, the ending of “The Great War (WWI) and a time to honor our veterans of that war. Also in 1919 The American Legion was founded nationally by veterans returning from Europe after WWI. While the G.A.R. membership was limited to Union veterans of the Civil War, The American Legion was founded to benefit those veterans who served during any wartime.

 

Here in Medfield, led by WWI veteran William J. Kelly, the first American Legion Post was formed and Kelly became the Post’s first Commander. Meetings were held in Town Hall with the Post being nameless for several years. On June 14, 1922 the American Legion Auxiliary was formed and added a new dimension to the Legion. On February 15, 1923 the Medfield Post was officially established as “Beckwith Post 110.”  It was named after the two Beckwith boys, Weslie and William both of whom lost their lives during WWI. Beckwith Post 110 had an official home when the town voted permission for the Legion members to use Town Hall as their Post.  Legion meetings and functions took place upstairs in Town Hall from 1919 to 1953. During this time period, the Legion ran Field Day activities which were held on Metacomet Park off Pleasant Street and open to all in the town. In 1954 the Legion purchased the old Grange Hall, located on Pleasant Street next to Metacomet Park where the Medfield Garden Condominium complex is located today.  Now, moving out of Town Hall, they had a home of their own. The Pleasant Street building had been used by the Grange since 1912. From 1954 until 1969 regular Legion meetings and functions were held at Grange Hall. Sadly on December 22, 1969 the building was torched by arson and burnt to the ground Civil War firearms, Post records and valuable memorabilia were all destroyed.  The Legion was now without a home but thanks to the generosity of Legion member Bob McCarthy, the family’s restaurant, The Colonial Inn on Main Street, (where today’s Donut Express and the Italian Groceria are located) became the temporary home of the Legion. In 1970 the Legion purchased 2.5 acres of land on what had been Grove Street and designed and built the current facility that includes a large function hall, kitchen, members lounge, Commanders office, conference room and storage space. In 1974 when the new Route 27 was built and bisected Grove Street, it gave the Legion the opportunity to rename their roadway. It was named Peter Kristof Way in honor and memory of Medfield High School graduate Peter Kristof, who was killed in Vietnam. He was just 18 years old when he died as a Private First Class in the U.S. Marine Corps.  In 1996 the Sons of the Legion formed, injecting youth and vitality into the organization.

 

Today Beckwith Post 110 is under the steady hand of Commander Paul Galofaro  and Steward Al Manganello, who has over seen the building’s operating for the past 35 years.  Almost 200 members belong to the Post. Familiar town names ring out from the plaques mounted on the Legion’s  “Distinguish Honor Wall”  John Ross, Fred Vasaturo, Al Cruickshank, Paul Curran, Jim Tubridy, Clayton Haigh, George Nourse, John Connors, Donald Mailing, Gerry Doucette, Lee DeSorgher, Mel Mills, Lindsey Ripley, Jerry Underwood, Tom Copithorne and Ed Callow. Since 1919 the Legion and its members have played an important part in the life of the Town of Medfield.  Their community support remains impressive with support for the Memorial Day Parade and Ceremonies and the feeding of lunch to all parade marchers, Veterans’ Day Ceremonies in Baxter Park, the Christmas Party for Medfield’s Senior Citizens, Christmas with Santa for Medfield youth, sponsorship of Medfield High School juniors to attend Boys’ and Girls’ State, the Toys for Tots program, high school scholarships,  the Medfield Fishing Derby, sponsorship of Legion baseball and softball teams, monetary donations and support to other town organizations and sponsorship of Boy Scout Troup 89.

 

Ninety-one years after the formation of the American Legion, Beckwith Post 110 continues to care about our veterans, provide a meeting and socializing home, help with community activities and stand for and represent the ideals members gave a part of their lives defending.