American Legion Records

Collection

Identifier: M1356

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

Collection contains copy of letter signed by Rube Ekander and J. Frank Binder announcing the ground-breaking ceremonies; dated August 14, 1950; microfilm contains historical data on the founding of the American Legion nationally and of the local branch. Includes sketches of commanders, lists of officers, awards, activities, and photographs.

Dates

1930-1961

Creator

Binder, J. Frank, (Person)
Ekander, Rube (Person)
American Legion.Leyden Chiles Wickersham, Post No. 1 (Denver, Colo.) (Organization)

Conditions Governing Access

The collection is open for research.

Copyright

All requests for permission to publish, reproduce, or quote from material in the collection should be discussed with the appropriate librarian or archivist. Permission for publication may be given on behalf of the Denver Public Library as the owner of the physical item. It is not intended to include or imply permission of the copyright holder, which also must be obtained by the customer. The Library does not assume any responsibility for infringement of copyright or publication rights of the manuscript held by the writer, heirs, donors, or executors. Reproduction restrictions are decided on a case-by-case basis.

Biographical / Historical

The Leyden, Chiles and Wickersham American Legion Posts consolidated and became chartered as the Leyden-Chiles-Wickersham Post 1 on August 20, 1931. The lodge was founded in memory of Private Leo T. Leyden, Captain Marcellus H. Chiles and Lieutenant J. Hunter Wickersham, all of whom gave their lives for their country during the first world war. Meetings were first held in a private residence located at 224 W. Colfax Avenue, Denver, Colo. before moving to the 17th Avenue Community Church as a permanent home. A movement for a new building began in 1945, and in August 1950 ground was broken for a more elaborate building at East 14th Avenue and Broadway, Denver, Colo. The cornerstone was set in April 1951, and dedication ceremonies were held on February 12, 1952 with National Commander, Donald R. Wilson officiating.