History of Frank Wendland Post No. 253   During the later part of 1919, here and there throughout the town (for it was only a town then) could be seen little groups of ex-service men renewing old acquaintances and talking over their war experiences. To the old solider nothing is dearer than reminiscening. The unanimous opinion of all these chance gatherings was “let’s start a Legion Post.”               And so, on February 10, 1920, about twenty-five ex-service men gathered in the High school auditorium, and, after stirring address by lieutenant-Colonel Augustus Gansser of Bay City , The Frank Wendland Post No. 253 was founded and named in honor of Frank Wendland, a life-long resident of Royal Oak and one of her first sons to answer the call of his country. Frank was well known to all Royal Oakers and was a true example of young American manhood. The task assigned him in the army was most hazardous-that of sharp-shooter- and in October, 1918 he answered the last roll call.

At a meeting two weeks later the following officers were elected for the first year:

 

Post Commander- Ernest W. Osborne.

Vice Commander- William Parr.

Adjutant- Arthur C. Codling.

Finance Officer- Jesse W. Campbell.

Historian G. D. Harris, Jr.

 

            Shortly after this post moved from the High School to the Odd Fellows Hall, where meetings were held until November 1, 1920 , when the Storz Hall, at the corner of Main and Fifth Streets, was leased, which has since been occupied as our home.

 

            The big event of the first year was the Annual Banquet, held in High School gym on May 12. A stag affair, at which over 250 residents of this community were present and voted one of the biggest things ever held in Royal Oak at the time.

 

            A very active part was taken in the Memorial Day Exercises, and the Armistice Day Celebration was conducted by the Post, closing with a big Military Ball in the evening.

 

            A Baseball and football team were organized during the year and were very successful. All this time the work of organizing was going on and the year closed with 37 members on the roll.

 

           

The year 1921 with the election of the following officers:

 

Commander- Wm. Parr.

Vice Commander- Dr. R. Vincent.

Adjutant- Fletcher Renton .

Finance Officer- Cyril J. Penny.

Historian- G. D. Harris, Jr.

 

            On January 24, the Ladies Auxiliary was founded, and later on a Bugle and Drum Corps and a Seven-Piece Orchestra. 

            The second Annual Banquet was held on May 12, and we were honored with the presence of State Commander Guy M. Wilson.

              On Memorial Day, the Royal Oak Memorial Society presented us with our beautiful colors, both Post and National.

 

            Athletics were continued during the year with considerable success. The Post also took an active part in the Royal Oak Annual Picnic.

 

            On December 8, Puane Sawyer Saxaphone Band of 100 pieces was brought to Royal Oak for a concert, which was marked a success.

 

            Christmas Relief Work that year was under the auspices of this Post, and 53 families were taken care of and given a real Christmas.

 

            Membership was increased to 55, and the Post began to assume a real position in the community affairs of Royal Oak .

 

In December 1921, the following officers were elected to carry on the good work:

 

Commander- Harry J. Merritt.

Vice Commander- Fletcher Renton

Adjutant- Walter D. Heaphy.

Finance- Arthur C. Codling.

Sergeant-at-Arms-Fred Wheeler.

Historian- G. D. Harris, Jr.