Building Sold, But Memories Remain For Waterville Legion
BY BECKY JACOBS — MIRROR REPORTER
With bittersweet feelings, members of Waterville American Legion Post No. 463 sold the post home on Mechanic Street on May 18.
Over the years the building offered a smaller, but adequate, rental place to hold small receptions, anniversaries, birthday parties and other community events.
It was also a place for veterans, members of American Legion and its auxiliary to meet.
It was a meeting place for Boy Scout Troop 101 as well. The Legion members sponsored the troop for more than 50 years until the group became too large.
In recent years, declining Legion membership made it difficult to meet expenses for the building.
The Legion members, along with the auxiliary, are now meeting at Zion Lutheran Church on Second Street, less than a block from their former home.
Memories will forever follow the former military servicemen and women as they remember the old post home and the activities that took place there.
Carol and John Rosebrock, members for 38 years, shared some memories of those past events. Carol serves as president of the auxiliary, and John as adjutant.
John said that many old receipts were found as interior furnishings were being cleared from the post. In the attic, some receipts dated to the 1930s and 1940s – documents relating to Waterville.
Also found in the attic was an old six-wheel used for parties dating from World War I. An old helmet and canteen also were left behind.
A volume of photos from WW I was found, along with three uniforms worn by Eugene Taylor, Albert Graf and Don Simpson.
Over the years historical guns were displayed at the post home, and they were returned to the rightful owners.
Two important flags were on display. One was a flag flown over the U.S.S. Arizona, shared by the Peinert family. Another was donated by Becky Olds in recognition of the 180th Fighter Wing of the Ohio Air National Guard and its mission to Iraq.
Most of the record books as well as military memorabilia and photos are now being cataloged and carefully preserved by the Waterville Historical Society at Wakeman Hall.
Carol shared that her mother, Gertrude Plotts, became a member of the auxiliary right after World War II, joining under her father’s membership.
She had many memories to share. Carol fondly remembers the activity programs from the 1950s, which would often include members of the community.
“There were skits with costumes always, with Katie Graf playing the piano,” she said.
It was not unusual to have auxiliary officers from the county, the district and at times the state in attendance at the shows.
“Everyone had a good time,” Carol said.
The Waterville auxiliary always furnished favors and food for the meetings. The annual activities continued until the 1990s.
The Rosebrocks’ daughter Amy also became involved as a member of the Junior Auxiliary, which was popular for a time.
Soup and pie suppers were held for 15 years. Martha Simpson always donated two pies, while Mary Longstreet made 10 pie crusts by hand, using five pounds of flour. The crusts would then be slipped into pie tins and delivered to other auxiliary members, who filled the crusts with their favorite pie filling and baked prior to the supper.
Four kinds of soup were served with bread and the pies. The meal was inexpensive and a fun place to be. It was like a “homecoming,” with friends meeting friends.
The women donated $50.00 from the suppers each month to the men.
The Legion members also held wild game and Swiss steak dinners.
Round and square dances were popular and were held twice a year.
A memorable annual event was the Memorial Day remembrance and parade.
Prior to safety concerns regarding traffic on US 24, the members would begin the observance with a wreath service at the Maumee River. They would then march to Wakeman Cemetery to complete the service.
The Rosebrocks said they have seen many changes. Members are now older and unable to accomplish the same tasks they were able to in the past, and there are very few younger members.
A new era has emerged with a new meeting place. But, the heart of the local Legionnaires will continue to beat with care for the community and fellow veterans.