AMERICAN LEGION, Ellis B. Ordway Post 111

 

The American Legion Formed

Crittenden Press, November 7, 1919

It is well known by our readers that early this year a movement was set on foot by some of our soldiers returned from overseas service to organize into some kind of an association, to preserve the military traditions, and lessons learned from the great war.

 

This movement has met with approval of the majority of our soldiers, sailors and marines, and in many states chapters have already been formed, with local county organizations.

 

Here in Crittenden County this movement was started at the dinner given our boys by the Good Road Association early in June, and it is a matter of much regret that no further action was taken by the officers elected at that dinner, which would have resulted in a permanent organization.

 

The Press believes in Crittenden County, and stands ready to aid, in every way, to the limit of its power, in the up-building of this county. We believe that a county organization of our boys would be a mighty good thing – good for the boys and good for the county.

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November 1921 – American Legion Post Organized

Several ex-service men met at the Marion Barber Shop Monday evening to organize an American Legion Post for the men of this county who served in the late war.

 

A large representation was present and much enthusiasm was manifested. preparations were placed on foot to get a permanent chapter.

 

The name selected for the local post is the Ellis B. Ordway Post No. 111, being named in honor of the first of Crittenden young man who lost his life on foreign fields. He died of wounds received in action, on July 26, 1918 in France. His body was returned to the United States in March 1921, and buried with military honors at Crayne Cemetery. 

 

Twenty-one ex-service men have already signed up as members of this Post and others have signified their intention of doing so. Temporary officers were elected to act till the charter is granted. Rooms have been selected and arrangements are now under way to furnish them for the use of the members. These rooms will be open at all times and money for this purpose is now being raised. (The first American Legion location was in the upstairs rooms over Wheeler’s Antiques on East Carlisle Street.)

 

There will be another meeting of ex-service men at the Marion Barber Shop Monday evening at 7:00 o’clock and all ex-service men who served between April 1917 and November 11, 1918 are urged to be present at this meeting.

 

The Post will open their permanent quarters and club rooms the first of the month.

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The charter for Ellis B. Ordway Post 111, Marion, Kentucky, was granted on March 28, 1924.

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Total membership of this post on March 1, 1991 was: Two World War I members; Forty-one World War II members; and Ten Vietnam members. Total: 57

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Due to lack of membership and interest in the organization by local veterans the Ellis B. Ordway Post 111 was disbanded in April of 2016.