AMERICAN LEGION

Osborne Post 99 of the American Legion held its first meeting in Thompson's Butcher Shop in the fall of 1919. Harry C. Smith, a former Minburn resident, now living in Rippey, was instrumental in founding the unit, after having served with the 33rd Infantry Division during World War I. He was designated to represent his unit while serving in Germany at the close of the War, as the formation of the American Legion in Paris, which was in March of 1919.

Upon his return to the States he attended a meeting of all veterans of Iowa at the Fort Des Moines Hotel in Des Moines for the purpose of creating the American Legion. Principal speaker for the historic event was Theodore Roosevelt, Jr.

As soon after that as possible, Smith called a similar meeting at Minburn. He was appointed post commander and John Webster served as post adjutant for 1919-20. The post was eventually assigned the number "99" and has the honor of being one of the first posts in Iowa. It was named Osborne Post, in honor of Lester Osborne, a native of Minburn, who was the first Dallas County lad killed in action in World War I.

There were 17 Charter members of the local post, only three now living: Verle Carris, I.M. Shirley, and Harry Smith. The others were Roy Kimrey, John Webster, Lovell Burket, George Burket, Bill Taylor, John Taylor, Ernest Bever, Don Scott, Verbyl Danner, Clifford McQuie, Paul Goldsberry, Clare Basart, Clarence McQuie, and Oscar Thompson.

TEMPERANCE LODGE NO. 411 A.F. & A.M.

One of the oldest places of interest to many in the Minburn community is Temperance Lodge No. 411 A.F. & A.M. On February 22, 1881, a dispensation was granted by Grand Master J.A. McLenahan of Charlton, at the request of sixteen petitioners. These men were S.O. Conger, Joseph H Craig, Wm. Osborne, Wm. Seider, W.H. Coates, L. Gill, John W. Winkler, E.E. Aikeen, J.B. Hill, Willis Record, L.R. Bickford, N.J. Brown, Samuel Atkinson, Wm. Storms, Jacob Miller and A.J. Lyons. The first meeting under dispensation was held on March 10, 1881. Present besides those named above was one visitor, W.M. Gribben of Yates Lodge no. 675 at Lyndonville, N.Y.

At the first meeting under the charter which was granted by the Grand Lodge of Iowa June 8, 1882, the following had become members: J.J. Craig, James O. Gardiner, C.V. Brown, J.J. Osborne, J.K. Olds, G.W. Ellis, Henry Voss, and J.B. Cartwright.

The names of the Grand Lodge officers appearing on the charter are: Master Geo B. Vanfaun, Senior Warden C.T. Wenger, Junior Warden James D. Gamble and Secretary S.L. Paravin. Members of the local Lodge are Master S.O. Conger, Senior Warden Joseph Craig and Junior Warden William Osborne.

As nearly as can be learned the Lodge has always met in the same place which they now use, and which was formerly owned by Mr. and Mrs. Charles Minnis. The bricks for the building were made from clay from a clay pit on the farm of Henry Voas.

In reading over the old minutes we find many things of interest. For example, a special communication was held June 16, 1883, for a public installation at the M.E. Church, also on July 3, 1884, a motion was made that an order be drawn on the Treasury in favor of J.J. Craig for 66¢ for stationery and February 18, 1886, that an order be drawn for 50¢ for coal to heat the building. Again on February 19, 1891, a motion was made that a committee of one be appointed to build the fires and clean the hall for all regular and special meetings. A Brother was chosen to do this and he was to receive 25¢ for each meeting.

Following is a list of those who have served as Master of the Lodge:

Royal Neighbors of America was chartered as a fraternal life insurance Society March 24, 1895, It held the first State Convention in 1900.

Royal Neighbor Woodbine Camp 6287 of Minburn has been organized for over 60 years. The first meetings were held in the old Woodman Hall, years later moved to the top floor of Everett Shaw's store. From there it was moved to the Masonic Hall. Now meetings are held once a month
in the members homes.

In November, 1948, a large convention was held in the Minburn school gym. A very colorful Ritual and floor drills were displayed.

There are 74 members now in the Woodbine Camp.

Ethel Smith was one of the long active members of Woodbine Camp - for 52 years. She was recorder for the past 35 years.

In this our centennial year at Minburn we pause to take a backward look to see what has made our home town the place we like to call home.

Our many community minded organizations have helped to make us what we are today.

This review is to acquaint you with the History of the American Legion Auxiliary, Post 99 of Minburn, which was one of the first four units to organize in the year 1919. The records and original charter seem to have been lost, and so we write of our early history from the memories of the Charter Members who are still living.

Following is a list of persons recalled as being Charter Members, with apologies for omissions if there are any:

Sometime during the depression years of the 1930's the unit became inactive and lost its charter, but was reorganized with a new Charter on December 8 1948.

The following names appear as Charter Members at this time:

The unit has been very active since its organization. Gifts are sent regularly to Veterans Hospitals and other veterans projects. Over the years many local families have been helped in their time of need with gifts of clothing and cash donations when illness or trouble came.

Poppy Day is observed every year and the unit participates in Memorial Day Services, County, District and State meetings, contributing whenever they can to make the Legion Auxiliary a better organization.

Every other year a delegate is sent to Hawkeye Girls State. Those who have attended since 1991 are:

Mrs. Doris Scott of the Legion Auxiliary Post 99 served the State District Auxiliary as President for the years 1953-54.

We are now observing our fiftieth anniversary and this year we have done much to improve the Legion Hall in Minburn, by adding a new ceiling, new draperies for the windows and also new carpet for the floor as well as some other improvements.

Bertha Wipperman