Zearing, Iowa 1956 History

wind blew the door shut allowing the latch to fall. Dr. Sterling was locked in the ice house for twenty minutes before Rhonaldo M. (Rhode) Bainter heard the noise and opened the door. Doc was a bit chilly but was able to make some warm comments when he was released.

According to the minutes of the May 5, 1938, meeting of Post 116, the post incorporation papers were filed at Nevada, Iowa, on April 28, 1938, at 3:02 P. M.

Legionnaire Lyle C. Bailey was elected Chef De-Gare of Voiture 285, 40/8 of Story county. All legionnaires and Frenchmen will know what that means. The year was 1938.

On April 3, 1941, Dr. and Eloise Chance Sterling were in Des Moines attending the Memorial Service held in the state house for legislators who had passed away during the preceding two years. Dr. Sterling's father, the late J. C. Sterling, was one of the legislators honored.

Post 116 chose Lynn W. Eley as the 1942 Boys State representative from Zearing.

The Tri County News dated March 25, 1943, contained the pathetic advertisement of a young man preparing for war : FOR SALE: 1939 Pontiac, Radio, Heater, Excellent. Tires and Motor. Also a pair of White New Zealand 'Rabbits. Walter F. Harkema.

The records show that Christie A. Wurster, Otis E. Arrasmith, and Forrest Cochran were the first World War II veterans tro join Post 116.

Walter F. Harkema, was elected Commander of Post 116 on September 9, 1944. He was the first World War II veteran to serve in that office.

It was apparent in 1946 that Post 116 needed a new hall. Returning veterans of World War II were joining the post in increasing numbers. When Commander Franklin Dale Johnston took office in 1946, he immediately advocated a new hall.

It was Commander Johnston who suggested that the post rent eighty acres of land and farm the land in 1947. The members approved the suggestion. Commander Johnston, William E. McBride, Dale E. Tisdale, and Asher D. Oakes were elected to a farming committee.

The eighty acres northwest of the Zearing school house owned by Fern Johnson Deal were rented. Legionnaires who lived hr the country furnished the farm machinery. Town members contributed cash for the farming expenses. In spite of a. poor farming year, the building fund of Post 116 was enriched by more than $1,000 from the project.

Meanwhile, Post. 116 was arguing whether to remodel the old hall or to build a community hall wit private rooms for the legionnaires. It was decided to build a community hall. The lot located southeast. of the intersection of Pearl Street and Main Street was purchased from Kenneth L. Cerka for $200.

During the term of Commander William E. McBride, the base-