POST HISTORY
In the fall of 1919, a group of veterans of WW I gathered in Huntington Beach, California for the purpose of establishing a Post of The American Legion named “Joseph Rodman” after a young resident of the City who had died from wounds inflicted in battle. The original members were: Daveleton Aruntage, Lewis Blodget, Louis Boone, John Brady, Floyd Dean, James Draper, Peter Gallienne, Kyle Howard, Ed Huskinson, Albert Isenor, Malcolm Keith, Joe Koppl, Donald Larter, Joe Lwernash, Alvin McCoy, Louis Mitchell, R. L. Reeves, R. E. Tarbox, Clyde Wardman, and J. Lyon Aller. The original Charter was dated December 18, 1919. Louis Mitchell was the last of these veterans to die, passing in his 90’s.
The Post was later renamed Huntington Beach Post 133. The Post incorporated in February 1959.
The early years of Post 133 were marked by heavy involvement in the affairs of the City. The Post formed, funded and manned the volunteer Fire Department during the 1920’s. Many Legionnaires served in the Police Department, Fire Department and school district, as well as, on the City Council. In 1931, LaVerne Keller, Commander of Post 133 was appointed Chief of Police. Two other Post members served as Chief of Police, Les Grant in 1936 and Ben Dulaney in 1950. Another notable member of Post 133 was Celia Baker Young, the first female Judge in Orange County.
Originally, Post 133 met in a surplus school building provided by the oil company. That building is still in existence and can be seen on the North East corner of Alabama and Hartford. In 1926, a new City Hall and auditorium was built. A second floor was built and the building rededicated as Memorial Hall, in honor of all veterans of all wars. An agreement was negotiated between the City and Post 133, written by the City Attorney, Lewis Blodget. This building remained the home of Post 133.
A new City Hall complex was planned across from the High School. In 1980, the Memorial Hall was torn down, and American Legion Post 133 was promised a new replacement in the future. To date the City has not provided a building.
As time passed, the Post languished. On April 22, 2000, in an effort to revitalize the Post, ten members agreed to serve as officers for the coming year. Of those only Bob Davis, Dennis Bauer, and Milt Cook are still active. Today Post members have been the mayor of Huntington Beach. Currently the Post plans the City’s patriotic functions: Veterans Day, Memorial Day, and September 11th ceremonies. The Post once again marches proudly in the Fourth of July Parade.
