| American Legion Lawnton Post 998 |
| 4700 Derry St. Harrisburg, Pa 17111 717-564-1015 |
Post 998 History
During May of 1951, a new flag pole was dedicated on the grounds of the Post Home. The
Flag Pole was made by Robert Swartz, a Post member, and given to the post by J. Calvin
Neill of Paxtang, in memory of his sister, Dorothy Neill, Hospital attendant First Class in
the SPSRS. Miss Neill died in a veterans hospital in 1946.
During the year of 1951 the Auxiliary of the Post was formed. Both the Auxiliary and the
Post participated in the Tide of Toys program. One of the highlights of the 1953 season
was an Easter Egg hunt and distribution of baskets in the Children's home of Harrisburg.
The Legion and Auxiliary also sponsored the Help Hendricks Fund drive by holding a barn
dance and card party. Also in 1953, additional lots were purchased adjoining the Post
Home property so that future expansion would be possible. The Post took an active part in
the Paxtang MemorialDay celebration. During the month of May the Post awarded the
Distinguished Service Certificate to local band leader Red McCarthy, who was commended
for his work in publicizing the activities of the Post.
In 1954 an extensive social program was launched in addition to the regular activities of
the Post. The first annual picnic of the Post was held, and the Post also sponsored the
Lawnton Halloween Parade. During 1955 several Block Shoots were held and the Post also
sponsored a Santa Claus who toured the community in a pony driven wagon. For several
years the Post was active in the Blood Donor Programs and in the early part of 1958 the
American legion presented Blood Donor Emblems to four members: Joseph DeLutis, John
Orndorf and Charles Szada received "Over the Gallon Emblems" and Frank Heidel
received an "Over the Five Gallon Emblem" all by donating 78 pints of blood.
During the year 1959 plans were made and approved to build a new Post Home. Joseph
Severino was selected as architect, and Henry Larson as contractor. Ground was broken
on Sept 24 for this new $60,000 structure. During construction of the new building, the
original Home, which will form a small part of the New Post Home, was almost completely
destroyed by fire. Loss was confined to the old section, and work on the New Home was not
curtailed.
The New addition will be financed by the sale of debenture bonds, and it is hoped that by
the time of dedication in March we will be well on our way with the sale of these bonds so
that we may enter our new Home with this as our only major debt.
Flag Pole was made by Robert Swartz, a Post member, and given to the post by J. Calvin
Neill of Paxtang, in memory of his sister, Dorothy Neill, Hospital attendant First Class in
the SPSRS. Miss Neill died in a veterans hospital in 1946.
During the year of 1951 the Auxiliary of the Post was formed. Both the Auxiliary and the
Post participated in the Tide of Toys program. One of the highlights of the 1953 season
was an Easter Egg hunt and distribution of baskets in the Children's home of Harrisburg.
The Legion and Auxiliary also sponsored the Help Hendricks Fund drive by holding a barn
dance and card party. Also in 1953, additional lots were purchased adjoining the Post
Home property so that future expansion would be possible. The Post took an active part in
the Paxtang MemorialDay celebration. During the month of May the Post awarded the
Distinguished Service Certificate to local band leader Red McCarthy, who was commended
for his work in publicizing the activities of the Post.
In 1954 an extensive social program was launched in addition to the regular activities of
the Post. The first annual picnic of the Post was held, and the Post also sponsored the
Lawnton Halloween Parade. During 1955 several Block Shoots were held and the Post also
sponsored a Santa Claus who toured the community in a pony driven wagon. For several
years the Post was active in the Blood Donor Programs and in the early part of 1958 the
American legion presented Blood Donor Emblems to four members: Joseph DeLutis, John
Orndorf and Charles Szada received "Over the Gallon Emblems" and Frank Heidel
received an "Over the Five Gallon Emblem" all by donating 78 pints of blood.
During the year 1959 plans were made and approved to build a new Post Home. Joseph
Severino was selected as architect, and Henry Larson as contractor. Ground was broken
on Sept 24 for this new $60,000 structure. During construction of the new building, the
original Home, which will form a small part of the New Post Home, was almost completely
destroyed by fire. Loss was confined to the old section, and work on the New Home was not
curtailed.
The New addition will be financed by the sale of debenture bonds, and it is hoped that by
the time of dedication in March we will be well on our way with the sale of these bonds so
that we may enter our new Home with this as our only major debt.