Nation's Oldest American Legion Post in Peril - State Journal

WHEELING -- American Legion Post 1 in Wheeling has lost its home and is in danger of losing its charter.

The veterans' organization has a tremendous history. but it may slip into history if it doesn't get some support.

Post One started in the Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel Building.

Later, most people remember it on Chapline Street, in a building that was razed when the U.S. District Courthouse expanded.

Then it was on Eoff Street in South Wheeling, but they couldn't pay their taxes, and they lost that building.

Now it's on rocky ground.

"The mistaken impression they have is that the American Legion is just a neighborhood bar where people meet to drink," said Post Commander Judy Steinman. "The American Legion is a lot more than that."

Steinman said the American Legion works to maintain veterans' benefits, helps veterans' children with college funding, holds blood drives and provides honor guards for military funerals.

But this financially-strapped post, which lost its last building to taxes, is on the verge of extinction.

So, Steinman has a message for veterans out there, who always considered joining but never got around to it.

"My message to them is that the time is now," she said. "The American Legion needs the members, but the members also need the American Legion."

She said their most important job is fighting to maintain veterans' benefits.

Right now, Post 1 meets at Post 89 in East Wheeling.

They are searching for another building to call home.

Despite desperately low attendance, Steinman vows this historic charter won't be lost on her watch.

"We still have our charter, and we're going to maintain our charter," she said.

"It was established in 1919," said First District Commander Ronald Walton. "The Legion itself was established at about that same time. So you can imagine the value having a post like that. It's historical."

Post 1 is 90 years old, and its officers are determined to make sure the organization survives to be 91.

For more information about joining the American Legion, or to let them know if you have a suitable building for them, Post Commander Judy Steinman can be reached at 304-233-5792.

501(c)(19) relates to federal income tax not state real estate tax...

Posts under the 501 (c) 19 are not subject to property taxes. They should file Exempt and NOT lose the Post.

Judy is correct in stating that the American Legion is more than just a bar.I used to think that was all it was too; until I became involved in some of their programs.I have become dedicated to this wonderful organization. The American Legion (Veterans) and the American Legion Auxiliary and, Son's of the American Legion Reach far and wide. The programs are many and to name a few are, Veteran's benefits,VA hospitals, scholarships, boy's and girl's state, Children's hospitals, education,and more. Then there is the local community , children and school activities. Bereavement dinners for families of veterans;Assistance with medical treatments for those in need ;Helping families that suffer home disasters,Our lists are endless. Each American Legion has their own guide on community services, but we ALL STAND with our Veterans. To try to give back for all they gave as active duty Soldiers. during a time of war. The American Legion was established in 1919 after a truce was signed to stop the fighting on the western front (Germany and France) Where over 20,000 american soldiers died . The surviving soldiers at that time started the American Legion. Post #1 should not have to lose their charter because lack of support. Wheeling has the privilage of being the home of two legion's. IFThose that live in that area could take a minute and contact them to see just what is needed they might be preserving a very important part of American History. They have supported their community now let the community support them. They are our Veterans.