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American Legion Post and Women’s Auxiliary
by Lucy McDonald
The servicemen returned after World War II and joined Veterans organizations in nearby towns, however, in April of 1946, several local veterans organized an American Legion Post in Trout Creek. The Trombley-Pulkas Post 494 was named in memory of two men who gave their lives while serving their country. Two others, Joseph Cameron and Thomas Heikkala, who also gave their lives while serving their country, were to have the school gym and athletic field named for them. The Post charter was received and dedicated in April of 1947. The Women’s Auxiliary unit to the Post was also organized in 1947.
In the beginning meetings were held in the school. Later, the old Co-op store was purchased, repaired, and dedicated in April of 1951. After the Ottawa Post of Kenton disbanded in 1978 many of their members joined the Trombley-Pulkas Post 494. In 1969 the Post purchased Cameron’s Bar; it was renamed and operated as the Community Bar. The bar was sold in 1979 and the proceeds were used to enlarge and remodel the building that continues to be home to the Post.
The original building, at the present Post location, was the Hardes’grocery store, which burned to the ground. A store was subsequently rebuilt at the location. Later that building housed a shoe repair with living quarters upstairs, the upstairs burned. The Trombley-Pulkas Post 494 purchased the building, made the necessary repairs, added to the building, and as mentioned above, it continues to be their home and an asset to the community.
The Legion Post and the Women’s Auxiliary are active in and contribute to many community activities. On Memorial Day they provide services at the Agate, Kenton and Trout Creek cemeteries. The Legion Post is involved in flag raising, parades, dedication of memorials, and contributions to veteran’s organizations. In addition, the Post has sent candidates to Boy’s State. The Women’s Auxiliary serves a meal in both Kenton and Trout Creek after Memorial Day services, hold pasty sales, contribute to the food pantry, and serve after funerals, weddings, and other occasions when asked.
The Legion Post officers are: Robert Rydzewski, Post Commander; Paul Kariainen, Vice Commander; Danny Hemming, Adjutant; John Kaare, Finance Officer; Wilho Perttula, Service Officer; Wilbert Perttula, Chaplain.
The Women’s Auxiliary officers are: Joan Cottenham, President; Jan Lundeen, 1st Vice President; Lois Perttula, 2nd Vice President; Eleanor Bessen, Secretary/Treasurer; Alice Heikkala, Sergeant-at-Arms; Joyce Winberg, Historian; Verna Pentilla, Chaplain; Ellen Perttula and Patsy Walls, Members-at-Large.
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