website watertownhistory.org
ebook History of Watertown, Wisconsin
American Legion
Green Bowl
Tea Room / Supper Club
1413
Oconomowoc Ave
Pitterle-Beaudoin American Legion Post
No. 189
206 S First
St
Watertown
Historical Society Collection
1919 FOUNDING OF
The Watertown American Legion
began in 1919 with Dr. A. F. Solliday as first commander. Later, the organization
was named the Sgt.
Frank Pitterle Post #189 in honor of Pitterle [1896-1918], who was the first Watertown man
killed in action during World War I. At
the conclusion of World War II, Beaudoin was added to the post in honor of the
last town casualty in World War II.
The American Legion was founded in Paris at the
end of World War I.
The First Street location is the
Legions fourth headquarters since its inception. Up until World War II the Post was without a
main office and members met in various locations throughout the city. But near
the beginning of the war, the Legion started to gather at the old Armory and early high school building on
Firing squad
started, since there was no group to give veterans of World War I military
honors WDT
-- -- AMERICAN LEGION AUXILIARY ARTICLE
(Article was
prepared by the American Legion Auxiliary and is one in a series)
Paris, 1919: A group of 20 officers who served in the
American Expeditionary Forces in World War I were asked to suggest ideas on
improving troop morale. Lt. Col.
Theodore Roosevelt Jr. proposed an organization of veterans — The American
Legion.
The original purpose of The
American Legion was to preserve the memories and incidence of the United
States’ association in the great war, helping those who had served in foreign
wars to reintegrate into their hometowns while remaining connected to those
with whom they had served abroad.
The Legion served as a support
group, a social club and an extended family for former
servicemen. After two planning caucuses
held by a committee of officers who had the confidence and respect of their
military comrades, a constitution was designed to govern the group and begin work
on its programs of relief, employment and
Americanism. The organization was
chartered by Congress Sept. 16, 1919.
And then . . .
The American Legion Auxiliary is
a grassroots organization. Clearly
summed up, the definition of grassroots is: people who
are drawn together by something they have in common that has both personal and
community consequences, and grant themselves the authority to solve the problem
they are facing or create the future they desire.
Women wear a
number of hats — daughter, wife, mom, friend, mentor, caretaker,
volunteer — and the list goes on.
What do hats and grassroots have
in common?
Step back in time for a
moment. The year, 1919. Women,
fashionable hats and all, were left on the home front
while their men were going off to war.
Those concerned women embraced the day-to-day responsibilities of life,
and soon became aware of the plight of fatherless families and the needs of
returning veterans, vowing to continue their supportive role.
With that empowering dedication,
in less than a year, 2,342 units of the Women’s Auxiliary to The American
Legion had been organized in more than 45 states. Now, nearly a century later, the American
Legion Auxiliary continues to champion for veterans, the military
and their families. All from a willingness, no — a need to do something, and
look what happened! The American Legion
Auxiliary is about 800,000 strong and working to grasp the million-member mark.
Styles have changed through the
years, but the mission of the American Legion Auxiliary remains constant, as
does that very devotion that sparked the organization!
The American Legion Auxiliary is
the world’s largest women’s patriotic service organization, with its mission to
support The American Legion and to honor the sacrifice of those who serve by
enhancing the lives of veterans, military and their
families, both at home and abroad.
For God and country, we advocate for
veterans, educate citizens, mentor youths and promote
patriotism, good citizenship, peace and security.
1922 AMERICAN LEGION FOURTH ANNUAL CONVENTION
<< click to link to
Beloit, Wisconsin, August 24, 25, 26, 1922.
1935
AMERICAN LEGION
POST 189 BASEBALL CHAMPS
Erv Buchert, Henry Maltz, Pete Doerr, Jip Neubauer, Zem[?] Hady, Bill Beisner,
Clarence Schuman, Chirp Dollase, Don Bittner (mgr), Chet Hady, Chet Blaese,
Paul Hoppe, Art Zielsdorf, Harold Jahn, John Biefeld
[some names are nicknames].
Cross
Reference: Chapter on baseball
1936
AMERICAN
LEGION FLOAT IN CENTENNIAL PARADE
1939
10 27 EDWIN KAERCHER (1893-1939)
Edwin H. Kaercher, 46, residing at 910 Western Avenue, died at
St. Mary’s hospital. Mr. Kaercher, who was auditor and office manager for the G.B.
Lewis company, was a World war veteran, serving with the original Company E of this city.
He was a past commander of the Sergt. Frank L.
Pitterle post of the American Legion and was
president of the Last Man’s Club made up of men in Company E.
1945
-- -- FATHER HENRY NOVOTNY (1896-1945)
A solemn requiem funeral High
Mass, a moving mix of religious rite and military aspect, was held at St.
Henry’s for Father Henry Novotny. The night prior to the funeral, his earthly
remains were brought to Watertown and taken directly to the church; members of
Company E, with whom Father Novotny served in World War I, and the Sgt. Frank
L. Pitterle post of the American Legion were among those who paid him tribute. Prayers were said by the differing groups
that assembled and a guard of honor and an all-night vigil were maintained
throughout the night by members of the Holy Name Society of the parish. Many old friends and acquaintances, old
classmates, and buddies of WW I filed past the bier.
1948
In 1948, the Legion purchased the
Green Bowl Tea Room, formerly the Wenzel
Prochazka House and converted it to the Legion
Green Bowl Supper Club. It was located at
1413 Oconomowoc Ave which was laid in 1912 and was the first cement street in Wisconsin. Twenty-five years later the Legion sold the
club to George Lindberg, who then operated it as Lindberg's
By The River.
1949
06 11 AMERICAN LEGION BAND FORMED
The first meeting of Watertown’s
newly formed American Legion band took place this week and Frank Koenig, Jr.,
was unanimously appointed to serve as temporary conductor. Meetings hereafter are scheduled for Wednesday
nights at 8 o’clock. The first such
meeting will be held next Wednesday when the first rehearsal will take
place. Election of officers is also
scheduled.
All those who have been
previously notified of the plans are asked to be present without fail, the
organizing committee said today.
At present there are openings in
the following sections: Clarinet, French
horn and bass.
All persons 18 years or over who are interested are asked to report next
Wednesday night at the armory building.
For years people here have talked
about the band that used to be a band that was second to none in the state, a
band that garnered the plaudits of the people from the man on the street up to
top ranking military men and governors - the old 105th Cavalry band.
Now at last Watertown
is on the threshold of producing another great band, one that can carry on in behalf of good band music.
Cross
reference: Chapter on Bands
08 20 BAND FORMED
The American
Legion Band was formed
05 05 AMERICANISM CONTEST WINNERS
Announcement
is made today of the winners in the American Legion auxiliary Americanism
contest entitled “America, the Land of Opportunity.” There were over 100 entries in the contest
conducted through the English departments of the junior and senior high
schools. Judges were Mrs. John Keck and
Miss Leona Lewandowski. Winners in group
two of the junior high division are pictured in the first row. They are, from left to right: Helen Hoof,
first place; Shirley Johnson, third, and Barbara Adams, second. Senior high division winners are pictured in
the second row. They are:
Charles Bentzin, second; Rueben Schulz, third, and
Joan Buske, first. First place winners are eligible to compete
in the state contest.
June BADGER BOYS’ STATE & BADGER GIRLS’
STATE
Watertown
high school students who will represent the city
Herman
Rohr, Wilma Kehl and Jake Sproesser,
Jim Bentheimer, Robert Niere,
Rueben Schultz, Don King, Bob Stallman.
The
project, held each year, is sponsored by the state department of the American
Legion. The Pitterle-Beaudoin
post of the Legion and its auxiliary here have been cooperating in this program
for many years. Individual local groups sponsoring the seven boys and the one girl from here
besides the Legion and its auxiliary, the Watertown Lions club, Rotary club,
Elks, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Order of DeMolay, and the Moose. Two other Watertown groups which have been
sponsors in the past got their applications in too late to be included this
year.
11 01 KIDDIES MARCH IN HALLOWEEN PARADE
Sponsored by the Pitterle-Beaudoin post of the American Legion.
1953
WATERTOWN LEGION BAND, ALSO KNOWN AS THE WATERTOWN CIVIC BAND
\
1956
03 24 The Pitterle-Beaudoin
Post No. 189, American Legion, is now far enough advanced with its plans to
enlarge its property, the Green Bowl to petition to the City Council to have
the area rezoned from residential to commercial in order to
begin construction. The plans have been underway for the past several months
and have been checked with state authorities. The Legion's petition will be
presented to the City Council this evening and following the customary
procedure will be referred to the City Plan Commission after which a hearing
will be scheduled before any action is taken.
05 03 NEW
ADDITION TO THE GREEN BOWL
Work on the Green Bowl addition
is to start next Monday, it was announced today by the Pitterle-Beaudoin
Post No. 189, American Legion, owners of the property. Walter Otto, Watertown contractor, has been
awarded the contract, having submitted the bid which the committee recommended
for acceptance. The project has been
approved by the membership of the Legion.
The plans for the addition call for a large new structure for Legion
purposes and there will also be new and enlarged rest room facilities. There
will also be some improvements in the present quarters.
07 17 New
officers of the American Legion Firing Squad announced today by officials of
the Pitterle-Beaudoin Post No. 189, are: Ronald Millin, commander; Delbert Barner,
adjutant; Roger Wilkes, first vice commander; Leroy Draves,
second vice commander; Harvey Duehring, historian;
Donald Lenius, finance officer; Edward Kuenzi, drill sergeant; Laverne Wanke
and Lester Else, sergeants at arms.
1957
01 17 REFERENDUM TO DISCONTINUE SALE OF BEER AT PARK
The Pitterle-Beaudoin
Post No. 189, American Legion, which each summer sponsors the largest
celebration at Riverside Park, the Fourth of
July festivities, today began to assemble its forces to seek defeat of the
April 2 referendum which will decide whether the sale of beer is to be
continued in Riverside Park and other public parks in the city. The Legion has made it clear that it wants to
continue sponsoring the celebrations but cannot do so if its largest revenue
raising source at the park is halted.
06 19 ELECTION OF OFFICERS
Newly elected officers of the Pitterle-Beaudoin Post No. 189, American Legion were
announced following ceremonies at which they took over their duties. Officers are: Harold
Wilde, commander; Tom Darcey, first vice commander; Howard Klug, second vice
commander; Arnold T. Jorgenson, finance officer; Delbert Barner,
chaplain; Conrad Ott, historian; Lester Else and Bert Sterwald,
sergeants-at-arms; Harvey Duehring, trustee for three
years; William Connor, service officer.
1959
10 13 RIVERSIDE PARK POPCORN HASSLE AT PARK
The Riverside Park popcorn
hassle, which was brought into the open at the city council meeting on Oct. 6
today seemed headed toward a solution and a report to that effect will be filed
with the council at its meeting next Tuesday night. The issue was brought into the open by the Pitterle-Beaudoin Post No. 189, the American Legion when
its commander told the council that officers would find it difficult to sign up
a carnival for rides and concessions unless such group was given exclusive
rights to concessions at the park for the annual Fourth of July celebration
which the Legion sponsors each year. A
report received by the Times today stated that the solution calls for the
carnival company to have complete control of all concessions on the Fourth of
July midway in the park. There is
nothing to bar “outsiders” to maintain stands in other parts of the park, but
they will not be permitted on the midway.
WDT
1961
06 24 Thomas
H. Gillis last night was installed as commander of the Pitterle-Beaudoin
Post No. 189, the American Legion meeting held at the Legion Green Bowl. Installation officer was Howard Zillge, Jefferson County Legion adjutant. Gillis succeeds William T. Connor who has
completed his term of office as commander.
Other officers installed last night are: Edward H. Dusowsky
and Trevor J. Kevan, first and second vice commanders; Conrad W. Ott, adjutant;
Kenneth Wilkes, finance officer; John H. Model, chaplain; Gerald Schubert,
service officer. Conrad W. Ott, historian; Roland J. Gibson and Earl E. Korban,
sergeant-at-arms, and William T. Connor, trustee for three years. WDT
07 13 The
Watertown Rotary Club is going to meet at the
Legion Green Bowl starting in August.
Ever since the club was founded here the membership has met every Monday
noon at the Elks Club, in the lower dining
hall. The space in the lower dining hall
is limited and the same table arrangements have to be
followed week after week, it was pointed out.
WDT
12 03 Work
is expected to start in a few weeks on the construction of a $116,000 addition
to the American Legion Green Bowl as the result of a meeting Wednesday evening
of the Pitterle-Beaudoin Post No. 189, at which
members voted to proceed with the building plans which long have been under
study and discussion. The vote was 51 to 21 in favor of the project. Plans call
for the construction of a new dining room addition on the southeast corner of
the present building. Kitchen facilities will be enlarged. More equipment will
be added to the kitchen. The bar will be completely new and relocated in the
northeast corner of the old building.
WDT
1962
12 03 Edward
H. Dusowsky, a member of the Watertown Police Department last night was
elected commander of the Pitterle-Beaudoin Post No.
189, the American Legion during the annual business meeting of the organization
at the Legion Green Bowl. Others elected
are: O. E. Peters, first vice commander; John H. Model, second vice
commander; Palmer J. Freres, adjutant; Kenneth Wilkes, finance officer; William
Kehl, chaplain; Paul E. Corbin, service officer;
Conrad W. Ott, historian; Kenneth Kropf and Edward H.
Sadowski, sergeant-at-arms. WDT
1963
04 27 Harold
Wilde, a past commander of Pitterle-Beaudoin Post No.
189, American Legion of Watertown, last evening was elected to the office of
commander of the Jefferson County Council of the American Legion. Other officers elected with Commander Wilde
are as follows: Vice Commander, Edward H. Dusowsky of
Watertown. Finance Officer, Howard Klug
of Jefferson. Chaplain, Russel Schultz
of Fort Atkinson. Sergeants at Arms,
Zeno Schultz of Fort Atkinson, James Barrett of Jefferson. Athletic Director, Erwin Drews Barrett of
Jefferson. Service Officer, Roland Weber
of Lake Mills. Grave Registration,
Arthur R. Langholff of Fort Atkinson. WDT
11 25 TRIBUTE TO MEMORY OF PRESIDENT JOHN F.
KENNEDY
City Mourns Dead President
Watertown Daily Times photo, 11 25 1963
A
flag bedecked Watertown, with United States flags flying at half-staff from
buildings, today joined in the almost worldwide tribute to the memory of
President John F. Kennedy whose funeral was held in the nation's capital. The Watertown ceremonies were held on Cole
Memorial bridge at 10 a.m., the starting time for the funeral cortege in
Washington. Participating here were
Mayor Robert White who dropped a memorial wreath into the Rock River, a prayer
was recited by the Very Rev. A. J. Herrmann, pastor of St. Henry's Catholic Church
and a firing squad from the Pitterle-Beaudoin Post
No. 189, American Legion took part.
There also were other local veterans
organizations represented at the ceremony.
Business
places closed from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and schools, the post office, factories and banks joined in the day of mourning. WDT
1963
09 23 EUNICE GRUNER
Among the pleasant and
topical conversation pieces in Watertown these evenings are the series of
panels and a mural which Mrs. Eunice Gruner
of 1010 Charles Street has done for the Pitterle-Beaudoin
Post No. 189, the American Legion, for the Legion Green Bowl. That the art work is attracting attention is
stating it mildly. Mrs. Gruner, who
founded Home Town Prints, a commercial art service here and which she still
heads, has done, in these latest pieces, some of her most delightful art work
to date. When she was first approached
with the suggestion that she consider doing something for the walls at the
remodeled Legion Green Bowl she was hesitant and reluctant,
but said she would consider the request and come up with an idea in case
she decided to do it. WDT
Image Portfolio Panels and
mural at Green Bowl (Lindberg’s)
1964
10 23 A
dedication service will be held Sunday, Nov. 8, at the V.F.W. Club, 1027 North
Fourth Street, when the Beaudoin-Koehler-Draeger Post 3709, Veterans of Foreign
Wars, pays tribute to the war dead as the nation prepares to observe Veterans
Day. The service will center about a
37-foot memorial flag pole which was erected this spring at the main entrance
to the Post club rooms. Michael
Garfield, Watertown, second district commander, who with Eugene E. Schlesner directed the flag pole detail, will be master of
ceremonies. WDT
1965
05 07 Palmer
Freres, 234 North Avenue, a member of the Watertown
Post Office staff and examiner in charge here for the U.S. Civil Service
Commission, last night was elected commander of the Pitterle-Beaudoin
Post 189, the American Legion. He will
be installed May 19 along with other officers named last night. William Kehl was
elected first vice commander and Herman Rohr, second vice commander. Other officers are:
Warren Gay, adjutant; Kenneth Wilkes, finance officer; Ceylon Baker and James
Anderson, sergeants-at-arms; Lloyd Reckner, chaplain;
Kenneth Kropf, historian, and Thomas Gillis, service
officer. WDT
07 24 Mr.
and Mrs. Harold F. Schultz of 1310 Utah Street have taken over the management
of the American Legion Green Bowl. They plan
to take up their resident in the Green Bowl apartment. Mr. Schultz has tended bar at the Green Bowl
part time for the past five years. Prior
to taking over the management, he was employed at the Milwaukee Die Citing
Company. His wife has been employed at the Green Bowl since last February. WDT
1967
AMERICAN LEGION GREEN BOWL FIRE
11 05 
1968
02 15 RE-OPENING PLANNED
One
area of the Legion Green Bowl will be opened in the near
future. It was announced today
that the banquet room at the west, which suffered only minor damage in the
devastating fire which occurred early in the morning of Nov. 5, is expected to
be opened late in March or early in April.
With the re-opening of the banquet room, the Green Bowl will be able to
accommodate the three service clubs which met there, wedding parties and dinner
meetings. Work has been underway on this
room, and also the kitchen. Just yesterday work was completed on the
installation of a new ceiling in the kitchen.
WDT
05 31 GRAND RE-OPENING
The
American Legion Green Bowl, closed since a disastrous fire which occurred early
in the morning of Sunday Nov. 5, will reopen with a grand opening starting at 4
o’clock on Saturday afternoon. The area
of the building which sustained the greatest fire damage has been completely
redone. It’s modern in every respect,
and most attractive. The bar is in a new
location. It’s in the center area on the
east side. It formerly was located on the northeast side. There are two dining areas, in addition to the
banquet hall on the west side, which suffered minor damage in the fire, and
which has been open for service clubs and other gatherings for the past several
weeks. WDT
11 05 MEMBERS HONORED
The Pitterle-Beaudoin Post
No. 189 of the American Legion Saturday night honored its 50-year and charter
members at a dinner dance at the Legion Green Bowl. It was the annual Veterans Party. Legion members who were honored include
Herbert F. Schatz, Arthur A. Minning, Arthur W. Lietzke, Commander Howard Hilgendorf,
Seth Perry, Arthur Ullrich, Eugene Fendt, Joseph Gerbitz,
Paul Loeffler, Charles Beaudoin, Arthur W. Kohls, R. J. Conklin, Richard Hilgendorf, Dr. M. A. Schlueter, Jack Hansel, Clarence
Peters, S. C. Northrop, Ben Schmutzler, L. J. Lange
and O.E. Schmutzler.
WDT
1969
04 29 SECOND DISTRICT AMERICAN LEGION COMMANDER
John H.
Model, a member of Pitterle-Beaudoin Post No.
189, Watertown, was elected Second District American Legion Commander at a
meeting held Sunday in Sheboygan. Model
is the second Watertown man to serve as district commander. The late attorney Wallace Thauer
was district commander from 1921 to 1922.
WDT
05 13 POPPY DAYS PROCLAMATION, May 23 & 24, 1969
Proclamation
signed by Mayor Wilkes. Mrs. Howard Hilgendorf, Poppy Chair, American Legion Auxiliary, Unit
189
06 13 INSTALLATION OF OFFICERS
A meeting of the Pitterle-Beaudoin
Unit 189 of the American Legion Auxiliary was held on Wednesday, June 11 at the
Legion Green Bowl. Installation of
officers was the highlight of the meeting.
The following members were installed by Mrs. Gilbert Zautner, immediate past president of Jefferson
county:
President-Mrs. John Model; first vice-president-Mrs. Ceilan Baker, Sr., second vice president-Mrs. Kenneth Kropf, secretary-Mrs. Oswald Peters, treasurer-Mrs. W. T.
Connor, historian-Mrs. Ronald Schmeling, chaplain-Miss Leona Lewandowski,
sergeant at arms-Mrs. Douglas Beatty, color bearer-Mrs. William Benzel.
Poppy chairman Mrs. Howard Hilgendorf
reported that the poppy sales held in May were successful and the money derived
from this source will be used for the important Auxiliary programs of child
welfare and rehabilitation.
Members were reminded to write to their Congressmen in regard to bills which are being discussed for
enactment. On June 17 a hearing will be
held for the Senate Bill No. 360 in regard to
withholding the state income tax from men who are now in service. Bill No. HR6247 is to be supported by veteran
organizations as it proposes to keep Memorial Day on May 30th and Veterans Day
on November 11th.
Support is also needed for Resolution No. 6 which will
permit prayers to be used in public buildings and in schools. Members are further asked to write Gov.
Warren Knowles to support Bill No. 11A which would allocate money for housing
loans for veterans.
The hymn of the month, "O Master Let Me Walk With Thee" was sung by the Unit Trio, Mrs. Oswald
Peters, Mrs. Ken Wilkes and Mrs. Gilbert Zautner,
accompanied by Ms. Adelbert Lange.
The trip to Wood will be made on June 17th with the
bus departing from the home of Mrs. Emma Henze at 412
Jones Street at noon. Members who desire
to donate homemade cookies may bring them to the Jones Street address for
packing on Monday,
11 18 TRIP TO THE VETERANS HOSPITAL AT WOOD, WI
Members
of the Pitterle-Beaudoin Unit of the American Legion
Auxiliary prepare for annual trip to the Veterans Hospital at Wood, WI. Purpose of the trip was to deliver gifts,
homemade cookies and candy. The gifts donated by auxiliary members will
be displayed in the gift shop at the hospital and are available to the veterans
at no cost to them. The veterans thus
are assured of a fine selection of Christmas gifts for their families.
Mrs.
Hattie Schilling, Mrs. John Model (unit president) and Mrs. Emma Henze.
11 07 M/M
FLOWERS, NEW OWNERS
As of Dec. 31 M/M Merlin Flowers are the new managers
of the American Legion Green Bowl succeeding M/M Harold Schultz. Flowers had been employed by Midland
Cooperative. For the past five years he
was manager of Old Elm Mills in Watertown, a
subsidiary of Midland. M/M Flowers and their
three children, Jeff, Randy and Todd live in the
apartment above the Green Bowl.
11 07 FLAG BURNING CEREMONY
11 11 VETERANS DAY OBSERVANCE
Veterans
of all wars were honored at the traditional observance on the Main Street
bridge. Sponsored by the Pitterle-Beaudoin Post 189, American Legion. All veterans groups
and their auxiliaries participated in the march from N. Seventh Street to the
bridge
11 17 CHRISTMAS
GIFT BOXES FOR SERVICEMEN IN VIETNAM
Christmas
gift boxes for 45 Watertown area servicemen stationed in Vietnam were prepared
for mailing by the Pitterle-Beaudoin Post 189,
American Legion. Each box contains soap,
iced tea, nuts, gum, toothpaste, pen and tooth brush. William Connor, Mrs. William Connor, Mrs. Ceilan Baker Jr., Ceilan Baker
Jr., Howard Hilgendorf, William Kehl,
Ceilan Baker Sr., Kenneth Wilkes, Kenneth Kropf (chairman), Harold Wilde, Ronald Millin
and Roger Wilkes.
1975
1984
The Legion was again without a
main headquarters until December 28, 1984 when it purchased its present home,
formerly Waldoch's, at 206 South First Street. The Legionnaires and Auxiliary have completely
renovated the former tavern where the Post holds meetings and store equipment
such as wheel chairs, walkers and hospital beds. The Legion holds a liquor license for the building but it is not open to the public.
1996
In 1996, the City of Watertown
and the American Legion Pitterle-Beaudoin Post #189
hosted Watertown's 178th annual city celebration of the Fourth of July. The parade draws a throng of people
to the business section on Main Street as well as along the parade route to the
Riverside Park where the Legionnaires and Auxiliary offer food and drinks and
music. Fireworks are scheduled at night.
Veteran’s Day Observance
Post #189 is instrumental in observing
Veterans Day along with various other organizations. Local veterans
groups met at the Heritage Inn and march in a parade beginning at 10:30 a.m.
and continue down Main Street to the Main Street bridge where a brief ceremony
is held to honor all military people who did not return from war. This replaces
the Armistice Day celebration of years ago commemorating the date and time of
the end of World War I as silence fell over "No Man's Land" in Europe
at 11 a.m. on Nov. 11, 1948.
In 1954 President Dwight
Eisenhower signed a bill proclaiming Nov.11, Veterans Day instead of Armistice
Day and asked Americans everywhere to dedicate themselves to the cause of peace
on this national holiday. Since that time, World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War have brought more veterans into
existence.
About 1500 American Flags are
placed on area graves of military veterans before Memorial Day and are removed
shortly after Labor Day by a few Legionnaires under the direction of Wes Altwies.
The larger cemeteries include:
Watertown: Oak
Hill, Moravian, St. Bernards [177], St. Henrys [146], Immanuel
Lutheran [97]; Ixonia: Glenview Gardens [192].
Three of the 21 cemeteries only have one flag each. The flags are placed in special metal holders
called “stakes”. Stakes in use include World War I, World War II, Korea, Revolutionary
War, War of 1812, Mexican War, Vietnam, Cuba, the Civil War and two in
Watertown from the Indian War.
The Watertown American Legion
baseball team competes for the State AA tournament.
2004
05 20 RITUAL PERPETUATED BY WESLEY AND GLADYS ALTWEIS
The colors of red, white and blue have been emerging on graves in cemeteries in
Dodge and Jefferson counties as a visual reminder of veterans and the
sacrifices they made to keep this country free.
The appearance of the flags is a spring ritual in 21 cemeteries in this
area, thanks to the efforts of two volunteers from American Legion Post 189 and
its auxiliary. Placement of the flags is
a long-standing ritual perpetuated by Wesley and Gladys Altweis,
the two volunteers who visit the cemeteries each year before Memorial Day and
again after July 4. The flags are stored
until the following spring, but the patriotism evoked by the symbol of freedom
is never-ending for Altweis.
05 31 COMPLIMENTARY BREAKFAST
FOR WWII VETS
American Legion Pitterle-Beaudoin Post 189 provided a complimentary
breakfast at the Wethonkitha Club in Watertown on
Saturday to give World War II veterans a chance to remember their war efforts
from almost 60 years ago. The breakfast
was well-attended by area veterans and their guests, and coincided with
National Dedication Day which showcased the opening of the World War II
Memorial in Washington, D.C. Among those
World War II veterans attending were Ed Trotts, Larry
Ebert and Ray Berg.
2005
06 11 HAROLD WILDE HONORED
Harold Wilde of Watertown was
recently honored for his many years in the American Legion Post 189, capping a
rich history of military related service.
The Legion honored Wilde for his 60 years of service to the organization
of which he has been a very active member since 1945. Wilde has served as past post commander, past
county commander, 2nd District sergeant at arms and chairman of the Membership
Committee. His enthusiasm and
participation in the organization date back to many years ago when he played
Legion baseball. WDT
2006
03 30 FLAGS ON GRAVES OF VETERANS
A committee from Post No. 189
consisting of Wesley Altwies, Jerry Peters and Howard
Hilgendorf placed 2,272 flags on the graves of veterans
in the area to honor their sacrifices.
03 06 FORMER GREEN BOWL MANAGERS
Harold and Nancy
Schultz
Nancy A. Schultz, 83, of 18781
Hoover St., Salinas, CA, died March 6, 2007, at Salinas Valley Memorial
Hospital in Salinas. Nancy was born Dec.
14, 1923, in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, daughter of Terence and Myrtle Bruun. She married
Harold Schultz of Watertown, Wis., in Melbourne in 1943. Harold preceded her in death March 12, 2003,
in Haines City, FL. Nancy came to
Watertown from Australia in June 1945. Nancy and Harold were managers of the
former American Legion Green Bowl in Watertown and Nancy had worked for
several local restaurants. Surviving
are daughters, Karren (Charles) Wolfram of Watertown, Sandra (Tony) Ziganay of Salinas and Patricia Schultz of Sullivan, WI.
________________________________________
2009
03 14 BILL CONNOR: LEGIONNAIRE OF THE YEAR
Wtertown resident Bill Connor was named
the 2008 Legionnaire of the Year at American Legion Post No. 189’s 90th
birthday celebration that was held this past weekend at Turner Hall. Connor has been a member of Post 189 for 54
years, serving as post service officer and first vice commander. He served as
post commander from 1960 to ’61, the same time his late wife, Mary, was auxiliary
president. Connor and his wife are the
only married couple in the history of Post 189 who served as commander and
president at the same time.
2013
05 21 FLAGS PLACED ON GRAVES OF VETERANS
Members of Pitterle-Beaudoin
Post No. 189, American Legion, have been busy this week placing American flags
on the graves of veterans in all local and area cemeteries. Placing the flags on the graves of veterans
on Memorial Day week has been a tradition of the local Legion Post. In recent years the flag holders have been
moved from the ground near the grave to the base of the headstone markers so they are less likely to be damaged by lawn mowing
and maintenance crews.
2014
06 05 POST NO. 189 INSTALLS OFFICERS FOR
2015-15 WDTimes
article
2015
08 01 2015 WISCONSIN AMERICAN LEGION BASEBALL
Madison played Plover for the State Championship. 
Image Portfolio
11 11 VETERANS
DAY
2016
06 09 POST NO. 189 HOLDS MEETING
STAR BANNER TO LOIS BLOEDORN, SISTER OF
RUSSELL BEAUDOIN
Blue Star Banner Chairman Lavern Schumann
reported giving a Gold Star banner to Lois Bloedorn,
sister of Russell Beaudoin
The regular monthly meeting of
American Legion Post No. 189 was opened by Cmdr. Ken Zindars
with the Pledge of Allegiance and the preamble to the Legion constitution.
The main order of business for
the evening was the installation of officers for the 201617 session. Taking the gavel from Zindars
was new Cmdr. Ronald Krueger. Also sworn in were 1st Vice Cmdr. Robert Saeger, 2nd Vice Cmdr. Kenneth Wzorek,
Adjutant Larry Schultz, Chaplain Ward Genz, finance
officer Roger Herbert, service officer Emily Derbas,
Judge Advocate Dan Stratman, historian Douglas Clemmons, and Sgts.-at-Arms
William Connor, Louis Checkai and William Rex. Wzorek and Derbas are new to the
board this year. Dodge County Cmdr. Julie Muhle and
Pat Sukowski, 2nd District chairman of A& G
Testing, presided at the ceremonies.
Genz reported sending get well cards
to Dan Weidenhoeft, Pedro Perez
and Don Meier. A sympathy card was sent
to the family of Dr. Robert Liners.
Blue Star Banner Chairman Lavern
Schumann reported giving a Gold Star banner to Lois Bloedorn,
sister of Russell Beaudoin who was killed in action on an aircraft carrier
during World War II and buried at sea.
Beaudoin is one of the servicemen after which Post No. 189 was named.
Requests for membership to Post
No. 189 were received from David Hulick, U.S. Navy,
Vietnam era; Dennis Daley, U.S. Air Force, Vietnam; Reginald Ingersol, U.S. Marines, Vietnam; Roland Marmes,
U.S. Navy, Vietnam; Daniel Mejia, U.S. Army, Vietnam; Mike Palm, U.S. Army,
Vietnam; and Brian Joyce, U.S. Army, Persian Gulf era. All were unanimously accepted and welcomed to
the post.
New commander Krueger presented
past commander Zindars with a plaque honoring him for
his three years of service as post commander.
Plans are underway for the annual
Fourth of July celebration, which will be held at Riverside Park. The event will be a three-day affair this
year, with live music starting Saturday afternoon, July 2, and continuing
through Monday afternoon, July 4. The
fireworks will be held Sunday, July 3, with July 4 as a rain date. There will be new activities for young and
old, and all are encouraged to attend and support their local veterans community.
It was also announced that Derbas, a registered nurse by profession, will donate her
time once a month to assist any veterans with health concerns. This month she
will be at the post on June 23 from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. All time with Derbas will be done in strict confidentiality. The recent
military show at the Watertown Municipal Airport conducted a raffle and an
airplane ride, which was won by Bernice Baumann.
06 28 ALA SINCE ITS INCEPTION
The American Legion Auxiliary
(ALA) was formed nearly a century ago, in 1919, when women were left behind on
the home front while their men were going off to war. Those concerned women
embraced the day-to-day responsibilities of life and soon became aware of the
plight of fatherless families and the needs of returning veterans, vowing to
continue their supportive role.
With that dedication, in less
than a year, 1,342 Units of the Women’s Auxiliary to The American Legion had
been organized in more than 45 states. And now, almost 100 years later, its
members continue to support veterans and the military. The organization is
nearly 800,000 strong and working to reach the million mark.
Some of the programs of the ALA
include Americanism, Badger Girls, Children and Youth, Community Service,
Education and Scholarship, Juniors, Legislative, Membership, Music, National
Security, Past Presidents Parley, Poppy, Public Relations and Veterans Affairs
and Rehabilitation.
Unit 189 is one of eight units in
Jefferson County. The other units are Fort Atkinson, Jefferson, Johnson Creek, Lake
Mills, Palmyra, Sullivan and Waterloo. Six counties,
Columbia, Dodge, Jefferson, Ozaukee, Sheboygan and
Washington, form the Second District. Twelve districts cover 72 counties and
comprise the Department of Wisconsin. The ALA is organized into 52 (state)
departments, with one operating in each of the 50 states, the District of
Columbia and Puerto Rico.
Membership in the American Legion
Auxiliary is limited to the grandmothers, mothers, sisters, wives and direct
and adopted female descendants of members of The American Legion, and to the
grandmothers, mothers, sisters, wives and direct and adopted female descendants
of all men and women who were in the Armed Forces of the United States during
any of the following periods and died in the line of duty during such service,
or who, having received an honorable discharge, died after service: — Gulf
War/War on Terrorism: Aug. 2, 1990, to date of cessation; Panama: Dec. 20,
1989-Jan. 31, 1990; Lebanon and Grenada: Aug. 24, 1982July 31, 1984; Vietnam
War: Feb. 28, 1961-May 7, 1975; Korean War: June 25, 1950Jan. 31, 1955; World
War II: Dec. 7, 1941-Dec. 31, 1946 and World War I: April 6, 1917Nov. 11,1918.
The American Legion Auxiliary is
the largest women’s patriotic service organization in the world. Its mission is
to support The American Legion and to honor the sacrifice of those who serve by
enhancing the lives of veterans, military and their
families, both at home and abroad. For God and country, the auxiliary advocates
for veterans, educates citizens, mentors youths and
promotes patriotism, good citizenship, peace and security.
American Legion Pitterle-Beaudoin Unit 189 officers for 2016-17 were
installed at the unit’s June meeting. Officers include Karen Sherry, chaplain;
Mary Petrie, president; Kathy Allermann, vice
president; Sandy Sullivan, historian; Ora Kuckkan,
treasurer; Rebecca Hoffman, secretary; Carol Peters, sergeant-at-arms and
Jeanne Gillis, assistant sergeant-at-arms. Mae Wilkes, a past president, served
as the installing officer.
-- -- OLD BASS DRUM
HEAD
Presenting Municipal
Band’s old bass drum head to the American Legion
2017
02 12 JERRY PETERS (1942-2017)
Jerome E. Peters, 74, of
Watertown, passed away on Sunday, Feb. 12, 2017. Jerome Edward Peters was born on Oct. 31,
1942, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Watertown, the son of Oswald and Patricia (nee
Simon) Peters. On Feb. 2, 1980, he
married the former Debra Buchta at St. Mark’s Lutheran
Church in Watertown.
Jerry graduated from
Watertown High School. He entered the United States Navy and served his country
from 1960-63. He then was employed by Kinkead Plastics in Johnson Creek for 23 years, serving
most of those years as foreman. He then
purchased the former Bowl-A-Fun Lanes and became the proprietor of Jerry’s
North Bowl and served there as proprietor for 17 years, at which time he
retired.
Upon his retirement,
Jerry became very active in the American Legion Post 189. He was commander from 2007-13. Jerry was honored with having the Main Street
Bridge named after him for one year for all his help in the community. He was also an active member of AARP Chapter
3056. Jerry was a member of St. Mark’s
Lutheran Church.
Jerry’s passion was
softball and bowling. He played softball
for 50 years and started bowling as a teenager setting pins. He held a 200 plus average for many years. He also played golf and played on the
Lutheran Dartball League. WDT
05 05 DONATION FOR EXTRICATION EQUIPMENT
The American Legion
Auxiliary Unit #189 donated $300 to the Watertown Fire Department towards the
purchase of extrication equipment. The
equipment is used to extricate victims that have been trapped in vehicles following
collisions and other situations where victims need to be removed from equipment
or wreckage. This donation was obtained
through the American Legion Auxiliary Unit #189’s fundraising efforts.
05 05 AUXILIARY OFFICERS
The newly installed
2017-18 American Legion Auxiliary Pitterle-Beaudoin
Unit 189 officers are: Kathy Allermann, vice president; Ora Kuckkan,
treasurer; Karen Sherry, chaplain; Carol Peters, sergeant-at-arms; Sandy
Sullivan, historian; Rebecca Hoffman, secretary; Mary Petrie, president; Pat Benzel, past unit president and installing officer; Julie
Wright.
2018
03 14 FIREFIGHTER/EMT
OF THE YEAR AWARD
Fire Chief
Kraig Biefeld was honored by American Legion Post No. 189 as Firefighter/ EMT
of the Year at a birthday banquet held Saturday celebrating the 99th
anniversary of the founding of the American Legion.
Cross-References:
No 1: Pitterle-Beaudoin
website
No 2: Watertown’s
Company E Went to War, Frank Pitterle
History of Watertown,
Wisconsin