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ebook History of Watertown, Wisconsin
American Legion
Beaudoin-Koehler-Draeger Post
3709
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.
1927
09 26 IMPROVEMENTS TO ARMORY BUILDING PLANNED
The
Sgt. F. L. Pitterle Post of the American Legion and its auxiliary, having
secured the assistance of the city council, plan to improve the armory building and grounds
surrounding so that it will provide a better setting for the activities of the
various organizations which use the armory for meeting and social purposes.
The
city council recently authorized the committee on public buildings to direct
the necessary improvements at the armory which will provide suitable quarters
for the American Legion auxiliary and the local unit of the Woman's Relief
Corps, and to install plumbing in the basement.
THE
SGT. F. L. PITTERLE POST ALREADY HAS QUARTERS IN THE BUILDING.
The
auxiliary and the Woman's Relief Corps, however, have been seeking their own
quarters in the armory to allow all organizations to hold meetings without
conflicting with the rest of the organizations in the building. The council has given its consent to the plan
and the work is being left in charge of the committee on public buildings.
The
officers of the American Legion, appearing before the council last week, told
the aldermen that if the council would cooperate by having necessary rooms
placed in condition, the legion would do its share toward improving the grounds
by planting flowers and shrubs and placing benches for tourists and others who
make it a point to stop there.
The
past summer saw many tourists stopping at the armory grounds for luncheon and
rest, the council was told, and by making the place and surroundings more
inviting it will attract more tourists and visitors as a stopping place while
enroute through the city for other points.
The legion plans to take up the work of beautifying the grounds early
next year so as to have the grounds in shape when the tourist season is
underway.
Toilet
facilities at the armory at present are not in keeping with modern progress,
Dr. F. C. Haney, city health commissioner, told the council and he requested
some change in the type of equipment there. This is also to be provided, under
the council's plan, and it will serve to give Watertown an additional restroom
and comfort station.
Many citizens
have expressed themselves in favor of the legion's plan and point out that it
will serve a public need as well as providing suitable quarters for various
local organizations and will also help to improve the grounds surrounding the
armory by making it a suitable place for tourists to refresh themselves while
on their journey.
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
1938
RICHARD
HILGENDORF AND HIS VFW TRICK CAR
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
06 02 OFFICERS ELECTED
John Model last night was
elected commander of the Pitterle-Beaudoin Post 189, the American Legion. Edward Sadowski was named first vice
commander and William Kehl second vice commander. Other officers named are Palmer Freres,
adjutant; Kenneth Wilkes, finance officer; Kenneth Kropf, historian; Thomas
Gillis, service officer; Lloyd Reckner, chaplain; Lyle Buske and Reginald
Urban, sergeant-at-arms; William Connor, trustee.
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
01 11 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.
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 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 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 22 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.
11 29 UNITED WE
STAND CAMPAIGN
Legionnaires
seeking support for a United We Stand campaign obtained about 300 signatures on
pledge cards in the Watertown area.
Roland Gibson, Lloyd Reckner, Art Minning, Ken Wilkes, Tom Michele,
Ernie Biefeld, John Model, Harold Wilde, Tom Gillis, Howard Hilgendorf and Ceilan Baker, Sr.
1970
06 19 WATERTOWN VETERANS COUNCIL INSTALLED
OFFICERS
The
Watertown Veterans Council installed officers at the Veterans of Foreign Wars
Clubhouse. Richard Strohbusch, new
commander, accepts the gavel from John Kube, outgoing commander. Other officers installed were Al Stengel,
finance; Robert Krueger, provost marshall, Ceilan Baker, acting adjutant, and Susie Johnson, senior
vice-commander.
11 11 VETERANS DAY 1970
1975
1984
PURCHASED 206 S. FIRST
LOCATION
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.
1990
06 25 KRUEGER HONORARY PARADE
MARSHAL
Robert
W. Krueger has been selected as the honorary marshal for the city’s Fourth of
July parade. Krueger, 314 S. Monroe St.,
has been active in many organizations and is a member and past commander of the
Pitterle-Beaudoin Post No. 189, American Legion. Krueger is also a member of
the Jefferson County 40 et 8, Voiture No. 750; past commander of the AMVETS
Post No. 35; life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 7852;
Watertown Elks Lodge No. 666; life member of the Past Commanders Club; life
member of the Wisconsin National Guard Enlisted Association; life member of the National Guard of the
United States and has served as service officer for the AMVETS Post No. 35 for
15 years.
1996
07 04 FOURTH OF JULY
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.
11 10 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. Post member Ron Krueger.
03 17 ANNUAL BIRTHDAY BANQUET
American Legion member Larry Schultz
presented a certificate to Katherine Riedl recognizing her as the 2021 Police
Officer of the Year at the Legion’s birthday banquet held at Turner Hall on
March 12. A program was held introducing
Katherine Riedl as the 2021 Police Officer of the Year and Amber Haumshield as the Watertown Police Support Person of the
Year.
2024
10 11 QUILTS OF
VALOR
One of the
programs of American Legion Post 189 is presenting veterans in the area with Quilts of
Valor. Robert Martens — who
Watertown residents may know as “Santa” for various reasons — was recently
presented his quilt by officers of the Legion.
Vietnam Era Veteran Robert (Santa) Martens is honored with a Quilt of
Valor which was presented by Mary Rollert.
Pictured with “Santa” are Larry Schultz, Steve Zillmer, Ward Genz, and
Gail Gaugert 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