American Legion marks 90 years in Franklin community

FRANKLIN — Veterans and the Franklin community this weekend will celebrate the 90th birthday of their local American Legion Post 149.

The big day will be observed with a weekend of events starting with a parade and open house Saturday, Sept. 26.

The parade begins at 11 a.m., and an open house featuring bluegrass music will be from 1 to 8 p.m. at the post, at 126 E. Fourth St.

The American Legion post was first located in the Schenck Building, formerly the Busy Bee Craft Shop.

It was named after Russell McElfresh, the son of a farmer living in the Franklin area who was the first World War I casualty from Franklin.

McElfresh was killed at the Battle of Belleau Wood in 1918 and his body was returned home in 1920. He was laid to rest in Woodhill Cemetery in Middletown.

Franklin’s American Legion post then moved to the Alexander Building, now Landmark Cafe.

At that time, the Board of Education gave the Legion a building the school system had been using for classes. That building was moved to a lot on the Fourth Street hill, which was formerly a cemetery.

The present building was dedicated on April 16, 1966.

For information on joining the Legion, call (937) 746-5130.