Frank J. DeMars Auxiliary Unit 235 Maynard, Massachusetts

How We Began

The American Legion Auxiliary Unit 235 is a women's organization associated with the American Legion Post 235. The ladies of this organization assist in fulfilling the principles and aims of the American Legion as outlined in their preamble. They support the health and well-being of veterans and their families.

Let's Have a Parade

The first meeting of the Auxiliary was held on Thursday, June 10, 1920. The meeting was held at Riverside Hall. A slate of officers were elected.

• President Mrs. O. S. Fowler
• Vice President Mrs. Mary Jones
• Secretary Mrs. Louis Sullivan
• Treasurer Mrs. T. Sweeney

Since the timing of the first meeting was June, the ladies first order of business was to make plans for the 4th of July parade. The members joined the gentlemen of the American Legion, in white dresses with red, white, and blue sashes and a matching head band. They also provided sandwiches, cakes and lemonade for refreshment following the parade.

By the Minutes

By reading the meeting minutes of this fledgling group, we get a sense of their purpose and a feel for the proprieties of the day. The minutes are carefully penned in a hard-bound ledger. Each mention of a member is noted as Mrs. or Miss so and so. The tone is very formal and straight forward. A salutation to the flag ended each meeting. As time progressed the members held sales of their 'fancy-work'. Before long they saw a need to support the boys at Groton Hospital. These men were the veterans of World War I, still suffering the ravages of that war. The ladies prepared food, sent flowers, and supplied small comforts that were not covered by government funds.

For meeting times and a list of officers, click here.
To get to the American Legion home in Maynard, Massachusetts, click here.