American Legion FA Scott Post 777

This brief outline recalls only a few of the outstanding events which eventually produced these wonderful surroundings you are enjoying at the Post. In August of 1945 two rallies were held in the old Leiperville Fire House. The interest brought out 135 at the first meeting and 74 at the second. At this time an election was held for election of Officers to spearhead a drive to make an American Legion Post a reality. William J. Ramsey was elected Commander and Samuel L. Casto Adjutant. Block Captains were Fred Keilholtz, Adolph Junkerman Sr., John J. McNicholas Sr., and J. Warfel were all assigned to recuit. On September 25, 1945 the name Frederick A Scott was adopted and an application was made for a temporary charter. The application being approved by the County, District and Department. The formal application for a permanent charter was made April 18, 1947. In February of 1946 Mrs. Adolph Junkerman Sr., introduced nine interested women requesting a joint effort in forming an Auxiliary Unit. This was accomplished on February 12, 1946. The results are evident today. With an outstanding Auxiliary performing untold services for the Post and membership of over one hundred fifty members. For the first few years meetings were conducted in a basement at the Penn Hills Apartments. For the next 13 years the group met at the Union Hall on Chester Pike. The first meeting under the temporary Charter was held on December 11, 1945, when 8th District Commander, Roy W. Alford made the presentation. Commander Wm. J. Ramsey declared all offices vacant and nominations and elections followed resulting in J. Warfel being elected Commander. All Officers elected were later installed by the 40 & 8 Degree team. On March 19, 1946 Commander Warfel resigned and Fred Keilholtz was duly elected after a spirited three way contest. From the beginning a Post Home was a must. Many ventures to obtain this goal was started, including the purchase from the Government in of what now is known as Kinder Park (Overlook Heights). Eventually in 1949 the property we have now was a reality. At that time it included the present ground dimensions, a one story frame building, a pump house and two out buildings. We fondly called the place the “SHACK”. With the help of many and hours both day and night it was converted into a community Health, Fun and Service center known throughout the District. The ”SHACK” structure was 20 x 36. It included a meeting room, snack bar and a kitchen. It sat on a lot 135 square feet. In October 1962, the mortgage was burned at Installation of Officers at the S.M. Vauclain fire house on Chester Pike. On May 30, 1962, Bob Guss and George Junkerman turned over the first spade of dirt to start the current building. On September 4, 1962 the big hole was started. The new Post will be 40 x 60 feet. On May 30, 1963 this building was occupied. In March of 1964 the “SHACK” was burned to the ground under the supervision of the S.M.Vauclain Fire Dept. Today the Fredrick A. Scott Post 777 and it’s Auxiliary is an outstanding example of cooperation. We are so grateful that the Present and Past Commanders received the help of so many to benefit us all.