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The Canton Chapter of the American Legion was organized in the basement assembly room of the Green Free Library in August 1919. The name Leroy G. Clark Post #303 was chosen, honoring Leroy Gleason Clark who was killed in France during an air-raid shortly before the Armistice was signed, ending World War I.
A graduate of Canton High School, Mr. Clark was the son of Mr. and Mrs. H. Lee Clark, Canton and valedictorian of the Class of 1914. He entered Bucknell University the following fall. Shortly after the outbreak of the war, an Ambulance Unit was formed among Bucknell students, one member being Leroy G. Clark. The unit enlisted in the U. S. Army and was sent to France where members served with distinction until the close of hostilities.
The first Commander of Canton Post #303 was Robert Northrup. After his death in a railroad crossing accident, his term was finished by William McIntosh. The organization grew and prospered doing its part in all community activities. At the time of the Canton First national Bank fire, all Post #303 records were destroyed, leaving no detailed account of the Post’s history.
Following World War Two, provision was made to include its veterans in the American Legion; thus the Post’s membership was greatly increased. After removal of the Canton Masonic Lodge to new quarters in the First National Bank Building, the Legion Post rented the Lodge’s old quarters over the Biddle Clothing Store. At that time Frank Carrozza was Commander; Glen Hunsinger, Vice Commander; William Bronson, Adjutant; Merton Thomas, Chaplain; David Snell, Finance Officer; William Chaapel, Sgt. at Arms; and James Taylor, Service Officer.
The Leroy G. Clark Post, American Legion gave up their Charter in March 1961. When the Chapter disbanded, money remaining in their treasury was turned over to the Women’s Auxiliary in recognition of assistance given the Post on several occasions by the Women’s Auxiliary.
Subj: Canton American Legion
Date: 01/31/2004 4:03:46 PM Eastern Standard Time
From: vze4xqtt@verizon.net (vze4xqtt)
To: JoyceTice@aol.com
I would like to add to your web site that the Canton American Legion Post 0303 is now open again. I'm the First Vice President of the Aux.
Sharon Hamm