LIVING HISTORY
American Legion Post 40 celebrates a century
As 4 million U.S. soldiers returned
32
home from World War I after the
Armistice was signed Nov. 11,
1918, many of those greeting them wondered
how to acclimate them to civilian
life once again. Congress on Sept. 16,
1919, chartered the American Legion as a
patriotic organization to serve war-weary
veterans, and many local posts were
formed in towns across the United States.
The Fort Pierce post formed just weeks
after the Congressional declaration, with
the St. Lucie County Tribune on Oct.
10, 1919, reporting that the Stephen N.
Gladwin post had been formed and was
planning a celebration on Nov. 11 for the
one-year anniversary of the Armistice.
The post also discussed the establishment
of a monument on the grounds of the St.
Lucie County Courthouse, an action that
became a reality — the monument still
stands on the courthouse grounds today.
The Tribune reported on Oct. 17, 1919
that the organization’s constitution and
bylaws were adopted, with yearly dues of
$10, payable in four installments of $2.50.
BY GREGORY ENNS
A Halloween dance was planned, and
several months later the post also held
a New Year’s Eve gala, with the St. Lucie
County Tribune calling it “one of the
most brilliant affairs of the happy holiday
season.’’
Today, the Stephen N. Gladwin Post
40 of the American Legion continues
that tradition, with activities planned for
nearly every night of the week for the
400-member veterans the post serves.
With a 2,400-square-foot social hall at
810 S. U.S 1 in Fort Pierce, the post on
Sunday features breakfast in the morning
and bingo in the afternoon, Monday
offers “King of Diamonds’’ card game,
Tuesday is dinner and dancing with live
music, Thursday features the “Show Me
the Money Card Game,’’ Friday is for the
weekly Fish Fry and Saturday is karaoke
night. The post’s large, comfortable bar
is also popular. “We’re a good hangout
when people just want to come and
have a beer,’’ says Donna Sandall, the
post’s historian.
In addition to providing a social space
This image of Stephen N. Gladwin, painted by
the late Nataly Nijinsky several decades ago, is
based on the only known photo of him.
ANTHONY INSWASTY PHOTOS
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A painting of Stephen N. Gladwin, the namesake of the Fort Pierce American Legion post, is prominently displayed in the social hall.