Senate Resolution No. 2236

BY: Senator BORRELLO

COMMEMORATING the 100th Anniversary of the J.
Carter Knapp Forestville American Legion Post No.
953

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize that
the quality and character of life in the communities across New York
State are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those
patriotic organizations and individuals who devote themselves to the
welfare of the community and its citizenry; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the J. Carter Knapp Forestville
American Legion Post No. 953; and

WHEREAS, In September of 1923, a group of veterans met in the
Forestville Fire Hall to discuss the possibility of forming a local
American Legion Post; Comrade Rugg of the Chautauqua County organization
was present, and he outlined the workings of this vital organization;
Henry Dye acted as Chairman; and

WHEREAS, The first meeting was held in October of 1923, and the
application for the charter was signed by Leroy Merrill, Leigh Dailey,
William Mahaney, Merton Congdon, Edward McNeal, Elmer Gens, Warner
Swift, Floyd Pattyson, Lynn Crowell, Harry Nobles, Henry Dye, Earnest
Donahue, Raymond Jewett, George Senn, and Roy Bie; after much
discussion, the name of J. Carter Knapp was chosen for Post No. 953; and

WHEREAS, One of the first to answer his country's call during World
War l, James Carter Knapp graduated from one of the first officer's
training schools, went to Camp Dix, and was commissioned a lieutenant of
infantry; he sailed to France in early spring of 1918, and at 23, was
shot by a German sniper in October of 1918; and

WHEREAS, James Carter Knapp was born in June of 1895 and resided on
Pearl Street in Forestville, New York with his parents, Mr. and Mrs.
George W. Knapp; a courageous leader who was highly esteemed by all, J.
Carter Knapp was laid to rest in his family plot at Pioneer Cemetery;
and

WHEREAS, During a special meeting on November 30, 1923, for the
purpose of receiving the charter and officially forming the J. Carter
Knapp Forestville American Legion Post No. 953, the following officers
were elected: Commander, Henry Dye; 1st Vice Commander, Elmer Gens; 2nd
Vice Commander, Lynn Crowell; 3rd Vice Commander, Henry Cockburn; 4th
Vice Commander, Leroy Merrill; Adjutant, William Mahaney; Historian,
Edward McNeal; Chaplain, Roy Bie; and Finance Officer, Earnest Donahue;
and

WHEREAS, At the December 1923 meeting it was decided to rent the
Independent Order of Odd Fellows basement for a permanent home; and

WHEREAS, The Forestville American Legion Auxiliary was organized in
April of 1924; its charter members were: Ellyn S Martin, Lottie
Cockburn, Mildred Merrill, Irene Gens, Ella Senn, Della Smith, Mildred
Daily, Mildred Morse Dye, Alice B. Cockburn, Edith McNeal, and Grace P.
Jewett; and

WHEREAS, In 1928, Forestville was in process of building a new
school when a committee from the Legion was appointed to inquire about
the purchase of the old school gym for a permanent home; Charles Dix
proposed the sale to Board of Education for one dollar which the board
accepted; the gym and part of the front wall were torn down and rebuilt
on land purchased from Asa Dye; a housewarming was held on New Year's
night January 1, 1929; and

WHEREAS, Junior baseball began in 1932, and the Sons of Legion was
formed in 1934; the first representative to Boys State was in 1939, and
the first representative for Girls State was in 1957; and

WHEREAS, In February of 1942, men from 20 to 45 years of age were
registered for military service, with volunteers from American Legion
Post No. 953 assisting in this work; and

WHEREAS, During World War II, the J. Carter Knapp Forestville
American Legion operated three observation posts for the air warning
service at Arkwright Center School, Ball Hill, and Pope Hill; these
posts were operated until they were no longer needed and many volunteers
from the American Legion and Auxiliary, as well as from the village,
manned the posts; the permanent Memorial on the village mall was
dedicated Memorial Day 1945; and

WHEREAS, The Legion building and grounds have been an integral part
of the community since its inception, hosting dances and Bingo, Boys and
Girl Scout meetings, Junior Baseball, carnivals, 4th of July Fireworks,
and Halloween festivities for local children; and

WHEREAS, Today, the Forestville American Legion is as strong as ever
with parties, rentals, events and the Memorial Day Parade and Service;
the baseball fields are used and well maintained by the Hanover Little
League; and

WHEREAS, The success of the J. Carter Knapp Forestville American
Legion Post No. 953 is in direct correlation to the efforts of its
dedicated members and volunteers, whose involvement is, and always has
been, characterized by an impressive commitment, an unbridled
enthusiasm, and an uncompromising standard of excellence in all
endeavors on behalf of the organization and the community it serves; and

WHEREAS, Today, the J. Carter Knapp Forestville American Legion Post
No. 953 continues its dedication to fostering the traditions of
patriotism, excellence, and commitment which have made our nation
strong; it is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize the
significance of their contributions and to note their worthy endeavors
which have earned the recognition and applause of all the citizens of
this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the J. Carter Knapp Forestville
American Legion Post No. 953; and be it further


RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the J. Carter Knapp Forestville American Legion Post No.
953.