PREFACE
In 1949, a group of veterans, mostly of World War II vintage, became interested in forming an American Legion Post in what was then known as Delaware Township.
Before the war, Delaware Township, now Cherry Hill, was a sprawling area of farmland and wide-open spaces, with few residences and businesses. Veterans in the area became members of American Legion posts in nearby towns. Members of Haddonfield Post 38, one of the oldest posts in the State, assisted with the organization, some becoming charter members of the new post.
The prospective members envisioned an organization that would be the vehicle for a lifetime of devoted service to God, Country, their former comrades, their widows and orphans, and all veterans.
They had observed other posts, and noted how their members had progressed from combat duty to community service, and wanted to be part of bringing this type of service organization to their fast-growing community.
Delaware Township Memorial Post 372 received its temporary charter on May 18, 1950, a permanent charter on August 31, 1951, and was officially renamed Cherry Hill Memorial Post 372 on March 19, 1964.
Before the dedication of the present Post Home on November 10, 1957, the officers and members
met in a building located on Hollis Avenue and Haddonfield Road, a site which was occupied by Capuano's Restaurant for many years afterwards.
THE FORMATIVE YEARS
The idea for forming an American Legion Post in Delaware Township was conceived in the spring of 1949. Temporary officers were appointed, and Edward Lacey became Acting Commander.
The next few months were spent on organization. During these months, even before permanent officers were elected, the Post planned its first activity, a picnic. The affair, which was intended merely to pay for itself, showed a profit, and gave the Post its first experience in making money. A common bond started to develop between members, and lasting friendships were being formed. Permanent officers were elected at the second meeting, in September 1950. Two of the post's officers were recalled to active duty during the Korean Conflict, and a member was killed in an automobile accident; the post's first recorded loss of a member. Building of the monthly social, formation of a Post Auxiliary, welfare activity, community betterment projects (Little League), the acquisition of a property, and leasing of a building for use as Post Home were all accomplished in this first year.
The County and State organizations formally presented the permanent charter to the post in a ceremony held in October 1950. The first important achievement of that year was the completion of the Post's Constitution and by-laws. On Memorial Day 1951, Post 372 joined with members of the Delaware Township's VFW Post to provide suitable ceremonies over graves of veterans in various Township cemeteries.
On the 4th of July 1952 the Post again joined with the VFW in a parade through the streets of Erlton. The Post also participated in a Camden Country parade on Armistice Day 1952, along Broadway in Camden.
Early in 1954, discussions began regarding the sending of a delegate to Boys' State, and in June of that year, one boy was sent. In December 1954, the first issue of "The Scoop" was prepared, printed, and mailed to the members. Steps were soon taken to start work on the new Post Home. Floor plans were drawn up and discussed.
As the Americanism program developed, the Post sponsored a Boy Scout Troop, conducted a "Safety Essay" in Township schools, participated in the Township's "Youth Week: had at the Garden State Park, and continued to add other youth-related activities.
One of the rapidly growing Post's members was elected Camden County Commander, and another member to the Vice Commander's position. Ground was broken for construction of the new Post Home on February 2, 1957, and construction was completed, with occupation and dedication of the Home on Sunday, November 10, 1964.
The Decade of the 60's (expansion)
The years from 1960 to 1969 can be categorized as years of expansion, in civic affairs, patriotic activities, and social events. John R. Huhn,III was elected Commander, and the Post marked a long period of his activities on its behalf. Carrying on memorial services for departed veterans, the Post conducted services at Locustwood Cemetery, which included flagging each veteran's grave, and solemn services at the American Legion Memorial. Another important activity was the sponsorship of delegates to Boys' State, with eight boys attending as delegates from the Post in June 1960.
The Post's publication, "The Scoop", under the editorship of Win Huhn,was an important avenue for information for members. In march 1961,the Post's color guard received new powder blue uniforms, with white accessories, enhancing the image the Post projected at Patriotic and civic activities. In the May 1961 election, John J. Reilly (affectionately known as "Big Dod") was elected Post Commander. In June of that same year, Arthur B. Erdman received the "Legionnaire of the Year" award in recognition of his continuing service on behalf of the Posts Boys State Program. Also receiving an award for outstanding citizenship was Mayor John C. Gilmour.
Post members made sure social activities of interest to them and their families were arranged and scheduled. They included a Summer Dance,Shrimp Night, Hawaiian Night, Monte Carlo, and various award dinners. To extend their social activities to hospitalized veterans,Post members held Bingo parties at the Ancora Facility. The Post also hosted a party for wounded Vietnam veterans at the Philadelphia Naval Hospital and Post Home. It also sought veterans of that conflict to join the Post, which up until that time had been primarily composed of veterans of World War II and Korea.
In conjunction with the National organization, the Post promoted Americanism programs on several levels. Poppy Day was organized and teaching the proper respect to the American flag was emphasized.Student essay contests were held to instill an appreciation for American values. A Christmas party held in 1965 had a unique admission price of canned goods and non-perishable grocery items tobe distributed among the needy. With the growth of Cherry Hill's population, new athletic facilities were needed at the High School and the Post and its color guard participated in the dedication of the athletic field at Cherry Hill High School West.
In the middle of the decade, 1964, the name of the Post was changed from Delaware Township to Cherry Hill Post 372, as it is known today. Finally, at the end of the decade, in 1969, Post 372 participated in celebrations marking the 50th anniversary of the founding of American Legion in 1919.
1970-1989
The Post enjoyed increased financial success in the early 1970's, making it possible to pay off the mortgage. The Richard C. Ward Scholarship to qualified students was continued until its funding became no longer possible.
But the Post fell into financial difficulty in late 1976, and some expenditures and programs had to be cut. Due to the social turbulence of the times, the Post home was beset with vandalism. In 1982, the Sons of the American Legion Squadron 372 was organized. It is hoped that eventually, when the US is no longer involved in wars,they will be the ones to carry on the traditions of this great organization.
The Post Home saw an addition with the construction of the "Trophy"Room, now know as the "Jack Huhn" Room, at a cost of $80,000. The Korean and Vietnam wings were added to the Cherry Hill Memorial and dedicated on September 19, 1987. Veteran patients in Ancora continued to be entertained, as were the residents in the Vineland Veterans Home. Membership numbers and available workers tended to decline due to retirements and deaths.
1990-1999
The Post Home was beginning to show signs of "wear and tear" and it cost over $50,000 to restore the exterior facade and grounds, and the interior facilities and Lounge. The "Scoop" again won first prize in the National American Legion Press Association in 1994. Jack Huhn, a formidable figure in Post and County Legion affairs, retired after 14 years as Post Commander in 1994, and was given a testimonial dinner in his honor. Residents of the Vineland Veterans Home were invited to a Post luncheon on two occasions, and there was a"Recognition and Appreciation Night" for 40 and 50 year Legion members. A naval ships anchor was dedicated, and placed at the Post Homes entrance in 1994. Jack and Win Huhn both passed away in 1997,ending their over fifty years of devoted service to the American Legion.
2000 - 2018
...coming soon
2009 - The Traveling Vietnam Wall
Slideshow
