American Legion Emblem

The forty-six veterans of the World War I who are member of the Exeter post are making plans to form a post of their own during the coming month. There are a number of other men who would be eligible for membership and they are urged to send their names to Marvin Young.

Applications have been sent to Hampton Veterans through the efforts of Marvin Young and James Eastman and when a sufficient number of these are returned, the initial meeting, for the purpose of forming a Post, will be held at the Fire Station. All attending this meeting will become charter members. It is felt there are enough Hampton Veterans to form the nucleus for a successful and enterprising new Post.

Logo of Hamptons' American Legion Post 35

Now that we have a Legion Post in Hampton, let us all put our shoulder to the wheel and start things moving. All of you buddies that attended our first get-together meeting must have enjoyed it all, especially State Commander Crowell's, State Adjutant Sawyer's and District Commander Bacon's talks, that they gave, telling us just what we can do! must do! and let us all say we will do! We were very fortunate in having some visiting Comrades drop in from Merrimac, Mass., including a Civil War Veteran who gave the boys a wonderful talk.

Friday, Nov. 20th (1931), will be our next meeting and it is most important that we all attend. Refreshments will be served, and all dues should be paid up now. We are just starting and need money so come and get your cards for 1932.

There are a few buddies who have not yet sent in or brought their applications. Let us all bring a new member! If any buddy knows of someone who has not received an application, bring him to this meeting. Any of the Officers will furnish him one gladly. Our Charter will be closed Dec. 1, 1931, so let's all get in on the Charter of Post 35, American Legion. Future meetings will be held the first and third Fridays of each month at the Hampton Beach Fire Station, which the Precinct Officers have so generously donated to our use for the Winter.

Hampton Post No. 35, American Legion will hold a public Dedication of it's new home on Friday evening, January 18, 1933 at 8:00 P.M. The public is cordially invited. The Legion Hall will be open to the public for inspection on that day at 2:00 P.M. and will remain open all afternoon and evening.

The Dedication Exercises will be held in Town Hampton. The program will consist of band concerts, speaking, singing by quartet and solos. The parade will start at 7:30 P.M. in front of Legion Hall, to Academy Avenue, down High Street, Lafayette Road to Winnacunnet Road, then to Legion Hall and disband.

The American Legion Post 35 Home & Hampton Fire Station No.2 in 1938

The Portsmouth Legion Band, Hampton School Band and Exeter Legion Drum Corp will furnish music. Invitations have been sent to several posts and the committee expects there will be 2 to 3 hundred Legionnaires in line.

The Hampton Post No. 35 A. L. especially invites all ex-servicemen to participate in the exercises and parade whether you are a member of the Legion or not. This is your home, and your day, so let's make it a big event.

The Dedication Committee comprise the following: James A. Eastman, Fred R. Batchelder, Harry Elwell, Millard Dalton, Roy Fogg, Myron Norton, Homer Whiting, Marvin Young, Marshall of the parade, with Assistant Parade Marshalls, Marshall S. Holman and William Stickney.

Don't forget the regular meeting Friday night. The meeting will be called at 7 P.M. instead of 8:00, so try and answer to your name at roll call.

The second of the series of whist parties was held last night. There are only 3 more of the series and you want to be in on the electric clock, which is to be given away to the winner of the highest score of the series.

1965 Legion Hall (formerly Grange Hall) 69 High Street

Hampton Fire Department Station No. 2 in 1932 132 Winnnacunnet Road

[This dedication of the Legion Hall is a joint opening with the Hampton Fire Department, which is holding its Official Opening at Station No. 2, on the same night, on the first floor.]

{Subsequent locations of the Legion Hall include the Exeter, Hampton & Amesbury Street Railway Power Station building on Exeter Road, and now the current Legion Hall (formerly Grange Hall) at 69 High Street, Hampton which was turned over to the Legion Post from the Oceanside Grange on October 30, 1964.}

[Photo left above: The Legion Hall @ 69 High Street, Hampton, 6 months after purchase Jan. 15, 1965. The Legion Hall, formerly the Grange Hall, was once the Hampton Theatre from 1942 to 1951.]

2002 Legion Hall, 69 High Street, Hampton, NH [Photo by John Hirtle, Atlantic News.]

Ship deck gun on lawn of Legion Hall, January 2002. [Atlantic News Photo by John Hirtle]