Legion plays huge role in development of the community

The first meetings of the Cadott American Legion took place in Cunningham Hall, then Kveen’s store, before finding a permanent home at the current location on the corner of North Main Street and East Chippewa Street. The hall houses the Legion Post 159, Veterans of Foreign Wars 6005 and their Auxiliaries. Photo by Ginna Young

By Ginna Young

In the 100 years since the Cadott American Legion came into existence, the post has remained a pillar of the community, providing not only assistance to veterans, but also meeting the needs of those it serves. The storied history began Jan. 5, 1920, when 15 Cadott ex-service men met to organize an American Legion Post in the village.

The post’s name was christened after Henry P. Svetlik, chosen in memory of one of Cadott’s heroes, who was killed in action in the Battle of Chateau-Thierry.

Founding members of the new venture, were E. W. Bates, H. P. Landry, B. J. Dietzler, L. T. Dugal, Charles Podhola, Irving Podhola, William Nagle, Emil Tapper, Arnold Gustman, Otto Lemke, Kenneth Lewis, Lester Nancarrow, Harry Smith, Otto Keideth and James Doucette.

Once the men received their charter and the post number of 159, Truman Lotz was elected as the first commander of the newly formed post. Of course, the immediate problem was where to hold meetings, so a committee was formed to rent a hall for meetings.

Thus began the monthly meetings, which took place the second Wednesday, at Cunningham Hall. Not much happened for the organization in the first year, as they were just getting warmed up, but the accompanying military ball turned out to be such a success financially and socially for the community, that it became an annual event.

Getting their feet off the ground, the post took part in Memorial Day festivities, helped organize a bowling league, baseball and basketball teams, and gave their backing to the formation of the Boy Scouts in the village. For many years, the Legion sponsored dances, rabbit hunts and basket socials, providing much needed leisure time for hard-working citizens.

But, the members never forgot that their first duties are rehabilitation for veterans and making their lives easier, as well as Americanism, and ensuring the child and community welfare for Cadott.

Part of that desire to provide for the welfare of citizens, was creating a park for the community to utilize. So, post members met with W. B. Svetlik and Frank Svetlik, and those brothers offered the use of their land east of the mill on the banks of the river.

The Legion wanted other organizations to help maintain and develop the project, so it was truly a community effort.

Knowing they couldn’t accomplish everything on their own, the men oversaw the organization of an auxiliary in 1921, consisting of sisters, daughters, wives and mothers of service men.

The post then rented a flat over Kveen’s store, fitting the rooms to be used for meetings and banquets for the men/ women. The male side of the organization was also quite well-known for their band, which played at local events, of course, and also performed nationally.

The band even had the distinction of playing before Pres. Calvin Coolidge at the Omaha National Legion Convention, performing On Wisconsin. H. L. “Pop” Plummer was instrumental in starting the band, but was also involved in the community in other ways.

Plummer, who enlisted as a buck private and served in five major engagements, was an assistant cashier at Citizens State Bank, served on the village board and was later elected as the State Legion commander.

Despite many fine accolades and accomplishments within the village, the Cadott American Legion also paved the way for services to the veterans who fought for their country.

“Based on the history of the post, one of the biggest things, is that they helped establish the VA System, as far as county veterans service officers,” said Mike Riedel, Chippewa County Legion Commander.

At one point, before services were offered to veterans, a commander of the local Legion applied for a disability pension for a veteran/widow in the community or money for a funeral, coordinating everything to ensure the needs were met. Members also gathered at the train to receive the remains of a fallen soldier.

“We went from playing a huge role and then the government realized there was a huge need for it (expanded services),” said Riedel, “and they took the appropriate action.”

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="300"] With 24 original members, Cadott’s Legion Band, led by H. L. Plummer, soared to fame in the area, hosting a band festival, which drew the largest crowd in Cadott history. The band also had the distinction of performing at the National Legion Convention, in front of Pres. Calvin Coolidge.[/caption]   [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="300"] Kitchen[/caption]   [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="300"] Meeting Room[/caption]