Our Mission: "The American Legion was chartered and incorporated by Congress in 1919 as a patriotic veterans organization devoted to mutual helpfulness. It is the nation’s largest wartime veterans service organization, committed to mentoring youth and sponsorship of wholesome programs in our communities, advocating patriotism and honor, promoting strong national security, and continued devotion to our fellow service members and veterans." https://www.legion.org/mission

At the local level, the Durham American Legion, provides scholarships, sponsors Boys' and Girls' State candidates, provides Flags for Schools, sponsors and oratorical contest, and contributes financially to many community organizations, such as Little League and the Durham Volunteer Fire Department.

Early in November, 1949, Gus Griffin, a member of Chico Post 17, contacted the veterans and Legion members of Post 17, living in Durham, with the prospect of organizing an American Legion Post in Durham.

 After getting enough signatures to apply for a temporary Charter, Gus called a meeting to be held at the Durham Community church on December 2nd, 1949.  Attending this meeting were District 4 commander Wilton Kister and Mrs. Kister, Gus and Dolores Griffin, Curtis and Jewell Dunn, George and Alice Camp, Cloyd and Agnes Pearce, Hugh and Winifred Wells, R.O. Harris, and Bud Roberts.

 The second meeting was held on January 6, 1950, at the IOOF Hall.  Earl Beach commander of the Paradise Post 259 and his officers, all in uniform, conducted this meeting.  A large group attended this meeting and was enthusiastic with the prospect of having a Durham Legion Post.  Election of officers was withheld until the temporary charter was approved at the 4th District meeting on January 15, 1950.  The name of Butte Post was submitted, but not well liked.

  There were five Memorial Halls in Butte County and except for Biggs, the newest post; all Legion Posts were very active.  It was hoped that a Legion Post in Durham could influence the Board of Supervisors to build a Memorial Hall in Durham.

  The third meeting was held upstairs in the Odd Fellows Hall, February 27, 1950.  About 250 veterans, their wives and guests were present.  Over seventy veterans were initiated into the American Legion by 4th District Initiation team.  The new Post which had changed its name from Butte Post to Durham Post 673 was installed by District Commander Wilton Kister.  These officers were to serve until June 1950, when annual elections would be held.  Gus Griffin as interim commander, and Jake Evans as adjutant were presented the temporary charter.

  Commander Gus Griffin held regular meetings twice a month and an executive board meeting once a month.  He was dedicated to the veteran’s cause and belonged to several veterans’ organizations.  He spent many hours organizing the Durham Post.

To maintain a strong membership the dues were set at $5.00 a year and remained that much for many years.  To raise money for carrying on their programs carnivals, dances, raffles and Bingo were held.  The closing date for charter members was April 7, 1950.  The Post moved to the Grange Hall for meetings and the Board of Supervisors paid the rent, as the Durham Post had no Memorial Hall.  [Minutes, Post 673, Durham American Legion, January 5, 1950; February 27, 1950.]

             “ … Charter members of the Durham Post 673 are Edward Baxter, Dwight Brinson, George Camp, Ivan Chester, Curtis Dunn, Jacob Evans, L. Gould, Gus Griffin, Daniel Grigsby, Edward Grzanich, Wilfred Gwinnup, Carroll Hansen, Jens Hansen, John Kossow, Ernest Lively, Forrest McNabb, Troy Morse, George Nicholas, Glenn Pierson, Billy Phillips, Leland Phillips, Cloyd Pearce, John Ravekes, Thomas Ricketts, A.E. Roberts, Charles Scroggins, Ross Sears, Charles Sizelove, Thomas Smyth, Willis Smith, Ben Taylor, Ramon Walters, Hugh Wells, Howard Horn, Daniel Hook, Bill Hedglin, Echo Lambert, Otis Reinemer, Dan McNair, Charles Davis, Forrest Glenn, Edward Bradley, Carl Cole, James Cole, Henry Jorgensen, Albert Hull, Roscoe Brinson, Harvey Bonds, Robert McVey, Sergeant Hoffman, George McVicker, Kendall Blasingame, Milton Willadsen, Leroy Cartwright, Sam Lasell, B. Roberts, G.A. Russell, Joseph Peirano, William Hook …” [Chico Enterprise-Record, April 7, 1950.]

The Durham American Legion was, and continues to be, at the forefront of many of the events and needs of our community.  Years of Oratorical contests, Boys and Girls State Delegates, Corned Beef and Cabbage Dinners, Picnic Booth, scholarships to deserving students, and, aide to the elderly with the maintenance of the community’s closet of health and safety furniture, of use without charge.  The group has sponsored baseball teams, the cub scouts, willingly provided funds to support and build the Durham Community Pool, its swim team, and provided the venue for many young people to learn the history of our nation.  Ever at the head of the parade since May 1950, the Legion has carried the colors, quietly going about the reminder that many have given some, and, some gave all. [Images of America: Durham, page 125.]

 “I looked through my Post financial reports and found some things that we support with the money raised at the CB&C dinner (as well as the hamburger stand at the Durham picnic).  Here are some (probably most): Scholarships, Boys State, Girls State, Durham Little League, DHS Baseball, DHS Grad Night, DIS US Heritage Awards, Durham Volunteer Fire Dept, Flags for schools – as needed, DRPD Spook Fest, Durham Picnic Karaoke, Durham Cemetery, Dayton Cemetery, Oratorical Contest.” [Bob Julian, via email March 10, 2010.]

 An active American Legion Auxiliary is still meeting monthly, and a Sons of American Legion Squadron was started in 2012; encouraging membership of those who did not serve themselves, but wish to recognize their fathers, or grandfathers’ service.

By Rian Farley