Looking back – Part 2

Continuing the 85 year history of the American Legion Auxiliary: The 1930s began slipping by and it seemed that each of Roosevelt's New Deal programs all had three initials by which they were labeled. So it was that the American Legion Auxiliary, Unit 221, gave a dance for the CCC workers, who were young, unemployed single men. CCC can be interpreted as, Civilian Conservation Corps but it would be few who bothered to remember. The CCC camp was northwest of Tehachapi near Keene.

The Legion Hall on E Street, built in 1921, would be sold by Post 221 and a purchase of lots 20, 21 and 22 on West F Street would be the next site for a new Veterans' Memorial Building. The Post, unable to afford the construction of a new Veterans' Building were to sell the three lots to the County of Kern for the amount of $10.00 subject to the following restrictions: "For the purpose of a Memorial to World War veterans, to be used exclusively by Tehachapi Post 221, The American Legion, Department of California, its successors and assigns, or by any organization by its permission." Dated January 16, 1940.

It was a handsome building constructed in 1940, of adobe brick, by Roosevelt's WPA workers (Workers Progress Administration). Auxiliary members found the location, conveniently close to the downtown area, with a modern kitchen and ample room for meetings, dances, dinners and workshops. The Auxiliary and Legion members, each year, presented to the public, the little red crepe paper poppy in commemoration of the red poppies that grew over the graves of the World War I American dead at Flander's Fields in France.

The country, emerging from the dark days of the Depression, still could not rest easy being wary with the situation in Europe. With only a 23 year span from the end of World War I, the veterans of the community, still remembering the rigors of war, were not anxious to see another conflict that would involve their sons and daughters. Still, as a cautionary measure, President Franklin Roosevelt asked Congress to enact a compulsory draft law for twenty-one year old men. The initial plan was to train a man for one year and then discharge him on a reserve status, thus having fully trained men ready for an emergency. The Auxiliary members kept track of the young people leaving for training. The local newspapers listed the men's addresses so townsfolk could write them.

The attack by the Japanese on Pearl Harbor was to begin the United States war with not only Japan but also Germany. Every American city was finding the war bringing people together for a common cause. The townsfolk still carried on the custom of writing to those overseas. The return address on the G.I's envelope listed the sender's name, rank, company, battalion and either an F.P.O (Fleet Post Office) or A.P.O (Army Post Office). Where the stamp was supposed to be, the sender would write "FREE." No stamp needed when fighting a war!

The Auxiliary was anxious to see that everyone serving would have a picture hanging on the wall above the fountain in the local drug store. Home boys (and girls) in far off, never before heard of, places.(Today's Auxiliary Unit 221 maintains what they term, A Wall of Valor which has photos of those now serving in the Armed Forces.) Troop trains passed through with young men waving and being waved at in return from those on the streets. The casualty lists began to come in and the town mourned.

The Legion Post 221 and Auxiliary Unit had a great number of new members with the returning vets. The elder members who "held down the fort" during the war welcomed the new members. Of the two women who served, only one returned. Helen Green Kent was killed aboard ship during an attack. Home town girl, Mary Watts Farrell, arrived home from the WAVES married to Dick Farrell, a Navy man.

The years would pass and Unit 221 stayed busy with maintaining their Programs. The VA & R (Veterans' Affairs and Rehabilitation) was very active with financial help to vets in need. Visits to the Veterans' Hospital and taking handmade lap robes, scarves and "ditty" bags was a regular activity. The Children and Youth Program stayed active with visits to schools and the Americanism Essay Competition. The offering of the little Red Poppies helped finance the veterans needs. The California Girl's State Program, Scholarships, Children and Community Affairs kept the Auxiliary on their toes.

As the twentieth Century moved into its half way mark, Tehachapi's population had soared to 2,000. In June of 1950 the United States was drawn into what was termed a Police Action or The Korean Conflict. (1950-53.) Those World War II veterans who, upon discharge from active duty, and who had remained on Reserve Status were called back to serve once again.

On July 21, 1952, an earthquake of 7.5 intensity, struck Tehachapi at 4:52 a.m .; the second hardest quake in California history at that time. The doors to the veterans Hall were open to anyone needing shelter. Later, it was discovered that the adobe veterans Hall structure had suffered enough stress to be razed. Troops serving in Korea, upon hearing of the temblor in their home town were now worrying about their families at home.

The veterans building was razed although some thought it was sound enough. Just a few cracks in the wall surface. The only casualties (13) in the quake were in old brick, adobe or stone buildings. Proof enough. A beautiful new structure replaced the former in 1954. After the quake Tehachapi had been declared a disaster area by then Governor Earl Warren and it may be that some emergency funds were granted for that construction.

In 1982 American Legion Auxiliary Unit 221 celebrated their Fiftieth Anniversary with a dinner celebration. It was at that dinner that Charter Members, Nora Brite, Margaret Watts Randle and Marjorie Nelson received their Fifty Year Membership pins.

The Post War Baby Boomer grew up. The music of the 40s and 50s became music of the 80s, 90s and beyond: Rock n; Roll, Hard Rock, Classic Rock, Rap, Disco...a different beat! Tehachapi grew also as did the Legion Post and Auxiliary Unit. New members and new ideas.

Harriet Clendenin, was to become Department President in 2014-15. A first for the long time Tehachapi Unit. The Office involves traveling to each District in California as well as to National Headquarters. The small Unit was proud of their member.

Auxiliary Unit 221, Linda Carmichael, this years President states that, "I am proud of out Unit Members and am looking forward to many more good years of service."

Now, in the 85th Anniversary of Auxiliary Unit 221 one may look back and say, "Well done!" By carrying on the tradition of "Service not self," they have endeavored to keep, as their mainstay, the aid to veterans and their families in need, the children and youth and most of all keeping in mind that they also serve God and Country.