by Rachel Hunter

At the Silas Wainwright VFW Post No. 6338 Anniversary Dinner celebration on Saturday, March 12, the VFW Auxiliary was recognized for its 75th anniversary. In attendance were the following: Post Commander John Holt, Auxiliary Conductress and Patriotic Instructor Julie Holt, VFW Post 6338 Auxiliary/District 9 President President Jeff Platt, VFW Auxiliary Treasurer Sara Platt, VFW Auxiliary Chaplain Ruth Mead, VFW Post 6338 Jr. Vice Commander Karl Beck, and VFW Trustee Rob Sargent as well as NYS Assemblyman Kenneth Blankenbush (R,C,I-Black River) and NYS Senator Patty Ritchie Representative Kevin Wells. Other VFW committee members present included Post Sr. Vice Commander Roland Roderick and VFW Auxiliary Sr. Vice President and Kitchen Chair Melissa Simione. Also present was Village of Gouverneur Mayor Ron McDougall.

After a scrumptious ham dinner and dessert served by the VFW Auxiliary Kitchen Staff, VFW Auxiliary Treasurer Sara Platt gave the history of the VFW Auxiliary in part as follows: “Twenty-eight ladies met on March 10, 1947 for an informal meeting to form the auxiliary. The ladies from Watertown and Ogdensburg that were to do the installation were not able to attend that day so the installation was on March 26, 1947 at the post room over the Sunshine store. The first dues record book shows 32 charter members with 3 more ladies joining in April.

“The ladies became very active in fundraising right away, with lots of raffles and bingo, as well as selling a variety of items. Some of the items raffled then might not be as popular as a prize today were a toaster, an iron, a piece of luggage, purse, punch bowl set, picnic pack, electric percolator, thermal blanket, clock, deer lamp, and a lace tablecloth. Their first raffle tickets were ten cents each or three for twenty-five cents. The prize was a portable radio and they made a profit of $100. Items they sold were ballpoint pens, Stanley products, fruitcakes, Sue Mackin products which were sold until 1968, billfolds, holiday napkins, and had a merchandising club. They also had card parties and played quizzo games. An interesting note I saw on bingo was in April 1951 the police chief said: “No more bingo.” But in September 1951, they started bingo again. Perhaps that is when registering with the village clerk began. I remember when the post and auxiliary started bingo again in 1979 paperwork had to be done each week. That time, bingo ran for 13 years until October 1992 with the auxiliary assisting the post weekly.

“National programs they participated in that we still do today include Buddy Poppy, Hospital, Youth, National Home for Children, and Essay Contests. The first poppy drive was held in 1947 with a profit of $114.75 after paying for the poppies. It was noted in a May 1955 article in the Gouverneur paper that they had given over $5,000 to worthy cause in the first eight years. This included dental work for children, purchasing an oxygen tent and contributing to the purchase of an iron lung for the E. J. Noble Hospital in Gouverneur. Televisions were donated to Sunmount Hospital as well as many items on several occasions donated to the veteran who were patients in Sunmount. In more recent years our donations for the hospitalized veterans have gone to the Syracuse VA Hospital. We have donated flags to some local organizations and businesses over the years. The ones I noticed mentioned in the minutes were Cambray Court, Gouverneur Rescue Squad, Kinney Nursing Home, Girl Scout troops, the People’s Place and the Purple Toad. In the 1950s, Auxiliary 6338 had a state winner in the essay contest. In 2019, we had a state winner in the patriotic art contest. We have had several students place first, second, or third in district over the years with the first place moving on to state. Over the past 74 years, 10 of our members have served as county council president. In St. Lawrence County Council, Barbara Scott (1952-53), Doris Rumble (1960-61), Gertrude Simmons (1964-65), Rose Rowe (1968-69), Virda Crandall (1970-71), Betty Benjamin (1980-81), Betty Jean Turnbull (1984-85), Agnes Marchione (1986-87), Vickie Foote (1988-89), and Marlene Webster (2000-01). In Mohawk Adirondack County Council, Marlene Webster (2009-2010). Five members have served as district president: In District 4, Gertrude Simmons (1967-68), Agnes Marchione (1984-85), Betty Jean Turnbull (1988-1989), Marlene Webster (2010-2011). In District 9, Marlene Webster (2019-2020), and Jeff Platt (2021-2022).

“Some of the other activities that were started years ago that are still done are as follows: In April 1960, Mildred Gassett suggested a teacher’s tea to honor a retiring teacher. Lillian Todd was selected as the first recipient. Rhoda DeJourdan was chairman of the tea the second year and Lucille Pritty the third. I believe from 1963 on Rhoda was the chairman until she was unable to do so in 1978 when Doris Young served as chairman. In 1979, Betty Benjamin became chairman and served in that position for the next several years. We now honor all the retiring teachers each year as well as other school staff. We have missed the tea for the past two years, but hopefully we will be able to honor the retirees again soon.

“In the 1960s, a mitten tree was done for the VFW National Home for Children. We still do a collection of hats and mittens each December but they are given to the local school children at Head Start and the elementary school. We are fortunate to have two ladies who keep busy with a crochet hook. Thank you Linda McEathron and Ruth Mead, and thank you to all the members who donate to this project.

“In the 1940s and 50s and until 1988, Halloween and Christmas parties were held for the children of the post, auxiliary and Dad’s members. The records say there was no party in 1991, but in 1992 the auxiliary started hosting a Halloween party for all area children and that is an event we still hold each year. In November 1989, Virda Crandall organized a craft fair as a way to raise money for the auxiliary. They are still held the first Saturday of December each year. In December 1963, it was decided to hold a three-way Christmas party for the post, auxiliary and Dad’s. The post and auxiliary continue this tradition each December and that is also the day the auxiliary presents the membership pins to auxiliary members for 5, 10, 15, and so on years of membership.

“In the afternoon on Memorial Day, we still do a service at the grave of Silas Wainwright in Brasie Corners. When I first joined the auxiliary, the American Legion went with us, then we went on to Rossie with them for a service at James Maloy’s grave. It was noted in the May 1990 minutes that Rachel Devendorf, Silas’ sister had asked that we please go to Rossie first so that when we finished the service for Silas we could day and visit with the family. We usually had to hurry away to Rossie where there was usually no Maloy family waiting. From the start, the auxiliary has always tried to help with the purchase of items needed in the kitchen or around the club. Several times in going through the minutes, it was noted a donation to help pay for the refrigerator so I guess we have through a few of them over the years. Some of the other items the auxiliary has contributed to or purchased are stove, sink, dish sets, drapes, linoleum, hot water heater, ladies room dressing table and decorating in the original club rooms. At this post home over the years, we have purchased or donated toward a copier, two stainless steel sinks, curtains, food chopper, electric frying pan, kitchen stool, picnic table, mirror in the bar room, air conditioner, the insulating of the bar and entryway, drop ceiling and florescent lights in the front room, and an automatic glass washer along with many kitchen supplies. In 1989, we purchased the cement for the side door ramp and in 2002, the outdoor sign. We have also donated toward heating fuel and the electric bill several times.

“There are also some activities from the past that are no longer done. In 1951, a food stand was started at the fair with members of the post, auxiliary, and Dad’s working together. It was noted the first year the auxiliary’s share of the profit was $21. The last year I saw working at the fair food tent mentioned was 1975 with a profit that year of $1620.93. In 1955, members took part of the civil defense watch. In 1968, there was a donation to radio-free Europe. In the 1960s, packages were sent to the troops in Vietnam, and in 1991 to those in Desert Storm. On February 10, 1972, a group of 18 ladies met to organize a marching unit to represent the auxiliary. Julie Allen was chosen as president with Thelma Smith serving as sergeant at arms. They chose the name Blue Brigade and began raising funds to purchase uniforms. In three and a half months, they raised $1,1000 of the $1,300 needed. Their first parade was May 1972 Memorial Day Parade. They marched in 13 parades the first year. I believe the brigade disbanded in 1979 as it was mentioned they marched in November 1978 with 25 members.

“A few other things I read in the minutes that I found interesting: In 1960, the auxiliary was invited to parade at the international celebration in Ogdensburg on July 2. The Canadians were to present us with a flag. It was noted this was the first time in history it had happened so it required special permission from the queen. In 1972, we received an invitation to send a representative to a meeting to be held in April at the Bank of Gouverneur for the purpose of establishing a museum. In January 1949, there was a dedication of the charcoal painting of Silas Wainwright done by Min Washburn. In June, an open house was held the community to see the painting. In March 1959, it was noted that among the few things salvaged from the fire were two tables, 36 chairs, the auxiliary flags, and the picture of Silas. On May 16, 1960, there was an open house for members to see the new club rooms, and for the public on May 29.

“Retaining current members and recruiting new members has been an ongoing project of the auxiliary since 1947. In May 1951, our members took part in the installation of Edwards Auxiliary 9484 and in February 1991 Betty Jean Turnbull of our auxiliary helped set up Hammon Morristown Auxiliary 10515. Unfortunately in years since, both of these auxiliaries have disbanded but several members from each transferred to our auxiliary as well as members of Theresa Auxiliary 6655 when it disbanded. In July 2015, when our named was changed from ladies auxiliary to auxiliary and male relatives of veterans were allowed to join, we were able to increase our membership. Our current membership is 209, but it has been higher. In June 1987, 295 members gave use 100 percent plus 21. In June 1992, membership was 302. In March of 1968 with 193 members, our auxiliary had the highest membership in District 4 and in October 1970 with 200 members we were the largest in New York State. We are now in District 9 and can once again say that we have the highest membership in the district. However, District 9 only has nine auxiliaries and we could not claim that if we were still in District 4. We are always looking for new members. So if anyone would be interested in joining our auxiliary member, please see one of our members for an application form.

“In September 1978, we were asked about selecting an auxiliary member of the year. I don’t remember why it was not done at that time, but in 1986 it was started and has continued with the exception of 2021 due to COVID-19 restriction on being able to hold a celebration. Congratulations to our 36th recipient and to Silas Wainwright VFW Auxiliary to Post 6338 on your 75th Anniversary.”

The past presidents of the Auxiliary to VFW Post 6338 are as follows: Mary Sterling (1947-48), Alma Rumble (1948-49), Barbara Scott (1949-50), Audrey Carpenter (1950-51), Marjorie Dier (1951-52), Maybelle Pistolesi (1952-53), Doris Sigourney (1953-54), Ruth Boscoe (1954-55), Betty Marwick (1955-56), Olive Ann Hopper (1956-57), Doris Rumble (1957-58), Evelyn Pickert (1958-59), Mildred Gassett (1959-60), Gertrude Simmons (1960-61), Virda Crandall (1961-62), Rhoda Dejourdan (1962-63), Lucille Pritty (1963-64), Rose Rowe (1964-65), Ruth Cahoon (1965-66), Nina Erickson (1966-67), Edna Klock (1967-68), Irene Glasford (1968-69), Gladys McCready (1969-70), Julie Allen (1970-71), Thema McIntosh (1971-72), Thelma Smith (1972-73), Marjorie Gibson (1973-74), Kathleen Goodale (1974-75), Rosalie McEathron (1975-76), Betty Benjamin (1976-78), Doris Young (1978-80), Betty Jeanne Turnbull (1980-81), Agnes Marchione (1981-82), Nellie Stowell (1982-83), Marge Gibson (1983-84), Patricia Hamilton (1984-85), Louise Cahoon (1985-86), Doris Knight (1986-87), Vickie Foote (1987-88), Dorothy Macaulay (1988-89), Sue Porter (1989-91), Nellie Stowell (1991-92), Vickie Foote (1992-95), Trudie Dusharm (1995-96), Mary Shrewsberry (1996-98), Sylvia Donaldson (1998-99), Marlene Webster (1999-2002), Trudie Dusharm (2002-03), Marlene Webster (2003-04), Rosalie McEathron (2004-06), Robin Jarboe (2006-07), Marlene Webster (2008-2011), Debbie Walsh (2011-13), Diane McDougall (2013-15), Renee Martin (2015-16), Melissa Simione (2016-17), Tiffany Waite (2017-18), and Jeff Platt (2018 to present).

A plaque and citation in recognition the Auxiliary to Silas Wainwright VFW Post 6338 was presented during the ceremony by the VFW Auxiliary Department of New York. The following letter from Darlene Baker, Chaplain of the VFW Auxiliary Department of New York, by the order of President Ruth Huber, was read in part as follows: “Your auxiliary has maintained its membership and participated in auxiliary programs for 75 years. You are all to be commended for your dedication and support of our veterans and their families for all these years. The Post and Auxiliary work harmoniously with each other and have accomplished great things. Many changes have occurred within our organization since March 30, 1947. The most notable is the eligibility of men to join our great organization. While the name may have changed from Ladies Auxiliary to VFW Auxiliary, our mission has remained the same to serve veterans and their families… On behalf of the Department of New York, I present the citation to mark your 75th anniversary. On this momentous occasion, you should be proud to be part of this milestone anniversary. Best wishes on continued success and your participation in this great organization. Thank you for your courtesies extended to me. We stand… “united to defend the freedom of veterans and their families.”” The plaque and citation were accepted on behalf of the Auxiliary to VFW Post 6338 by President Jeff Platt.

During the momentous occasion, the Auxiliary to VFW Post 6338 was also presented physical copies resolutions from the New York State Assembly (presented by Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush) and New York State Senate (from New York State Senator Patty Ritchie, presented by Senator Ritchie’s representative Kevin Wells). The resolutions also commemorated the milestone 75th Anniversary of VFW Post 6338, which was celebrated in 2021.

Many words of congratulations were extended to the Auxiliary of VFW Post 6338 in recognition of their 75th anniversary.