by Rachel Hunter

The Silas Wainwright VFW Post 6338 celebrated its 75th anniversary on Saturday, August 21 with a dinner and dance at the Gouverneur VFW Hall, 100 W. Main St., Gouverneur.

All were warmly welcomed into VFW Post 6338 for the festivities, starting at 5 p.m. for the cocktail hour. The hall was lavishly decorated for the 75th anniversary celebration. At 6 p.m., all those in attendance took their seats for dinner. Placed before them along with the dinner place setting were an event program and a VFW Buddy Poppy. The VFW Buddy Poppy program provides compensation to the veterans who assemble the poppies, provides financial assistance in maintaining state and national veterans' rehabilitation and service programs and partially supports the VFW National Home For Children.

The dinner was served family-style, and all extended gratitude to VFW kitchen crew for their dedicated service throughout the evening. The meal included ham, scalloped potatoes, vegetables, salad, applesauce with cinnamon, and rolls with butter. At the conclusion of the meal, a decorated cake celebrating the VFW Post’s 75th Anniversary was served to all those present.

Silas Wainwright VFW Post 6338 Commander John Holt welcomed all in attendance. Sr. Vice Commander Roland Roderick led the invocation. All remained standing for the Pledge of Allegiance.

The Missing Man Table was prepared by VFW Post 6338 Auxiliary Conductress Julie Holt, and the POW/MIA Remembrance Ceremony was led by VFW Post 6338 Sr. Vice Commander Roland Roderick.

It was presented as follows: “The table before you is a place of honor. It is set for one. This table is our way of symbolizing the fact that members of our profession of arms are missing from our midst. They are commonly called POWs or MIAs, we call them “comrades.” They are unable to be with us this evening and so we remember them.

“This Table set for one is small – symbolizing the frailty of one prisoner alone against his oppressors. The Tablecloth is white – symbolizing the purity of their intentions to respond to their country’s call to arms.

“The single Red Rose displayed in a vase reminds us of the families and loved ones of our comrades-in-arms who keep the faith awaiting their return.

“The Red Ribbon tied so prominently on the vase is reminiscent of the red ribbon worn upon the lapel and breasts of thousands who bear witness to their unyielding determination to demand a proper accounting of our missing. The Candle. The candle is lit, symbolizing the upward reach of their unconquerable spirit. A Slice of Lemon is on the bread plate to remind us of their bitter fate.

“There is Salt upon the bread plate, symbolic of the families tear as they wait. The Glass is inverted. They cannot toast with us this night. The Chair. The chair is empty. They are not here.

“Remember! All of your who served with them and called them comrades, who depended upon their might and aid, and relied upon them for surely they have not forsaken you. Remember! Until they come home. Remember!”

Silas Wainwright VFW Post 6338 Commander John Holt then introduced the head table, which included the following: VFW Department of New York District 9 Commander David Pearson, VFW Department of New York State Commander (2021-22) Michael Hoag, VFW Department of New York Auxiliary Chaplain Darlene Baker, VFW Post 6338 and District 9 Auxiliary President Jeff Platt and VFW Post 6338 Auxiliary Treasurer Sara Platt, and VFW Post 6338 Commander John Holt and VFW Post 6338 Auxiliary Conductress Julie Holt.

VFW District 9 Quartermaster Mike Webster, a nephew of Silas Wainwright, then gave the “Living History of the Silas Wainwright VFW Post 6338” as follows:

“The Silas Wainwright VFW Post 6338, located in Gouverneur, NY, was formed on March 10, 1946, soon after the end of World War II, with 163 charter members of the organization that was established in 1899, composed entirely of overseas veterans. Permission was granted by Mrs. Rachel Wainwright of Macomb to name the organization in memory of her son, Pharmacist’s Mate First Class Silas Alonzo Wainwright, who lost his life in the attack by the Japanese at Pearl Harbor, December 7, 1941. He was the first Gouverneur area man to die for his country on the infamous day in history. The charter was soon approved and Edwin Tupper was elected the first post commander. After a few months, without orders, and now at 175 charter members strong, the newly formed organization rent its rooms over the Sunshine Store on Main Street in the Village of Gouverneur. In 1947, Paul R. Scott was elected commander and the post continued to prosper in many dimensions and soon became a vital force in the community. The war dead began to arrive from military cemeteries overseas and the VFW, in conjunction with the American Legion, gave each man full military honors at funereal services and internment.

“The Auxiliary to the VFW Post 6338 was organized on March 9, 1947 and the first slate of officers was installed on March 28 of that year. In 1948, with monies raised, the Post once again proved to be a valued organization for the good of the order and the community. Two hundred and forty members were recorded for that calendar year. The average membership throughout the past 70 years have remained around 200. In that timeframe, DADS of foreign service veterans was instituted and the membership soon became a part and added greatly to the sense of community involvement.

On February 1, 1957, the Post bought a house on West Main Street that for many years was operated as a hotel by John Wainwright, an uncle of Silas A. Wainwright. Within a short period after the purchase, the building was consumed by fire. Construction was quickly started and a new location, designated as 100 W. Main St., remains a constant in the community.

Through over 100 years, the Veterans of Foreign Wars have been dedicated in service of our nation In times of peace as well as in times of war, we vow to keep the faith of those who fought and sacrificed their lives. We, the living, will continue to strive for the security of our nation and the preservation of the republic.

In 1950, the Post started recognizing a Good Citizen of the Year Award, which recognized a nominated individual who volunteered their time within the community, having continued this practice for the past 72 years, except during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. Each year, at the Post’s annual dinner in March, the Veteran of the Year is also noted along with a Auxilian of the Year since 1986…

“Early in the Post’s history a Halloween Party was hosted for the children of veterans returning from World War II, and now has become a staple in the community with area children having the best of times -- with 125 of the younger set participating in 2015. Contributions of the post to area organizations continue to this year and includes, among many, Boy Scouts (which the Post sponsors) and Girl Scouts. The premier of our programs continues to be Voice of Democracy and Patriot’s Pen. This is an essay and audio contest that was started by the National VFW in 1947, with a yearly patriotic theme, and being judged for scholarships on the local, state and national level.

“The Post has a Wall of Honor dedicated to memorial plaques given by family and friends to commemorate those who serve and continue to serve with distinction.

“Over the years, the building has gone through various renovations with a new heating system and central air conditioning. There has been remodeling to the kitchen with a new dishwasher installed, compliments of Dr. Robert Saidel. The restrooms contained within the meeting room have been updated with handicap accessibility along with an instant hot water system.

The Post Club Room host many and various events throughout the year from other organizations as well as dinners, weddings, receptions, baby showers, birthday parties… just to name a few.

“The VFW Post has added to its community service with the upkeep of Potters Field at Riverside Cemetery in Gouverneur. The location has been cleared of brush and trees as flowers planted and mowing in the area through the growing season. The organization also contributes to charities along the local and national themes. In recent year, the Post has hosted various memorial and charity events, such as the Brian Green Memorial Dart Tournament, and has been a stopover for various memorial motorcycle rides throughout the area, as well as host many American Red Cross Blood Drives. During the lockdown caused by the COVID-19 pandemic crisis, the Post was forced to shut its doors. But it weathered the hard times and it has come back more dedicated than ever to continue its charitable work.

“The Post was forced to delay its anniversary celebration due to the restrictions from COVID-19, but members refused to let the year go by without making this momentous occasion.

“Cecil Steele: “I must tell you that people make every organization as great as it is. This club is extraordinary because of those who serve here. Our kitchen staff is top rate, and through efforts like this undertaking, year in and year out, make this Post stay on top and provide services to the community as a whole.

“From Sandy Wyman: “I wish to emphasize only some of the highlights of this organization have been put to paper. However, I firmly believe that the Gouverneur VFW Silas A. Wainwright Post 6338 will continue to maintain that high standard of service to the community and a sympathetic and helpful attitude to all veterans and their families.

“This was originally submitted by Cecil Steele and Sandy Wyman, and respectfully updated and submitted by our Commander John Holt.”

The Commanders of the VFW Post 6338 through the years are as follows: Edwin Tupper (1946-47), Paul Scott (1947-48), Armand Beaudin (1948-49), Leon Sterling (1949-50), David Boscoe (1950-52), Harold Jarome (1952-53), Earl Hatch (1953-54), Herbert Bartholomew (1954-55), Jack Hayden (1955), Harold Rose (1955-56), Gerald Allen (1956-58), George Gassett (1958-60), Jim Bellinger (1960-61), Maynard Simmons (1961-62), Earl Klock (1962-63), James Pritty (1963-64), Carlton Bresett (1964-65), Clarence Crandall (1965-66), Frank Gaebel (1966-67), Bob Emerson (1967-68), Richard Mason (1968-70), Dick Bickford (1970-72), Earl Klock (1972-73), Americo Marchione (1973-75), Henry Dawley (1975-77), Maitland Smith (1977-78), Stanley Young (1978-80), Eugene Turnbull (1980-82), Garold Ames (1982-83), Herbert McEathron (1983-84), William Foote (1984-86), Americo Marchione (1986-66), Michael Dusharm (1988-90), Keith Manning (1990-91), Americo Marchione (1991-92), Henry Dawley (1992-93), William Foote (1993-95), Maurice Sullivan (1995-96), Randy Knowlton (1996-97), Mike Knowlton (1997-98), Mike Webster (1998-2002), Cecil Steele (2002-03), Gloria Weldon (2003-2004), Pete Hitchman (2004-2005), Mike Webster (2005-2011), Jake Little (2011-12), Mike Webster (2012-13), Darryl Sapoff (2013-14), Loren Smith (2014-15), Dominick Simione (2015-18), Richard Fisher (2018-20), and John Holt (2020 to present).

VFW Auxiliary Treasurer Sara Platt then gave the history of the Auxiliary to VFW Post 6338. “After looking through several of the Auxiliary secretary minute books, the following information was found. Twenty-eight ladies met on March 10, 1947 for a formal meeting to form the auxiliary. The ladies in Watertown and Ogdensburg to do the installation were not able to attend that day, and so the installation was held on March 26, 1947 at the Post rooms over the Sunshine Store. The record books show 32 charter members with three more ladies joining in April. There were a couple of members from the first year that I’d like to mention. Not a charter member, but joining the auxiliary in May of 1947 and still a member today is our longest continuous member, Dorothy Bressette. Also a member, joining in January of 1948 and still a member today, is Rena Griebsch… The ladies became very active in fundraising with lots of raffles and bingo as well as selling a variety of items. Their first raffle tickets were 10 cents each or three for 25 cents. The first prize was a portable radio, and they made a profit of $100. They also had card parties and played Quiz-O games. The national programs that we participated in and still do today include VFW Buddy Poppy Program, Hospitals, Youth, National Home for Children and Essay Contests, The first Buddy Poppy drive was held in 1947 with a profit of $114.75 after paying for the poppies. It was reported in a May 1955 article in the Gouverneur paper that they had given over $5,000 to worthy causes in the first eight years. 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’ve had several students place first, second or third in district over the years with first place going on to state...

Over the past 74 years, 10 of our members have served as County Council President, and five as District President, with Marlene Webster serving as Chairman and President of both District 4 and later District 9.

“Some of the other activities that were started years ago that are still done are as follows:

In April 1916, Mildred Gassett suggested a Teachers Tea to honor retiring teachers. Lillian Todd was selected as the first recipient. We now honor all the retiring teachers each year as well as the other school staff.

“In the 1960s, a mitten tree was done for the National Home For Children. We still do a collection of hats and mittens each December. They are given to the local school children at Head Start and the Elementary School. So if any of you knit or crochet and would like to donate hats or mittens, we would be happy to add them to the ones that are made or donated by our members.

“In the 1940s, 1950s and until 1988, Halloween and Christmas parties were held for children of the Post, Auxiliary and DADS members. Records say there was no party in 1991, but in 1992 the Auxiliary started hosting a Halloween Party for all area children. That is an event we still hold each year, and we hope to hold it on October 23 this year.

In November of 1989, Virda Crandall organized a craft fair as a way to raise money for the auxiliary. It is still held on the first Saturday of December each year, so mark your calendars for December 4, 2021.

“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 it was noted in the minutes to pay for the refrigerator, so I guess we have gone through a few of those. There are 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 DADS working together. It was voted the first year that the Auxiliary’s share of the profit was $21. Although I did not find out what year they stopped, the profits must have gotten better. I remember going to the fair when I was growing up and the VFW, Legion, and I believe the Oddfellows had food stands at the fair…

“In 1955, members took part of the civil defense watch. In 1960s, packages were sent to the troops in Vietnam, and in 1990, they went 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 of Arms. They chose the name, The Blue Brigade, and began raising funds to purchase uniforms. In three and a half months, they raised $1,100. Their first parade was May 1972 Memorial Day Parade. They marched in 13 parades in their first year. They disbanded in 1978-79…”

Mrs. Platt then told the crowd a few other items of interest, and told the crowd gathered that the current membership in the Auxiliary to VFW Post 6338 is 204 strong. “We are always looking for new members,” she said. “Any of you ladies or gentlemen that are interested in joining our auxiliary, please see one of our members for an application…” Mrs. Platt concluded her address by congratulating VFW Post 6338 on their 75th Anniversary Celebration.

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).

The crowd gathered heard a series of guest speeches their subsequent presentations to Post 6338. See related story inside this edition.

In conclusion, VFW Commander John Holt then released the dinner committee, and VFW Auxiliary Chaplain Ruth Mead offered the benediction.

Much gratitude was extended to all those who helped Silas Wainwright VFW Post 6338 celebrate their 75th Anniversary.

Local band, The Shoes, then entertained the crowd at the Silas Wainwright VFW Post 6338 in Gouverneur as the VFW continued their 75th Anniversary celebration with a dance, starting at 8 p.m. The Shoes made its first appearance the VFW in 1993. Much fun was had by all. The next VFW Dance will be held on Saturday, August 28, 8 p.m., featuring Pure Country. There will be a $3 admission fee at the door.

The Monday Night Dinners will also make its return to Silas Wainwright VFW Post 6338. The first Monday Night Dinner will be held on Monday, September 13, 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., featuring Chicken and Biscuits. More information will be reported once the information is made available to the Gouverneur Tribune Press.

For more information on Silas Wainwright VFW Post 6338, call 315-287-4682.