Post History

The John Repsdorf Post 91 received its national organizational charter on November 21, 1919.

On Oct. 28, 1919, the veterans of the Great War from New Salem held an organizational meeting at the Rex Theater for the purpose of organizing an American Legion Post in New Salem, to designate a name for the post and to name a representative to accept a charter if issued. Upon motion, Philip Blank was appointed acting chairman and John Wicker as secretary until a regular meeting could be held for the election of officers.

The first regular meeting was held November 11, 1919, with 37 charter members. It was moved and seconded that the name of the post would be the John Repsdorf Post 91 in honor of John Repsdorf, who was the first soldier from New Salem to lose his life in France in World War I.

Namesake

John Repsdorf was born at New Salem, North Dakota on January 22, 1889.  He enlisted in the North Dakota National Guard at Bismarck on July 23, 1917.  He served overseas in France from December 15, 1917 until he was killed in action on July 22, 1918.  He is buried at the American Cemetery, Seringes-et-Nesles, Aisne, France.

History of Post Programs

The post sponsored its first basketball game in January 1922; all the players agreed to furnish their own uniforms. In 1926, a new piano was purchased for the new city auditorium, and it was agreed that all organizations could use the piano free of charge.

In January 1927, the post started holding its meetings in the city, auditorium. It was decided to meet on the 2nd Thursday of each month.

The first Legion baseball team was organized in March of 1929. Ervin Kruger was appointed to go to the local school to create interest for players. Ed Stein was named team supervisor, which also included the preparation of the playing field.

The Legion and Auxiliary were instrumental in helping build the New Salem Swimming Pool. They conducted auction and rummage sales and had special basketball games to raise funds for the pool.

In the mid-1970s, the post tried to build its own post home and bowling lanes but, due to lack of funds, the project did not materialize.

In 1976, Viola Moltzen was elected national vice-president of The American Legion Auxiliary and, in 1977, became national president of the Auxiliary – an outstanding honor for John Repsdorf Post 91 and its affiliated Auxiliary unit of New Salem. She has also several on many national committees for The American Legion Auxiliary.

During the years 1980-1983, the post placed flag poles in cemeteries wherever fellow comrades have been buried.

Winnifred Smith, a New Salem High School student, won the state Oratorical Contest in 1987, receiving a $1,000 scholarship. She also repeated as the 1988 state Legion Oratorical Contest champion and scholarship winner. She is the daughter of Fred and Linda Smith, residents of New Salem.

In 1989 and 1990, the post and the city of New Salem mounted a plaque on a native stone found south of New Salem. The monument, which was dedicated on Memorial Day 1990, honors all men and women who served in thte armed forces. The monument is located next to the city auditorium, where the national and North Dakota flags are flown 24-hours a day.

In 1993, the post purchased an electronic pull tab machine to help raise money for the many programs of the Legion and community. These programs included Boys and Girls State, International Music Camp, Veterans Hospital, Veterans Home, North Dakota State Hospital and the North Dakota Veterans’ Cemetery. Also benefiting from gaming are local organizations, school projects and people in need.

The annual programs of the Legion include Memorial Day, when the program is held at the city auditorium. White crosses are placed on the lawn for all deceased veterans. Flags are also placed in the cemeteries. The Honor Guard and Firing Squad perform at the auditorium to conclude the service. The Legion and Auxiliary serve lunch to all attending the service.

In the past, a Veterans Day program has been held at Elm Crest Manor to honor the veterans and families of veterans. The public is invited and a lunch is served.

We are currently reinforcing our Honor Guard and Firing Squad to participate in Memorial Day, military funerals and other special occasions. 

Post 91 has had seven Legionnaires who served as commander of the 7th District. They are Ed Tempel, 1935-36; Vern A. Stayton, 1959-60; Frank Freezon, 1962-63; Alvin Moltzen, 1968-69; Edgar Beneke, 1972-73; Dick W. Henke, 1987- 88, and Ken Hoger, 1989-90. During his term, Hoger won the Arnold J. Stockstad Award and led units and marchers from the district in the department convention parade.

Post 91 Legionnaires are proud of their heritage and privilege of being an active post in New Salem’s community.

Post Commanders and Adjutants

Scholarships and Community Projects

American LegionPost --- sponsors various scholarships for the further education of our children. We also sponsor and financially assist many worthy community projects and programs initiated by the National American Legion.

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