Plans were under way for the State Convention to be held in September at Alexandria Bay.  A Janitor was hired for $40.  For 5 months with Auxiliary paying half.  It was also voted to solicit members not to exceed $3 and no less than .50 to buy a remembrance for Mrs. Lyman in respect for her being elected as National President of the “Gold Star Mother’s Organization”.  It was decided at this time not to renew the lease for the Haas rooms and to locate site for later meetings.  One of such sites was the Fireman rooms. 

Exerts from TI Sun: “Plans are being made for meeting of the state organization of the Gold Star Mothers to be held at Alexandria Bay in September, one day prior to the opening of the American Legion and Auxiliary Convention at this place.  Mrs. L.F. Lyman, Alexandria Bay has the honor of holding the state and National President of the order.  The Gold Star organization is backing a movement asking the government top send all wearers of the Gold Star, who have sons buried in France, to provide transportation to various resting places.  May 8, 1924”

“Final plans are being made for the American Legion convention which will meet here in two weeks.  Local men who have charge of arrangements under the chairmanship of F. Gould Lyman are: Wm. E. Flander, Clinton Jones, Maxwell Northup, Cyril Lee, James S. Boyer, J. Hubert Hunt, K.P. Blevins, Ernest Reynolds, Carl Miller Tasse Collins.  Aug 21, 1924.”      

            At a special meeting held on Feb. 24 1924 it was voted to purchase the Masonic Site on the following terms: $240 a year for 10 years with 6% interest paid semiannually.  The committee appointed to look into the legality and purchasing of said site were Chairmen Lucious Britton, K.P. Blevins, Clint Jones, Reynolds Lyman and Ross Lillie.  Thus began projects to help pay for coming up expenses of new legion site.  Receipts from a dance were $20.  Hot dog stands $41.35.  A minstrel show was organized and held March 4, 1924.  It was voted to have a fair on April 24th and 25th with letters sent out to wholesale dealers.  A movie picture “Man without a country” shown with good turnout.  Fuller Cornwall offered 1 ton of coal for fair to raffle.

            During all this busy time plans were still in the making for hosting State Convention.  TI Sun Sept 4th 1924” With the arrival of the last delegates of Legionnaires and friends, the sixth Annual convention of the Department of New York American Legion got underway today.  Sessions will be held in the big tent erected for that purpose on Uncle Sam’s Campground.  More than five hundred delegates will begin reviewing the work of the Legion for the past year.  Mr. F. Gould Lyman chairman of the general convention arrangements committee, has all plans completed for the entertainments visitors.  In addition to a chowder dinner and boxing bout which were enjoyed last evening, a boat tour through the islands and speed boat races will provide enjoyment thorough the remainder of the week. J. Hubert Hunt, Commander of John B. Lyman Post, American Legion has been active in making this convention a success.”

            At Nov 24, 1924 meeting the Building fund Committee reports receipts of $3,216.12 and disbursements of $963.48 leaving a balance on hand $2,252.64.  Also at this time it was voted to write the NY State School Inspector and invite him to look over the Legion building site in connection with the local High School grounds. (hosting the 1924 Department of New York American Legion Convention is proof of the oversized influence of Post 904 on the American Legion in the early years.  Like now John B. Lyman Post was a leader for other American Legion posts in the County and Department)

Article reposted from: https://centennial.legion.org/new-york/post904/1920/01/08/1920-1924