The American Legion was chartered and incorporated by Congress in 1919 as a patriotic veteran's organization. Duppler-Smith Post 460 was originally chartered on 7 Sept. 1920, and on 7 Sept. 1948 took ownership of the church building. The additional lot was added to our Post on 16 May 1960.

Photo courtesy of Wendall Fenstermann

Finished picture, Labor Day weekend 2021.

In more recent times, a long-time local resident, Chris Doyle, noted how badly the Legion Post needed painting. Chris Doyle is a Field Representative for IUPATDC7 Local 802. Chris single handedly took on the task of recruiting the volunteers in the picture from Painters Local 802. He then negotiated with Hallman-Lindsey Paints and Sunbelt Rentals for paint products and (2) 40-foot lifts so the men could reach the top of the building. The men were willing to give up part of their holiday weekend to help the American Legion, and three of them were not from this community. On behalf of Duppler-Smith Post 460, we owe a big thank you to Chris and his helpers of Local 802. Sometimes one person can make all the difference in the world when needed.

For any trivia buffs out there, here are a couple questions we would like answered, if you have some documentation to verify all the better. Please send information to American Legion Post 460, PO Box 455, Belleville, WI 53508.

Where did the Legion members hold their meetings from 1920 until 1948 when they bought the church?

Looking at the pictures you can see that the building has been raised from its original setting. What year would that have been completed?