Founding
Before all the troops had returned home from World War I, our comrades in Olympia were inspired with the idea of what unity could mean for returning veterans.
On April 28, 1919 a group of twenty-four gathered to form a temporary organization to select a representative to represent them in the first national convention of the American Legion. The convention was held in St. Louis, Missouri in May of 1919.
On May 27, 1919 a permanent organization was founded by adopting a constitution, by-laws, and holding elections of officers. The first elected Commander was L.L. Thompson, whom at the time was the Attorney General of the State of Washington. The name of the new post, Alfred William Leach, was chosen from the roll of the states honored dead.
Through the Years
The Post’s first home was leased from the Elks Club, but in 1921 it was found that the rent and maintenance costs had become too burdensome. A building committee was formed, and the fundraising efforts began. The new building site selected had an arena that was used for Armistice Day ceremonies, which needed to be demolished. The new building, designed by Joseph Wholeb, was large and provided additional income for the Post by renting out portions of the building. Renters included; an auto dealer, the National Guard, and the U.S. Post Office. The first Post meeting in the new building was held on October 21, 1921 and the formal dedication of the new building was held on November 11, 1921 (Armistice Day). Just 9 years later, on Armistice Day, a mortgage burning ceremony was held.
The Legion Band was formed in January 1925 and played its first Legion convention in Port Angeles. In September of that same year the band was certified as the official Band of the Department of Washington.
In 1927, after a great effort by many, the name of the street fronting the Post building was changed from 6th Street to Legion Way.
For several years during the 1930’s both the Governors Inaugural Ball, and the Elks Club’s Purple Bubble Ball were held at the Legion building. During the 1940’s Smokers boxing matches and Stag shows were held in the main hall, and from 1952-1962 the U.S. Post Office used the main hall.
In September of 1999 the Post again had issues of high maintenance and operating costs that resulted in the sale of the Post’s building. The local Olympia Salmon Club building was purchased and remained the Post building until 2013.
In 2013 once again the maintenance and operating costs along with declining membership caused the Post’s building to be sold. During the interim, the Post met at the Olympia Center.
In 2015 the Post found a new home on the corner of State Street and Central Street where the Post meets today.
