In conjunction with Huntsville IL Lions Club celebrating their 50th anniversary, Charles Collins American Legion Auxiliary #381 is celebrating their 100th anniversary. On May 1st, 1923 Mrs Henery Shick served as temporary chairman of the first meeting of this organization. On September 7th,2023 the organization applied for and was granted a permanent charter.
Second Lt. 11th Inf.,A.E.F. Charles Collins, son of Mr. McConnell and Mrs. Ada Collins, was killed in action just three days before the signing of the Armistice. It is for this young soldier that the Charles Collins Post of the American Legion, at Huntsville, is named. He had four sisters residing in Bellefontaine. They were Mrs. R. E. McCleary, Miss Minnie Collins, Stella Collins and Mrs. Donald Rhoades.
There is extensive history kept of the unit, their members, achievements, activities over the years. They gave money to the Veterans childrens home, local school for books, lepers, veterans families. A 1930 report indicates that money was given to families to buy winter clothing for their children. $5.00 was allocated for each child. 6 tubes of toothpaste and 6 toothbrushes were sent to Dayton and Sandusky hospitals. These were gracious gifts in 1930.
Currently the organization works with local schools to provide flag etiquette classes and Veterans day programs for elementary classes, annual Poppy day, honor our deceased military by assisting with putting out flags for Memorial day celebrations, sending over 300 Veterans day cards to veterans, recognize local residents who proudly display the American flag with I Spy Americanism Certificates, and sponsor Indian Lake high school girls to Girls’ State.
For more information on getting involved with our programs please contact Bev Martz, Roxie Tracey, or Nicki Trout.
The Huntsville Indian Lake Lions club celebrated their 50 year anniversary and hosted both events. They are very active in community service offering numerous scholarships for Indian Lake students, sponsoring Boys State representatives, putting out flags and taking part in the memorial day services, assisting with outreach programs as well as fulfilling ongoing service projects. The two organizations work in conjunction with other service agencies in promoting community events with a focus on children and families.
Submitted by Nicki Trout.
