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OUR POST
In the wake of world war ll, a handful of men just returned from the service , decided that Methuen should be represented in the Veterans of Foreign Wars Organization. Guy Martin a past commander of the V.F.W. Post 2104 in North Andover was contacted and he readily agreed to help.
The prime workers towards a V.F.W. Post here in Methuen were Gus Donovan, James Sullivan, Pickles Havgraves,Jr., Charles Fleming, and Sumner Tuttle. They all worked in the Arlington Mills so they talked about it every day. At night they met at a taxi stand at 55 broadway near Center Street.
Throught the untiring efforts of Gus Donovan, he and Guy Martin journeyed to Boston on Saturday morning to meet with department officers. They returned armed with literature and application blanks. They were told that 14 members were needed to form a post. A name had to be given so as to get the charter.There were a few candidates to select from. As Arnold Greenwood was the first World War ll veteran from methuen to give his life for his country, it was decided to name the post after him.
He was a boy from a respectable family. His affiliations with athe All Saints Episcopal Church and boy scout troop 1 of the First Church Congregational made him an outstanding Candidate.... Charles Greenleaf, John Ryan, Earl Mansur, James Hargreaves, William Atkinson, Dr. Max Green, and Carlo Tabellario were recruited by the orinal five. Before they knew it they had enlisted 131 members.
The Charter was issued on October 19,1946. The first three men who had who had the original idea of forming the post, were elected top the three top positions in the first election. They were, Com. Gus Donovan, Sr. Vice Com. James Sullivan, Jr. Vice Com. Pickles Hargraves, Jr. Becauce of a working schedule and a school schedule Pickles resigned and Laurence Edmonson was elected to Jr. Vise Com. They had teir first meeting at 44 Hampshire Street in the square.
As the membership increased, it was decided to secure larger quarters. It was in 1960 that our present building was errected and expanded in 1983. The post can boast of several past distict commanders, two all state commanders, and four 50 year members.
The Ladies Auxiliary to Post #8349 recieved their charter on Jan 5, 1947. They are a very energetic group and do much to support the Post and its programs. The Ladies Auxiliary also have had several Past District Presidents and two Past County Presidents.
Over The years our Post and Auxiliary have been involved in many events and projects for our veterans and community. To name some, visits to VA Hospitals and gifts to same: assist needy veterans and their families: sponsor Boy Scout Troop #51,a Bowling League, several Pool Teams, and a Dart Team: award scholarships to two High School students and through the VFW "Voice of Democracy" program: a children's outting in the summer and a Christmas party in the winter and several seasonal parties: participate in Mermorial Day and Veteran's Day parades and services at two cemeteries: also "Four Chaplains Sunday and services for Pearl Harbor Day: maintain the the grounds around the Monuments to all veterans of all wars at Charles and Pleasant streets: very active in the Methuen Flag Program: donations to many charities and many more too numerous to mention. Needless to say, Arnold Greenwood Post #8349 and its Ladies Auxiliary are a very active and concerned Veterans Organization that is dedicated to "Honor the dead by helping the living"
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