VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS

CHARLES ZIMMERMAN

FORTY-FOUR veterans from Nutley, having served overseas, formed the Stewart E. Edgar Post on September 20, 1920. The first meeting was held in Military Hall, corner of New Street and Elm Place.

Charles Connolly, First Division Regular Army Engineers, was elected the first Commander. He also served as the Post’s 25th Commander.

From Military Hall the Post moved to the Church Street School and established headquarters there.

Later the Post purchased the home at 265 Washington Avenue. With volunteer help from the members, the building was put in shape as the Veterans of Foreign Wars Clubhouse.

The Veterans have taken an active part in all town civic and patriotic activities. Members are represented on the Nutley Civic Celebrations Committee, the Nutley Police Reserves and the Volunteer Fire Department. Many take part in parades on our national holidays.

During World War II the Post members took an active part in the Newspaper Drive, when the government made a call for old paper to use as containers. Civil War rifles and cannons owned by the Post were donated to the iron and brass Scrap Drives.

A Senior and Junior Drum and Bugle Corps was initiated by the Post.

The Post is represented on the Nutley Veterans Council which gives the annual award - American of the Year.

Each month the members and their families donate blood to the Essex County V.F.W. Blood Bank.

The Post in 1960 has a roster of 110 members. An active auxiliary is headed by Mrs. Arthur Ludwigson.

The present officers are: Commander, Carl Gardner; Senior Vice Commander, John Stankewitz; Junior Vice Commander, William Fusco; Adjutant, John McCann; Quartermaster, George Sinton; Chaplain, Earl Blair.