The Thompkins-Jenkins American Legion post in the Jackson County community of Preston was established on March 2, 1922, during a meeting held at the local Opera House. Twenty-six men were present for the meeting, which included the election of officers and the decision to name the post for two residents who lost their lives in World War I. The present Legion hall was purchased in 1947.
In 1924, an American Legion post was chartered with initial meetings held in the Miners Hall. Named as a combination of the once-independent towns of Dallas and Melcher, post membership grew significantly following World War II and a permanent space was needed. The organization bought the Melcher Union Building, and has since expanded it twice. The hall has been used as a meeting place, for wedding receptions, senior citizens affairs, a voting hall, and more.
An American Legion post was established in the Emmet County town of Ringsted on January 27, 1920. Named in memory of two local soldiers, membership in the Christiansen-Bonnicksen Post grew significantly after World War II, and the organization sought a headquarters site. In the fall of 1993, a fire extensively damaged the American Legion building.
With help from the Ringsted community, the building was completely repaired and remodeled and reopened in 1994. Under the direction of Legion members and a local volunteer board, the center has hosted many events, from meetings to receptions to graduation parties.
Named for the first Oto-area World War I veteran to pass away, the Henry V. McKenna Post No. 651 was organized in June 1934 and received its charter in August 1934. When a Legion Auxiliary unit was organized in 1935, they joined with the Legion to purchase a former barbershop for use as a shared Legion Hall. A kitchen was added to the building in the early 1950s; the facility continues to serves both organizations today.
On July 17, 1919, the discharged soldiers, sailors and marines of Lorimor were granted a charter from the American Legion headquarters in Washington D.C. The 57 founding members organized the Fred N. Davis Post, named after the first Lorimor resident to be killed in World War I. The current Legion Hall was purchased at a cost of $1,500 in 1957.