The following are excerpts from “A History of Goose Creek Post No. 166” by the late Malvin W. Mann, as retold by Don Pace, 6-time Post Commander
The year was 1967, the month was November (if I am not mistaken) a young fellow by the name of Malvin Mann was the 1st Vice Commander and Adjutant of North Charleston Post 59. Malvin was requested and encouraged by the District One Commander to start an American Legion Post in Goose Creek. Malvin accepted the challenge and in a few days had the necessary signatures required for a temporary charter, the membership fee was set at $10 per person. The temporary charter was approved and presented to Post 166 by the American Legion Department of South Carolina Headquarters in Columbia.
At that time, there was no building for Post 166 to meet, so as a result an arrangement was worked out with “Deno’s Pub” (located by the train tracks in what was known as ‘The Village’, it now houses the title loan facility.) Bingo was played three nights each week, money was coming in and everyone was happy. Malvin was elected to serve as Post Commander (the first of Post 166) and the Auxiliary was granted a charter.
During the years of 1967-1968, Malvin Mann was not only the first Post Commander of Post 166, he was, also, the Mayor of Goose Creek. Post 166 then moved into a building on Highway 176, where in order to raise money, Bingo was played, as well as entertainment for the young people of Goose Creek. No alcoholic beverages were served in this location – membership declined. As a result, this location was abandoned, and the members met wherever they could.
Now, one of the Charter Members (a local magistrate) by the name of M.C. Cannon came to the rescue. (M.C. Cannon later became the Sheriff of Berkeley County). He informed Commander Mann of a piece of land owned by Berkeley County that might be available for use as an American Legion Post. Commander Mann visited Senator Rembert Dennis and explained the plight of Post 166 needing property for a Post Home. Senator Dennis got with the necessary officials and as a result, the property this Post now sits on was purchased for the sum of $1.00.
The Post has the property – but no money or building.
Up stepped another Charter Member by the name of Mr. Roland A. Dordal. Legionnaire Dordal, along with Post Commander Mann ran an ad in the Charleston, SC News & Courier, (which later became the Post & Courier). The ad stated that American Legion Post 166 was in dire need of a building. The only reply received was from 1st Federal Savings and Loan in North Charleston. In their reply, it was stated they (1st Federal) had a building located at the intersection of Rivers Avenue and Cosgrove Avenue. They would sell it to Post 166 for $1,000.00 because there were plans for a new bank building to be built on that property.
Okay, folks. Now the Post had the needed property as well as a perspective building to put on the property. However, there was NO MONEY to purchase the building. This problem of ‘NO MONEY’ was explained to the manager of 1st Federal and that we (Post 166) wanted and needed the building. The manager of 1st Federal agreed to sell the building to Post 166 for the amount of $1.00, but, he stipulated the building had to be moved ASAP be-cause their new building was scheduled for the construction to begin.
The ongoing problem of ‘NO MONEY’ was once again explained to the manager of 1st Federal. The manager of 1st Federal not only agreed to sell the building for the sum of $1.00 but would also loan Post 166 $7,000 to move and renovate it. Post 166 membership was polled, and it was approved to obtain the loan. (Note – Amazing what people can accomplish when they work together instead of arguing). By the way, the building was a duplex apartment building. It came with two of every-thing–kitchens, stoves, etc.
Now comes the fun part. The building had to be moved from its location at the intersection of Cosgrove and Rivers Ave. to Goose Creek. WOW, this is a bigger job than a pick-up truck could handle. Well up jumped Chitwood House Movers (hired by Commander Mann), and in a short period of time the building was delivered and safely deposited in the correct location facing the correct direction. (thank heavens the government did not get involved.)
The building was now on our property, the real work has just begun. To start with water and sewer service had to be established. The tap-ins were provided by Charter Member Mr. S.E. Felkel with the ditch being dug from the building to the sewer line by Charter Member Mr. Elliot Beckham. We now had the basics, now the sewer line had to be laid. Up stepped Charter Member Mr. Roland Dordal (again) and along with his boys commenced to lay the sewer line. Well along came the rain (about a weeks’ worth). Now the ditch was filled with rainwater and had caved in, everything had to be redone. After a lot of rework and bad language, the sewer line was completed, and to this day some of that same sewer line remains in use.
Electricity had to be hooked up, this was accomplished between Post Commander Mann (who was also the Goose Creek Mayor), Charter Member Sheriff M. C. Cannon, and Berkeley Electric. (Later we will cover how during dances in the old building the lights would go out, and how they were restored.)
Post 166 now had a building with Water/Sewer/Electricity, however no furniture or bar. Meetings were still being conducted at the location of Hwy 52 and Redbank Road with very few members.
Post 166 now has the building on our property on Howe Hall Road with all the necessities of life (water/lights/sewage) The Second Post Commander was elected and sworn in, he was Ralland E. Whipple originally from South Dakota (Note: So was Commander Mann also from South Dakota was a Sailor and new member Lynwood Miller.) Post 166 now had a Legal “E” Board consisting of three members just mentioned and members C.A. “AL” Lammers, Bill Farmer, Harvey Stringer, Bob Crawley, Allen Wells, Jerry Wright (who later became Post Commander) Harrison “H.B.” Waddell, Jack Mathis, and James D. “Jim” Marrale (Note: Bob Crawley, Jerry Wright, H.B. Waddell, Jack Mathis, and Jim Marrale all became Post Commander in years to come.) Unfortunately, every one of these members has passed on, each one was totally dedicated to Post 166, they were truly the Founding Fathers.
As these members were working really hard for the future – tables, chairs, bar stools began appearing – and thanks to Past Post Commander Jack Mathis the parking lot got paved – no more trudging through the mud. We were becoming somebody. Ms. “Nina” Waddell was hired as the first Club Manager, “Billy Lamb and the Waggoneers” became the House Band playing good old Country Music and Western Swing every Friday and Saturday night. There were times that even the building itself got the “Feeling” and would rock and vibrate until the electricity would go out. However, have no fear because H.B. Waddell and Jim Marrale would disappear for a little while and presto the electricity would “Reconnect.” Hell, “The Waggoneers” never skipped a note and the dancers never missed a step. I am pretty sure all the adult beverages served during those blackouts were properly paid for – “Nina” would see to that.
Post 166 was growing by leaps and bounds and interesting enough was still operating with a temporary Charter while Auxiliary Unit 166 had their Permanent Charter. Maybe the Department of South Carolina viewed us as the Bad Boys on the block – Boy did we show them in the coming years.
As mentioned, we were outgrowing our building and Plans were being made for a new building (the current one.) Next, we cover some individual contributions to Post 166, as well as some “True” or “Not So True” Story’s.
As previously mentioned, the members of Auxiliary Unit 166’s Color Guard and Marching were: Flag Bearer Ms. Stella Mary Poling, other members were: Joanne Beard, Louise Wells, Brenda Carroll, Vickie Kiley, Barbara Farmer, Kathy Ahner, these ladies marched in all the area parades along with the Post’s Original Guard and Marching Unit Consisting of Eddie Rourke, Kevin McIntire, Wayne Beard, and Don Pace. Some of these parades were up to five miles and the Auxiliary Unit 166 Marching Unit performed Short Order Drills and stayed in step the entire length of the parade.
Post 166 was rapidly outgrowing the “Old Building”. Plans as well as dreams were taking shape. The very first thing to be addressed was the needed funding, a lot of money had to be raised (it seems like the need for money never goes away). A Finance Committee was hastily formed. They were Past Post Commander Jack Mathis, Finance Officer Don Wagner, Allen Wells, Bob Crawley, and H.B. Waddell. These members worked up plans and worked diligently to raise money. Other members who worked hard behind the scenes and arranged commercial loans were Sheriff M.C. Cannon, Mr. Henry Niles, and Mr. Merritt Worley. It should be mentioned here, the driving force behind this great project was Mr. James (Jim) Marrale, Jim later became Post Commander, Chef de Gare of Voiture 1067, as well as the Coach of Post 166 Baseball Team. Under his coaching, Post 166 Baseball Team brought home a lot of trophies and a State Championship. In addition to commercial loans (which required collateral), some members were taking out second mortgages on their homes, personal loans, and hocking their car titles. All of this to build the building we are now in and the slab had not even been laid yet. Of all the Fundraisers we had in those days the one that stands out in my mind was the Post 166 Jacket Project. It was simple, and it worked. For a donation of $500.00 (Payable in payments or cash upfront) you receive a jacket- the back was imprinted with the American Legion Emblem in the middle with “I AM A VIP AT POST 166” surrounding the emblem. On the Front was the American Legion Emblem with Post 166 printed over the top. A lot of these jackets were sold and proudly worn by members who purchased them. I wonder how many are still around hanging in someone’s closet. Not many I’m sure. Keep in mind this was being done and we were still operating out of the “The Old Building”
As I mentioned, some of the means we had to procure funds – Keep in mind these methods of fund-raising were not the only ones – there were private donations by Legionnaires – Raffle Tickets, as well as auctions – Money was becoming available. Construction has not begun – However, mud was beginning to fly behind the old building.
The ground had to be leveled, filled in and smoothed, some of this was accomplished by commercial companies being paid, as well as, donations of time and equipment by those same companies. Also, Legionnaires were chipping in with shovels, rakes, wheel barrels as well as any other devices they could acquire – All of this effort was being done not just on weekends, but every night after work. One story that comes to mind concerns me, (It is not a Sea Story, it is totally true). At the time I was the Rental Manager with Construction Equipment Sales and Rental Company located on Azalea Drive. (They are no longer in business, not my fault) One Friday afternoon I loaded a Ford 335 tractor with a bucket on the front and a landscape blade on the back of a trailer. On Saturday morning I arrived early at the Post and offloaded this piece of equipment and commenced moving dirt and smoothing ground. Well, it was warm that day, and getting hotter, I was building up a thirst. To my rescue came the bartender Miss Betty Bunch with a cold refreshing brew, as the afternoon progressed the temperature climbed, Miss Betty would refresh me – I became so refreshed that it became necessary to visit the men’s room. I fell off the damn tractor, it was still in gear with the wheels turned to the left and making nice circles. I do not know (Even to this day) who jumped on that thing and stopped it- But whoever it was -I owe you a refreshment. I will cover more on the dirt moving and other steps later.
I really think it is important to cover some of the things the Sons of The American Legion (SAL) have done for our Post. Unfortunately, very few of our members have any knowledge of the work and assistance the SAL provided in the building of Post 166. Most of these members were teenagers during this time, they came out at night and on weekends and performed every task asked of them from moving dirt, digging ditches, cutting trees, removing bushes, erecting fences, pouring concrete, laying pipe, hanging sheetrock, laying tile. Some of these SAL Members also played on the Post 166 American Legion Baseball Team. The SAL is still providing. The next time you are in the Post on the Bar side look up at the ceiling, some the tiles you see were bought and installed by the SAL. Squadron Commander Clyde Chandler has provided me with a list of names of SAL Members and what they did for this Post during and after construction of Post 166 “New Building”
They include Clyde Chandler, Kenny Chandler, Ronald (R.T.) Todd, Michael Waddell, Donald (Boober) Waddell, Dennis Fritts, Tom Club, Charlie Bowzer, Donald Gentry, Jim Marrale, Jr, Bryan Marrale, Duel Members (Legion & SAL) Jim Marrale, Al Wells, Kevin McIntire, Mitch Brooks, Gary Dayton. One Fundraiser I failed to mention was the “SAL” Oyster Roasts and Fish Fry’s. These activities were sponsored by and worked by the “SAL”, they were well attended by Legionnaires, family members as well as the General Public. All “Net Proceeds” received from these events were donated to the Post by the “SAL”. The SAL still puts on outstanding Oyster Roasts and Fish Fry’s – However they must be asked.
After a long, long time the ground has finally been leveled, smoothed and ready for concrete. The slab has been poured, steel framework, siding, and the roof are in place. It is now time to move inside and start the interior work, A lot of work had to be done, everything from electrical wiring to piping, plumbing, sheetrock, ceiling, A/C, painting, tiling, and hanging doors. There were no Professional Construction Companies involved in this effect. It was all done by Legionnaires after work and on weekends. During this period, we were still operating and conducting American Legion official business out of the old building. Also, during this period of long hours away from home life, you might wonder what the wives thought. I am sure there were disagreements from time to time (Some of which were close to home), however for the most part these wives were Auxiliary Members and conducted several projects and fund-raising events to help.
The Sons of the Legion (SAL) were instrumental in the construction of Post 166 “New Building”. These young men unselfishly took time out of their personal lives and worked alongside the Legionnaires. I wish to take this opportunity on behalf of myself as well as all dedicated Legionnaires of that ERA who built this Post, to simply say “Thank You”.
Thank You, Clyde and Kenny Chandler, Ronald (R.T) Todd, James Jr and Bryan Marrale for all the fence work, Michael Waddell for the plumbing and pipework, Donald “Boober” Waddell for the A/C work, Dennis Fritts for laying tile, Tom Club and Charles Bowzer for sheetrock work, Donald Gentry along with previously mentioned members for the concrete work. These young men also assisted with the projects previously mentioned.
Next, I will try to cover some of the events, accomplishments, and fundraisers Auxiliary Unit 166 did during that ERA. They truly did a lot.
Also, I want to try (depending on my memory) to identify the key players and planners that spearheaded the building of Post 166, not just the building itself but also the reputation of Post 166, from nothing to award-winning.
While we (Post 166) were still operating in our original location (as previously covered) some of the wives of our members wanted to establish an Auxiliary Unit to assist the Legionnaires in their efforts. After receiving an application, they applied for their charter, amazingly they received their charter in a short period of time, in fact, two years before Post 166 received their Permanent Charter.
Following the receipt of their Charter, Auxiliary Unit 166 went to work. Some of these Ladies replaced their dresses for working clothes and worked right alongside the men doing the same amount of hard dirty work. While still operating from Post 166’s original location as well as the “Old” building, the Ladies of Auxiliary Unit 166 would conduct raffles, (Once they raffled a member’s husband to clean the winner’s house) there were times when there were so many raffles being conducted ( Not just by the Auxiliary) that entering the building, (Both old and new) was hazardous to the health of your wallet. Raffles were not the sole source of income, they conducted yard sales, organized, and conducted auctions as always, the funds raised from these activities were shared with Post 166 to help with expenses.
Of all the fundraisers put on by the Auxiliary Unit the greatest of all were dinners, especially the Bean Dinners. The Ladies would prepare different type of beans or chili, some would bring meatloaf, stuffed cabbage, various pasta dishes, or whatever was their specialty. Once a ticket was purchased, you were invited to sample everything available, more than once. These dinners were extraordinarily successful and were the primary source of income for their support of Girl State.
While doing all the above mentioned, the Ladies of Auxiliary Unit 166 conducted fly over ceremonies, promoting Junior Girls to the Auxiliary. They formed Marching Units and participated in all areas parades, including Christmas and Veterans Day, Attended and assisted in all Patriotic Ceremonies conducted in Goose Creek, West Ashley, Moncks Corner and Mt. Pleasant. During one of the two visits of the “Vietnam Veterans Traveling Wall” Auxiliary Unit 166 members assisted Legionnaires with helping family members or past friends find a Veteran’s name on the wall. On one cold night twelve Legionnaires of Post 166 traveled to Patriots Point and read from a book the names imprinted on the Vietnam Veteran’s Wall, between the hours of 2000 until 2400. Upon returning to the Post, we found a hot well-prepared breakfast put on and paid for by the Ladies of Auxiliary Unit 166.
Auxiliary Unit 166 found time and was instrumental with Post 166 efforts during our assistance to the community following both Hurricane Hugo as well as the floods in Georgia and the hurricane in Louisiana. American Legion Auxiliary Unit 166 has in the past been a proud group of ladies working together for the benefit of their Unit as well as Post 166.
They are a credit to their National Organization and to Post 166. I personally had the honor of working with these Ladies during five terms of being Post 166’s Commander. “Thank you, Unit 166, for all you have done.”
This is my final “History of the Post” entry in the monthly newsletter. It has been my privilege to try and tell the history of the Greatest American Legion Post in the Department of South Carolina. I only touched on the highlights of this Post, there remains an enormous number of untold stories about the Post, but it would require someone with more talent than I possess to tell them in a proper manner.