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The Bradley VFW Post 650 began in 1946 with 72 charter members. Charles DeLong was the first commander. In
1947, the Auxiliary was formed and instituted with 17 charter
members. Mrs. Edward Stelter served as president.
Funds for the post were raised through outdoor
fish fries and carnivals.
In 1950, the first club rooms were located at
234 W. Broadway. Melvin Vickers headed this project.
Lionel (Pat) LeBran was the first club
manager, at which time the club room seated 10 people. The post
and Auxiliary held their meetings in Woodman Hall.
On June 11, 1951, the Post purched the
building at 457 W. Broadway. There were 81 members at that
time. Theodore Gulczynski was commander and Mrs. Mary LeBran was
president.
The Auxiliary kitchen was started during
1951. Approximately 30 pounds of fish were sold at Friday fish
fries. The Auxiliary membership at the tome was 40.
Lionel LeBran became the 7th District
Commander in April 1953.
The mortgage for the Post building was burned in June of 1953 by
Commander Alfred papineau and Auxiliary President Mrs. Thedore Gulczynski.
Richard Owen was elected 7th District
President in April 1954.
Others who have served in the capacity of 7th
District Commander and President are: 1960 Victor Maxedon; 1963 Mrs.
Delmar Gagnon: 1966 Mrs Victor Maxedon.
In April 1966, the Post moved into the
building at 370 W Broadway. At that time the membership was
268. Marvid Johnson was commander; Mrs. Delmar Gagnon, president
of the Auxiliary.
In 1967, at the time of Bradley's Diamond
Jubilee, VFW Post 650 membership stood at 450 and 245 women belonged to
the Auxiliary.
From the time Loyalty Day was instituted in
1957 to 1967 participation rose from 58 to 150.
Post officers in 1967 were Neil Purkey,
commander; Mrs. Delmar Gagnon, president; Donald LeBran, club manager.
The Bradley Post closed sometime after 2008.
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