Sunday, August 23, 2009

July 6,1952 Legion Ball Park Officially Dedicated

The new American Legion ball park was officially dedicated to the youth of the community in impressive services at the park Sunday afternoon, July 5 by offices and members of Craig-Wheeler
Duzan Post No 67 American Legion; officers and members of Rich Hill Lodge 1026 B. P.O. Elks,and visiting State officers of the American Legion .A large crowd was present.
The program was conducted from the speakers platform in front of the grandstand near home plate and was decorated with American flags. In place also was the colors of the local Post of the
American Legion who sponsored the building of the park. The program was carried to the large audience over a pubic address system.
Glen Droz, a member of the local Legion Post, acted as Master of ceremonies.
Preceding the ceremony a concert was given by the members of the R-IV School district band,under the direction of Jon Ferguson, instructor of music in our school.
The dedication services opened by an impressive - flag raising ceremony conducted by color guard and mem­bers of the local Legion Post fol­lowed by a prayer by Lowell Davis
The flag pole was a gift from the officers and members of the Rich Hill Lodge No. 1026 B.P.O. Elks and was erected in deep center field near the board fence. The flag was also a gift from the organization . In behalf of the order services dedicating the staff and presentation of the flag were conducted by Frank Ralston and C.F. Krieger, members of the local order of Elks.
Sam Fisher, commander of Craig-Wheeler-Duzan Post No. 67 of the American Legion gave a resume of the method used in acquiring the land and the planning, buiding and completion of the project.
The dedication address was given by James. Whitfield- of Warrensburg Department , Adjutant,Missouri Department of American Legion. Mr. Whitfield is an excellent speaker. His talk was interesting and was thoroughly enjoyed by all.
Mr. Whitfield was accompanied by Bill Cain of Butler, a sixth District Legion officer.
A baseball game Ft. Scott and Legionnaires followed the dedication services.

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