Wiley B. Murray Post No. 27 Part 9 of 10
Special Relationships
From the very beginning in 1919, the Wiley B. Murray Post No. 27 enjoyed close relationships with the UCV, William P. Rogers Camp No. 322. In 1917, the old Confederates had cheered the Doughboys off to war, and when they returned, they were still around to welcome them back. The Doughboys were immediately accepted into their ranks and meetings. Immediately, the Doughboys assumed the role as their caretakers. Stooped with age, the Legionnaires witnessed the last years of the camp awaiting the final bugle call. The tap of canes and the creak of crutches kept pathetic time as the last camp roster in 1932, showed just three veterans left. However, the Legion’s role as caretakers would continue. 31
As the UCV died away, the Old Settlers Reunion took their place. Also, the Legion served as caretakers for probably the largest and most successful Ex-Ranger reunion in that organization’s history. The San Saba News reported on July 4, 1929: Submitted by Post Adjutant
“As the News goes to press Wednesday afternoon there are 2,000 pounds of beef and goat meat on cold storage waiting to be placed on the barbeque pit tonight for eats Thursday. Every pound of this was generously contributed by the farmers and ranch men of the county friends to the Legion.”
It was a tremendous affair with over eighty Ex-Rangers present for the three-day event. The Legion and Ladies Auxiliary fed over 2,000 people and afforded them every comfort available. The sponsorship for the Old Settlers Reunion would continue until 1990, when the last reunion was held.
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Throughout the years, the City National Bank in one way or another supported the American Legion and their projects. Almost every year the bank placed large advertisements in the local paper on Armistice Day and on their anniversary date. T. A. Murray and the bank contributed liberally to their many service projects in the city. In 1933, he again came to the rescue when the post lost its meeting place upstairs at the San Saba National Bank and allowed the post to relocate upstairs over his bank across from the courthouse.
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An important relationship the American Legion enjoyed was with the youth and their schools. At the very beginning of their existence the members visited the many school districts in the county and promoted patriotism. Some of the numerous projects were supporting the FFA, hosting the junior senior banquet and the homecoming dances, sponsoring the local boy scout troop, Golden Gloves boxing tournaments, and sponsoring girls for the Pecan Queen competition. They even arranged for ex-football players to play all-star football games between San Saba and their rival Goldthwaite. No doubt one of the most significant contributions was the creation of Memorial Field and supporting the various youth leagues and teams.
34 TO BE CONTINUED
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