Wiley B. Murray Post No. 27 Part 6 of 10
During the lean years of the Great Depression, the Legionnaires provided Christmas cheer and charity for the community. The San Saba News reported December 17, 1932: “The American Legion is again this year planning for an old time Christmas tree on the plaza. This is in an effort to see that every kiddie in town has a visit from Santa Claus. Old Santa Claus in person will be there about 7 0”clock Thursday night, December 24, Christmas Eve. The tree will be placed this week and be lighted by the Texas Power & Light Co., and its decorations will be a thing of beauty. People who want to have a part in this distribution of gifts may leave either cash, toys, or other articles with Johnny Haltmar……This is being fostered with a sincere desire to see that each and every child in San Saba is remembered by some token of love at this Christmas time.”
Even before the Doughboys arrived home, there was a movement to have a monument erected on the courthouse square to honor the war dead. It was initiated by W. F. Sullivan, an old Indian fighter and Texas Ranger. Sullivan, known by “Uncle Dick”, placed an eloquent and moving article in the San Saba News on December 19, 1919: “….To those who have died has been denied the reward of joining in the final triumph and exultation over victory…. they died with the knowledge that their lives had paved the way for liberty….I will pay a liberal sum toward erecting a monument in our courthouse yard in memory of our dead and wounded soldiers who went from our country that future generations may honor their memory.”
For the next full year, the newspaper endorsed the idea of the project. An organized fundraising effort began, and the donors and the amount pledged was published. T. A. Murray pledged the most with $100. Unfortunately, the project never materialized. Regardless, Uncle Dick was determined to take action. The San Saba News shamed the public for its lack of support with the following story November 23, 1922: “Uncle Dick Sullivan has a heart full of human kindness…. He was the first to propose an enduring monument to commemorate the glorious victory of our soldiers [sic] boys…. The old town failed to observe Armistice Day this year. Not so with Uncle Dick, for he planted a real pecan tree in the northwest corner of the (courthouse) yard. It was planted to commemorate in future years the valor of American soldiers who whipped the Kaiser. It was a worthy motive and deserves the encouragement and, in fact, the emulation of all good citizens.”
However, the monument idea would arise again in 1932, 1944 and 1946.
TO BE CONTINUED
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