History of Post 491 McHenry
1918 - 1971
On November 18, 1918, an Armistice was declared to end World War. Even before peace was firmly established, the doughboys were in the process of forming the American Legion. Post 491 can be proud of the fact that at our fifth Commander, Jack Worth, was the recording secretary at the original caucus of the American Legion in Paris, France.
Post 491 was organized in 1919. The first election of officers was held at the McHenry City Hall. Our first Commander was AI Pouse and C. J. Reihansperger was Adjutant. World War I Veterans always were and still are a close-knit group . We owe them heartfelt thanks for their organizational foresight and for their influence on our Post.
The first regular meeting place was in the basement of Stoffel's Hall in West McHenry. This building is now known as the Wattles Apartments on the Northeast corner of Main and Front Streets.
In 1922 our first carnival was held and has since continued together with a 4th of July Fireworks display, to be one of the highlights of the entire summer season. Profits from Post carnivals were earmarked for community projects, purchase of a fire truck, street lighting and many other civic functions too numerous to mention.
1924
The Post moved ever forward, never forgetting the reasons for their organizing, service to God, Community, State and Nation. World War II was soon upon us and absorbed much of the energies of the Post.
Green Street
The end of World War II saw a large influx of new members. The meetings were held on Green Street above what is now known as "The Bootery". At this time Post 491 was actively involved in various projects to help and serve the World War II Veterans. Within a short period of time the Green Street property was purchased with the idea of sometime erecting a Post Home.
1948
In 1948, construction finally got started and Post 491 emerged into a grand and glorious monument to the Veterans of McHenry and a real tribute to the National Organization.
1950s
McHenry Post 491 continued to grow and at all times was a leader in civic affairs, sponsoring many groups; to mention a few: Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts, Girl Scouts, American Legion Baseball and in the middle of 1950 organized the Sons of the American Legion. Out of the latter group we were privileged to produce the "Viscounts" Drum & Bugle Corps which in 1961 won the State and National Championship S.A.L. Drum & Bugle Corps title.
One of the leading organizations within our Post is our Rifle Squad. Organized in the early 1950's with its original purpose being to bury the dead (military funerals) and to participate in parades, this group has quickly mushroomed into one of the most active groups 11 the Legion. It must be mentioned that since its beginning, over 90% of its members have been Post Officers and the rest have at least been chairmen of various Post activities.
1960s
In 1965, after completion of the sale of the Post property on Green street, the Post purchased a beautiful piece of property on Ringwood Road and began construction of a new and modern Post Home. It has become a meeting place for almost every civic, business, and social group in the entire area, and one or the finest contributions to the growth of the City of McHenry.
As a service organization, McHenry Post 491 looks back with pride and reverence at the many years of growth and at its members who made the Legion what it is today. In every year since 1919, there have been outstanding men and women who have sacrificed their time and have given of themselves wholeheartedly for the cause of the American Legion.
1971 to Present
Due to financial concerns and the condition of the building and the lowering volunteers and membership, it was decided to sell the building and the empty land attached. At this point meetings were held at the McHenry VFW.
In 1987 the Post purchased the current building at 1313 N. Riverside Drive. The Post remained a Members Only Post.
On Mother’s Day 2014 the Polish American Legion (PLAV) had a fire which decimated the building. As the VFW did for us, Post 491 welcomed the PLAV into our home. At this point the membership decided to open the post to the public as a gathering place. Today the public space of the Post is called “the Riverside Canteen.”
Post 491’s commitment to helping not only our members but other veterans in our community. In 2020 Post 491 played an important role in the complete reconstruction of a veteran’s home. Building countless ADA ramps with continue through the years as will constant donations to various food pantries.
In late 2020 the membership voted to do a major revitalization of the Riverside Canteen. In an unbelievable 17 days the Canteen was transformed in time to open in time for McHenry’s St. Patrick’s Day festivities. The immediate improvements included complete restroom overhaul, kitchen area opened to be more functional, bar expansion including 1005 new equipment to include putting soda on a soda gun eliminating the waste of using cans. The Icing on the cake was the new window display of our POW MIA Table donated by our contractor. Remodeling continued throughout the year to include attaching to the city water system eliminating the shallow point well, much needed roof repairs. The canteen today is a very inviting space where the entire community can come and enjoy.