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- Jennifer Donovan
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
A Century of Service: Celebrating 107 Years of American Legion Post 137
Gloversville is a city built on heritage, and this year we mark a truly remarkable milestone: the 107th Anniversary of the Harold Wilmot American Legion Post 137. Located at 200 North Main Street, this post is not just a building; it is a living monument to the service and sacrifice of our local veterans.
The Hero Behind the Name
Established on July 19, 1919, Post 137 was chartered just months after the American Legion itself was founded in Paris. It was named in honor of Private Harold Wilmot, a Gloversville native and U.S. Marine. Private Wilmot holds the solemn distinction of being the first casualty of World War I from Fulton County, having lost his life while serving in France.
His legacy is further immortalized by his 10-year-old niece, Marie Wilmot, who pulled the string to unveil the famous "Thinking Doughboy" statue in 1923, which still stands guard over North Main Street today. You can read the moving story of that unveiling at the Fulton County Historical Society.
The Gift of the "Legion House"
The iconic headquarters of Post 137, known as the Legion House, has a history as distinguished as the organization it houses. Built around 1930, the facility was made possible by a generous donation from Lucius Nathan Littauer.
Littauer was a powerhouse in Gloversville’s history—a U.S. Congressman, philanthropist, and the man behind Nathan Littauer Hospital. His dedication to providing a permanent home for veterans ensured that Post 137 could remain in continuous operation for over a century, making it what is believed to be the oldest operating American Legion Post in Fulton County.
A Legacy That Continues
Today, Post 137 remains a vibrant part of our downtown fabric. Its presence is marked by a New York State historic marker installed by the William G. Pomeroy Foundation, which serves as a daily reminder of the "Glove City's" commitment to those who served. Stop by, read the marker, and reflect on the generations of veterans who have passed through those doors. Whether it’s through the Hometown Heroes banner program or community memorial services, the spirit of Private Harold Wilmot and all our local heroes continue to inspire.
Thank you, Post 137, for 107 years of unwavering service!
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