Our History

Author presumed to be Herluf Sorensen, 1986

1946 - 1955 | 1956 - 1966 | 1967 - 1976 | 1977 - 1986

AMVETS POST 49 HISTORY HIGHLIGHTS 1946 - 1955

Shortly after World War II, a group of Veterans -- 15 to be exact -- met in the home of Anders Iversen for a discussion pertaining to the forming of a new Veterans Organization in Cedar Falls. This meeting occurred in 1946. The AMVET Post we have is the result of that meeting. This group set a pretty high goal initially; they decided to apply for membership in the National Organization when they acquired 100 members. In November of 1946, they made application with 109 members. We did not have a fine Home in which to meet. In those early days the AMVETS met upstairs at the Woodman Hall in downtown Cedar Falls.

The Cedar Falls AMVETS have endeavored through the years to make an impact in the community and this usually requires money. One of the first projects was a joint sponsorship with Waterloo of the Bob Hope Show at the Hippodrome. This netted $178.00. The next year something different was tried. A whole bunch of 2¢ pencils would be sold for a dollar each and chances would be given on a new car. This sounded swell, then the truth dawned, the car would have to be bought, paid for and given away. It was -- and about $2,000.00 was in the till. The Post Commander claimed it's the only time he ever mortgaged his wife to buy anything. Shortly after this, a resuscitator was purchased and turned over to the local fire department for use in emergencies. In cooperation with Sartori Hospital, a Blood Bank was established. AMVETS started to sponsor and handle the March of Dimes each year. This, of course, continued for many years, until the March of Dimes was no longer used exclusively for polio.

It was in 1948 that Cedar Falls had its first of several State Commanders. It was also in this year that the AMVET Home was built with a considerable amount of volunteer labor by members as well as the generosity of local business men who invested in the 10-year mortgage bonds. May of 1949 saw the official opening of this new Home.

The following year, Cedar Falls had the 7th largest AMVET Post in the nation. A basketball team was sponsored and advanced to the National finals in Denver, Colorado, gaining considerable publicity for Cedar Falls. Speaking of publicity, it was about this time that a big party was planned as a little money maker. This was (rumor has it that it was a girlie show) to be held at a building downtown which at that time was the Armory. Word of this spread pretty fast--the City Council invited some Post members down to talk about the party--then the Ministerial Association asked some Post members to sit in on a discussion and finally a Cedar Rapids radio station carried quite a blurb on the whole thing. Results -- a successful fund raiser and $900.00 in the treasury.

About this time, the Korean "Cold War" was taking place and Cedar Falls AMVETS sponsored a scrap metal drive. In addition, a major project called "AMVET Operation Korea" was undertaken. This was to collect and ship to service men useful articles such as soap, toothpaste, etc. Over 800 pounds of materials were shipped to units which included men from Cedar Falls. In 1952 was the Cedar Falls Centennial Celebration was held and Post 49 AMVETS sponsored a pageant with over 30 AMVETS, wives and children taking part.

During 1952, an extremely important event in AMVETS history occurred. A dedication program was held and Post 49 was officially named "The Guy W. Iversen Post #49" of Cedar Falls, Iowa. I would take this opportunity to read an excerpt from the dedication address given on that day -- "We have chosen the name of one, to represent many, because his life had all the characteristics that we have come to associate with the typical American boy. He was an example of all those things that we have come to know and hold dear and desirable in our community." The address then ended with this statement, "And so we here dedicate our AMVET Post to the preservation of the memory, the character, and principles of Guy W. Iversen."

Late in 1952, things looked pretty dark for the AMVET Home. We were deep in debt and things looked pretty glum. However, after several special meetings and with some special projects and understanding creditors, things took on a brighter look. One of the special projects was a gigantic White Elephant sale held on Main Street.

The "AMVET News" our Post paper, took on a new look--from a mimeographed two-pager to the form we now know--a fine, printed, readable, newsy edition.

The first Athletic Banquet for local high school athletes was held. A couple of AMVETS were responsible for this. It wasn't exactly sanctioned by the Post but after such a success, how could they turn it down?

During 1954, a very successful plan to support monthly activities was initiated. This was the season-ticket arrangement. Oh, yes! There was even an installment plan available. This was the year of the "Big Show"; a minstrel show put on by AMVET families. It was a very successful venture.

The following year was rather quiet in relation to others. AMVETS were talked into a gigantic water fight with the Fire Department downtown to publicize Fire Prevention Week--both sides claimed victory. Another successful March of Dimes campaign was carried out. Incidentally, over $50,000 was collected for the March of Dimes in the 11 years we sponsored this campaign.

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AMVETS POST 49 HISTORY HIGHLIGHTS 1956 - 1966

1956 brought about some serious thinking and doing about establishing a bond retirement fund, because some of the due dates on those 10-year mortgage bonds weren't far off. This was kicked off by a huge Bond Retirement Dance at the Riviera Ballroom. AMVETS sponsored a drive to obtain funds to send Bill Wieck to the Olympic wrestling tryouts in San Francisco. This year Waterloo and Cedar Falls had an equal number of members and were the two largest Posts in the State.

Most new groups of officers embark on something new and 1957 was no exception. Sponsorship of a horse show was the thing. They say no money was made but a lot of fun was had. This was the first year of Christmas Tree sales--a successful event that continued for many years. A big dance was held at the Electric Park this year. In all the success the Post realized it is only proper that the participation of the Ladies Auxiliary was paramount.  The Auxiliary cooperated in any way they could to guarantee the success of the many projects the AMVETS received credit for. The dance just mentioned is an outstanding example of this cooperation. It was through their efforts that this was a success.

1958 was the year the decision was made to end the sponsorship of the March of Dimes with the understanding that other community service projects would be undertaken. American flags were sold throughout the community and new flags were presented to 13 Scout troops in the city. AMVETS were asked to and did spearhead a drive for funds to purchase a truck-mounted survival unit for use by the Fire Department. Cedar Falls received two awards at State Convention -- one for membership and one for Americanism.

The 1959 officers really stepped into the middle of a hot debate, a decision had to be made on what to do in place of the March of Dimes. Finally it was agreed that Christmas Tree money would be used to help the Recreation Commission on the "T" Shirt Baseball League. Many thousands of dollars have been given for this purpose and other "Community Service Projects" from this program.

Another year rolled around and 19 American flags were given to local Scout troops. Plans were made to re-arrange the interior of the AMVET Home. Finances were looking good and $200 was put in the State Hospital Fund. Cedar Falls received the Community Service Award at State Convention and an award at National Convention for second best Post Paper in the nation.

1961 was another fairly quiet year. A stag or two helped to liven things up -- you know -- the kind that no one enjoys, but you can't get 'em all in the building. $200 was again sent to the State Hospital Fund and there was the usual annual donation for the "T" Shirt Baseball League.

The next year our drill team was started with 28 members, each one buying their own uniforms and the Post furnishing rifles and trappings. Their first appearance was the Memorial Day Parade.  This drill team would evolve into the present day "Honor Guard". 

Another milestone was reached in 1962 -- the mortgage on the original Home and property was burned!

In 1963 another remodeling of the interior of the AMVET Home was accomplished. Oh yes, a softball team was formed. I guess they had a successful season--they won the first and last game they played.

In February of 1965 the Post donated $2,500 for community services, $1,000 went to furnish a room at Sartori Hospital and $500 to the "T" Shirt League. Cedar Falls hosted the AMVET State Golf Tournament. We hit a new high for membership. Skip Randall was elected State Commander.

Thresher's Field Day was the big project the next year and it was mighty successful. Operation "Back Up" for Vietnam was sponsored and gifts were provided for Operation "We Care". Post 49 received the "Outstanding Post Award" from National, and became the 5th largest Post in the nation.

Junior AMVETS was started in Cedar Falls, the first in Iowa. Membership in the Post was again at a new high - over 600.

1966 proved to be a big year for our Post. We hosted the State Convention in Cedar Falls in June, and the Post received the awards for "Outstanding Post" and "Outstanding Auxiliary". Completion of the addition to the Home was in sight and the Commander set the membership quota at 1,000 members.

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  Two views of early expansion of our home.

AMVETS POST 49 HISTORY HIGHLIGHTS 1967 - 1976

The addition to the Home started the previous year was dedicated May 7, 1967. Post 49 received the State Auxiliary "Post of the Year" award at the State Convention this year. Evidence of inflation showed up when the price of the Saturday Night Steak Dinners was raised to $2.25.

Early in 1968, over 50 flags had been donated to Boy and Girl Scouts, Cub Packs, Blue Birds, Campfire Girls, Brownies, etc. AMVETS provided the new flag, plaque, and flagpole for the new City Hall as well as participating in the dedication.

A local 14-month old girl, Stacey Goodrich, required spinal surgery and Post 49 undertook a fund drive to help out this young family. Considerable effort was put into this with a door-to-door campaign and a Benefit Dance at Electric Park. Over $4,300 was collected for this worthwhile cause.

Over the years Post 49 has received many awards at both State and National Conventions. 1969 was no exception when we received two awards at the National Convention in Detroit.  Our Post was named "Post of the Year for Membership". With well over 1,000 members, we were the largest post in the nation. Post 49 also received recognition for being the "Outstanding Post of the Year".

This year, 1969, provided the highest profit to date - over $1,200 from Christmas Tree sales for community projects.

1970 was a busy year with Cedar Falls hosting the State Convention in addition to completing several ongoing programs. This year the Post earned an award for sponsoring or assisting in Youth Opportunity Programs in the community. These consisted of three different youth baseball leagues, two drum and bugle corps, and help at Camp Hartman YMCA. It was another year with over 1,000 members.

This year also saw the Post donate sufficient funds for to furnish another room at Sartori Hospital, our fine community health facility.

1971 kept members occupied with the ongoing support of community projects, and an extremely full slate of special activities here at the Home. It was another year of firsts for Cedar Falls. The first Sad Sack unit in the State of Iowa was formed. This was the "Fun" organization of AMVETS.

The following year this group was installed into the National Sad Sacks. They also sponsored a local girl for a National Nursing Scholarship award. This was a successful venture. Once again membership was over 1,000.

Donations to the many community projects were beginning to fall off and legalized bingo became available in 1973. AMVETS obtained a license and held regular weekly games. The crowds were almost too much for both the parking facilities and the building. This year also marked the addition of a much needed storage building on the AMVET property.

This year ended Christmas Tree sales by AMVETS; 17 years provided over $14,000 for community and youth programs.

Growth of our AMVET Post continued in 1974 with membership going over 1,100 for the first time. This year was also a big year in helping others. Over $3,250 was raised to help not only local community projects, but also VA hospitals and other worthwhile causes.

1975 and 1976 appeared to be rather difficult years for the Post. Bingo, our primary source of funds for community projects almost came to a halt when a new license was required, almost overnight.  A hurried trip to Des Moines by a couple of AMVETS kept this fund raising activity vital.

One issue of the AMVET paper carried the headline, "Let's Sell The Home." That didn't happen of course, but probably created considerable interest.

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AMVET POST 49 HISTORY HIGHLIGHTS 1977 - 1986

After many years of having a monthly newsletter called "AMVET News" it was decided any Post could have that. Therefore, a new name was decided upon -- the "Forty-Niner" which still stands. A major rebuilding job of the AMVET Home kitchen was undertaken in 1977. Post 49 was again the largest Post in Iowa.

1978 marked the return of the State Convention to Cedar Falls with Post 49 hosting this event. Once again a goodly amount was donated for Community Service -- well over $2,000.

The Vial-of-Life Program was endorsed and actively supported by AMVETS in 1979. Well over 900 Vials were distributed for people to place in their refrigerators for use as necessary. Along about this period we started to help support Special Olympics. This financial support continued for many years.

Late in 1981 the National Commander paid a visit to Cedar Falls Post 49 and awarded the Post the award for being Post-of-the-Month.

After many years Bingo had run its course and was finally abandoned in favor of other means to help finance community projects. The Cedar Falls Fire Department considered obtaining a piece of rescue equipment called "Jaws-of-Life".  Post 49 AMVETS helped to make this a reality with their financial donation.

1983 was a year for another fund drive in Cedar Falls sponsored by this Post. This was to help the Police Department obtain some police canines. Over $3,000 was presented to the Police Department for this project.

In addition to the regular activities and projects in 1984, we hosted the State AMVETS Golf Tournament. The following year was another time for some physical improvements inside the Home as well as a new front and sign on the outside. This was also the year of the First Annual Cedar Falls AMVETS Golf Tournament.

The year 1986 is not over yet, but much has been accomplished already. A bicycle ride for Hospice was very successful making possible a donation of $700 to Cedar Valley Hospice.

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