A Page from North Quabbin History: Documenting the history of the Roy Boyce VFW Post #650 – Athol Daily News

Often, we see organizations like the Roy L. Boyce VFW Post #650 (Veterans of Foreign Wars) at events such as parades and as sponsors of Little League teams and have no idea of the day to day work it requires to keep an organization like that running. Quartermaster Ron Ferguson and member Alan Bowers and Florence Copeland have now made sure the VFW history, and meeting minutes from 1921 to the present day have been preserved. Alan Bowers edited the book, titled The VFW 100 Year History, Ferguson served as researcher and proofreader for the book and Florence Copeland was assistant proofreader for the book.

The post was chartered on Jan. 6, 1921, celebrating its 100th anniversary on June 6 this year, in a ceremony where Athol VFW Commander Leo Barber and Post Quartermaster Ron Ferguson received a citation celebrating the Athol Post milestone from the National Chapter presented by the Massachusetts VFW Officers including Massachusetts VFW State Commander Russell Jobe, and VFW State Surgeon, Jody Freitas. The post also received a congratulatory certificate from the state of Massachusetts provided through State Rep. Susannah Whipps office.

The Athol VFW was started by World War I veterans who wanted to maintain their American Legion membership while also becoming a member of a VFW Post. These soldiers, he said, had served in a variety of locations including France, the Philippines, Siberia and on the high seas near Cuba. Over the years, Ferguson said, As the wars came along, we had other veterans join the organization, Ferguson said. The first commander of the post was Everett L. Thomas.

The Athol VFW post is named for Roy L. Boyce, who received the Silver Star for gallantry in action in Seichetrey, France. After declining to take shelter during heavy shell fire, Boyce was mortally wounded on April 13, 1918. Boyces Gold Star parents also became honorary members of the VFW.

In the early days, The VFW held meetings in the GAR (Grand Army of the Republic) Hall at 466 Main St. and then the post met at the Lithuanian Club. Currently, they meet at the DAV (Disabled American Veterans) Hall on Pine Street.

Bowers said he became involved in the book at a planning discussion of the 100th anniversary at a previous VFW meeting. When they were discussing what should be done to mark the anniversary, Bowers asked to review the meeting minutes from previous years and it was then decided to put the minutes together in a book, according to Bowers.

Along with meeting minutes, the book also includes included lists of commanders from the 1921 to the present day as well as the posts early history. In between the recordings of the local meeting minutes, Bowers also noted what was happening nationally at the time. As on April 12, 1921, when nationally Warren Harding rejected an invitation to join the League of Nations, Ferguson said. The book also has two pages at the end, according to Bowers, which documents the 100th anniversary ceremony held on June 6. The minutes of the VFW are not complete with the minutes from the 1948-1982 meetings missing. The VFW is always willing to accept any notes or other items associated with the VFW.

Among the community projects the VFW is involved in include participating in Memorial and Veterans Day events and parades with other local Veterans organizations. These veterans also participate in the annual River Rat parade. The VFW also support the VFW Little League team in Athol and provides funding for one of the canoe trophies during the annual River Rat Race, Ferguson said.

The post always welcomes Veterans of Foreign Wars from Athol, Orange and other North Quabbin towns without a post. One time in our heyday in the early 90s we had over 300 members. We now have about 35 members, said Ferguson. Membership is open to all veterans who have served in war zones or, in the case of the Navy and Coast Guard, within 300 miles of a war zone for more than 30 days.

Of the 10 books published, one has been donated to the Orange Historical Society, another is planned to be donated to the Athol Historical Society and several will be kept at the VFW Meeting Hall and can be viewed there. A copy of the book is also housed at the VFW office at the State House in Boston. More information about joining VFW Post #650 can be found by contacting Ferguson at 978-798-8035.

Carla Charter is a freelance writer from Phillipston. Her writing focuses on history with a particular interest in the history of the North Quabbin area.

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A Page from North Quabbin History: Documenting the history of the Roy Boyce VFW Post #650 - Athol Daily News