The American Legion’s Powerful Impact on Lake Forest

By the Lake Forest-Lake Bluff History Center Leaving the bleak and barren battlefields of World War I, United States veterans—entering a society almost unrecognizable to them—returned to their homes. Beginning in 1919 when it was formed, the American Legion was involved with the famous G.I. Bill, dramatic healthcare changes, nationwide community service, and an everlasting goal to remind the country that freedom should never be taken for granted—honoring their lost brothers.

The American Legion’s story is especially fascinating when observed through the micro-historical lens of Lake Forest. Two years after the official creation of the American Legion, Lake Forest veterans—in honor of George Alexander McKinlock Jr., believed to be Lake Forest’s first casualty of The Great War— came together to form McKinlock Jr. Post 264. With the returning veterans shedding their military fatigues for civilian clothes and work uniforms, Post 264’s mission was to continue to bring veterans’ affairs into the spotlight, to give back to their community, as well as keep the legacy of their fallen brothers from fading. Some of the defining members of Post 264 included Commander Montague A. Rasmussen, Stanley Anderson, Joseph Lindemeyer, Stanley Kiddle, Wilbur Chapman, William H. Harding and Colonel Albert A. Sprague, among others.

The Lake Forest American Legion is named after George Alexander McKinlock Jr. The Legion’s first objective: a commemorative line of elm trees along Deerpath Road in honor of the men who were unable to return to their families in Lake Forest. In 1935, Post 264 dedicated the former Rasmussen Shoe Store—which had been moved to Wisconsin Avenue following the completion of Lake Forest’s Market Square—as the official meeting house. No endeavor would more clearly represent Post 264’s dedication to Lake Forest than Lake Forest Day, another one which was celebrated this month. The Legion’s inaugural hosting of Lake Forest Day back in 1923 and continued embrace of the event would serve as a constant reminder of the city’s patriotism, camaraderie, love of family, and dedicated history of service.

The members of Post 264 thrived in every aspect of Lake Forest’s community -- baseball team sponsorships, academic scholarships, and a wide array of public programs on community service and history for the younger generations showcased the members’ continued support for Lake Forest’s fostering ideals and citizens. Another particularly significant undertaking involving Post 264 has been the development of the former Downey Veterans Administration Hospital, now the Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center of North Chicago. Post 264 members tirelessly volunteered—and continue to volunteer—their time, energy, wisdom, and advocacy to ensure that veterans will continue to receive the heartfelt medical care and recognition they unquestionably deserve.

In recent years, Post 264 played a significant role in the dedication of Lake Forest’s Veterans Park monument on the corner of Deerpath Road and Green Bay Road. The striking golden eagle is a testament to both the courage and sacrifice of Lake Forest’s veterans, as well as the city’s continued dedication to support and honor those who have allowed us to live in peace and prosperity. The scores of members who proudly represent the name of George Alexander McKinlock Jr. continue to make long-lasting impacts on our community. The dedicated members—through their unwavering dedication—are role models, inspirations, and heroes for many generations today, and many more to come in the future.