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American Legion
749 Milwaukee Ave, Gurnee, IL 60031
The Gurnee American Legion Post 771 is located at the southeast corner of Grand Ave. (Rte. 132) and Milwaukee Ave. The Des Plaines River is located behind the building. There are currently six youth baseball fields located on the south portion of the property.
The following is an abbreviated history written by Beverly D. Shaw on March 12, 1976 that is posted on the Gurnee American Legion Post 771 website:
In 1919, the Navy and Marine Post #188, consisting of Navy and Marine flyers from WW I, was chartered in Chicago and later moved to Great Lakes which lasted until 1929. In 1935, the post was reactivated and chartered on May 23 as Admiral William A. Moffett Aviation Post 771, locating in North Chicago in the Sheridan Building. "Aviation" was eventually dropped from the charter name.
November 1, 1938, an open house was held in Depke's Garage in Gurnee and several local members of Post 771 requested a need of a Post in the village. In February 1939, Post 771 was moved to Gurnee, first held in Depke's Garage and then in the Gurnee First Station located in the rear of McClure's Garage. In 1941, the women's auxiliary was organized. In the summer of 1942, the Post moved to Woodmen Hall located on Grand Ave.
On April 1, 1946, the Post purchased the present property (above) and ground was broken in 1949. The first meeting on April 19, 1950 was held in their new building. In February 1955, plans for a new addition located on the south side of the building were made. In June 1955, the first Junior Legion baseball team was organized. In August 1957, the Sons of the Legion organization was formed. Another new addition to the building was built in June 1958. In August 1965, additional land was purchased on the south side of the building and three baseball diamonds were dedicated on May 1, 1966, as Faulkner Field in honor of Chester Faulkner.
Throughout the years, Post 771 continues to be active in the community and many events have been held at the Legion facility and baseball fields.