American Legion Post 303 Collection

Collection — Multiple Containers

Identifier: WHC-M-708

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

FULL FINDING AID (PDF)

Veterans organization. Awards, bulletins, and committee reports (1946–1950); correspondence (1946–1950); financial records (1946–1950); minutes of meetings (1944– 1950); membership applications (1946–1949); and scrapbooks (n.d.) of the University of Oklahoma American Legion post.

The records consist of the following: Correspondence and general files of the post’s officers, arranged by subject; unclassified materials including the post record of membership applications, minutes of meetings, financial papers, and the official seal of the post; printed matter, including American Legion college materials; three scrapbooks; a transcribed radio program; certificates of award; and photographs.

Dates

Creation: 1944-1950

Restrictions on Access

Available for public access.

Biographical / Historical

The Thomas C. Reynolds Post No. 303 was the first of the American Legion posts to be established by World War II veterans on college or university campuses. Founded in January, 1945, the post’s rise and decline closely followed the curve of veteran enrollment at the University of Oklahoma which reached a peak in 1948. The Thomas C. Reynolds Post was, during its existence, one of the most active in the state, sponsoring sporting events, dances, and other entertainment on the campus; solving problems for individual veterans; promoting bicycle safety for children; and serving the University, the city of Norman, the state, and the nation in other ways. The post was officially disbanded on January 15, 1950, and its records were deposited in the Division of Manuscripts of the University of Oklahoma Libraries at that time.