In December 1945, a group predominantly comprising World War II veterans embarked on the journey to establish an American Legion Post. World War I veteran Albert Phillips proposed that if they could enlist 25 individuals by year-end, they could initiate an American Legion branch in Hampstead, designated as Post #200. This number held significant importance to them, and their collective efforts bore fruit as enough members rallied, culminating in the formation of the Post. Charles (Booker) Miller, the temporary chairman, presided until the first officer elections on May 27, 1946. Albert Phillips, Sr. assumed the mantle of Commander, with Charles Miller as the 1st Vice Commander. When it came to choosing a name for our newly minted Post, the options considered were Hampstead Post, Singer-Curtis Post, The Mason-Dixon Post, or the name of the first local serviceman to sacrifice his life in the war. Through unanimous consensus, the Post’s name was decided as Hampstead Post 200. On July 15, 1946, the Department of Maryland bestowed a temporary charter upon them. The Post initially convened on the second floor of the old Hampstead Fire Hall, which is now the site of Towne Pride, Inc. On January 1, 1950, they inaugurated a new Post Home situated at the intersection of Main

and Lower Beckleysville Road, marking a significant milestone in their history. The former Hyson’s Appliance Store was secured for $16,000, with $7,000 paid upfront and $9,000 borrowed from the Hampstead Bank. The loan was fully repaid on March 15, 1963, liberating Post 200 from financial encumbrances. The venue witnessed a myriad of events, including suppers, seafood parties, bull roasts, and a Saturday night teen center, fondly remembered by the countless teenagers who experienced joy under the supervision of Mary and Bob Albright. Richard Hyson, Past Commander (deceased) from 1956-1957, reminisced about the Legion’s history, including when the Post hosted a week-long carnival behind its former location. He recalled the presence of a live-in bartender named (Elwood) Bill Horn, who occupied a small room at the rear of the building. Concurrently, under the leadership of Edgar Snyder, a “permanent” charter was granted by the Department of Maryland in January 1957.

In 1969, Post 200 acquired ten acres of land, complete with an aging barn, located on the outskirts of Hampstead, for $20,000. This barn underwent extensive renovations to become the new Post Home, boasting a two-story configuration with a lounge and meeting room on the first floor and a hall on the second floor. Sometime in 1984, an expansion was executed, effectively doubling the downstairs area. In 1994, an additional 2 ½ acres were acquired under Commander Thomas Wickline, Sr., further expanding the Post’s premises. In addition to our national affiliation with the American Legion, chartered in September 1919 after World War I’s conclusion, we proudly belong to The American Legion, Department of Maryland, Inc., and The Western Maryland District of Maryland. The American Legion Auxiliary Unit 200 obtained its original charter on May 8, 1950, with 38 esteemed members. This was followed by the Sons of the American Legion, who secured their charter with 37 members on March 21, 1977. The most recent addition to our Legion family was the American Legion Riders, who joined us on November 13, 2008. Over the years, the Auxiliary has been actively engaged in bake sales, dinners, dances, bingo, and offering assistance wherever required. The SAL group, on their part, has organized various fundraisers and was responsible for constructing our new POW/MIA pavilion on the premises. The notion of a pavilion was first conceived in 2007 and with the Legion’s approval, work commenced in April 2011, culminating in final approval by county officials in November of the same year. The Sons of the American Legion are always ready to support the Legion whenever their assistance is needed. The Legion Riders have also spearheaded numerous fundraising initiatives, including memorial rides, fun rides, feeds, breakfasts, and their dedicated provision of fishing rods, bicycles, and delicious meals to veterans. As you explore Post 200 and its surroundings, you’ll discover abundant displays of respect and honor for our veterans. This includes the striking mural of servicemen adorning the lounge wall, created many years ago by Keith Weaver, as well as the poignant POW/MIA table in the corner, a poignant reminder of those who never returned. The portraits of our past leaders and the ongoing progress on the POW/MIA pavilion underscore our enduring commitment to preserving the memory of our heroes. Years have passed since the inception of our Post, yet our unwavering dedication to veterans helping veterans remains undiminished. In the words inscribed beneath our mural: “It’s not the price they paid to be a member, it’s the price they paid to be eligible.”