American Legion Thoman-Boothe Post 338 was organized on November
24, 1920, approved and adopted by charter by the Department of Missouri,
The American Legion on May 17, 1921 and is named after Pvt Henry Thoman,
29th Infantry, US Army and Pvt Lawrence Boothe, 5th Marine Corps who
were killed in action during World War 1 in 1918. They were both residents
of Overland, Missouri. Pictures of both Henry Thoman and Lawrence
Boothe are located in the main lobby of the hall.
To ensure the memory of Henry Thoman, Lawrence Boothe and another
resident of Overland, Missouri, William Siegler, Pvt., Army Air Corps,
the post members voted unanimously to purchase a granite memorial
to honor these three men. In 1924 the Ritenour High School Board and
council members deeply influenced by this memorial gave the members
of Post 338 permission to erect the monument on the campus of the
school. In 1953 the construction of the present Legion hall was completed
and the monument was moved from the campus of Ritenour High School
to the Post home and placed near the flag pole where it is still located
today.
Since 1924 Post 338 has realized many enhancements through the efforts
of its members. Some of these include construction of the current
Post building, acquisition of additional surrounding land (Legion
Park) which is populated with a ball field, playground, and picnic
area. The original refreshment stand was remodeled and is now called
the Fish House, which is used for our fish fry. The Post home was
renovated with the addition of 4,000 square feet which included a
recreation hall with a lounge, pool and card tables, and a kitchen
area for all members to enjoy.