**The Hickory Corners American Legion Post 484 was founded in 1946, named the Simmonds/Williams Post. It’s at 3801 West Hickory Road, in Hickory Corners, three miles east of Gilmore Car Museum.
Their telephone number is 269-671-5230. “We have an answering machine if we’re not there; but we’re open every day from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. and closed Sundays,” Post Commander William Fayling said. They have a website, www.post484mi.com, and a Facebook page.
A Memorial Day Parade, Trunk or Treat, free dinner for vets on Veterans Day, Poppy Days, raffles for dinners and tickets to the Barn Theater and an appearance by Santa at the December steak fry are some of the events that involve them in the community.
The Post has 175 members, plus the membership of the Sons of American Legion and the American Legion Auxiliary.
An Honor Guard is available to serve at local military funerals, and lead parades. They also show the colors at special events, when requested.
“We have a great Memorial Day Parade. The ladies do a lot of work on it; last year was the longest parade we have ever had,” Fayling said.
The post serves several meals to the public. In the winter months, a steak fry is hosted the third Saturday of every of month from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. and on the second Sunday, they host an all-you-can-eat buffet breakfast from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.
“We have a fish fry every Friday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., except the third Friday during the winter months.
“We have an open grill every night from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. with specials like deli sandwiches and pizza on Mondays, and burger and fries for $4.84 on Thursdays, then there’s the Friday fish fry,” Fayling said. The auxiliary meets the first Monday of the month at 5:30 p.m., the Sons of American Legion meet the second Tuesday at 6 p.m. and post members meet the third Wednesday at 6 p.m.
The post owns Cadwallader Park just west of Hickory Corners which was donated to the post by the Walters Family in the late 1950’s. The only community park in the immediate area, it’s being renovated with many new upgrades added. “We’re an active, involved post,” he said.
In addition to Fayling, other officers at the post are Post Adjutant Herman I. Clear. Commander of the Sons of the American Legion is Geoff Shepard; Adjutant is Michael E. Gerlofs.
America Legion Auxiliary President is Chris K. Reed, and Vice President is Robin L. Robbins.
The legion and all of its members, through shared interest, support all veterans and the community. For information on joining the organization, visit www.post484mi.com.
