Waukegan American Legion Auxiliary 1940s Photo Sent to Granddaughter

Former Waukegan resident Maureen McGaughey was reminiscing about her childhood years from the 1950's. She remembered participating in many activities at the downtown Waukegan American Legion hall (corner of Washington and West Streets). As a young girl, McGaughey recalled seeing her grandmother's picture on the wall and recalled how very proud she was of her.

Since the 1920's, it was tradition to mount photographs of the Waukegan American Legion Auxiliary Unit 281 Presidents and Post 281 Legion Commanders on the walls of the main hall. When the Legion building was sold to the park district in 2001, members and relatives removed their own pictures to save as keepsakes. The unclaimed photographs were removed and carefully stored.

Wondering what happened to the photograph of her grandmother from 1940, McCaughey posted a question on Facebook.

Waukegan American Legion Auxiliary member Mary Klinefelter occasionally scans Facebook, and in September, she happened upon Maureen McCaughey's post. Klinefelter responded to the post, which led to an exchange of information with McCaughey. A search in the archives by Auxiliary members LaVera Davis and Klinefelter soon led to the discovery of the 1940 photograph of Auxiliary President Lucile McGaughey. The photo was sent to McGaughey who now resides in Nevada.

Upon receipt, a very grateful and ecstatic McGaughey sent a picture of herself holding her grandmother's photo.

If others are searching for photographs of past Presidents of the Waukegan American Legion Auxiliary or are interested in membership in the American Legion Family, please contact Mary Klinefelter at klinefelter@hotmail.com. There still are a few photos in the archives.