The Ralph Gracie post of the American Legion was temporarily organized at a meeting held at the club rooms of the Bemidji association Tuesday evening where more than 40 returned veterans were in attendance. The post was named in honor of Ralph Grace of this city, an aviator who was killed in action when he was attacked by a number of German airmen last August. Temporary officers were named at the meeting as follows: Chairman, H. Mayne Stanton; vice-chairman, N. E. Given; secretary, Whitney Brown; treasurer, William Eberlien. At the meeting it was announced that more than the 50 memberships required to obtain a charter had been secured. It is believed that more than 100 returned veterans will become charter members of the organization. As soon as the charter is granted, the local post will be permanently oganized and election of officers will take place. (Bemidji Sentinel, June 6, 1919)
Exploring the Rich History of the Bemidji Area