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PIX #1 - Present officers of the Ladies Auxiliary of the VFW in Fostoria shown above are: (front row, left to right): Neta Schultz, Lillian Bame, Freda Hay, Harriet West. Top row: Rhonda Cooley, Eleanor Simmons, Jean Ray, Joan Rowe.

PIX #2 - Back in 1964, Lietenanct Governor of Ohio George Brown congratulated Fostoria Post No. 421. VFW for the successful car check. Reading left to right: George Brown, Jean Ray, Millie Isbell and Marie Thompson.

PIX #3 - Pearl French

PIX #4 - Elois Yates

Saturday will mark the 50th anniversary of the formation of the Ladies Auxiliary to the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 421 in Fostoria.

On that date they will celebrate with a dinner meeting and dance at the post headquarters on West Tiffin Street, and there will probably be much reminiscing about the organization activities and members during those formative years, and of late.

Fifteen names are registered on the charter which still hangs on the wall at their headquarters, but those represented by thier names are deceased, Velma Mansfield being the last to succumb in Octobr this year.

Many readers will recall those charter members, listed below, as well as current members:

Winifred Touissant, president; Grace Davis, secretary; Charlotte A. Blosser, Ada Cook, Florence Duffey, Hazel Hedge, Carrie Hopkins, Ollie Huth, Gladys Leahrman, Elva Lippert, Velma Mansfield, Vivian Moore, Lillian Sommers, Bertha Wise, Reba Mansfield.

FUNDING PROBLEMS KEEP THEM BUSY

When the auxiliary was formed 50 years ago, the main concern was for local veterans and their families to provide clothes, food and help with their utility bills, stamps, cards, books, candy, etc., was sent to veterans in service and those in homes.

Finances for their activities was garnered through breakfasts, suppers, dinners, raffles, rummage sales, dances...anything to make a few bucks for the treasury.

The members made lap robes and cancer pads which were sent to veterans hospitals and the veterans were visited and provided with treats.

In 1943, the auxiliary furnished a room for those who visited soldiers at the Erie Proving Ground.

In 1954, they redecorated the VFW room at Fostoria City Hospital.

HIGHLISGH OF 1957 ACTIVITIES

A minstel show "Buck eye Blackouts" was the highlight of their 1957 activities, produced and staged by the auxiliary. The show was played to good crowds locally, aroung this area and at veterans hospital any place in Ohio when they were invited. It was considered a successful fund raiser.

Phyllis Brickles was the first master of ceremonies of the minstrel, followed by Eloise Yates.

The residents of Fostoria and vicinity probably have never known of the multitude of activities of the VFW Auxiliary has been involved in during their 50 years and there isn't space to elaborate on all of them, but here's just a few more:

Raised funds to help finance the VFW band travel expenses to win national championships many times.

Worked with the American Legion Zuxiliary to make and sell poppies to benefit veterans.

Provide American Flags for school rooms, football stadium, hospital, meeting rooms and for Brownies and Camp Fire.

Auxiliary standing committee are active in matters concerning Americanism, legislation, community services, youth, Voice of Democracy, creative arts, LeRoy Schell Memorial Scholarship Fund, and perhaps more that have been overlooked.

SPONSORED SAFETY CHECK FOR CABS

One more activity in the 1960's, which the auxiliary still talks about, was the Car Safety Check, which they conducted in cooperation with local car dealers and Fostoria Police Department. During the inspection 1,300 cars passed inspection.

For their efforts they were commended by Lt. Gov. George Brown and received several plaques of honor, including one from Look Magazine.

FOSTORIAN NAMED 9TH DISTRIC PRESIDENT

The only member of the local VFW Auxiliary to serve as 9th Distric President is Eloise Yates, elected to that office in 1964. She also held various offices in VFW Auxiliary in Ohio. Pearl French, the 9th District secretary in 1964, was mistress of ceremonies at the event when Yates was honored.

The current officers of the auxiliary are: Freda Hay, president; Lillian Bame, senior vice president; Harriet West, junior vice president; Neta Schultz, chaplain; Jean Ray, treadurer; Eleanor Summons, secretary; Joan Rowe, condustress; Rhonda Cooley, guard color bearers; Sharon Heilman, Betty Wonders, Sherry Springer, Judy Might.

Simmons, the auxiliary secretary for six years is also chairman of public relations and rehabilitation.