The American Legion veteran's organization focuses on service to veterans, service members, and communities. The United State Congress formally chartered the American Legion on September 16, 1919, though meetings convened prior to this date. The Richard L. Kitchens American Legion Post 41 formed with a temporary charter on August 11, 1919, in Helena, Phillips County, Arkansas, with the permanent charter issued the following year. This post is named for a private in the 312th Field Signal Battalion of the 87th Division. Kitchens was from Helena, Arkansas, and developed influenza while on a troop ship en-route to France. He died on September 18, 1918, and is buried in the American Cemetery in Pons, France.

The Richard L. Kitchens American Legion Post 41 remains one of the oldest Legion Posts in active service in the United States. This 1919 minutes book includes lists of members, bylaws, and general meeting information from August 11, 1919-December 9, 1929. Minutes from October 1st and October 14th [on separate pages, both numbered page 8] mention the Elaine Massacre.

The physical book from which these scans were taken belongs to the Helena Museum of Phillips County. Please see the rights statements on the item's information page for more information regarding use and permissions.