FORESTVILLE — The J. Carter Knapp American Legion Post 953 has been a staple of the Forestville community for a century. Saturday, the community is welcomed to come celebrate its significance.

The Forestville American Legion Post 953 will celebrate 100 years in the community on Saturday with an open house from 1 to 4 p.m. at 6 Cedar St. The event is open to the public, with food and refreshments provided.

The Post is named the J. Carter Knapp Post 953 in honor of James Carter Knapp, a World War I soldier born in 1895. He lived on Pearl Street in Forestville with his father, George W. Knapp.

Knapp graduated from one of the nation’s first training schools to become an officer. He then went to Camp Dix and was commissioned a lieutenant of infantry.

Knapp sailed to France in early spring of 1918. At the age of 23, Knapp was shot by a German sniper. He died in October of 1918 and was laid to rest in his family plot at Pioneer Cemetery.

The Post was founded in Knapp’s honor in September 1923 after a group of veterans met in the Forestville Fire Hall to discuss its formation. Comrade Rugg of the Chautauqua County organization was present at the meeting, where he detailed the process.

The first meeting of Post 953 was held in October of 1923. The application for the charter was signed by Leroy Merrill, Leigh Dailey, William Mahaney, Merton Congdon, Edward McNeal, Elmer Gens, Warner Swift, Floyd Pattyson, Lynn Crowell, Harry Nobles, Henry Dye, Earnest Donahue, Raymond Jewett, George Senn, and Roy Bie.

On Nov. 30, 1923, Henry Dye was elected as the Post’s first Commander. Elmer Gens was elected First Vice Commander; Lynn Crowell was named Second Vice Commander; Henry Cockburn was Third Vice Commander; and Leroy Merrill was Fourth Vice Commander. William Mahaney was named Adjutant; Edward McNeal was named Historian; Roy Bie was named Chaplain; and Earnest Donahue was named Finance Officer.

In December 1923, the group decided to rent the Independent Order of Odd Fellows basement for a permanent home. That changed in 1928 when Forestville began to build a new school building. The Legion purchased the Forestville School’s old gymnasium for one dollar, then tore down part of the existing structure and reconstructed it on land purchased from Asa Dye. A housewarming party was held at the new building on the night of New Year’s Day, 1929.

The Legion’s building and grounds have remained an integral part of the Forestville community ever since. Events such as dances and bingo, Scout meetings, carnivals, and holiday celebrations have been held on the grounds.

New York State Sen. George Borrello stated in a proclamation, “The success of the J. Carter Knapp Forestville American Legion Post 953 is in direct correlation to the efforts of its dedicated members and volunteers, whose involvement is, and always has been, characterized by an impressive commitment, and unbridled enthusiasm, and an uncompromising standard of excellence in all endeavors on behalf of the organization and the community it serves.”

The public is encouraged to attend Saturday’s event.