POST 497, FRANKLIN GROVE, IL

POPULATION 985

Chartered with 26 original members shortly after the end of World War I, American Legion Altenburg Post 497 was named in honor of local WWI veteran Harry Altenburg Donated funds from both living and deceased members have helped improve the building over the years. The post commissioned an exterior mural boasting the message "Freedom Is Not Free” in 2002 and a total remodeling of the interior in 2012.

Most of the active members are over eighty years old, on disability, or past retirement age and still working. The post does have a few volunteers but no Legion family chapters. Paid membership for 2016 was 34.